Title: CONSTRUCTION AND STANDARDIZATION OF PERMACULTURE LIVELIHOOD SECURITY INDEX FOR PADDY-AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS

Authors: Ravi, G. and R. J. Singh

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: permaculture livelihood security; index; principal component analysis

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0033

Abstract: Permaculture livelihood security is a holistic and sustainable approach of paddy bases agroforestry farmers in achieving long-term security and resilience in one's livelihood by integrating permaculture principles and practices which involves the application of permaculture principles, such as observing and interacting with natural systems, designing for resilience, utilizing renewable resources and valuing diversity, to develop livelihood systems that are ecologically sound, socially just and economically viable. At this juncture the need for an instrument to measure the Permaculture livelihood security was development was recognized. Hence, a standardized index was developed which can helps in measuring the Permaculture livelihood security of farmers. The process began with identification of 96 indicators classified under different dimensions and given to 30 experts for judgement. Only those indicators with relevancy rating score more than 0.85 were selected for inclusion in the study. Index was fulfilled the criteria of Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test value (0.856) and Bartlett test of sphericity value (0.000).Hence the present data was acceptable for factor analysis, Principal Component Analysis was carried out by using SPSS; total eight components were extracted for index. By considering the PCA cut off point (factor loading >0.6), finally 53 indicators were retained and 27 indicators were eliminated. Content validity of the index was established with expert judgement and further criterion validity was established with principal component analysis. The reliability values of index were greater than the standard value of alpha 0.7 as recommended by Cronbach. It supports policymakers and extension agencies in designing targeted interventions, promoting sustainable permaculture practices, and improving farmers' income, resilience, and overall livelihood security.