Assessing Environmental Vulnerability of Scheduled Tribes in Rural Madhya Pradesh: A Socio-Demographic Capacity Approach

Abstract

Introduction Environmental vulnerability is a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Tribal populations in developing countries often experience heightened vulnerability due to ecological dependence, limited institutional access, and socio‑economic marginalization. In India, Scheduled Tribes constitute one of the most disadvantaged social groups and largely inhabit forested and environmentally fragile regions.Madhya Pradesh hosts one of the largest tribal populations in India, concentrated mainly in western and eastern forested districts. Limited educational attainment and gender disparities restrict the adaptive capacity of these communities and increase their susceptibility to environmental stress.

Objectives: To examine district‑level variation in literacy rates among Scheduled Tribes.

• To analyse spatial patterns of sex ratio among tribal populations.

Methods: Secondary data were obtained from Census of India 2011. District‑level data for 50 districts were compiled for literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes (age ≥ 7 years) and sex ratio (females per 1000 males). Descriptive statistical techniques including mean and standard deviation were applied to analyse spatial variation.

Results: The overall rural ST literacy rate in Madhya Pradesh is 49.32%. The estimated district‑level mean literacy rate is about 49.7% with a standard deviation of 6.63, indicating moderate inter‑district variation. Nearly one‑third of districts have literacy rates below 45%, mainly in western and forest‑dominated tribal belts.The rural ST sex ratio is 986 females per 1000 males. However, the district‑weighted mean is 968 with a standard deviation of 27.5, showing considerable spatial dispersion. Eighteen districts record sex ratios below 950, indicating localized gender imbalance.

Conclusions: The study highlights significant intra‑state disparities in socio‑demographic indicators among Scheduled Tribes in rural Madhya Pradesh. Districts with lower literacy and adverse sex ratios face greater environmental vulnerability. Targeted educational investment, improved service delivery in remote areas, and gender‑sensitive development policies are essential to strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience among tribal communities.