Adaptation of small scale farmers to climatic risks in India - Sustainet

3 Case Study Andhra Pradesh
3.1 Background information
The following case study was conducted in the villages of Madirapelli, Varige Redai Palli and Chinna
Jalal Puram, which are situated in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. Some workshops involved
farmers from neighboring villages as well. All of the villages are located in Singanamana Madal, south
of the city of Anantapur.
3.1.1 Climate
Figure ix Study region in Andhra Pradesh
Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh is one of the driest in the country as monsoons evade this area
due to its unfortunate location in a rain shadow region. Being far from the East Coast, it does not enjoy
the full benefits of North East Monsoons and being cut off by the high Western-Ghats, the South West
Monsoons often bring little rainfall as well. As a result, the district is deprived of both the monsoons and
frequently subjected to droughts. The area receives 553 mm average rainfall, mostly during southwest
monsoon in the months of June to September. The normal rainfall for the South West Monsoon period
is 338 mm, which forms about 60% of the total rainfall for the year. The absence of the South West
monsoon rains often leads to drought and thereby failure of crops in the District. The rainfall for the
North East monsoon period is only 156.0 mm, which represents around 28% of annual rainfall (October
to February).
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