Livelihood Vulnerability of Farmers in Rainfed Regions of Uttar Pradesh, India: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Aims: Recently, livelihood vulnerability has become a more debatable issue among experts, particularly in the state's rainfed areas. Livelihood vulnerability in rainfed regions directly affects food security and agricultural profitability. To assess farmers' suffering, it is necessary to examine the nature and extent of livelihood vulnerability in rainfed regions. Thus, the main objective of the study is to analyse the nature and dimensions of livelihood vulnerability in rainfed areas at the regional level and farmers' group level as well. Study Design: The analysis of the study is based on primary data and multistage stratified random sampling method has been used. Place and Duration of Study: For analyzing a ground reality of the livelihood vulnerability at the village level, three districts, i.e., Meerut, Jalaun and Kushinagar have been chosen from different regions of Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: At the district level, a Livelihood Vulnerability Index has been developed using primary data obtained mainly from the HHs level primary survey. Several appropriate indicators and variables have been found based on literature in order to calculate the livelihood index. One-way ANOVA has been performed to determine whether or not these districts' differences in the vulnerability index are significant. Results: The study's conclusions indicate that Jalaun has a very high livelihood vulnerability score. The district's low productivity, which in turn results in low agricultural revenue, has been caused by unfavourable geographic and natural factors. In Jalaun, the situation of marginal farmers has gotten worse, suggesting that their agricultural pursuits are no longer profitable. Conclusion: Crop and agricultural diversification in rainfed areas would assist to improve resource efficiency, raise land productivity and profitability, reduce risks, offer job possibilities, improve farmers' lives, and assure food and nutritional security.