Background/Objectives: Tribal livelihood is always been a concern for policy makers in our country. Forest was inevitable in the very survival of the tribal population since ancient period. But due to the rapid socio-economic changes that is happening in the outer world and the changing lifestyles had influenced the life of tribal majorities as well. To assess the changing livelihood strategies among the Tribal in India and the factors influencing it.
Methods/Findings: Therefore a study has taken up in Wayanad district of Kerala to assess the changing livelihood strategies among the Paniya and Kattunaickka communities and the factors influencing it. It was evident that, non-forest activities became the major source of income for majority of the households and the existing socio-economic parameters had a significant influence on the livelihood strategy engaged by the tribal households.
Application: Therefore viewing the livelihood reality of the tribals is essential to bring in new approaches that could better address the livelihood hurdles of tribal communities in the state in particular and country in general.