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Exit of youths and feminization of smallholder livestock production–a field study in India

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2013

M. Jothilakshmi ,
D. Thirunavukkarasu  and
N. K. Sudeepkumar
M. Jothilakshmi
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India, 637002.
D. Thirunavukkarasu*
Affiliation:
Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India, 636001.
N. K. Sudeepkumar
Affiliation:
University Publication Division, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 600051.
*
*Corresponding author: dthirunavukkarasu@gmail.com
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Abstract

Studies in India from the early to late 1990s found that rural youths and women played a predominant role in livestock farming. Even though many studies differ in the extent and nature of the contribution of youths and women in livestock farming, all acknowledge their roles and contribution. Livestock farming acts as a source of supplementary income to youths and women and provides increased nutritional security. New economic policies of the1990s have brought changes to the livestock farming community. This paper attempts to understand and describe the role of women and youths in livestock farming. The research methodology employed for the present study is ex post facto design, and includes semi-structured open-ended interviews, observation and conversations with key informants. The study has found that a change in the roles of women and the participation of youths in livestock farming has occurred, which could be detrimental to the well-being of rural family farmers.

Keywords

smallholder livestock farmingwithdrawal of youthsglobalization and women
Type
From the Field
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 29 , Issue 2 , June 2014 , pp. 146 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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