Participatory Action Approach in Student Initiatives for Seed Security

Abstract

This paper evaluates student initiatives collaborating with local farmers and various academic institutions of Kerala for executing seed security project.  It analysed the role of collective action for a social change and its outcomes as a function of social capital.  Using the participatory action method, the project intended to preserve varieties of indigenous seeds to ensure seed security for materialising food security.  More than 280 native paddy seed varieties were collected, documented, and cultivated using organic farming methods in different colleges across five districts in central and northern regions of Kerala. The production of indigenous paddy was carried out by the National Service Scheme (NSS) under the purview of the University of Calicut. This initiative strengthened campus-community partnerships and empowered students through experiential learning, teamwork and sustainable practices.