A recent landscapes workshop may have baffled local farmers, but scientists say it is important for them to be involved in the process as fellow stakeholders.

A story on the blog of the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature initiative reports on the Capacity Building Learning Dialog on Integrated Landscape Management held in Peradeniya, Central Sri Lanka. During the workshop, local and international participants discussed the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity, impending drought, and food imports. They also considered measures to mitigate harmful weather patterns and build resilience.

Among the speakers was Heenbanda, a farmer from the remote village of Udukumbura. He called on those attending to provide him with PVC pipes and a water pump.

Speaking about the involvement of villagers, Dr. D.K. N.G. Pushpakumara, country liaison scientist for the World Agroforestry Centre said: “There will soon come a time that they will benefit from it, although it’s not instantly perceptible.”

Following the workshop, participants visited Heenbanda’s village where together with villagers they discussed local knowledge of landscapes, ecosystem services and agrobiodiversity as well as strategies for growing crops while conserving nature and fulfilling nutrition needs.

They looked at how food production needs to consider all elements of the landscape – from the forests to the water, soil, insects and much more - so that it can benefit from the services the landscape provides. These services will be critical to addressing the challenges of climate change and drought.

Heenbanda and others in Udukumbura “realized that there is much more to consider than PVC pipes and water pumps to guarantee the well-being of everyone concerned,” says the article.

Read the full story: Beyond Pipes and Pumps: Learning about Landscapes