Sheetal Patil

Biography

Sheetal Patil is a researcher with Azim Premji University, Bangalore. With initial formal training in engineering and computer application, and later in Economics her current interest is in exploring the agrarian dynamics and sustainability in the current phase of neoliberal economy at farm household level. She possessed strong analytical and statistical skills that she applies in both quantitative as well as qualitative research. Academic Qualifications MA Economics. Areas of Interest Sustainability analysis Agrarian sustainability Policy analysis Quantitative modeling. Past research involvements: Land use policies and sustainable development in developing countries (LUPIS): As a part of multi-country consortium, the research project by us as Indian partner, attempted to link ecological-economic and social dimensions of sustainability to agrarian distress in Karnataka state focusing on small and marginal farms. Using four important analytical and participatory tools like bio-economic model, multi-criteria analysis, participatory impact analysis and econometric model (simultaneous equation model), we analysed the impact of agricultural sectoral policy (named as Organic Farming Policy implemented by the state department of agriculture) on overall sustainability of farms. At the same time, we also attempted to explore governance and institutional factors in efficient implementation of the policy.

Research Interest

Current research interests: Study of impacts on farming community due to shift in livelihood occupations. Linking changes in policy and institutional arrangements with livelihood, food as well as water security of agrarian community in urban fringes vis-via rural areas. Apply both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to explore the causal relationship between various factors of rural and urban farm households and compare the differences. Current research involvement: As a part of Research Center at APU and a research study "Rural-Urban Conundrum", we as a team are trying to explore the dynamism of agrarian occupation, particularly, small farms situated in four different locations along an urbanizing gradient. The research is based on the concepts and theories of neo-liberal economy and agrarian development in India. This is an ongoing project, which will conclude in first quarter of 2016.