Livelihood System Analysis of Tribal Farmers.

Abstract

The six components were considered for livelihood system analysis of the tribal farmers from high altitude tribal zone of Karnataka state such as (a) different combinations of livelihood options being followed by the tribal farmers, (b) distribution of each livelihood option among the tribal farmers, (c) proportion of income earned and the proportion of time spent on each livelihood options, (d) share of male and female family members in terms of their involvement on each livelihood option, (e) degree of possession of technical competency with respect to each tribal livelihood options and (f) extent of risk involved with respect to each tribal livelihood option. The study revealed that, one fourth of the tribal farmers followed ‘Horticulture + Migration’ as the major source of their livelihood followed by ‘Agriculture + NTFP+ Livestock + Migration’, ‘Horticulture + Collection of NTFP’s + Other livelihood options’, ‘Horticulture + Agriculture/ Non agriculture labor’. ‘Migration’ is the major source of livelihood option among 61.67 percent of the tribal farmers. The livelihood options like ‘Horticulture’ and ‘Collection of NTFP’, Agricultural labour, Agriculture and Livestock were in existence among one third of the tribal farmers. Among the available livelihood options, migration activity was found to be highest contributor to the total income followed by horticulture ranked at distant second. On the other side, the tribal farmers were spending relatively highest proportion of time for horticulture followed by agriculture, migration activities and livestock. Almost equal share by male and female tribals was noticed in terms of their involvement in different livelihood options agriculture, horticulture and livestock. While cent per cent of involvement is noticed for collection of NTFP’s, non- agricultural labor and Govt / semi- govt. job/private jobs by the male tribal farmers. Technical competency for Govt./ semi- govt. job/private job holders among tribal farmers was found to be highest followed by small vendors, collection of NTFP’s, migration activities. Among the available livelihood options tribal farmers who were following collection of NTFP’s perceived highest degree of risk followed by migration activities, horticulture, agriculture, non- agricultural labor, livestock options.