Reversing desertification in Andhra Pradesh: a case for ‘engagement landscapes’

he government of the Indian state is speeding up efforts to return land to productivity through local engagement, increasing knowledge and skills.

Anantapur District in Andhra Pradesh in India has experienced drought for 17 of the last 20 years. Over the past few decades, the natural vegetation, forested land and biodiversity have all dramatically decreased.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has been taking active measures to counter the degradation of the state’s land and the threat of desertification, to enhance biodiversity, and to improve farmers’ livelihoods.

One of the ways this is being done is through the Andhra Pradesh ‘Zero-Budget’ Natural Farming Programme, implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, a corporation for farmers’ empowerment.