Resilient Food & Fibre Landscapes
A holistic approach to building sustainable, resilient, and inclusive systems across 26 villages, empowering 4 Indigenous communities through ecosystem restoration and socio-economic development.
The Indigenous communities in Pachipenta Mandal, despite being rich in natural resources, face challenges in achieving socio-economic development. Fertile land and water resources are underutilized due to inadequate infrastructure, limited skills, and unsustainable practices. Economic vulnerability, poor market access, and low financial literacy contribute to poverty and food insecurity. Their marginalization is worsened by limited participation in decision-making processes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to enhance livelihoods, restore landscapes, and build resilience.
Activities
Baseline Surveys: Conducted in 26 villages to gather insights into demographics and community needs, forming the foundation for program initiatives
Awareness Campaigns: Organized tailored campaigns to promote the Commonland program, driving community involvement
Capacity Building: Trained 77 SHGs and FPGs, linking them to government support for improved financial stability
Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs): Engaged communities in natural resource mapping, fostering better resource management
Financial Literacy: Delivered training to enhance villagers' economic decision-making skills
Leadership Development: Identified and empowered local leaders and conservation advocates to drive social change
Water & Agroforestry Initiatives: Piloted safe drinking water solutions and assessed sweet orange plantations for economic resilience
Social Capital: Fostered strong community collaboration for sustainable development
Impact
Social
The establishment of the Custom Hiring Centre will strengthen community bonds among farmers. By uniting to share resources and tackle common challenges, farmers will foster a sense of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. This initiative will enhance social cohesion and inspire neighbouring communities to pursue collective action for shared agricultural goals.
Ecological
The Custom Hiring Centre will provide farmers access to modern, efficient equipment, promoting regenerative agricultural practices. This approach will help preserve the local ecosystem while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
Economic
By lowering the cost barrier for accessing quality farm machinery, the Centre will boost farmers' productivity and profitability. Shared access to essential tools will allow for optimized resource utilization, leading to higher incomes. This economic resilience will empower the community, fostering growth and stability within the local economy.
The project initially focused on the Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh for two years, with plans for a state-wide outreach in its main phase. We have set ambitious targets for the next 20 years, ensuring a realistic timeframe for meaningful transformation. Our actions will not only aim for land restoration but also promote biodiversity conservation, mitigate climate risks, empower women socially and economically, and foster cohesive communities that thrive in harmony with each other and nature.
26
Villages
77
SHGs & FPGs
The Indigenous communities in Pachipenta Mandal, despite being rich in natural resources, face challenges in achieving socio-economic development. Fertile land and water resources are underutilized due to inadequate infrastructure, limited skills, and unsustainable practices. Economic vulnerability, poor market access, and low financial literacy contribute to poverty and food insecurity. Their marginalization is worsened by limited participation in decision-making processes, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to enhance livelihoods, restore landscapes, and build resilience.
Activities
Baseline Surveys: Conducted in 26 villages to gather insights into demographics and community needs, forming the foundation for program initiatives
Awareness Campaigns: Organized tailored campaigns to promote the Commonland program, driving community involvement
Capacity Building: Trained 77 SHGs and FPGs, linking them to government support for improved financial stability
Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRAs): Engaged communities in natural resource mapping, fostering better resource management
Financial Literacy: Delivered training to enhance villagers' economic decision-making skills
Leadership Development: Identified and empowered local leaders and conservation advocates to drive social change
Water & Agroforestry Initiatives: Piloted safe drinking water solutions and assessed sweet orange plantations for economic resilience
Social Capital: Fostered strong community collaboration for sustainable development
Impact
Social
The establishment of the Custom Hiring Centre will strengthen community bonds among farmers. By uniting to share resources and tackle common challenges, farmers will foster a sense of trust, collaboration, and empowerment. This initiative will enhance social cohesion and inspire neighbouring communities to pursue collective action for shared agricultural goals.
Ecological
The Custom Hiring Centre will provide farmers access to modern, efficient equipment, promoting regenerative agricultural practices. This approach will help preserve the local ecosystem while ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
Economic
By lowering the cost barrier for accessing quality farm machinery, the Centre will boost farmers' productivity and profitability. Shared access to essential tools will allow for optimized resource utilization, leading to higher incomes. This economic resilience will empower the community, fostering growth and stability within the local economy.
The project initially focused on the Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh for two years, with plans for a state-wide outreach in its main phase. We have set ambitious targets for the next 20 years, ensuring a realistic timeframe for meaningful transformation. Our actions will not only aim for land restoration but also promote biodiversity conservation, mitigate climate risks, empower women socially and economically, and foster cohesive communities that thrive in harmony with each other and nature.