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[Display omitted] • Devised a unique Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI) using a top-down data collation method. • Spatio-temporal nuances of the SLI revealed through spatial visualization and cold hotspot analysis in TRHR. • Yushu county showed significant growth; Jiuzhi identified as a primary cold spot in TRHR. • Grassland carrying pressure and income noted to be as hindrances for sustainable livelihoods. • There is a need for innovative solutions to evolve regional scale livelihood resilience. Applying novel approaches to assess the sustainable livelihood potentially contribute to learning and managing social-ecological systems. This research demonstrates the trajectory of sustainable livelihoods in the Three Rivers Headwater Region (TRHR) of Western China for a period of 2003 to 2017, utilizing a bespoke Sustainable Livelihood Index (SLI). Devised through a top-down data collation method, the SLI integrates comprehensive official statistics, encompassing socio-economic metrics alongside climatic and other environmental conditions. We employed spatial visualization and cold hotspot analysis to discern the spatio-temporal nuances of the SLI. Furthermore, the Obstacle Factor Analysis (OFA) was implemented to identify salient barriers impacting the SLI. Results indicated a steady rise in the SLI over the examined period, indicating progressive enhancements in the livelihood sustainability. However, marked disparities were observed across the TRHR counties, reflecting heterogeneity in socioeconomic progress and resource allocation. While Yushu county displayed commendable growth, Jiuzhi county stood out as a significant cold spot. Notably, natural and financial resources surfaced as paramount stresses to SLI progression, emphasizing the necessity for robust resource management and economic support. Key challenges, such as the grassland carrying pressure index, deteriorated grassland territories, and per capita disposable income were identified as critical obstacles to the sustainable livelihood of pastoral communities. These factors collectively influence economic viability, grassland resource stewardship, and human capital development, which are intertwined with local economic gains and future potentials. In nutshell, this study highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by the TRHR in charting sustainable livelihood pathways and champions recalibrated policies to protect natural assets, amplify economic support, reinforce human capital, and nurture regional synergies for sustainable evolution. The key insights suggest the pressing need for innovative, nature-based solutions that amplify regional-scale livelihood resilience, especially considering the challenges related to natural assets, financial support, and human capital development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo shoots form an integral part of the local diet of the Northeastern states of India. Fermented shoots have been eaten by tribal communities there since ancient times, but with increasing globalization, the trend of processing bamboo shoots at the home level seems to be changing. This paper highlights the different methods used by members of the Adi tribe in the state of Arunachal Pradesh for fermenting and detoxifying bamboo. Data were collected using participation and interview methods. The detoxifaction process was also validated scientifically at the laboratory scale using Picrate method. It was observed that some newer practices of processing bamboo shoots have been adopted in place of traditional practices. The notion of detoxification through fermentation was found satisfactory through experimental analysis. Toxicity decreased from 495 to 164.8 ppm over a 30-day fermentation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability on natural resource dependent farmers will further increase their vulnerability. This study describes how Adi farmers in Arunachal Pradesh (India) perceive and adapt to climate variability, and how this is influenced by gender and wealth. A total of 65 male and 71 female Adi farmers were interviewed or participated in focus group discussions. Both men and women have noticed there are fewer rainy days, longer summers, shorter winters and more erratic rainfall. However, some perceptions of change were gender and/or wealth class specific. Adi women noticed changes across areas they control including collecting forest foods, crop harvesting, and fermenting and storing of food. Men noted climate variability had made hunting wild game and marketing agricultural produce more difficult. Wealthy people were better placed to adapt to climate variability than poorer people because they could intensify their production systems. They switched to rainfed maize with improved varieties and horticultural cash crops which need more costly inputs. Wealthy people, particularly men, also received more advice and training than poorer people. Poorer farmers, particularly poor women, adapted predominantly by diversifying activities, such as using drought tolerant oil seeds and subsistence horticultural crops, accessing forest-based resources, rearing pigs and poultry, increasing fishing and the making of handicrafts. S torage, exchange and pooling of local resources were further strategies of the poor. This deeper understanding of Adi livelihood adaptation strategies will help increase their resilience by improving targeting of location specific extension services and adaptation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the biocultural dimensions of thetasat(Arenga obtusifoliaGriff.) tree and its conservation by various informal institutions of theAditribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The study included 240Adicommunity members (120 men and 120 women) residing in 12 villages of the East Siang and Upper Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The study was conducted using personal interviews and participatory methods. Results indicated that the stem