Abstract

Forests remain central to sustaining rural livelihoods in
India, particularly among tribal and forest-fringe
communities that depend on them for subsistence, income generation, and cultural identity. This paper
critically examines the impact of forest policies on
rural livelihoods by tracing the historical evolution of
forest governance from the colonial period to
contemporary rights-based approaches. Early policies
prioritized state control and commercial exploitation, restricting community access and undermining
traditional management systems. Subsequent
conservation-focused legislations further limited the use of forest resources, often resulting in
displacement, loss of customary rights, and reduced livelihood security. However, recent
policy measures such as Social Forestry initiatives, Joint Forest Management (JFM), and the
Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 reflect a gradual shift toward participatory governance and
recognition of community rights. Despite these reforms, many challenges persist, including
restricted access, inadequate implementation, limited livelihood diversification, and resource- use conflicts. The paper also highlights emerging opportunities such as community-based
forest management, NTFP value chain development, and integration of traditional ecological
knowledge. Overall, it underscores the need for balanced, inclusive forest policies that
simultaneously promote ecological sustainability and strengthen livelihood resilience among
forest-dependent rural communities.