GlobalGiving.org: Environmental conservation builds families, India

Gangeshwar Site Visit

Bill Brower — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:18:58 GMT

Men's self help group

Bill Brower is a Field Program Officer with GlobalGiving who visited our partners’ projects throughout South and Southeast Asia. On June 25th he visited Gangeshwar to see Sahyog Sansthan’s activities in the area. His “Postcard” from the visit:

In the forgiving shade of a large tree, I chatted with the members of a men’s self-help group (SHG) that Sahyog Sansthan helped initiate in a village a couple hours outside Udaipur. All of the men (culturally women don’t participate in such groups, though many sat around the periphery) said their property had benefitted from Sahyog Sansthan installations to reduce soil erosion and help retain water—retaining walls, small-scale irrigation, anicuts. They said in previous years with a drought like the one they’ve experienced the past few years they wouldn’t have been able to have a second crop. This last year, with the retaining measures in place, all but one (of 11) claimed to have had a second crop and six even had a third. (Those with a third had also separately obtained electric water pumps. In fact, the only person who claimed to have gotten three crops without a pump was a woman who spoke up from the edge of the group.)

The drip irrigation systems, traditional irrigation systems, retaining walls and other installations I saw seemed to be professionally installed and in a good state.

Despite this success and the claim of those associated with the project that anecdotal evidence pointed to a much better water situation in this village versus others, it did not sound like the fairly low-tech technologies were spreading organically to adjacent areas—something I take as the highest sign of success for a project. Also, it was worrying to hear that all the men in the SHG were still involved in illicit cutting of trees despite laws against logging in the area. It seems a conservation project should look not only at technical solutions to environmental problems but also address the drivers of those problems. I hope Sahyog Sansthan will work to reduce the perceived need of people in the community to illegally cut down trees.

As an engineer, it was a pleasure to see a poster detailing the scientific method on the wall in Sahyog Sansthan’s field office. They seem to be bringing solid technical work to this drought-stricken area with a few areas to improve upon to provide a more holistic conservation effort.

Check out their Sahyog Sansthan's new project here: http://goto.gg/6007

Irrigation infrastructure

Links:

New project on GlobalGiving

Sahyog Final Report

Gillian Wilson — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 22:59:31 GMT

Thank you for all your support and donations to Sahyog’s work. Together you have helped families learn about sustainable agriculture methods that have ensured they have enough food to feed their families.

In the past year you have helped Sahyog do the following: •317 people participated in monthly meetings; an average of 44 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were represented in each meeting •431 participants received SHG training •82 people, representing 28 SHGs, participated in an Experience Sharing •13 new Self-Help Groups were formed (1 male and 12 female); the total number of SHGs supported by Sahyog has increased from 102 to 119 •Approximately 95 SHGs are actively engaging in performing the basic SHG activities: o Meetings o Depositing monthly share amount o Taking loans from SHG funds and commercial banks o Repayment by members o Bookkeeping and bank account and records maintenance •Of the 95 well-functioning SHGs, 52 have been linked to banks; 8 SHGs have an available loan of R1,393,873/USD $29,701 •50% of the 95 SHGs have reached the stage 0f self-management •The self-help group trainings have enabled the SHG members to improve their systems and approximately 76 SHGs are maintaining proper records and have accessed financial and technical support from various agencies •189 families adapted and demonstrated with the Rabi/Spring crop and purchased agricultural implements such as sprayers and after the meetings/trainings with the different government departments •Horticulture promotion o The previous 3 years’ trainings and horticulture promotion has supplemented income for villagers as some of the horticulture units have started fruiting and the excess is being sold for income o Sahyog hopes that more people will adapt horticulture units as supplementary income activities in the future •Agriculture promotion has helped some of the SHGs build good relations, mobilize support for development, demonstration, achieve effective irrigation systems and agricultural and horticultural implements o Many villagers have shown interest in adapting these practices •The income generation activities such as: dairy, horticulture, pastureland and well renovation have enabled the villagers to increase production and earn more income during a drought year

But there is more still to be done. Sahyog has supplied us with details of their current activities and we have post new project information here: http://globalgiving.org/projects/ environmental-conservation-builds-families-in-india, project ID #6007.

