Estimation of livelihood assets diversity in North Eastern states of India

Abstract

Livelihood is a multidimensional formation of different resources that provide a fundamental base for the household's living. Adoption of livelihood strategies varies across the people, depending upon the availability and accessibility of the livelihood assets; hence, there is a variation in the possession of it. Though several attempts have been made to study livelihood issues, we still need more literature on a comparative analysis of the northeastern region of India. The present paper attempts to discover the diversity of livelihood assets in northeastern India. Thus, it is observed that except for human capital resources, the state of Assam is better endowed with natural, physical, social, and financial capital assets than the other seven states. Further, the aggregate livelihood capital index also shows that Assam is the first in ranking based on the richness of the strength of the livelihood capitals, while Arunachal Pradesh is at the bottom, 8th position in terms of assets strength. Though Sikkim is the smallest state, it holds the third position in overall livelihood capital assets possession, after Meghalaya, which is in second position. Thus, the present study suggested variations in livelihood assets across the northeastern states.