Abstract:
The critical challenges in eradicating poverty to meet sustainable incomes, as the
number of peoples’ livelihoods are at lifeless stage. Therefore, government and other related
authorities need to set out critical measures to ensure that low income or marginalized groups
such as handicraft producers, petty businesspeople and disabled people meet their basic need via
sustainable income through their livelihoods. Due to 30 years of prolonged war, many traditional
livelihood activities had been transformed as handicraft works. Post-war technology applications
and the intention toward peace and back to normal life, many windows affected by war, selected
handicraft as their choice their choice to generate income for their day-to-day life, but still they
faced many difficulties, to withstand these livelihoods. Even though these handcraft producers
have many potentials in future, few research tried to explore these likelihoods, and failed to
consult them through application-oriented research. This study used case study as qualitative
methodology, to explore their problems. Purposive sampling method was used to collect Primary
data from 19 handicraft producers in Jaffna, through in-depth interviews. This study identified
problems of handicraft producers as inadequate infrastructure facilities, higher raw material
price, lack of marketing facilities, lack of formal loan facilities, inadequate training, high cost of
production, lack of knowledge about latest designs, existing market demand and facing
difficulties to reach large audiences. The study suggests to the handicraft related organizations in
Jaffna districts to train the producers for their capacity development and supports should be
given to adopt case specific strategies for enlightening their livelihoods as handicraft making.
