Summary

This study explores the debates surrounding the management and utilization of resources found in TFCAs. The study employs and experiments with a rural development methodological tool called Scenario Planning. Scenario Planning techniques and other participatory research methods such as participant observation, focus group discussions, informant interviews and questionnaire were used to envision the future of the proposed GLTFCA. The major drivers, which shape events in the study area, were found to be rainfall and crop production. The key scenarios which emerged after analysis of all the drivers suggested by the participants are “villagisation”, “sophistication”, “downpour” and “time bomb”. “Time bomb” is the scenario currently obtaining in the study area. “Villagisation” is the situation, which is most likely to transpire when high infrastructural development takes place which prompts in-migration. In this scenario, wildlife suffers. The study reveals that facilitated scenario planning is possible even in semi-literate societies.