Impact of NTFP ban on the lives and livelihood of the ... - Vasundhara

MethodologyMethodology for the studies taken up in the PAs:A number <strong>of</strong> methodological tools were used to achieve the above. These were Qualitative as well asQuantitative in nature:1. Building on available information, carrying out theoretical analysis <strong>of</strong> latest policy directives, t<strong>of</strong>ind out the various contradictions and complementaries in the related laws and to assess howthese directives are impacting livelihood security <strong>of</strong> communities dependent on protected areas.2. Undertaking field visits to selected protected areas, to understand landscape conservationinitiatives and to find out the impact <strong>of</strong> the Supreme Court order on the lives and livelihood <strong>of</strong>the people.3. Analysis <strong>of</strong> available databases on PAs, including raw data collected from different PAs. Whereavailable, other secondary data on socio-economic aspects were also used.4. Discussions with high-level <strong>of</strong>ficials at the central Ministry <strong>of</strong> Environment and Forests andwithin the state, and with selected national and state level NGOs, community leaders, andindependent conservationists/social activists. Primary data and information were collectedthrough standard methodology tools such as interviews and questionnaires, and analyzed.Opportunities for participating in workshops and consultations on these issues were also availed <strong>of</strong>.Finally, but not least, our existing network <strong>of</strong> contacts and associated organizations in specific areaswere tapped, to get information, help with insights and analysis, and bounce <strong>of</strong>f research results.Collection <strong>of</strong> the primary level data, household surveys were done in a participatory method with thelocal facilitators, volunteers etc. The preparation <strong>of</strong> study design, detailed questionnaire, methodologyto conduct the study were done by us with the help <strong>of</strong> consultants (WWF) and our local levelnetworks. Field visits and survey were done by Vasundhara staff along with the local volunteers,people’s institutions and facilitators. The collected information was thoroughly scrutinized at everylevel and corrections were made after verification at the ground level and repeated consultations withthe villagers and local groups. The case studies were designed accordingly which would help inchallenging the contradictory policies.While carrying out any studies, our primary goal was to capacitate the grass root level institutions,individuals and local people so that they can take up their issues at their own end and skill withoutany external help, hence every step <strong>of</strong> all our interventions and studies were on a participatory basis.5