Impact of skill development and transfer of production technologies on the socioeconomic status of tribal communities: Case of tribal sub plan in bihar

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of income source diversification efforts made under the tribal sub plan project implemented in Banka, Kishanganj and Katihar Districts of Bihar State. A random sample of 300 project beneficiaries was selected from the project area and the impact was assessed using uncontrolled before-and-after Research Design. It was observed that, as a result of project interventions, the income from non-farm activities has increased by 23 per cent (p < 0.01), proportion of severely and moderately food insecure households have reduced by 6.67 per cent each whereas food secure and moderately food insecure households have increased by 4.00 and 9.33 per cent, respectively. It was also observed that project intervention has resulted in significant increase in the milk, egg and meat productivity among beneficiary households. On the basis of findings of the study, it is suggested to promote additional income generating activities in the tribal areas and reduce their shear dependence on farming activity for livelihood security.