Participation of Livestock Farmers in Democratic Decentralization : An Experience from Kerala

Participation of livestock farmers in Panchayati Raj system was studied. The background characteristics such as socio-economic and socio-psychological factors were almost uniform, and reflected the general picture of livestock farmers of the state. Generally, the level of participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions was less than satisfactory. Even so, Self Help Group(SHG) members and non-members differed significantly on all account. For instance, SHG-members had significantly better levels of participation than non members. As in any system, certain crucial constraints to participation upon which there was consensus among the livestock owners studied, are also reported. In the interest of a sound and firm Panchayati Raj system, which is the hope of many poor people, especially the livestock owners, the situation must improve for the better.