The urge of conserving tradition from climate change: A case study of Darjeeling Himalayan large cardamom-based traditional agroforestry farming system

Abstract

Large cardamom-based traditional agroforestry is an important farming system of the Darjeeling Himalayas. The present study assessed the status of large cardamom-based traditional agroforestry in the context of climate change along with the grower's perception of climate change, the impacts of climate change on this farming system, observed issues and their solutions. Primary data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire from 100 cardamom growers selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique and analysed using a five-point Likert Scale. A total of 55% of surveyed growers perceived the impacts of climate change, manifested as changed livelihood (59%), visiting times of animals (65%), tree composition of the farming system (56%) and large cardamom phenology (42%). The majority (82%) of the growers were concerned about the decrease in the area and productivity of traditional large cardamom farming systems, and 94% expressed concerns about climate change mediated increased infestation of diseases and pests and decreased pollinator populations. Other concerns expressed by survey respondents included inadequate marketing (92%), inadequate management or cultural operations (82%) and limited extension services for capacity building (78%). The unavailability of quality planting material of large cardamom was expressed as a cause of decline by only 52% of the growers, although all respondents believed that the traditional large cardamom cultivars are inferior with low yield and susceptible to climate change mediated increased infestation by disease and pests. The majority of the growers were aware of the ecosystem services provided by large cardamom-based traditional agroforestry, such as temperature regulation (55%), improved air quality (57%), shelter to livestock and wildlife (60%), prevention of soil erosion and improvement of soil fertility (79%), and empowerment through higher income (58%). Although the majority of growers (68%) did not consider large cardamom farming systems as having significant economic worth as the farming system is unable to ensure high economic returns, all surveyed Darjeeling cardamom growers hailed their traditional large cardamom farming system as an heirloom while approximately 75% noted it as a source of cultural pride and the majority (70%) of the growers expressed a desire to continue the tradition of large cardamom. The Darjeeling growers surveyed suggested a range of solutions to revive their dying traditional farming, the most essential of which was deemed to be adequate training and extension for capacity building including institutional support (96%) followed by shade tree management and replanting of old plantations (74%), adequate market support and linkage (73%), suitable and timely post-harvest practices (77%), availability of high yielding pest and disease tolerant cultivars (62%) and appropriate and timely agronomic or cultural practices (47%). A revised policy platform to empower the growers through capacity building, institutional support and crop insurance schemes are recommended along with ensuring livelihood diversity and security to create proper human-environment interactions to revive the dying tradition of large cardamom-based agroforestry farming in the Darjeeling Himalayas. Additional future research is needed to clearly identify the factors that most influence harmonious human-environment interaction for improved insight into the dynamism of adaptation.