AGROBIODIVERSITY & REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

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 At adavi, we have been studying and documenting traditional foods and recipes to map out the critical links and impacts they have on farming cultures, fragile ecosystems and nutritional security. This project works towards a holistic food and farming approach to fortify climate resilient strategies which are fast disappearing from the region.  

The word `eetha’ in Telugu refers to the date palm and 'vanam' is forest. Eethavanam refers to a ‘forest’ of date palm. Eethavanam is a homestead and an agro forest habitat that is home to hundreds of species of wild flora and fauna. It is 100% off grid with living spaces made of locally sourced natural material ( thatch grass, granite slabs, date palm fronds, bamboo, wild harvested dodonia, reclaimed silk worm rearing mats) minimal solar power (the solar supports basic lighting and charging of a few electronics) , a hand pump for water use and dry toilets. Eethavanam is also arguably one of India’s first permaculture farms. This ongoing project is an experiment in environmentally conscious living, supporting agro ecological farming and natural regeneration and restoration activities ( such as  creating rock filled dams, watering holes, foraging sites, burrow protection, natural fences and propagating wild flora species).

With the onset of new farming methods in the region, the impact on nutritional sovereignty has been quite severe. TEK always addressed a community’s requirements from the natural world with a deep understanding of ecology. This project works on documenting wild flora and they roles they have played in TEK while also propagating these species. With climate change impacting lives and livelihoods across the world, the role of TEK is more critical than ever in providing stability, adaptability and resilience in years to come.