DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF FLOODS IN KURNOOL DISTRICT OF ANDRA PRADESH
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Date
2011
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IARI, DIVISION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
Abstract
India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to a large number of natural as well as man-made disasters on account of its unique geo-climatic conditions. Due to increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, there has been a paradigm shift from the relief-centric response to a proactive prevention, mitigation and preparedness-driven approach for conserving developmental gains and to minimise loss of life, livelihood and property. India is the most flood affected nation in the world after Bangladesh and floods are the most frequent and serious of all natural hazards. Agriculture is one of the sectors that turns out to be the most affected by floods. The socio-economic concerns are disquieting particularly for the developing countries as it is reported that population in these areas would be more vulnerable. Hence it is important to conduct socio-economic studies related to disaster management in order to devise appropriate strategy for preparedness and mitigation. The present study was conducted with specific objectives of assessing the awareness of farmers about disaster management, assessing the extent of damage to socio-economic and natural resources due to floods, examining farmers'vulnerability to floods and mitigation strategy adapted by them, and documenting the measures taken by Government and Non-Government Organizations for disaster management. The study was conducted in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The district was selected purposively, while the four mandals and two villages and a total of 80 farmers were selected randomly. Another sample of 10 Government officials of various departments and hierarchical levels and 10 officials of NGOs were selected. It was observed that, in the broad framework of disaster management, majority of the farmers were aware of during (59.82%) and post disaster (59.46%) measures but were less aware of pre-disaster (25.83%) measures. Floods severely damaged crops, soil, property, health, infrastructure, and livelihoods of farmers, affecting theychological aspects of life. Majority of the respondents showed the attitude of dependency on external source for management of problem. Affirmation with most of the statements of fatalism (MS :> 3) and egalitarianism (MS :> 3) by a majority reveals prevalence of these values among people. Most of the farmers being original inhabitants (58.75%) having mostly local kinship ties (82.5%) showed existence of
cohesiveness in the area. About 40% of respondents were possessing knowledge regarding mitigation measures. Farmers had high level of training need in the areas like soil reclamation measures, (MS: 2.64), organic farming (MS: 2.62), INM (MS: 2.57), etc. The calculated vulnerability index showed that a majority of the respondents (50 per cent) belonged to moderate vulnerable category. No specific pre-disaster measures were taken by either Government or Non- Government organizations. NGOs were active in relief measures and government organizations emphasized on rehabilitation measures. The study underlines the importance of capacity building of farmers as well as the officials with awareness campaigns and trainings for better mitigation and holistic management of floods.
Description
T-8513