Impact of natural resource management interventions on water resources and environmental services in different agroecological regions of India

Abstract Natural resource management is critical for addressing issues of water scarcity , land degradation and poor agricultural and livestock productivity especially in rainfed ecologies. This study was conducted in 13 Gram panchayats (cluster of villages) of three states in India representing different agroecological regions. Natural resource management works undertaken through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) covering water harvesting, pasture land and orchard development were evaluated between November 2015 and January 2016. Density of water harvesting varied from 10 to 250 m 3 ha−1 depending on topography and works completed in different villages. These structures have contributed significantly to harvesting surface runoff, enhancing groundwater recharge , reducing soil erosion, and flood control. Irrigation acreage increased between 4 ha and 95 ha which is about 5–10% of the total cultivable area in study villages. In addition, crop productivity increased from 30 to 50% both in rainy and post-rainy seasons compared to non-beneficiary fields. The study showed that the selected natural resource management works have the potential to generate additional economic gain from US$ 60 ha −1 year−1 to US$ 225 ha−1 year−1 along with some indirect benefits to strengthen environmental services and rural livelihood. Overall, the MGNREGA has helped in strengthening ecosystem services, viz., provisioning, regulatory, and supporting services in addition to providing employment opportunities. The study also suggests to follow science-led approach in designing and implementation of various NRM works for further improvements and achieving long term sustainability.