Sustainability of Traditional Materials and Practices in Rural Andhra Pradesh:
A Case Study of the Krishna Delta Region

Tadiboina Samantha Kumara, Pidaparthi Lakshmi Prasanna & Ramesh Srikonda

Abstract

Traditional practices in rural Andhra Pradesh embody a deep relationship between culture, environment, and material use. In this context, this study explores how indigenous materials, products, and processes contribute utilization, waste to sustainability minimization, and through efficient resource environmental sensitivity. The investigation focuses on traditional product designs and construction systems that reflect adaptive knowledge developed over generations to address ecological and social needs. The research employs field surveys, documentation, and comparative analysis using lifecycle assessment tools to examine the environmental performance of traditional materials and processes. Interviews with local artisans and community members provided qualitative insights into material selection, production methods, and functional efficiency. Quantitative analysis of resource and energy use supported the evaluation of environmental benefits and challenges in adapting these practices to contemporary contexts. Findings reveal that traditional systems effectively reduce energy consumption, resource depletion, and waste generation while preserving cultural continuity. Comparative assessments highlight the potential of indigenous techniques to inform sustainable design and product innovation. The study concludes that integrating traditional knowledge with modern design approaches can enhance resilience, promote local economies, development in rural settings

Keywords:

Traditional Knowledge, Sustainable Materials, Vernacular Settlements, Rural Andhra Pradesh, Krishna Delta, Lifecycle Assessment.

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