Livelihoods and Capital Formation of Tribal Hill Farmers in Intermediate Zone of J&K, India

摘要

Hill agriculture plays an important role in sustaining livelihoods of marginal and nomad communities. With the onslaught of liberalization and climate change, the mountain communities are at cross-roads. In order to sustain the livelihoods and capitalassets of mountain farmers, a study was undertaken in the inter-mediate zone of Jammu and Kashmir. The study was conducted during the period 2018-2020, covering two inter-mediate hill districts viz. Rajouri and Poonch. Data sources include both primaryas well as secondary information. The primary data was collected from a sample of 251 farm households representing 25 villages, 4 blocks and 2 districts. The selection of villages and farm households from the study area was carried from low, medium and high altitude areas ranging from 800 m amsl to 1500 m amsl. Primary data was collected by administering pre-tested questionnaire through personal interview method. The secondary data/information was collected from different sources/ departments, websitesetc. The primary data was tabulated and analysed using averages, ratios and percentages and through giving ranks. The factors which influenced livelihood strategies of farm household were broadly classified into human capital, natural capital, physical capital, financial capital and social capital. Households residing in upper and middle zones were more dependent on natural capital assets for their livelihoods which mostly comprise on forest resources while as people residing in lower zones were more dependent on market driven capital assets such as jobs, commerce etc. Hills and hill agriculture is important as they support the plains through provision of ecosystem services, besides taking care of themselves. To sustain the smallholder farming of tribal hill communities, there is a need of multi-pronged strategy at various levels. As majority of the intermediate zone is a rainfed area, so more focus should -be brought towards rainfed technologies with more emphasis on integrated watershed developmentprograms in a holistic approach.