Rural Indian Community Research Articles

From Farm to Fortune: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Rural CSR Ventures

The concept of rural development is extensive and encompasses a significant portion of the population residing in rural areas. This paper examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the context of rural development, with a specific focus on the impact of CSR activities on the socioeconomic development of rural communities in India. This research employs a methodology that relies on secondary data. Six public and private companies have been studied to comprehend their operational framework in the context of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This research also aims to understand that Indian companies have recognized the significance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for business growth, regardless of the sector, size, and business objectives. The actions taken by these companies have demonstrated a positive impact on the development of the rural sector and their own business. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Rural CSR, Opportunities, Challenges, Sustainability.

Tele-Law: Bridging the Legal Access Gap for Marginalized Communities in Rural India Using ICT

The Tele-Law scheme in India leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to provide legal assistance to marginalized communities through Community Service Centers (CSCs). This paper evaluates the Tele-Law scheme's current implementation process and impact, focusing on how ICT has enhanced access to justice, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. We describe the implementation of the Tele-Law scheme in India, followed by an analysis of available data on the scheme focusing on metrics related to access to justice, types of cases filed by the vulnerable sections, and the resolution of these cases. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative data to assess the impact of ICT on the judicial system's effectiveness and the impact of CSCs. Our findings highlight significant improvements in legal access for rural populations. The study identified a few challenges in the Tele-Law implementation scheme, such as digital literacy, infrastructure gaps, and systemic barriers. We recommend reengineering the current implementation process and suggest strategies to improve the scheme's reach and efficiency by adding additional tools to integrate ICT into the Tele-Law program. This will enhance the reach of Tele-Law, improve service quality, and ensure a sustainable long-term impact on the legal empowerment of marginalized populations in India.

Heritage Education and Livelihood Satisfaction in Indian Rural Communities: Towards Sustainable Development

Indian rural tourism is expanding as visitors discover more about the rich heritage, customs and lifestyles of rural host communities. The study is performed on a randomly selected sample of 874 persons residing in rural parts of South India. To analyze the effects of the suggested model that aims to assess the livelihood satisfaction of rural people by examining the repercussions of heritage education on their quality of life, Structural equation modelling (SEM) is employed. The results of the SEM demonstrate that factors affecting quality of life are essential in promoting livelihood satisfaction among people living in rural areas. Additionally, it is discovered that heritage education is also found to moderate the association between quality-of-life aspects and livelihood satisfaction of rural host communities. The findings reveal that rural tourism planners must go beyond methods to accomplish tourism and community development by offering Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by improving the livelihood satisfaction of rural host communities through heritage education. Heritage education shows the customs and authenticity of rural host communities by improving the model. The study also sheds light on implications towards the well-being of rural people through heritage education.

Seen and not heard: how we used visual creative activities for public health knowledge exchange with communities in rural India.

Seen and not heard: how we used visual creative activities for public health knowledge exchange with communities in rural India.

There and back again: dynamics of temporary labor migration, insights from rural India.

Temporary labor migration is a household phenomenon among rural communities in India. This study seeks to understand the subjective experiences influencing the temporariness of labor migration among internal migrants in India by examining various factors such as migration conditions, motivation, migration arrangements, coping and adaptation strategies, and determinants of stay. To achieve this objective, the current qualitative study utilized 14 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions to investigate the temporary nature of labor migration among internal migrants in India. Our findings reveal that migration decisions are rational choices made collectively at the household level, considering socio-economic outcomes. We also find that social networks and contractors facilitate migration arrangements and job connections, and migrants employ various strategies to reduce costs and cope with expenses in urban areas. However, migration destinations often fail to meet migrants' expectations, exposing them to low-wage employment and precarious working and living conditions, which are detrimental to their health. Limited housing and sanitation facilities further contribute to the challenges faced by migrants. Work conditions, including poor wages and high job demands, also affect their well-being. These findings highlight the need for improved support systems that address accommodation challenges, work conditions, and the overall welfare of labor migrants.

Advances and Challenges in Intellectual Disability in Rural India: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Trends

Intellectual disability (ID) presents a significant public health challenge in rural India, characterized by disparities in access to healthcare, stigma, and socio-economic barriers. This comprehensive review examines recent advances and persistent challenges in understanding, diagnosing, and supporting individuals with ID in rural communities in India. Advancements in diagnosing and intervening in intellectual disability in rural India have been achieved through various approaches, including community-based screening programs, culturally tailored assessment tools, telemedicine, and mobile health solutions. These initiatives prioritize widening access to healthcare services and early intervention, with the overarching goal of enhancing outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, formidable challenges persist. Limited access to specialized services, pervasive stigma, socio-economic disparities, and inadequate awareness hinder progress in addressing the needs of individuals with ID in rural India. These challenges necessitate a multi-faceted approach involving policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders. Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing the needs of individuals with ID, promoting awareness and advocacy, investing in capacity building, and implementing policy reforms. Collaborative efforts are essential to overcome barriers and ensure that individuals with ID in rural India receive the support and opportunities they deserve. Moving forward, it's essential to prioritize on-going research, expand service provision, and nurture a culture of acceptance and inclusion. These endeavors are critical for shaping a future where individuals with intellectual disabilities in rural India can not only thrive but also actively contribute to their communities. While strides have been made, significant challenges persist in addressing intellectual disability in these areas. Acknowledging these hurdles and collectively working to overcome them is vital for building a more inclusive and equitable society that values the unique contributions of all individuals, regardless of their abilities. In conclusion, the author concluded that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain in addressing intellectual disability in rural India. By acknowledging these challenges and working together to overcome them, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

The Selection of Biogas Plants in the Indian Context Based on Performability—An Analytic Hierarchy Process and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment Approach

The purpose of this research paper is to present a framework for selecting a biogas plant for the Indian rural community, considering performability factors such as reliability, quality, maintainability, safety, and sustainability. This will ensure that the plant operates reliably, efficiently, and safely over its entire life cycle and can play a significant role as a decision-support tool for decision-makers (e.g., managers, engineers, stakeholders). The proposed framework integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) to optimally evaluate and prioritize the best alternative based on performability factors. The findings show that the suitable biogas plant in the context of the Indian rural population is a fixed-dome-type plant. The decision-making process in selecting the best biogas plant can be effectively aided by using this suggested tool. Currently, there are no proper tools or methods for selecting biogas plants for rural areas due to a lack of data or relevant literature on operational issues. The proposed method uses performability factors for the selection, which has not been researched so far. Moreover, the AHP–WASPAS approach offers a robust method for selecting biogas plants, ensuring efficient and sustainable energy production. The proposed method will help policymakers and stakeholders to choose the best biogas plant in the context of Indian rural application.

"Fact-checks are for the Top 0.1%": Examining Reach, Awareness, and Relevance of Fact-Checking in Rural India

Social media platforms have witnessed an unprecedented growth in users from rural communities in India. Many of these users are new to online information environments and are highly susceptible to misinformation. Fact-checking has the potential to reduce the proliferation and impact of misinformation; however, little is known about how fact-checking organizations in India serve rural users. To fill this gap, we conducted interviews with 12 prominent fact-checking organizations in India to understand their current practices and challenges in providing their services to rural users and the associated human and technological infrastructure they use. We discovered several measures that fact-checking organizations take to increase the reach, awareness, and relevance of fact-checked content for rural users, such as engaging with stringer networks and utilizing vernacular languages. However, fact-checking organizations also face severe challenges that limit both the scale of their work and engagement from rural users. Drawing on these findings, we provide design and policy recommendations to improve the reach, awareness, and relevance of fact-checked content for social media users in rural areas.

