Impact of sustainable livelihood strategies of non government organizations on livelihood assets of war affected community: special reference to zoa projects

Abstract

This research was undertaken to study the influencing factors of sustainable livelihood and level of vulnerability of livelihood assets of the community living along with A5 road in Batticaloa district. And this study tries to reach the objectives of identify the level of vulnerability of war affected community and understand how sustainable livelihood strategies of NGOs influence the livelihood assets of war affected community. To conduct this study, survey undertaken among 320 households from 1801 families from five villages of community living along with A5 road in Batticaloa district. Families from surveyed villages randomly selected and surveyed to collect data regarding the above mentioned five assets. The adaptive capacity and exposureof those livelihood indicators to possible level of vulnerability of the same assets were calculated. Data were aggregated using composite index and differential vulnerabilities contributed to generate an aggregate level of vulnerability of community to the adverse effects of overall environmental changes. Study depicted LVI of community living along with A5 road in Batticaloa district (predetermined ranged of LVI is 0 to 1). This values show the moderately vulnerable condition of the community to the adverse of war and natural disasters. Results indicate that community living along with A5 road in Batticaloa district is vulnerable respectively in terms of financial assets, natural assets, physical assets, and human assets. The scarcity of food is high and making the community more sensitive to the influence of sustainable livelihood. The finding of this research shows that the community resettlement and livelihood assistance given by NGOs have the capacity to strengthen local capacities. This is specifically by the increased access to livelihood assets and resource. It is recommended in this research that Srilankan government need to take necessary step to regular health services while enhancing the financial and natural capitals crop system to be introduced to give high profitability to the community.