In Their Shoes: Climate Change in Wayanad, Kerala

Written by Manasa

I’m now in Wayanad, Kerala, talking to small farmers about floods and droughts. In recent years, many of these farmers have experienced unpredictable weather conditions, including extreme rainfall, dry spells, and flooding. My Adidas trainers stand out among the different types of footwear the farmers here use. This difference reminds me of a bigger gap – I don’t speak Malayalam, and they don’t speak English. Climate change is hitting these farmers hard. Some years bring too much rain, others too little. I’m here to learn how they cope, but there is a sense of loneliness as I am not familiar with the local language. The farmers’ shoes tell their own story. Gumboots for floods, waterproof chappals for wet fields, and some go barefoot. Each choice shows how they’re adapting to new weather patterns.

These farmers are finding ways to keep growing food despite the changes. They’re planting different crops, improving water systems, and finding new ways to earn money. Their methods could help other farmers facing similar problems. Not speaking Malayalam makes my job harder. I rely on my research assistant and interpreter – the wonderful Neleena Scaria, but I worry about missing important details. This experience has taught me to pay close attention to things beyond words. I notice the farmers’ rough hands, their worried faces, and how proud they are of crops that survive tough conditions – shifts to agroforestry based cultivation, sustainable soil use and conserving traditional varieties of drought and flood resistant paddy are some very positive highlights..!
My research aims to help create better plans for dealing with climate change. But being here shows me that the best solutions often come from the people facing these challenges every day. I may not be able to fully walk in these farmers’ shoes, but I’m trying my best to understand their experiences… 🙂