Social Capital Formation through Farm Women Groups in Vegetable Production in Kollam District of Kerala

Abstract

Social capital refers to the trust, mutual understanding and shared values which facilitate the collective action and social co-ordination. It can create a service which can enhance the output obtainable from other inputs. Trust, co-operation, networks and norms are the important aspects of social capital. Farmer producer organization is the most appropriate institutional form around which to mobilize farmers and build their capacity to collectively leverage their production and marketing strength. Women groups have emerged as a major source of inspiration for women and collective action of women through their groups strengthened women in all spheres of life. This study was conducted among 120 women respondents in six selected panchayats of Kollam district in Kerala with the he main objective of assessing the social capital formation through farm women groups. Social Capital was measured using Social Capital Assessment Tool (SOCAT) developedby World Bank. The results showed that there 82% of the respondents had medium level of social capital formation and the continuous efforts of various governmental and non-governmental agencies had tremendously helped in shifting this neutral attitude ofpeople.