Awareness and participation of livestock owners of Thrissur district in panchayathi raj institutions

Abstract

Awareness, attitude and participation of livestock owners regarding Panchayati Raj were studied. The background characteristics such as socio-economic and socio-psychological were almost uniform, and reflected the general picture of livestock farmers of the state. Generally, the awareness of Panchayati Raj, attitude towards Panchayati Raj and level of participation in PRIs were all less than satisfactory. Even so, SHG- members and non-members differed significantly on all account. For instance, SHG-members had significantly higher levels of awareness, a more favourable attitude and better levels of participation. As in any system, certain crucial constraints to participation upon which there was consensus among the livestock owners studied, were also reported. In the interest of a sound and firm Panchayati Raj system, which is the hope of many poor people, especially the livestock owners, the situation must improve for the better.