Impact of Rice-based Integrated Farming System (IFS) on Sustainable Livelihood Security: A Study among Small and Marginal Farmers in Kuttanad, Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: Kuttanad, known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” is a unique agro-ecosystem recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The region is increasingly adopting the Integrated Farming System (IFS), which integrates crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries to enhance sustainability and farmers’ livelihoods. Aims: To assess the Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) of rice-based Integrated Farming System (IFS) farmers in the Kuttanad region of Kerala and to identify socioeconomic determinants of livelihood security across seven sub-dimensions. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey using a semi structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Criterion based purposive sampling procedure was used, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted across four villages - Kumarakom, Vechoor, Thalayazham, and Vaikom - located in the Kuttanad region of Kerala, India. Primary data were collected between January and March 2024. Methodology: Ninety small and marginal rice-based IFS farmers were selected by criterion based purposive sampling. The Sustainable Livelihood Security Index (SLSI) was computed across seven dimensions - food, occupational, habitat, education, social, health, and environmental security. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed between 12 socio economic variables and all seven sub-indices and overall SLSI. Results: The overall mean SLSI was 0.763, positioning the sample at the boundary of the high-security category, indicating broadly achieved but precarious livelihood security. Habitat (0.931), social (0.915), and education (0.894) security scored high; environmental security (0.511) and food security (0.605) remained in the medium range. Six significant correlations were identified: credit acquisition with food security (r = −0.251, P = 0.017) and education security (r = +0.287, P = 0.006); social participation with occupational security (r = +0.230, P = 0.029); source of credit with occupational security (r = −0.225, P = 0.033); family type with social security (r = +0.226, P = 0.032) and environmental security (r = +0.216, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Rice-based IFS provides broadly equitable medium-to-high livelihood security across the socioeconomic strata in Kuttanad. Environmental security is critically low and demands urgent intervention. Social capital and responsible credit management are the key modifiable predictors of specific livelihood dimensions. Priority policy actions include ecological rehabilitation of the Kuttanad wetland, restructuring agricultural credit from short-term to medium-term products, and strengthening farmer organisations to harness social capital for improved livelihood outcomes.