oftasatis used as a traditional food during droughts and in preparing an ethnic beverage.Tasatis being conserved by theAditribe in various habitats. Plant populations oftasatwere observed relatively higher in Upper Siang than the East Siang district. The study found differences in the status of biocultural knowledge between genders and different age groups.Kebangandreglepare two indigenous institutions of men and women, respectively, and play leading roles in sustainingtasatplants in various habitats. Women of the Upper Siang district still maintain a knowledge network for diffusing biocultural knowledge related totasat, among others, through a barter system. Changing land use patterns in agriculture affectstasatconservation. The value addition fortasatbased products, and rewarding women who conservetasat, can enhance the sustainability oftasatbased on biocultural knowledge and institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analysed the indigenous practices of agro-biodiversity, changing patterns of cropping systems and conservation of agriculturally important natural resources of rice–wheat-based agroecosystems. The research was carried out in three villages of Azamgarh district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. Participatory approaches and personal interviews were combined to collect the data from 180 farmers. The results indicated that resource-poor (RP) farmers, by applying traditional practices of natural resource conservation, outperform their rich (RR) counterparts in conserving agro-biodiversity. Increase in irrigation facilities, adoption of improved crop varieties, commercialisation of farming and socio-economic changes have threatened the agro-biodiversity and related natural resources of these agroecosystems. For most of the crops, the RP farmers had better production stability as compared to the RR ones because the former tend to apply more sustainable and ecologically sound indigenous practices. A negative growth rate was observed in the area/numbers and production of legumes, livestock, pasture lands and community forestry. Women, who are the local custodians of conserving indigenous biodiversity (uncultivated species) and crop varieties through localised knowledge and sociocultural institutions, had significantly higher knowledge on agro-biodiversity than men. We concluded that integration of farmers’ eco-friendly practices with formal science and policy-making in a participatory mode may enhance sustainability of functions of agroecosystem leading to the strengthening of adaptive practices in changing climate and socio-economic scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor access to external resources, and a lack of affordable technologies compatible with socio-economic and ecological settings of rural livelihoods lead to high vulnerability of subsistence farmers to climate change and associated environmental stressors. Traditional knowledge (TK) plays a pivotal role in improving the adaptive capacity of such farmers to cope with these stressors. In India, most of the policies aiming to improve farmers' adaptive capacity are based on a top-down approach and barely consider farmers' TK. Policies can be made more inclusive by mainstreaming stakeholders' perspectives, an approach termed as knowledge co-production. Our study uses a knowledge co-production framework to (i) assess the current state of emphasis on TK and knowledge co-production processes in Indian policies on agricultural adaptation to climate change and associated environmental stressors, (ii) understand the status of TK-led knowledge co-production at the practice level, and (iii) assess the successes and gaps in incorporating TK in agricultural adaptation at the policy and practice levels to manage these stressors. Based on a systematic literature review, we found that despite emphasis on integration of TK, no Indian policy was successful in terms of stakeholder participation and in covering various dimensions of knowledge co-production. Most of the policies covered either two (knowledge gathering and application) or three (gathering , integration and application) dimensions. The term TK was also not clearly defined and it was unclear how to mainstream it into the process for successful outcomes. Co-production process was adjudged to be fairly successful at the practice level in some of the sectors (e.g., management of soil and water resources) where most of the dimensions were covered and stakeholders participated in various steps of co-production. There were significant differences in the success of co-production within (e.g., crop varieties) and between (e.g., crop and natural resource management) the sectors. We found a considerable gap at policy and practice levels on success of knowledge co-production. Insights from the study could help policy-makers to improve policies for the agricultural sector to better adapt to climate change and associated environmental stressors through the recognition and integration of farmers' TK. Image 1 • Resource-poor farmers often employ traditional knowledge (TK) to adapt to environmental stresses. • A co-production framework was applied to understand processes in TK-led knowledge co-production. • Policy level gaps in systematically mainstreaming TK-led processes were evident. • Inclusion of different dimensions showed fairly efficient of co-production process at practice level. • Our co-production framework provides relevant insights to future policies on sustainable agricultural adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about the topics discussed from the 28 workshops organized in Himalayan regions between March 2003 to March 2009 is presented. The workshops were designed to understand the role of barter system in exchange of bioresources among various tribes and the mechanism influencing learning process on biodiversity conservation and substinence livelihood of tribal communities. It focused on the importance of barter system among tribal communities to secure livelihoods and sustain bioresources.

