Livelihood Security Index Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF LIVELIHOOD SECURITY OF FARMERS IN COASTAL AREA

India is a developing nation where the vast majority of people rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. The means by which people maintain, thrive, and survive is known as their livelihood. A person’s ability to support himself is a result of how and why they organize to use labor, technology, power, knowledge, and social relationships to change their environment and meet their needs. In the state of Gujarat, coastal salinity is and will remain the biggest threat to sustainable crop production. The main causes of improved livelihood security are issues with the salinity of the soil and water. A study was conducted in Porbandar, Junagadh and Gir Somnath district to assess the livelihood security of coastal area farmers and to ascertain the relationship between livelihood security and profile of the coastal area farmers. A sample of 120 respondents were selected from 12 different villages on the basis of 5 km from the coastal belt of three districts by applying multistage purposively random sampling technique. Majority (61.67 per cent) of the farmers had medium level of overall livelihood security index, followed by 20.00 per cent of them had low level of livelihood security index and 18.33 per cent of them were with high level of livelihood security index.There was positive and highly significant relationship between education, size of land holding, occupation, annual income, economic motivation, resource use management behavior and their livelihood security and also had positively and significant relationship between management orientation and credit orientation with their livelihood security.

A comparative analysis of livelihood security among fish and dairy farmers in Tripura, India

This comparative study in Tripura, conducted during 2021-2022, focuses on the livelihoodsecurity of tribal fish and dairy farming communities. Livelihood security encompassesessential aspects such as income, resources and basic needs like food, health, education,social integration and infrastructure. The study purposively selected West Tripura andKhowai districts based on their fish and milk production values. A sample of 160 farmers(80 fish farmers and 80 dairy farmers) were selected using stratified random sampling.Seven indicators were used to assess the livelihood security, and the Household LivelihoodSecurity Index was calculated based on the mean values of these indicators. The cumulativesquare root method categorised the respondents into low, medium, and high livelihoodsecurity levels. The findings indicated that fish farmers generally scored higher in foodsecurity, economic security, health security, infrastructural security and institutional security.While, dairy farmers had higher levels of educational and social security. Most fisheries anddairy farming had medium to high livelihood security. The study underscores the significanceof fisheries and dairy sectors in improving livelihoods and nutritional security among tribalcommunities in Tripura. Policymakers and stakeholders can use these findings to developtargeted interventions to enhance livelihood security for these communities. Keywords:Dairy farming, Fish farming, Livelihood security,Tripura

Impact of Scientific Agricultural Technologies on Livelihood Security of Tribal Farmers in Assam

The study was conducted during December, 2019 to December, 2021 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, india with an objective to examine the impacts of scientific agricultural technologies on tribal livelihood security. Ex-post-fact research design was adopted to collect data from 400 tribal farmers from four tribal dominated districts viz., Chirang, Kokrajhar, Dhemaji and Karbi Anglong of Assam. Impacts weremeasured in terms of Livelihood Security Index (LSI) and Livelihood Endowment Status (LES) developed by Abadi (2010). When assessed on the basis of LSI, overall 31.00% shift was observed in case of beneficiary tribal farmers on before and after basis. LES was assessed comparing the beneficiary tribal farmers with non-beneficiary tribal farmers and the data revealed significant difference of 26.00% between the two groups. However, it was evident from the investigation that time gap in input supply, non-availability of suggested inputs locally after project period, high cost of inputs, lack of own capital to maintain the enterprises, difficulty in maintaining accounts etc. were the foremost problems faced by majority of the respondents.

