ABSTRACT
This chapter follows the USAID and UNDP frameworks. It examines the livelihood assets of plantation workers, namely physical, natural, financial, human, social, political and welfare. The chapter provides an assessment of the status of employment and livelihoods of workers in the major plantation sectors of rubber and spices. UNDP, in its Millennium Development Goals, considers livelihood as an important factor responsible for eradicating extreme hunger and poverty and thereby attaining a better human development index (HDI). The Employment and livelihoods in plantations section analyses the livelihood assets of the households dependent on rubber, black pepper and cardamom plantations. Black pepper and cardamom plantations provide significant employment opportunity in the districts of Wynad and Idukki in particular. Physical assets include house, vehicle, farm equipment and seeds, which form an important part of the livelihood assets. An adequate supply of water for drinking and household use is a basic prerequisite for the health and welfare of the workers.
