Rural people in South Asia are moving out of natural resource-based occupations. Yet, these transitions are neither simple nor painless. Diversification is far more widespread and complex than many had thought. And, it is not always a positive 'exit'.

Are there policies to aid this diversification.?
Do these policies help in reducing the negative impacts?
Have these policies if existing benefited the rural poor?

The Livelihood Options study, funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) Rural Livelihoods Department and drawing on evidence from India, Bangladesh and Nepal is examining such questions and aims to identify how policies can be changed to support positive exits via diversification, and how to reduce negative impacts.