Links:

Newest Sahyog project.

The Importance of Drought Tolerant Plants

Gillian Wilson — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:53:48 GMT

Horticulture is a key activity for Sahyog and its self-help groups. In particular Sahyog promotes planting native, drought tolerant plants that will yield crops both for sale and for consumption by the farmer.

The horticultural units need to be planted just before the monsoon season begins. However many of these plants take a year or two to bear fruit and for families to start making money from them. Sahyog recently reported that:

The previous 3 years’ trainings and horticulture promotion has supplemented income for villagers as some of the horticulture units have started fruiting and the excess is being sold for income. Sahyog hopes that more people will adapt horticulture units as supplementary income activities in the future.

Agriculture promotion has helped some of the SHGs build good relations, mobilize support for development, and successfully implement effective irrigation systems. Plants that are typically cultivated are Gooseberry, Mangoes, Lemon, Guava, and Coconut.

These income generation activities have enabled the villagers to increase production and earn more income during a drought year. Even better, Sahyog is working with governmental departments to generate sustained support for the families and provide them with more resources.

By donating to Sahyog you are ensuring more families can benefit from this program.

Thank you for your support.

March 2010 Update

Gillian Wilson — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:07:06 GMT

On Tuesday, March 16, all donations up to $1,000 per donor, per project will be matched. Donate on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, and maximize your gift. With your support Sahyog has been able to make headway with their plans to support people in building sustainable livelihoods. Organic Farming is being introduced to farming families. In coordination with the Agricultural Department, Sahyog organizes a series of meetings and trainings on organic farming these included: o Crop Demonstration training for 189 participating families (in preparation for the Spring 2010 crop) o How to manage seeds and seed-saving practices o Vermicomposting units to produce nutrient rich soil. In the past year, 10 units that have produced 1550kg of manure which will be used in three villages, Bharave, Ghodaghati and Viiriya. Not only will this help plant growth, it will also retain moisture for longer, essential in a drought year.

Women Increase Confidence In Self-Help Groups

Gillian Wilson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:52:03 GMT

With your support, there are many positive changes to report!

Women members of income generating self-help groups are continuing to gain confidence. They are also increasing repayments of loans and continuing with their activities as planned.

Inter-group learning has created a positive space for members to share their experiences. The group learning also creates an environment that encourages successful income generation activities, such as those in agriculture and livestock. So far 32 animals have been purchased for dairy production activities

Another positive update to report: the organic fertilizing activity (that is, composting with worms, also known as vermi-composting) is going strong with continued function of 10 vermi-compost units and the recent introduction of 2 new units. Organized training and promotion of organic farming via vermi-composting and other low-cost, environmentally-sound farming methods, are frequently held.

Drought Tolerant Horticulture

Gillian Wilson — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:28:46 GMT

Our latest report from the field focuses on projects in horticulture promotion and a livestock treatment camp, all with the effect of improving access to adequate food, water, and income.

With your support, efforts have continued in promoting horticulture as a supplementary income-generation activity while also helping to reduce erosion. Some farmers took interest and created demonstration plots in villages; these units have attracted interest in adopting horticulture by community members. During the last reporting period, communities implemented 40 units of 800 fruit trees Horticulture is focused on desert-appropriate fruit trees such as the ber (desert plum), goonda (a local citrus fruit), lemon and pomegranate.

A constant challenge in the project area has been widespread disease among livestock. The problem is made worse due to lack of veterinary facilities in the villages. In response, Sahyog was able to set up seasonal animal camps for check-ups, treatment and immunizations. The veterinary hospital of Lasaidya offered collaboration in this camp project. 4 such animal camps were organized in remote, interior locations of the project area.

