An analysis of push and pull factors shaping livelihood activities among farmers in Aspirational districts of Karnataka

Many socioeconomic and environmental factors impact the livelihood security of farmers in aspirational districts, influencing their choice of both farm and non-farm activities. The current study examines the push and pull factors affecting farmers' livelihood activities in Karnataka's aspirational districts of Yadgir and Raichur. Data were gathered from 120 small and marginal farmers chosen at random from six taluks and twelve villages using an ex post facto research design. Farmers were forced to diversify into a variety of livelihood activities due to push factors like land fragmentation, labor shortages, seasonality of agricultural activities, high farming costs, crop production uncertainty, declining returns, and mounting debt. While dairy, sheep and goat rearing, poultry, fisheries, wage employment, and non-farm activities like MGNREGA, petty business, migration, and skilled work were impacted by different combinations of economic and environmental pressures, crop production was primarily limited by land fragmentation and high input costs. Farmers were drawn to both farm and non-farm livelihood options by pull factors such as steady income, job creation, socioeconomic stability, increased profit, social status, and the availability of government programs. The results demonstrate that farmers use livelihood diversification as a sensible coping mechanism to reduce risks and increase income stability. Designing focused policy interventions and extension strategies to support sustainable livelihoods in aspirational districts requires an understanding of these push-pull dynamics.