ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

MTP Output Target 2006: Alternative institutional topologies for adoption of technological and market
innovations reported
1E.1. Social exclusion and gender surveys executed and reported
Social exclusion and gender surveys executed and reported
Social exclusion and gender surveys were completed as part of the study on “gender and social capital mediated
technology uptake” and published as Impact Series 12. This study explores gender-differentiated benefits from
the social capital buildup in technology uptake, and the decision-making patterns of men and women with
respect to production, consumption and household tasks; and allocation of resources. The background research
examined women’s role in developing social capital, and research developed a case study of the groundnut
producing areas of Maharashtra in western India, and compared ‘with’ and ‘without’ technology situations, and
‘before’ and ‘after’ situations in relation to the package of groundnut production technology introduced in the
region in 1987. The paper addresses three aspects: (1) social networks in technology adoption, (2) the genderbased
activity pattern, and (3) build-up of social capital leading to improvements in the welfare of farmers and
the farming community with a gender perspective. Available evidence suggests substantial differences in
networks of men and women, particularly in composition. The evidence suggests that men belong to more
formal networks reflecting their employment or occupation status, while women have more informal networks
that are centered on family and kin. Findings show that women who are engaged in agriculture and allied
activities develop bonding social capital characterized by strong bonds such as that found among family
members or among members of an ethnic group. Men who are engaged in agriculture, on the other hand,
develop bridging social capital characterized by weaker, less dense but more crosscutting ties such as with
farmers, acquaintances, friends from different ethnic groups and friends of friends. Women’s employment
opportunities significantly improved with the introduction of technology. Finally, the study concludes that while
technology development and exchange can build upon social capital as a means of empowering women, much
more needs to be learned about the approaches that foster build-up of social capital.
1E.2. Architecture of social networks in SAT villages documented
Evolution and returns to social networks (Asia)
Earlier case studies at ICRISAT on Groundnut Production Technology (GPT) uptake systematically
documented the process by which farmers – both men and women - as well as the whole community became
empowered through the build-up of social capital which facilitated access to resources, information and
technology. The build-up of social capital played an important role in influencing impacts from the technology
because of the ways in which social networks and social relationships facilitated technology dissemination.
Gender-based social analysis revealed the dynamic interplay between individuals within households and
institutions, the evolving relationships and access, allocation and control of resources.
The differing social networks and correspondingly different levels of access to information, led to men and
women experiencing different consequences. Networks facilitated communication, coordination, and the
provision of information/knowledge regarding agricultural production, income generation, skill enhancement
and food security of the family. The study highlighted that social networks played a crucial mediating role in the
process of technology uptake.
Appealing to the concept of social capital as networks and relationships, new research is proposed that will
examine the types of social networks that marginalized groups associate with, the networks that the powerful
groups have access to, and the relationship between the two groups. Establishing the network architecture
(including networks developed either through formal organizations, kinship groups, neighborhoods networks,
work groups, self-help groups, or informal interactions), it is proposed to look into the role of social networks
and power relations in the village in ensuring any risk and poverty reducing impacts of particular programs /
interventions apart from the role of mutual support networks in risk management by poor rural households,
including via migration or other strategies. Using an HIV/AIDS lens in research on the dynamics of shocks
(HIV/AIDS), the research will also look into which communities, families and individuals are best able to
minimize the damage due to HIV/AIDS and why? How can social networks help in coping with this shock?
By creating social networks within the community among the landless, the vulnerable, and tribals both men and
women and linkage with the external agencies especially the market, it is envisioned to create more
opportunities for the vulnerable community and empower them. As the networks are developed there are more
resources available to the communities, which will lead to an improvement in the well being of rural
marginalized communities and thus bring them into the mainstream of development. Acknowledging the role of
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