IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v11y2019i3p910-d204790.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Indigenous Agricultural Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka: Management Transformation Assessment and Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Nuwan Abeywardana

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Freie Universität Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany)

  • Brigitta Schütt

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Freie Universität Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany)

  • Thusitha Wagalawatta

    (Department of Archaeology, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka)

  • Wiebke Bebermeier

    (Department of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, Freie Universität Berlin, 12249 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

The tank-based irrigated agricultural system in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest historically evolved agricultural systems in the world. The main component of the system consists of a connected series of man-made tanks constructed in shallow valleys to store, convey and utilize water for paddy cultivation. Up to 10,000 tanks originating from the heydays of ancient kingdoms are still integrated in the current agricultural landscape. During the last two millennia, this indigenous system has undergone many changes in technological, management and socio-cultural norms. This research aimed to analyze the current management practices and existing indigenous aspects of the Dry Zone irrigated agricultural system from the viewpoint of farmers who are the main stakeholders of the system. Altogether, 49 semi-structured interviews were conducted in seven villages in the Anuradhapura district and a detailed survey was conducted in the village of Manewa with a mixed research approach. The basic elements of the indigenous landscape, agricultural practices and management structures based on Farmer Organizations were mapped and examined in detail. The analysis of results shows that the sustainability of the indigenous agricultural system is vulnerable to rapid changes due to modernization, market changes, education levels, and inconsistent management decisions. The case study demonstrates the value of preserving indigenous agricultural systems and the negative outcomes of current management interventions that neglect the indigenous system. Therefore, careful interventions and innovations are needed to adapt the tank-based indigenous agricultural system of the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka so as to preserve ecological and socio-economic sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Nuwan Abeywardana & Brigitta Schütt & Thusitha Wagalawatta & Wiebke Bebermeier, 2019. "Indigenous Agricultural Systems in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka: Management Transformation Assessment and Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:3:p:910-:d:204790
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/3/910/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/3/910/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eriyagama, Nishadi & Smakhtin, Vladimir U. & Chandrapala, Lalith & Fernando, Karin, 2010. "Impacts of climate change on water resources and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a review and preliminary vulnerability mapping," IWMI Research Reports 94787, International Water Management Institute.
    2. Eriyagama, Nishadi & Smakhtin, Vladimir & Chandrapala, L. & Fernando, K., 2010. "Impacts of climate change on water resources and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a review and preliminary vulnerability mapping," IWMI Research Reports H043003, International Water Management Institute.
    3. Sakthivadivel, R. & Fernando, N. & Panabokke, C. R. & Wijayaratna, C. M., 1996. "Nature of small tank cascade systems and a framework for rehabilitation of tanks within them," IWMI Books, Reports H018073, International Water Management Institute.
    4. Eriyagama, Nishadi, 2010. "Climate change impacts on water resources and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a review and preliminary vulnerability mapping," IWMI Working Papers H042872, International Water Management Institute.
    5. Uysal, Özlem Karahan & AtIs, Ela, 2010. "Assessing the performance of participatory irrigation management over time: A case study from Turkey," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 97(7), pages 1017-1025, July.
    6. Dawson, Neil & Martin, Adrian & Sikor, Thomas, 2016. "Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications of Imposed Innovation for the Wellbeing of Rural Smallholders," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 204-218.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. H. S. R. Rosairo & M. Esham, 2021. "Pitfalls of External Institutional Facilitation of Farmer Organizations: Insights from Farmer Companies in Sri Lanka," Millennial Asia, , vol. 12(3), pages 367-389, December.
