Role of Women in Gadaba Tribal Economy and Ecological Management

Authors

  • Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3980-8210
  • Jagatray Sutapadia Doctoral Candidate, Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6235-5397

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjiks.2024.v1.n1.007

Keywords:

Gadaba Tribe, Sustainable Development, Forest Resources, Agriculture, Women Empowerment

Abstract

This article examines the role of women in the economy and ecological management of the Gadaba Tribe. Gadaba women contribute significantly to agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, livestock care, and household management, forming the foundation of the tribal subsistence economy. They also possess rich indigenous knowledge regarding biodiversity conservation, medicinal plants, seed preservation, and sustainable natural resource management. Through their active participation in social and cultural practices, they help preserve traditional ecological knowledge and community identity. The article further discusses the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by Gadaba women, including poverty, illiteracy, and declining access to forest resources. It highlights the importance of recognizing and strengthening the role of tribal women in sustainable development and ecological conservation.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India).

    Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara has obtained his M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar (India). He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Political Science at the Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). His academic interests include International Relations, Diaspora Studies, Indian Diaspora in USA, Indian Government and Politics. To his credit, he has many research publications both in national and international journals. He has also presented papers at national and international conferences/seminars.

  • Jagatray Sutapadia, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India).

    Jagatray Sutapadia is a Doctoral Candidate at the Department of Political Science, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India). He is pursuing his Ph.D. with the thesis title “Cultural Ecology of Gadaba Tribe in Koraput District of Odisha: An Ethnographic Study” under the supervision of Dr. Nabin Kumar Khara. His areas of scholarly interest are Tribal Studies, Public Administration, and Political Theory.

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Published

2024-06-30

How to Cite

Khara, N. K., & Sutapadia, J. (2024). Role of Women in Gadaba Tribal Economy and Ecological Management. Research Review Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems, 1(1), 54-61. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjiks.2024.v1.n1.007