Rural Livelihood Diversity in Jammu and Kashmir: Patterns, Processes and Determinants

The purpose of this study was to examine the patterns, processes and the determinants of rural livelihood diversification activities of the rural household in the, Udhampur and Samba districts, state of Jammu and Kashmir. Data was gathered by household survey from 300 sampled households in the study area. On the basis of multiple regression model from 12 hypothesised predictors, nine variables were found to have significant effect in determining diversification of household livelihood activities. Accordingly, more natural capital, more physical capital, more financial capital, more human capital, economically active adults and female-headed households have positive and significant effect on diversification of livelihood activities. However, location, scheduled tribes and access to social capital have negative and significant effect on livelihood diversification activities. From policy perspective, policy-architects need to reflect on the most suitable ways of supporting livelihood diversity in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.