A Community in Crisis Combats Drought with Resilient Solutions

In the parched landscapes of Sri Lanka’s Monaragala district, the villages of Handapanagala, Randenigodaya, Veherayaya, and Janawasa 03 stand as testaments to both the challenges of climate change and the power of grassroots leadership. For nearly five months each year, these communities face drought, while the rest of the year brings heavy rains that strip away fertile soil. It’s a cycle of hardship exacerbated by deforestation and the encroachment of agricultural activity into protected areas like the Handapanagala Lake Reserve and the Kirindi Oya Reserve. Yet, in the face of these daunting obstacles, local women leaders are spearheading efforts to reclaim their land and secure a sustainable future.

Among them is Podinona, a farmer and mother of two, whose life has been upended by the unpredictable climate. “During droughts, there’s no water to save our crops,” she says. “When the rains come, they’re so heavy that the floods destroy what little we’ve managed to grow. It feels like we’re always struggling to survive.” Like many others in her village, Nandini initially felt hopeless. But through the Uva Wellassa Women’s Organisation, she found not only solutions but also a sense of agency.

The women’s organisation introduced a multiplicity of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at tackling both immediate and long-term challenges. To combat soil erosion, they implemented a combination of soil ridges, live ridges, and stone ridges on farmlands. Recognizing that barren land required tailored approaches, they encouraged the use of raised beds and organic fertilizers to improve soil quality. Reforestation efforts in the Kirindi Oya watershed became another cornerstone of their strategy. By planting native tree species like Kumbuk and Mee, known for their ability to retain water and stabilize soil, the community began to address the root causes of land degradation.

Water conservation emerged as a critical focus. To enhance water retention, the women leaders promoted planting trees such as palm, jackfruit, and coconut near wells and other water sources. They also cultivated bee-friendly plants, which not only enriched the soil with nitrogen but also supported local biodiversity. Meanwhile, legumes and Gliricidia were planted along ridges to further improve soil fertility and curb erosion.

Initial resistance from some farmers posed a challenge. “We need solutions now,” one farmer said. “It takes years for a tree like Kumbuk to make a difference. How can we wait when we’re struggling today?” The women leaders acknowledged this concern, balancing short-term fixes with long-term strategies. They provided immediate support through techniques like mulching and drip irrigation, while also emphasizing the enduring benefits of reforestation and soil restoration.

Over time, their perseverance paid off. Farmers began to see the tangible results of these efforts: healthier soil, improved water retention, and gradually increasing crop yields. For Podinona, the transformation was life-changing. “Now, I feel like we’re not just surviving,” she says. “We’re building something that will last for generations.” The women of Monaragala are doing more than adapting to climate change; they are rewriting the narrative of resilience in their communities. By integrating traditional knowledge with innovative practices, they are restoring both their land and their hope.