Evaluating sustainable intensification and diversification options for agriculture-based livelihoods within an aquatic biodiversity conservation context in Buxa, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Potential impacts of sustainable intensification and diversification options for agriculture-based livelihoods in Buxa, West Bengal, India, were evaluated using bioeconomic modelling. The baseline scenario involved multiple cropping seasons and a combination of crops on 0.9 ha land-holdings, livestock husbandry, and exploitation of common property resources. With capital costs of Rs.128,180 (US$2293) and annual operating costs of Rs.37,290 (US$667), the net benefit generated (excluding depreciation) was Rs.70,250 (US$1257) annually. The pay-back period was 1.8 years, and the internal rate of return (IRR) was 53.7% over 10 years. Allocation of 20 days annually to fishing increased the net benefit to Rs.75,030 (US$1342) and IRR to 56.5% with minimal added costs and risks. Adopting the system of rice intensification (SRI) for paddy cultivation on 0.35 ha increased the IRR to 61.1%, while reducing agrochemical and inorganic fertilizer use. Including small-scale fish culture in a 0.1 ha pond integrated in the irrigation scheme for SRI cultivation resulted in an IRR of 77.3% and reduced the pay-back period to 1.3 years. Some risks to biodiversity are apparent with each scenario; however, with appropriate safeguards, sustainable agricultural intensification and livelihoods diversification could bolster agrobiodiversity and social-ecological resilience of highland communities, while alleviating pressure on biodiversity.

Keywords:

• biodiversity conservation
• bioeconomic modelling
• highland aquatic resources
• livelihoods diversification
• sustainable agricultural intensification
• Buxa
• India

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank household members from the villages in Buxa and stakeholders associated with the Buxa Tiger Reserve for their contribution to this study. The modelling approach and provisional findings were presented to participants at the joint University of Essex and Jawaharlal Nehru University Workshop on Development and Change in India, 27 September 2013, Colchester, UK. This publication reflects the authors' views, and the European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herein.

Additional information

Funding

This paper is an output of the HighARCS project that received funding from the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme [Contract Number 213015].