Exploring the Disparities in Agricultural Information Networks: Insights from Tribal and Coastal Farm Women of Odisha in India

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Shilpa Bahubalendra
Bishnupriya Mishra
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Abstract
This study seeks to examine and assess the differences between the social networks of respondents living in tribal areas and in coastal areas. 240 respondents from Ganjam and Rayagada, and Odisha were sampled using multiple steps. To map farmers' communication pattern, Social Network Analysis (SNA) was used. Respondents from both areas consider the most educated person in family and village and Self-Help Group (SHG) as their primary source of information, but respondents from coastal area were much smart in networking with other information sources as well, like using TV, training, demonstration, field days, other farmers, agriculture department, input dealers etc. Women farmers were less likely to receive information when betweenness centrality was used in targeting, suggesting there were important gender differences: In tribal area, men are likely to talk to the cosmopolite information sources and respondents are generally engaged in the farm activities more, whereas in coastal area, respondents are actively involved in both farm activities as well as gathering information from different sources.







Keywords

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume 28, Issue 1
January and February 2026
Pages 47-64