A Socio-Economic Analysis of Livelihood Strategies in Agriculture Dependent Communities of Mizoram, India

Abstract

The state of Mizoram in India is characterised by a predominantly agricultural economy. Agriculture, which is dominated by the traditional form of shifting cultivation is the main occupation of the people. However, the output, in terms of income earned from agricultural activities is significantly low. This Chapter aims to analyse the socio-economic condition and livelihood strategies among agriculture dependant indigenous population in this Himalayan state. The study was conducted through the collection of primary data involving a household survey of 16 villages carried out using random sampling methods. A structured questionnaire mainly pertaining to socio-economic status and livelihood strategies was utilized to ascertain the major sources of income; role of shifting cultivation in livelihood enhancement; major heads of expenditure; cropping pattern and changes in area; production and yields of crops. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the collected data. This study reveals that although 31.3% of the total working population is involved in practicing agriculture, yet only a small proportion of 4% of the total income is earned from it. Climate change will play a key role in enabling livelihoods to be sustainably practised. As of now, in the surveyed villages the predominant share of the population is settled in villages at relatively higher elevations and food production, albeit low, is able to sustain the populace. As to how these equations will be altered under changed climatic conditions only time will tell. The state authorities need to take the climate change aspect into consideration in planning strategies to improve food security and enhance local livelihoods.