Socio-economic correlates of livelihood security: Insights from the tribal dairy community of eastern Rajasthan

Abstract

Livelihood security remains a critical dimension of rural development, particularly among tribal communities dependent on agriculture and allied sectors. The present study investigates the influence of socio-economic characteristics on livelihood security among tribal households engaged in dairy-based farming systems in Eastern Rajasthan. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 360 respondents selected using multistage random sampling. A composite Livelihood Security Index was constructed to assess the livelihood security of tribal farmers. Socio-economic variables such as age, education, herd size, income, landholding, experience in dairying, occupation, mass media exposure, and extension contact were examined for their influence on overall livelihood security. The findings revealed that education, herd size, income, mass media exposure, and extension contact exhibited a strong positive association with livelihood security.