Famers are facing growing challenges.
On half-hectare fields, they raise families alongside a cow, a few hens, and whatever crops they can grow. Groundnuts are common, often cultivated as a monocrop in dry, low-yielding conditions.
With little to no access to irrigation, electricity, or reliable markets, farming alone doesn’t provide a stable livelihood - so many must supplement their income by working as labourers on other farms or through government schemes.
With little to no access to irrigation, electricity, or reliable markets, farming alone doesn’t provide a stable livelihood - so many must supplement their income by working as labourers on other farms or through government schemes.
Their families make do with what they have.
They sell small quantities of milk, eggs, and sometimes honey - often at unfair prices set by middlemen. Women walk long distances to gather tamarind seeds from the forest, while children help with fieldwork.
Without reliable infrastructure, financial tools, or climate-resilient support, breaking out of subsistence farming is incredibly difficult. Yet, there is momentum for change.
Without reliable infrastructure, financial tools, or climate-resilient support, breaking out of subsistence farming is incredibly difficult. Yet, there is momentum for change.
But there is hope.
With the right support - a scientifically selected mix of native and naturalized saplings, agroforestry training, and access to organic inputs - farmers can make their land more productive without abandoning existing practices.
Introducing diverse cropping systems can extend harvest periods and spread risk, ensuring income throughout the year. Drip irrigation and organic soil enhancements can further improve yields, while participation in local cooperatives can enable fairer pricing and better market access.
Introducing diverse cropping systems can extend harvest periods and spread risk, ensuring income throughout the year. Drip irrigation and organic soil enhancements can further improve yields, while participation in local cooperatives can enable fairer pricing and better market access.
Thriving farms could lead to stronger communities.
If these changes take root, incomes could rise significantly. Families will have the opportunity to stay on their land rather than seek work elsewhere. Communities will benefit from improved livelihoods along with longer-term self-regenerating ecosystems.
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