Solar Automated versatile repellent system, Harirampura, Rajasthan
( Student: Ms. Niloofar Abed )
This proposal introduces a novel smart crop protection system that utilizes Internet of Things (IoT)-based animal-repelling technology to enhance crop protection and promote sustainable development in Rajasthan, India. The proposed system not only offers an effective solution to crop protection but also promotes environmental protection and the preservation of native animals in the regional ecosystem via a quadruple-farm protection mechanism. The system detects the animals by employing the integrated Wire Lees Sensor Network (WS) and Deep Learning (DL) architecture to identify and recognize the invasive animal; subsequently, the appropriate repellent actuator runs. The farmer will monitor all actions controlled by an embedded board and through an IoT cloud linked to the mobile application. The whole system supplies its power via solar energy. This study highlights the importance of adopting IoT-based technologies in sustainable agriculture in Rajasthan, India, furthermore, and it is adaptable to other regions. Through the agricultural lens, this project follows the different Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), such as SDG 2.1.4 in the agriculture thematic area, SDG 7 in the Energy area, and SDG 15 in the biodiversity and environmental area, in economic, social, and environmental pillars.
Impact of Monsoon Variability on Paddy Production and Solutions for Socio-Ecological Stability: A Comprehensive Study of Krishanrampur Village, West Bengal, India
( Student: Mr. Blessed Mashonganyika )
Monsoon variability in India poses a significant challenge to paddy production, a crucial staple crop that supports the food security and livelihoods of millions across the sub-continent. This study examines the impact of fluctuations in monsoon patterns, including delayed onsets, uneven distribution, and extreme weather events, on paddy yields in Krishnarampur village, West Bengal. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of historical climate and yield data with qualitative interviews of farmers and stakeholders, the research will provide a comprehensive assessment of the socio-ecological vulnerabilities arising from monsoon variability. The findings will reveal complex interactions between climatic, agronomic, and socioeconomic factors that amplify the risks to paddy production and rural communities. To enhance socio-ecological resilience, the study will find out the possibilities of a multi-pronged strategy encompassing climate-smart agricultural practices, improved water management infrastructure, crop diversification, and strengthened social safety nets. These solutions will aim to empower farmers, stabilize food production, and foster sustainable agricultural systems adaptable to the evolving monsoon patterns. The research will underscore the urgent need for evidence-based, participatory approaches to climate change adaptation in the paddy-based farming systems in the village. By addressing the impacts of monsoon variability, this study contributes to the development of more resilient and equitable food systems in the face of global environmental changes.
Impact of Monsoon Variability on Paddy Production and Solutions for Socio-Ecological Stability: A Comprehensive Study of Krishanrampur Village, West Bengal, India
( Student: Ms. Bridget Mwabvu )
The current study aims to investigate the factors influencing farmers’ acceptance or rejection of technological measures in an agrarian community setting of Malgaon village in Kandagaon district in Chattisgarh. While agriculture remains the mainstay of the community, the region experiences low agricultural productivity due to various factors, including technological limitations stemming from farmers’ inability and or aversion to adopt the available innovations and practices in farming. While the total area under cultivation is 310 hectares, only 45 (hardly 15%) hectares are under irrigation, indicating a gap in the adoption of irrigation technology which may have serious implications on the adoption (and use) of allied technologies or farming practices to enhance productivity and efficiency in farming. Farmers are also currently facing increased financial losses due to high post-harvest losses. This indicates another gap in postharvest management technologies adoption. The objectives of the present study include evaluating the features and effectiveness of technological innovations, assessing both the economic and non-economic advantages of the technology, examining the farmer characteristics that impact technology adoption or non-adoption, and evaluating the external influences such as policies that could affect the utilization and adoption of sustainable agricultural innovations in Malgaon village.
