“INVOLVEMENT OF THE RURAL MASSES OF MEGHALAYA, EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT IN VARIOUS LOCAL LIVELIHOODS, A STRONG DETERMINANT FOR AN ‘INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR’ ON DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES CREATED TO UPLIFT THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE POOR BY THE GOVER

Abstract

Objective: To establish if the involvement of the rural masses in various local livelihoods a determinant for an ‘information seeking behaviour’ on developmental activities created to uplift the living conditions by the government to help alleviate poverty. Method:  A descriptive, cross sectional study design, collecting relevant quantitative and qualitative data was conducted. A data on retrospective histories and experiences of poverty was also captured to link the information seeking behavior of the rural masses with their local livelihoods. Setting: Rural communities of Khasi tribal people in three Blocks of East Khasi Hills District ie,. Mawsynram, Pynursla and Mawryngkneng comprising of BDOs and Staffs in the offices of these three blocks. Main Results: The findings show that rural people depend largely on Block Development Office to confirm any uncertain information that they hear either through the word of mouth or from media vehicles on government assistances. For any communication to materialise, active participation and feedback is important from the receivers. This will also help the rural people to actually express themselves in terms of what they expect from the government and at the same time understand constrains from the other end. Conclusion: To conclude, the respondents were not happy with how the communication process is operating at present. They identified no help of any kind coming to them in any form but just information alone. Recommendation: A strong suggestion that spur up in this research is media coverage should be well planned and it should be extensive to all rural interiors.