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

social capital in the nexus of technology exchange/interventions presents both substantial challenges and
opportunities to understand the complex gender relationships.
Social networks – sociological and theoretical perspectives
The needs of different populations (whether defined by gender, age, ethnicity, or some other criterion) in areas
such as agriculture, health, employment, and education are not exactly the same, and policy interventions
developed to meet these needs are the most effective when they are sensitive to, and incorporate, the values and
aspirations of a target population. This requires that policy be based on an accurate understanding of the ways in
which the cultural (in the broadest sense) characteristics of a particular population influence the relationships
that its members have with other fields or domains within the wider society. The study of social networks is
important since it helps us to better understand how and why we interact with each other, as well as how
technology can alter this interaction.
From the review of literature it can be summarized that while some theorists looked at social networks as an
explanation of how norm consensus and norm directed behavior was achieved, the others saw profitmaximization
as the goal of individual actors while interacting with others.
Essentially, network analysis focuses on patterns of relations between actors. Both relations and actors can be
defined in many ways, depending on the substantive area of inquiry. For example, network analysis has been
used to study the structure of affective links between persons, flows of commodities between organizations,
shared members between social movement organizations, and shared needles between drug users. What is
central is an emphasis on the structure of relationships, which serves to link micro- and macro-level processes.
Social network analysis has emerged as a key technique in modern sociology, anthropology, social psychology
and organizational studies, as well as a popular topic of speculation and study. Though network analysis is an
interdisciplinary endeavor, its roots can be found in classical anthropology and sociology. Research in a number
of academic fields have demonstrated that social networks operate on many levels, from families up to the level
of nations, and play a critical role in determining the way problems are solved, organizations are run, and the
degree to which individuals succeed in achieving their goals.
Collaborating Institutions and Scientists:
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay
ICRISAT
: D Parthasarathy, Sudha Vasan, R Robinson
: R Padmaja, MCS Bantilan
Social networks and safety nets: village-level perspectives (Asia)
The study on social networks using the VLS commenced in 2005. Village level pilot surveys were conducted in
four villages of Aurepalle, Dokur, Shirapur and Kanzara villages to elicit information on the social groups and
networks existing in the village. The questionnaires implemented were on social networks with emphasis on
existing village organizations and development activities in the village including the beneficiaries of these
activities. Complementary informal discussions and focus group meetings revealed that if social networks are to
be successfully harnessed to implement policy or alter existing behaviour of members within the network, then
it is important to understand the dynamics of the uptake of the new products and activities. Household level or
individual level questionnaires were also piloted for a more in-depth inquiry on membership in organizations,
credit, support and share cropping networks, information networks, income transfers and collective action and
exclusion. It was noted that analysis of the network architecture and linkages among public programmes and
informal networks need further inquiry to gain more complete understanding of how social networks may help
or hinder policy interventions and change.
Collaborating Institutions and Scientists:
Cambridge University : Pramila Krishnan, Emmanuella
ICRISAT
: KPC Rao, MCS Bantilan, R Padmaja
1E.3. Multi-sectoral approach to address HIV and AIDS implemented
Multi-sectoral approach to address HIV and AIDS
In the context of the HIV epidemic increasing in the semi arid tropics (SAT) and causing the rural SAT to be
further marginalized, ICRISAT is initiating a multi-sectoral and partnership based initiative to mainstream
HIV/AIDS in its research agenda.
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