Assessing the causes and impacts of Water Scarcity on Maize and Paddy Cultivation: Farmersˈ Perception and Adaptation for Sustainable Agriculture in Malgaon, Kondagaon district, Chhattisgarh, India
( Student: Mr. Nuru Hasan Bame )
Chhattisgarh, the state chosen for this study, reports moderate water scarcity. However, some areas within the state continue to battle severe water scarcity. The study village, particularly, witnesses water shortages, notably exacerbated during the summer, spanning from March to May. Therefore, these alarming trends and predictions underscore the need to understand and address the multifaceted challenges posed by water scarcity, especially in agriculture. Taking this into account consideration, the current study aims to address the following objectives: to analyze past, present, and future climate change and variability in the study area; to assess the impact of changing climate on the water requirements for cultivating maize and paddy in the study village; quantify the climate suitability of maize and paddy in the study village under future climate scenarios; to explore farmers’ perceptions about water scarcity and its impact; to assess farmers’ adaptive strategies in response to water scarcity; to examine factors determining the adaptive strategies of the farmers. The research methodology adopted for this study adheres to a pragmatic research philosophy, integrating a deductive approach within a mixed-method framework and combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
System, Strategies, and Platform Design for Technology Adoption of Solar Lemongrass Distillation Unit to Ensure Inclusive Sustainable Livelihood, Valaramkunnu, Wayanad, Kerala
( Student: Mr. Aroun Clément Baudouin-van Os )
Small-scale extraction units in rural India usually relied on firewood as the energy source. In cases such as the Valaramkunnu tribal village located in Wayanad, Kerala, production stopped when the government forbade the cutting of trees to prevent deforestation and potential impacts on climate change. This motivated the research exploring solar energy as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative energy source to power the distillation process. A prototype of the system was implemented in Valaramkunnu and was utilized by the local Kurichiya and Paniya tribal population to extract essential oil from lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). A comprehensive review of academic literature and reports from stakeholders involved in the prototype’s design, implementation, and follow-up highlighted sociotechnical challenges in the adoption of the technology by the community which affect the sustainability of the livelihood proposition. Therefore, the research aims to identify the factors influencing the technology adoption of the solar lemongrass distillation unit, enhance the design of the system to improve the technology adoption based on the identified factors, design and implement interventions to ensure sustained inclusive engagement, identify the factors impacting the lemongrass essential oil livelihood sustainability, design an adaptive sustainable business model that is resilient to dynamic changes of the sustainability factors, and propose an accessible platform to foster technology adoption and livelihood sustainability.
Challenges and constraints of smallholder farmers in adoption or integration of organic farming practices: a case study of Sadivayal village of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu India
(Student: Mr. Estone Jiji Habanyati )
Rice is a predominant grain crop cultivated by the tribal community of Sadivayal village under subsistence agriculture. Farmers in the study area confront both technical and practical challenges in improving farm sustainability for improved livelihoods, such as unsustainable agricultural practices; the vulnerability of grown rice varieties to pest and disease attacks; leasing their landholdings; and a lack of awareness of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs). The purpose of this research was not to design completely new farming practices and rice varieties but rather to modify current practices in order to minimize and/or curb the use of unsustainable agricultural practices and vulnerable rice varieties. A participatory approach was used to design, test, and implement sustainable rice agricultural practices and varieties. To co-design sustainable intervening rice production systems involving five stages: (i) definition of the problem, (ii) recruitment of participants, (iii) planning and designing intervention practices and rice varieties, (iv) treatment demonstrations, and (v) synthesis of the interventions, a site-specific participatory approach blending indigenous knowledge (IK) and scientific knowledge was inevitable. CO55 performed exceptionally well in terms of pest and disease resilience and resistance, high yield, improved plant growth, and integrated farming being less complicated. Participation of local stakeholders and blending IK into the co-designing process aided in identifying viable options for agricultural practices and rice varieties. Additionally, it aided smallholder rice farmers in implementing mitigation practices and rice varieties in their fields.
Developing Adaptation Measures for Sustainable Agriculture through Climate-Responsive Interventions, Sadivayal village, Tamil Nadu
(Student: Mr. Masoud Barati Kakolaki )
This research aims to develop sustainable measures to tackle these challenges, focusing on adjusting sowing times based on monsoon onset, using climate models to understand future impacts, and considering optimal supplemental irrigation (SI) in the Sadivayal village, Tamil Nadu. Adjusting sowing times maximizes rainwater usage, reducing freshwater dependency. It allows crops to establish before monsoon onset, ensuring adequate water during critical growth stages. SI buffers against erratic rainfall, sustaining yields during dry spells. The research, focusing on rice, sorghum, and maize, evaluates climate change impacts using CMIP6 data under different socio-economic scenarios. In Sadivayal village, local systems influence SSA adaptation. An agricultural sustainability assessment framework, considering economic, social, and environmental dimensions, evaluates current farming practices. SSA aligns with SDG goals, sustaining food security and rural livelihoods (SDG 2.3), reflected in indicators 2.4.1, 6.4.1, and 6.4.2.
