Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia

The design and diffusion of context-specific technologies is centrally important in the multi-dimensional, complex farming systems in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper uses a mixed-method framework to characterize the complexity and heterogeneity of smallholder farming systems and identifies co...

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Autores principales: Kumar, S., Craufurd, Peter Q., Haileslassie, Amare, Ramilan, T., Rathore, A., Whitbread, Anthony M.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: Elsevier 2019
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/105731
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author Kumar, S.
Craufurd, Peter Q.
Haileslassie, Amare
Ramilan, T.
Rathore, A.
Whitbread, Anthony M.
author_browse Craufurd, Peter Q.
Haileslassie, Amare
Kumar, S.
Ramilan, T.
Rathore, A.
Whitbread, Anthony M.
author_facet Kumar, S.
Craufurd, Peter Q.
Haileslassie, Amare
Ramilan, T.
Rathore, A.
Whitbread, Anthony M.
author_sort Kumar, S.
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description The design and diffusion of context-specific technologies is centrally important in the multi-dimensional, complex farming systems in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper uses a mixed-method framework to characterize the complexity and heterogeneity of smallholder farming systems and identifies constraints to and opportunities for sustainable intensification. Specifically, the study: (i) characterized farm household typologies based on the diversity of livelihood assets; (ii) co-designed context- specific interventions through an iterative participatory process; and (iii) ex-ante evaluated such interventions to inform multiple stakeholders. We explored farming system diversity using data from 224 farm households in western Rajasthan, India. Employing multivariate statistical techniques and participatory validation, we identified 7 distinct farm household types. Participatory appraisal with multiple stakeholders revealed heterogeneity across farm household types. For instance, the interest of farmers in integrating perennial fruit trees even among the rainfed farm household types markedly varied: household type 1 preferred the multipurpose forestry tree, khejri which requires low labor inputs; household type 2 preferred market-oriented horticulture production; household type 3 did not opt for perennials but for small ruminants; and household type 4 (dominated by women) opted for small horticulture kitchen gardens. The study demonstrated the utility of a mixed-methods approach that addresses multi-dimensional heterogeneity to generate insights and assist in co-designing locally appropriate technologies across different farm types and agro-ecological regions to achieve sustainable intensification.
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spelling CGSpace1057312024-05-01T08:17:01Z Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia Kumar, S. Craufurd, Peter Q. Haileslassie, Amare Ramilan, T. Rathore, A. Whitbread, Anthony M. farming systems technology assessment intensification crop yield arid zones semiarid zones resilience living standards households socioeconomic environment The design and diffusion of context-specific technologies is centrally important in the multi-dimensional, complex farming systems in arid and semi-arid regions. This paper uses a mixed-method framework to characterize the complexity and heterogeneity of smallholder farming systems and identifies constraints to and opportunities for sustainable intensification. Specifically, the study: (i) characterized farm household typologies based on the diversity of livelihood assets; (ii) co-designed context- specific interventions through an iterative participatory process; and (iii) ex-ante evaluated such interventions to inform multiple stakeholders. We explored farming system diversity using data from 224 farm households in western Rajasthan, India. Employing multivariate statistical techniques and participatory validation, we identified 7 distinct farm household types. Participatory appraisal with multiple stakeholders revealed heterogeneity across farm household types. For instance, the interest of farmers in integrating perennial fruit trees even among the rainfed farm household types markedly varied: household type 1 preferred the multipurpose forestry tree, khejri which requires low labor inputs; household type 2 preferred market-oriented horticulture production; household type 3 did not opt for perennials but for small ruminants; and household type 4 (dominated by women) opted for small horticulture kitchen gardens. The study demonstrated the utility of a mixed-methods approach that addresses multi-dimensional heterogeneity to generate insights and assist in co-designing locally appropriate technologies across different farm types and agro-ecological regions to achieve sustainable intensification. 2019-11 2019-11-14T03:47:27Z 2019-11-14T03:47:27Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/105731 en Limited Access Elsevier Kumar, S.; Craufurd, P.; Haileslassie, Amare; Ramilan, T.; Rathore, A.; Whitbread, A. 2019. Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia. Land Use Policy, 88:104149. doi: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104149
spellingShingle farming systems
technology assessment
intensification
crop yield
arid zones
semiarid zones
resilience
living standards
households
socioeconomic environment
Kumar, S.
Craufurd, Peter Q.
Haileslassie, Amare
Ramilan, T.
Rathore, A.
Whitbread, Anthony M.
Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title_full Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title_fullStr Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title_full_unstemmed Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title_short Farm typology analysis and technology assessment: an application in an arid region of South Asia
title_sort farm typology analysis and technology assessment an application in an arid region of south asia
topic farming systems
technology assessment
intensification
crop yield
arid zones
semiarid zones
resilience
living standards
households
socioeconomic environment
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/105731
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