Enhancement of Land and Water Productivity through Participatory Rural Appraisal

Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) is a technique which gives more emphasis on indigenous knowledge enable locals to do their own appraisal, analysis and planning in the participatory mode. In this study, for the problem identification, problem-solution and preparation of village development plan SWOT analysis and PRA tools was used at Bhargawan village of Satna district, India. The rank-based quotient (RBQ) was calculated in order to prioritize the identified problems and their solution was given using problem-solution tree technique. Findings indicated low land and water productivity, unavailability of irrigation water, aira partha, Soil sickness with Fusarium, mismanagement of animal waste and crop residue as constraints faced by the farmers of village. Constraints identified were categorized as problems arising out of gaps in research/extension activities in various agriculture and allied sectors. Based on the results and necessity of the villagers, scope for research/extension and village agriculture development programme/policy implications was made. Village agriculture development plan (VADP) of Bhargawan village will help the policymaker/NGOs/State govt. in the planning and management of soil, water and agriculture resources.