Comparative study on adoption behaviour of improved livestock farming practices by Santal women in West Bengal, India
Author(s): Matangini Saren, Arunasis Goswami and Sukanta Biswas
Abstract: The Santal people, with a population exceeding ten million, are the largest tribe in South Asia. They primarily inhabit the Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Orissa, with significant communities also found in Assam, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Their language, Santali, belongs to the Austroasiatic family and has proud origins tracing back to the historic Champa Kingdom in northern Cambodia. The Santal have evolved from skilled hunters and gatherers to practitioners of slash-and-burn agriculture, demonstrating their adaptability and deep connection to the land. They cultivate wet rice and raise livestock, with Santal women playing a crucial role in daily livestock farming. This includes feeding, cleaning, and managing the health of the animals using traditional methods passed down orally. A study was conducted in four districts of West Bengal, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and West Midnapore chosen for their high concentration of the Santal tribe. From each district, one block was selected, and within that block, one village was chosen. In total, 200 Santal women involved in livestock farming were randomly selected from these villages, with data collected through structured interviews. The study highlighted the respondents' adoption behaviours concerning improved livestock farming practices in the selected areas. The findings aim to draw specific recommendations for sustainable improvements tailored to their needs.