Mitigating Climate Change

Gillian Wilson — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:12:31 GMT

On a recent trip to Udaipur, India, IDEX Communications Director, Gillian Wilson, visited IDEX partner Sahyog Sansthan to learn how rural communities are adapting to climate change and mitigating its impact.

Heera Lal Sharma, the founder and Executive Director of Sahyog was my guide. Heera Lal knows the area around Udaipur well; he was raised here, and understands the importance of sustainable agriculture methods.

Sahyog encourages vermiculture, a composting method using earthworms to create rich, organic soil. Sahyog has started a number of vermiculture projects and provides training and funds to initiate vermiculture. The soil produced enriches the land, fertilizes crops, and improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Even during drought years, crops grown with soil from vermiculture produce greater yields.

I met with three Self-Help Groups. In each case I saw how fulfilling water needs was the priority. Sahyog does this in two ways; they renovate wells and they build bunds or berms to control the flow of water and irrigate crops.

During the monsoon, soil becomes waterlogged, collapsing the walls of the well rendering it useless. Sahyog works with SHGs to renovate wells. They insist that the SHG contribute at least 25% of the costs, plus labor. Sahyog and the local government fund the rest. Sahyog’s goal is to build relationships between communities and government and ensure everyone is a stakeholder in the renovation.

To improve crop irrigation Sahyog analyzes the terrain and identifies the best location to build bunds. Bunds are dams, usually foot-high mounds of earth and small rock that run the width and length of fields. They are multi-purpose and slow the flow of the rainwater and minimize erosion by containing the topsoil. But the dams are carefully constructed to allow water to seep through the rocks, and onto other communities. This method of water harvesting ensures nothing is wasted.

With your support IDEX has funded a number of such projects. At Bharave Village, I was shown the newly renovated well and bridge across the fields. The bridge also operates as a levee during the monsoon. Women and children pointed happily at the well and told me they could now drink fresh water.

I was really impressed by everything Heera Lal showed me. Then we went to the community of Kundai, which completely blew me away. At Kundai there are no incremental changes. This community has completely adopted sustainable agriculture and managed biodiversity without looking back.

Since climate change has begun to take effect, rain has become more irregular. Farmers used to rely on local weather patterns to know when to plant their crops. But climate change renders this knowledge useless. At Kundai they have learned simple, yet effective meteorological practices. They monitor and collect data on rainfall, temperatures and wind and share this with both their local community and the Indian government.

I was introduced to Deepak who lives in Kundai; he showed off the benefits of the program, such as the renovated well, the irrigation channels strategically placed around fields and the diversity of the crops. Kundai farmers are growing plump eggplants, bright chilies, leafy greens, wheat, barley and much more. Close to the well, bamboo and sugar cane were growing. The crops are enough to feed families in Kundai while the bamboo and sugar cane help pay for their children’s schooling.

Kundai is in year three of a five-year project. This was the first year the community had been able to plant their crops. Despite the monsoon in 2008 bringing just half of the expected rainfall, crops were flourishing Deepak was very happy at what they had accomplished so far. It meant he did not have to leave the family and migrate to Udaipur or Delhi to look for work. The family could stay together. His daughter clung to his hand, clearly delighted to know her father was not going anywhere.

Migration is a growing problem. As crops fail, people must move to look for work to feed their families. It was clear to me that sustainable agriculture is not just good for the planet, but also for families and communities who practice it.

Like many IDEX partners, Sahyog works to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. A focus on resource management and sustainable agriculture has helped people better prepare and surmount the growing threats of food and water crises. Water harvesting, vermiculture, and organic agriculture offer viable ways for communities to adapt to, and mitigate, the impact of climate change.

Donate to Sahyog now, through April 28 and in honor of Earth Day (April 22) GlobalGiving will match your donation at 50%. Please share your support of these families with your family and friends.

