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Abstract

The present study focuses on the existing means of livelihood among the transhumance Gaddi community and the challenges that transhumance face due to changing natural and social environment. The data for this study have been supported by extensive primary field survey of 46 respondents through methods of focused group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire survey in several villages of Chamba district along with secondary data collected from different government offices. The tough nature of transhumance practice under hostile conditions, new challenges posed by climate change and the lack of interest in transhumance among younger population means that new livelihood opportunities are needed to sustain the Gaddi community. However, in the fragile environment of Himachal Pradesh, it is essential that new livelihood opportunities are sustainable and preserves the traditional lifestyle of the Gaddis. Thus, the paper explores livelihood opportunities for Gaddis based on local economy and indigenous resource base of the community.

Keywords

Chamba Gaddi grassland livelihood transhumance

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Navigating the Impacts of Social and Environmental Changes to Traditional Lifestyle: A Case Study of Gaddi Transhumance of Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh

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