Agro-forestry and forest restoration

Eco-restoration through agro-forestry on forest fringes and slopes, and plantations on bunds was implemented as livelihood diversification option. Bund-plantations and agro-forestry enhance soil fertility, reduce forest fragmentation, increase soil moisture and decrease soil erosion. In addition, they ensure the provision of resources like wood and fruits, to add to the incomes of farmers in future. Tree based options are supposedly much more robust and long-lasting than crop based options for climate change adaptation, though their impacts can only be assessed in long term.

Care was taken in selecting the tree species as it was important to preserve the genetic pool of native tree species while avoiding the introduction of any alien species not conducive to the local environment. This also contributes to water conservation, as native tree species would not absorb that much water from the soil.

Involving community members and local institutions in developing rules on how to use natural resources and tree products.

Efficient communication and knowledge sharing among stakeholders allowed to spread technical know-how to carry out interventions not only in the project area, but also in neighbouring villages.

All measures are built on locally available resources and the institutional mechanisms at village level will ensure sustainability of measures and impacts achieved.

There is a high replication potential for forest-restoration in India. About 275 million of the country’s rural poor people depend on forests for at least a part of their subsistence. The implemented agro-forestry interventions on forest fringes will further support the stabilisation of the agricultural system and hence ensure that the beneficiaries have diversified livelihood sources.

Farmers are aware that trees do not require manure and fertiliser for growth and development. Selecting species based on the interest of the farmers supports better survival and growth of the trees.