Profile Characteristics as Determinants of Natural Hazard Resilience: Evidence from Banana Growers in Kerala, India

Abstract

Aims: To profile banana farmers in Kerala across demographic, economic, social, technical, physical, and psychological domains and assess how these determinants shape natural hazard management. Study Design: Ex-post facto research design Place and Duration of Study: Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts of Kerala, India, from March 2024 to February 2025. Methodology: A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 300 banana farmers and 30 agricultural facilitators, totalling 330 respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Determinants were categorised into six dimensions: demographic, economic, social, technical, physical, and psychological. Primary data were supplemented with secondary sources including agricultural statistics and hazard records. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) in Stata. Results: Most banana farmers were aged (57%) and male, with long farming experience but limited youth involvement. Economic assessment revealed predominance of low annual incomes (68%), marginal landholdings, and high tenancy, with significant gaps in credit utilisation and insurance enrolment. Social factors showed weak extension contact,low training exposure, and poor institutional participation. Physical determinants highlighted reliance on single irrigation sources, poor digital access, and inadequate road connectivity in parts of Kerala. Technical determinants indicated high access to weather forecasts but limited electricity and mechanisation. Psychological analysis revealed medium levels of scientific temperament, risk orientation, and innovativeness, but medium prevalence of stress (75%) and depression (96%) across districts. Conclusion: The results revealed the systemic vulnerabilities in Kerala’s banana sector, shaped by socio-economic fragility and recurring natural hazards. Strengthening hazard management requires integrating economic support (credit, insurance, subsidies), technical services, infrastructure investment, social networks and support along with mental health interventions into farmer-oriented programmes and policy frameworks. Tailored natural hazard management frameworks focusing on proactive than reactive measures can build resilience among banana growers.