Structural analysis of social network among farmers for information acquisition in rainfed areas: A study on farmers’ information acquisition dynamics

Knowledge networks and social networks are widely recognized source of social capital which plays an important role in sharing of information leading to diffusion of technology. Hence, the aim of the study was to delineate and analyse the structure of social networks of farmers in acquisition and disseminations of agricultural information. The locale of the study was four Farmer FIRST villages namely Rakamcharla, Pudugurthy, Gangupally and Devoninguda in Pudur Mandal of Vikarabad district (Telanagana). Responses regarding the social information acquisition networks were collected from 120 randomly selected farmers during February, 2020. The social networks were measured using a social network analysis with the help of Gephi (open source software). The result of the study showed that denser network in Pudurgurthy which is an interior village indicating the role of homogenous peer groups of farmers in facilitating meaningful interactions as well as information sharing compared to Gangupally which is easy accessible where heterophiliy network also exist. The results further established that high degree and closeness centrality for friends followed by progressive farmers making them the dominant actors in information diffusion network. Cosmopolite interpersonal actors like scientists and agriculture department were active links in Gangupally. The prevalence of these social networks has a sustainable impact in supplementing the extension services in rural areas and hence will be useful for extension agencies to strategize future intervention programmes.