Abstract:- Livelihood shifts among pastoral communities have been a result of various factors, such as changes in climatic patterns, government policies, inter-community conflicts, and economic opportunities. This paper presents a case study of the livelihood shifts among Gujjar and Bakerwal pastoralists in Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on the factors that have led to the shift, the impact of the shift on the communities, and the challenges faced in the process. The study shows that government policies and the ongoing conflict in the region have restricted the access of these communities to their traditional grazing lands, leading them to shift their livelihoods to alternative sources, such as wage labor, small-scale agriculture, trade, and tourism. One important aspect of the livelihood shifts among Gujjar and Bakerwal pastoralists in Jammu & Kashmir is their participation in the tourism sector. Many pastoralists have become tourist guides, providing a new source of income for themselves and their families. The paper also highlights the challenges faced by these communities in the process of shifting their livelihoods, including the loss of traditional knowledge and practices related to pastoralism and the loss of social cohesion and cultural identity. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of government policies and conflict on the livelihoods of pastoral communities and the need for sustainable and inclusive development policies that take into account the needs and aspirations of these communities.
