The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) is a social science research institute in Bangalore, India. Founded in 1972, it is the largest among the 27 institutions supported by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).ISEC is one of three major institutions established by Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao, along with the Delhi School of Economics and the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi. V.
Agroforestry is increasingly understood as a multifunctional land-use system that has the capacity to improve the livelihoods of smallholders and solve the interconnected problems of climate change, food insecurity and ecosystem degradation. Although there is an increasing body of literature, there are still disparate gaps in the available evidence on the socio-economic aspects of smallholder agroforestry across various disciplines, contexts, and methodological backgrounds that hinder cumulative knowledge and policy implications. The present study is a mixed-method systematic review, which combines bibliometric science mapping with a Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) framework to synthesize and critically evaluate the literature. According to a strictly filtered database of peer-reviewed articles in Scopus and Web of Science, the bibliometric analysis identifies trends in publications, intellectual structures, the development of the themes, and geographical patterns, and the TCCM synthesis identifies prevailing theoretical perspectives, contextual and socio-economic factors, and methodologies. The findings indicate that publications have grown significantly since 2020, and it is predominantly on income effects, adoption behaviour, and livelihood outcomes, particularly in the Global South. The literature is, however, conceptually narrow, geographically and commodity-biased, and primarily based on cross-sectional quantitative designs. Significant gaps remain in theory-context integration, consideration of smallholder heterogeneity, and examination of long-term socio-economic dynamics. The identified prevalence of cross-sectional quantitative designs, the focus of the studies in certain areas of the Global South, and this review contribute to the necessity of longitudinal, multi-scalar, and theory-driven research designs. Addressing the limited attention to smallholder heterogeneity and institutional contexts can improve the design of agroforestry policies that are inclusive of socio-economic and long-term livelihood contexts. These findings provide future research directions, theoretical extensions, and conceptual advancements that are aimed at strengthening the socio-economic sustainability of smallholder agroforestry systems.
Wildlife conservation is typically achieved by excluding, evacuating or alienating the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs). This fortress conservation approach has led to uprooting, ongoing distress and despondency among many IPLCs worldwide. However, in the expansive and deep forests of the Western Ghats, India, the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (BRTWS) offers a prime conservation exemplar where tribal (Adivasi) people, the Soligas, have been living with wild animals, especially tigers, leopards, elephants and managing forest resources for millennia. We provide an integrated ecological, socio-cultural and policy analysis of Soligas living in the Biligiri landscape, applying Ostrom’s socio-ecological framework. We highlight the need to understand and recognise the importance of Adivasi people’s connections, knowledge and skills in forest management. Comparing traditional and contemporary conservation approaches, we identify the need for collective action and collaboration between State authorities and Soliga communities to effectively manage forest resources, including emerging threats (e.g. pernicious weeds, pests, wildfires). Involving tribal people with the knowledge and skills to manage their natural systems can offer a win–win situation for supporting people’s well-being and for governments to reduce management costs and protect wildlife in Protected Areas. The BRTWS example demonstrates the cost-effective practical advantages of a collaborative, community-based conservation approach for meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring the delivery of ecosystem services for local communities and wider society.
This study investigates the role of adult literacy programs in empowering women living in the slums of Bangalore. Addressing a significant research gap, it examines changes in participants’ awareness of rights, education, economic opportunities, and living standards. The study primarily employed a qualitative approach, supported by quantitative methods. Sample consist of 200 women across four slums. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, achievement tests, and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that adult literacy programs empower women by improving literacy, numeracy, confidence, and awareness of rights. Participants valued education more and became active in family and community life. However, challenges like inflexible timings, short duration, lack of materials, and limited family support hinder sustained participation. The findings highlight that effective implementation requires stronger community outreach, targeted information campaigns, simplifying enrolment procedures and enhancing institutional coordination to increase participation and strengthen programme delivery.
Rural infrastructure plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity by reducing production costs, mitigating risks, and facilitating technology adoption. While macro-level studies establish a positive association between infrastructure and agricultural growth, evidence on how infrastructure affects farm-level outcomes across regions remains limited. This paper examines the impact of rural infrastructure on agricultural productivity in Karnataka using a combined district- and household-level analytical framework. Drawing on district-level panel data for the period 2010–2025 and primary survey data from 400 farm households in Mandya and Belagavi districts, the study analyses how infrastructure availability, quality, and utilisation influence agricultural costs, productivity, and income. Composite indices of rural infrastructure are constructed, and econometric models are employed to estimate their effects across regions and farmer categories. The results indicate that rural infrastructure has a positive and statistically significant impact on agricultural productivity, with stronger complementarities and marginal effects in irrigated southern regions (e.g., Mandya) compared to transitional northern areas (e.g., Belagavi). Importantly, infrastructure quality and effective utilisation matter more than mere physical availability, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Persistent regional disparities in infrastructure access and quality contribute to uneven productivity and modest Total Factor Productivity growth in the state. The findings underscore the need for policy emphasis on infrastructure quality, last-mile connectivity, maintenance, and equitable access to promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Karnataka.
