Rush and Reed Conservation and Diversification Programme, Sri lanka
Case Study C0015
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | Podujana Himikam Kamituwa (Committee for People’s Rights) |
| Donor/support agency | Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka GEF SGP Green Movement of Sri Lanka National Craft Council of Sri Lanka Laksala (Sri Lanka Handicraft Board) Movement for National Land and Agriculture Reform (MONLAR), Sri Lanka Others |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Productive landscape |
| Geographic coverage | Sri Lanka |
| Locality | Horana |
| Biodiversity focus | Species |
| Development focus | Communities of low country wet zone of Sri Lanka |
| Conservation goals | Improve the biodiversity of the area through the re-introduction of traditional agricultural practices |
| Poverty reduction goals | Increase the income of local communities through the production of crafts |
Summary
Podujana Himikam Kamituwa (Committee for People's Rights) is a community based organisation involved with the rush and reed conservation and promotion of traditional agricultural practices in rural areas of low country wet zone of Sri Lanka since 1999. In these areas, farmers traditionally grew paddy. Along with it, reed used to grow on its own under natural conditions. It provided farmers with the material for weaving of mats, baskets and other domestic vessels and containers. These paddy fields and reed beds were essentially wetlands and were home to a wide range of species, including birds, fish and numerous insects. However, with the introduction of Green Revolution technologies and the advent of chemical inputs, this biodiversity got negatively affected. Due to the use of polythene and other synthetic materials there was a drastic decline in the use of rush and reed. This process resulted in a decline in the biodiversity of rush and reed and in the productivity of the soil, eventually leading to decline in the quality of rural life.
Acknowledging these problems, the organisation started its programme to promote traditional agricultural practices and chemical free agriculture along with conservation and diversification of reed beds. It trained 18 small groups made up of five persons each in appropriate agricultural technologies. It focused development of micro land unit as a viable and sustainable economic entity, consisting of the paddy field, the reed bed and home garden. Along with reed and rush plants, leafy greens were introduced which enhanced biodiversity and had medicinal and food values. Selected farmers were trained in techniques such as vermiculture, use of liquid fertilizers and compost as alternatives to chemical fertilizers. A group of twenty people were offered training in traditional crafts. For the sale of these crafts, a building complex was constructed with a sales outlet, a training centre and a show room. Leadership roles in agricultural aspect was taken by the older generation of farmers who contributed immensely about traditional practices. The craft training programme was initiated by the elderly women of the region who were familiar with the weaving practices.
These efforts led to the conservation of 12 rush and reed varieties which were threatened. Environmentally friendly agricultural practices improved biodiversity in general. Now there are more species of birds, insects and other organisms in the area. It also improved people's incomes. People, who are engaged only in reed cultivation, have an additional income of Rs. 5000-7000 annually without much additional effort. Paddy cultivation now yields Rs 6000-7000 annually as input costs have come down. People now have vegetables for their consumption, which has raised the nutrition status and saved people Rs. 3000–4000 annually. People engaged with crafts earn Rs. 1500–1600 per month in addition to their income from other sources. Thanks to the additional incomes and improvement in local environment this programme has become self sustaining.
Conservation impact
Around 12 rush and reed varieties, which have been threatened with extinction, have been conserved in situ. An increase in species, in particular birds, insects and other life is evident in these agricultural units as well in their immediate environments. Environmentally friendly agricultural practices and a committment to a diverse agricultural unit have naturally had a positive impact on biodiversity in general.
Poverty reduction impact
Even those who only engaged in cultivating reeds have, within minimum effort, been able to garner an additional Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,000 annually. The home gardens too provide an additional saving of Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000 annually. Those who are engaged in the production of crafts obtain an extra Rs.1,500 to Rs.6,000 per month over and above their income from other sources.
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Revival of traditional practices
Ecoagriculture
Reference 1
http://www.equatorinitiative.net/files/2004-0026_Nom_PodujanaHimikamKamituwa_SriLanka.doc
Reference 2
http://www.bestpractices.org/database/bp_display_best_practice.php?best_practice_id=1392
More information
Mr. Piyasoma Benthota, coordinating secretary CPR
Phone: ++94-34-55771
E-mail: gamagedara@sltnet.lk
Related records above this one:
- Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka (Organisation O0050)
- Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Organisation O0026)