LIVELIHOOD AND EMPLOYMENT OF WORKERS IN RUBBER AND SPICES PLANTATIONS

Abstract

The status report on workers in rubber and spices plantations tries to capture the various dimensions of livelihood among the workers in these two sectors. History of plantation sector in Kerala was also studied to analyze the socio economic issues persistent in these sectors. As these two sectors provide significant amount of revenue and employment to the state their share in Kerala’s economy was also studied. Conceptual framework developed by USAID and ILO was used to evaluate the livelihood assets of plantation workers. Livelihood assets were classified into physical, natural, financial, human, social, political and welfare for the study purpose. A pilot study was undertaken because of lack of available data. The report was able to reach at a general conclusion that the workers in rubber plantations are better off whereas the condition of workers in spices plantation remain vulnerable in every sphere of livelihood necessitating further study in this regard.