The impact of livelihood transitions on rural India through the lens of five capitals: A systematic and bibliometric review

Abstract

This study assesses livelihood transitions among smallholder farmers in rural India using the five capital asset frameworks focusing on natural, physical, human, social, and financial capital. Through a systematic and bibliometric review of 41 articles, we analyze the socio-economic impacts of shifting from agriculture to non-farm activities, migration, and urbanization. The findings highlight significant gaps in the current research, particularly regarding gender-specific effects and intra-sectoral transitions. It was noticed that asset substitution and complementarities played a crucial role in facilitating livelihood transitions among smallholder farmers. Asset substitution provides flexibility by allowing farmers to adapt their resource base in response to economic pressures, while complementarities create stability by combining resources to enhance resilience and economic security. Our results provide policy insights for fostering equitable rural development through adaptive measures and sustainable practices.