Livelihood Diversification and Income Sources of Rural Women in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) Link-4 Command Area of Telangana, India

Abstract

Women play a significant role in sustaining rural livelihoods through their participation in agricultural and allied activities. The present study examined livelihood diversification, income sources and time allocation among rural women in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) Link-4 command area of Telangana, India. Primary data were collected from 240 rural women respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique from 12 villages across Medak, Siddipet and Rajanna Sircilla districts during November–December 2025. Descriptive statistical measures, including frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean and range, were used for data analysis. The results revealed that 81.67 per cent of the respondents participated in agricultural activities, with 64.58 per cent engaged in crop cultivation, while 87.92 per cent supplemented household income through bidi making. Agriculture constituted the principal livelihood source, generating annual income ranging from ₹88,750 to ₹96,260, followed by livestock rearing (₹63,900–₹87,996) and bidi making (₹36,000–₹59,400). Women devoted 2.5–4.0 hours per day to crop cultivation, 1.0–1.5 hours to livestock rearing and 3.0–5.0 hours to household responsibilities, reflecting their multiple productive and domestic roles. The findings indicate that improved irrigation under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) Link-4 has enhanced women's participation in diversified farm and non-farm livelihood activities, thereby improving household income opportunities, income stability and livelihood security. Strengthening access to skill development, institutional credit, market linkages and income-generating enterprises can further improve the economic opportunities and livelihood resilience of rural women in the KLIP command area.