Changing Livelihood Patterns among Irula Tribal Youth: A Study on Minor Forest Produce in Bettamugillalam, Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2025/v44/i3/174140Keywords:
Irula tribe, minor forest produce, livelihood patterns, KrishnagiriAbstract
The Irula tribe of Tamil Nadu has historically depended on forest-based livelihoods rooted in indigenous ecological knowledge, including the collection of minor forest produce, horticulture, cattle rearing, and specialised occupations such as catching snakes and rodents. However, forest conservation policies, resettlement programmes, and rapid industrialisation have significantly altered these traditional livelihood systems, particularly for tribal youth. This study examines the changing livelihood patterns of Irula tribal youth in Bettamugillalam Village, Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, with a specific focus on the transition from forest and agriculture-based livelihoods to urban unskilled labour. Adopting a descriptive research design and a triangulation approach, the study integrates quantitative data from structured interviews with qualitative insights from focus group discussions involving 50 Irula youth aged 15–35 years. The findings reveal a sharp decline in traditional occupations, such as horticulture, sericulture, cattle rearing, medicinal herb collection, and snake catching, after resettlement, alongside an increased dependence on low-paid, insecure urban employment. The study also highlights the erosion of common property resources, weakening of social capital, minimal participation in local governance, and heightened risks of psychological distress and impoverishment among resettled youth. The paper argues that resettlement-driven livelihood transitions, when implemented without adequate attention to sustainability, cultural continuity, and youth aspirations, deepen socio-economic vulnerability. It underscores the need for participatory rehabilitation policies, protection of common property resources, and skill-based livelihood interventions that integrate indigenous knowledge systems to ensure sustainable development and dignity for Irula tribal youth.
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