ROLE OF SELF-HELP GROUPS IN PROMOTING TRIBAL KNOWLEDGE AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: AN ECONOMIC STUDY OF JALGAON DISTRICT

How to Cite the Article: Akash Kishor Gavhane (2020). Role Of Self-Help Groups in Promoting Tribal Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation: An Economic Study of Jalgaon District. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, Vol.2020, no 1, pp. 1-6.

Abstract

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as important institutions for promoting sustainable livelihoods, women's empowerment and community participation in rural and tribal areas. In Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, tribal communities possess rich indigenous knowledge related to medicinal plants, forest resources, traditional agriculture and biodiversity conservation. This study examines the role of SHGs in preserving tribal knowledge and promoting biodiversity conservation using secondary data published up to 2018. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design based on government reports, published research articles and official
statistics. The findings indicate that SHGs have contributed to income generation through the sustainable use of non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, organic farming and traditional handicrafts. They have also enhanced women's participation in biodiversity conservation, strengthened community awareness and encouraged the preservation of indigenous ecological knowledge. However, inadequate financial support, limited market access, declining forest resources and insufficient institutional coordination remain major challenges. The study concludes that strengthening SHGs through capacity building, financial assistance and policy support can contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and sustainable tribal livelihoods in Jalgaon district. The findings highlight the
importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with rural development and environmental conservation programmes.