Structural and functional dynamics of NICRA villages in Kerala and Karnataka:stakeholder analysis

Abstract

The present research, titled "Structural and Functional Dynamics of NICRA Villages in Kerala and Karnataka: Stakeholder Analysis," explores how socio economic characteristics, agro-ecological conditions, and stakeholder roles contribute to climate resilience in agriculture. The study was conducted across four NICRA villages, representing distinct climatic challenges: two drought-affected villages in Karnataka (Hanumaigarahalli in Chikkaballapur and Durgadanagenahalli in Tumkur), one drought-affected village (Pattithara in Palakkad), and one flood-affected village (Edathua in Alappuzha) in Kerala. A total of 300 respondents participated, including 160 farmers, 40 KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) officials, and 100 other stakeholders, including researchers, line department officials, local government representatives, and NGOs. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative tools to collect and analyse data on stakeholders' perceptions of climate change, vulnerability, capacity needs, and training preferences. The dependent variable of the study is the perception of capacity needs under NICRA. Perception scales were developed and validated for both farmers and KVK officials to assess their capacity needs under the NICRA program. Thirteen independent variables for farmers and six for KVK officials were selected. Statistical tools used included frequency and percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, Z-test, one way ANOVA, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The majority of farmers (45%) perceived their capacity needs as upper medium, followed by 23.75 per cent perceiving them as lower medium, and 16.25 per cent as low. KVK officials, on the other hand, predominantly perceived their capacity needs as lower medium (57.5%), with only a small proportion perceiving them as high (12.5%). These scales were correlated with objective measures such as operational landholding and service experience, further validating the perception results. Key findings revealed that farmers, especially smallholders, were identified as the most important stakeholders in the NICRA project, followed by women farmers and KVK officials. Local self-government bodies, such as Panchayats and Gram Sabhas, also played a critical role, while NGOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) were found to be less influential in project execution. This shows there is a need to prioritize engagement with the most important stakeholders for effective implementation of climate resilience initiatives. The study also examined the socio-economic characteristics of the farmer respondents. The majority (81.25%) of respondents were male, with education levels ranging from illiterate to high school, and most managed marginal to small landholdings. The majority of respondents were relatively inexperienced in farming, with a significant portion of farmers falling into the novice or advanced beginner categories. Income levels were predominantly low to middle, indicating significant economic challenges. The frequency of contact with extension agencies, especially KVK, was found to be high, and participation in capacity-building activities varied, with crop management and integrated farming systems being the most popular topics. Farmers' preferences and adoption of climate-resilient practices were also examined. High Yielding Varieties, Soil Conservation, and Custom Hiring Centres were the most preferred practices, with High Yielding Varieties ranking highest in adoption. Farmers reported significant benefits from these practices, including increased income, reduced climate risks, and enhanced crop production. However, farmers emphasized the need for continued government support, lower initial investment costs, and sustained assistance from the NICRA project to enhance the uptake of these practices. The study found that farmers in both Kerala and Karnataka perceived significant climate changes, particularly rising temperatures. In Kerala, 93.75 per cent of farmers and in Karnataka, 90 per cent of farmers noted an increase in temperature. Precipitation patterns also varied significantly between the two states, with 45 per cent of farmers in Kerala observing a decrease in rainfall and 93.75 per cent of farmers in Karnataka reporting reduced rainfall, indicating more severe drought conditions in the latter state. Both states reported concerns about delayed monsoon onset, with 98.75 per cent of Karnataka farmers and 56.25 per cent of Kerala farmers noting this shift, which disrupts planting schedules. Also, a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of rainfall was reported across both regions, emphasizing the growing climate challenges farmers are facing. The study also examined the farming practices most vulnerable to climate stresses. In Kerala, crop production was found to be the most vulnerable due to dependence on monsoon rains, followed by pisciculture and horticulture, which are affected by water scarcity and temperature fluctuations. In Karnataka, horticulture was identified as the most vulnerable practice, followed by pisciculture and crop production. Poultry and livestock farming showed moderate vulnerability, while floriculture and beekeeping were less impacted by climate stress. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions in these sectors to reduce vulnerability. Farmers' preferences regarding NICRA training were also analysed. The most preferred training agency was KVK, followed by universities and private seed/fertilizer companies. Demonstration was the preferred training method, emphasizing the importance of practical, hands-on learning. Farmers preferred training durations of 3-6 days, ideally conducted before the cropping season to ensure preparedness. Monthly training was also favoured, with pest and disease management being the top priority for both knowledge and skill development. The study also highlighted the strengths and gaps in the capacity development of farmers. Teamwork, norms, and network building were identified as strong social capacities, while gaps were observed in group process skills, shared vision, and strategic planning. Among individual capacities, leadership and entrepreneurship showed promise, but weaknesses were evident in technology adoption and financial literacy. Targeted training in these areas is needed to equip farmers to navigate challenges and adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices effectively. Key constraints faced by farmers in relation to NICRA training were also identified. The most significant constraint was the inadequate assessment of training needs, which led to a mismatch between training content and farmers' practical requirements. Other constraints included lack of storage facilities for perishable produce, absence of follow-up actions for clarification, and lack of participatory planning. Addressing these gaps in training delivery and logistical support could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the NICRA program. The study further examined the profiles of KVK officials, revealing diverse characteristics in terms of age, education, and service experience. Most officials had postgraduate or PhD qualifications, with a mix of experienced and novice respondents. NICRA-specific experience was limited, with most officials being novices or moderately experienced in the program. Training participation was varied, with some officials having attended advanced or intensive training. These findings emphasize the need for further capacity-building efforts to strengthen the expertise of officials, especially in NICRA-specific activities. The study's relational analysis revealed that service experience and NICRA-specific experience significantly influenced officials' perceptions of the program. Age, education, and training participation showed weaker correlations. These findings underlines the importance of experience in shaping officials' perceptions and highlight the potential for targeted training to improve the implementation of the NICRA program. A framework named “NICRA Capacity Development and Implementation Framework” (NCDIF) was developed for the study, designed to enhance climate resilience among stakeholders. Phase 1 involves needs assessment, stakeholder analysis, baseline data collection, and resource mapping. Phase 2 focuses on capacity building through customized training programs, workshops on financial literacy, and access to resilient crop varieties. Phase 3 emphasizes implementation, improving resource accessibility, networking, and forming farmer cooperatives. Phase 4 includes monitoring, evaluation, and feedback to assess success and adjust strategies. The framework covers short-term (0-6 months), medium-term (6-12 months), and long-term (18-36 months) goals. To address constraints in the NICRA program, strategies for farmers include participatory training needs assessments, cold storage units, structured follow-ups, participatory planning, crop insurance awareness, pre-training surveys, monitoring frameworks, vocational training, improved credit access, and gender-sensitive programs for women. For officials, strategies focus on mechanization subsidies, participatory planning, enhanced communication skills, transparent trainee selection, timely input availability, and hands-on training. Also, real-time service monitoring and performance-based incentives for extension staff are recommended. These strategies aim to enhance farmer engagement, training relevance, and program delivery. This research emphasizes the vital role of stakeholders in boosting climate resilience in agriculture. The findings stress the importance of a targeted, inclusive approach to engaging farmers, KVK officials, and other stakeholders in capacity building initiatives. Addressing constraints, refining training assessments, and enhancing both individual and social capacities are essential for the success of climate resilient agricultural practices within the NICRA program. By focusing on these areas, stakeholders can collaborate to mitigate climate change impacts and strengthen the resilience of farming communities in Kerala and Karnataka.