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

crop
Area under double crop 3.50 15.35 + 11.88
Area left fellow 31.88 18.09 - 13.79
Net cultivated area 42.00 79.11 + 37.11
Cropping intensity 59% 96% + 37%
Source: Agragamee annual report 2005
Almost 20 years after the start of the watershed management program, its positive impacts are well
visible. The existing resource base is used in a more effective way and new sources of income have
been made accessible. Apart of the benefits from improved agricultural land, the villagers generate
considerable additional income through sales of fruits, non-timber forest products and timber.
Especially the sale of timber, both for fuel and construction purposes is a lucrative source of income.
The fast growing tree species cultivated in the villages surrounding permits important wood sales every
year. Chopped trees grow back within only two years and the villagers continuously increase the area
of plantation.
The new wealth is visible in many ways: Most of the households have invested in new housing with tile
roof. Few have also changed the mud walls and constructed brick walls. Many villagers reported to
send their children to school now, which has not been the case prior to the project. Therefore, there is
hope that the project will even have beneficial impacts on the next generation in Kodikitunda.
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