Employment, Income and Food Intake of the Poor

This paper sets out the major results of a study conducted to examine revealed links between employment, income and food intake for poor households. The study was conducted in two villages of southern tribal Orissa and one village in south Kerala. Data was collected from a total of 120 households for a full 366 consecutive days, with daily details pertaining to time spent by each member, income and food intake. The study shows that in poor households, food intake and the amount of time spent in productive activities go hand in hand. Those who eat more, are also seen to be working more. Those who eat less, are also seen to be working less. It is hoped that this will provide an important input to the debate on the declining food intake among the poor seen in many States of India.