Project Detail

Promoting Conservation and Climate Smart Agriculture: Practices on Degraded Lands through Integrated Natural Farming System in the cluster villages of Shella Bholagunj, Sawsymper, and Mawlong under East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

The project addresses critical environmental and developmental challenges while emphasizing gender inclusivity.
Rationale: The selected project areas in East Khasi Hills District face environmental degradation and poverty, necessitating sustainable solutions
Objectives:
1. As the target clusters are very prone to soil erosion due to the hilly terrain compounded by torrential rain received due to their location in the region receiving the heaviest rainfall on earth, the project aims at mitigation of land degradation through soil formation and retention by adoption of Integrated natural farming systems and subsequent restoration of forests, grasslands and native flora and fauna.
Activities:
? Initial data gathering and identification of gaps so as to have targeted area wise implementation of activities like training on climate-smart farming techniques for enhancing soil biodiversity, establishment of herbal gardens and tree nurseries, implementing effective forest fire management techniques, afforestation, native shrub plantations along streams, multiplying native bee population and installing water purification systems. A very significant activity will be stakeholder engagement, sensitisation and buy-in for joint strategic decision and action to enable convergence with MNREGA and other schemes for activities aligned with project objectives.
Key Outcomes/Results:
Improved environmental resilience through better landscape management practices( including afforestation and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices) across 2000 HA and impacting sustainable food and nutrition security as well as access to clean drinking water and improved income for 1200 Households

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Bethany Society

Country:

India

Area Of Work:

Land Degradation

Operational Phase:

OP7 Y4 (July 23-June 24)

Grant Amount:

US$ 48,286.00

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 48,286.00

Project Number:

IND/SGP/OP7/Y4/CORE/LD/2023/26

Start Date:

1/2024

End Date:

1/2026

Status:

Currently under execution

Project Characteristics and Results

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Effective communication and community awareness are vital components of our project. We will employ a multi-faceted approach, including regular community meetings, workshops, and training sessions, to engage with community members directly. Information dissemination will utilize the local Dorbar public system, social media and community newsletters, to ensure broad outreach. Additionally, we will harness the power of social networks and community leaders to spread messages. Interactive demonstrations and field visits will provide practical insights. Further convergence with Government Programmes will lead to further ownership. By employing these strategies, we aim to foster a strong sense of ownership and awareness among community members, ensuring active participation and commitment to the project's goals.

Inovative Financial Mechanisms

Our Knowledge Management plan will systematically capture, document, and share valuable insights and experiences gathered during the project's implementation. This will include creating a centralized digital repository for reports, data, and case studies. Regular workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions will be organized within and beyond the community, allowing participants to share lessons learned and best practices. We will also employ multimedia tools, such as videos and podcasts, to convey information effectively. An appointed knowledge management team will oversee these activities, ensuring that the project's knowledge and successful practices are widely disseminated for the benefit of other communities and future initiatives.

Project sustainability

Sustainability is inherent in our project's design. Environmental sustainability will be upheld through the regeneration of the forest and the adoption of eco-friendly Integrated Natural Farming System practices. Socio-economic sustainability will be ensured by empowering local communities and creating FPO, cooperatives and SHGs, allowing beneficiaries to manage and finance project activities. After the project concludes, these SHGs, FPOs, cooperatives will continue to oversee ongoing activities, such as sustainable farming and forest conservation, while generating income from surplus produce sales. A portion of these profits will be reinvested, guaranteeing the project's legacy, financial sustainability, and long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits for the communities in the project areas of East Khasi Hills District.

Notable Community Participation

The project prioritizes inclusivity by actively involving women, indigenous people, youth, and persons with disabilities. Women will receive specialized training and leadership opportunities in sustainable farming and community management, empowering them to take on leadership roles. Indigenous knowledge among the rural folks will be valued and integrated into project activities. Youth will be engaged in decision-making, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives. We'll ensure that all project activities are accessible to persons with disabilities, promoting their full participation. By recognizing the unique needs and contributions of these groups, our project aims to foster diversity, gender equity, and social inclusion in every aspect of its implementation.

Gender Focus

Project Results

By the end of the project, the following specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) results are anticipated:
Hectares impacted in total: 1500 hectares
Hectares impacted directly: 250 hectares
Hectares of Reforested Land: A total of 20 hectares of land will be reforested with native tree species, contributing to increased forest cover.
Hectares impacted directly through interventions/conservation etc: 1230 hectares
Number of Beneficiary Households: Approximately 1200 households will benefit directly from the project's interventions, improving their income and food security.
Women Beneficiaries Empowered: Of the total beneficiaries, 75% (approximately 900 women) will actively participate in project activities, increasing their involvement in sustainable agriculture and decision-making. Persons with disabilities will also be included
Increased Agricultural Productivity: Achieve a 50% increase in crop yields among participating farmers through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
Clean Water Access: Provide access to clean drinking water for 500 households through the installation of water purification systems.
Hygiene and Sanitation Improvement: Implement hygiene and sanitation practices in 80% of the target households, reducing health risks.
Community Training: Train 2500 community members of which persons with disabilities will also take as others in climate-smart farming, afforestation, and sustainable natural farming techniques.
These results reflect the project's commitment to sustainable environmental conservation, gender empowerment, and improved livelihoods for the East Khasi Hills District communities

+ View more

Back to search results

Countries

Regions

Project Snapshot

SGP Country office contact

Address