Eswarappa Kasi - ICSSR Senior Doctoral Fellow, Department of Anthropology, University of Hyderabad, Central University (P.O.), Hyderabad- ۵۰۰ ۰۴۶, Andhra Pradesh, India

The term ‘Livelihood’ has different connotations in the development studies after 1980’s all over the world. Studies relating to Livelihoods have got prominence during the same time in the developed and underdeveloped nations of the globe. Studies on marginal communities though reflected earlier specific cases on livelihoods have not dealt with before. By using both primary and secondary data sources, this paper points out that shocks and natural causes, such as drought in the South India, particularly in Anantapur District, have contributed to a decline in livestock and crop yields and increased poverty levels in the region. Therefore, alternative livelihood options that can diversify rural incomes from agricultural production need to be identified. In this process government with the assistance from the donor agencies initiated the ‘Watershed’ development activities which got prominence in the district and received boost and laurels in the drought affected areas of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in South India. The present paper is an outcome of my project work undertaken in the Anantapur District of Rayalaseema Region of South India. The project work is carried by using participatory tools and techniques in addition to anthropological methods in collecting the information from the respondents and benefic iaries of the scheme ‘Watershed Development’ in the Study Area. The paper also explains how the livelihoods of the people have transformed due to the new approach and its impact on their daily activities. Further it also explains the nature of development undergone in the study villages.

Livelihoods, Marginal Communities, Drought, Case Study, Watershed, Anantapur District and South India