Alarming! Over 25% Of Adivasi People In Jharkhand Are Facing Food Insecurity, Reveals Survey
The Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) has recently released the report on ‘Status of Adivasi Livelihoods 2021’. The report was released in the presence of the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, Arjun Munda. The report majorly highlights the current challenges and scarcity that Adivasis are living with, which adversely impacts their lives.
An extensive survey has been conducted to know Adivasis status in the states of Jharkhand and Odisha. The data was collected through a household questionnaire survey in 4994 sampled households, a village survey across 254 villages, focused group discussions in 28 villages, and interviews of 40 Adivasi scholars and social workers.
The reach of development amenities and facilities in terms of the existence of all-weather roads, telephones, educational institutions, health infrastructure, etc., have been poorer in Adivasi villages compared to the non-Adivasi villages of the same geography. For instance, mobile connectivity was available for around 70% of Adivasi villages, compared to approximately 90% of non-Adivasi villages in both states.
During the release of the Survey at an event, Minister Munda said, “This report will be very crucial for policymakers and civil society organisations working closely with these communities for their betterment in the near future. Adivasis have been inhabiting the forest areas and living in close proximity to nature for generations. They have a lot of potentials, but it is important to have faith in their abilities and link them with the market systems without compromising their innate relationship with nature, including forest.”