Consequences 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 consequences 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.