Tribal development in South and Central India has to be understood in the context of the distinctive social, cultural, economic and ecological conditions of tribal communities. States such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala have large tribal populations. Tribes such as the Gond, Bhil, Baiga, Korku, Maria, Muria, Kondh, Irula and Chenchu have traditionally maintained close relationships with forests and natural resources. Their development therefore requires an approach that combines economic improvement with protection of their identity, rights and environment. One of the major problems is economic backwardness. Many tribal households depend on subsistence agriculture, forest produce, wage labour and seasonal migration. Small and fragmented landholdings, low agricultural productivity, lack of irrigation and limited access to markets reduce their income. Collection of minor forest produce is often affected by exploitation by middlemen, resulting in low returns to tribal producers. Poverty also contributes to indebtedness and dependence on informal moneylenders. Land alienation is another serious problem. Tribal people have historically faced displacement because of mining, dams, industries, roads, wildlife