ABSTRACT
Small and marginal farmers (those with less than 2 has of land) constitute 89.4% of India's farming population (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2021). These farmers face disproportionate vulnerability to climate change impacts due to their compounded exposure: Reliance on monsoon patterns for crop irrigation and existing socio-economic disadvantages that limit their adaptive capacity and resilience. This chapter highlights the Sustainable Livelihood Programme implemented by the Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers through climate adaptation interventions and climate-resilient practices. This study looks at the impact and result of ABF's interventions in the rural regions of three states in India – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana. Supplemented by evidence from the field, the chapter reflects upon the key learnings and the need for long-term rural programmes to strengthen and empower smallholder farmers.
