Browsing by Author "Seema, B"

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Assessment of socio psychological constructs in post flood situation: the case of Kuttanad rice farmers
(Department of Agriculture Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Chippy Xavier; Seema, B
Consumer behaviour of urban and rural families in vegetables:a comparative analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Silpa, R C; Seema, B
Entrepreneurial behaviour of lease land vegetable growers in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Navitha Raj; Seema, B
Entrepreneurial effectiveness of agripreneurs in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Gopika Somanath; Seema, B
Entrepreurial behaviour of coconut oil-based unit owners
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellayani, 2007) Gurubalan, M; Seema, B
The study entitled “ Entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units owners” was undertaken with an objective to analyse the entrepreneurial behaviour of coconut oil based units, their profile characteristics and economic dimensions of enterprise. It was also aimed to identify the constraints as perceived by the entrepreneur so as to provide valuable suggestions for the development of the enterprise. The study was conducted in Pallichal, Pulimath, Parasala block Panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 25 copra units and 10 coconut oil mills from each Panchayat were selected at random thus making a total of 105 respondents. The data collected were statistically analyzed using arithmetic mean, percentage and simple correlation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents from both categories had medium to high level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Relationship of the profile characteristics with entrepreneurial behaviour showed that in the case of copra unit owners, variables namely education, annual income, mass media exposure, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation and knowledge about value added products were positively and significantly correlated. In case of coconut oil mill owners, education, mass media exposure, level of aspiration, attitude towards self employment, economic motivation, self reliance and knowledge about value added products had positively significant correlation with the entrepreneurial behaviour. Economic analysis of enterprises showed that profitability and sound economic position in both the categories of respondents. Shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, high labour charges, and lack of infrastructure facilities were considered to be major hindrances encountered by copra unit owners. Whereas in coconut oil mill owners, shortage of raw materials, instability of prices, competition from low priced oils and lack of organized marketing were perceived as major constraints. Current information on prices coupled with ware housing facilities. Market literacy programme, vertical integration of coconut oil based units and initiation of new processing technologies were the major suggestions for the development of coconut oil based industry.
Interaction of psychological economic, sociological and technological determinants of the entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural students
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Seema, B; Babu, B
The study aimed to identify the factors which are conducive for the entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural .students. The study was conducted among the students of the two Agricultural colleges of Kerala Agricultural University and the unemployed graduates who have passed out from these colleges. Two hundred and fifty respondents were selected for the main study which comprised of 100 undergraduate students, 100 postgraduate students and 50 unemployed graduates. The entrepreneurial behavior of agricultural students was measured with the help of a scale developed for the study. Based on relevancy rating twenty four independent variables were selected Data were collected through mailed, and distributed questionnaire. The maximum likelihood solution for entrepreneurial behavior extracted 12 factors About 43 per cent of the total variability in the extent of entrepreneurial behavior was accounted by twelve factors. Majority of the respondents in the undergraduate group and unemployed graduates were found to have high level of entrepreneurial behavior. Similarly majority of the male respondents were found to have high level of entrepreneurial behavior. Self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness, Self confidence, attitude towards competition, management Orientation, persuasiveness, and self reliance were found to * be significantly and positively related to entrepreneurial behaviour of undergraduate students. In the case of postgraduate students attitude towards competition, self esteem, innovation proneness, management orientation, self confidence, persuasiveness, sociability, self reliance and attitude towards self employment were found to be significantly and positively related. ■* • . As to the unemployed graduates significant positive relationship was observed between entrepreneurial behaviour and persuasiveness, management orientation, innovation proneness, self confidence and credit orientation. Sociability, self reliance, self confidence, attitude towards competition, self esteem, persuasiveness, management orientation, innovation proneness, attitude towards self employment and technical competency were found to be significantly and positively related with entrepreneurial behaviour of male students. In the case of female students, self confidence, self esteem, self reliance, attitude towards self employment, sociability, management orientation, persuasiveness, annual income, innovation proneness and attitude towards competition showed significant positive relationship with enfrepreneurial behaviour. Attitude towards self employment, innovation proneness, self confidence, credit orientation, self reliance, sociability, marks obtained in Pree-Degree, marks obtained in B Sc. and management orientation explained 36.74 per cent of the variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of undergraduate students. In the case of postgraduate students 49.19 per cent of variation in entrepreneurial behaviour was explained by attitude towards competition, self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness and O.G.P A. (work experience). Persuasiveness and innovation proneness explained 25.12 per cent of variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of unemployed graduates. » As much as 43.28 per cent of variability in entrepreneurial behaviour of male students was explained by sociability, self reliance, persuasiveness, attitude towards •self employment, O.G.P A ( work experience) management orientation, innovation proneness and attitude towards competition For variables viz., self esteem, sociability, innovation proneness and credit orientation were responsible fof 36.65 per cent of-variation in entrepreneurial behaviour of female students. Capital investment, availability of labour, availability of resource and infrastructural facilities were ranked high as factors influencing entrepreneurial behaviour of agricultural students as perceived by different category of respondents.
