Agricultural landscapes dominate much of Sri Lanka’s Dry Zone, and the way they are managed has far-reaching implications for biodiversity, food security, and rural livelihoods. Recognizing this, TERN has carried out a series of research projects exploring how farming practices, pesticide use, and human–wildlife interactions shape agroecosystems. These studies provide insights into the challenges faced by smallholder rice farmers and point to pathways for more sustainable, biodiversity-friendly agriculture.

One study investigated the drivers of pesticide use among 275 rice farmers in southern Sri Lanka. Results showed that pesticide application was less about proven necessity and more about perceptions of risk, marketing pressures, and the adoption of high-yielding modern rice varieties. Interestingly, organic and insecticide-free farmers often cultivated traditional rice varieties that they considered more resilient to pests and stresses, while still achieving yields comparable to pesticide users. These farmers also reported fewer insect pest problems, suggesting that traditional practices and crop diversity may naturally buffer against pest outbreaks. The findings highlight the potential of promoting pesticide-free and insecticide-free farming as a safe, productive, and marketable alternative for both farmers and consumers. A second study focused on human–wildlife interactions in farming landscapes, interviewing 324 rice farmers across seven sites in the Dry Zone. While conventional agricultural training emphasized chemical control of insect pests and diseases, most farmers identified wildlife — particularly peafowl, elephants, wild boar, and free-ranging livestock — as their biggest challenge. Farmers near wilderness areas were especially vulnerable to crop foraging by elephants and wild boar, but received little guidance on non-lethal mitigation. Instead, they relied heavily on labor-intensive methods such as scaring and early warning systems. The research underscores the need for better coordination between agriculture, development, and wildlife authorities to introduce non-lethal, farm-based deterrents and barrier systems that can reduce conflict and safeguard both crops and wildlife. A third study examined the traditional “maavee” rice production system in the Nilwala Ganga Basin, where farmers cultivate chemical-free paddies outside the flood protection scheme. These systems, sustained for decades through natural soil fertility and traditional rice varieties, produce a high-value crop that can sell for up to three times the price of conventional rice. Beyond their economic potential, maavee paddies may also support biodiversity due to their proximity to regenerating wetlands in the Kirala Kele Sanctuary. However, challenges such as rising labour costs, an ageing farming population, and perceived conflicts with wetland wildlife threaten their continuation. This research highlights the need for targeted support and management strategies to protect both the ecological and cultural value of the maavee system. Together, these projects demonstrate the importance of integrating ecological, social, and cultural dimensions into agroecosystem management. They reveal that shifting toward pesticide-free farming and improving human–wildlife coexistence strategies could not only strengthen rural livelihoods but also enhance biodiversity in one of Sri Lanka’s most important landscapes. Going forward, TERN seeks to expand this research into scalable solutions that connect sustainable agriculture with biodiversity conservation, offering practical pathways for resilient food systems in the region.

A third study examined the traditional “maavee” rice production system in the Nilwala Ganga Basin, where farmers cultivate chemical-free paddies outside the flood protection scheme. These systems, sustained for decades through natural soil fertility and traditional rice varieties, produce a high-value crop that can sell for up to three times the price of conventional rice. Beyond their economic potential, maavee paddies may also support biodiversity due to their proximity to regenerating wetlands in the Kirala Kele Sanctuary. However, challenges such as rising labor costs, an ageing farming population, and perceived conflicts with wetland wildlife threaten their continuation. This research highlights the need for targeted support and management strategies to protect both the ecological and cultural value of the maavee system.

Agroecosystem Research in Sri Lanka

TERN’s research on agroecosystems explores how farming practices, pesticide use, and human–wildlife interactions shape biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Studies in the Dry Zone reveal that traditional and insecticide-free rice farming can achieve comparable yields to pesticide-intensive systems while reducing pest problems and health risks. Research also shows that farmers face significant challenges from wildlife such as elephants, wild boar, and peafowl, yet receive little support for non-lethal mitigation. In the Nilwala Ganga Basin, traditional maavee rice cultivation demonstrates both ecological and economic value, producing chemical-free, high-priced rice while potentially supporting nearby wetlands. Together, these studies highlight the importance of sustainable, biodiversity-friendly farming practices and point to future opportunities for promoting resilient food systems in Sri Lanka.