The Challenge
Scarcity of water, poor natural resources and desertification are the most critical issues of Rajasthan. The state has the highest probability of drought occurrence in the country. Agriculture and animal husbandry are the major sources of livelihood. However, scanty rainfall and low availability of underground water make the occupations uncertain and generate low returns. Poor income has led to several other challenges in the region, including malnutrition, women’s drudgery, distress migration and exploitation of natural resources.
WOTR’s Approach
Considering the rising stress on natural resources in the region, WOTR has primarily focused on enhancing livelihood security for the community through sustainable management of natural resources. WOTR is rendering support to the tribal, poor and marginal families to help them earn sustainable livelihoods and break the vicious cycle of poverty.
Presence
WOTR is currently working in 1323 villages in 27 blocks across 10 districts in the state. These districts are Udaipur, Rajsamand, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Barmer, Sawai Madhopur, Baran, Salumber, Gangapur city, and Karauli. Karauli and Baran districts of these are a part of the NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme.
Water and Land Management
To support poor and marginal farmers in the community, WOTR is taking initiatives for water conservation and sustainable land management. By constructing simple, low -cost structures, the team promotes better techniques for water harvesting and raising the water table. Since 2008, we have extended support to over 8,400 rural households by implementing 10 projects in 54 villages of Rajasthan.
hectares of area treatment done, supporting nearly 2,700 households across locations
Pagaras constructed, benefitting over 60 households
million liters of water harvesting potential created
micro-irrigation sets for optimum use of water in agriculture
Climate Resilient Agriculture
A large number of farmers in Rajasthan still practice traditional farming which impacts yield due to the limited availability of irrigation water and extreme weather conditions. To combat this challenge, WOTR educates farmers on sustainable modern techniques, enhancing the resilience of agriculture to climate change and uncertain weather conditions through sustainable agriculture practices. We share knowledge and demonstrate viable systems such as organic practices and System of Crop Intensification (SCI).
farmers from 44 villages covered under climate-resilient agriculture
households started their own kitchen garden
WOTR is empanelled by NABARD for the formation and promotion of farmer producer organizations (FPOs)
Livelihoods
In order to promote alternate livelihood options, WOTR is working closely with the community. Livestock is an integral part of the rural community of Rajasthan and WOTR is supporting farmers to take better care of their animals and increase their income. Further, our team is also building the capacity of community members to explore other avenues of income.
families are supported under livelihood security initiatives
families empowered with capacity building on alternate livelihoods
animal health camps have been organized in 33 villages
cattle vaccinated
WOTR is educating community members to realize the power of collectives through community mobilization. WOTR actively supports the formation and functioning of Village Development Committees (VDCs) and self-help groups (SHGs). The team regularly participates in Gram Sabhas to understand the challenges of the community. The platform is used for spreading awareness on various initiatives and planning for future programs.
village development committees supported
women SHGs have been supported by WOTR in Dungarpur, Udaipur and Pratapgarh
persons trained including key leaders, GP members and VDC members
capacity building events for village development and implementation support
Reaping Profits through sustainable agriculture
For years, Ramnarayan Meena never thought of crop diversification due to limited water availability. The farm income was insufficient and was affecting him as well as his family.
Battling against hope and the sole recourse of migrating to one of the big cities for work, he attended WOTR’s farmer school and learned smart farming. With a focus on reducing chemical inputs and improving water-use efficiency, these practices helped Ramnarayan triple his income and cultivate a larger area.