March 2009 Updates

Gillian Wilson — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:59:54 GMT

Through Sahyog’s support and training, 10 new farming families have initiated organic vermicomposting (essentially, fertilizing with worms) on their crops. Sahyog already has 8 well-functioning worm composting units and these new ones are proving to be successful as well!

Vermicomposting units eliminate the need to purchase expensive fertilizers and boost profits as a result. Sahyog also provides technical support in applying the compost to the crops. Using organic fertilizer has both short and long-term benefits for the crops and the participating families.

Vermicomposting helps to rehabilitate the land, which is an extremely important issue in this area. Over the last few decades, the combination of intensifying droughts and deforestation has caused the quality of soil to become extremely degraded. Over time, crop yields have worsened. Improving the soil through this organic method is an effective and sustainable way to conserve the environment and ensure that farming families can grow enough food for themselves and for income.

December 2008 Update

Katherine Zavala — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:44:02 GMT

Sahyog continued it’s impressive growth in 2008, adding sixteen new Self Help Groups in eleven villages. Sahyog currently works with 91 Self Help Groups with a total of 1,320 members, combining for a total savings of $39,632. Forty of these groups are reaching the stage of self-management. Self Help Groups are enabling rural communities to improve their environment and agricultural production, generating long-term, sustainable self-sufficiency.

September 2008 Update - Renovating Wells

Katherine Zavala — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:02:11 GMT

Over the past year, Sahyog has successfully renovated a total of 33 old wells. The wells are now in full operations and 122 families in 13 villages have access to safe drinking water.

The work involved in renovating wells required construction of parapet walls and lining the irrigation channels.

The wells are the major source of drinking water but they also provide water for irrigation and are critical to the success of crops. The annual monsoon rains replenish the wells, in time to provide water for irrigating the spring harvest.

Thanks to the renovation of wells, farmers will have access to water for irrigating their crops and their family and community members will have access to drinking water.

June 2008 Update

Katherine Zavala — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:15:50 GMT

Since the last progress report, Sahyog Sansthan has been assisting participating communities to increase their income through their horticulture and vermicompost units, a few of the families have already earned an income with these units.

These efforts were carried out in the following way: • Sahyog provided training on horticulture and vermicompost to 80 men and women in the village of Bharav. Experts from the College of Technology and Agri-engineering, Agriculture Department in addition to Sahyog’s staff imparted the training. • Sahyog offered training in crop production and management to 35 men and women in the village of Bharav, imparted by agriculture experts and the Sahyog team.

As a result: • 13 families have shown an interest for horticulture and vermicompost. • Two vermicompost units were established in the last couple of months in the village of Bharav. A total of 1,120 kg. (2,469 lbs.) of vermicompost was produced; out of which 510 kg. (1,124 lbs.) will be used for this season’s crop and 570 kg (1,257 lbs.) will be stored for the next crop. The 2 families who own the units have sold a total of 40 kg. (88 lbs.) of vermicompost. • Organic farming is becoming more practiced in this village.

March 2008 Update

Katherine Zavala — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:00:24 GMT

Sahyog recently carried out an evaluation site visit to families who had received horticulture units in the past two years. During this period, Sahyog has supported 106 families by providing training on planting fruit saplings such as gooseberry, lemon and mangos. Since the past two years has received a good amount of monsoon rain, most of the saplings have survived and are growing. The following results came about:

1) Gooseberry and Lemon: about 68% of what was planted in the past two years has survived 2) Mangos: 83% of mangos planted in the past two years has survived 3) Last year, Sahyog planted 15 saplings to grow coconuts, which have all survived and are currently growing.

December 2007 Update

Katherine Zavala — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:16:23 GMT

Natural Resource Management Sahyog Sansthan worked with 157 families to support their implementation of a variety of sustainable agriculture, soil improvement, water conservation and livestock management techniques in order to improve crop yields, increase income and protect local ecosystems.

