National Seminar on Transforming Rural Livelihood Landscape in India: Challenges and Pathways (23-24 January 2025)

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National Seminar on
Transforming Rural Livelihood Landscape in India: Challenges and Pathways
(23-24 January 2025)

India, with a population of 1.4 billion and a workforce participation rate (WPR) of 56%, faces significant challenges in creating sustainable livelihoods. Systemic issues such as the predominance of a large population in the primary sector, which contributes minimally to the national GDP; limited employment opportunities in rural areas due to the underdevelopment of the non-farm sector; livelihood losses in rainfed and hilly regions caused by climate change; poor skill sets among the workforce in the primary sector; low female labour force participation; and high youth unemployment, underscore the complex interplay between rural livelihoods and India’s socio-economic fabric. Addressing these sectoral, segmental, and spatial challenges is essential to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth. 

The primary sectors, including agri-horticulture, animal husbandry, and fishing, which sustain rural livelihoods, are hindered by small landholdings, low productivity, environmental degradation, limited skill development among primary producers, and poor access to modern technology. Efforts to diversify livelihoods through manufacturing and services have yet to adequately address the labour market needs, particularly in rural areas. Marginalized groups, including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and ethnic minorities, continue to face significant vulnerabilities. While the unorganized sector provides considerable employment, it is marred by instability and insufficient social protections, exacerbating inequality. Rural regions, especially those in geographically challenging areas, suffer from poor infrastructure, inadequate services, and limited market access. These issues are further amplified in disaster-prone regions, which are frequently affected by floods, droughts, and other natural calamities due to climate change. 

Government initiatives like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) along with efforts by civil society organizations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes have aimed to address these livelihood challenges. However, gaps persist, particularly in reaching marginalized communities. Meanwhile, the integration of India’s economy with global markets is progressing rapidly. The growing penetration of the internet and mobile technologies has reduced information gaps, and start-ups and innovations targeting rural farm and non-farm sectors are emerging rapidly, supported by an enabling policy environment. Nevertheless, the challenge of promoting sustainable livelihoods for the socio-economically disadvantaged, including the youth entering the workforce annually, remains a pressing concern for policymakers, planners, researchers, and practitioners.  

The key questions arise about how to address the sectoral, segmental and spatial livelihood challenges of the poor and create new pathways for employment, integrate marginalized communities into the economy, and build resilient and sustainable livelihoods in the context


of India’s rapidly globalizing economy.

This seminar aims to discuss these challenges and chalk out strategies for transforming India’s rural livelihood landscape by leveraging innovative approaches and emerging solutions.

With these objectives, the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT), a pioneer in practice-based research and livelihood promotion, and the Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research (MPISSR), a leading social science research institute, jointly propose to hold a National Seminar. 

Sub-Themes of the Seminar:  
The seminar will cover the following themes: 

  1. Sectoral Challenges: Exploring issues in agriculture, agri-allied activities, rural manufacturing, and services, focusing on productivity, sustainability, and market access. 
  2. Segmental Disparities: Addressing barriers faced by women, marginalized communities, and youth in accessing sustainable livelihoods. 
  3. Spatial Disparities: Investigating livelihood challenges in geographically difficult regions, including rural-urban divides and areas vulnerable to disasters and climate change. 
  4. Livelihood Innovations: Examining innovative approaches and practices, including models that address sectoral, segmental, and spatial issues in sustainable livelihood promotion, and their impact on marginalized groups. 

Seminar Details: 
The National Seminar will be jointly organized by the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT) and the Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research (MPISSR) at the MPISSR campus in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. 

We invite academicians, development professionals, policymakers, civil society activists, academicians, researchers and scholars to participate in the National Seminar on Transforming Rural Livelihood Landscape in India: Challenges and Pathways. Selected papers will be published in an edited book by a reputed national or international publisher.   

With these objectives, the Institute of Livelihood Research and Training (ILRT), a pioneer in practice-based research and livelihood promotion, and the Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research (MPISSR), a leading social science research institute, jointly propose to hold a National Seminar.

Important Dates: 
Abstract Submission (200 – 250 words): 20 December 2024 
Full Paper Submission (5,000 – 6,000 words): 3 January 2025 

Logistic Arrangements:
Travel costs will be reimbursed by the organiser. 
Logistics will be arranged for participants during the seminar. 

Prof. Yatindra Singh Sisodia 
Seminar Convenor
Director
M. P. Institute of Social Science Research
E-mail: yatindrasingh.sisodia@gmail.com
Dr. Rajendra Singh Gautam
Seminar Coordinator
Dean
Institute of Livelihood Research and Training
E-mail: rajendrasingh.gautam@ilrtindia.org
Sumit Kumar Jha
Seminar Co- Coordinator
M. P. Institute of Social Science Research
E-mail: kjsumit25@gmail.com

Seminar Venue:
M. P. Institute of Social Science Research
6 Bharatpuri Administrative Zone, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – 456 010

Communication Details:
Phone Numbers: 0734-2510978, 0755-4295423
Emails: mailboxmpissr@gmail.com, info@ilrtindia.org