Tracing the causality between Livestock and poverty alleviation in the rural economy of Gilgit Baltistan-Pakistan

Abstract

Livestock rearing and its production are deemed as a lucrative economic activity which provides livelihood and sustainable growth to rural population of Gilgit Baltistan . This sector not only delivers variety of food and non-food products but also contributes in income generation and subsequently diminishes the rural poverty. The fundamental aim of this research endeavor was to assess the poverty status and its determinants for livestock growers of the study area. The primary data was gleaned from 100 respondents through interview schedule following systematic sampling procedure. Uni-dimensional poverty estimates for sampled respondents employing Foster, Greer, and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty index are incorporated as dependent variable to model the binary probability expressions through Logit. Out of Explanatory variables used in model, benefit from the livestock, age, form size and gender of household head, showed a significant but negative relationship with poverty status whereas, household size and education of household head had a insignificant influence on poverty. This study recommends, that increase in farm size and youth’s participation in livestock farming can elevate the household income. The capacity building of the livestock farmers through trainings and more women contribution in livestock sector should be encouraged to reduce poverty in the area which can play a remarkable role in sustainable economic growth.