Abstract
Concerns about food security are growing around the world, precipitated by climate change, resource degradation, a growing population and increasing income disparity. In India, food insecurity is high in many rural farming communities, especially among isolated tribal populations. In this study we examine how knowledge about sustainable food production is acquired and mobilized among small-scale farmers belonging to the Malayalis Tribe, who reside in the Kolli Hills region of Tamil Nadu, India. We focus on nutrition gardening and fish farming, two production practices recently introduced to alleviate poverty and malnutrition in the region. Using qualitative participatory research methods, we explored ways in which farmers are accessing, using and sharing knowledge about these practices, and barriers to equitable access. We also asked farmers what information is still lacking about these practices and what mechanisms could be put in place to improve access. This research revealed that participants in both nutrition gardening and fish farming rely primarily on external experts (non-governmental agricultural research and extension) for formal training (e.g. workshops) and advice, despite a long history and traditional knowledge of gardening and river fishing. Agricultural knowledge is also mobilized within the region less formally between individuals and households through face-to-face contact or verbal communication via mobile phones. The use of additional communication technologies (e.g. computers) to enhance access and mobilization of knowledge was perceived to be most relevant and beneficial for young, educated people.
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Notes
Intended to enhance livelihood security of rural household by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed employment per year for every household (Sharma n.d.).
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the contributions of the team members at the M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Wyamba University in Sri Lanka and the University of Alberta. This research is supported by the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund, with funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) as well as the Social Sciences Humanities and Research Council (SSHRC). Their financial, material and intellectual support is appreciatively acknowledged.
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Hudson, S., Krogman, N. & Beckie, M. Social practices of knowledge mobilization for sustainable food production: nutrition gardening and fish farming in the kolli hills of India. Food Sec. 8, 523–533 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-016-0580-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-016-0580-z