Smallholder rubber agroforestry farming in the non-traditional areas of Sri Lanka: An application of assets-based livelihood capital indicator approach

This study focuses on Livelihood Capital Index ( LCI ) as a useful tool in assessing the livelihood assets of rubber-based agroforestry farm households. It evaluates systematically all capitals rubber households through developing an LCI. A total 10 variables were broadly classified into five capital indicators namely; human, financial, physical, natural, and social. Data collected from 220 questionnaire survey normalized to construct The appropriate weights for assigned based principal component analysis (PCA). average composite was 0.49 human corresponds highest indicator (0.15) followed by financial (0.14), social (0.11), physical (0.05), natural (0.05). reported groundnut practice (0.54) cattle (0.53), cocoa (0.51), passion fruit pepper (0.49), maize banana (0.48). Except capital, it also indicates statistically significant difference among farmers other income earners. exists except Divisional Secretariat. outcome this suggests that use is more analytically rigorous comprehensive can assess enable them be improved their assets.