Build Resilient Livelihoods

We’re happy to share updates from our climate adaptation work in rural Tamil Nadu, supported by Action Village India. All interventions are co-designed with farmers and aim to build long-term resilience in a region already affected by rising temperatures and irregular rainfall.

Water Conservation & Irrigation

1. Water Channel Reclamation

   • 186 metres of a key inlet channel to Sirumudi Karai Kanmai was restored.

   • Benefitted 30 acres and 20 farmers directly, and 275 farmers across 85 hectares overall.

2. Check Dam Construction

   • Built at Sudamani Kanmai inlet (14 ft × 12 ft × 10 ft).

   • Benefitting 120 farmers by reducing erosion and regulating water flow.

3. Gully Plugs (6 installed)

   • Prevented sediment loss and improved water infiltration in high-slope areas.

4. Field Bunding (500 m)

   • Moisture-retention bunds constructed with community participation on a farmer’s tree-lined field.

5. Irrigation Pipelines

   • Provided to marginal farmers to efficiently water elevated or remote plots.

   • Saved labour costs and water use through direct irrigation methods.

Soil Health & Crop Resilience

1. Pulse Cultivation after Paddy

   • Practiced by 100 farmers after dryland paddy harvest for soil enrichment.

   • Improved nitrogen fixation and soil structure; crop residue used as livestock feed.

2. Soil Health Card Distribution

   • 47 farmers trained in soil sampling; samples tested by SPIC, Thoothukudi.

   • Personalised nutrient management plans underway.

3. Climate Adaptation Messaging (Display Board)

   • Installed in Karumanthagudi village with visuals and guidance in local language.

   • Covered practical actions such as crop planning, water management, and insurance enrolment.

4. Farmer Responses to Climate Risks

   • Modified sowing strategies (e.g. Puzhuthi Vithappu method)

   • Adjusted working hours to avoid extreme heat

   • Implemented erosion control and pond restoration to address water delays

Livelihood Security

1. Goat Rearing Support

   • 25 women farmers received goats and training for rearing.

   • Chosen based on readiness and shed availability.

   • Designed to provide additional income and shock-resilience.

• ASSEFA.pdf (PDF)