Farmers for Forests: Transforming Rural Agriculture Through Agroforestry and Carbon Revenue
In this episode, we chat with Krutika Ravishankar, co-founder of Farmers for Forests, discussing how they make biodiverse forests financially viable for communities. From incentivizing and funding protection of forest land to accessing carbon revenue, we explore the innovative ways this organization supports conservation efforts while creating economic opportunities. Join us as we explore the challenges faced by rural farmers in India, the significance of carbon markets, and the impact of agroforestry on communities and the environment.
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Episode Summary and Learnings:
Incentivizing Conservation: Farmers for Forests provides financial incentives and support to communities for conserving and restoring forests, making conservation financially viable.
Agroforestry Benefits: Transitioning to agroforestry offers farmers climate resilience, reduced labor, and increased income through diverse crops and trees.
Carbon Credits: Carbon credits play a crucial role in funding conservation efforts by compensating for ecosystem services like carbon sequestration.
Community Impact: The initiative helps farmers adapt to climate change by offering sustainable farming models and improving their economic conditions.
Technological Integration: Advanced technology, including drones and satellite imagery, is used to monitor and measure carbon sequestration and the health of agroforestry projects.
Challenges and Resilience: The journey of starting and scaling Farmers for Forests involved overcoming numerous challenges, including funding, acceptance, and adapting models to real-world conditions.
Future Aspirations: The organization aims to expand its impact by hiring new team members and sharing their expertise in the carbon market and technological innovations.