Projects Consultancy for Livelihood Development in Rural Ernakulam
Nayaneethi Policy Collective (NPoC), in partnership with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), undertook a field-based research initiative to chart innovation-driven pathways for agricultural development across selected villages in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The objective was clear: to design grounded, context-sensitive interventions that reflect the lived realities of farming communities, especially those facing the compounding pressures of climate change, wildlife conflict, and resource scarcity.
Our team conducted a four-day field study in close coordination with MSSRF officers, engaging directly with farmers, local leaders, and institutional stakeholders. Using semi-structured interviews and a pre-validated questionnaire, we gathered primary data that reflected not only the challenges on the ground but also the community’s own ideas for change. This process was strengthened by a review of secondary data and facilitated discussions with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Through this blend of listening and analysis, a set of critical themes emerged, ranging from climate-resilient farming and water management to wildlife mitigation and livelihood diversification. Villages were prioritised based on their vulnerability to erratic weather, shrinking water tables, and frequent wildlife incursions, which continue to threaten both crops and infrastructure.
The final output was a comprehensive report that presented actionable project ideas rooted in each village's specific context. Drawing from traditional agricultural knowledge, modern practices, and community aspirations, these recommendations offer a roadmap for sustainable transformation in rural Ernakulam.
For NPoC, this collaboration demonstrates our capacity to bridge research and implementation. From stakeholder-led diagnostics to thematic prioritisation and program design, we bring a structured yet empathetic approach to designing projects that are practical, participatory, and future-ready.