Fieldwork Update from the Agroecology4Climate Project [20.08.25]
PhD researcher Haani T has recently returned from three months of extensive fieldwork in Kerala, India, where he explored how agroecological movements influence climate resilience in farming systems.
From March to May, Haani traveled across five districts—Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Palakkad—engaging with farmers, local organizations, and practitioners. His work began with key informant interviews and a pilot visit to refine survey tools and identify study locations. This was followed by surveys with over 300 farming households across Kerala’s diverse agroecological zones.
The surveys highlighted a wide range of cropping systems, from pepper, cocoa, coffee, and spices in Kerala’s hilly regions to mixed paddy–coconut–arecanut systems in the midlands and foothills. Farmers also shared perspectives on farming practices, market challenges, and the motivations behind adopting organic methods or diversifying crops.
This effort was made possible with the invaluable support of field assistants Muhammed Suhail and AMEER FAVAS, as well as Dirmrim Sangma, a Master’s student from Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Looking ahead, Haani plans to return to Kerala early next year for a second round of fieldwork, focusing on biophysical data collection (soil and above-ground biomass sampling) and qualitative interviews.
