Livelihood Transformation of The K’Ho Sre Ethnic Minority in Lam Dong Province

Abstract

The K’Ho Sre people in Lam Dong province were the largest local group of the K’Ho ethnic group. Their traditional livelihood activities were farming, animal husbandry, making traditional handicrafts, and participating in predatory economic activities (hunting, gathering, fishing). Nowadays, the K’Ho Sre ethnic group has been adapting to converting their livelihoods from traditional agricultural production models to agricultural production models by applying science and technology. This economic transformation was manifested in many aspects, notably the strong introduction of new farm production methods completely different from traditional production methods regarding cultivation techniques, seedling structure, and forms of exploitation and product consumption. Besides, there were some relatively new activities such as services, buying and selling, hiring, etc. The research was conducted through the following methods: synthesis, observation, survey, and analysis of field data for 400 K’Ho Sre ethnic families in Lam Dong to point out changes in livelihood activities and propose recommendations to contribute to hunger eradication, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.