Population-based assessment of awareness of diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases in rural areas in Telangana, India – implications for eye health promotion

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Understanding the awareness level of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases will help in developing better eye health education programmes and improve health-seeking behaviour in the community. Background Diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases are increasing in numbers both in urban and rural areas in India. There are limited data on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye disease in rural communities of India. This study reports on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases in people aged ≥40 years from two rural districts of Telangana, India. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to determine the awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases among participants aged ≥40 years in the Khammam and Warangal districts of Telangana, India. Social investigators visited the participant’s households and conducted the interviews. A positive response to a question on having heard about diabetes was considered as ‘awareness’. For those aware, follow-up questions were asked about the effect of diabetes on vision, frequency of eye examination and source of information. A positive response on a question that diabetes could cause loss of vision was considered as awareness of diabetic eye disease. Results A total of 3273 participants were interviewed. Among them, 56.2% (n = 1840) were women, 60.6% (n = 1985) had no formal education, and 50.2% (n = 1645) were from the Khammam district. The mean age of the participants was 55.3 years (standard deviation: 11.7 years). Awareness of diabetes was 52.5% (n = 1719). Among them, 1056 participants (61.4%) were aware that diabetes could affect vision. Conclusion Only half of the participants were aware of diabetes and of this substantial proportion of individuals was unaware of potential vision loss due to diabetes. Improving awareness about diabetes and its impact on vision is recommended to prevent potential vision loss in this population.

Metamorphosing traditional pedagogy: examining the transcendent influence of Alexa in catalyzing educational paradigm shifts within rural Indian communities

PurposeAlexa’s integration in rural primary schools has improved the pedagogy and has created an engaging and objective learning environment. This study investigates the integration, with a specific focus on exploring its various aspects. The impact of Alexa’s on students' English vocabulary, comprehension and public speaking are examined. This study aims to provide insights the teachers and highlight the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in rural education.Design/methodology/approachThis content analysis study explores the use of Alexa in primary education in rural areas of India. The study focuses on the types of the questions asked by the students and examines the pedagogical implications of these interactions. By analyzing the use of Alexa in rural educational settings, this study aims to contribute to our understanding of how voice assistants are utilized as educational tools in underprivileged areas.FindingsAlexa significantly improved students' English vocabulary, comprehension and public speaking confidence. Alexa increased school enrollment and retention. Virtual voice assistants like Alexa may improve pedagogy and help India’s rural education. This study shows AI improves rural education.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only covers rural India. Self-reported data and observations may bias the study. The small sample size may underrepresent rural educational institutions in India.Originality/valueAlexa is used to study rural India’s primary education. Voice assistants in rural education are understudied. The study examines Alexa’s classroom use, student questions, and policy and teacher education implications. AI’s education transformation potential addresses UNESCO’s teacher shortage. This novel study examines how AI can improve rural education outcomes and access.

Assessing a Community-Based Maternal Self-Efficacy Intervention in Rural India using a Quasi-Experimental Design

More than 175 million people in India live below the poverty line and are concentrated in rural areas. Families in rural Indian communities may benefit from interventions that support long-term well-being. Maternal self-efficacy (MSE) may be an important target for interventions given prior associations with positive maternal and child outcomes. The present study examined MSE in a pilot community-based group intervention delivered in rural North India. Using convenience sampling recruitment and a quasi-experimental design, 97 mothers (79 self-identified as low-caste) with at least one child between 0–24 months who engaged in the intervention were compared with a matched control group ( n = 219; 114 low-caste). Findings suggest that participation in the intervention was associated with higher MSE (ß = .294, p = .020) and the positive association was stronger amongst mothers from low-caste groups who participated in the intervention (ß = .390, p = .008). MSE may be malleable with the right approach and could be an important target for public health interventions, particularly for low-caste groups in rural India.

Mobile dental clinic for oral health services to underserved rural Indian communities.

Mobile dental vehicle (MDVs) can be adopted to address the oral healthcare needs of different populations. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate mobile dental clinic program in providing oral health services to underserved rural communities. A 2 x 2.5 meter box trailer is used by the UN, and it can be carried by a vehicle with all-wheel drive for all types of weather. There was a small box trailer with its weather proof canvas cover extended, changing it into four dental operators and an integrated waiting and teaching space. Clinical examination, scaling, polishing, health education, individual and group teaching in dental hygiene, fluoride applications, fissure sealants, amalgam and composite restorations, extractions, and minor oral surgery were all supplied at no cost to the patients. In a longitudinal study of 3 years in underserved rural areas, a total of 6326 patients were provided different dental treatments. It was found that 93.3% patients did not undergo any dental treatment in the past.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNICATION IN DEVELOPING RURAL INDIA, A CRITICAL CASE STUDY ON “PROTOVILLAGE”, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

