International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Thoutam Akhila, PS Kapse, RP Kadam, SR Jakkawad and SS More

abstract
The Marathwada region of Maharashtra state is a semi-arid agroecosystem where farmers frequently face droughts and are predominantly dependent on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. Within Marathwada, the districts of Parbhani and Hingoli are among the most vulnerable to climate variability. The farmers from this region are heavily reliant on the monsoon and experience erratic rainfall and depleting groundwater. Agriculture here is dominated by small and marginal farmers cultivating crops like soybean, cotton, sorghum and pulses under rainfed conditions. Recognising the need to understand the socioeconomic and psychological profile of these farmers as a foundation for strengthening their climate resilience, the present study was undertaken in these two districts. A total of 120 respondents were selected through a multistage random sampling method. The data was collected using a structured and pretested interview schedule under ex post facto research design. Variables studied include age, education, size of landholding, farming experience, annual income, occupation, source of irrigation, social participation, extension contact, source of information, mass media exposure, economic motivation, innovativeness, risk orientation, and institutional support. Analysis revealed that most respondents belonged to the middle-aged group, had primary or middle school education, and depended primarily on agriculture for their livelihood. The majority were marginal landholders with medium levels of farming experience and annual income, and their cultivation was largely dependent on wells or rainfed sources. Social participation, contact with extension agencies, access to information, mass media exposure, and key psychological traits such as innovativeness and risk-taking ability were generally at medium levels. Institutional support was found to be moderate. These findings indicate that farmers in Parbhani and Hingoli face both resource and knowledge constraints but are moderately open to adopting technological and institutional interventions. The study concludes that improving information systems, institutions, and promoting capacity-building initiatives customized to local needs are critical to improving the resilience and productivity of farmers in drought-prone Marathwada.