Some issues in rural non-farm sector : a study based on the Accelerated Mahaweli Programme, system C, zone 2 - Sri Lanka | |
| Author | Samarasinghe, Senaka Abhaya |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. HS-86-18 |
| Subject(s) | Rural development--Sri Lanka Accelerated Mahaweli Programme |
| Note | A research study submitted i n partial fulfilment of t he requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. HS-86-18 |
| Abstract | This study was conducted in System C Zone 2 of t he Accelerated Mahaweli. Programme in Sri Lanka. System C Zone 2 is t he first area of settlement under Accelerated Mahaweli Programme and it was started in mid 19 79. Up to t he present (1986) 3,574 farm families have been settled in Zone 2 And prov:i.de wit h water for t he past five cultivation seasons. Each farm family was given 0.4 ha. of homestead land and 1.0 ha. of irrigable ~nd. Over the past five cultivation seasons , the average household income from agriculture has increased, but the overall income is still low. 1be economic base (provided by 1.0 ha. of irrigable land) is quite narrow. Moreover, t he settler families are quite old and the average family is large . Second generation problems of gainful employment for older children has already arisen. It is obvious that developing agriculture sector alone is not sufficient to increase the household income among the settlers. There is an urgent need to develop the non-farm sector in t he study area. There is no resource base in the region to develop a non-farm sector. This research study has examined the ability of people ' s own routine consumption to act as an engine of economic growth . The study examined the interaction of three components: household consumption , selected manufacturing industries, provision of employment and income to house-hold. To investigate these two rural based manufacturing activities were selected, namely manufacturing of housing construction materials and repair and maintenance activities. The following are some of t he findings : (1) Allowing for agricultural labour, there is still a necessity to create at least two non-agricultural jobs per family to avoid massive unemployment. (2) The present non- farm sector is virtually non- existed . Half of the reported non-farm jobs were in livestock and agricultural labour. (3) The number of non-farm skills are quite s ma l l. Even for those who have skills, there are no jobs; and those who do have non-farm jobs have little match with s kills. (4) In Zone 2 it was estimated t hat the manufacturing of housing construction materials can generate over 11,000 jobs at Rs. 35 per day in the year 1986. However, these jobs do not relate to a recurring demand we can think of spreading out the employment over a larger period. The total amount of wage income gene rated is Rs. 103 million . It was not possible to calculate the total multiplier effect of t his income. (5) In Zone 2 it was estimated that the repair and maintenance industry can generate over 35 jobs in 1986. The total amount of wage income generated is Rs.1.1 million . It was not possible to calculate the total multiplier effect of this income. The recommendations for future studies are as follows: (1) The study of all sectors. (2) Examine the relationship of household income for consumption. ( 3) Examine multi plier effect of increased income. |
| Year | 1986 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. HS-86-18 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yapa, Lakshman S. ; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Demaine, Harvey ;Setty, E. Desingu; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) ; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1986 |