Ecosystem Restoration through Landscape Resource Conservation: Lessons Learned from Central India

Anantha, K H and Singh, R and Garg, K K and Akuraju, V R and Ram, A and Harawa, R and Jat, M L (2025) Ecosystem Restoration through Landscape Resource Conservation: Lessons Learned from Central India. Monograph. ICRISAT, Patancheru.

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Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems

Additional Information

The authors gratefully acknowledge the Government of Uttar Pradesh for funding support to implement the “Knowledge Intensive Sustainable Agricultural Network – Mission India for Transforming Agriculture” (KISAN MITrA) project under the Doubling Farmers’ Income initiative in the Bundelkhand region. We also extend our sincere thanks to the collaborating institutions and farming communities for their valuable contributions during the course of implementation. The support of the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes (MFL) science program in partially covering ICRISAT scientists’ time for this study is duly acknowledged. Finally, we express our appreciation to the dedicated field staff whose commitment and efforts were instrumental in the effective implementation of the landscape interventions.

Abstract

This policy brief highlights the outcomes and lessons learned from a landscape restoration initiative focused on dryland management in Central India’s Bundelkhand region. Through integrated and participatory resource management, anchored in the restoration of traditional rainwater harvesting systems and scientific monitoring, the project achieved significant improvements in groundwater recharge, cropping intensity, and rural livelihoods. A key innovation was the revival of the traditional haveli system, which had fallen into disrepair. Introducing an innovative masonry core wall concept and safe water discharge outlets, the restored havelis not only enhanced groundwater recharge but also strengthened a range of ecosystem services and supported productive post-monsoon agriculture, revitalizing previously abandoned lands. The Bundelkhand experience demonstrates that science-based, community-driven approaches can address the major challenges of land degradation, water scarcity, and rural poverty in India’s dryland regions. The project calls for scaling similar models nationwide through coordinated, dedicated-funding, and evidence-driven policies. Such efforts would advance the country’s goals for climate adaptation, land degradation neutrality, water security, and rural prosperity.

Item Type:	Monograph (Monograph)
Divisions:	Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Series Name:	Policy Brief
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ecosystem, landscape, resource conservation, india
Subjects:	Others > Water Resources Others > India Others > Water Conservation
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2025 04:20
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2025 04:21
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/13374
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