An analysis of suggestions of extension strategies for diffusing contemporary water management innovations (CWMI) in similar Agro-ecological conditions

Abstract

Ananthapur District is one of the most backward districts in India due to agro-ecological crisis more particularly ground water crisis. It is essentially an arid, drought-prone and entirely agrarian economy. In response to these crises farmer respondents have ardently adopted all the innovations related to water management in drylands, i.e., water harvesting, water budgeting, water sharing and water saving through using micro-irrigation systems, and adopting soil moisture conservation agronomic practices. Case study has also provided evidence that farmers get ample benefits in forming water sharing groups for assured crop yields. In such dryland regions, in order to diffuse these water management innovations among farmers in similar dryland agro-ecosystems, the questions that may arise include: ‘What suggestions may have emerged as extension strategies for diffusing these water management innovations among dryland farmers in other similar areas?’ To answer this question, opinions were sought from experts and their consensus was achieved through Delphi technique. The major finding were: Suggestions given for diffusing CWMI in similar agro-ecological conditions included convergence of actions from all stakeholders, government and non-government agencies and policy advocacy strategies for promoting water harvesting and sharing among dryland farmers.