International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Sukanta Biswas, A Goswami, NK Tudu, K Murmu, BCKVI Kar, A Mukherjee, A Debnath, S Das ADR, SK Sau and Biswajit Pal WBSU

abstract
The present study entitled “Perceived Constraints and its association with Livelihood Empowerment of Rural Stakeholders in Nadia District of West Bengal” was conducted under the Farmer FIRST Project of ICAR, Ministry of Agril. & FW, Govt. of India, by the Dept. of Veterinary and A.H. Extension Education, WBUAFS, Kolkata. The investigation aimed to assess the livelihood empowerment status and identify the perceived constraints affecting farming communities in three adopted villages i.e. Ayeshpur, Baksha, and Dakshin Duttaparaunder Haringhata Block of Nadia District, West Bengal. A comprehensive baseline field survey was carried out during March 2025, covering 1001 respondents engaged in livestock-poultry, horticulture and fishery-based livelihood enterprises in the functional area. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule, encompassing socio-economic attributes, livelihood capitals, empowerment indicators and perceived constraints across production, resource, market, institutional and infrastructural dimensions. Analytical tools such as-descriptive statistics and chi-square test were employed to examine the interrelationship between perceived constraints and livelihood empowerment indices. The findings revealed that economic and infrastructural barriers, limited institutional support and market access constraints significantly influenced the degree of livelihood empowerment among rural stakeholders. The study emphasizes the need for capacity-building interventions, technological backstopping and inclusive policy measures to strengthen the livelihood capital base and ensure sustainable empowerment of farming communities in the region.