Enhancing Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Agricultural Waste Management: Evidences to Strengthen India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change

Abstract

Agricultural waste management is a significant challenge in the context of climate change and environmental sustainability. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) has fostered effective resource management culturally over the years among farmers. However, there is a lack of research on how traditional ecological knowledge based practices can contribute towards climate action policies with respect to resource management. In this context, the current qualitative study was undertaken to assess the potential of indigenous/ traditional agricultural waste management practices in promoting resource sustainability and climate resilience, thereby analysing their ability to enhance the efficacy of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in India. The research was carried out in three states of India, namely Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. A total of eleven farmers were selected through purposive random sampling and interviewed in-depth using semi-structured questionnaires, out of which the responses of nine farmers were included in the final data, after screening. Proper qualitative analysis of the data using thematic analysis method revealed that the farmers commonly preferred and adopted in-situ, location-specific traditional practices for agricultural waste management, thus ensuring better resource optimisation and sustainability. Traditional practices like the use of paddy straw as manure, vermicompost, traditional cisterns, Jeevamirtham, and Panchagavya have strengthened the commitment of TEK-based practices towards sustainability. The findings emphasized the integration of modern and traditional practices of agricultural waste management, combined with community-based initiatives, to better achieve the objectives of NAPCC. The insights suggested that promotion of traditional practices of agricultural waste management requires better incentives for farmers, more community based interventions by the government, and participatory decision-making with multiple stakeholders. Climate action can be enhanced by creation of traditional knowledge networks, online database, formulation of innovative hybrid models for agricultural waste management and promotion of community efforts to collectively enhance climate change adaptation in agriculture under the ageis of NAPCC. Traditional Ecological Knowledge should be rightfully incorporated into NAPCC to promote sustainability, strengthen climate resilience, thereby fostering a stronger policy framework.