To the hands of the poor: water, trees and land

Abstract

This paper argues for a shift in rural development strategy in India to place more water, trees and land securely in the hands of the poor. Practical precepts, including political feasibility, are used to identify and assess major potential thrusts. These include water reform on canal irrigation, equitable access to groundwater, tree holdings on forest and common land, agroforestry for resource-poor farmers, and land purchase to settle the landless.