Population growth, agricultural change, and natural resource transition: pastoralism amidst the agricultural economy of Gujarat
Cincotta, R.P.; Pangare, G.
Paper Pastoral Development Network ( 36a): 17-35
1994
Document Number: 332212
This paper introduces the topic of pastoral adaptation in Gujarat, India and provides a conceptual model of aspects of its evolution. A Boserupian theory of human population growth and natural resource change is offered, characterizing the principal patterns of migratory pastoral production in Gujarat and comments on the future for pastoral development are suggested, given the state of theoretical and empirical knowledge. The example of pastoral production systems in Gujarat is a general model for the evolution of similar systems that lie within the margin of technically-driven agricultural expansion, where there are impediments and lags to transitions, i.e., out-migration and non-pastoral employment. This model predicts the persistence of pastoral systems geared towards outputs that are not highly demanding of nutrients, such as manure and wool. The continued existence of commercially-viable, extensive livestock systems that are milk and meat-oriented will depend on their ability to: maintain grazing land beyond the political dominion of potential agricultural and urban uses; limit their own human population or the population given use-rights to that resource; and closely manage the frequency, timing and location of livestock grazing; or secure political or economic leverage over supplementary, good quality feeds and residues.