Jaivakeedanasinikal
(Kerala Agricultural University, 2000) Estalitta, S; Seema, B; Jayasree Sankar, S
Mode of presentation and viewer preference of agricultural programmes through various channels of television
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Mathew V Oommen; Seema, B
Occupational aspiration of undergraduate agricultural students of Kerala agricultural university -a multidimensional analysis
(Department of agricultural extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Bheemanpalli Vinodkumar; Seema, B
Orkld - Rogangalum Keedangalum
(Kerala Agricultural University, 2009) Estilita, S; Seema, B; Sheela, M K
Performance effectiveness of technology dissemination system of state department of agriculture in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh: a comparative analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Modem Ravikishore; Seema, B
The present study entitled ‘Performance effectiveness of technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh: A comparative analysis’ was conducted in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh states during 2014-2017 covering 200 extension professionals and 100 farmers form both the states with equal proportions. Agricultural extension workers of State Department of Agriculture are personnel who are responsible for meeting the goals of extension system. Evaluation of the success of extension delivery programmes, in most cases, has focused on performance effectiveness of extension personnel of State Department of Agriculture. However, the effectiveness and efficiency with which extension personnel deliver extension services cannot be over looked as this may in fact be a greater reason for success or failure of extension programmes. This necessitates the present study with the objective of assessing and comparing performance effectiveness of State Department of Agriculture in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh vis-a-vis technology dissemination system. Comparative analysis of technology dissemination systems of Kerala and Andhra Pradesh would allow inter-scalability of technologies. The findings demonstrated that most of the extension professionals with respect to Kerala as well as Andhra Pradesh states have moderately favorable attitudes towards technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture (SDA). Comparative analysis of attitude among Kerala and Andhra Pradesh extension personnel have shown that there was significant difference towards State Department of Agriculture. Attitude of Kerala extension professionals was influenced by the factors age, experience, training and organizational commitment. Attitude of Andhra Pradesh extension personnel was influenced by the factors training, organizational commitment, perceived workload, job satisfaction and achievement motivation. Performance effectiveness index of technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) was devised and measured in three components namely: Human effectiveness component, Dissemination system component and Organisational effectiveness component and the results revealed that majority of the extension personnel with respect to Kerala as well as Andhra Pradesh, performance effectiveness index was medium. Comparative analysis of Performance effectiveness index of technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) among Kerala and Andhra Pradesh extension personnel have shown that there was significant difference. Performance effectiveness index of Kerala extension professionals was influenced by the factors like experience, training, job satisfaction, participation efficiency and achievement motivation. Performance effectiveness index of Andhra Pradesh extension professionals was influenced by the factors like experience, training, organizational commitment, innovation proneness and participation efficiency. The study also revealed that most of the farmers with respect to Kerala as well as Andhra Pradesh states, perceived that technology dissemination system of State Departments of Agriculture (SDA) was moderately favourable. Comparative analysis of farmers’ perception towards technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) among Kerala and Andhra Pradesh states have shown that there was significant difference. The findings also demonstrated that most of the respondents with respect to Kerala as well as Andhra Pradesh states, belonged to middle age category, comprising medium experience; attended very high number of trainings. It was also found that most of the respondents from both states having normative commitment with no significant difference. Perceived workload, job satisfaction and decision making ability of the respondents from both states was medium with significant difference. Achievement motivation and innovation proneness of the respondents from both states was medium with no significant difference. Hence, the study assessed and compared the performance effectiveness of technology dissemination system of State Department of Agriculture (SDA) in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh by developing performance effectiveness index which also revealed that there was significant difference in their performance with clearly depicted constraints and suggestions from both the states.
