ANNOUNCEMENTS
Peri-urban regions are areas of exchange of people, goods, money and information. They act as essential entities since they are mediators between urban and rural areas. Rural areas are dependent on peri-urban areas for job opportunities, transportation, distribution and marketing systems, health and education services, private services and household consumption goods. They act as direct market for agricultural produce. The development of the peri-urban areas and extension of urban areas impacts the livelihood of rural people which not only depends on the availability of natural resources but also on a number of services provided by such areas in order to earn living. Urban and peri-urban areas add to intensification on extensification of agriculture by acting as centers for technological innovation, leads to livelihood diversification and act as centers for migrants. A qualitative study was conducted for two villages: Kothapally and Channa Reddy Guda in Andhra Pradesh. Lack of community participation and initiatives, absence of knowledge about agriculture practices and over exploitation have often led to degradation of natural resources in rural areas. Due to increase expansion of urban areas pressure on such resources is increasing. Integrated watershed management taken up by government agencies, national and international organization, NGOs play a vital role in bringing community together and reviving the water and land resources. Both Kothapally and Channa Reddy Guda were extremely poor villages in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. With ICRISAT’s intervention at Kothapally and watershed program under APRLP, an attempt was made to improve the natural resources which in turn was seen as a solution of improving the income levels and livelihood of the villagers. Watersheds program have acted as engine of growths for villages resulting in increased income and higher standard of living. More rural people are able to access better job opportunities, medical services, higher education opportunities and social networks. The access to resources and services were dependent on several factors, gender being one of them. The improved standard of living has impacted women differently. It was seen during this project that watershed management under APRLP was not able to deliver the desired result. The above mentioned points raises the issue of sustainability of natural resources that play an integral part in the development of rural as well as urban centers. With the ever-increasing food demand in the urban centers, the agricultural production is also increasing every year to feed the growing population. Agriculture has become more intensive as is the case in Kothapally. Relevant policy measures should be taken by the government in order to maintain a balance between improving livelihoods, sustainability of natural resources and equitable access to resources by men and women.
