VILLAGE STUDY METHODOLOGY AND RESOURCE ENDOWMENTS OF THE SELECTED VILLAGES IN ICRISAT"S VILLAGE LEVEL STUDIES

Three districts were selected representing major agro-climatic zones within the semi-arid tropical areas of India. Factors considered for selection of districts were soil types, pattern of rainfall, and relative importance of crops like sorghum, pearl millet, pulses and groundnuts. The availability of a nearby Agricultural University/Research Station from where planning and logistical assistance could be obtained was also important. The three districts selected were Mahbubnager, Sholapur, and Akola. The report includes a discussion of the districts and villages selected, resource endowments, and tables showing the characteristics of the districts. It is hoped that the study of these traditional systems may reveal some elements which could be refined and incorporated into the prospective technology packages and highlight physical, biological, economic, and institutional constraints which condition the traditional system of farming and may prove detrimental to the spread of prospective technology.