Buxa alternative livelihood training programme on improvement of livelihood by integrated animal husbandry practices through community education programe (CEP) in forest villagers of protected areas (PA’s) at Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR).
News initiated a community education Programme (CEP) on “Improvement of livelihood through integrated Animal husbandry practices under community education programme in the forest fringe village areas of protected areas (PA’s) at Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR). The programme in collaboration with the Forest Dept. is technically supported by resource persons of West Bengal University of animal & Fishery Sciences.
The main objectives of this project was to provide an alternative livelihood & scientific training for cattle rearing & generation of awareness among forest villagers in order to reduce pressure of cattle growing in the protected areas of BTR.
To assess the incidences of man-animal conflict arising out of the human activities within the forest protected area (PA’s). To suggest measures in alternative livelihood development among the people living below the poverty line in BTR.To impart knowledge livestock farming & breeding also to provide information on vaccination of the lives to all and other measure.And also to encourage formation of Self Help Group (SHG) amongst the communities for application of Bank loans & other finances for alternative farming opportunity.
To carry out the project the steps that were taken were, firstly the perception of the villagers about cattle rearing and it’s effect on the biodiversity was studied. An assessment on the incidents of man-animal conflict arising out of human activities in the forest was done. Training programmes were conducted for the improvement of the economic status of the villagers through scientific methods of livestock farming in the PA of BTR. Suggestion for alternative livelihood development programme measures such as pou8ltry farming, Dairy and piggery were conducted among the people living below poverty live in BTR. To assess the self-employment potentialities of people of PA’s of BTR to impart scientific knowledge about the up gradation of local indigenous cattle breeds for their source of income importance of stall feeding. And to programme were conducted to provide knowledge about utilization of local Agro –Industrial by products as animal feed.
After inaugural programme, veterinary resource persons discussed with FPC & EDC members of the forest villages about the reasons of extensive cattle grazing practices and their opinions about it. The forest villagers were unaware of the scientific livestock rearing due to lack of knowledge and awareness. It was then concluded that livestock farming can be seen as alternative source of income and a profitable business for these forest fringe villages. The villagers showed interest to continue this programme and implement it in their livelihood activities. Communication between the forest fringe villages and the forest department has been as major problem. The Forest department has been initiating a lot Programmes but they are never completed. Thus the villagers are very keen on continuing with this programme for a few more years.