OceanNet Blockchain: A Blockchain-based Framework for Livelihood Resilience and Sustainability in a Small-scale Fishing Community in Alappad – Kerala, India
(Student: Mr. Mojtaba Enayati )
This research investigates the potential application of blockchain-based solutions to enhance the resilience of fishermen communities facing dynamic environmental and societal challenges. Focusing on a case study of a coastal fishing village, Alappad – Kerala, the study explores the feasibility and impact of a blockchain-powered e-commerce platform designed to empower fishermen by facilitating direct market access, reducing reliance on intermediaries, and promoting transparent transactions. Through a phased approach, the research incorporates participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods to identify community priorities and tailor the technological solution to local needs. Additionally, the study includes comprehensive ICT training sessions aimed at bridging the digital divide and building capacity among fishermen to effectively utilize the proposed blockchain framework. The anticipated outcomes include enhanced livelihood resilience, increased technology adoption, and improved market efficiency within the fishery ecosystem. By leveraging blockchain technology and community engagement, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable development, digital inclusion, and resilience-building strategies in vulnerable coastal communities.
A study of the livelihoods of the people of Malegaon village, Pune district of the Maharashtra state of India
(Student: Mr. Emmanuel Der Tambile )
Sustaining rural livelihoods is crucial for the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and for the well-being of individuals in developing countries where an estimated 80 percent of the global population lives. Towards contributing to the realization of these global objectives and the socio-economic well-being of rural households in developing countries, especially India, this study explores the current state of livelihoods in the Malegaon village of Pune District in the Maharashtra State of India. The study which is designed based on the pragmatist research philosophy utilizes the DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework as a guide for its system of logic. Mixed methods in data collection and analysis are been applied with households as the unit of analysis for the study’s findings. The results of this study are focused on revealing the status of livelihoods in the village, the opportunities and challenges confronting livelihood sustainability, and the possible strategies for enhancing sustainable livelihoods in the village.
Exploring Modern Techniques for Soil Quality Enhancement in Harirampura Village, Rajasthan, India: A Community-Driven Approach to Improve Crop Development
(Student: Mr. Itai Selwyn Dzinamarira)
This research aims to investigate the application of modern techniques for soil quality enhancement in Harirampura village, Rajasthan, adopting community-driven approaches to benefit marginalized tribal farmers. Nano and biochar technologies and their modifications are currently being explored for enhancing soil health However, their effectiveness depends on factors such as soil and crop type, agroclimatic conditions, type of feedstock, and pyrolysis conditions. In this regard, various studies have shown differing, but promising potential in biochar’s ability to address soil health problems. By leveraging Participatory Rural Appraisals and Human-centered designs, the study focuses on examining the efficacy of locally developed biochar composites, and its modifications such as nano biochar, in soil quality improvement and enhanced crop development. Additionally, income-generating projects will be implemented and evaluated, contributing to their livelihoods. The research questions center on understanding the current state of agriculture waste management in Rajasthan, assessing the viability of biochar composites as alternatives to mineral fertilizers, and evaluating their impact on soil properties, crop productivity, as well as the associated risks and benefits to human health and the environment. This longitudinal study seeks to fill a gap in existing research by providing insights into the long-term effects of biochar composites and derivatives on soil amendment, remediation, and crop productivity in rural settings.
A study of applying drones and satellite remote sensing techniques in coastal fisheries communities for sustainability in Alappad, Kollam, Kerala, India
(Student: Mr. Isaac Lukambagire)
This proposed study aims to bridge the food-fish scarcity gap resulting from the failure to optimally access potential fishing zones (PFZs) by detecting these potential fishing zones (PFZs) to enhance the fish harvest of the local fishermen. This study incorporates participatory rural appraisal tools, and integrates the potential of two cutting-edge techniques, namely; satellite and drone remote sensing to optimally access potential fishing zones (PFZs) to enhance the fish harvest of the local fishermen. This work to improve fish harvests will be integrated with other management efforts to ensure that more efficient fishing does not undermine stock and ecosystem sustainability by increasing fishing beyond the maximum sustainable yield. Another intervention will be to implement sensitization programs to teach fishermen the importance of not fishing immature fish – particularly in breeding areas – and not littering the ocean and coast with debris. This will help to promote environmentally sustainable fishing practices and enhance fishermen’s livelihoods. In general terms, the program will be pursued in a framework of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) combined with integrated management (IM), and using a precautionary approach to minimize the risks of overfishing and potential fish declines.