Performance of agro service centres of department of agriculture-Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Safna Vatakke Kandy Meethal; Seema, B
The study entitled “ Performance of Agro Service Centres of Department of Agriculture-Kerala: A Multidimensional analysis” was conducted among the beneficiaries and all extension personnel of Agro Service Centres in Thrissur, Kannur and Kottayam districts representing the central, northern and southern Kerala respectively, during the year 2018-19. The main focus of the study was to assess the performance effectiveness of Agro Service Centres in the dissemination of information and technology, measure the performance effectiveness of Agro Service Centres on farmer’s income and, study the attitude of farmers towards Agro Service Centres and elicit the problems encountered by these centres in providing services to the farmers. The sample of the study comprised of 120 farmers i.e., 45 farmers from Thrissur, 45 farmers from Kannur and 30 farmers from Kottayam and sixty extension personnel associated with Agro Service Centres. Agro Service Centre (ASC) is an initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare from 2012-13 onwards and it was designed as a single window delivery system for different farming inputs and services to farmers (GoK, 2016). Performance effectiveness of ASCs as perceived by farmers was measured using Performance Effectiveness Index (PEI) developed consisting of three components. Among these, performance effectiveness of ASCs on farmer’s income contributed 38.56 per cent of the PEI followed by performance effectiveness of ASCs in the dissemination of information and technology (35.85%) and performance of ASCs in service delivery (25.59%). Based on the analysis of data, it was found that 40 per cent of the farmers scored the ASCs into high category of PEI. Majority (46.67%) of farmers scored the ASCs into high- performance effectiveness category in the dissemination of information and technology and 56.67 per cent of the beneficiaries scored the ASCs into the medium category of performance in service delivery. Nearly sixty per cent (60.83%) of the beneficiaries scored ASCs into high category based on its performance effectiveness on farmer’s income. Half of the respondents (50%) had a medium level of favourable attitude towards ASCs. Majority (56.67%) of the extension personnel had a favourable attitude towards the service delivery system of ASCs. The study revealed that most of the beneficiaries of the ASCs belonged to old age category and had a high school or above educational qualification. Most of the beneficiaries of ASCs were marginal (55.84%) and small (26.66%) farmers. Annual farm income of majority (40.84%) of the farmers was found to be more than one lakh rupees. Most of the farmers had farming experience of more than 10 years and only 35.83 per cent of the beneficiaries of ASCs were having farming experience of fewer than 10 years. Among the beneficiaries, more number of Vegetable (78.33%) and Banana (60.83%) growers utilized the services of ASCs. The study revealed that 62.50 per cent of farmers belonged to the high category of resource utilization. More than forty per cent (43.34%) of the farmers had high decision-making ability and high- risk orientation (45.84%). Nearly fifty per cent (48.33%) of the farmers were in the medium category of change proneness and information source utilization (45%). Majority of the respondents had regular contact with extension agencies like Krishi Bhavan (67.5%) and ASC (85.84%). Agricultural facilitators and service providers were the two main categories of extension personnel in ASCs. Majority of the extension personnel of ASCs belonged to middle and old age category and 23.34 % of respondents had a Diploma in agriculture and SSLC as educational qualification. Majority (41.66%) of the respondents had experience in extension work up to five years and majority (56.66%) of the extension agents received 2 training programmes. More than fifty per cent (56.67%) of the extension personnel had medium extension service orientation and 43.33 per cent of extension personnel of ASCs had medium work commitment and 36.67 per cent of extension agents had moderate and high problem solving ability. There was almost equal distribution of respondents in medium and high category with respect to leadership ability. Correlation analysis revealed that the performance effectiveness of ASCs was positively and significantly correlated with the attitude of beneficiaries at 1 per cent level of significance. The results of the correlation between PEI and independent variables revealed that farming experience, annual farm income and change- proneness had a positive and significant correlation with PEI and age and risk orientation had a negative and significant correlation with PEI. The attitude of beneficiaries towards Agro Service Centre was positively and significantly correlated with farming experience, annual farm income, resource utilization and change-proneness and it was negatively and significantly correlated with risk orientation. The result of the correlation between attitude of extension personnel and independent variables of extension personnel pointed out that extension service orientation, work commitment, problem-solving ability and leadership ability had a positive and significant correlation with the attitude of extension personnel. Region wise comparison of information and technology disseminating system of ASCs in all the three districts showed a similar trend where, field demonstrations, field visits and meetings were the most frequently used dissemination system. Discontinuance of service providers for better jobs, insecurities related to permanent job or salary and absence of land and other basic infrastructure facilities were the three major constraints faced by the extension personnel of ASCs while delivering services to the farmers. The most important problems encountered by the farmers in getting the services were lack of subsidy, non-availability of services in time and poor response to repair the machinery. It can be concluded that considering the 26 ASCs brought under the purview of the study, 40 per cent of them were categorized in high performance group by the respondents and of the three indices, service delivery was identified as the least contributing factor to the performance effectiveness which is also reflected in the constraints identified by the respondents. This implies the need to strengthen the service delivery aspects of the ASCs.
