Common property resources (CPRs) are an important component of rural lives of India. Forests and water resources are two major CPRs which has played a critical role in the sustenance of rural livelihood in India from time immemorial. The dependency on common property resources are high among the landless, who are often the poorest of the poor and are vulnerable. The poorest of the poor are often solely dependent on the CPRs for their food and livelihood. For many CPRs are source of additional source of income at normal times and also acts a safety net during poor agricultural output, seasonal food shortage thus contributing to rural household food security. There are evidences where the village institutions frames rules and regulations on accessing CPRs which ensures optimum use of the resources. In the present day context where there is exploitation of the natural resources and weakening of the rural institutional processes the common property resources are slowly diminishing which is posing a serious threat to the rural economy which is affecting the household food security. This paper is based on review of literature from secondary sources and also from the author’s work experience in the development sector. It would focus on how effective management and utilization of CPRs provides opportunity for alleviating poverty and enhance social development.

Keywords: Common Property Resources, Food Security, Rural Livelihood, Social Development.