1. The document discusses critical livelihood challenges faced by the poor in rural areas, including two case studies where individuals must choose between different options to deal with financial hardship. 2. It then covers definitions of poverty, characteristics of rural poor communities, and strategies for addressing poverty through natural resource management approaches, targeted interventions, and preventing downward mobility into poverty. 3. Key lessons are highlighted on taking a multidimensional view of poverty, combining economic growth and distribution strategies, focusing on the most vulnerable populations, and reflecting on how to directly benefit the poorest individuals.

1. Rural Production & Livelihoods (MRM 10-12) Session-5 Critical Livelihood challenges faced by Poor Presentation by Ashok Kumar Gupta

22. 10 - 15 % Rich Households Upper income HH 25% Middle income households 35% Upper income poor BPL Middle income poor Economically Active poor ( Vulnerable) Low income poor 20% Working Ultra Poor / Very Very Poor 5% Disabled / Destitute / extremely old

25. Gandhi and poverty “ I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny ? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj (i.e. self-rule) for the hungry and spiritually starving millions ? Then you will find your doubts and your self melting away.” Mahatma Gandhi