Research-extension gap in rice technology adoption among the farmers of South Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Shanila, S; Seema, B
The study entitled ‘Research-Extension Gap in Rice Technology Adoption among the farmers of South Kerala’ was undertaken during the year 2020-2021 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts representing the rice growing tract of South Kerala. From each of the seven districts one panchayat with maximum rice farmers were selected in consultation with the PAO office and 15 farmers were selected from each panchayath, thus making a total of 105 respondents. The study was done to determine the extent of yield gap in rice production, level of adoption of selected KAU technologies in rice varieties, personal and social characteristics of rice producing farmers, its relation with level of adoption and constraints experienced by the rice growing farmers with suggestions for refinement. Eleven independent variables, namely, age, farming experience, area under rice cultivation, annual income, mass media exposure, extension participation, achievement motivation, risk orientation, credit orientation, innovativeness and knowledge level were selected through judges rating. Along with the selected variables, six additional variables like source of rice seed, labour utilization, popularity & acceptance of KAU varieties, ownership status, storage facility and value addition of rice & rice-based products were also included in the study. The level of adoption and yield gap in rice production were the dependent variables. Fifteen recommended practices in rice were selected from the package of practices of KAU by consulting the subject matter specialists to measure the extent of adoption. On analysis, it was found that 53.33 per cent of rice farmers belonged to middle age (48-65) category and 41.9 per cent of the rice farmers had medium level of annual income. Majority of the respondents (53.33%) belonged to medium category of area 151 under rice cultivation with medium farming experience (54.29 %). About 57.14 % & 46.67 % of rice farmers belonged to low category of extension participation and credit orientation. Majority of the respondent rice farmers belonged to the medium category of mass media exposure (60.95%), achievement motivation (49.52%), innovativeness (60.95%) and risk orientation (46.67%). Extent of knowledge about KAU rice technologies among farmers was medium for 60.00 per cent of farmers, low for 33.33 per cent and high for only for 6.67 per cent of farmers. The analysis of respondent rice farmers based on their yield gap in rice production revealed that Jyothi rice variety had a higher yield gap index of 28.91 per cent followed by 27.09 per cent in Kanchana, 24.35 per cent in Hraswa, 21.83 per cent in Uma and 20.53 per cent in Manurathna and it can be deduced from the Friedmann test results that socio-economic factors and institutional factors were the most important components affecting the yield gap of Uma rice variety whereas, biophysical and climatic factors were the most key factors influencing the Jyothi rice variety's yield gap. Thus, the higher yield gap in Jyothi can be significantly reduced by improving the biophysical and climatic factors corresponding to the farmers. The results of the adoption quotient revealed that, majority of rice farmers i.e., 50.47 per cent belonged to medium category of adoption, followed by 25.71 and 23.81 per cent in low and high category of adoption. The mean adoption quotient (AQ) was 61.77 per cent with a maximum and minimum AQ of 93.77 and 28 per cent respectively. In case of the recommended practices, six out of fifteen practices had an overall adoption percentage greater than 50 per cent. In the case of recommended varieties, adoption was higher for the variety Uma (64.76 %) followed by Jyothi (11.43%), Manurathna (7.62%), Kanchana (5.71%) and Hraswa (3.81%). According to Rogers (1982), farmer respondents were divided into different adopter categories. As per the findings, the late majority (42.86 %) category were the major portion of respondent farmers, followed by the early majority (28.57 %) and about 1.90 per cent of respondents were innovators. 152 The results of the correlation revealed that out of 11 independent variables selected for the study, 3 variables were positively and significantly related to the dependent variable adoption of recommended practices by rice farmers. The main factors that influence technology adoption of recommended practices were extension participation and achievement motivation at 1% significance followed by innovativeness at 5% significance and the remaining variables namely; age, farming experience, area under rice cultivation, annual income, mass media exposure, risk orientation and knowledge level possessed a non-significant relation with the extent of adoption. Farmer practices were documented, it showed that the number of farmer practices adopted were the highest in Trivandrum (53.33%) followed by Kollam (40%) and Pathanamthitta (40%) districts and farmer practices adopted least in the district of Kottayam (20%). The three major constraints faced by