Effect of Village Alive Development Initiative on the livelihood of its beneficiaries in some selected states of Nigeria

The study examined the effect of Village Alive Development Initiative (VADI) on the livelihood of its beneficiaries in some selected states of Nigeria. Data for the study were sourced primarily from 408 beneficiaries of the programme, while secondary sourced data were obtained from VADI reports. Data analyses were carried out using Descriptive Statistics and a five point likert type scale, household livelihood security index and t-test. Result of socioeconomic characteristics revealed a mean age of 46±13 years, mean years of education of 8.6±5.7 and household sizes of 7±3.6 with 85.5% of them being married. Level of support derived from the programme indicated that 50.5% of the beneficiaries had enjoyed high level of support while 49.5% of them enjoyed low level of support. Result of household livelihood security index revealed that 65.2% of the beneficiaries were classified as low level of livelihood while 34.8% of them enjoyed high level of livelihood. Further analyses revealed a statistically significant mean difference between the high and low livelihood status which implies that the livelihood improvement did not come by accident, but as a result of the support enjoyed from the intervention. The need to replicate the programme in other states was advocated for

Livelihood Security and its Determinants Among Farmers During COVID-19 Pandemic in Telangana, India

With COVID-19 outbreak globally several studies on livelihoods and food systems are conducted in consistent manner. India being an agrarian economy, the impact of pandemic on agricultural sector and farmers needs a great focus. The present exploratory study on Livelihood Security (LS) was carried out in Telangana, India among Suryapet and Rangareddy districts purposively with 160 respondents selected through multistage random sampling during 2021. Livelihood Security Index was used with 7 sub-indicators and it depicted that only one sub-indicator i.e., economic security contributing less than 50% to LS and majority of the respondents have moderate level of livelihood security (42.5%) with overall mean value of 0.628. The determinants of LS were identifi ed through Multivariate regression analysis model and found 14 predictors were fi tted in model responsible for 62.8% variance in the dependent variable (LS). The regression model revealed that Family size, educational years, Livestock holding, Social Participation, annual family income, mass media exposure, and Risk orientation were most aided predictor variables in the improvement of livelihood security during COVID-19 with educational years having greater β-value. R2 standardized linear graph was plotted against the LS and the signifi cant predictor value demonstrating the distribution of respondents over graph according to their livelihood security with R2 linear value 0.606. Thus, during COVID-19 more livelihood options for diversifi cation of income can aid in increase of LS. The present study concluded by suggesting policy implications to ensure livelihood security among farming communities during pandemic.

Agricultural sustainability in Karnataka: Application of Sustainable Livelihood Security Index

The present study was carried out in Karnataka state to assess the relative agricultural sustainability status ofKarnataka during the year 2021–22 using Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI). Three indicators, viz.Ecological Security, Economic Efficiency and Social Equity Index were used. The results of the study show that inKarnataka better conditions for sustainable agriculture exist in majority of the Southern districts. However, few Northern districts, viz. Belagavi, Raichur, Bagalkote and Ballari have better level of ecological security and some Southern districts Bengaluru (U), Bengaluru (R), Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Ramanagara have low level of ecological security. In economic efficiency and social equity indicator also, majority of the Northern districts lagged behind compared to southern districts while Belagavi and Kalburgi districts have shown better performance compared to rest of the districts in the state. Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices such as judicial use of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals, efficient water use techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation), use of organic manures and diversification of farm activities would help in sustainable agricultural development. To achieve ecological sustainability, steps need to be taken to enhance forest cover through afforestation especially in the districts which have poor ecological security. Further, there is a need to enhance the crop yield, encourage dairy farming and improve work force participation through training and skill development in the districts with poor economic efficiency.

Assessment of Livelihood Security and Constraints Encountered by Small and Marginal Cotton Growers

The study examines the constraints faced by cotton growers in achieving livelihood security in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The investigation used a Livelihood Security (LS) index comprising seven elements, including food security, economic security, health security, educational security, social security, institutional security, and infrastructural security. Data were collected from 120 cotton farmers using structured interviews, and statistical analysis was employed to assess the level of livelihood security and identify constraints. The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of farmers have medium to high levels of livelihood security, but certain challenges persist. Among the constraints, lack of knowledge of technical skills and relevant technologies, low market prices for products and inadequate knowledge of marketing stand out as significant obstacles. Addressing these challenges can contribute to enhancing the overall well-being and livelihood security of cotton growers in the region.

