Pareto Analysis of Factors Influencing Livelihood Choices of Smallholder Farmers in Climate-Vulnerable Assam State of India and Probable Solutions

Abstract

Under climate change conditions smallholders’ farmers are compelled to change their livelihood strategy as existing are not suitable for new changing situations. So, alternative income sources and diversification of farm enterprises extensively help to get income. In this situation, it is important to know the personal-economic factors which influence small and marginal farmers in choosing the livelihood option for the future. The present study was conducted to identify major determinants influencing farmers’ livelihood options for the future in climate-vulnerable districts of Assam. Cross-sectional survey method was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in Assam state of India. The total sample size was 300 small and marginal farmers. Farmers’ choice for alternate livelihood options was collected through open-ended questions. Farmers’ six characteristics were selected by categorising them into different sub-categories to find out their dominant factors. Pareto chart analysis was done to find out the dominant factors. The findings show that farmers chose 18 livelihood strategies though all were not dominant. Pady, piggery, fishery and vegetable cultivations were major enterprises chosen by the respondents. The Pareto chart shows that among the chosen enterprises their different characteristics played a major role. The Pareto analysis also indicates those four factors along with the determinants identified where the focus should be given to get good results for livelihood strategies. The study recommended that Pareto chart analysis can be used as a tool in analysing farmers’ choices of livelihood strategies.