Improvement in Knowledge and Skill of Rural Farming Communities in Dryland Areas

Abstract

Farming communities in dryland areas are amongst the poorest segments of the country with limited livelihoods outside agriculture. Poverty limits their access to improved knowledge of agricultural innovations. The agricultural institutions too face financial constraints & therefore often have no or limited outreach programs. The areas are prone to land degradation resulting in low productivity and profitability of the poor farmers. CRP Dryland Systems realizing this issue especially focused on improvement of knowledge and skills of the participatory farmers and rural agricultural communities with a view to develop their capacity so that they are able to benefit from the latest agricultural innovations. The program targeted technology demonstrations, involvement of rural women and their trainings.