CBSE Class 6 Political Science Notes Chapter 8 Rural Livelihoods

Rural Livelihood

In rural areas, people primarily earn their living through various forms of work, which can be categorized into farm and non-farm activities. Many individuals are engaged in farming, where they participate in essential operations like preparing the land, sowing seeds, weeding, and harvesting crops. The success of these farming activities heavily depends on nature and the seasonal patterns of weather, meaning that life in rural areas often revolves around these specific agricultural seasons. During sowing and harvesting periods, rural communities are particularly busy, each region cultivating different types of crops based on local conditions. Despite the diversity in crops and practices, many rural residents face similar challenges, such as limited job opportunities and economic instability. The ability of individuals and families to earn a living often hinges on the land they cultivate. Many rely on these lands for labor, while most farmers grow crops not only for their own consumption but also to sell in local markets or to traders from whom they have borrowed money. To make ends meet, families frequently borrow money, especially when work opportunities are scarce. While some families may thrive due to large landholdings or successful business ventures, the majority of small farmers, agricultural laborers, fishing families and artisans struggle to find enough work year-round. This lack of consistent employment highlights the vulnerability of rural livelihoods and the challenges faced by those living in these communities.

Important Questions for CBSE Class 6 Political Science Notes Chapter 8 Rural Livelihoods

Here are the important questions and answers of Chapter 8 for Class 6 students:

Q.1. Would you say that a majority of the country’s farmers are quite poor? What do you think can be done to change this situation?

Yes, many farmers in our country are quite poor. They often struggle to make enough money to take care of their families. To help change this situation, we can provide farmers with better seeds and tools, teach them new farming methods, and help them get fair prices for their crops. Also, giving them access to loans without high interest rates can help them invest in their farms.

Q.2. Have you heard of the tsunami? What is this, and what damage do you think it might have done to the life of fishing families?

Yes, a tsunami is a huge wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. It can flood coastal areas and cause a lot of destruction. For fishing families, a tsunami can destroy their homes, boats, and fishing gear. It can also make it hard for them to catch fish, which is their main source of food and income.

Q.3. You have probably noticed that people in Kalpattu are engaged in a variety of non-farm work. List five of these.

In Kalpattu, people do different kinds of non-farm work, including:

1. Making baskets
2. Repairing cycles
3. Teaching
4. Blacksmithing (making tools and utensils)
5. Running tea shops

Q.4. List the different types of people you read about in Kalpattu who depend on farming. Who is the poorest among them, and why?

In Kalpattu, the different types of people who depend on farming include:

• Agricultural laborers (who work on others' farms)
• Small farmers (who have tiny plots of land)
• Big farmers (who have large farms)

The poorest among them are the agricultural laborers because they do not own any land. They work on others farms and usually earn less money compared to small or big farmers who can grow their own crops.

Q.5. Imagine you are a member of a fishing family, and you are discussing whether to take a loan from the bank for an engine. What would you say?

As a member of a fishing family, I would say, "Taking a loan for an engine could help us catch more fish and earn more money. However, we need to be careful about paying back the loan. We should make sure that we can afford the monthly payments. If we believe the engine will help us make enough money, it could be a good idea. Let's talk about our budget and see if we can manage it".

Benefits of CBSE Class 6 Political Science Notes Chapter 8

• Structured Overview : Provides a clear and organized summary of key concepts related to rural livelihoods.
• Simplified Information : Breaks down complex ideas into easier-to-understand language, aiding comprehension.
• Key Themes Highlighted : Emphasizes important themes, such as the challenges faced by rural communities and the significance of various livelihoods.
• Effective Exam Preparation : Helps students prepare for both objective and subjective exam questions by reinforcing core material.
• Enhanced Retention : Supports better retention of information, making it easier to recall during exams.
• Boosts Confidence : Increases students confidence by providing them with the necessary knowledge to tackle exam questions effectively.