Livelihood Strategies Among Tribal Households in Manipur, India

This paper investigates the evolving livelihood strategies of tribal communities in Manipur, India, in the face of rapid economic and environmental changes. Drawing on ethnographic research, it examines how traditional subsistence practices, such as shifting cultivation, have been increasingly replaced by wage labour, small-scale entrepreneurship, and participation in local markets. The study focuses on the adaptive strategies that households employ to navigate this transition, with special attention to the roles of women and youth in diversifying income sources.

The research explores how cultural and social structures influence these shifts, while also analyzing the challenges posed by land degradation, limited access to markets, and governmental policies on forest and land use. By employing a sustainable livelihoods framework, the paper examines the intersection of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape tribal livelihoods in contemporary Manipur.

This study contributes to broader discussions on rural development, highlighting the resilience of indigenous communities while calling for inclusive policies that support sustainable livelihood diversification in tribal regions. It underscores the need for context-sensitive approaches that respect traditional knowledge and cultural practices while fostering economic resilience and ecological sustainability.