Rural development, especially in developing countries like India with 70% of its population residing in rural areas, is a crucial concern. The distribution of the tribal population is uneven, with Madhya Pradesh leading at 14.7%. Gujarat, with an 8.6% tribal population, exhibits distinctive rural-tribal characteristics in districts like Surat and Dangs. The study emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of rural-tribal dynamics, particularly in areas like Valsad district of Gujarat. This study focuses on the challenges faced by tribal communities, a particularly disadvantaged group of Warli community. The study employs simple random sampling to select the sample.. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, incorporating both closed and open-ended questions across 101 households. To ensure accessibility, questions were simplified and presented in Hindi. The study’s focus on two villages, Chandvegan and Veribhavada, brought to light critical findings in water access, livelihoods, health, education, and women’s empowerment. Notably, the absence of tap water places a burden on women, revealing societal patriarchal tendencies. Agriculture remains the primary livelihood, and education, particularly for girls, faces challenges due to a lack of interest of parents in sending a girl child to the school. In response to these findings, the study proposes recommendations for water resources, livelihoods, healthcare, and agriculture. Specifically, there is a need to construct sustainable water storage facilities connected to households through pipelines to alleviate the burden on women. Improving irrigation facilities for farmers is crucial for year-round crop growth, enhancing livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the study suggests organizing monthly health camps at the village level to improve the health status of women and children.