From Vision to Action (V2A): Co-development of transition pathways towards enhanced multifunctionality in Mandla landscapes, Madhya Pradesh (India)
Mandla district is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (seen in figure 1), covers an area of 7226 km2 and is defined by its diverse topography and agricultural significance. The district is situated within the Satpura hill range and the Narmada catchment area. The district comprises 1223 villages with a population of 1.28 million, and is home to several scheduled tribes, particularly the Gond, Baiga, and Oraon communities https://hdl.handle.net/10568/173476. These indigenous groups rely heavily on the commons, forests for Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), and open pastures. The district’s agricultural landscape is marked by the cultivation of key crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. Mandla faces challenges like soil erosion, particularly in ridge areas, prompting the construction of continuous contour bunds and trenches to mitigate its impact. With a total cropped area of 376,780 hectares, the district predominantly cultivates paddy, wheat, and pulses. However, water scarcity looms large despite an annual average rainfall of more than 1300 mm, as the districts undulating topography limits prolonged water retention and its soil characteristics further constrain groundwater recharge. Limited irrigation infrastructure, concentrated mainly near dams and canals, compels local residents to depend on rivers, streams, and traditional wells for domestic water needs. The district, largely falling under the Narmada river catchment, exhibits a unique environmental duality, with over 60% covered by forests providing vital habitat for wildlife and serving as a crucial resource for the local population.
Authors
Barooah, Prapti; Singh, Saurabh; Falk, Thomas; Krishnan, Smitha; Kumar, Gopal
Citation
Barooah, Prapti; Singh, Saurabh; Falk, Thomas; Krishnan, Smitha; and Kumar, Gopal. 2026. From Vision to Action (V2A): Co-development of transition pathways towards enhanced multifunctionality in Mandla landscapes, Madhya Pradesh (India). CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Program. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/183315
Keywords
Southern Asia; Asia; Environment; Stakeholders; Sustainability; Sustainable Agriculture