Analysis of Livelihood Security of Households: A Case Study from Rural Areas of Bundelkhand

Livelihood security is defined as securing the possession or access to income generating assets and activities, including reserves and assets, to the offsets. The study was conducted from 2018-19 to 2020-21 in Bundelkhand, which includes Uttar Pradesh (7 districts) and Madhya Pradesh (6 districts). Based on the broad literature assessment and discussion with experts, indicators were developed to measure dairy farmer livelihoods. Information was collected by personal interviews using a structured interview schedule. The survey found that the majority of smallholder farmers earn a low to moderate income. The average livelihood security index for marginal farmers was 0.55, and the average livelihood security index for middle-class farmers was 0.57. Education, land ownership, annual income, milk sales, and extension contacts had highly significant positive relationships with livelihood security.

Assessing Composite Livelihood Security and its Determinants Among Rural Households

The study was conducted during 2022 in Lucknow district of Uttar Pradesh to analyze the livelihood security of rural households. Data was collected from 515 households through personal interview method using kobo collect. Landless and marginal farmers were more food insecure in the region. Forty four % of the households were food insecure. Composite livelihood security index was constructed using six domain indicators viz., habitat, health, economic, food, nutrition and social participation security. The weight for each domain indicator was derived from principal component analysis. The composite livelihood security index was 0.44 among the respondents. The livelihood security was high for medium farmers (0.46) followed by small farmers (0.45). Farming experience, social participation, livestock possession, income, calorie intake, body mass index and wealth significantly influenced the livelihood security. Lack of awareness on pest and disease control and poor price realization were the major constraints faced by the farmers. Technological, institutional and policy interventions are necessary to enhance their livelihood status.

Sustainable Livelihood Security of Integrated Farming Systems Practicing Farmers through Different Enterprise Combinations in Andhra Pradesh

The present study described the sustainable livelihood security of integrated farming systems practicing 189 farmers through different enterprise combinations in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region, East Godavari from Coastal region and Srikakulam from North Coastal region during 2020-21. Indicators under each dimension of sustainable livelihood security were selected by item analysis. Out of 52 indicators, finally 25 indicators of sustainable livelihood security were selected based on relevancy weightage and mean relevancy score. The results revealed that majority of the farmers practicing Integrated Farming System had permanent asset creation (54.50%), food and nutritional security (53.97%), economic security (53.97%), input recycling (52.38%), occupational security (51.32%), financial security (50.79%), environmental security (47.09%) and social security (42.33%). The overall sustainable livelihood security index was nearly half (47.62%) among the farmers in medium category. Most of the farmers were having medium and high sustainable livelihood security due to integration of more enterprises which enabled optimum utilization of available resources through recycling resulting in more income, employment, and more food security throughout the year.

Development of Livelihood Security Index: A Tool for Household Level Assessment

A livelihood encompasses the capabilities, assets (stores, resources, claims and access) and activities required for a means of living. The ex-post facto research design was used for the present study. The study was conducted during 2018-19 to 2020-21 in the Bundelkhand region of India. From each village, 20 dairy farmers were selected proportionately from the list prepared based on land holding. Thus, a total of 320 dairy farmers was selected for the study. Data were accumulated relevant to survey with the help of a structured interview schedule with the farmer of the study area. The index was developed on the basis of different indicators of livelihood security of farmers. A list of seven components was prepared by referring to different literatures. Seven components of livelihood security were selected for this study were food security, economic security, health security, educational security, social security, institutional security and infrastructural security. Livelihood Security Index for one indicator was constructed, and then the composite overall livelihood security index was calculated. The most relevant parameters among social indicator was interaction with key informants/ progressive farmers followed by the availability of a police station in the village / locality, provision for having any kind of crop insurance policy, member of any social organization and awareness about one’s right to utilize and access to government or public resources. Results obtained showed that the overall average livelihood security index value was 0.72. The livelihood security index value was very high (0.81) in food security indicator. This might be due to their assured high income from both agriculture and dairy. The average livelihood security index for economic was high i.e. 0.69. Among all, infrastructural security lied in medium level category i.e. 0.64. Whereas, average livelihood index of social security lied in medium level i.e. 0.66.

