Conservation of agrobiodiversity by women groups
Case Study C0002
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| Date | 2004 |
| Agency | GREEN foundation, an NGO |
| Donor/support agency | USC, Canada COMPAS Netherlands NORAD, Norway |
| Project type | Implemented by agency |
| Context(s) | Productive landscape |
| Geographic coverage | India |
| Locality | States of Karnatka and Tamilnadu |
| Biodiversity focus | Genetic resources in the form of indigenous seeds varieties of millets, paddy, vegetable and oilseeds |
| Development focus | Disadvanatged groups of small and marginal farmers, backward castes, tribals, especially women |
| Conservation goals | Conservation of agricultural biodiversity of the region |
| Poverty reduction goals | Improving food security of small and marginal farmers |
Summary
GREEN Foundation is a community-based organisation, working with disadvantaged groups of small and marginal farmers, backward castes, tribals, especially women, through formation of their self help groups (SHGs) known as Sanghas, in semi-arid regions of South India. It works towards the conservation of agro biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable agriculture for providing food security to local people. Its underlying philosophy is to accept traditional knowledge with its technical, social, and spiritual dimensions to encourage endogenous development within the community. Over the last decade, it has worked to revive traditional storage and exchange of seeds through community seed banks and has encouraged the creation of kitchen gardens, the one-acre integrated farming practice and community farming for landless and marginal farmers. It has promoted 'integrated agro forestry and livestock management' to meet the communities' needs for fodder and fuel and to reduce dependence on external inputs. Soil and water conservation activities have been taken to conserve the local natural resource base. Members of Sanghas are empowered through skill building trainings. Starting with five women farmers, the foundation's work is now expanded to 2000 farmers in 161 villages and has conserved genetic biodiversity of indigenous agricultural seeds with improved food security.
Conservation impact
On farm conservation of 382 indigenous seed varieties of millets, paddy, vegetable and oil seeds
Poverty reduction impact
Till year 2005, food security of 2000 farmers has been improved
Strategy for Conservation/Poverty Linkages
Ecoagriculture
Enabling local participation in policy-/decision- making processes
Revival of traditional practices
Reference 1
http://www.greenconserve.com
More information
http://www.greenconserve.com
Related records below this one:
- Agroforestry Parklands in sub-Saharan Africa (Biblio B0293)
- Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) (Organisation O0167)