Impact of Rural Livelihood Diversification on Livelihood Security in West Bengal

The study carried out in two districts of West Bengal has examined the impact of livelihood diversification on the livelihood security of rural households over the period 1995–2000 to 20052010. Data collected through multistage sampling technique following specific criteria have been used for analysis. Impacts of diversification on household livelihood security are assessed through household perception about change in their economic status (wealth ranking), asset positions, employment analysis, and consumption analysis. In Purulia very few households diversified their livelihood (21 per cent) during last 15 years and for majority the impact was negative. This is because of the fact that the diversification in Purulia is mainly due to the push factors. In case of Burdwan, a different picture is emerging. The impact of livelihood diversification for 83 per cent households is positive, and negative for only 11 per cent. So far as impact on household employment is considered, in Burdwan, it is found that both farm and non-farm employment of almost all livelihood group has increased for those who have diversified their livelihood and reduced (mainly farm employments) for those who have not diversified. In case of Purulia, a similar trend is observed but it is found that the reduction in non-farm employment too is quite high for those who could not diversify their livelihood. Similarly consumption has increased for all the livelihood groups who have diversified their livelihood.