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

Abstract

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.