Project

Agriculture is the main source of livelihoods for rural communities in the Bundelkhand region of India. The region however faces a number of natural constraints such as erratic rainfall, low soil fertility, soil erosion, limited irrigation facilities and degraded forests. These constraints adversely affect the agricultural production and livelihoods in the region. In addition, projected water stresses due to climate change are likely to further worsen the situation. In light of these circumstances, this project aims develop and validate risk communication products to improve the understanding of all concerned stakeholders on scientific, social and policy issues governing the climate change adaptation process at a district level in India.

This project will assess the vulnerability of the agricultural and water sectors to current and potential climate change, and test and validate risk communication materials through a multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement process. Once the target audiences are made aware of the climate risks to agriculture and water sectors, consultative methods will be used to identify, prioritize and implement pragmatic adaptation strategies. A pilot adaptation project in one district, an extensive media campaign, policy recommendations and regional workshops will be used for communicating risks and potential adaptation strategies to stakeholders in order to demonstrate the need to integrate adaptation processes into policies and programs at the state level.

Duration:

April2007 – Sept 2008

Contact:

   Name:   Mrs. Indira Mansingh

   Nationality: Indian

   Institutional Affiliation: Society for Development Alternatives

   Address: B-32, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016,  India.

   Telephone: 91-11- 2613 4103, 2689 0380

   Fax: 91-11-2613 0817

   Email: imansingh@devalt.org