Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities in Rural and Urban Spaces: A Case of Bihar (India)

Swati Yadav; Shaziya Qayum

doi:10.63363/aijfr.2025.v06i06.2826

Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities in Rural and Urban Spaces: A Case of Bihar (India)

Author(s)	Dr. Swati Yadav, Shaziya Qayum
Country	India
Abstract	Livelihood sustainability has become a critical concern in development discourse, particularly in Bihar, where socio-economic vulnerability coincides with rapid population growth. Bihar, the third most populous state of India, accommodates about 10.4% of the national population, with nearly 88.7% residing in rural areas (Census 2011). Agriculture continues to be the backbone of the rural economy, engaging around 70% of the workforce, yet its contribution to Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) declined to nearly 19% by 2020–21. This structural imbalance has intensified livelihood insecurity, resulting in widespread seasonal and permanent migration, with almost 30% of households relying on remittances. Urban livelihoods in Bihar reflect a contrasting but equally fragile scenario. Despite low urbanization (11.3%), cities such as Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur are witnessing rapid in-migration. Employment, however, is overwhelmingly informal, accounting for over 80% of urban jobs. Weak industrial growth and limited expansion of the service sector have led to high unemployment, especially among educated youth, with rates exceeding 13%, above the national average. At the same time, Bihar has shown promising livelihood innovations. The Jeevika initiative under the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Mission has mobilized more than 10 million women through self-help groups, enhancing incomes, financial inclusion, and empowerment. Agricultural diversification into maize, litchi, makhana, and dairy, along with the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage, offers potential for sustainable rural and tourism-based livelihoods. Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, this paper analyses livelihood assets, vulnerabilities, and strategies across rural and urban Bihar. It argues that integrated planning, skill development, and promotion of inclusive and green employment can convert existing vulnerabilities into long-term opportunities, making sustainable livelihoods central to inclusive growth and socio-economic stability in Bihar.
Keywords	Sustainable Livelihoods, Rural–Urban Linkages, Migration and Remittances, Informal Economy, Bihar Development
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 6, November-December 2025
Published On	2025-12-31
DOI	https://doi.org/10.63363/aijfr.2025.v06i06.2826
Short DOI	https://doi.org/hbhk3g

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Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Opportunities in Rural and Urban Spaces: A Case of Bihar (India)

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