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Volume 1, Issue 1 : Climate Change

April 2010
Inside

Discussion
From the Field
Linkage
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ACT I ON
A Quarterly Newsletter of Action for Food Production (AFPRO)

ED’s Note Transform learning into action for living


better with Variability
India has been currently facing increased demand for wa- - S.C.Jain
ter, food and livelihood security. Climate Change fur-
ther aggravated the problems due to its adverse affects on It has been well established that, we are experiencing
natural resource base. Over the years, communities have extreme weather events due to climate change. The events
developed and practiced their own adaptation mechanism result in high intensity of rainfall, floods in some regions
to cope up with the situation emerged from these changes. and drought in other regions. This phenomenon creates
To reduce vulnerability, enhancing cultural, ecological, and water scarcity and excess runoff that affect production
socio-economic systems are needed, and that can be system and pushing farming community into vulnerable
achieved through building institutional capacity and imple- group. The livelihood of large percentage of farmers
menting suitable adaptation measures at community level. depends mainly on agriculture and allied activities,
therefore assessment of vulnerability and identification of
AFPRO has long experience of working with the vulnerable better management practices to cope with the variability is
groups and provides socio-technical support for ensuring the need of today. Engaging people in vulnerability
food security and livelihood. The learning from the assessment and learning from the experiences on their
experiences helped us to identify adaptation practices that conventional methods would be the right approach to meet
make communities and ecosystems more resilient to Climate the challenges at local level.
Change.
Water is one of the critical input for the agriculture along
Two years back, National Action Plan on Climate Change with soil nutrients and quality seeds. With the increasing
unveiled by the National Government, focused on develop- demand of food production, the pressure on limited wa-
ment and poverty eradication approach as the best form of ter resources is being experienced in many parts of the
adaptation. AFPRO has direct relevance to the action country and it will further intensify due to ever increasing
points highlighted in the mission document related to its demand of food. In this situation, the people will face a
focal areas (Water, Natural Resource Management, Food severe water scarcity and challenge of managing the scare
Security and Livelihood) and addressing the issues at local resources for food security and livelihood. Therefore to
level to promote sustainable livelihood support system by deal with these challenges, a different set of strategies
enhancing the adaptive capacities of the community. would be required to sensitize the community on adopting
appropriate methods.
This issue of the newsletter is an attempt to share the
experiences and leanings related to adaptation measures Vulnerability Assessment (V&A) project was implemented
tested in action oriented projects at different locations by AFPRO along with SDC, MSSRF and other partners for
along with the communities. enhancing capacity of the community in Andhra Pradesh
and Rajasthan. Under the project, themes covered are
energy, land use practices, livestock and water resource
DK Manavalan management. This project provides experiences of working
Executive Director, AFPRO
with community on adaptation practices which normally support the concept of creating water bank, fodder bank and seed
bank to minimize the risk associated with variability. Another, learning from the project is Participatory People’s Monitoring of
Water Resource in Yawatmal, Maharashtra, where community has been sensitized on ground water dynamics. A systematic
process was adopted that includes explaining the aquifer boundaries and conducting water budgeting exercise by recording
water level data, its relation with rainfall and water utilization practices for different purpose in the village. It has been
observed that locally developed adaptation models are well accepted by the community for managing the extreme conditions.

Where there is a will, there is a way. And, the will of the community with little technical support certainly make their life easier
in weather variations. To reduce the impact of climate change, it is required to design possible alternatives based on the re-
gional requirements and of course, wider dissemination of experiences from the field.