the rice farmers were high labour charges, non-availability of timely inputs and labours and flooding due to heavy rainfall. The major reason identified for cultivating KAU released rice variety was high yield whereas the major reason for not cultivating KAU variety was high cost of cultivation. The primary suggestion for refinement by the farmers were to make provisions for constructing check dams and strengthening bunds (93.33 %) and making available combines and harvesters at less rent (85.71 %). The findings of the study indicated that the extent of total adoption of recommended cultivation practices was medium (50.47%) among the rice farmers of Southern Kerala. An inquiry in to the yield gap of KAU released rice varieties among the farmers revealed that Jyothi rice variety had a higher yield gap index of 28.91 per cent. Hence, an extension focus must be given for making available location specific agricultural inputs and management strategies to bridge the yield gap.
Role of farm women in the decision making process of a farming community
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1991) Seema, B; Prasad, R M
A study was undertaken among the farm women of Nadar community in Neyyattinkara taluk of Trivandrum district to analyse the role played by them in decision making related to their farm and home. The study revealed that more than 50 per cent of the respondents perceived six areas viz., decisions regarding purchase and sale of land, storage and marketing of produce, care and management of animals, family budget and children's education as very important, whereas decisions regarding plant protection and implements to be used were perceived as not important. Among the 14 areas studied, joint decision were made in purchase and sale of land, care and management of animals and children's education. Independent decisions were made in storage and marketing of produce. Majority of the respondents participated in implementing the decisions, in storage and marketing of produce and care and management of animals.
Role of farm women in the decision making process of a farming community in Trivandrum district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Seema, B; Muraleedhara Prasad, R
A study was undertaken among the farm women of Nadar community in Neyyattinkara taluk of Trivandrum district in order to find the role played by them in decision making related to their farm and home. The study was conducted with the following objectives: 1. To identify the areas of decision making by the farm women related to their socioeconomic life. 2. To study the role perception and role performance of the farm women in decision making. 3. To study the extent of participation of farm women in implementing the decisions related to their socio-economic life. 4. To correlate the selected characteristics of farm women and their role perception role performance and extent of participation in implementing the decisions. The study revealed that more than 50 per cent of the respondents perceived six areas viz, decisions regarding purchase and sale of land, storage and marketing of produce, care and management of animals, family budget and children's education as very important whereas, decisions regarding plant protection and implements to be used were perceived as not important. Among the 14 areas studied, joint decisions were made in purchase and sale of land, care and management of animals and children's education. Independent decisions were made in storage and marketing of produce. Majority of the respondents participated in implementing the decisions, in storage marketing of produce and care and management of animals. Occupation was the only variable found to have significant relation with role perception.Attitude towards farming and knowledge in fanning were found to be negatively, but significantly related with joint role performance. Significant positive relation was established between contact with extension agency and independent role performances Attitude of women towards their status and extent of participation in implementing the decisions were positively related.
Sustainability of commercial vegetable cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram district: a multidimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Namitha, K; Seema, B
Technology assessment of plant protection practices of economically dominant crops in homegardens
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Sujitha, P S; Seema, B
Technology utilization of banana in Thiruvananthapuram district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Thasneem, S; Seema, B
The present study entitled “Technology utilization of banana in Thiruvananthapuram district” conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district involved 90 commercial banana growers, with 30 each from Kalliyoor, Vembayam and Vellanadu panchayaths, during the period, 2015-2016. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of adoption of selected KAU practices in banana cultivation and analyse the constraints experienced by the banana growers with suggestions for refinement of practices as perceived by the farmers.
