Contents 1. Introduction 5 1.1 Background: 5 1.2 Rationale 6 1.3 Aim 8 1.4 Research Question 8 1.5 Scope 8 1.6 Limitations 8 1.7 Methodology 9 1.7.1 Research Methods and Approach: 9 1.7.2 DFID v/s NRLM Framework 10 1.7.3 Sampling 12 2. Literature Review 13 2.1 Defining Sustainable Rural Livelihoods 13 2.2 Rural Livelihoods In Semi-Arid Areas 15 2.3 Dryland Agriculture 16 2.4 Role of Livestock sector in the Livelihood system 17 2.5 Migration 19 3. Selection and Description of the study area 22 3.1 Pre-requisite to the study 22 3.2 Location of the Study Area 22 3.3 Location of Santalpur taluka in Patan district 23 3.4 Selection of Sample Villages 24 3.5 Sample Villages and the Selection of Sample Households 24 4. Data Analysis 26 4.1 Livelihood strategies 26 4.2 Capitalwise Analysis 26 4.2.1 Sample Characterisation 26 4.2.2 Identification of the Occupational Groups 27 4.3 Capitals, Variables and Related Questions 27 4.3.1 Human Capital 28 4.3.2 Social Capital 28 4.3.3 Natural Capital 29 4.3.4 Physical Capital 29 4.3.5 Financial Capital 30 4.4. Capitalwise Analysis for the Occupational Groups 31 4.4.1 Human Capital 31 4.4.2 Social Capital 33 4.4.3 Natural Capital 34 4.4.4 Physical Capital 34 4.4.5 Financial Capital 36 5. Recommendations 40 5.1 Macro Level Strategies 40 5.1.1 Diversifcation 40 5.1.2 Soil and Water Management 40 5.2 Micro Level Strategies 41 5.2.1 Promoting Traditional Practices 41 5.2.2 Farm Level Techniques 42 5.3 Institutional Arrangements 43 6. References 44 7. Annexures 45 7.1 Household Survey Form 45 8.2 Village Level Survey Form 52 8.3 PRA Techniques 60