Abstract

The coconut sector provides livelihood to numerous coconut growers and workers involved in various stages of production chain. Coconut cultivation and harvesting involve the engagement of both skilled and unskilled labourers. Among the skilled labour, coconut tree climbers play a crucial role in supporting the coconut sector. They undertake high risk to pluck coconut from the coconut tree and to perform other maintenance and protection activities such as crown cleaning, pest and disease management, pruning and fertilization. Given their indispensable role, the present study examines the livelihood and job sustainability of coconut tree climbers in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Seventy male coconut tree climbers were selected for the study using non probability convenient sampling method. The findings reveal that all the respondents are middle-aged and older individuals, with majority having school education. Majority of the climbers (68.57%) were engaged in coconut tree climbing for 9-12 months in the previous year, earning a minimum of Rs.35 per tree to a maximum of Rs.75 per tree. A climber earns an average of Rs.1,226 per day. Income from climbing is the primary source of income for 48.57%, while for around 9% of the respondents, climbing income alone contributes 100% of living income. Concerningly, majority of the respondents do not use any safety equipment while climbing and none have enrolled in the Kera Suraksha Insurance scheme. Although economic and occupational aspects are relatively stable, the need to ensure risk mitigation strategies is essential.

Authors

L. Cesis Dastan¹, R. Nisha², C. Dericston³
Presidency College, Chennai, India^1,2, SSN School of Management, India³

Keywords

Coconut Climbers, Sustainability, Climbing Device