PROGRAM SUMMARY:

Through this program BAIF envisages to develop, demonstrate and strengthen application of context specific suitable technologies covering various sectors i.e- agri horti forestry, soil and water resource development, livestock and fodder development and energy efficiency in Arid parts.

Taking in to consideration the Arid/-Desert specificities, it is planned to develop a multi sectoral program approach covering areas  such as

1.    Suitable farming system development (covering Agri- horti- forestry resources )

2.    Water resource development  and water use efficiency related technology interventions

3.    Livestock centric  technology interventions in arid conditions

4.    Drudgery reduction technology options for reducing hardship on women in Desert regions

 

The program suggested will try to develop activities in scientific manner, blending the traditional systems of farming and water conservation with newly invented technology options, exploring the possibilities of natural regeneration/rehabilitation of arid zone ecosystems and creating an asset base  for sustainable livelihood of desert communities in their own setting

The activities proposed are to be undertaken as a part  and parcel of  BAIF’s ongoing activities through it’s thematic Center called, ‘’Center for Arid-Desert Areas ‘’

PROGRAM LOCATION:-

Keeping in view the most extreme climatic condition the package has been rolled out at two clusters: Rapar cluster in Kachchh district of Gujarat and Barmer cluster in Rajasthan.

 It is  also  proposed to utilize the existing land  of  BAIF i.e- 50 acres at Nanodara near Ahmedabad  along with it’s  training hall, scientific manpower, residence and hostel  for research and demonstration purpose as a part of activities under Center for Arid- Desert areas

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:-

The economically disadvantaged family comprising of 5/6 members and owning land of minimum 3 acre have been selected as participant for the project. However,   selectively some landless families were selected for livestock intervention and also in the community based fodder development program. Need based technical support is also made available for large farmers.

PROGRAM REACH:

Þ    The program interventions to directly benefit around 250 participants where mix of technologies would be introduced at the family level. These participants would be from around 7 villages of Kutch and Barmer clusters.

Þ    Apart from this the extension and capacity building will atleast benefit 1000 farmers.

Þ    There would be number of villagers, policy makers , government and non government officials who would be indirectly gained from various program measures

Þ    The program outcomes are expected to strengthen the ongoing development efforts in arid region while also developing newer program directions in country.

Þ    The program support will also facilitate training of likeminded NGOs and other agencies on suitable approaches and strategies to reach out to larger population from arid parts

Þ    The program will also facilitate reach and interaction of NGOs  with research and technical institutes to enable developing suitable packaging of appropriate technologies

 

 SPECIFIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. To Introduce and strengthen the proven &  tested technology interventions with required  fine tuning and support for field level adaptation in selected villages  of arid parts of India

 

2. To Scout and  incubate the newer technology options suitable to address the felt needs and issues of arid region and  of arid community

 

3. To Carry out institutional trials for incubation and proper packaging of suitable technologies and thereby to facilitate the  extension of suitable technologies

 

4. To extend the technologies to large section of population  through facilitated trainings, exposure and capacity building efforts

 

5. To organize set of activities such as  baseline studies, thematic research, documentation of knowledge notes, linkage development and networking ,training and capacity building of staff and participants to enable the process of scouting, testing and transferring technologies in arid parts for the benefit of larger  arid communities.

 

The overall outcome expected is to evolve a context specific model combining various sectoral technology options suitable for addressing family and area needs in arid regions of India