Mountain Agriculture at a Crossroads?

Abstract

We have been implementing an action-research program in 30 villages of the Darjeeling Hills (North Bengal). These villages are scattered around the borders of two significant protected areas, Singalila National Park and Senchel Wildlife Sanctuary. Our over-arching research questions have been: What impact is the changing climate currently having on rural life and economy, and what can be expected in the near future? To answer these questions, we have gathered data on agricultural productivity at the household level over five years. But we have also wanted to understand what options there might be for increasing rural resilience and adaptation to changing conditions; so we have supported interventions in several simple but useful agricultural technologies. These include polyhouses to protect delicate crops such as chillies and leafy greens; bee boxes to increase and systematize honey production, and to support pollination services;