Empower Fisher & Landless Communities in Odisha

Chilika Lake, the world’s second largest coastal lagoon, and also an internationally recognised Ramsar site, faces severe ecological disruption due to climate change and human intervention The project region lacks livelihood opportunities, causing widespread poverty, inequality, and distress migration. Its proneness to severe cyclones coupled with erratic rainfall and unpredictable temperatures exacerbates the vulnerability of poor communities. Moreover, human interference with the lake’s ecosystem, reduced fish stocks, undermining the livelihoods of over 200,000 fishers and landless communities. Caste-based exclusion from natural resources, weak infrastructure, recurring climate shocks and external commercial pressures in tourism and aquaculture further marginalise local populations. As resources shrink and competition rises, migration and social tensions have intensified.

Action Village India partners with Regional Centre for Development Cooperation to tackle these issues in Odisha, running a plantation programme, 62 village development committees and cleanliness campaigns in 7 villages. Partnership with the government meant that 1520 trees were planted under the government’s “One Tree in Mother’s Name” as well as a healthy women, healthy family programme where regular health-checkups were facilitated and 1,777 women learnt how to keep themselves and their families healthy. Also, an additional 54 new target villages were added to the project, in addition to the existing 39 villages. An integral part of our initiatives focus on strengthening community resilience which can be seen in the photos attached that depict participants not only collective cleaning but also villagers coming together to create a communal resting place for all to enjoy at the centre of the village

The project's objectives remain to strengthen livelihoods by improving household incomes, develop ecological conservation to protect local natural resources and reduce distress migrations by creating local self-help groups, a Shram Bank (Labour Bank), and a Producer Organisation to market their products better and sustain local employment.

• Report_from_RCDC_Apr2025Sep2025.pdf (PDF)
  

With the support of Action Village India, the From Vulnerability to Resilience project has made significant strides in its first year. The initiative, led by Regional Centre for Development Cooperation, works with over 6,000 vulnerable families across 32 villages, strengthening livelihoods, securing land and fishing rights, and promoting ecological restoration.

Key Highlights (2023–24)

• Stronger village institutions: 179 grassroots groups now active, including self-help groups, youth clubs, and disaster management committees.

• Women-led livelihoods: 162 SHGs involving nearly 2,000 women supported with alternative income—dry fish, goat rearing, poultry, crab culture, mushroom and watermelon farming.

• Producer Company launched: The Padma Udaya Jibika Producer Company registered with 250 shareholders, producing spices and dry fish under the new Handishal Masala brand.

• Nutrition gardens: 500 families growing vegetables for food security and better diets.

• Environmental impact: Over 160,000 trees planted (casuarina, mangrove, cashew, coconut), protecting the fragile coastline and creating future income.

• Labour banks (Shram Banks): 4 groups formed, providing a financial safety net with community-managed revolving funds.

• Increased income: More than 2,250 families are now earning an extra 2,000–3,000 per month from new livelihood activities.

Looking Ahead

The project continues to reduce distress migration, strengthen women’s leadership, and promote sustainable enterprises. As communities build resilience, solidarity and self-reliance, Chilika’s fisherfolk are showing that development and ecological protection can go hand in hand.

Together, we are building stronger, greener, and fairer futures.

• From_Vulnerability_to_Resilience_Progress_Report_year_1.pdf (PDF)