Examining Resource Dependency and Socioeconomic Disparities: A Case Study of Sustaining Rural Livelihoods in India

Rural communities in developing countries often struggle with resource dependency, economic challenges, and poor infrastructure, and villages in Uttarakhand, India, are no exception. This study aims to examine the socioeconomic factors influencing forest conservation, assess livelihood dependency on forest resources, and evaluate how socioeconomic status shapes sustainable forest management in Shishambara and Buddhi villages in Dehradun. The study employed purposive and random sampling covering 10% of households, using structured surveys, interviews, field observations, market surveys, and focus group discussions. The survey reveals an agriculture-dominated livelihood, engaging 60% in Buddhi and 65% in Shishambara, alongside private-sector jobs and daily wage labour. Literacy rates differ significantly, with Buddhi at 72% and Shishambara at 58%. Despite accessibility to LPG connections, traditional cooking fuels like fuelwood and cow dung remain predominant, utilized by 70% of households in Buddhi and 75% in Shishambara. Most homes are Pakka, yet only 18.8% in Buddhi and 22% in Shishambara have toilets. Public transport is scarce, leaving villagers reliant on private vehicles. These findings underscore the need for policies that address resource management, improve basic services, and support sustainable development, offering a road map for uplifting rural livelihoods and bridging infrastructure gaps.