Build Resilient Livelihoods

Climate change continues to place increasing pressure on rural livelihoods. Farming communities in Sivagangai District are working to strengthen their resilience through improved water management, sustainable agriculture, and diversified income opportunities.

This year, the Resilient Livelihoods: From Poverty to Prosperity project continued supporting 500 farming families through a range of climate adaptation initiatives delivered in partnership with the Association for Sarva Seva Farms (ASSEFA).

A key test came during the North East Monsoon. After an initial brief period of rainfall, farmers experienced a prolonged dry spell that placed standing paddy crops at risk. Fortunately, water conservation structures established through the project prior to this climate shock - including reclaimed water channels, deepened village tanks, and field bunds - helped retain and store water when it was needed most.

Alongside water conservation measures, the project supported farmers through a range of climate adaptation initiatives. Soil health activities included soil testing, bio-fertiliser application, vermi-compost production, crop rotation, traditional livestock-based soil enrichment practices, and organic manure distribution. Farmers also participated in climate-smart agriculture training, exposure visits, integrated farming systems workshops, livestock management programmes, and demonstrations of agricultural drone technology. To strengthen livelihoods and natural resource management, the project further supported afforestation, backyard fruit cultivation, goat rearing, and fodder production.

Farmers reported stronger crop performance and improved yields compared to the previous year despite unfavourable weather. Their experiences demonstrate the importance of investing in practical, community-led solutions that help rural communities adapt to climate change which continues to grow more erratic.

The attached report provides a full overview of activities and achievements during the reporting period. Thank you for your continued support.

• ASSEFA_202526_Annual_Report.pdf (PDF)
  

The project, called ‘Resilient Livelihoods: From Poverty to Prosperity,’ aims to help 500 farmers and their families in the dry Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu, southern India. It combines ways to improve jobs, strengthen the community and protect the environment. The project uses local knowledge and works with local partners to solve different problems the community faces. It also teaches new skills and helps manage natural resources in a way that will last for the long term.

Now in its second year, this three-year project knows that strong, united communities are important for real and lasting change. The project builds water conservation structures and offers training to help people work together and feel like they are part of a group. It uses the community's knowledge and effort to build things everyone can use. The farmers are also giving money to the project which helps them feel responsible and proud of their work.

Action Village India partners with Association for Sarva Seva Farms (ASSEFA), to support these communities by implementing water conservation initiatives such as building farm ponds, repairing water channels, installing pipelines for irrigation, as well as improving soil health by checking current status, teaching organic farming methods. Many have also benefited from the introduction of new technologies such as drones to apply fertiliser. Impact of the initiatives can be seen in the photos attached.

The project’s 3-year objective remains as follows: the project aims to implement effective water conservation and management interventions, improve soil health practices, promote sustainable natural resource management, capacity building support within farm communities, and create livelihood opportunities that improve living standards.

• ASSEFA_report_Apr2025Sep2025.pdf (PDF)