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This report attempts to explain the socio-economic condition and the assessment of human-wildlife interface among the tribal communities bordering Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). It is based on the profile of four villages – Burha Mayong, Dhekiabari, Pabhokheti and Kosarigaon in Morigaon district of Assam that is nestled on the southern hills of the mighty Brahmaputra which is predominantly contingent on agriculture. It highlights how the entities like birds, trees and farmers are constantly evolving and adapting to their social and ecological environment showing how the human and natural system together influences “humans-in-nature” perspective. The research was aided with a mix of qualitative (focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, etc.) and quantitative tools (detailed questionnaires, seasonality calendars, etc.) with Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques. The study emphaskizes the areas in need and suggests interventions for the same, keeping in mind an inclusive and sustainable approach. There is an uncertainty in agriculture because crops are often destroyed by the wild animals of the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary as the croplands of the tribal people are within the extended territory of the sanctuary. The community does not have a clear understanding about the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and the sense of belongingness towards the Sanctuary is lacking among the villagers as most of them believe that the Sanctuary is only confined to the rhino bearing areas. This perception of the local communities has not only impacted the conservation of the Wildlife Sanctuary but also kept them away from the eco-tourism related activities. Moreover, flood is an annual havoc that has an adverse impact on agriculture, livestock and the livelihood of the people. The landholding pattern of the households varies from landless to 20-25 bigha. Few of them give away some area of cultivable land on lease in return for a meagre amount paid annually. In general, the people in the villages are happy and content with what they have and maintain a harmonious relationship with different communities. As agriculture is the main source of livelihood for nearly 80% of the people in the villages, they are not aware of the importance of entrepreneurship. The study further attempts to develop a lens through which the structure misbalances in the context of environment and livelihood can be addressed.
Key Words: Socio-Economic Status, Scheduled Tribes, Social Harmony, Human-Wildlife Interface, Community Awareness.
