Sustaining Livelihoods through Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing

ABSTRACT Intergenerational knowledge transfer plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of tribal communities, where traditional practices and cultural continuity are closely linked with everyday survival. This study investigates the dynamics of intergenerational knowledge sharing among the Malayali tribes of Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, with a specific focus on agricultural, ecological, and socio-cultural domains. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation with 20 respondents representing three generations within selected households. The findings reveal that elders contribute significantly to the preservation of indigenous seed varieties, traditional cropping systems, herbal medicine, and natural resource management, while younger generations play a complementary role by integrating modern techniques, market linkages, and digital innovations. The study highlights that such intergenerational exchanges not only enhance livelihood resilience and food security but also strengthen cultural identity and community well-being. The paper concludes that policy interventions should prioritize the documentation, preservation, and integration of indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary practices to ensure sustainable livelihoods and long-term resilience for tribal societies. Keywords: Intergenerational knowledge transfer, sustainable livelihoods, indigenous practices, resilience, cultural continuity.