Balancing Conservation and Livelihood: Agricultural Transformation and Land Use Challenges of the Soliga Indigenous Communities in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Sharath Hulihalli Manjunatha, Bangalore University
Divya Rajeswari Swaminathan, Bangalore University

The Soliga indigenous communities near Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, face challenges in balancing conservation with traditional livelihoods. As conservation policies increasingly focus on biodiversity, the Soliga encounter restricted land access, shifting agricultural practices, and increased reliance on forest resources. This study explores these agricultural transformations and land use dynamics within the socio-economic context shaped by conservation efforts. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines GIS mapping to visualize land use changes, interviews with Soliga members and stakeholders, and participatory observations to document adaptive strategies. It examines shifts in agricultural techniques, including agroforestry and diversified cropping, and their impact on food security and land rights. The socio-economic effects, such as income diversification, loss of traditional knowledge, and growing dependence on forest products, are assessed in relation to environmental sustainability and economic resilience. The study highlights the overlooked value of indigenous knowledge systems in conservation, advocating for inclusive policies that respect indigenous land rights while promoting sustainable land use. By focusing on the Soliga, the research contributes to global discussions on indigenous communities in protected areas, proposing a conservation model that harmonizes ecological goals with the socio-economic well-being of indigenous populations.

Keywords: The Demography of Indigenous Populations, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Gender Dynamics

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