From Forest to Future: Scaling Digital Ecofeminism in India’s Tribal Economies

Authors

  • Jaya Bharti Development Practitioner and Social Innovation Strategist

Keywords:

Tribal Entrepreneurship, Tribe-preneurship, Ecofeminism, Digital Inclusion, Forest-based Livelihoods, Fair Trade, Forest Post, Women-led Enterprises

Abstract

This article explores the rising tide of tribal entrepreneurship in India, driven by digital innovation, youth leadership and social investment. Generational poverty, lack of infrastructure and limited opportunities have long pushed the tribal youth to migrate in search of livelihoods. However, the COVID -19 pandemic first created situational poverty and then reversed this trend prompting a large-scale return to villages. This return sparked a new wave of rural innovation, as youth brought back ideas, digital tools and fresh perspectives. Across India, tribal entrepreneurs are now connecting forest produce and agriculture to markets

Across India, tribal entrepreneurs are now connecting forest produce and agriculture through technology, forming self-help groups, empowering women and building self-sustaining enterprises. This article proposes a scope to find investors for social innovation for tribal entrepreneurs called – Forest Post. Recognized with the 2011 outlook Responsible Tourism Award (Gold) WRI India’s Land Accelerator Champion title, the Buddha Fellowship and support from Kerala Startup Mission, Forest Post represents a replicable model of ecological and economic resilience. The article concludes with the hope of increased digital access  as a lever for inclusive growth and ecological resilience. 

Author Biography

Jaya Bharti, Development Practitioner and Social Innovation Strategist

Jaya Bharti is a forward-thinking leader with over 20 years of experience in the social development sector. She is passionate about creating enabling ecosystems for marginalized children, youth, and women. In 2012, she founded Ayaad Foundation, an ecofeminist commune for the elderly and children in need of care. Her work earned her the BBC 100 Women Award in 2015. Since 2021, she has led critical innovations at Atmashakti Trust, where she currently heads the Atmashakti Academy—an emerging knowledge hub for civil society and youth leadership.



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Published

2025-07-30

How to Cite

Bharti, J. (2025). From Forest to Future: Scaling Digital Ecofeminism in India’s Tribal Economies. Social Innovations Journal, 31. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/10637

Issue

Vol. 31 (2025): Unseen Powerhouses: The Rise of Indigenous Enterprise

Section

Forest Economies & Circular Enterprises

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Jaya Bharti (Author)

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