Publication

Abstract : In the context of climate change and agriculture distress, Indian rural areas increasingly need to develop non-agriculture-related livelihood opportunities. This is to ensure year-long stability, irrespective of seasons and natural calamities. However, the rural context poses many challenges in terms of socio-cultural complexity and resource constraints. This study aimed to better understand how to develop alternative livelihood opportunities at the grassroots that could be sustainable in the long term. It explores the reality of rural areas through the case study of a community in the state of Karnataka, India. A multidisciplinary, collaborative, and participatory approach is undertaken to thoroughly understand the community and identify the key technical and business requirements for developing a new income-generating activity in that specific community. Guidelines for developing this activity are provided. Findings illustrate the synergies between the technical and business aspects when developing livelihood opportunities, and outline the importance of a multidisciplinary and bottom-up approach to capture the complexity of rural communities when conducting grassroots projects.