Assessing Community Participation and Ecosystem Services from Common Property Resources of Hot Arid Ecosystem of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

Common property resources (CPRs) are vital natural assets, particularly for tribal and rural poor with limited landholdings, who depend heavily on CPRsfor livelihood, fuelwood and fodder needs. Most common CPRs in rural areas include common grazing lands, community forests, wastelands, and common water bodies. The CPRs in arid ecosystems provide not only fruits, vegetables, herbs, fibre, and even water for drinking and irrigation; but also income and employment opportunities. Considering their importance, these resources are jointly utilised and accessed by the community. The present study was undertaken in the Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts of western Rajasthan, India to assess the status of the CPRs, evaluate their impact on livelihoods and also to measure the extent of community participation in the management of these critical resources. A stratified random sampling was employed anddata were collected from 720 households via personal interviews using standardized schedules to quantify ecosystem services from water harvesting structures and pasture lands. Results revealed majority of farmers (45.6%) possessing low socio-economic status but maintaining favourable attitude (42.6%) toward CPRs. Overall extent of people’s participation in CPR management was measured at 60.3%, with the highest engagement occurring during the development stage. Key ecosystem services included provision of water for household and livestock, fuelwood, food materials and building materials, and increased cropping intensity. The study concludes that while CPRs are essential for subsistence, they are threatened by encroachment and invasive species. Establishing CPR management bodies and leveraging traditional "Oran" systems are essential to ensure sustainable regeneration and long-term livelihood security.