Watershed development in India: economic valuation and adaptation considerations
Watershed development, an ecosystem-based approach for development of rain-fed regions in India, is gaining traction and political support, but how is it contributing to poverty reduction, food security, and climate change adaptation? This paper examines how economic valuation can improve our understanding of watershed development and how to overcome challenges related to data collection, valuing direct and indirect benefits, and climate change adaptation. These considerations are explored through a partnership effort with the India-based NGO, the Watershed Organisation Trust, to conduct a benefit-cost analysis of their watershed development project in Maharashtra and examine their recent Climate Change Adaptation Project.