Analytical Framework, Study Design, and Methodology

As most of the chapters in this book are based on research that has adopted a clear analytical framework and scientific approach for assessing watershed impacts, it is necessary to discuss the aims of the research and the adopted framework and approach before we go into these chapters. The purpose of the research is to provide design inputs for sustainable watershed interventions that enhance livelihoods outcomes. The multidisciplinary nature and integrated approach adopted in the research has used various methods and tools cutting across hydrological, biophysical, and socioeconomic methodologies. While the specific details of methodologies used are discussed in their respective chapters, this chapter provides the overall framework for hydrogeology modeling, biophysical modeling, and socioeconomic "sustainable livelihoods." This framework would be based on the review of existing literature and its appropriateness for sample sites. The chapter also provides the framework for the Bayesian network used for integrating the hydrogeological, biophysical, and livelihood aspects. Also, details like the sampling design, profile of sample sites, etc., will be presented in this chapter.