Agricultural Sustainability in the North Eastern Region of India

This paper offers an economic analysis of agricultural sustainability in the North Eastern Region (NER) of India by calculating the sustainable livelihood security index (SLSI) of each state. The SLSI serves as an important indicator for educating farmers and other stakeholders about sustainable agriculture production. This paper focuses on the NER as this region has received meagre attention in policy perspectives and is deprived in terms of various socio-economic and ecological indicators as compared to the rest of India. The findings show that various components of the SLSI, such as the ecological security index, economic efficiency index, and social equity index, have wide interstate variations. The agricultural sector in the NER has largely been neglected, with the state failing to adopt inclusive policies to uplift small and marginal farmers. The region suffers from severe poverty and malnutrition, improper management, over-exploitation of natural resources, and population explosion. These issues are a threat to agricultural sustainability. The study aims to identify the key factors that influence agricultural sustainability for inclusive and sustainable agricultural development. The findings show that the value of the SLSI ranged from 0.37 to 0.56 among the North Eastern states, which shows low agricultural sustainability.

Sustainable livelihood security of small farmers improved through a resilient farming system in thesemiaridregion of India

AbstractImproving the farming system to attain the household level self‐sufficiency, land utilization efficiency and sustainable livelihood security depends on better socio‐economic and ecological aspects of the systems practiced by the small farmers in the semiarid regions of India. The higher sustainable livelihood security index (SLSI) in the integrated crops‐livestock system helps to restore economic and ecological sustainability. The aim of this study was to analyze how various modules of farming in different combinations have interacted with the diversification of existing systems. We used the ecological security index (ESI), economic efficiency index (EEI), and social equity index (SEI) to produce a SLSI of improved integrated farming system (IFS) compared with benchmark farming in semiarid regions. In this study, different existing IFS comprising of seven modules (field crops, dairy, goats, poultry, horticulture, fishery, and apiary) in different combinations were examined. Results revealed that 72.5% farmers preferred to integrate two modules, where as 95% of farmers adopted field crops + dairy (FC + D) in preference to other modules. The sustainability indicators: ESI (+43.3%), EEI (+16.0%), SEI (+11.6%), and SLSI (+6.0%) were improved in the FC + D farming system to a greater degree than other IFS module combinations. Similarly, improved IFS interventions also increased sustainability indicators over benchmark farming. Based on large scale household studies over 5 years, our findings suggest that the improved IFS succeeded in providing a wider array of livelihood security than existing practices. Hence, the paradigm shift from component approach to an IFS‐based resilient system, which is economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially acceptable, is needed for development of semiarid regions.

EVALUATION OF LIVELIHOOD STATUS OF FADAMA III TOMATO FARMERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study evaluates the livelihood status and its socio-economic determinants among fadama III Tomato Farmers in Kano State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure were used for the study and primary data were collected from a sample of 312 smallholder tomato farmers using structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive such as frequency and percentage, minimum, mean, maximum and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as Livelihood Security Index (LSI) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Findings of the study revealed that Result of the study shows that tomato production is dominated among young active (41 years), male (99.4%) people who were married (89.4%) and attended more of western formal education (74.7%). Livelihood status index result indicated that RPCs technologies users had higher livelihood status (0.40) than the livelihood status (0.38) obtained by TWBs technologies users. The high index score obtained could be attributed to better access to empowerment training, availability of food, access and control to economic resources together with availability and access to health care and educational facility and services in the study area. Socio-economic factors such as education, access to credit, farm size, household size, experience and marriage were observed to influence the livelihood condition of the farmers in the study area. The study recommended that rural development policies need to promote awareness on the RPCs technology through relatively experienced farmers that have access to credit with relatively large farm holding to reduce post-harvest losses and subsequently improved the livelihood of Fadama III tomato farmers.

