An innovative interdisciplinary approach combining soil and social sciences has revealed new understanding about the effectiveness of Zero Budget Natural Farming. By providing a holistic approach to support the case for its expansion across Andhra Pradesh in India, both the land and the farmers who work it will benefit.
High farmer debt and suicides in India, exacerbated by soil degradation, is undermining effective agricultural production and rural wellbeing. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a grassroots agrarian movement in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a low-cost, locally sourced natural farming method that promotes chemical-free farming to bolster smallholder farmers’ resilience.
An interdisciplinary team, led by soil scientist Dr Sarah Duddigan and social scientist Dr Grady Walker, have been developing an evidence base to understand the effectiveness of the ZBNF approach.
Through a combination of controlled field experiments and participatory photography, their research considered the motivations behind the adoption of ZBNF. It engaged with over 150 smallholder farmers and young research fellows who actively participated in data collection and analysis, as well as other local stakeholders such as Women’s Self-Help Groups.
The soil science investigations demonstrated how ZBNF enhances soil moisture retention and improves yield, while reducing expenditure. In parallel, the participatory photography revealed that farmers value ZBNF not just for potential yield gains, but for providing agricultural independence, preserving cultural legacy, and rejecting industrialised farming methods.
The participatory approach directly benefitted community participants by sharing new knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices. The overall research project supported capacity building through training between the Reading team and over 100 Indian researchers and farmers.
Bringing the two disciplines together generated insights on the multifaceted socio-economic and environmental benefits. These insights could not have been achieved from either discipline alone. The project’s holistic findings have supported decision-makers who are intending to upscale natural farming to 6 million farmers in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.
“This is an opportunity to show my cluster farmers the difference between the ZBNF, organic and conventional treatments which will help them to implement the better one for better yields and good soil health.”
Natural Farming Fellow, RySS
Judges’ comment
“An Innovative interdisciplinary research project bringing together soil science and social science to work with a well-defined stakeholder community that has very promising impact.”
Partners
- Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) – farmer empowerment organisation
Funders
- KfW Development Bank
Team: Sarah Duddigan (Geography & Environmental Science) and Grady Walker (International Development)
Project name: Understanding Zero Budget Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh