Citation

Meek D, Khadse A. J. Peasant Stud. 2022; 49(2): 381-401.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03066150.2020.1760248

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rates of farmer suicides are skyrocketing among agrarian societies. We analyze the role of Zero-Budget Natural Farming as a form of grassroots intervention in this crisis. Leaders of an Indian agrarian social movement known as the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha argue that educating farmers about Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has the potential to improve financial autonomy, mitigate the farmer suicide problem, and ultimately contribute to food sovereignty. Synthesizing insights from the political ecologies of health and education, our analysis suggests that farmers' livelihoods are more resilient following their transition to ZBNF, and that their wellbeing is improved. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Language: en

Keywords

mental health; suicide; India; health status; occupational exposure; educational attainment; agrarian reform; social movement; farmers attitude; sovereignty; farmers knowledge; livelihood; agroecology; educational development; food sovereignty; food supply; grassroots level; Political ecology