Integrating Fertilizers in Wheat-Legumes Cropping Systems for Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation and Ensuring Food Security in Dewgain, Ranchi District, Jharkhand
(Student: Mr. Demisie Ejigu)
Integrated fertilizers and cropping systems can help sustain soil fertility and crop productivity. In the village, about 90% of households are exclusively dependent on farming. The village faces the challenges of a shortage of water. The amount of well water decreases by half and difficult to satisfy the water demand of the crops. Farmers near the rivers are more beneficial during the winter season because they have access to water from the river (check dam) and can cultivate more crops compared to other parts of the village. There is also a shortage of energy for irrigation. Most of the farmers use electricity, and a few farmers use solar energy. There is also a variation in the agronomic practices used by farmers, such as fertilizers, irrigation water, and herbicide usage. This shows that farmers are not using the recommended agronomic practices. Therefore, the focus of this research is to improve integrated fertilizer usage in cereal-legume intercropping systems to enhance climate change adaptation by improving soil moisture level and soil nutrient levels. The goal is to increase soil fertility, and soil moisture levels and increase the yield of crops (wheat and legumes) through field demonstrations and awareness creation among the farmers by promoting best practices.
Value addition to underutilized jackfruit seeds through phytochemical analysis and exploring their potential as fish feed in Byse village in Karnataka
(Student: Ms. Amabile Manianga)
This project intends to develop sustainable means of generating income for the Byse community as well as assess the viability of using jackfruit seeds as fish feed. The study looks at the availability of jackfruit in Byse village, how households use seeds, how rarely they use them, and what kinds of subsistence activities they engage in. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research techniques was used to examine the issue. The method of collecting data makes use of an experimental and cross-sectional research methodology. On the other hand, a correlation analysis is conducted to look into the relationships between variables related to the use of jackfruit seeds. Standard methods have been employed in an experimental design to investigate the phytochemical and nutritional content of the jackfruit seeds. In parallel, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Demasoni cichlids have been used as model fish in fish feed trials of the prepared feeds (herbivorous and omnivorous) to evaluate the efficacy of jackfruit seed feed. The findings showed that the omnivorous fish diet experimental feed experiments had a 100% survival rate and a steady rate of growth. The herbivorous fish that were fed commercial feeds and jackfruit seed meal showed slight but statistically significant differences in several characteristics. Furthermore, the examination of jackfruit seeds demonstrated the presence of glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic chemicals in different proportions in the petroleum, chloroform, and methanol seed extracts. The many features and easy accessibility of jackfruit seeds make them a viable option for a consistent stream of income.
Harnessing crop diversity and pollinator benefits: Addressing post-harvest challenges for community well-being in Vadviloli, Sawai Madhopur District
(Student: Mr. Veryson Mutandani)
This study will focus on the impacts of increased farm-level crop diversity and pollinator inventories on crop yield, quality, nutritional value and dietary outcomes in advancing community well-being in the Vadviloli, Sawai Madhopur District in Rajasthan. The study will further explore the contribution of robust pollination services to crop yield stability, strengthen food systems and livelihoods as interventions in achieving these aims.
Systems Thinking Approach to Analyse the Problem of Food and Nutrition Security in Rural India
(Student: Ms. Amrita Sadanand)
This study aims to develop a framework that applies systems thinking and a network approach to involve the local stakeholders in the co-creation and implementation of a sustainable solution. The present study adopts a mixed methodology approach, starting with a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews of different stakeholders to understand the locals’ perceptions of their food and nutrition system. To further understand the problem, a survey tool is developed to assess the food and nutrition system. The study is conducted in Tantichira in Odisha and Ratanpur in Bihar, India. As an outcome, this study proposes a framework and policy recommendations to holistically address the problem of food insecurity. This approach also provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges of the vulnerable population and empowers them to be self-reliant through discussion, co-creation, and management of sustainably developed local food and nutrition systems. The research can be adopted and implemented in other eastern developing countries in close collaboration with key stakeholders encompassing different food sectors to provide holistic and sustainable solutions to ensure food security.
The Use of Assistive Technology for Farming Tasks in Dunda Village: A Case for Wearable Exoskeletons, Dunda, Uttarakhashi district, Uttarakhand
( Student: Mr. Emmanuel Assare-Mokwah )
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.5 billion people worldwide, including village farmers in developing nations like rural India, need assistive devices to participate in civic life, work, and education. The use of assistive technology is crucial for the well-being of these farmers, as it can increase their productivity, and efficiency, and help them sustain their livelihoods. It enables individuals to function independently and promotes their overall well-being. Among the various types of assistive technology, wearable exoskeletons have the potential to significantly reduce the physical burden on farmers. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and impact of wearable exoskeleton technology as an assistive device for village farmers in Dunda, a rural community in India. The primary research problem focuses on addressing the physical strain and ergonomic challenges farmers face during labour-intensive agricultural activities.
