Identifying technology innovations for marginalized smallholders-A conceptual approach

Abstract

This paper adds a contribution in the existing literature in terms of theoretical and conceptual background for the identification of idle potentials of marginal rural areas and people by means of technological and institutional innovations. The approach follows ex-ante assessment for identifying suitable technology and institutional innovations for marginalized smallholders in marginal areas-divided into three main parts (mapping, surveying and evaluating) and several steps. Finally, it contributes to the inclusion of marginalized smallholders by an improved way of understanding the interactions between technology needs, farming systems, ecological resources and poverty characteristics in the different segments of the poor, and to link these insights with productivity enhancing technologies.

Evaluation of Seed or Grain Storage Technologies from Indian Farming Societies Using A Hybrid and Multi-Attribute Approach

“…Thus, for country like India, it is imperative to understand the usefulness, science, technicality and limitations imposed by the design of storage structures in light of above parameters. Further, we believe that supplying storage facilities to beneficiaries is not the only solution as has been stated (Nagpal and Kumar 2012), rather, we should also try to strengthen the storage facilities available with the farming communities (Malek et al 2017), as these structures have their own benefits. For instance, underground structures are found to be suitable for humidity control, protection from rodents and cost, thus provisions for better temperature control could enhance their efficiency.…”

“…favoured areas (herein after we will use the term "marginal") which has led to these situations (Malek et al 2017). Accordingly, the grain management policies adopted on the basis of subsidies have risked the financial health of these agencies, which is more noticeable in recent past due to fuel price hike and lack of funding from private partners (Malek et al 2017, Taylan et al 2015.…”

“…favoured areas (herein after we will use the term "marginal") which has led to these situations (Malek et al 2017). Accordingly, the grain management policies adopted on the basis of subsidies have risked the financial health of these agencies, which is more noticeable in recent past due to fuel price hike and lack of funding from private partners (Malek et al 2017, Taylan et al 2015. In addition, forced selling of the surplus produce during harvest and reluctance among marginal farmers to increase and improve their own storage capacities have overburdened the national agencies, which are mandated to work even beyond their capacities (Singh 2010, Ganesh Kumar 1992.…”

“…In India, in the context of technology, following traditional 'pipeline approach' (Malek et al 2017, during last few decades several organizations and institutions including-governmental; national/international; private sector; non-governmental organizations (NGOs) etc. have undertaken a lot of work and studies related to development of new technology for farmers, for references see (Kumar and Kalita 2017, Gao and Hailu 2013, Parfitt et al 2010.…”

“…Some of these solutions were designed to cover specific commodities (Naveenaa et al 2017), whereas others were found either impractical to or unadopted by the small farmers (Gao and Hailu 2013). In response to these insights, several experts and international organizations have favoured the development and adoption of demand-driven 'holistic' approach instead of traditional 'pipeline approach' (Malek et al 2017, Singh 2010. Though details for pursuing and implementation of any of these "holistic" approaches vary with experts, but all have stressed the active participation of farmers and have advocated the capacity building for marginal farmers in their particular ecological and institutional environments (Malek et al 2017, Rajalahti 2012.…”