    2. Sirimanna, S. & Kahathuduwa, K.K.P.N. & Prasada, D.V.P., 2022. "Are cascade reservoir systems sustainable agroecosystems? A comparative assessment of efficiency, effectiveness and resource footprint in a Sri Lankan micro-cascade," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    3. Karalliyadda, S.M.C.B. & Kazunari, Tsuji & Fujimura, Miho, 2023. "Managing rain-fed uplands of cascaded tank village systems: What stakeholders really suggest?," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    4. Melvani, Kamal & Myers, the Late Bronwyn & Stacey, Natasha & Bristow, Mila & Crase, Beth & Moles, Jerry, 2022. "Farmers’ values for land, trees and biodiversity underlie agricultural sustainability," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    5. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Michael Reid & Nicolette Larder & Champika S. Kariyawasam & Callum Hunter & Danny Hunter & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Gamini Pushpakumara & Benjamin Kogo, 2024. "Sustainability and Productivity of Village Tank Cascade Systems: A Bibliometric Analysis and Knowledge Mapping," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-25, April.
    6. Chamila Kumari Chandrasiri & Takuji W. Tsusaka & Tien D. N. Ho & Farhad Zulfiqar & Avishek Datta, 2023. "Impacts of climate change on paddy yields in different climatic zones of Sri Lanka: a panel data approach," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 7(2), pages 455-489, June.
    7. I.D.K.S.D. Ariyawanshe & Miho Fujimura & A.H.M.S.W.B. Abeyrathne & Tsuji Kazunari, 2023. "Fostering Collective Action in a Village-Tank Cascade-Based Community in Sri Lanka: An Illusion or Reality?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-22, October.
    8. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Azeem Khan & Michael Reid & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Danny Hunter & Lalit Kumar & Keminda Herath & Benjamin Kogo & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Thilantha Dammalage & Champika S. Kariyawa, 2022. "Land Use-Based Participatory Assessment of Ecosystem Services for Ecological Restoration in Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-21, August.
    9. Weerahewa, Jeevika & Timsina, Jagadish & Wickramasinghe, Chamali & Mimasha, Sithuni & Dayananda, Dasuni & Puspakumara, Gamini, 2023. "Ancient irrigation systems in Asia and Africa: Typologies, degradation and ecosystem services," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    10. Kanthilanka, H. & Ramilan, T. & Farquharson, R.J. & Weerahewa, J., 2023. "Optimal nitrogen fertilizer decisions for rice farming in a cascaded tank system in Sri Lanka: An analysis using an integrated crop, hydro-nutrient and economic model," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    11. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Lalit Kumar & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Champika S. Kariyawasam & Danny Hunter, 2021. "Sustainability of Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka: Exploring Cascade Anatomy and Socio-Ecological Nexus for Ecological Restoration Planning," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-23, September.
    12. Gavin Melles & Ethmadalage Dineth Perera, 2020. "Resilience Thinking and Strategies to Reclaim Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: Cascade Tank-Village System (CTVS) in Sri Lanka," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-16, October.
    13. Kulasinghe, Tharindu Nuwan & Dharmakeerthi, Randombage Saman, 2022. "Effects of land use type and tank components on soil properties and sustainability of tank cascade system in the Dry Zone of north central Sri Lanka," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    14. Chunjiang An & Mengfan Cai & Christophe Guy, 2020. "Rural Sustainable Environmental Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-5, August.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Pathiraja, Erandathie & Griffith, Garry & Farquharson, Robert & Faggia, Rob, 2019. "The Cost of Climate Change to Agricultural Industries: Coconuts in Sri Lanka," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 10(05), December.
    2. Amarasingha, R.P.R.K. & Suriyagoda, L.D.B. & Marambe, B. & Gaydon, D.S. & Galagedara, L.W. & Punyawardena, R. & Silva, G.L.L.P. & Nidumolu, U. & Howden, M., 2015. "Simulation of crop and water productivity for rice (Oryza sativa L.) using APSIM under diverse agro-climatic conditions and water management techniques in Sri Lanka," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 132-143.
    3. Zhiyi Lin & Minerva Singh, 2024. "Assessing Coastal Vulnerability and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Natural Habitats in Enhancing Coastal Resilience: A Case Study in Shanghai, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-23, January.
    4. Oz Sahin & Sherif Mohamed, 2014. "Coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise: a spatial–temporal assessment framework," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 70(1), pages 395-414, January.
