Community-based Integrated Watershed Management A community-based approach to integrated rural development uses watershed management as an entry point Overview
Rainfed agriculture in arid and semiarid tropics is complex, diverse, risk prone and characterized by low levels of productivity and low input use efficiency. Water scarcity and land degradation are the major concerns for agricultural development and poor water use efficiency in dry lands. Changing climatic situation in recent years put extraordinary challenges especially in rainfed areas and is highly vulnerable for agriculture production. Current yield levels in semi arid tropics are 2-5 folds less than the potential yield, indicating e scope for harnessing untapped potential. ICRISAT demonstrated an innovative consortium model for community development and poverty alleviation in which integrated watershed development programs are implemented as entry points.
Principal Scientist Watersheds, SP Wani (right) and Research Program Director Grain Legumes, CLL Gowda, at a water-conservation tank in Kothapally, Andhra Pradesh.
increases groundwater recharge while trapping sediments that protect river ecosystems further downstream. v In-situ interventions increase soil moisture availability by 10–30%. v Ex-situ interventions traps 30-60% of surface runoff and enhances groundwater recharge. v SWC interventions restrict soil loss to less than 20% of non-intervention losses.
d. Economic return from the project was US$130 million equivalent. 3. IWM model adopted in Thailand, Vietnam and China a. Increased water resources availability in benchmark sites encouraged farmers to diversify low value food crops with high values crops such as vegetables b. Crop diversification and intensification has transformed farmers economy through inclusive market oriented development 4. IWM has improved crop productivity; livelihood and ecosystem services while addressing the issues of poverty, equity and gender, building resilience in dry land systems. 5. Climate resilience in rainfed areas can be improved through IWM as an adaptation strategy in the short-term, and mitigate the climate change challenges in the long-term.
Partners
BAIF, BYPASS, CAAS, VAAS, CRIDA, DoA and DoLD, Bangkok.
The impact
1. Long-term research of integrated watershed management (IWM) at ICRISAT has been scaled-out and scaled-up in farmers’ fields through an innovative consortium approach. a. Established 13 Model Watersheds as Sites of Learning in different agro-ecological zones in India, Thailand, Vietnam and China to demonstrate potential of rainfed areas for increasing productivity. ICRISAT-Patancheru demonstration of waterharvesting, glyricidia plantation, and water collection tank.
2. Consortium and Government of Karnataka implemented a mission mode project called “Bhoochetana” to boost productivity of rainfed agriculture through science led interventions. a. Project covered 3.2 million ha in entire state during 2011 rainy season. b. About 3 million farm households benefited. c. Yields increased by 23-66% for maize, finger millet, groundnut, sunflower and chickpea.
Vermicomposting is an ancillary occupation of watershed extension work that brings in additional income for women. Integrating livestock with agriculture also improves livelihoods.
Masonry check-dam in Kothapally, Andhra Pradesh.
The innovation
Soil and Water conservation measures (SWC) In-situ interventions v minimize surface runoff allowing more water to percolate into the fields (Show pictures) protecting soils from erosion
Ex-situ interventions v reduce peak discharge and harvest a substantial amount of runoff, which
Top: Community ponds in Tad Fa, Thailand (left) and Kothapally, India. Bottom: Gully control structure (left) and rock-filled dams prevent erosion and facilitate infiltration of rainwater into the ground.
Aerial view showing grassed-waterways, canal, contours, slopes, and agricultural and horticultural cultivation within watersheds.
Aug 2012