Spatial and Socio-economic Analysis of Scheduled Caste Communities in Palakkad District, Kerala, India

Abstract

In Kerala's Palakkad District, this study looks at the land ownership patterns, land use practices, demographics and spatial distribution of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in 27 panchayats. The results show notable differences in the patterns of settlement, with sparse distributions in Sholayur and Puthur and concentrated SC populations in panchayats like Chalavara, Vaniyamkulam and Lakidi Perur, indicating differing levels of community integration and infrastructure development. Though some regions have larger female populations, demographic analysis reveals a generally balanced gender ratio, which may be a sign of male outmigration or different socioeconomic mobility patterns. Chalavara owns significantly more land than Sholayur, indicating historical differences in resource distribution, according to land ownership data, which shows glaring disparities. The average landholding of 13.06 cents per family further demonstrates the region's unequal distribution. Land use patterns vary greatly; some populations continue to make their living from agriculture, while others switch to non-agricultural activities or leave land fallow. These differences highlight both the adaptive strategies employed by SC groups and the challenges of structural marginalization. The report highlights the need for targeted development initiatives that address land access, infrastructure deficiencies and livelihood support while also being tailored to local conditions. This study's identification of specific spatial and socioeconomic gaps can be very helpful to policymakers working on more inclusive and equitable rural development plans. The findings emphasize that effective interventions must account for the diverse realities across different panchayats to meaningfully improve conditions for marginalized communities.