2025, Vol. 10, Special Issue 1

The study entitled Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) of PDKV Adopted Village Chelka in Akola District explores the dynamic interaction between rural communities and sustainable development practices in the Chelka village of Barshitakli Tehsil, Maharashtra. The research highlights PRA's capacity to empower rural communities by involving them in identifying, analyzing, and addressing key socio-economic and agricultural challenges. By employing participatory tools such as transect walks, mobility maps, resource mapping, seasonal calendars, and problem-solution trees, the study identified critical issues such as declining water tables, dependence on monoculture, inadequate access to advanced healthcare, and limited infrastructure. The findings revealed significant agricultural constraints, including losses due to wild animals, lack of farm roads, absence of agro-based industries, and high input costs as a result authors have identified potential action plan based on PRA analysis.

This research adopted a diagnostic and descriptive research design, encompassing inputs from all 84 households in Chelka through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and matrix ranking techniques. The outcomes emphasize the importance of transitioning toward integrated pest and nutrient management, crop diversification, water conservation, and infrastructure improvements. The study concluded that fostering community resilience through participatory planning is essential for addressing challenges and ensuring sustainable development. These insights provide a roadmap for stakeholders, including policymakers, agricultural experts, and community leaders, to implement tailored interventions for Chelka's holistic growth.