Curricula and extension strategy for Regenerative Production Landscape: People, Nature, and Economy

IDH, Madhya Pradesh

Project Under Domains: Nature-based Solutions; Sub Domains: Sustainable production systems

Regenerative Production Landscape: People, Nature, and Economy is an innovative initiative conceptualized by the Laudes Foundation, IDH- The Sustainable Trade, and WWF-India to promote regenerative agricultural practices among the small and marginal farmers in 9 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Under this project RPCL selected major crops (majorly cultivated by farmers) in each of the project districts, and regenerative cultivating practices were promoted for these selected crops. Ecociate has worked in identifying these different cohorts of crops and developed a set of Package of Practices (PoP) for them in alignment with regenerative principles.

Objectives

  * Promotion of practices around major crops that have a synergistic relationship with the local environment.

  * Promotion of landscape level approach through community participation that can positively contribute to the local farmers in the long term (enhanced ecosystem services).

  * Introduction of crops based on a balanced approach taking into consideration the ecosystem and market potential.

Approach and Methodology

Ecociate has undertaken extensive secondary research, qualitative discussions through physical visits, and online consultations to develop curricula and extension strategy. The qualitative research consists of FGDs, SGDs, KIIs and team discussions with IDH covering smallholder farmers, FPOs, extensions agencies, local market players, regional market players, research organizations etc.

Results

  * The curricula and extension strategy for the Regenerative Production Landscape: People, Nature, and Economy (RPCL) contributed to the following outcomes for farmers:

  * Increased Crop Yields: Farmers experienced improvements in their crop yields as a result of this strategy.

  * Implementation of Cost-Saving Measures: This approach also encouraged the adoption of cost-saving practices, which in turn contributed to the development of resilience within the farming community.