In some areas, a narrow definition of agro-forestry might simply be: trees on farms. Hence, agro-forestry, farm forestry and family forestry can be broadly understood as the commitment of farmers, alone or in partnerships, to the establishment and management of forests on their land. Where many landholders are involved the result is an assortment of activity that reflects the diversity of aspirations and interests within the community.

Biodiversity in agro-forestry systems is typically higher than in conventional agricultural systems. Agro-forestry incorporates at least several plant species within a given land area and creates a more complex habitat that can support a wider variety of birds, insects, and other animals. Agro-forestry also has the potential to help reduce climate change since trees take up and store carbon at a faster rate than other crops.

Potential impacts of agro-forestry can include:

• Reducing poverty through increased production of agro-forestry products for home consumption and sale

• Contributing to food security by restoring farm soil fertility for food crops and production of fruits, nuts and edible oils

• Reducing deforestation and pressure on woodlands by providing fuelwood grown on farms

• Increasing diversity of on-farm tree crops and tree cover to buffer farmers against the effects of climate change

• Augmenting accessibility to medicinal trees, the main source of medication for 80% of Africa’s population.

This model was discussed with small and regional farmers in Bundelkhand, and it was agreed that it represented a unique opportunity for them to gain greater control over their own development and management of their natural resources. Therefore, the Wadi model with agri and forestry practices ought to be adopted in the region to strengthen the small farm-based livelihoods in the community.

The model was tested at TARAgram Pahuj (a Sustainability Resource Centre of the Development Alternatives Group, implementing efficient agricultural practices for farmers and the community of Jhansi) and demonstrated in 20 villages of Babina block with 500 small and tribal farmers of the Jhansi district of Bundelkhand. The project is supported by NABARD under the Tribal Development Fund and commissioned to run from April 2009 to April 2010. A total of 340 Wadi gardens were established for sustainable livelihood generation under this model.

The Wadi model is the nucleus of several development interventions built around the "small orchard" concept, covering one acre of land, and consisting of two or more fruit crops chosen to minimise biological and marketing risks and to suit the local climatic conditions. In Bundelkhand, fruit trees such as guava, aonla, lemon and papaya, with forestry species on the periphery of the land holdings, have been selected as per technical recommendations. While the fruit plants generate an income after four to five years, the forest itself provides timber and acts both as a fence and as a shelter belt.

One acre of Wadi can contain 110 fruit plants and over 200 forest species. The plants are managed according to the interests of the participating families, and choices are made based on their knowledge of local conditions. In initial years, inter-cropping has also been introduced to supplement family needs. Generally, under the Wadi model, the first fruiting is received after the fourth year following planting, and the availability of fruit creates a sustainable source of livelihood for participating families.

Soil and water conservation activities are core parts of the Wadi Programme. Most of the planning is based on the local context and field conditions. To ensure the critical supply of water for irrigation, construction of water tanks, wells, small check dams and farm ponds were undertaken as required. For optimum utilisation of available irrigation water, low-cost irrigation methods such as the pot/drum approach have been preferred. For soil conservation, measures such as bunding, cattle protection trenches, contour and strip trenches, stone or grass bunds and platforms for plants were used.

To develop a strong participatory approach, Wadi Participant Groups (WPG) were formed with the small and marginal farmers, and their involvement in the planning and execution of the programme was ensured. Initially, these groups have acted as motivators and local trainers for new participants. In the future, given adequate support, the groups are expected to graduate to the level of upper-tier institutions capable of managing all development processes of the Wadi programme.

Initially, these groups have been motivated to start their own corpus with small savings as well as to contribute individually to Wadi activities based on available resources. The programme also provides capacity building for local youth, enabling young participants to organise themselves for holistic development through skill upgrading. These youth now act as volunteers, supporting the promotion of the Wadi programme.

The provision of a revolving fund has also been introduced as part of the Wadi model to provide employment opportunities to landless families through farm-based and other micro enterprises.

The Wadi model is a source of opportunities for the advancement of a healthy and wealthy environment targeting family units alongside other value-added development actions. Maintaining gender equity is a strong imperative at all levels of the project. The whole process involves family members in organising programme activities based on their situation and needs. Activities targeting education, health care, energy supply, income generation, access to information and capacity building also form an integral part of the Wadi programme.

The poor socio-economic status of the targeted community leads to limited access to health care facilities. Problems arising as a result of inadequate health care include malnutrition, illness, alcoholism, low awareness of adequate hygiene and a lack of sanitation facilities. To address these concerns, health education programmes and diagnosis camps have also been incorporated into the Wadi programme. To supplement the local diet, healthy kitchen gardening is being adopted by the women of the model area. People of the area have also received advice and facilitation in the construction of safe and healthy sanitation facilities.

The Wadi model has had a significant socio-economic and ecological impact. This model facilitates the social, economic and envrionmental prongs that are necessary components of sustainable livelihood generation schemes.

The Wadi model has demonstrated significant success due its three-pronged approach, focusing on the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development. The model is highly replicable in the context of the Bundelkhand region, and constitutes an excellent tool for large-scale sustainable livelihood generation and the reduction of out-migration.

The Wadi model has been proven as a combination of sustainable, innovative and efficient farming methods that are developed and field-tested at TARAgram Pahuj: a Sustainability Resource Centre of the DA Group dedicated to sustainable development in Bundelkhand. q

Dr. Naresh Sharma
nsharma1@devalt.org