Buffer zones in Wayanad: A social constructivist exploration into farmers’ mental health

Buffer zones are regions set aside to border protected areas to preserve biodiversity, control interactions between people and wildlife, and foster sustainable development. The majority of research on buffer zones focuses on ecological issues, and little is known about how they affect local communities’ mental health. This study explores buffer zones’ potential consequences on farmers’ mental health in Wayanad. Through purposive sampling, eleven participants residing in Wayanad were recruited for the study. The socio-demographics of participants were collected through printed translated questionnaires. The qualitative exploration of their lived experiences, perceptions, and coping strategies was conducted using semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke was used to gain a clearer understanding of the data collected. Through in-depth analysis of the data, it was identified that Mental Health Factors, Communication Factors, Financial Impact, Operational Stress, Interference of Judiciary and Legislature, and Seclusion of the Tribal Community were the issues the farmers faced in Wayanad. The results will contribute to the expanding mental health field and give policymakers, conservationists, and mental health professionals information about the potential psychological effects of buffer zones and guide them in creating suitable interventions and support systems to improve mental health.