Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet
At a Glance
Industry
Nonprofit
Project Types
Food and Agriculture, Sustainability and Energy Management Strategy
Year
2023
Location
Guntur, Telangana
Summary
Kshitij Madan analyzed different crops under natural farming practices in two districts of Andhra Pradesh. His research enabled the Monitoring and Evaluation team at RySS to design a framework for conducting evaluation studies within short time frames.
Goals
GASP is supporting Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), its partner organization, for the scale-up of regenerative agricultural practices in Andhra Pradesh.
As part of evidence documentation for policy advocacy, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team at RYSS enlisted Kshitij to gather details on the expenditure, and income generated through natural farming methods from the district of Kurnool and Prakasam. The project helped the organization assess the economic viability and sustainability of natural farming practices.
Solutions
Kshitij approached the challenge by using a three-step process:
- Developed a research objective and design: Based on a comprehensive literature review and guidance received from supervisors, Kshitij developed a questionnaire to gather details on the expenditure and income generated through natural farming methods. He then documented different techniques and tools employed by farmers.
- Conducted a survey: Kshitij investigated the impact of natural farming (NF) on income, expenditure, and farming activities in Kurnool and Prakasam districts. A survey with 50 natural farmers from each district was collected and analyzed using statistical methods
- Analysis: Based on both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, Kshitij’s study provided a holistic insight into the transition dynamics from traditional to NF practices in these agriculturally significant regions. Kshitij suggested gaps and solutions for the same.
Potential Impact
Kshitij’s research enabled a framework for the M&E team at RySS to conduct seasonal crop economic evaluation under natural farming practices.
The study design will be used by other team members and fellows to collect timely data on-ground for different crops in varied agro-climatic zones. The team will also pursue the study of other crops in the two districts based on the current study and recommendations.