The following results were achieved:

• 66 women were trained in organic agriculture-related subjects such as crop management, horticulture plantation, livestock development and dairy management. • Sahyog worked with local families to construct 3 water harvesting structures serving 28 families and 16 hectares of land where potable water accessibility was not available. Now with the access to year-round potable water, the 28 families can harvest good crops every Spring (Rabi) and lessen the food insecurity in these villages. • Sahyog assisted 16 families to construct stone checkdams and fencing for soil and water conservation to regenerate 8 hectares of pastureland for animal fodder. Checkdams are successful in retaining the monsoon rains and replenishing the groundwater table. More water available ensures better crops and more time for other activities, which then translates to greater revenues for farmers and improved livelihoods for all. • 63 members of 7 SHGs were supported by Sahyog for dairy activities. Sahyog facilitated the purchase of 63 cows of good breed for each SHG member. Currently, the milk being produced by these cows are being sold to milk collection centers. • 42 farmers planted 1,050 saplings of desert-appropriate fruit trees, including lemon, mangoes and coconut seeds. • This year, Sahyog trained 5 communities on vermiculture (worm composting). In addition to 3 vermiculture units established in 2005, 8 new vermiculture units are currently being used for improving crop yields. In one particularly successful example, farmers from the villages of Ghodahti and Bharave have not only used the compost in their agriculture but have also sold 350 kg. of compost and worms to fellow farmers in nearby villages.

June 2007 Update

Katherine Zavala — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 23:53:33 GMT

In order to promote organic farming, Sahyog Sansthan is encouraging its members to farm units of vermiculture. Vermiculture is the management of worms. It defines the thrilling potential for waste reduction, fertilizer production, as well as an assortment of possible uses for the future. Vermiculture enhances the growth of plants that provide food along with producing prosperous and financially rewarding fertilizer.

The worms are accountable for a variety of elements including turning common soil into superior quality. Worms facilitate the amount of air and water that travels into soil. They break down organic matter and when they eat, they leave behind castings that are an exceptionally valuable type of fertilizer.

In the past three months, Sahyog Sansthan has supported the farming of 4 units of vermiculture. Some 10 farmers in Ghodaghati village have shown interest to start new units. Sahyog plans to support them in the upcoming month.

May 2007 Update

Katherine Zavala — Wed, 16 May 2007 23:10:35 GMT

The pastureland developed in Patliya village in India has benefited people and they harvested 6000 bundles of grass (6000 kg) this year. This is being used for their cattle. This is essential as an animal's diet can have a profound influence on the nutrient content of its products. Grass-fed cows will tend to produce leaner meat with healthier fats such as omega-3 fatty acids. At the same time, harvesting grass minimizes soil erosion and reduces leaching (the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil, due to rain and irrigation).

During this reporting period two new pastures have been identified in Godaghati and Manpuriya Ka Guda village for development. The plans are being finalized for implementation. The work will be carried out in May and June 2007.

Update April 2007

Katherine Zavala — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:53:13 GMT

Sahyog Sansthan is promoting their vermicompost program, as part of promoting organic farming in their communities. Vermicompost is the end product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. The earthworm species that is used for vermicompost adapt to the special conditions in rotting vegetation, compost and manure piles.

The organization has facilitated the initiative to start four vermicompost units in Ghodaghati and Bharave villages. Vermicompost is being produced and being used for Rabi (Fall) crops.

Discussions are currently being held in the village meetings, where 10 farmers will be identified to participate in vermicompost training to build 10 more vermicompost units.

February 2007 Update

Katherine Zavala — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 01:32:58 GMT

Since December 2006, Sahyog is working with 66 SHGs with 1,026 members of which over 70% are women. In their latest report, Sahyog has coordinated six monthly project meetings from July to December 2006. The average attendance has been 50 men and women. These meetings provide opportunities for SHG members to discuss savings and loan repayments, to share experiences and to also raise issues that concern their communities.

