INVOLVEMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN UTILIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES IN KANDI AREA OF PUNJAB

As primary managers and users of natural resources women play a crucial role in sustaining natural resources. It was against this backdrop that the present investigation 'Involvement of rural women in utilization and management of renewable natural resources was carried out in kandi area of Punjab'. Kandi area was specifically selected due to its rich biodiversity and involvement of women in management of natural resources. Simple random sampling technique was employed to draw a sample of 100 women. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and regression analysis. SWOT (Strength, weakness, opportunities and threat) analysis was attempted to explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the respondents for managing RNRs. Majority of low socio-economic status families spent more time and covered greater distance to gather fuel, fodder and water than medium and high socio-economic status families. It can be attributed to greater dependence of low socio-economic families on RNRs as compared to high socio-economic status families who use other sources of fuels like LPG (Liquid petroleum gas), electric gadgets and kerosene and consequently, depend less on natural sources of fuel. The data further revealed that low socio-economic families consume water much less than the recommended quantity even with the average family size among this category of respondents being bigger over the medium and high socio-economic status families. Also, the high and medium socio-economic status families due to owning of land had better access to fodder for their animals than the landless low socio-economic status families. Also, the size and type of animals may be the contributory factors for more fodder consumption by animals in these categories of families. Respondents also gave their perception regarding strength, weakness, opportunities and threats with respect to water, fodder and fuel.