Associated with the desert eco-system, the problem of drought in relation to desertification, is more threatening in the Indian arid zone of Rajasthan. Based on an extensive and in-depth field study in the said area, the present work looks at the problem from a social angle. Applying socio-ecological approach, the author shows how different socio-economic and caste groups adopt different adaptive strategies for survival. Here in the book, people''s collective wisdom, indigenous knowledge and their perceptions, have been used to develop strategies to minimize the impact of drought and desertification on the populations, their environments and economies.

Dr L P Bharara retired recently as Principal Scientist, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, India.