Awareness and attitude of livestock owners regarding Panchayati Raj system of democratic decentralisation was studied.The study was conducted in two block panchayats of Kerala state in India. Case-control design of survey research was followed. Self Help Group (SHG) members served as case and non-members, control.The background characteristics such as socio- economic and socio- psychological factors were almost uniform in both the groups. Generally, the awareness regarding Panchayati Raj and attitude towards it were all less than satisfactory. Even so, SHG members and non-members differed significantly on all accounts i.e., SHG-members had significantly higher level of awareness and a more favourable attitude towards the system.Since democratic decentralisation is a new concept, the book may serve as a reference material in the hands of students and researchers in the field of social sciences.

Participation of livestock farmers in Panchayati Raj system was studied. The background characteristics such as socio-economic and socio-psychological factors were almost uniform, and reflected the general picture of livestock farmers of the state. Generally, the level of participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions was less than satisfactory. Even so, Self Help Group(SHG) members and non-members differed significantly on all account. For instance, SHG-members had significantly better levels of participation than non members. As in any system, certain crucial constraints to participation upon which there was consensus among the livestock owners studied, are also reported. In the interest of a sound and firm Panchayati Raj system, which is the hope of many poor people, especially the livestock owners, the situation must improve for the better.