Abstract:
Development of a country depends on the livelihood development of households. Income is
inevitable to such livelihood development. The villages in Batticaloa District have been affected
due to ethnic war. Household in Eravur Pattu D.S Division are traditionally depend on agriculture
and fishing. It has been very difficult for the people in these areas to get income from these
sources due to war situation. This situation leads another problem such as conflicts over the use
of natural resource, problems in making plans for development and difficulties in the general
utilization of local resources. Therefore, the objective of this survey is to find out the alternative
income generating source available.
In order for this survey, physical resources, financial resources and human resources are used as
variables.
Data for this study is collected through the survey by using questionnaire from the sample of 100
households. The UNDP statistical report is also used to get the basic data like employment,
unemployment, social structure and population (gender, age, ethnicity, religion).
The results of the survey indicate that though there are plenty of resources available in these
areas some are fully utilized and some are partially used. Survey shows that the agriculture, home
gardening, and livestock management are main source for income generation. But at the same
time, there are more resources which partially utilized and the households are not aware of the full
potential of sources such as sewing/weaving, pottery making, cane production, coir works, laundry
jobs, reed production, cashew processing and food processing. The reason for underutilization
of resources is that the households are not having adequate knowledge of using the resource and
financial support and at the same time use of the resources are restricted. If actions are taken to
achieve the full potential of the underutilized resources, the EravurPattu Divisional Secretariat
would get more income, increase employment opportunities, enhancing livelihood and life standard.
