Alternative approaches to measure sustainability in a subsistence economy: Empirical insight from shifting cultivation in Odisha

Jyotishi, Amalendu and Manjula, M. (2021) Alternative approaches to measure sustainability in a subsistence economy: Empirical insight from shifting cultivation in Odisha. In: Environment, Development and Sustainability in India: Perspectives, Issues and Alternatives. Springer Singapore, Singapore, pp. 263-286. ISBN 978-981-33-6248-2

Full text not available from this repository. (Request a copy)

Abstract

This chapter attempts to critique the existing and popular criteria of measurement of sustainability, especially in the context of subsistence economy. It empirically verifies the alternatives in the context of shifting cultivation in Odisha. Shifting cultivation or swidden has been a widespread form of land use since Neolithic period. Globally, it has been viewed as an unsustainable form of agriculture in the mainstream policy. Therefore, it is an appropriate context to test the alternative/complementary criteria for measuring sustainability. In the process, the chapter suggests three alternative/complementary ways to address sustainability in a subsistence economy based on shifting cultivation. These are, carrying capacity of the land, employment, and consumption needs. The empirical study is based on the shifting cultivation dependent villages in Odisha.The initial study was conducted in the year 2000. Later on, one of the researchers revisited to the region after a gap of 17 years to verify how these three criteria are useful in understanding sustainability of one of the earliest forms of agricultural practices. New policies in this direction also have played critical role in manifesting these three criteria. This chapter shows how policies, awareness and collective action play critical role in reshaping the alternative sustainability goals.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Jyotishi, Amalendu and Manjula, M.
Editors:	Editors Email ORCID Verma, Manish K. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Economics > Production > Economic policy, economic development, economic growth Technology > Agriculture Sustainability
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Development
Full Text Status:	None
Related URLs:	Library OPAC
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7436
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6248-2_16

Actions (login required)

View Item