Need assessment for livelihood projects, rural Ernakulam

A field study that turned farmers' own ideas into 20 project proposals for climate-resilient farming and livelihoods.

The question

Farmers in parts of Ernakulam face climate change, wildlife conflict and shrinking water supplies all at once. With MSSRF, we set out to design projects for selected villages that reflect what farmers there actually face.

What we did

Our team spent four days in the field with MSSRF officers, speaking with farmers, local leaders, Farmer Producer Organisations and institutions. We used semi-structured interviews and a tested questionnaire, then added secondary data. We asked people not only about their problems, but also for their own ideas.

Villages were ranked by how exposed they are to erratic weather, falling water tables and wildlife incursions.

What came of it

A report with 20 project proposals, each grounded in a village’s needs. They cover climate-resilient farming, irrigation and water management, reducing human–wildlife conflict, sustainable tourism, value addition to raise farm incomes, and skills training in modern farming. The proposals draw on traditional knowledge as well as modern practice.