Development Alternatives (DA) is working in Bundelkhand to help rural communities survive with climate change vulnerabilities by promoting natural resource management systems, sustainable agriculture, efficient resource use, afforestation, climate adaptive planning and climate change communication.

Climate Resilient Agriculture: Assessment of the impact of climate change is carried out through controlled experimentation and simulation modelling. For example, environmental influences particularly in relation to the frequency and intensity of soil drainage are monitored as this may lead to loss of nitrogen through leaching, soil erosion and reduction of crop diversity. Experimental results obtained are extrapolated on a regional basis in relation to projected climate change under different scenarios. The key results are as follows:

Agro-forestry based Wadi Model: The Wadi model has helped tribal communities of Bundelkhand use their under-utilised resources for sustainable small farm based livelihoods. The practice of agro-forestry has enhanced livelihood security through the creation of multiple revenue streams for the farmers. Two or more tree crops are selected in the Wadi model to minimise climatic, biological and marketing risks. Major interventions under this agri-horti farming model include horticulture plantation, soil conservation, water resource management, development programmes for women and drudgery reduction activities for increased resilience against variable climatic conditions. The Wadi model improves farm production, natural resource management, promotes social mobilisation and boosts incomes of tribal families. This model reduces climate risks, regenerates production potential of the land and ensures that farmers enjoy a regular flow of income due to diversification of production.

The Wadi model has successfully worked in more than 40 villages in the districts of Jhansi and Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh and Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh. Over 700 tribal farmers have been engaged in sustainable agricultural activities. There has been a 25% increase in farm returns and more than 700 acres are under climate resilient farming with 80% reduction in migration amongst the beneficiary population. An important co-benefit of a Wadi is that it contributes to climate change alleviation by converting atmospheric carbon into tree biomass and soil carbon that act as long term carbon sinks.

This programme consists of interventions related to in-situ moisture conservation, water harvesting and recycling for supplemental irrigation, enhanced drainage in flood prone areas and water saving irrigation methods.

This model consists of introducing drought/temperature forbearing varieties, advancement of planting dates of Rabi (winter) crops in areas with incurable heat stress, water saving crop cultivation methods, frost management in horticulture through fumigation, community nurseries for delayed monsoon, custom hiring centres for well-timed planting, location specific intercropping systems with high sustainable succumb index. Crop diversification is intended to give a wider choice in the production of a variety of crops in a given area so as to expand production related activities on various crops and also to lessen risk. An association of farmers – the Harit Kisan Mandal also provides advisory service which has helped individual farmers significantly reduce costs associated with inputs, increase yield and improve quality of produce, thereby positively impacting their profit margins.

The aim of all these programmes promoted and implemented by Development Alternatives is to promote sustainable agriculture by making optimum use of the available resources in this drought prone Bundelkhand region to ensure food security and minimise the threats associated with climate change. q