Livestock and Commons

Common lands constitute around 15-26% of the total geographical area of India, based on the categories of lands considered as common pool resources. They constitute a significant proportion of the rural landscape in rainfed regions of the country including hilly regions. 23% of this area is community pasture and grazing lands, 16% is village forests and woodlots, and 61% is attributed to the ‘other’ category which includes village lands, threshing floors, and other barren lands and wastelands.

The significance of the Commons rests in the vital role they play in maintaining ecological balance of a place and providing important resources that sustain the livelihoods of the poor.  It is primarily women, livetsock keepers , pastoralists and sometimes children who access the Commons to secure fuel, fodder and water and thus plays a vital role in ensuring food and livelihood security. This contribution to the household’s subsistence is an important determinant of their status in the household.

In rainfed areas of the country, the Commons-livestock-agriculture complex is critical for sustaining rural livelihoods. The Commons are a critical resource for livestock production through grazing, where natural vegetation is converted into products and services that satisfy basic human needs: food, fibre, fuel, fertiliser and draught-power.

Protecting and conserving Commons is critical as it supports a large number of rural poor across the rainfed regions of the country.