This research paper explores the role of communication within rural India, focusing on a rural economic zone called "Protovillage", in Andhra Pradesh, India. The paper investigates how Protovillage has achieved its resilient living and how it is looking to enhance its communication system with neighbouring communities by introducing a newsletter service. It highlights the importance of communication in rural areas and how it can be used as a tool for development and social change. The research presents the community stories of Protovillage and how they have built themselves a resilient way of life. It further explores the current communication strategies within rural India and how the potential benefits of the proposed newsletter service in Protovillage can be used to foster communication within the village, with nearby villages, and with the entire rural community in India.

We're all in this together: addressing post-pandemic challenges of Indian rural society

PurposeThis qualitative study explores how technologically challenged Indian rural communities adjusted to the tech-driven work system successfully in the post-pandemic era.Design/methodology/approachQualitative semi-structured interviews with multiple Indian rural households conducted in the years 2021 and 2022 were employed.FindingsThe findings highlight the critical role played by the social capital in addressing the issues that Indian rural communities were facing in their work setting as a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The embedded social network and social values in rural society came to the rescue when other tangible resources were not available for everyone.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to Bourdieu's theory of Social Capital by discovering that social capital can be utilized to gain existential advantages in extraordinary circumstances of (work) life.Practical implicationsPolicymakers should acknowledge the presence of social capital in societies, especially rural ones. Social capital plays a significant role in the execution of relevant society-level tasks and can further help in dealing with certain materialistic impediments.Social implicationsInvestments in community infrastructure, education and communication strategies can enhance social capital's role in crisis response.Originality/valueThis study is original as it is the first one that studies the significance of social capital in a post-pandemic environment, especially when the availability of required technological resources is rare.

Periodontal health status and its association with cardiovascular risk score among the rural community in India: A community-based study

Abstract Objectives: Our primary purpose was to examine the association between cardiovascular risk scores and the state of periodontal health within a rural community in India. Additionally, we aimed to explore the potential for incorporating assessments of periodontal health as an indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods: In total, 2100 study participants aged 30 and older were included in our research. We developed a semistructured questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic factors, and the Framingham risk score questionnaire was utilized to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Results: We discovered a significant Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.761 between the CAD risk score and the cardiac power index (CPI) among our study participants. Similarly, the Spearman correlation coefficient between CAD risk levels and CPI was 0.654, with both values demonstrating statistical significance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results strongly indicate that incorporating CPI as one of the risk assessment factors for CVD is highly recommended. Presently, community education on dental health is predominantly centered around school-based initiatives. However, we propose expanding this educational effort to encompass all community members. Educating individuals about the importance of periodontal health in CVD is vital since maintaining good periodontal health can prevent or alleviate morbidity associated with heart conditions.

The prevalence and cultural perceptions of hysteria among rural communities in India: An ethnobotanical study in Balangir and Bargarh Districts of Odisha, India

The prevalence and cultural perceptions of hysteria among rural communities in India: An ethnobotanical study in Balangir and Bargarh Districts of Odisha, India

Can community based solar energy initiatives deliver on women's empowerment in India? Evidence from rural Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh

The empowerment of women as an outcome of efforts towards realizing clean energy access is understudied and merits systematic investigation. To develop a local ecosystem for sales and services of energy technologies, a multi-state solar lamp initiative provided technical and entrepreneurial training to assemble, sell and repair solar lamps in rural communities of India. At the end of the project, women were encouraged to start their own energy enterprises. This study explores the impact of providing skills-based training through a solar lamp initiative on women's empowerment. Longitudinal data from 313 women associated with the solar initiative in the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, were collected. Linear regression models to predict three indicators of women's empowerment — assertiveness, decision-making, and satisfaction, were developed. This study observed the progress of women providers over one year and found that their perception of assertiveness, satisfaction, and decision-making ability significantly changed. Skills positively and significantly predicted women's ability to express their opinion in public. Decision-making on work, children, mobility, and control over money was significantly associated with the skills and occupations of women. Satisfaction was strongly associated with education, income, and occupation. The study demonstrated that as skill level increased, assertiveness and decision-making improved. Empowerment is a complex, multi-dimensional, and long-term process. However, results from this yearlong study indicate that the solar energy initiative in providing skills and training for women could be instrumental towards their empowerment. Results suggest the significant potential of energy programs in empowering women as energy providers in rural areas of India.