    5. Pathiraja, Erandathie & Griffith, Garry & Farquharson, Bob & Faggian, Rob, 2017. "The Economic Cost of Climate Change and the Benefits from Investments in Adaptation Options for Sri Lankan Coconut Value Chains," 2018 International European Forum (163rd EAAE Seminar), February 5-9, 2018, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria 276938, International European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.
    6. Pathiraja, Erandathie & Griffith, Garry & Farquharson, Bob & Faggian, Rob, 2017. "The Economic Cost of Climate Change and the Benefits from Investments in Adaptation Options for Sri Lankan Coconut Value Chains," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 2017(1), June.
    7. Abeysekara, Walimuni Chamindri Sewanka Mendis & Siriwardana, Mahinda & Meng, Samuel, 2023. "Economic consequences of climate change impacts on the agricultural sector of South Asia: A case study of Sri Lanka," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 435-450.
    8. McCornick, Peter & Smakhtin, Vladimir & Bharati, Luna & Johnston, Robyn & McCartney, Matthew & Sugden, Fraser & Clement, Floriane & McIntyre, Beverly, 2013. "Tackling change: future-proofing water, agriculture, and food security in an era of climate uncertainty," Book Chapters,, International Water Management Institute.
    9. Felix Grau & Nikita Drechsel & Volker Haering & Dieter Trautz & Weerakkodige Jayantha Sisira Kumara Weerakkody & Pay Drechsel & Bernd Marschner & Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Priyanga Sashikanjali Dissan, 2017. "Impact of Fecal Sludge and Municipal Solid Waste Co-Compost on Crop Growth of Raphanus Sativus L. and Capsicum Anuum L. under Stress Conditions," Resources, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-12, July.
    10. Eriyagama, Nishadi & Smakhtin, Vladimir U. & Chandrapala, Lalith & Fernando, Karin, 2010. "Impacts of climate change on water resources and agriculture in Sri Lanka: a review and preliminary vulnerability mapping," IWMI Research Reports 94787, International Water Management Institute.
    11. Sujith S. Ratnayake & Michael Reid & Nicolette Larder & Harsha K. Kadupitiya & Danny Hunter & Punchi B. Dharmasena & Lalit Kumar & Benjamin Kogo & Keminda Herath & Champika S. Kariyawasam, 2023. "Impact of Climate Change on Paddy Farming in the Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-30, June.
    12. Firat Arslan & Juan Ignacio Córcoles Tendero & Juan Antonio Rodríguez Díaz & Demetrio Antonio Zema, 2023. "Comparison of Irrigation Management in Water User Associations of Italy, Spain and Turkey Using Benchmarking Techniques," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(1), pages 55-74, January.
    13. Okereke, Chukwumerije & Coke, Alexia & Geebreyesus, Mulu & Ginbo, Tsegaye & Wakeford, Jeremy J. & Mulugetta, Yacob, 2019. "Governing green industrialisation in Africa: Assessing key parameters for a sustainable socio-technical transition in the context of Ethiopia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 279-290.
    14. Carmenta, Rachel & Cammelli, Federico & Dressler, Wolfram & Verbicaro, Camila & Zaehringer, Julie G., 2021. "Between a rock and a hard place: The burdens of uncontrolled fire for smallholders across the tropics," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 145(C).
    15. Mabhaudhi, Tafadzwanashe ; Hlahla, S. ; Chimonyo, V. G. P. ; Henriksson, R. ; Chibarabada, T. P. ; Murugani, V. G. ; Groner, V. P. ; Tadele, Z. ; Sobratee, N. ; Slotow, R. ; Modi, A. T. ; Baudron, F. , 2022. "Diversity and diversification: ecosystem services derived from underutilized crops and their co-benefits for sustainable agricultural landscapes and resilient food systems in Africa," Papers published in Journals (Open Access), International Water Management Institute, pages 1-4:859223..
    16. repec:hal:cdiwps:halshs-02532955 is not listed on IDEAS
    17. Zemadim, B. & McCartney, Matthew & Langan, Simon & Sharma, Bharat, 2013. "A participatory approach for hydrometeorological monitoring in the Blue Nile River Basin of Ethiopia," IWMI Reports 201009, International Water Management Institute.
    18. Romy Santpoort, 2020. "The Drivers of Maize Area Expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa. How Policies to Boost Maize Production Overlook the Interests of Smallholder Farmers," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-13, February.
    19. Helena Shilomboleni, 2020. "Political economy challenges for climate smart agriculture in Africa," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 37(4), pages 1195-1206, December.
    20. Musa H. Ahmed & Hiwot M. Mesfin & Seltene Abady & Wendmagegn Mesfin & Amare Kebede, 2016. "Adoption of improved groundnut seed and its impact on rural households’ welfare in Eastern Ethiopia," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 4(1), pages 1268747-126, December.
    21. Wegenast, Tim & Richetta, Cécile & Krauser, Mario & Leibik, Alexander, 2022. "Grabbed trust? The impact of large-scale land acquisitions on social trust in Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:3:p:910-:d:204790. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.