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Application of Technology in an Innovative way for the Restoration of Natural Resources Experience from a Village of Kutch District, Gujarat, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1 Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 2, Issue (5), Pages 22-29, May,14 (2013)

Abstract

Technology brings differences in insulating solutions to people's life if it is used intelligently. This paper aims to share the experience of illiterate women of one of the remote villages of semi-arid Nakhatrana Block of the Kutch District, Gujarat. The women of this drought prone area had a very tough life in the past because of the scarcity of water resources that precipitated male migration with animals to look out for pasture land for grazing or peri-urban areas for work opportunities. The continuous struggle with their survival and absence of male members in the family triggered the inner strength of the women of the community and they decided to change their destiny. They took up the challenge to conserve water and restore the natural resources through the combination of old and new technology in an innovative way. As a result the illiterate women from both Muslim and Hindu community came together, became the manager of natural resources and have leveraged their leadership potential. It also analyses the use of technology in an innovative way for reviving and restoring the water resources that has directly and indirectly influenced the livelihood and socio-economic scenario at the micro (household) level, meso (community and block) level. The paper is based on the empirical study carried out as part of the researcher’s doctoral work. Both primary and secondary data sources were explored and in-depth interview and focus group discussion was carried out to draw data from the study participants.

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