Principles and Techniques of Veterinary and AH Extension

IMPORTANCE OF RURAL SOCIOLOGY

• In India 70 per cent of the people live in rural areas and most of them own livestock. Hence, to work with them it is necessary to study the Rural sociology which helps in gaining deep insight into the behaviour of livestock owners in rural areas, their situation, culture, community etc.
• It also helps in understanding the role of animals in the socio-economic situation of the livestock owners with whom the Animal Husbandry extension agent has to work with.
• Without proper understanding of the role of animals in the socio-cultural context in which the livestock owners are operating it is not possible to effectively introduce the new technologies for their improvement.
• With the realization of the importance of social development in nation building, stress is being laid on social aspects of development, which include health, hygiene, education, communication etc. This necessitates the knowledge and understanding of the subject Rural Sociology.
• The extension agent can better appreciate the socio-cultural differences that exist between different categories of livestock owners, with the knowledge and understanding of Rural Sociology.
• It also enables the extension agent to analyse the impact of the technology on the life style of the livestock owners including the negative consequences.