Viability of self help groups in vegetable and fruit promotion council Keralam- a multidimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Fayas, A M; Seema, B
The study was conducted among the randomly selected 20 SHGs of the VFPCK in Thiruvananthapuram district. These SHGs were studied as such using the 21-point selection criteria developed by Sustainable Agriculture Center for Research and Development in Africa (SACRED – Africa) for analyzing the viability of SHGs. Viability refers to the potential of the groups in the areas of agricultural extension and marketing, by exploring and utilizing the manpower resources and other resources in a group, thus facilitating community development. The twenty SHGs were arranged in descending order according to the ranking obtained. The respondents were the individual farmers selected from the top five and bottom five of viability ranking. From the total 180 members present in the selected 10 SHGs, 50 percent of them were randomly selected for studying their economic performance, technology adoption, credit utilization and repayment. The data were collected using the pre-tested interview schedule developed for the study. The interview schedule prepared in English was translated into Malayalam before administrating to the respondents. To study the constraints faced by the farmers of SHGs, separate questionnaire was prepared. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools such as mean, percentage, correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The dependent variables of the study were economic performance and technology adoption of the farmers. A number of independent variables like personal and socio psychological characters affect the two dependent variables. It was observed from the study that 80 percent of the SHGs had a membership ranging from 16-29 members and had a democratic style of functioning. Majority of the farmers belonged to the medium category for economic performance and technology adoption. The characters like economic motivation and social participation showed a positive significant relationship with economic performance. In the case of technology adoption, annual income, innovativeness and risk orientation showed a positive significant relationship. The credit repayment study showed that majority of the respondents had a high recovery index and the numbers of defaulters were very low. Also the credit utilization was complete. The major constraints felt by the respondents were the perishable nature of the vegetables and the delay in getting the price of the produce supplied. This is compounded by the lack of storage and transportation facilities. Majority of the farmers suggested to continue the friendly approach followed in SHGs.
Vulnerability assessment for livelihood inclusion and social empowerment(VALISE) of farmers: a post flood analysis of Kerala state
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2022-09-26) Dhanusha Balakrishnan.; Seema, B
The study entitled ‘Vulnerability Assessment for Livelihood Inclusion and Social Empowerment (VALISE) of farmers: a post flood analysis of Kerala state was conducted during 2018 to 2021 with the major objectivesto establish a Societal Vulnerability Index for Floods and Landslides(SVIFL) and map the vulnerability hotspots for the affected areas. The study also delineated the coping strategies adopted during various phases of the floods and the impact of various post flood schemes and measures by the Government. The study also developed a Climate Adaptive Agricultural Extension Approach (CAAEA) to formulate mitigation strategies and suggest adaptation strategies for the farmers. For this study, four of the 14 districts of Kerala, namely, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta from lowlands, Idukki and Wayanad districts from highlands were purposively selected for flood and landslide vulnerability assessment. Two severely flood affected panchayats of Alappuzha, namely Kainakari (KK) and Ambalappuzha (AP), were selected for the study. From Pathanamthitta, Kadapra (KD) and Niranam (NM), two low lying panchayats where floods occur almost every year were selected. Adimali (AD) and Vellathooval (VT) panchayats were particularly selected for landslide vulnerability assessment in the Idukki district. Panamaram (PM) and Meppadi (MD) panchayats from Wayanad district were considered for the landslide vulnerability assessment. A multistage sampling method was adopted for data collection in this study. A total of 520 farmers were selected for the study using proportionate sampling method. In this study, a Societal Vulnerability Index for Floods and Landslides (SVIFL) was established for highlands and lowlands to assess the flood vulnerability according to the local situation. The SVIFL developed for this study consists of four major components such as social, physical, environmental and economical, which were estimated in terms of the three factors of exposure, sensitivity and resilience. Component wise results revealed that social vulnerability is highest in the highlands. Among them, MD (0.514) has the highest vulnerability to disasters, especially landslides, followed by VT (0.485) and AD (0.456). In case of lowlands, social vulnerability to flooding is highest in AP (0.442) of Alappuzha. In the case of