Essay About Results Of An Appraisal Study Of The Livestock Sector And Central India Initiative

Potential for Livelihood Improvement Through Livestock Development in Jharkhand
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This report presents the results of an appraisal study of the livestock sector in the state of Jharkhand,
India. In particular it summarizes the opportunities for livelihood improvement and employment
generation through livestock development based on information collected in four districts, Ranchi,
Godda, East Singhbhum and Palamu, and presents some recommendations for research and development innovation.
Background:
Central and eastern India are home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country, with
high tribal populations (more than 20%, Census 2001) in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and
Jharkhand and development indicators well below the national average. The livelihoods of the tribal
people depend on forest resources, agriculture, livestock, petty trading and casual labour. Degradation
of forests and increasing state control over the use of forest resources are severely limiting access of
many communities to traditional resources while agricultural and livestock productivity are low as a
result of undulating topography, limited irrigation, lack of access to extension services, farm inputs
and poor market access. Weak institutional capacity, poor infrastructure development and lack of rural
opportunities are binding constraints to growth and development in Jharkhand (World Bank 2007).
These factors are resulting in increased indebtedness, poverty traps, poor family planning, poor literacy,
increased migration from Jharkhand and the degradation of the states natural resources.
The Central India Initiative, supported by the Sir Ratan Tata Trust (SRTT) was established to create a broad
alliance of researchers and practitioners for learning and documentation of some proven approaches
to land and water interventions for improving tribal livelihoods. SRTT also supports a number of
development initiatives in the region, including in Jharkhand. Some of these development activities
and projects are focused on livelihood improvement through livestock development including dairying
and poultry. There is an increasing demand for livestock products, including meat and milk, from urban
centres and local