Participatory Modeling Framework Climate Adaptation for Sustainable Agriculture through Climate Responsive Interventions

Abstract

The sustainability of rural livelihoods, particularly those rooted in smallholder agriculture, is increasingly jeopardized by the complex and intensifying impacts of climate change (CC). In regions like the semi-arid tropics of India, rural communities rely extensively on monsoon-driven agriculture for food security and economic well-being. However, escalating climate variability, manifested in erratic rainfall, shifting monsoon patterns, and growing water scarcity, has disrupted farming systems, reduced productivity, and heightened the vulnerability of smallholder farmers. This study was undertaken in Sadivayal, a tribal village in Tamil Nadu, to address these interconnected challenges through the development of a participatory climate adaptation framework designed to enhance the sustainability of small-scale agriculture. The framework was grounded in the principles of inclusivity, context-specificity, and resilience-building and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (zero hunger), 6 (clean water and sanitation), and 13 (climate action). The research began by examining the underlying vulnerabilities that constrain sustainable agricultural practices in Sadivayal. Farmers in this region face significant barriers, including low agricultural productivity, limited profitability, erratic rainfall, water scarcity, and the absence of supportive institutional mechanisms. To understand the nature and scope of these challenges, the study employed a structured methodology that combined field-level participatory tools with advanced technical assessments. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), Human-Centered Design (HCD), and farm surveys were used to gather local insights, while long-term rainfall data were analyzed to assess monsoon variability and its implications for rice cultivation. newlineA central feature of the methodology was the integration of Kolb s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), which emphasizes learning as a cyclical process involving concrete experience, reflective observation,...