Visit us at http://www.afpro.org
Discussion “The art of life is a constant readjustment to our
surroundings” - Kakuzo Okakaura

Adaptation to Climate Change: An approach Adaptation and its need


to reduce vulnerability Adaptation refers to adjustments in ecological, social or
economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic
Climate Change change and their impacts. It is about reducing the risks posed
by climate change to people’s lives and livelihoods.
The climate of earth is the result of a balance involving the
sun, atmosphere, oceans, water systems, plants, living The need of the adaptation is to make life happy in extreme
organisms and topography. Land with its mountains, plains, weather conditions. Appropriate adaptation measures could
forests and ecosystems influence climate. The change in prevent unfavourable climate variation consequences and
average weather of any particular region over two-three ensure adequate preparedness to these changes. There are
decades,is Climate change. Since the inception of the earth, many models developed and accepted by the communities
climate change is a natural phenomenon. However, in the last for managing their lives better in the extreme weather
century, it has been observed that the change has been a situations. But, it is further required to enhance the community
little too rapid, unlike the natural phase when it occurred capacity to handle the extremes that can reduce vulnerability
slowly. The acceleration is mainly been caused by human based on local need.
activities. Not managing resources properly creates imbal-
ance that comes out as a drastic variations in climate and Some findings from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report
results in cyclone, floods, droughts and heavy rainfall. (2007) for Aisa
Impact of Climate Change in India ☼ By 2050s, fresh water availability in Central, South, East,
Rapid change in climate is providing additional stress on and South-East Asia is projected to decrease.
☼ Coastal areas will be at greatest risk due to increased
ecological and socioeconomic systems especially for
developing countries. With growing population and economy flooding from the sea.
☼ Climate change is projected to compound the pressures
that depends on natural resources, India is considerably
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. on natural resources.
☼ Endemic morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoeal dis-
India is heavily dependent on the monsoon to meet its ease primarily associated with floods and droughts are
agricultural and water needs. The impact of Climate Change expected to rise.
on monsoon rain has already been recorded across the
country. Food production is still considerably dependent on
rainfall quantity and distribution. Food security of India may Key approach to address Vulnerability
be at risk in future due to the threat of climate change ☼ Develop composite model of development (awareness,
leading to increase in frequency and intensity of droughts delivery system and participatory) for improvement of
and floods. The hydrological cycle is likely to be altered overall situation of marginalized communities.
causing into water scarcity by increase in temperature. The ☼ Formation and strengthen Village knowledge center
impacts of climate change result in shift in forest boundaries, and agro met lab as dissemination of information on
changes in forest type, reduction in net primary productivity weather conditions and improved agriculture practices.
of forest and loss or change in biodiversity. Rising ☼ Strengthening people institutions for overall development
temperatures also contribute to the raising of snowline and of village.
reducing the capacity of the natural reservoir. Other than ☼ Ensure women participation through awareness and
visible impacts on natural resources, climate change will also participatory interventions.
affect human health adversely. ☼ Demonstration of community level adaptation models

Climate Change Vulnerability


Challenges and Way forward
The concept of vulnerability is related with affects on
☼ Grounding projects effectively at the community level.
communities and natural systems by climate change.
☼ Pool resources for capacity building of grass root level
“Vulnerability is the degree to which a system is susceptible
to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate workers and communities
☼ Develop strategies for effective & efficient use of social
change, including climate variability and extremes” (IPCC
2007). Vulnerability, caused by climate change, directly capital.
☼ Inclusion of climate change topics in academic courses
influences livelihood and well-being of the community.
and trainings.
The socio-economic characteristics and lack of knowledge on ☼ Capacity building at local level.
adoptive measures to cope with extreme weather events ☼ Creating awareness among research institutions for
forced community into vulnerable group. The most vulnerable wider adoption.
regions and communities are those that are highly exposed ☼ Expansion of extension services.
to hazardous climate change effects and have limited ☼ Encourage linkages and research on Public Private
adaptive capacity. Partnership.

