Sustainable livelihood approach: A framework for analyzing livelihood issues of rural youth

Agriculture sector is playing a critical role in sustaining rural economy of the country even in the era of liberalization and globalization. In India, about 75 per cent people are living in rural areas and directly and indirectly dependent on agriculture. In recent years, commercialization, diversification and human resource issues in agriculture have been emphasized in several policy documents. Agriculture is a labour intensive activity, there was 12 per cent increase in overall labour force in India between 2001-2011 whereas in agriculture there was 3.6 per cent decline in labour force. The unemployment rate in lobour in India was very high due to lack of marketable education and skills. Without productive human capital, it cannot complete a demographic transition to improve socio economic development of rural areas. Across the world. 1.8 billion people belong from 15-35 years of age and in India, youth population is 460 million. About 65 per cent of India population is below the age of 35 years and unemployment rate among youth is 10.6 per cent. The integration of rural youth into agriculture and allied activities will increase the level of labour productivity. Keeping this in mind, it is necessary to tap their strength and reap the benefits of their creativity and energy. In the effort to develop a more inclusive approach, the sustainable livelihood approach is being pursued. The framework will help to identify use of sustainable natural resources, vulnerable factors, policies, local rural institutions and the livelihood outcomes for rural youth.