Livelihood security of scheduled caste farmers through integrated farming system in Chamarajanagara District

Abstract

The study was conducted in purposively selected Chamarajanagara district. A total sample of 300 respondents was selected for the study. Data was collected by using pretested structured interview schedule and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. It was observed that, the Livelihood Security of respondents in ‘less satisfied category’ decreased to 37.67% from 47.33% and in ‘highly satisfied category’ increased to 36.33% from 25.67% after implementation of the project. It was observed that maximum% increase in Livelihood Security was noticed in assets (50.54%) followed by coping strategies against stress (49.00%), living amenities (47.10%), employment security (44.57%), social equitability (39.39%),ecological security(37.40%), and economic efficiency (36.56%).Overall Livelihood Security was found to be 44.30% after implementation of project. Livestock component generated 230 mandays of employment per annum and Rs. 29830.00 net income to beneficiary farmers. The average gross income of Rs. 64,605.00 from both crop and livestock enterprises of IFS against Rs. 10,504.00 before implementation of the project. In total farmers could realize about Rs. 41,212.00 net profit by adopting IFS. As such, for every one rupee investment under IFS they are got Rs. 2.76 rupee income. The characteristics such as education, livestock possession, cosmopoliteness, social participation, management orientation, risk orientation, participation in development programmes, extension participation, training undergone and access to extension personnel exhibited positive and significant relationship with livelihood security of farmers. Hence, the concerned developmental departments should organize extension activities to educate the resource poor farmers about IFS. The positive and significantly related characteristics needs to be considered while selecting the farmers for the extension activities to enhance their Livelihood Security through IFS.