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Occupational diversification as an adaptation to rainfall variability in rural India

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  • Emmanuel Skoufias
  • Sushenjit Bandyopadhyay
  • Sergio Olivieri

Abstract

Occupational diversification among household members in rural India is investigated as an adaptation strategy against the risks arising from the variability of local rainfall. Nationally representative household†level survey data are combined with the coefficient of variation of rainfall constructed based on historical rainfall data at the district level. The analysis finds that high rainfall variability has significant negative effects on the agricultural specialization of within†household occupational choices. This result is reinforced by the finding that improved access to irrigation, education, credit, roads, and postal services, is associated with a lower occupational diversification within families and a greater specialization of household members in agricultural†related employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel Skoufias & Sushenjit Bandyopadhyay & Sergio Olivieri, 2017. "Occupational diversification as an adaptation to rainfall variability in rural India," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 48(1), pages 77-89, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:48:y:2017:i:1:p:77-89
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.12296
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    3. Varun Kumar Das & A. Ganesh-Kumar, 2019. "Off-the-farm livelihood choice of farm households in India," Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai Working Papers 2019-032, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai, India.
    4. Basu, Sayahnika, 2020. "Does Drought Accelerate Structural Change in India?," 2020 Annual Meeting, July 26-28, Kansas City, Missouri 304324, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    5. Karim, Azreen, 2018. "The Household Response to Persistent Natural Disasters: Evidence from Bangladesh," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 40-59.
    6. Pace, Noemi & Sebastian, Ashwini & Daidone, Silvio & Dela O Campos, Ana Paula & Prifti, Ervin & Davis, Benjamin, 2022. "Cash transfers’ role in improving livelihood diversification strategies and well-being: short- and medium-term evidence from Zimbabwe," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).

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