Tag : WOTR

Pune: A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from W-CReS (WOTR Centre For Resilience Studies) and Wageningen University (the Netherlands) has shed light on crucial insights to enhance climate resilience in semi-arid farming systems. The study, spanning a period of 15 years and encompassing two case studies from Maharashtra, examined the effectiveness of various interventions and their impact on agricultural productivity, water resources, soil health, and community well-being. The findings of the study published in the International Journal of Water Resources Development, indicate that initial watershed development interventions in the studied areas resulted in intensified agriculture and altered cropping patterns. However, this approach led to declining groundwater tables and deteriorating soil health over time, underscoring the limited success of conventional agricultural development pathways in semi-arid regions. The study emphasizes the need to prioritize adaptive capacities alongside agricultural productivity. Neglecting the development of adaptive capacities and focusing solely on irrigation infrastructure without demand-side management exacerbates vulnerability to climate change in the long run. The study highlights the importance of community engagement, capacity-building, and inclusive decision-making in promoting climate resilience. Moreover, the research demonstrated that the introduction of climate-resilient agriculture, water stewardship initiatives, and interventions to improve food and nutrition security led to positive outcomes in terms of climate resilience indicators. These interventions were designed to raise awareness and empower local communities to manage their own resources effectively. The study calls for ...