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Social-Ecological Transformation | 

Preserving Indigenous Agriculture

Variety of indigenous yield. From the field at Keystone Foundation
A variety of indigenous yield

The traditional mixed cropping systems of Adivasi communities in India are threatened due to factors such as shrinking areas for shifting cultivation and changes in the monsoons on which these practices depend. With major challenges posed by climate change, associated food and water scarcity, and biodiversity loss, these systems are crucial in meeting these marginalised communities' food and nutritional needs and catering to their livelihood requirements. However, these practices lack recognition and support, which could lead to their loss and the subsequent loss of rich agro-biodiverse systems.

Keystone Foundation’s work with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung tries to promote, conserve and sustainably use traditional agriculture, indigenous crops, crop genetic resources, and uncultivated foods for these communities' enhanced food and nutritional security.

The use of traditional crops such as millet and legumes in mixed cropping systems can contribute to improved nutrition and help combat malnutrition among Adivasi communities. However, despite the benefits of these crops, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about their potential.

About Keystone Foundation

Keystone Foundation works to achieve livelihood security for indigenous communities, agriculture and food security, land and community rights, community health and development, and conservation of biodiversity.

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