Factors Influencing the Sustainability of Tribal Handicrafts in Nandurbar District: Socio-economic, and Environmental Perspectives

Tribal handicrafts constitute a vital source of livelihood, cultural identity, and traditional knowledge for indigenous communities in India, particularly in tribal-dominated regions such as Nandurbar District of Maharashtra. However, traditional handicraft practices in the district have been steadily declining in recent decades. This study examines the key socio-economic, environmental, and structural factors affecting the sustainability of tribal handicrafts in Nandurbar District. The research is based on primary data collected through household surveys, field observations, and group discussions in 40 randomly selected tribal villages, supported by secondary data from census and government sources. The findings reveal that scarcity and high cost of raw materials, largely due to deforestation and restricted access to forest resources, represent the most critical challenges. Increasing industrialization, modernization, globalization, and urbanization have intensified competition from machine-made products, while inadequate infrastructure, limited financial support, weak market access, lack of branding, and declining youth participation further constrains the sector. Ranking analysis identifies raw material availability, industrialization, and modernization as the most influential factors. The study emphasizes the need for integrated policy interventions to ensure sustainable livelihoods and the preservation of tribal craft heritage.