The article discusses the benefits and recognition of those who are conserving and adding value to the indigenous biodiversity in India. It states on the consensus on the 97% rate of the Monpa traditional knowledge holders (TKH), who had a fair and equitable benefit sharing that comes from conserving the indigenous biodiversity. It addition, chief of tribal communities still play a crucial role in decision making at a community level.

Information about several papers discussed during a one-day workshop on the importance of ethnomedicines and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, India is presented. Topics highlight the need for conservation of rare, endemic and threatened (RET) species, indigenous medicines and Arunachal Pradesh tribes who used plant-based medicines. Attendee include group leader R. C. Srivastava, College of Horticulture and Forestry dean S. N. Raju, and Health and Family Welfare ex-director G. Yoncha.

Information about the National Seminar entitled "Community-based Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Development in Northeast India" that was held at the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University in Arunachal Pradesh, India from April 26-27, 2008 is presented. Topics include exploration of community knowledge of the region, insecticidal properties of Trichilia connaroides and conservation and promotion of dekang tree species in the East Siang District.

Indigenous and traditional practices based on ethnoecological knowledge are fundamental to biodiversity stewardship and sustainable use. Knowledge partnerships between Indigenous Peoples, traditional local communities, and ecologists can produce richer and fairer understandings of nature. We identify key topical areas where such collaborations can positively transform science, policy, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the village workshops in India is presented. The series of village workshops aims to identify the experiences of community leaders and traditional knowledge holders (TKHs) concerning climate change. It primarily discusses the reduction in carbon emission by minimizing deforestation and degradation of forest (REDD), as well as the conservation of natural resources and livelihood condition. The workshops revealed the issues on indicators for choosing community virgin forests (CVFs).

The article reports on the series of workshops held among the Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh, India from March 2003 to July 2008. The workshops aims to examine the dynamics of biocultural knowledge, livelihood, ecosystems and conservation status of the villages in the Adi community. Moreover, the workshops also aims to mobilize the Adi community at the village level, making them aware about conservation of biocultural resources.

Keywords: Indigenous knowledge; Local biodiversity; Consumption patterns; Food security and nutritional values; Conservation; Panchkutta; Thar desert; Rajasthan; India EN Indigenous knowledge Local biodiversity Consumption patterns Food security and nutritional values Conservation Panchkutta Thar desert Rajasthan India 347 356 10 05/02/23 20230401 NES 230401 Introduction Despite India's dominance in the production of cereal-based foods, at least 250 million rural people are nutritionally vulnerable due to a variety of technical, institutional, and socioeconomic circumstances (Johns & Sthapit, [11]). Our study examines this food system that evolved successfully in a very harsh environment using the example of I Panchkutta i production, since it is one of most unique traditional foods of arid zones and all the ingredients are also locally available. Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security in the Arid Climate of Rajasthan, India: Culturally Rich Foods of the Thar Desert - The Case of Panchkutta Existing environmental, food security, and nutritional policies need to integrate food, nutritional and ethnomedicinal insights reflected in locally developed products like I Panchkutta i in order to make them more inclusive. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the recognition and acknowledgement of the value of traditional knowledge (TK) and creativity of the grassroot level of people in biodiversity conservation in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It notes the effort of traditional medical practitioner taxonomist Orik Rallen to promote conservation of indigenous plant biodiversity by spreading awareness of domestication of forest plant species. Traditional healer Bamang Taniang has been using plant-based medicines to heal patients.

