Innovative Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Community-Based Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

Authors: Rajitha. N. K, Sanesh. C, Dr. N. Karunakaran

DOI: 10.18231/j.jmra.12532.1916397099

Keywords: Climate resilience; Agriculture; Entrepreneurship; ecological farming

Abstract: Fragility of rural economy has worsened with the impacts of climate change on agriculture especially in the regions where more farmers rely on small-scale farming. Therefore, climate resilience entrepreneurial solutions are being considered to adapt to global climate change impacts. Stemming from a Centre for Climate Change innovation in Partnership for an Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Rural Transformation, this paper explores innovative business development strategies and schemes that advocate Climate resilient agriculture. Studying cases from different rural settings, the research focuses on climatically intelligent farming, environmental technologies and ecological farming methods that business-orientated activities use to counter climate risks and crop losses, which are currently leading to suffering in rural communities. What the study underscores is how entrepreneurship, in the arrangements for institutional credit access, government aid and local adaptations, may underpin livelihoods and resilience. Using the case of Kenya’s rural farmers and business people, this study identifies barriers in the ways that they cannot adopt climate-smart practices in their farming and business; and how business-community projects can offer the solutions. It points out to factors that limit the implementation of climate smart techniques and concludes that community based projects offer sustainable solutions. To this end, it is posited that this paper helps advance contemporary knowledge of how entrepreneurship may facilitate a response to climate change by enhancing well-being and decreasing vulnerability in rural locations. It supports policy changes, legislation, and partnerships as society’s strategies of encouraging sustainable, climate-friendly entrepreneurship businesses.