ICRISAT’s past natural resources management (NRM) work placed its major focus on field-level management problems. While these remain important, particularly in Africa, the total global balance of effort is shifting somewhat towards both more micro(plant/soil/ nutrient/biota/farmer interactions) and more macro (e.g., watershed, landscape, ecoregion) directions.

At the macro end of the scale, land degradation and water use are becoming two major thrusts of ICRISAT’s NRM work in Asia, where partners are urgently requesting ICRISAT’s help in addressing these consequences of agricultural intensification. Participatory approaches are also becoming integral to the agenda. ICRISAT is studying, in collaboration with partners, how farmers and communities manage the natural resources of the SAT.

Particularly in Africa, where impact has been limited by low technology adoption rates, participatory methods are being applied to better understand farmers’ decision-making processes, and these criteria will be used as inputs into systems models to identify options for more efficient use of resource assets. Enhanced partnerships, especially in the areas of participatory methodology and gender awareness, are integral to these efforts.

Current research thrusts include

• Assess the extent of SAT land degradation, and means of restoration
• Diversify SAT cropping systems through a broader choice of crop and livestock options
• More efficient, environmentally-friendly crop and pest management options
• Multi-scale systems analysis and technology diffusion for impact
• Options for more efficient management of watersheds and catchments