Sustainable livelihood security in Odisha, India: A district level analysis

Sustainable livelihood security (SLS) is an integrating framework that encompasses current concerns and policy requirements for ecological, social, and economic dimensions of sustainable development. It carries particular importance for developing economies. This study intends to verify the relative status of SLS of the 30 districts in Odisha, which is a backward state in eastern India. In this study, a total of 22 relevant indicators relating to the three components of SLS—ecological security, social equity, and economic efficiency have been taken, based on various kinds of government reports. The principal component analysis (PCA) has been used to ascertain the indicators and the importance of each of them to the corresponding component of SLS. The ecological security index (ESI), social equity index (SEI), economic efficiency index (EEI), and composite sustainable livelihood security index (CSLSI) of each district of Odisha were calculated through the min-max normalization technique. The results revealed that there are wide variations in SLS among the districts of Odisha. In this study, the districts are categorized into four levels based on scores of ESI, SEI, EEI, and CSLSI as very low (<0.400), low (0.400–0.549), medium (0.550–0.700), and high (>0.700). According to the classification result of CSLSI, 2 districts are found to be in the very low category, 20 districts are under the low sustainability category, 8 districts are in the medium category, and none of the districts are found to be in the high sustainability category. The district of Sambalpur ranks the highest with a CSLSI score of 0.624. The bottom five districts are Gajapati, Bolangir, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri, having the CSLSI scores of 0.438, 0.435, 0.406, 0.391, and 0.344, respectively. The result of this study suggests that region-specific, systematic, and proactive approaches are desirable for balanced development in Odisha. Further, policy intervention is required to implement more inclusive tribal welfare policies.

Identification of Sustainable Development Priorities for Agriculture through Sustainable Livelihood Security Indicators for Karnataka, India

To cope with worsening climate change and widening intergenerational equity issues, more impetus should be given to sustainable development. India, predominantly an agrarian economy, faces most pressing issues of sustainable development with a complex territorial hegemony of the population and their dynamic food demands. Regional production systems play a vital role in strengthening national sustainable development priorities in India. Hence, to realize the dimensions of sustainable development in a more meaningful way, sustainability needs to be prioritized in an agrarian economy. Sustainability is a complex phenomenon encompassing economic, ecological and equity dimensions. A modest attempt in this regard has been made to estimate normative sustainable indicators for Karnataka state considering 20 crucial indicators or variables governing different dimensions. Using principal component analysis and linear scoring techniques, a minimum dataset including forest cover, livestock and human population density, and cropping intensity governing ecological issues, groundwater availability and milk availability governing social equity issues, and net cropped area, land productivity, labor productivity, food grain productivity and fertilizer use governing economic efficiency was identified, constituting crucial indicators for the development of the sustainable livelihood security index. The computed index was used to classify districts in Karnataka into various sustainable categories. Among 27 districts, 13 districts were grouped as less sustainable, 4 as highly sustainable and 10 as moderately sustainable categories. This classification and knowledge provide clues for policy makers to transform less sustainable districts into moderately/highly sustainable ones by formulating suitable policies related to crucial factors. Formulated policies on crucial factors have a domino effect/causation effect and bring about desirable changes in all other indicator variables, leading to the sustainable development of the target districts in Karnataka. This approach can be used at different scales in other states in India and in other developing countries.

AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF FARMERS’ LIVELIHOOD SECURITY IN THE NORTH-EASTERN REGION OF NIGERIA

The subject of improving livelihood security for the people of the North-Eastern part of Nigeria is an issue of important need, as it is indispensable for the maintenance of human life. This research focuses on the empirical assessment of farmers’ livelihood security in the north-eastern region of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and to assess the livelihood security status among the farmers in the study area. Data were collected from 435 randomly selected farmers in three states of the North-Eastern region with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics involving the use of frequency distribution, percentages, mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics involving the use of livelihood security index. The results revealed that male farmers constituted the majority (73.17%) of the respondents married with a mean age of 41 years. The respondents were mostly small-scale farmers, and they cultivated an average of 3.5 hectares of farmland. The results of the Livelihood Security index revealed the score value of 0.31 for economic security, food security 0.17, health security 0.33, habitat security 0.49, education security 0.33 and social security scored the highest with 0.77. The overall Household Security Index of the farmers scored a value of 0.40 indicating a low position of livelihood security status of the farmers in the study area. The study recommends the need to focus on growth development programs in which the majority of the poor can earn income and will certainly have a greater impact on reducing poverty, consequently leading to improved livelihood security.

Livelihood security assessment of dairy farmers in Nadia district of West Bengal: A microlevel analysis

Dairying is considered as the most important secondary source of income and employment in India. Therefore, the present study was designed to appraise the livelihood security of the farming community of the Nadia district of West Bengal engaged in dairy farming. Livelihood security index is a composite index which was standardized by considering multi-criterion parameters responsible for livelihood of the dairy farmers, i.e. food and nutrition, economy, health, societal aspect, education and infrastructural resources. In overall, livelihood of the dairy farmers of Nadia district was poor with mean value of 0.42 on a scale of 0 to 1, ranging from 0.22 (Haringhata blocks) to 0.71 (Chakdah block). Comparatively, dairy farmers of Chakdah blocks had higher score in all six components of the livelihood security index than the other studied blocks. Livelihood security index (LSI) is not only highlighting livelihood security generated through dairy farming in Nadia district, but, also emphasizing the necessary policy matters to be intervened for improvement of the livelihood of the millions of resource poor dairy farmers.

ASSESSMENT OF BARE NECESSITIES INDEX AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD SECURITY INDEX OF SATARA DISTRICT MAHARASHTRA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

The present paper examined the estimation and relationship between the Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) and Bare Necessities Index (BNI) of rural area in Satara district. It covered four selected tehsils to analyze the relationship between the Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) and the Bare Necessities Index (BNI). The exercise of estimation of SLSI based on three main dimensions i.e., social equity, economic efficiency, and ecological security along with its three sub-indicators of each dimension. Likewise. the estimation of BNI of Satara district is based on five main dimensions i.e., access to clean water, sanitation, housing, micro-environment, and other facilities also their 15 sub-indicators. This study observed that Mahabaleshwar tehsil has the lowest BNI and SLSI ranking whereas Koregoan tehsil was highest in BNI and second highest in SLSI. Phaltan tahsil has the highest SLSI whereas second highest in BNI as compared to selected tehsils in Satara district. The Bare Necessities Index (BNI) of Satara district was 0.531 whereas Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) 0.566 during study period. Hence overall position of Satara district BNI and SLSI comes under medium category. KEYWORDS: Sustainable Livelihood Security Index, Bare Necessities Index

Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) And Sustainable Development: Some Field Based Evidences

The Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (hereafter NSRLM) was established on the 13th of September, 2012 and is the implementing agency of NRLM in the State. It is the human development program aimed at poverty reduction by increasing the household income through sustainable livelihood and improved access to financial services. Primary data has been collected using convenience sampling method from 300 individual SHG members covering three districts, three blocks and six villages (50 respondents from each village). Six components of livelihood security have worked out and each component has been ranked for availability, accessibility, quality and status. Weighted average score has been calculated by scoring indicators on a five-point ordinal scale ranging from1 to 5 Measuring Livelihood Security Index. The study was found that except food security index the other security indices in all selected villages are in medium or low range and still they are living under sustainable in danger which emphasized the urgency to initiate and implement effective poverty alleviation and capacity building schemes in the entire state.