Scopes in the non-agricultural sector livelihoods for the rural community; The case from Siripagama Grama Niladhari Division

Abstract

Sri Lanka has long been recognized as a country with an agricultural economy. The rural people were accustomed to a self-sufficient way of life based on agriculture. Agriculture contributed much to the Sri Lankan economy. Sri Lanka’s agriculture, which began with paddy cultivation was subsequently based on commercial crops. It has caused a new transformation in the economy of the country. The rural population had to adapt to that transformation in agriculture. Later industrialization spread throughout the world. This has led to a gradual decline in the demand for agriculture. It also affected Sri Lanka. At present many people are engaged in agriculture due to the lack of other strategies. It is impossible to earn a profitable income. As such, the nonagricultural sector is important as an approach to relieve the rural masses from poverty and go to gain economic benefits. Accordingly, the main objective of this research was to identify the potential for directing the people towards nonagricultural income generation and to make them aware. This research was conducted in the Siripagama GND of the Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, direct or indirect privet discussions and observation. Secondary data were obtained from the Grama Niladhari Officer, Ratnapura Divisional Secretariat, Books, Maps, Charts, Census records, Periodicals, and the Internet. This research identified several non-agricultural livelihoods that could be implemented in the Siripagama GND and also introduced some innovations to create a new market and generate a higher income.