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Lecture 4 Agriculture Livelihood System

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91 views

Lecture 4 Agriculture Livelihood System

Uploaded by

saumyarawat479
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lecture 4

Agricultural livelihood system


The Agricultural Livelihood System (ALS) refers to the integrated and holistic approach to managing
agricultural activities that contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of individuals and
communities. This system is vital in rural areas where agriculture is a primary source of income, food
security and cultural identity.
Definition:
ALS encompasses the various agricultural based activities and strategies employed by households and
communities to secure their livelihoods. It includes the farming activities, income diversification
strategies, access to markets, inputs and support services that shape the living conditions of individuals
who depend on agriculture for their sustenance.
Core components of ALS

• Natural resources (land, water biodiversity).


• Human resources (skills, education)
• Financial resources
• Social and Institutional Support
• Physical Infrastructure (infrastructure, tools)
• Market and Trades

Approaches to Agricultural Livelihood Systems


a. Farming System Approach:
This approach focuses on the farm as holistic system, considering interactions between crops,
livestock, soil, water, and socio- economic factors. It aims at optimizing resource use for sustainable
productivity.
b. Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA):
SLA views livelihood in broader socio- economic context focusing on how people use assets
(natural, financial, human, social, physical) to develop livelihood strategies and reduce
vulnerabilities.
c. Agroecological Approach
This approach integrates ecological principles into agricultural systems. It promotes biodiversity
organic inputs, and traditional knowledge to enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural
ecosystems
d. Value chain approach:
This approach seeks to improve the entire agricultural value chain, from production to marketing,
by linking smallholder farmers to farmer to markets, improving access to inputs, and increasing
value addition.
e. Integrated Rural Development Approach:
This approach combines agricultural development with other rural sectors (health, education,
infrastructure) to create synergies that improve the overall well-being of rural communities.

Prepared by Ms. Honey Bhatt, COH, VCSG UUHF, Bharsar


f. Climate smart Agriculture (CSA):
CSA aims to increase agricultural productivity and incomes, build resilience to climate change, and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the promotion of climate- adaptive practices.

Framework of Agricultural Livelihood System


a. Assets:
Households rely on five types of capital: natural, physical, financial, social and human. These assets
are used to formulate strategies to improve livelihoods.
b. Vulnerability context:
Factors such as climate variability, economic instability, policy changes, and market fluctuations
that influence livelihoods and shape the environment in which household operate.
c. Transforming Structures and Processes:
These include government institutions, private sector actors, non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and international agencies that provide resources, implement policies and offer services
that influence ALS outcomes.
d. Livelihood Strategies:
These are the various activities and choices people make to achieve livelihood goals, including crop
production, livestock rearing, wage labour and income diversification through non-agricultural
activities.
e. Livelihood outcomes
The outcomes of ALS strategies are measured in terms of increase income, food security, reduced
vulnerability, sustainable resource management and improved well being
Conclusion:
ALS is a complex and multi-dimensional concept that integrates agricultural production, socio-
economic factors and sustainability considerations. ALS seeks to enhance the livelihoods or rural
communities ensuring resilience, environmental stewardship and equitable development.

Prepared by Ms. Honey Bhatt, COH, VCSG UUHF, Bharsar

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