Study of the traditional belief system in dairy husbandry among tribals of Attappady

Abstract

The imperative of traditional beliefs or indigenous knowledge and its documentation and validation has been a major theme for research quite recently. Tribal societies have nurtured, over centuries, many a beliefs in the field of dairy farming. A study was conducted among the tribal dairy fanners of Attappady block in Palakkad district with the objectives of inventorying the beliefs, determining the strength and rationality of beliefs, knowing the extent of adoption of beliefs etc. Rationality of beliefs was judged by experts identified for the 2ur2ose. A total of seventy three beliefs were studied after categorising them under fourteen domains. Most of the farmers studied were of middle age group, illi terates and by occupation agriculture and other labourers. Majority had a low profile of communication characteristics since mass media exposure, extension agency contact and personal lDcalite exposure were less. There were a little more of weak believers than strong believers of traditional beliefs among them. Further, majority of the respondents had only middle level awareness about trad.it.i.onal beliefs. Among"the highly aware group there were more of strong believers than weak believers.

Out of the socio-personal variables studied, age and experience in dairying were positively and significantly correlated with degree of belief and extent of adoption. Out of the psychological variables, man-nature orientation, innovativeness and scientific orientation were negatively and significantly correlated with degree of belief and extent of adoption. Among the communication variables mass media exposure was negatively and highly significantly correlated with degree of belief. All the beliefs studied were found to be strongly held beliefs and one-fourth of all beliefs were irrational. Extent of adoption of all beliefs were measured and it ranged from eighty eight adopters for a belief to twelve for another. The fact that almost one-fourth of all beliefs were irrational is a matter of concern. As practicing of these irrational beliefs could result in non-adoption of modern scientific practices, thereby blocking technology diffusion.