From climate change to changes in agriculture, land and water at village level: a foresight approach in India

Abstract

Agriculture in India is highly concerned by adaptation issues as climate change is projected to have significant impacts on cultural conditions and in consequence on food security. There is a call for local measures to adapt to climate change and participation of local actors. In this context, we used a foresight study framework to discuss with farmers about changes in agriculture, land and water in Sorapet (South India). This article presents: the method implemented, the changes in this village within the past 10 years, the 3 contradictive scenarios for 2040 discussed with stakeholders. The foresight exercise produced an interesting setting for the dialogue between farmers and researchers resulting in focusing on issues such as attachment to agriculture. A participative foresight with local stakeholders as in this study is novel in India. This experience confirms the interest of the foresight approach in promoting alternatives. Yet it has to be developed while questioning further its distance to local practices.