Empowering Bonda tribal communities: Participatory networks for climate-resilient agriculture

The traditional farming methods used by the Bonda tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), residing in Odisha, are closely linked to ecological balance and cultural identity. However, the resilience of these practices is being undermined by climate change. This study, which adopted community-led approaches to enhance resilience, included 270 participants from 3 ecological areas of the Bonda Hills and used a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. Six interconnected themes emerged from surveys, focus groups, key informant interviews and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tools: reviving traditional farming methods, encouraging climate-resilient mixed farming, enhancing infrastructure and market accessibility, decentralising agricultural support, advancing inclusive agriculture and nutrition and fortifying organisational and financial ties. The results showed the incorporation of both indigenous and new knowledge to develop collaborative and culturally appropriate solutions. A comprehensive framework was provided to ensure that the recommendations, including improved market connections, local extension services and millet-based polycropping, align with Bonda priorities as well as those of other PVTGs.