Considering the
potential function of training in agricultural development, this issue of the Digest
focuses on the manner in which the training infrastructure must meet emerging challenges,
the need for management training to help the human capital cope more effectively with
change, importance of participatory training in building development workers committed to
empowerment of the poor, importance of training farmers and highlights the emerging
technologies in training.
Abstract
Apart from the pressure of the
growing population on natural resources,breakdown of traditional research management
systems,reluctance to include farmers’ knowledge in research, and over exploitation
of natural resources are also exerting pressure leading to natural resource degradation.
Environmental and ecological
rehabilitation is possible only when the concerned people see a reason for it and are
fully involved in all aspects of resource management and
conservation.Farmers’ participation is crucial to success or failure of conservation
projects.Hence soil and water conservation must give importance to local knowledge and
skills and reinforce local organizations through participatory processes.
This issue of the Extension
Digest focuses on the importance of participation in watershed management,and documents
case studies where participation has led to success in watershed development projects.
There is increasing acceptance
that farmers should be involved in technology development and transfer resulting in new
approaches where farmer participation in research and extension is receiving increasing
attention.Participatory approaches aim at integrating farmers’ ideas and opinions in
technology generation and transfer.These approaches range from support for farmers
experimentation to participation of farmers in research and development programmes.
The current "Digest" focuses on the importance of
farmer participation in research and extension ,impact of farmers organizations,and
documents framer participatory projects in India and other countries.
Abstract
Participation aims at bringing about
an increasingly critical attitude on the part of the involved people towards their
environment and the intention to change it.In recent years there have been a number of
developments in participatory approaches not only in the innovations of new and refinement
of existing methods but also in the understanding of principles to be adhered to if they
are to be successful.
This issue of the
Digest sketches some of the Participatory Approaches used,documents innovations in these
approaches along with case studies and gives information on PRA networks around the world.
There has been a perceptible
increase in participation of women in agriculture due to rise in seasonal demand for
labour for operations traditionally performed by women,and due to increase in employment
of men in non-agricultural activities.
Women play a key role in crop
husbandry,sericulture,fisheries.forestry and post harvest technology and have diverse
responsibilities as head of farm household,farm manager,member of family work force and
income generator.However research , extension and training agencies have often neglected
women’s productive role.Women’s participation needs to be acknowledged and
incorporated in planning agricultural development.
This issue of the Extension
Digest gives an overview of literature highlighting the role of women in agriculture,need
to ensure their participation and their research ,extension and training needs.case
studies are documented on collective action by women and efforts by voluntary and other
agencies to involve women in development activities to help them become self reliant.
