Capacity Building of Women Self-Help Groups in Dairying - An Analysis

Women are primarily responsible for dairy development in India. The knowledge and adoption of scientific management practices lead to improved production from the animals. The present study conducted in Mahaboobnagar district, focused on the knowledge level and training needs of women SHG members in the areas of breeding, feeding, management and health care and marketing of dairy products. The priority areas for training in dairying as perceived by women trainers of better-off and poor groups were identified to plan the capacity building programme. Most of the women of both better-off and poor group had low level of knowledge on dairying; the precursor of training needs.Further, majority of the respondents preferred short duration training (2-3 days) programme at their village/ mandal level particularly in the months of May and June. Group discussion, lecture, television followed by exposure visits were the most preferred training methods. Combination of different teaching methods (TV + Flip Book + Lecture method + Exposure visit) was effective in imparting the knowledge to the women. Overall effectiveness of the training programme was very good, especially on the second day because of exposure visit. Meticulous planning, consideration of knowledge level and training needs and proper combination of teaching methods lead to more effective capacity building programme, which ultimately lead to improved adoption of practices.