economic component, economic vulnerability to floods and associated landslides is highest in the MD (0.715) of Wayanad district followed by PM (0.626) of Wayanad and VT (0.571) of Idukki district. In the context of environmental component too, the highlands are more vulnerable compared to the lowlands. Among the highlands, VT (0.549) of Idukki has the highest vulnerability, followed by MD (0.526) of Wayanad. In the case of Physical component, KK (0.667) has the highest physical vulnerability followed by AP (0.626) of Alappuzha. According to the SVIFLvalues, panchayat MD in Wayanad appeared to be the most vulnerable region among the study areas with a SVIFL index value of 0.555. The second highest vulnerability was recorded for panchayat KK (0.509), the low-lying flood-prone region of Alappuzha. The lowest vulnerability when compared to other regions was found for KD (0.369) of Pathanamthitta. Coping mechanisms played an important role in reducing the disaster risk factors, and smoothening the consequences of the disaster to improve the livelihood and living conditions of disaster affected communities. In this study, coping mechanisms adopted at farmer level, community level and government level have been documented with the help of a Coping Strategies Index for Floods and Landslides (CSIFL). Results revealed that at farmer level in highlands, borrowing of money, in the post disaster situation (669), homestead vegetable gardening (661), and crop diversification (627) scored the highest scores and in the case of lowlands, increased dependence on chemical fertilizers (776) have scored the highest value. At the community level, in both highlands and lowlands, coping strategies were frequently adopted in the food security component with CSIFL values 626.33 and 642.5 respectively. At the government level, in highlands and lowlands, setting up of community kitchens (837) and relief camps (766) were ranked first and second according to CSIFL values. Documentation of post flood livelihood inclusive activities, helped us to understand the extent to which the farmers were affected by the disaster and the different livelihood options adopted by the farmers after the disaster. The results of post flood livelihood analysis revealed that in highlands, farm diversification was the most adopted (60.8%) post flood livelihood mechanism followed by switching to non-farm based livelihoods (27.6%). In the case of lowlands, switching to nonfarm based livelihoods (36.78) was the most adopted post flood livelihood mechanism followed by farm diversification. An impact assessment was conducted to analyse, the impact of Punarjani scheme among the farmers in the flood and landslide affected panchayaths. The results of the study revealed that, in highlands, 10.8% farmers have benefitted from the scheme economically, 7.6% benefitted from the scheme in the aspect of crop production, 5.2% in the socio psychological aspect and 2.8% in terms of human capital. In the case of lowlands, Punarjani scheme had an impact on farmers mostly in the area of crop production (26.05%), followed by monetary benefits (19.16%). Five personal and psychological characteristics of the farmers were selected as independent variables of the study. In the case of neighbourhood cohesion, about 53% of the farmers in highlands and 61.22% farmers in lowlands were found to have medium neighbourhood cohesion. In terms of self-efficacy, 58% of the farmers in highlands and 60.84% of the farmers in lowlands were reported to have medium level of self-efficacy. Similarly, majority of the farmers in highlands (57.98%, 52.53%) and lowlands (65.02%, 58.17%), were observed to have medium level of optimism and altruism respectively. In the case of risk propensity, 68.48% of the farmers in highlands and 62.36% of the farmers in lowlands belonged to the medium category of optimism. A Climate Adaptive Agricultural Extension Approach (CAAEA) was developed to suggest adaptation strategies to the farmers as well as policy makers to various climate risks. For the construction of framework, major problems faced by the farmers in relation to climate change, were scored on a four point continuum. The results further revealed, wild animal attack, landslide and excessive rain in a short period of time, to be the major climate risks in highlands and scarcity of drinking water, increased pest and disease infestation and poultry and livestock diseases in lowlands. These individual problems were further correlated with the climate risks, to understand the relation and construct the framework. To conclude, SVIFL can be used as an effective tool for assessing farmers' vulnerability to floods and landslides. The results of this study may enable stakeholders to determine the vulnerability of their residential areas. For policy makers, the documentation of coping mechanisms adopted at various levels may be useful in formulating disaster risk reduction strategies at the panchayat or community level. Results of post flood livelihood mechanisms shows the areas in which livelihood alternatives may be formulated in the post disaster phase. Impact study of Punarjani scheme shows that, the program could not achieve the major objectives, it was primarily implemented for and only few farmer respondents benefitted from this post flood scheme.