Conclusion

Cluster-based development approaches are easily implementable at decentralized levels, which constitute a vital path for a broader re-orientation of research and economic policy towards laying the foundations of a microeconomic approach for prosperity and growth. A taluk-wise clustering of Uttara Kannada considering the taluk headquarter along with adjoining gram panchayats as one cluster. The study highlights that the coastal gram panchayats grouped into coastal clusters forms highly productive ecosystems, with the decentralized job opportunities in fisheries, fish products processing, etc. The inner coastal panchayats bordering on Western Ghats are grouped into separate clusters. The Malnadu taluks, clad in mainly evergreen forests, make separate clusters and provide opportunities for forest-based food-processing clusters. In Mundgod and Haliyal, the taluks merging with the Deccan zone the GPs of relatively flatter eastern portions having numerous ponds and lakes are brought in clusters, separate from those bordering Malnadu forests. Development activities have been proposed for each cluster considering the terrain, landscape elements, ecology, farming systems, natural resources available, associated human life, etc. The resulting clusters form self-reinforcing networks of local industries, research institutions, universities, financial bodies and public sector organisations characterized by high level of competition and collaboration. Thus, cluster-based local development approaches help in harvesting local skills (such as expertise in fishery, traditional handicrafts, wildlife trails and bird watching, etc.), upgrading skills to meet challenges, identification of trainers and training institutes (to improve the skill base of clusters) and providing skills to match the needs of the cluster, while generating economic opportunities for the economically backward section of the society.

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to (i) ENVIS Division, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India (grant: CES/TVR/DE007), (ii) UNSD, The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, GoI, and (iii) Indian Institute of Science (IISc/R1011) for the financial and infrastructure support. We acknowledge the support of (Karnataka) Forest Department for giving necessary permissions to undertake ecological research in Central Western Ghats. We thank Prakash Mesta, Vishnu Mukri and Srikanth Naik for their assistance during field data collection and spatial layer generation.