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Determinants of Livelihood Option Adopted by Landless People in Central Terai, Nepal
Abstract
Land is the central asset of the rural-agrarian economy in Nepal, determining livelihoods and social identity. A study was conducted in the Central Terai districts, viz. Chitwan and Nawalparasi (West) in Nepal, to estimate the determinants of livelihood options. A total of 400 households were sampled from the study areas. The findings revealed that the primary occupation is agriculture, but that this is declining among marginalized groups. Age of the household head, area of cultivated land, livestock holdings, and distance to market play significant roles in the adoption of agriculture as a primary occupation. Whereas remittance received, the number of economically active members showed a negative influence. Logistic regression further confirmed that household expenditure pressures, access to loans, and skill training significantly shaped the desire to leave current occupations. At the same time, awareness of government livelihood policies stabilized current occupations by discouraging occupational shifts. The study highlights that landlessness in Nepal is both a cause and a consequence of rooted poverty, with minimal participation in government programs. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for integrated strategies, including equitable land redistribution and reform, secure tenure through land titling, targeted credit and input support, vocational training, and social protection measures. Collectively, such interventions are essential to enhance the resilience of landless households, reduce vulnerability, and promote inclusive development in Nepal’s agrarian society.
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References
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DOI: 10.33687/ijae.013.02.5920
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