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Sustainable livelihoods amidst industry disruption: The case of slaughterhouse closures in Uttar Pradesh's leather industry

Author

Listed:
  • Sharma, Nitika
  • Dasgupta, Pinaki
  • Bhange, Rutuja

Abstract

The leather industry holds an important position in India’s overall trade, with Uttar Pradesh (UP) emerging as a major leather production centre and industry. The sudden closure of slaughterhouses has not only impacted employers and owners of slaughterhouses but also the livelihoods of those indirectly dependent on them. This study utilizes the Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) and has done thematic analysis to analyse the positive and negative impact of the closure on stakeholders, which is often overlooked in the literature before. Through qualitative research and in-depth interviews with 31 stakeholders, the study identifies livelihood challenges and opportunities and recommends strategies for improvement in areas such as sustainable slaughtering practices, government support and involvement, the role of businesses, and the contributions of NGOs. A revised SLA framework is proposed using useful insights for future policy changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharma, Nitika & Dasgupta, Pinaki & Bhange, Rutuja, 2026. "Sustainable livelihoods amidst industry disruption: The case of slaughterhouse closures in Uttar Pradesh's leather industry," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:115:y:2026:i:c:s0149718925002150
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2025.102748
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    References listed on IDEAS

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