Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Agricultural Biodiversity as a Livelihood Strategy ? The Case of Wastewater-Irrigated Vegetable Cultivation along the Musi River in Periurban Hyderabad, India

Auteur : Jacobi Johanna

Université de soutenance : Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau

Grade : Magisterarbeit Im Fach Geographie Studiengang Magister Scientiarum (M. Sc.) 2009

Résumé
Agricultural biodiversity ensures the nutritional basis upon which humankind depends and therefore plays an important role in ecological and socioeconomic contexts. The rates of loss however are alarming. For this case study, diversity in vegetable varieties in wastewater and groundwater-irrigated gardens along the Musi River was mapped and compared. Interviews with local farmers were conducted to better understand the decisions behind their crop choices. Most farmers interviewed used a highly intensive, short-term cropping system. Their work exposed them to pollutants like pesticides and industrial effluents. Their land tenure situation was insecure and they were faced with fluctuating prices of inputs such as seeds, pesticides and fertilizers. The perception of agricultural biodiversity among these farmers was positive, mostly for economic reasons, but also because it was seen as strengthening resilience against negative ecological impacts. Agricultural biodiversity was thus part of the livelihood strategy as it helped to mitigate vulnerability. However, it should be assured that industrial effluences are separated from the domestic effluent which can be profitable for urban and periurban farming. Cultivating a high diversity of crops in a sustainable way requires specialised knowledge. Therefore, meaningful ways of assisting the periurban farmers would be field schools and support through agricultural extension services.

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