MEASUREMENT OF LIVELIHOOD ASSETS OF DALITS IN FAR-WESTERN DEVELOPMENT REGION OF NEPAL

Abstract

This study was conducted for the measurement and analysis of the livelihood assets of the Dalits living in different ecological zone belonging to three districts of Far- Western Development Region (FWDR). The study has developed the major livelihoods index, their components and sub-components, and how these assets index are different from people to people based on their location of living, occupation they engaged in, and membership they possess too. The activities of the people in which they are dependent for survival are the basis of livelihood assets. The study has made further analysis of the relationship between livelihood assets, policies and programmes, vulnerability context and livelihood strategies as per the framework used for livelihood analysis. The main objectives of the study are: 1) to find out the socio-economic status and local livelihood strategies of Dalits, 2) to develop the livelihood asset index (LAI), and analyse their interrelationship; 3) to analyse public policies, plans and programmes in relation to livelihood enhancement and explore the gap; 4) to analyse the barrier factors for the better livelihood assets development of Dalits. The study was conducted in between 2011 to 2015 AD by using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and was conducted in FWDR region selecting three districts representing three ecological zone of Nepal. The livelihood asset indices were calculated based on the formula used for the development of Human Development Index (HDI). The study targeted to the Dalit community especially, focuses on FWDR The study highlighted the major determinants of livelihood assets by development of livelihood assets Index (LAI) with component index, such as human asset index (HAI), natural asset index (NAI), financial asset index (FAI), social asset index (SAI) and physical asset index (PAI).