Integrated Development of Poor Tribal rat catchers

Summary

Removing occupational health hazards and lesser output of Tribal rat catchers through innovative technology, which will improve related economic, education, health, environment and other standards.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The occupation of three million poor “Irula” Indigenous Tribal community in India is rat catching in agriculture fields. They use earthen pot fumigation method, wherein they use their mouths to blow smoke, which leads to severe respiratory and heart problems. The technology is only 40% efficient; the income level is very low. Their illiteracy does not permit other jobs. A comprehensive economic, education and health development program based on removal of occupational hazards is necessary.

How will this project solve this problem?

Distribution of an upgraded fumigation device we designed devoid of occupational problems to 1000 families, organizing them into self help groups and undertaking comprehensive need based economic, education, health and other development activities.

Potential Long Term Impact

All occupational health and inefficiency problems will be totally eliminated. Income will be more than doubled. Related education, health, and need based self help development activities will help to upgrade their life conditions enormously.

Project Message

As a man living with severe respiratory problems due to mouth blowing for rat catching, I found the new device a God-sent property. I wish this device to be given to more people of our community.
- Subramanian, Our Community Organizer belongs to tribal sect

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources