The Developmental context
The Deccan plateau of South Central India is one of
the driest parts of the country. Traditionally the Kurumas, Kurubas,
Gollas and Dhangars have reared sheep and goat as their primary livelihood.
Some of them practice agriculture during the monsoon months (June to
September). In the dry season these groups migrate with their animals
to where fodder is available. They have strong relations with settled
farming communities who trade agricultural produce in return for dung,
milk, meat and wool from the shepherds. Allied livelihoods like the
spinning of wool and weaving have developed over time. These different
castes, groups and sub groups and their specialised livelihoods together
sustain thousands of households in the otherwise harsh terrain of the
Deccan.
Today agents of change, under the guise of development
programmes are wreaking havoc on these communities. Health care systems,
educational, agricultural and livestock development programmes, if and
where they exist, essentially cater to sedentary groups. Migratory groups
seldom have adequate political representation, nor can they benefit
from the Public Distribution System. However their mobility does have
advantages as they get to travel and can access markets in distant areas,
transporting their livestock produce independently of middlemen and
traders. They are quick to adopt new technologies and are exposed to
developmental changes. They appear to have more wealth than others by
way of livestock assets but lack access to basic amenities like reasonable
health and sanitation facilities and primary education.
Within villages they are a highly unorganized group, often exploited
and never able to negotiate their rights. Among their numerous problems
are:
" Restrictions on grazing, lopping trees and watering
of goats and sheep
" Lack of recognition of customary rights to rear goats and graze
them in forests and other common property resources
" Poor access to government health facilities
" Excessive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics and high dependency
on private medical shops
" High loss of livestock due to morbidity and mortality
" Threat to the local breeds, especially the Deccani sheep, and
their declining population
" Low literacy levels
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