This study used hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) to delineate the spatial patterns of monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall by clustering 62 stations in the western arid region of India based on a 55 year (1957–2011) data set. The statistical properties of clusters were computed and box–whisker plots plotted. Furthermore, the relative influence of three geographical factors (longitude, latitude and altitude) and five statistical parameters (the mean, standard deviation (SD), co‐efficient of variation (CV), and maximum and minimum rainfall) on mean rainfall was investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). The use of HCA resulted in four rainfall clusters geographically located at a distinct position. Cluster I, characterized by the lowest mean rainfall and highest CV, was located in the western portion, whereas mean rainfall was the highest for cluster IV situated in the eastern portion. Box–whisker plots revealed a slight skewness, although the monsoon and annual rainfall followed a normal distribution. The PCA results indicted two to three significant principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues > 1. In four clusters, two PCs explained the major variance, ranging from 69.41% (June) to 91.83% (August) in monthly rainfall, from 63.62% (monsoon) to 93.30% (post‐monsoon) in seasonal rainfall, and from 71.48% to 90.73% in annual rainfall. In monthly and seasonal rainfall, first PC 1 is termed the "mean rainfall component", which has strong to moderate associations with longitude, and is equally opposed by the CV. These findings are vital for planners and decision‐makers to formulate strategies to manage unusual rainwater quantities. Understanding factors influencing the amount of rainfall is of paramount importance, especially in arid regions where low quantities of rainfall with irregular frequency are common at monthly, seasonal and annual scales. Multivariate statistical techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), are very useful at identifying statistical and geographical factors that have a substantial influence on rainfall patterns at a spatial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study explores the greenhouse gas balance and the economic performance (i.e. net present value (NPV) and production costs) of agroforestry and forestry systems on salt-affected soils (biosaline (agro)forestry) based on three case studies in South Asia. The economic impact of trading carbon credits generated by biosaline (agro)forestry is also assessed as a potential additional source of income. The greenhouse gas balance shows carbon sequestration over the plantation lifetime of 24 Mg CO2-eq. ha−1 in a rice-Eucalyptus camaldulensis agroforestry system on moderately saline soils in coastal Bangladesh (case study 1), 6 Mg CO2-eq. ha−1 in the rice-wheat- Eucalyptus tereticornis agroforestry system on sodic/saline-sodic soils in Haryana state, India (case study 2), and 96 Mg CO2-eq. ha−1 in the compact tree (Acacia nilotica) plantation on saline-sodic soils in Punjab province of Pakistan. The NPV at a discount rate of 10% is 1.1 k€ ha−1 for case study 1, 4.8 k€ ha−1 for case study 2, and 2.8 k€ ha−1 for case study 3. Carbon sequestration translates into economic values that increase the NPV by 1–12% in case study 1, 0.1–1% in case study 2, and 2–24% in case study 3 depending on the carbon credit price (1–15 € Mg−1 CO2-eq.). The analysis of the three cases indicates that the economic performance strongly depends on the type and severity of salt-affectedness (which affect the type and setup of the agroforestry system, the tree species and the biomass yield), markets for wood products, possibility of trading carbon credits, and discount rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Farm level recommendation in salt-affected agricultural landscapes is practically difficult due to spatial variations in inherent soil salinity, diverse farming situations and associated land ownerships with small-scale production systems. This study presents spatial array analysis of 354 geo-referenced soil samples revealing widespread heterogeneity in soil sodicity and fertility status across salt-affected Ghaghar basin of Kaithal district in Haryana, India. Six principal components accounted for 73% of the total variability, and the most important contributors [electrical conductivity (EC e), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), DTPA extractable copper (Cu) and boron (B), soil organic carbon (OC) and available phosphorus (AP)] as minimum data set were used to develop the soil quality index (SQI). Geostatistical analysis revealed Circular (EC e and AP), Exponential (SAR, OC and B) and Gaussian (Cu) as the best fit semivariogram ordinary kriging model with weak to moderate spatial dependence. Three soil management zones (SMZs) were delineated by grouping the entire area based on soil quality index (SQI). Fertilizer recommendations for rice-wheat cropping system in different SMZs were calculated using soil test crop response (STCR) equation to ensure balanced fertilization, resource saving and reducing environmental footprints. Gypsum requirement map was prepared for systematic allocation and distribution, and enabling farmers to precisely use the mineral gypsum in order to reclaim and reduce stresses led by sodic lands. The implications of this study showed zone-specific advocacy