4.     RESEARCH STUDIES

4.1   Study to elicit the status and resources of the area in promoting SMFEs in one state and to conduct Business development Strategy (BDS) and investigation to ascertain viable activity and required market linkages of the same.

Business Development Strategy is an important instrument for planning institutional strengthening, resource mobilization and establishing effective market linkages. The study was undertaken to identify potential forest resources for the establishment of Small and Medium Forest based Enterprises (SMFE). The study also aimed at formulating a business development strategy for the identified forest products reflecting the value addition of products and market linkages. The study was carried out in the two clusters (comprising of ten villages) of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. The first cluster falls under Umling block and comprised of five villages viz. Umden Khasi, Khulia, Diwon, Umshit and Umkon. The second cluster falls under Umsning block and also comprised of five villages, viz, Mawtneng, Mawbri, Umket, Umpowin Pdeng and Umtngam. Primary data was collected through focussed group discussion, household questionnaire survey, interview with SHG members; transect walk and resource mapping of the village.

The socio-economic status of the people and resource base of the selected ten villages were documented. Bamboo, broom, honey, jackfruit and piper were identified for value addition through SMFE development. Bamboo shoot pickle, quality broom, packaged honey, black pepper and incense stick were the identified value added products.

4.2   Study on hydrological parameters for fast growing tree species cultivation in shifting cultivation areas

The study was designed with an aim to investigate the hydrological characteristics of the selected shifting cultivation plots. The specific objective was to assess the water budget of the area and to ascertain its suitability for cultivation of fast growing tree species. In turn it will help identify the best fit species for plantation in shifting cultivation fallows. The data on rainfall, daily gauge level of water from the watershed and tree growth parameters in identified shifting cultivation plots are being collected. The study is being conducted in Dikhu watershed located in Mokokchhung, Tuensang, Zunheboto and Mon districts of Nagaland. The sample sites have been mapped and four sample sites were selected. Important tree species growing in the selected Shifting cultivation plots include Gmelina arborea, Melocana bambusoides, Macaranga denticulata, Bombax ceiba etc. The physico-chemical characteristics of soil e.g. N, P, K, color, texture, water holding capacity, bulk density, pH, soil moisture content and infiltration rate are being studied. The potential evapotranspiration is also being measured for preparation of the water budget of the area.

4.3   Study on local-level forest and tree related households / village community in response of growing climatic stress in selected villages of one state, focussing on the process of village- level institutional evolution in such cases

The study was undertaken with an aim to capture the people’s perception on climate change at micro-level and to study the coping strategies and required institutional arrangements against growing climatic stress. In order to develop the methods for the study, a consultative workshop was organized at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong on 24th March, 2008. Experts and specialists participated in the workshop and the methods were finalized. The three sites selected for the study were Umpowin Pdeng and Khulia of Ri-Bhoi district and Tangmang of East Khasi Hills district.

The methodology involved participatory data collection (with villagers) on the socio-economics and bio-physical resources, biodiversity exploration by transect walks and mapping of landscape and waterscape elements, and documentation of the traditional governance system, social institutions and social structure. Three workshops were conducted at Mawtneng and Umden Khasi villages in the Ri-Bhoi district and Wahsherkhmut village of East Khasi Hills district. The participants in the workshop included village headmen, JFMC heads, villagers and members from RCNAEB, NEHU, Shillong. These workshops had two sessions each and the first session was a Focussed Group Discussions (FGD), and the second session was a questionnaire based interview involving villagers.

People’s perception on climate change were documented. The coping mechanism of the villagers and the institutional responses to the past extreme climatic events were documented. The frequency of occurrence of natural calamities like droughts, floods, long-term changes in temperature and precipitation were documented. The impact of natural calamities and other climatic changes on drinking water, agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, wild plants and animals were recorded. The temporal trends of change in frequency of droughts, floods and storms were noted. The various coping mechanisms adopted in the past were recorded and the future coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies related to drought, storms and floods were discussed elaborately. The future requirements of new institutional arrangements were also discussed. Some of the suggested future coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies are, provision of drinking water, installation of water harvesting systems, restoration and repair of existing tanks, reservoirs and wells, enhancement of surface storage capacity of the water by creating more tanks and reservoirs. The prospect of adopting future coping mechanisms for food security includes establishment of seed banks and grain banks in the villages. The restoration of forest and enforcement of rigid regulations of harvesting of biomass from restricted forest (law adong) and community forest were suggested strategies for better adaptation. Establishment of long term monitoring system to monitor micro-level changes in parameters such as rainfall, temperature, humidity as well as observation through indicators of changes for biodiversity component were other recommended strategies. Besides, the future requirements of new institutional arrangements include, constitution of  committees to look after problems of drinking water, establishment of seed banks, grain banks, creation of new law adong and community forest areas within the traditional village institutions set up, and creation of new institutions to take care of the new challenges that might arise due to climatic stress. The capacity building of the proposed new institutions within the framework of traditional governance system of Dorbars has also been recommended.