Evaluation of the Effect of Project Diabetes with Dignity Intervention on Metabolic Parameters among Adults with Diabetes in a Rural Indian Community

Introduction: Knowledge about diabetes and access to health care in rural Indian settings are inadequate. This study aims to compare the effects of community health worker–based intervention on the glycemic parameters of type 2 diabetes, in a rural population. Methods: Diabetes with dignity (DWD) was a community-based, quasi-experimental trial conducted with 416 adults (30–70 years) with diabetes. All villages under five sub-centers of two Primary Health Centers formed part of the study. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) conducted screening of high-risk adults in all villages and implemented a 6-month DWD intervention (counseling of people with diabetes/family; monthly house-to-house visits; community awareness-raising) in the intervention area. The changes in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), lipid profile, urine micro-albumin, blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference between participants from baseline to the end of follow-up were assessed through laboratory/clinical examination. Results: Out of the 416 participants, 216 (52%) belonged to the intervention group. There was a significant decline of 6.4% in mean HbA1C in the intervention group (from 8.79 at baseline to 8.23 at the end of follow-up) and a 10.4% increase in the control group (8.75%–9.66%) (P = 0.010). There was a significant decline in mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values from baseline to the end of follow-up in the intervention group versus an increase in the control group (−2.29% vs. 12.4%; P = 0.005). Conclusion: Engaging ASHAs through intervention was effective in strengthening the health system and resulted in improved glycemic control. Capacity-building of ASHAs for the prevention and management of diabetes in rural community settings is recommended.

Nirmasi (Delphinium) poisoning with salvoes of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in central Nepal: A case report

Nirmasi is a commonly used herb in Nepal especially in hilly and Himalayan regions. It is known as Delphinium species herb. Nirmasi has been used in Nepalese and Indian rural communities since ages for treatment of chronic illnesses like headache, epilepsy, mania, paralysis, rheumatism, toothache, and various types of pain. However, many species of Nirmasi (Delphinium) are poisonous and look quite similar in morphology to the beneficial ones. As a result, unintentional poisoning is common. Poisoning due to these plant products results in various symptoms attributed to gastric irritation, competitive neuromuscular blockade, and cardiotoxicity caused by various alkaloids present in them. We report here a case of poisoning due to Nirmasi herb ingestion presenting as epigastric pain, vomiting, profuse sweating, syncopal attack, hypotension and malignant ventricular arrhythmias managed successfully with antiarrhythmics and supportive treatment.

Speak-out movements from the margins: an intersectional and spatial analysis of sexual violence in India

ABSTRACT This article details the politics of scale manifest in Dignity March, a grassroots speak-out movement against sexual violence that occurred at the same time as the #MeToo movement in India but was not part of the mainstream discourse. The spatial concept of scales explains the production of different spaces and their mutually constitutive nature. Building on the concept, scales are used here as an analytical framework to explain the intersectional and spatial nature of sexual oppression and resistance. Based on ethnographic research and in-depth interviews of sexual violence survivors from mainly oppressed-caste communities in rural India, this article demonstrates how speak-out movements help build communities of resistance. These forged communities, imbued with an understanding of intersectional, lived experience from the margins, create spaces of radical openness across multiple scales, be it at the level of the body, community, or regional/national. This article explores the many abolitionist practices of transformative justice__ a mode of justice that addresses the systems that produce impunity and marginalisation__ that become possible in spaces of radical openness. It argues for reimagining transnational solidarities in the fight against sexual violence and rooting it in an understanding of resistance movements in the margins of the geo-political South.