Livelihood

September 18, 2023

Harvesting Hope: Transforming Livelihoods of Tea Garden Workers in Dooars

On a tranquil morning during this year's spring in the Dooars of West Bengal, a meeting of women belonging to three Self-Help Groups supported by DAY-NRLM was going on at the Division Line of Kanthalguri Tea Estate.
March 13, 2023

Down to Earth: Understanding the regenerative agricultural practices

A green transition is underway in the Indian agricultural system. Policymakers and practitioners have been promoting different approaches and techniques which are sophisticated and down to earth.
June 9, 2022

Adivasi, Tribe or ST: The Debate on the Status of Adivasi Livelihoods

Using the label ‘Adivasi’ (and not ‘tribe’ or ‘ST’), meaning ‘original inhabitant’, for themselves was the Adivasis’ proclamation of their right to ownership of the land in which they lived for centuries as well as a signal, to all those who passed by, to back off!
June 9, 2022

Status of Adivasi Livelihoods: A Discussion on the Report

Conducting a study on the status of Adivasis has brought to the fore several ground realities, opening up the scope for discussion, dialogue and analyses among those who aspire for inclusive development on matters concerning the Adivasis
January 8, 2022

Conservation for Transformation: Coming together today for a sustainable tomorrow

Rather than depending on mega projects that will bring water to the villages, it is far more beneficial is it to have multiple, small water-conservation structures dotting the villages, ensuring not just its perennial source but also generating alternative crop and livelihood options, as experienced in the villages of Chhattisgarh
December 1, 2021

Harnessing Water, Harvesting Prosperity: The USHARMUKTI Watershed Project

Persuading the women farmers to set aside some land for creating water harvesting structures seemed a Herculean challenge initially; however, when they saw the numerous benefits and ways to increase their household income, they became crusaders espousing the project and encouraging others to follow suit!
September 15, 2021

Empowering Women, Anchoring Change: Collaboration and Persistence Show the Way

With a little bit of support and encouragement, the women of the community prove to be natural leaders, stepping into the unknown, being capable of taking decisions, and carrying forward the work of improving the standard of their lives, physically and economically. The women of Majhidi-Gokulnagar exemplify this in no uncertain terms.
August 31, 2021

Yuwashastra Programme in Karanjia – Reimagining the Future

Identifying the aspirations of the rural youth, helping them look at the world of possibilities and providing training and guidance in their preferred choices is one way of ensuring the optimum use of the human potential, leading to nation building
June 4, 2021

Understanding Rural Society in Pandemic Times through Virtual Field Visits

Collaborating with PRADAN and organizing virtual field visits is a creative way to bridge the gap, in current times for students, between theory and practice; this may well-nigh be a complementary methodology that can be continued even after the crisis brought about by the pandemic has abated
March 23, 2021

Towards an Effective Language of Facilitation

Imposing developmental solutions in a language foreign to the villagers is a pitfall that Development Practitioners must avoid. True transformation happens when practitioners communicate their knowledge and wisdom in the local language and with deep understanding of the traditional culture and practices of the tribals they are engaged with