Strengthening research-extension linkages to benefit smallholder farmers in the Central Himalayas

In her presentation, Ms. Sonali Bisht, Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research & Education (INHERE), Almora, Uttarakhand, India, noted that geography and a difficult environment limit the agricultural livelihood choices available in the Himalayan region with mostly rain-fed cropping possible on terrace farms. Natural disasters, especially flash floods from cloud-bursts as well as droughts are also major challenges. 

INHERE works with research institutions on validation and extension of successful practices using farmer mobilization and motivation. Farmers are encouraged to take part in comparative experiments and to adopt and adapt suitable technologies. INHERE is linking farmers with multi-stakeholder global networks such as Prolinnova to promote innovation and adaptation and to share experiences.

The INHERE Action Research Initiative-I provided financial support to farmers to adopt innovative sustainable agriculture practices and initiated technical linkages to validate and support comparative research on crop productivity and new technologies. The Action Research Initiative -II promoted partnerships with research institutes, community mobilization and identification of community stakeholders, development of socioeconomic statistics and feedback to research institutions. Action Research Initiative-III is promoting own farm extension through community training in the classroom and on the field. 

NGOs can play a vital role in strengthening agricultural research-extension linkages due to their proximity to and support among the farmer community, better knowledge of farmers’ needs and their committed staff. Slow bureaucratic procedures and difficulty in mobilizing financial resources are major constraints to NGOs’ role in strengthening research-extension links at the community level.