“Even if all emission stops today, there will be impact on Climate Change” - Stern Review 2
“All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability.
From the Field The truth is outside of all fixed patterns.” – Bruce Lee

AFPRO and Climate Change Learning on Adaptation


Ongoing Projects Water Bank: Enhancing productivity in summer
The water resource of a village is the most vital asset for the liveli-
Vulnerability Assessment and Enhancing Adaptive Capacity hood of the community and therefore it is important to manage the
to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Regions of India resource properly. Before summer comes, it is needed to de-
velop water storage within the village premises to ensure water
An innovative project sponsored by SDC (Swiss Agency for Devel- for cultivation and food security during the crisis. As a measure to
opment and Cooperation) “Vulnerability Assessment and Enhancing reduce the impact of climate variability, the concept of water
Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Regions of India” bank was introduced by AFPRO in the project village Amda. With
is developed and implemented by AFPRO in Andhra Pradesh and the community participation, a 50,000 litre water bank was con-
Rajasthan. The overall goal of this project is to secure livelihoods of structed. The preparatory works behind the construction in-
rural poor and vulnerable communities by building and enhancing cluded topographic survey, land use map, base line survey, yield
their adaptive capacity to better cope with adverse impacts of test and engineering design. As a summer adaptation model, wa-
climate change and improve their disaster preparedness. This pro- ter bank was widely accepted among the community that resulted
ject looks into three crucial areas i.e. Water, Agriculture and Rural in enhanced food production of the village.
Energy.
Process of Adaptation
Preparation
(training needs/ Water Bank of 50000 Litres capacity constructed in Amda
evaluation/
integration of
traditional practices Fodder Bank: Adaptation measure for livestock rearing
Knowledge on Adaptation Livestock rearing is an important coping strategy in the face of
Vulnerability enhanced climate variability. Buffer stocks of fodder can enhance
Assessment Implementation of the adaptive capacity for livestock. The fodder bank technology is
(Conduction of PRA, Adaptation a farming practice, where shrubs and grass species are grown and
Village meeting, measures stored to provide fodder for livestock. These banks have valu-
Micro planning) able crops which support productive farming systems and man-
aged intensively thorough site preparation. Keeping the impor-
tance of buffer stock for livestock in mind, the concept of devel-
Assessment of Vulnerability of the Livestock’s, associated oping fodder bank was introduced in two of the project vil-
Livelihoods due to Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies lages in Rajasthan by AFPRO. The objective was to build up
fodder resources in the village to meet the demand of in-
AFPRO with NATCOM-SNC (Second National Communication to the creasing livestock during the extreme need. The management of
UNFCCC) is conducting study on “Assessment of Vulnerability of the the fodder bank with pastureland by community is indicating
Livestock’s, associated Livelihoods due to Climate Change and towards wider acceptance of the initiative.
Adaptation Strategies”. Six districts of Rajasthan are selected, three
districts from Arid and three from Semi Arid region, for the project; LED Lamps: Lighting remote rural Life
to understand the likely impacts and vulnerability of livestock due to Until the piloting of Model Project by AFPRO partnering with
climate change, the consequent impact on the livestock dependent Rajpurohit Seva Sansthan in Rajasthan, the tribal communities of
rural livelihoods and formulate adaptation strategies, keeping in remote villages in Southern part of Aravali hills had no access to
view the ongoing adaptation strategies. electricity. The project introduced a new LED technology lighting
concept with the objective to provide low cost durable and
Live Better with the Flood efficient systems for better lighting facility even after dark. In the
“Live Better with the Flood - An Approach for Sustainable Livelihood beginning, a few lamps were installed on individual household
Security in District Dhemaji, Assam” is a World Bank funded project. approach to generate awareness. Observing the effectiveness
The main thrust of the project is to improve the rural livelihood and benefits of the light, most of the families came forward for this
security introducing integrated farming system approach in technology. Strategy was adopted to ensure community
different flood related situations in the district. This project aims to participation and collected 25% of the cost of the light and later
achieve the objective of improving the livelihood of the rural utilized the money for introducing potential income generating
poor with efficient management of natural resources, deliv- avenues for women folk. The lighting technology not only lit the
ery mechanism through skill enhancement and develop insti- village, but also contributed in providing better learning environment
tutional mechanism for adopting the approaches and es- to the children and increased family income.
tablishing market linkages for income generation.

