Concept, steps and applicability of seasonality, changing trend and timeline Dr. Utpal Barman

SEASONALITY Or SEASONALITY ANALYSIS

Seasonality A PRA method to study variation of something according to seasons.

What is a season? Part of a year to distinguish it according to particular type of factor/ weather. On the basis of - Temp Rain Humidity Sunlight

Classification of Season Spring,Summer, Autumn, Winter Kharif, Rabi, Zaid Rainy, Draught/Rainfed Jan-Feb.-……………………Dec. Considering each month as a season is the common practice in seasonality

Purposes 1. To take into consideration of variation of relevant parameters while determining seasons related activities under a project/programme. 2. To analyze causes and effects of seasonal variations of any parameter in order to determine proper intervention in addressing certain issue. 3. To develop awareness on causes and effects of seasonal variations of certain parameter so that people become concern for taking appropriate measures.

A diagram drawn by people Depicting variations and Outcome of the exercise: A diagram drawn by people Depicting variations and Statement of causes and effects of the variations

AN EXAMPLE OF THE OUTCOME OF THE PRA EXERCISE G A T O N D EMA N BOHAG Jasstha JETH SAWON BHADA AHIN KATI AGHUN AHAR PUH MAGH FAGUN SOT MONTHS (ASSAMESE CALENDAR) VILLAGE : ATAPAM, JORHAT DIST. Remarks: During peak Monsoons which is during Bohag and Bhada irrig. Demand is less In winters, irrig. demand is more

Steps for Seasonality Analysis Planning - Decide village, venue, date, time etc. - Organize meeting of villagers ensuring participation of men, women & aged/ young

Conducting the PRA exercise - Organize group (s) of people - Sit together in a well-arranged manner & introduce each other - Share purpose and the expected outcome / diagram to be produced

3. Decide items to be studied for the Seasonality Analysis (as required, for some project)

4. Explain modalities to the people: “What diagram to produce ? Give hints on “How to draw ? Place either of the following two sets of materials in front : Set a:- Chart paper or Double demy sized paper, Coloring pens/pencils, Scale. Set b :- Sticks of various sizes ( in case of doing the exercise in ground Show sample, if any or draw out a rough sketch to explain Encourage people to draw and state the reasons Facilitate drawing correctly and take notes

5. Thank people as you close

Items that can be studied following Seasonality Rainfall Temperature Humidity Sunlight Velocity of water in a stream/ river Water level in a stream/ river Siltation Disease occurrence in humans, animals, plants, fish etc. Pest infestation/ attack Availability of labour Availability of fodder Erosion/land slides etc.

CHANGING TREND ANALYSIS

It is analyzing trend of change relating to certain parameter over a period of years. The nature of output and the procedure are similar to that of seasonality.

Probable parameters for changing trend analysis in rural development planning Yield Input use Wage rate Annual Rainfall Temperature Flood

Humidity Soil fertility status Level of water in a stream /river/pond etc. Siltation in a stream / river etc. Ground water level

Amount of erosion Incidence of pest(s) attack and extent of damage Disease(s) infestation in the crops/fish and extent of damage Fodder availability Incidence of specific pests / diseases and extent of damage. Occurrence of human diseases

Purposes To take into consideration of trends of change of relevant parameters in determining development interventions. To develop awareness on causes and effects of trend of change of certain parameter so that people become concern for taking appropriate measures.

Procedure : Same as seasonality

TIME LINE/ HISTORICAL TREND

It is the study of history of overall development of a village or its development relating to a specific field.

Purpose : To explore, if the history would provide anything crucial which can be taken into account, for development planning in the village

Procedural Tips: Select couple of elderly persons of the village who can recall and discuss about development taken place in the village in relation to various spheres. Sit with each of them separately at proper time and preferably in isolation. Ask him/her to tell significant events taken place in the village since he can remember.

Ask regarding development of relevant parameters when each of the major events happened. Go on recording minutes on a note pad while discussing, and develop it by adding from memory and perception. Diagrammatic recoding and presentation as mentioned below as sample is advantageous.

Thanks the person for sparing time and offering cooperation, and if applicable tell how the information will be useful.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION