A Study of Stakeholders and Their Linkage in Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming Project

Abstract

The Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming programme represents a paradigm shift in agricultural extension by emphasizing decentralized governance, community participation, and agroecological transformation. This study was undertaken to analyze the roles, actions, types, and nature of linkages among key stakeholders in the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming innovation system, with a focus on understanding how learning processes are shaped within this decentralized extension framework. The research was conducted in Anantapur district, a drought-prone region with high adoption of natural farming, during the period 2023–2024. An exploratory research design was employed to investigate the stakeholder dynamics within the agricultural innovation system. Three mandals: Kalyandurg, Rapthadu, and Gooty were purposively selected for their sustained involvement in natural farming and to capture agro-ecological and geographic diversity, and data were collected from 80 respondents representing seven key stakeholder categories including Department of Agriculture, Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Self-Help Groups, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Farmer Producer Organizations, Community Resource Persons and natural farming farmers. Data collection involved structured interviews, focus group discussions, and use of an actor linkage matrix to map relationships and associated learning types. The findings reveal that Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming project demonstrates a decentralized, multi-actor innovation system anchored by the Department of Agriculture and Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, with strong community engagement through Community Resource Persons, Self Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, and Panchayat Raj Institutes. Role-frequency and actor-linkage matrices reveal strong vertical and horizontal coordination, with Rythu Sadhikara Samstha and Community Resource Persons acting as central nodes. Community Resource Persons maintain dense field-level linkages, facilitating knowledge transfer and behavioural change. Farmers exhibit strong reciprocal ties with institutions and peers, driving informal scaling and peer learning. Social media enhances communication, feedback, and training. Learning across stakeholders is primarily interactive and experiential, supported by trust-based networks rather than formal contracts. The model’s participatory design and convergence-based implementation enable inclusive, scalable, and resilient agroecological transitions. In conclusion, APCNF illustrates a robust, participatory innovation system where learning is collaborative, experiential, and rooted in local contexts. Strengthening multi-stakeholder linkages, investing in grassroots capacity, and expanding digital engagement are essential for sustaining and scaling agroecological transitions.