for gypsum application (as soil ameliorant) and balanced fertilization in sustainable restoration of sodic lands, improving nutrient use efficiency and stabilizing crop production in salt-affected regions of India and similar ecologies elsewhere. [Display omitted] • Principal soil parameters identified for periodic monitoring and characterization of salt-affected soils. • Inconsistent distribution pattern of soil properties was observed in semivariogram. • Soil quality index was used to delineate the soil management zones. • Zone-wise gypsum requirement and fertilizer scheduling addressed resource optimization and ecosystem sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Participatory research ensured better technology packaging, validation and adoption. • Gypsum and pressmud–mediated land reclamation better alleviates sodicity stress. • Denser planting and additional N improved crop resilience and yield in sodic areas. • Improved genetic tolerance and agronomic management bridged yield gaps and enhanced farmers' income. Regaining the agricultural potential of salt–affected lands offers an opportunity of production enhancement and sustaining food security in less favourable environments. This study aims at deciphering the synergy of adaptive and mitigation strategies– using salt tolerant rice varieties with affordable land reclamation and crop management options. The study was conducted following farmers' participatory approach for 3 years (2017–19) in sodicity–affected Ghaghar Basin of Haryana, India. Compared with the locally adapted variety PB1121, using the salt tolerant Basmati CSR30 resulted in less yield reduction and better returns, providing better opportunities for stabilizing crop production, and enhancing resilience and adaptation in sodic soils irrigated with alkali water. Gypsum and pressmud–mediated land reclamation reduced soil sodicity, improved salt tolerance and increased yield by ∼35 % compared to the control (2.19 t ha–1). Transplanting two seedlings per hill at 20 × 15 cm spacing resulted in better crop establishment and plant stand, with consequent increase in yield and economic gains over the farmers' practice of randomly transplanting one seedling hill–1. The significant increase in yields with addition of ∼25 % more N confirmed the farmers' perception of using more N in sodic soils, suggesting the need for revising existing recommendations. Curve Expert model revealed genotypic variation in N requirements, with 90 kg N ha–1 for CSR30 and 140 kg N ha–1 for PB1121 as economically optimum in sodic soils. Transformative improvements involving the use of adapted stress–tolerant varieties with location–specific agronomic practices increased yield by 6% over the existing recommendations and by 24 % over farmer's practices; showing potential for bridging the rice yield gaps, halting salt–induced land degradation and improving rural livelihood in salt–affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High RSC (alkali) irrigation water increased soil sodification (soil pH and ESP). • Neutralization ameliorants reduced salt load in soil-plant continuum. • Salt tolerant varieties exhibited better agro-physiological adaptation under stress environments. • Sugarcane pressmud, a potential alternative to mineral gypsum for sodic soils reclamation. This work evaluates the combine efficacy of chemical (gypsum, Gyp) and/or organic (pressmud, PM) amendments with salt-tolerant varieties (STVs) for ameliorating the deleterious effects of bicarbonate dominated residual alkalinity in irrigation water (RSC iw) on changes in soil properties, plant adaptation mechanisms and crop performance of rice-wheat system (RWS) in Trans Indo-Gangetic Plains. Continuous irrigation with high RSC iw gradually increased the soil pH and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and reduced rice and wheat productivity by 16 and 14%, respectively. Use of Gyp and PM ameliorated RSC iw improved physiological traits of both crops under stress conditions through significant improvement in relative water content (RWC, 6 and 10%); photosynthetic efficiency (Pn, 40 and 36 %); stomatal conductance (gS, 46 and 52%); transpiration rate (E, 72 and 45%); chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm, 13 and 12%); photon quantum yield (YII, 12 and 6%) and reduced membrane injury index (MII, 23 and 17%) and ionic concentration of Na+/K+ in shoot (48 and 37%) and root (45 and 37%). Highest rice (3.42 t ha−1) and wheat (4.30 t ha−1) yields were realized with Gyp + PM ameliorated RSC iw elucidating ∼25% yield advantage compared to unamended control. With increased RSC iw , STVs of aromatic rice (CSR 30 Basmati) and wheat (KRL 210) exhibited better performance owing to lesser yield reduction (12 and 11%) compared to traditional rice (PB 1121; 18%) and wheat (HD 2967; 16%) varieties. This study suggests that growing of STVs with Gyp + PM ameliorated RSC waters can mitigate adverse effects of RSC iw on soil health, improve agro-physiological adaptation and sustain the productivity of RWS. Field applicability of PM as soil ameliorant can help to address its safer disposal vis-a-vis potential alternative to gypsum in long-run. These results can be extended to larger areas undergoing high RSC iw induced soil sodification, further mitigating land and environment degradation in salt affected areas of India and similar agro-ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]