Regenerative Landscapes

The Regenerative Landscapes Theme utilizes a range of tools, technologies, and landscape-based approaches to restore natural resources, strengthen ecosystem resilience, improve agricultural productivity, and support sustainable livelihoods across the drylands of Asia and Africa. A key driver of this work is the ICRISAT Development Center (IDC), which serves as a platform for translating research into large-scale development outcomes.

  Landscape Resource Assessment and Conservation Planning

Through the ICRISAT Development Center (IDC), the theme has developed extensive expertise in landscape resource assessment using tools such as Land Resource Inventory (LRI), hydrological analysis, and geospatial planning. These approaches support the identification of opportunities for land restoration, water conservation, and sustainable natural resource management. Through biophysical and socio-economic data, the theme helps design interventions that improve resource use efficiency and strengthen landscape resilience.

  Water Budgeting and Climate-Resilient Cropping Systems

The theme applies water budgeting approaches to align crop choices and management practices with available water resources. Using field measurements, hydrological data, modelling tools, and landscape-scale assessments, researchers identify opportunities to improve water-use efficiency, optimize cropping systems, and support sustainable agricultural intensification under variable climatic conditions.

  Soil Health Assessment and Management

Healthy soils are the foundation of regenerative agriculture. The theme assesses soil physical, chemical, and biological properties to develop evidence-based recommendations for nutrient management, soil fertility enhancement, carbon sequestration, and improved resource-use efficiency. Knowledge generated through this work supports farmers, extension systems, policymakers, and development partners in implementing sustainable land management practices.

  Ecosystem Services Assessment and Monitoring

The theme employs advanced monitoring systems, hydrological instrumentation, remote sensing technologies, and modelling tools to quantify ecosystem services generated through landscape restoration and conservation efforts. This work helps stakeholders understand the benefits of sustainable land management and supports informed decision-making for landscape planning and investment.

  Circular Economy and Organic Resource Management

Regenerative landscapes depend on effective recycling of organic resources. The theme develops and promotes approaches such as composting, biochar production, and organic soil amendments that improve soil health, increase soil organic carbon, reduce waste, and create opportunities for rural enterprise development. These solutions help transform agricultural waste into valuable resources for farming communities.

  Water Reuse and Nature-Based Treatment Systems

To address increasing water scarcity, the theme explores sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse technologies, including constructed wetlands and nature-based treatment systems. These approaches improve water availability for agriculture while reducing environmental impacts and supporting more resilient farming systems.

  Protected Cultivation and High-Value Cropping Systems

The theme supports diversified and climate-resilient production systems through technologies such as protected cultivation, vegetable grafting, and intensive horticultural production. These approaches help farmers improve productivity, manage environmental stresses, and increase income from high-value crops.

  Livelihood Diversification and Agri-Allied Enterprises

Recognizing that resilient landscapes support resilient communities, the theme promotes agri-allied enterprises and value-added livelihood opportunities. Through the ICRISAT Development Center (IDC), training and capacity-building programs support activities such as mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, solar drying, and other rural enterprises that strengthen incomes and enhance livelihood resilience.

Through the application of these tools and approaches, the Regenerative Landscapes Theme, together with the ICRISAT Development Center (IDC), supports the restoration and sustainable management of agricultural landscapes to develop practical solutions that strengthen the resilience and productivity of farming systems while supporting long-term environmental sustainability.