Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on Agro-ecosystem transitioning with the Farming Community in Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Community Conservation Centre
Project: SLU-ATREE STINT Project: Contributing to United Nations Agenda 2030
Purpose: The workshop is aimed at documenting evolution of agro-ecological practices in the BRT landscape including those which have changed/ shifted and other traditional practices which the communities continue to practice, and understand the drivers of these changes / trends including government programmes, aspirations, changes to the environment including climate change or rainfall patterns.
Learnings: The workshop was aimed at documenting evolution of agro-ecological practices in the BRT landscape including those which have changed/ shifted and other traditional practices. Some significant drivers identified were wildlife conflict, small land holdings and training initiatives by Coffee board and Horticultural board for coffee production in the region. These programs aim to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Changing market demands and preferences have led farmers to adjust their practices to meet consumer needs, the traditional crops such as Ragi, millets are grown for self-subsistence. Additionally, aspirations for improved economic stability have driven farmers to explore new approaches in agriculture and shift to coffee production. The workshop also emphasized the influence of environmental changes, particularly climate change and rainfall patterns, on agro-ecological practices. In recent couple years the rainfall has been low and yield has reduced, which has been challenging for the local farmers. Overall, the workshop shed light on the complexity of factors driving the evolution of agro-ecological practices in the BRT landscape, highlighting the need for continued research and support to ensure and support the community for achieving sustainable and resilient farming systems.
Facilitation Team:
- Dr. Shrinivas Badiger, Fellow, ATREE
- Dr. Raj Chongtham, SLU Sweden
- Dr. Madegowda C, ATREE
- Mr. Obaiah B, ATREE Academy
- Ms. Sneha Shahi, PhD Student, ATREE
