Sustainable Livelihood for Tribal Farmers via Integrated Farming System Components

Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) enhance sustainability and stabilize farm income by utilizing multiple enterprises, improving the livelihoods of small and marginal tribal farmers. To assess livelihood security through IFS, a study was conducted in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, which collected 250 responses from small and marginal tribal households engaged in farming activities. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, secondary data review, and direct observations. A standardized Livelihood Security Index (LSI) was used for measurement. The study found that all respondents practiced agriculture, with 93.6% engaged in dairy farming, 90% in vegetable cultivation, 84.8% in fruit crops, 66.4% in poultry, 52.8% in goat rearing, and 47.2% in fisheries. The integration of enterprises like goat rearing, agriculture, dairy, poultry, vegetable cultivation, fruit crops, and fisheries was particularly beneficial based on the B: C ratio. The Livelihood Security Index included seven areas: food, occupation, habitat, social, educational, health, and environmental security. Educational security was the lowest among the sample farmers. Environmental, social, and health security scored similarly at moderate levels, while occupational, habitat, and food security scored higher, indicating a better level of security. The overall Livelihood Security Index was 0.69, with food security being the strongest in the study area. This study highlights how technological interventions can ensure the long-term viability of farming systems, protect the environment, address social and educational needs, and ultimately enhance livelihood security.