The Mishings, a tribal community of Assam, India, are a rare group that has escaped the stifling economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We didn’t feel the economic pressures,” says Pabitra Mili. What came to the community’s rescue is the revival of an ancient food-forest practice generally known as agroforestry, where trees, shrubs, herbs and … Read more
Farming is the primary source of livelihood for about 58 per cent of India’s population. India is the world’s largest producer of pulses, rice, wheat, spices and is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. But with he impact of climate change and low incomes, farming communities are quite vulnerable. Over … Read more
There has been a surge in interest in local food, grown using regenerative methods, resulting in more nutrient-dense tasty food that improves the environment in the long-term and this has been a positive outcome of the pandemic. Kate Egan and her partner Tom Carlin farm a total of 9ac in Westmeath, Ireland. “3ac are in … Read more
When Cyclone Amphan tore through Bengal, India, Linus Kendall and Rupsa Nath’s house, built with mud, thatch and bamboo sustained minimal damage. Other houses in the vicinity suffered broken window panes or missing tin sheds, but their unique home stood tall. Fondly christened ‘Kancha-Paka’ (Raw and Ripe), the Swedish-Bengali couple’s home has some conventional elements, … Read more
Judy Quick has lived in a custom-built, subterranean home in Western Pennsylvania since 2003.“I mow my roof,” Quick said while giving a tour of her unorthodox three-bedroom, two-bathroom home that’s on more than 11 acres. She said advantages of underground living include quiet conditions, added protection from severe weather and a nearly constant indoor temperature. … Read more
Warka Water, the non-profit organization led by Italian architect Arturo Vittori, is building an integrated village in Cameroon. They already have around 30 people, including both workers and pygmy peoples — hunter-gatherers of the tropical rain forest — living on site. This ‘Warka Village’ is being constructed with local and natural materials and ancient local … Read more