Women and Scientific Livestock Management: Improving Capabilities through Participatory Action Research in Semi Arid Areas of South India

Abstract

In semi- arid areas livestock component provides various benefits such as household income, stability and increased productivity from integrated farming and women's’ role in livestock development is widely recognised. Small farms, characteristic of semi arid areas, hold much promise for inclusion of livestock component for reduced economic risks. Women as livestock keepers ‘possess capabilities that are mostly skills in traditional practices but have high motivation and aspirations for improvement. The paper aimed at integration of scientific livestock management skills through participatory action research for enhancement of capabilities and increased productivity from small farms in Andhra Pradesh state in South India. Women groups’ active district was selected for project implementation in a participatory mode. Technologies demonstrated include disease management, prevention of calf mortality and curing reproductive problems. In addition to improved backyard poultry also found highly acceptable with women for income and nutritional security. Women participation, awareness with productive resources and income improved with participatory action research project.