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Rajeshwari N.*1 and Nagaratna C. Kurbetta2
1,2Department of Extension and Communication Management, College of Community Science,
UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka
Email: rajeshwarinavaneeth@gmail.com
Received-13.04.2026, Revised-06.05.2026, Accepted-29.05.2026
Abstract: Forest-based livelihoods have historically supported the subsistence, nutrition and cultural identity of indigenous communities, but these systems are increasingly shaped by agriculture, wage labor and market integration. This study examines the livelihood transition of the Halakki Vakkaliga community in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, using an ex post facto design and data collected from 500 respondents through a structured interview schedule. The findings show that the sample was largely middle-aged and older, with 29.20% in the 51–60 age group and 43.20% illiterate; most households had small landholdings of 0.10–0.60 acres (75.40%) and medium annual income (75.40%). Agriculture remained the dominant occupation for 81.60% of families, but 44.60% combined agriculture with wage earning, indicating livelihood diversification. Forest dependence remained strongest for fuelwood, used by 100% of respondents, while use of wild fruits such as jamun (38.40%), karonda (31.40%) and amla (29.80%) persisted at moderate levels. The study concludes that the Halakki Vakkaliga community is experiencing a transition from diversified forest dependence toward agriculture and wage-based livelihoods, with important implications for ecological knowledge, cultural continuity and livelihood security.
Keywords: Forest livelihoods, Halakki Vakkaliga, Indigenous community, NTFPs, Livelihood transition, Uttara Kannada
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