Impact of the Interventions in Coconut Based Homesteads as Perceived by Small Farm Families of Central Kerala

Abstract

An ICAR adhoc scheme on 'Possible Diversifications and Restructuring of Coconut based Homesteads' was implemented  in the six agro-ecosystems of Central zone of Kerala covering three districts namely Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam  with the holistic approach in coconut based homesteads with the participation of all the stakeholders. The impact of the  interventions as perceived by the participating farmers were assessed after three years of creating the preferred  enterprises. When overall mean of positive effects in all the six agro-eco situations were assessed, it was found that the  'Increased income' was realised as the highest positive effect with 4.97 mean score in the High Elevation Medium Rainfall  situation (HEMR-Kizhakkenchery). 'Discouraged because of slow growth of animals' was reported as the highest  negative impact with the mean score of 2.40 by the farmers of High Elevation-High Rainfall (HEHR) situation  (Pananchery), that too showed 'lower' magnitude of negative effect. The interventions made under participatory mode  created 'higher' positive effects and 'lowest' negative effects in the small holdings of coconut based homesteads.