The LED-Lamps with accessories

“Adaptability is not imitation. It means power of resistance and assimilation” - Mahatma Gandhi 3
“The earth has enough resources to meet people's needs, but will
Linkage never have enough to satisfy people's greed” - Mahatma Gandhi

The Reactive and Anticipatory adaptation measures highlighted during National Communications of developing countries in key
vulnerable sectors are mentioned in the table below. AFPRO works on the same lines prioritizing local needs, as effectiveness of
an adaptation practice tends to depend on location and socio-economic situation.

Sectors Reactive adaptation Anticipatory Adaptation


Water Resources ☼ Protection of groundwater resources ☼ Better use of recycled water
☼ Improved management and maintenance of existing ☼ Conservation of water catchment areas
water supply systems ☼ Improved system of water management
☼ Protection of water catchment areas ☼ Water policy reform including pricing and irrigation
☼ Improved water supply policies
☼ Groundwater and rainwater harvesting and desalination ☼ Development of flood controls and drought monitoring
Agriculture and ☼ Erosion control ☼ Development of tolerant/resistant crops (to drought, salt,
Food Security ☼ Dam construction for irrigation insect/pests)
☼ Changes in fertilizer use and application ☼ Research and development
☼ Introduction of new crops ☼ Soil-water management
☼ Soil fertility maintenance ☼ Diversification and intensification of food and plantation
☼ Changes in planting and harvesting times crops
☼ Switch to different cultivars ☼ Policy measures, tax incentives/subsidies, free market
☼ Educational programmes on conservation of soil & water ☼ Development of early warning systems
Coastal Zones ☼ Protection of economic infrastructure ☼ Integrated coastal zone management
and Marine ☼ Public awareness to enhance protection of coastal and ☼ Better coastal planning and zoning
Ecosystems marine ecosystems ☼ Development of legislation for coastal protection
☼ Building sea walls and beach reinforcement ☼ Research and monitoring of coasts and coastal
☼ Protection and conservation of coral reefs, mangroves, sea ecosystems
grass and littoral vegetation
Source: National Communications and UNFCCC Sixth Compilation

Resource Links for further learning Seven Ways


☼ www.climate-transitions.org
to reduce burden on Climate Change
☼ www.eepsea.cc-sea.org 7. Use Fluorescent Light Bulbs
☼ www.ipcc.org 6. Use Bio-fuels
5. Use Energy Conservation Measures
☼ www.i-s-e-t.org
4. Use Renewable Energy
☼ www.un.org
3. Plant Trees and Shrubs
☼ www.unfccc.int 2. Prevent Deforestation Efforts
☼ www.waterandclimate.org 1. Drive Low Emission Vehicle

We invite your comments and suggestion.


Please write to: The Executive Director, AFPRO
25-1/A, Institutional Area, D-Block, Pankha Road, Janakpuri, New Delhi - 110058
Email: ed@afpro.org/pd@afpro.org

Action For Food production (AFPRO) is a non-governmental , socio-technical development organization that has been working to
reduce rural poverty in India since 1966. We provide technical guidance and back-up support to grass-root level NGOs in
implementing environmentally sound food production, livelihood generation and related projects. Our core competencies are in
land and water management, agriculture, livestock and fisheries, renewable energy and forestry. AFPRO reaches out to poor
communities through 6 field units and 3 task forces, strategically located in 9 different states in India.

Executive Editor: DK Manavalam, Editor: Ashish Kumar, Editorial Team: SC Jain, Dr. Anish Chatterjee, Thomas Sunil Augustine, Contributions: AFU-3, AFU-6 and ATF-G
Published by Action For Food Production, 25-1/A, Institutional Area, D-Block, Pankha Road, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058 for Private Circulation Only.

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