The field of one of the community members where the Climate Smart Agriculture was implemented. (Tshering Zangmo)
This approach focused on transforming Ngaru-Pontang into a Climate-Smart Village (CSV) with actions that also contribute to mitigating climate change. The programme has worked with 50 households on a total area of 137 acres (55 ha). The approach included a participatory vulnerability assessment, and extensive training and education for the land users. They were equipped with skills, technologies, and innovative practices related to climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Additionally, the approach emphasized collaborative efforts, working closely with community members to foster better engagement and cooperation.
The primary objectives of the approach were to transform Ngaru-Pontang village into a CSV and thus effectively address the challenges posed by climate change. To achieve these goals, the approach employed various methods. It involved meetings with the community members, vulnerability assessment, fostering collaboration between the community, Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) Wengkhar, and Commercial Agriculture and the Resilient Livelihood Enhancement Programme (CARLEP). The community members received comprehensive training and attended workshops on climate-smart agriculture practices.
The implementation of the approach adopted the following stages:
1. Resource and livelihood analysis carried out through a Participatory Vulnerability Assessment.
2. Based on the findings from the above assessment, a project proposal was submitted to secure funding.
3. Subsequently, discussions were held with the community members, the extension agent, and the local government to ensure collective agreement and support.
4. A detailed plan with a timeline was developed to guide project implementation and monitoring.
5. Training and workshops on CSA practices were conducted by the ARDC and the extension agent, empowering the community members to take charge of project implementation and ensure sustainability.
Key stakeholders involved in the approach included:
1. ARDC Wenkhar, which led the implementation of the project, facilitated the training and workshops, provided technical assistance, and monitored the programme's progress.
2. The Gewog administration and the extension agent played crucial roles by offering support and assistance in implementing climate-smart agriculture practices in the field.
3. The community members actively participated in various program activities, playing a pivotal role in driving the project forward.
4. The Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) acted as the funding agency.
The key CSA practices implemented through this approach are soil fertility improvement technologies (composting through use of FYM and bio-slurry, vermicomposting; liquid manure, biochar, Bhutan Agri-Microbial Solution (BAMS) and hedgerow plantations), community solar-electric fencing, heat and drought tolerant crops (spring paddy, soybean, avocados, mangoes and pineapples), biogas installations and establishment of weather station.
The implementation of CSA interventions has resulted in a wide range of impacts on livelihoods, income, and enhanced climate resilience. The diversification of crops, electric fencing, and improvement in irrigation have enabled farmers to expand their cultivation area thereby directly enhancing crop production and cash income. Similarly, the integration of improved livestock farming systems along with crops and the installation of biogas plants have reduced impacts on natural resources. Farmers have gained knowledge and exposure to different climate-smart agriculture practices. The only negative impact of the measures has been extra damage to crops by wild animals.
Location: Ngaru-Pongtang village, Thangrong gewog, Mongar Dzongkhag, Bhutan
Initiation date: 2016
Year of termination: 2021
Type of Approach
| What stakeholders / implementing bodies were involved in the Approach? | Specify stakeholders | Describe roles of stakeholders |
| local land users/ local communities | Ngaru-Pongtang community | As a beneficiary, participated actively in the planning and implementation of the project activities, ensuring the project was successful and beneficial to them. |
| researchers | ARDC Wenkhar | Led the implementation of the project; facilitated the training and the workshops; provided technical assistance to the program; and monitored the progress of the program. |
| local government | Gewog administration and gewog agriculture office | They provided administrative support and collaborated with other stakeholders in successful designing and implementation of the project activities. |
| international organization | International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) | IFAD provided financial assistance through its Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) |
The flowchart was created based on the information provided by the community members
Decisions were taken by
Decisions were made based on
The topics covered included climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, and good agricultural practices.
ARDC Wengkhar conducted a resource and livelihoods analysis through vulnerability assessment before designing and implementng the project in the community.
Sprinkler pipes and green shade nets
Seeds and saplings
Organic fertilizers
Labour by land users was
The project built capacity of the land users and are able to implement and monitor project activities in their own fields.
Conducting training and workshops were part of the approach and therefore this made implementing and maintaining the sustainability of the project possible.
The training and workshop helped provide knowledge and skills regarding sustainable land management and climate smart agriculture practices.
The project enabled local government to enhance their knowledge and capacity through direct engagement in the training program and in the implementation of the project activities in the field.
The project benefited all the community members equally disregarding of their background.
The climate-smart agriculture practices have improved the agricultural production through crop diversification, electric fencing and irrigation water improvement.
ARDC Wengkhar and the local government have facilitated the market by linking the community with Bhutan Agro-industry for processing.
Land users were trained on climate-smart agriculture and most importantly the land users have implemented climate smart agriculture practices in their fields which will definitely help build their capacity to adapt to the climate change.
The land users have built their capacity, improved their production and cash income which should enable them to sustain the project activities.
