Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
The Challenge
The rural and tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh are facing the impacts of climate change, severely affecting agriculture and forestry – the main sources of livelihood for the communities. Madhya Pradesh is rich in biodiversity and has various soils that make it suitable for cultivating diverse crops. However, climate change has led to the gradual dissipation of natural resources and has significantly increased social and economic vulnerability, mostly manifesting in the form of poverty, poor health and distress migration.
WOTR’s Approach
Since 2006, WOTR has been working across Madhya Pradesh with a holistic approach for integrated development. Through participatory methodologies, our initiatives are primarily focused on the sustainable management of ecosystems, improving the resilience of vulnerable communities. The team has also collaborated with the government to accelerate the work and amplify impact.
Presence
WOTR is currently working in 139 villages in 11 blocks across 7 districts in the state. These districts are Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, Dhar, Chhindwara, Damoh, and Seoni.
Flagship Programmes
Climate Resilient Agriculture
Farmers in MP often bear the brunt of erratic climate and seasonal rainfall. To mitigate the impact of climate uncertainty on rural communities, WOTR is implementing climate-resilient agriculture in the region. The system adopts a sustainable package of practices for raising soil fertility, improving water holding capacity and crop diversification. Farmers are provided guidance on the package of practices (PoP) and traditional farming methods such as System of Crop Intensification (SCI) and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) are promoted.
farmers from 355 villages supported
soil health cards distributed and soil testing promoted
households covered under agro-biodiversity initiatives
reduction in input costs with the adoption of organic farming
Women Empowerment
WOTR understands that women are pivotal to a progressive society, and therefore we ensure women’s representation in development initiatives and community institutions. Through Self Help Groups (SHGs), WOTR is financially empowering women and enhancing their decision-making capacity.
Besides, WOTR is putting strategic efforts to improve community health by training women members to generate awareness about good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Known as Wasundhra Sevikas, these women representatives educate the community on maternal and child health.
women resource personnels engaged in WOTR projects on the ground
kitchen gardens developed at household level and supported with regular training programs
SHGs and 78 VDCs working in the project areas of Madhya Pradesh
women have worked with WOTR in various capacities such as Anganwadi workers, ASHA, elected women representatives and village institution leaders
Other Initiatives
To combat the challenge of water dependency due to seasonal rainfall and its impact on soil health, WOTR is strategically working on water conservation through Water Stewardship Initiatives. By building low-cost water harvesting structures and implementing integrated watershed management in MP, WOTR is addressing the issues of water availability and soil degradation.
Besides, to improve alternate livelihood opportunities and mitigate distress migration, WOTR also provides support and guidance to the community members, especially women. This includes agriculture and allied activities, including vegetable cultivation, fisheries, poultry keeping and more.
water stewards from 52 villages trained in water conservation and water budgeting
families covered under livelihoods program
average increase in income, with a few landless households deriving 100% of income from the livelihood interventions
increase in the involvement of women in livelihoods interventions
Going Green with Livelihood Promotion
The SHG members in the Zilapur village of Madhya Pradesh struggled to earn a consistent and profitable income from their dona-pattal (plates and bowls made with leaves) making venture.
WOTR facilitated the automation of dona-pattal production that was pivotal to the venture. Today, members of Adivasi Swayam Sahayata Samooh have significantly increased production and seen their incomes rise by over four times.