Sahyog has also facilitated, at least, six trainings for 60 to 100 participants in income-generating skills, organizational skills, SHG management and microcredit. Sahyog’s staff also received training to improve their project monitoring skills and document management.

In their natural resource management activities, Sahyog is in the process of constructing four water harvesting structures. They are currently performing a feasibility study for seven proposed sites for these structures. Sahyog is also preparing an action plan to develop fencing and soil water conservation measures for 20 hectares of land. Sahyog has also promoted horticulture among its members and in December 2006 a total of 61 families have planted 857 Aonla trees (Indian gooseberry), 704 lemon trees and 19 mango trees.

During the last six months, Udaipur received more rainfall than average, which caused damage to crops, houses and irrigation wells. Also people became infected with diseases on a large scale. Sahyog decided to implement mobile treatment camps in remote villages by mobilizing support from the health department and other agencies.

December 2006 Progress Report

Katherine Zavala — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:37:02 GMT

Based in Rajasthan, in northwestern India, Sahyog Sansthan works with tribal groups in the most arid regions of the state. Those regions are ones that had rich forests and productive land conducive to agriculture and livestock rearing but which have deteriorated since unchecked logging began when India gained independence in 1947. As the forest dwindled, soil erosion, and the loss of water and rainfall, among other issues, intensified. Sahyog has been working with communities to redevelop land through organic fertilizing methods, water harvesting, and planting of trees. To date, Sahyog has assisted communities to reclaim some 1,000 hectares of land that now serves as an ongoing source of food production when managed sustainably. Soil regeneration projects are supported through community investments of cash and donations of labor, combined with investments by Sahyog and its funders.

Other activities include sustainable horticulture and livestock rearing initiatives – activities run by women. Strategic purchases are made with loans issued from women’s Self Help Groups, which save collectively. In total, approximately 250 communities have been served with Sahyog’s assistance.

Activities conducted by Sahyog Sansthan: • Self Help Groups (SHGs) – assistance with formation and management of SHGs. SHGs are typically composed of 15 – 20 women per group for the purposes of fostering collective savings and loan issuance at affordable rates for income-generating purposes. • Soil improvement programs • Water harvesting structures • Livestock rearing • Two health education camps for preventative care and treatment

Self Help Groups (SHGs) Sahyog assisted 49 existing SHGs to strengthen their management systems, while assisting with the formation of 20 new SHGs. Trainings included records management, bank linkage development, and monthly leadership meetings for SHG representatives to exchange ideas to increase effectiveness. Regrettably, 10 SHGs of the 49 existing SHGs have become defunct over the year.

Water resource development Four water-harvesting structures were constructed serving 53 families. Those families now have year-round potable water, saving families (especially women) the labor associated with gathering water from long distances, sparing families of water-borne disease for all concerned, and gaining reliable irrigation for small-scale horticulture projects.

Pastureland development Sahyog assisted 42 families to construct stone checkdams and fencing for soil and water conservation to regenerate 26 hectares of pastureland for animal fodder.

Horticulture promotion 60 farmers in 10 villages planted 1,725 saplings of desert-appropriate fruit trees.

Vermicomposting Two trainings on vermiculture were offered to two communities. Vermiculture is the use of earthworm pits for organic soil fertilizing.

Livestock rearing Sahyog offered two animal treatment and management camps in two villages serving 717 animals. Members of SHGs were able to purchase 50 good breed animals. Two milk collection centers were set up. The cooperative centers provide a reliable avenue for the members to sell their milk and get the right price (based on the fat content). The cooperative then pasteurizes and packages the milk at their central plant and sells it at nearby urban centers.

Update for Sahyog Sansthan

Balu Iyer — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 18:26:52 GMT

A complete update of the progess so far is available in the document "Update from Sahyog Sansthan".

Attachments:

Update from Sahyog Sansthan (DOC)