Creating Climate Resilient Business Models in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, smallholders contribute to 80% of the total food production, and the majority of them are scattered across rural areas. This group is highly volatile to climate shocks, thereby increasing the risk to Sri Lanka’s food systems and agro-industries, as two-thirds of the agricultural land falls under the dry zone. MDF’s support to Ellawala Horticulture centered around trailing models for agri-exporters and food processors to improve their engagement with rural communities. The goal is to identify sustainable, climate-adapted models and ways to source fresh produce from Sri Lanka’s dry zone.

Together with MDF, Ellawala Horticulture successfully launched an initiative to work with and develop a cluster of over 100 farming households for sourcing organic produce in Galkiriyagama. The developed model includes geography-specific crop selection, climate-resilient planting materials, and organic methods to improve plant and soil health, along with pest management.

Embark on the journey shared by MDF and Ellawala Horticulture and witness the emergence of a sustainable home gardening cluster. This transformative process has not only increased household incomes but has also provided a learning opportunity on dry zone farming and effective engagement of smallholders for processors and exporters.