An Overview of Tribal Economy

Since this study deals with the problem of financial exclusion among the tribes in Kerala with special reference to Wayanad district, a brief account of the tribal economy spanning various important aspects of the development of tribes appears to be relevant. This chapter covers the meaning of tribes, an overview of the demography of tribes, main policies, and programmes adopted to enhance the living conditions of tribes in India and Kerala, current economic and social condition of tribes and an overview of Wayanad district. Besides these, a description about the four tribes that this study considers is also provided. Towards the end, the researcher also gives implications of a much-celebrated debate on the approaches to tribal development in India to justify the need of equipping the tribes to access and use financial services, which are required, genuinely by the tribes to sustain and progress in the changing circumstances.