Articles by Rajeswari S Raina

Much of the problems associated with the application of technology can be traced to the absence of any social science input into the foundation or structuring of science research in our contemporary world. Civil society interventions are almost invariably seen as irritants to science, while Weberian experts are expected to understand the social impact of the adaptation of new technologies. Conversely, activists and political workers too are often innocent of the methodologies and demands of science. A greater cross-fertilisation between these two will benefit all.

High inter- and intra-seasonal variance in well-being is the bane of the rural poor in less developed countries. This paper argues in favour of a season-sensitive information base to empower the rural population with capabilities to make decisions about their lives and their environment. Generation and use of information within the framework of seasonality of rural livelihoods (specific to the temporal and spatial context) is presented as a crucial input for sustainable development. Integrated participatory seasonal observations are the optimum amount of information that enables the rural population to analyse and explain, make decisions about and consciously change their livelihoods. Systems concepts inform all the critical stages of institutionalisation of an integrated participatory seasonal observation system (IPSOS), and participatory formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of counter-seasonal development projects. The IPSOS facility also has scope for participatory monitoring and evaluation of development.