PROGRESS REPORT 2009 - 12

ACCION FRATERNA ECOLOGY CENTRE Upparapalli Road, Bangalore Highway, Anantapur – 515 002 +91 (0) 8554 - 244222, 246884 - Fax : +91 (0) 8554 – 244990,

E-mail : actionf@sancharnet.in; actionf_atp@dataone.in and yvmallareddy@yahoo.co.in Web : www.af-ecologycentre.org

For the period 01.10.2011 to 31.03.2012

ICCO : Project No. : 71-03-03-016 (2009-12) EED : Project No. : 20090224 G (2009-12) FMSF : Project No. : 20090224 G (2009-12)

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INDEX

Code No.

Description Page Numbers

From To

GENERAL INFORMATION 4 4

1. DIRECTOR’S REPORT 5 8

2. OUTCOME & IMPACT 9 18

3. ACTIVITIES 19 30

4. CHANGES IN THE ORGANISATION 31 32

5. CHANGES IN DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT & PROBLEM ANALYSIS 32 32

6. CONCLUSIONS FOR THE FUTURE WORK 33 34

7. FOR FINAL REPORT ONLY 34 36

CASE STUDIES 37 39

ANNEXURES 40 47

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS Sl.No. Abbreviation Expansion

1 AF-EC Accion Fraterna, Ecology Centre 2 ATL Area Team Leader 3 BIFSRA Bio-intensive Farming System in Rain fed Areas 4 CDM Clean Development Mechanism 5 CER Certified Emission Reduction 6 CLDP Comprehensive Land Development Programme 7 CBO Community Based Organization 8 CSO Civil Society Organisations 9 EDF Environment Defense Fund

10 E&E Coalition Empowerment & Entitlements Coalition 11 FCN Fair Climate Network 12 FCRA Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 13 FFS Farmer Field School 14 GHG Green House Gases 15 GSS Grama Sasyamithra Samakhyas 16 HEIDA High External Input Destructive Agriculture 17 ICRISAT International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics 18 IFS Integrated Farming System 19 ITES Information Technology Enabled Services 20 IWMP Integrated Watershed Management Program 21 KK Karyakarthas 22 LCF Low Carbon Farming 23 LEISA Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture 24 MFTC Multiple Fruit Tree Cropping 25 MGNREGS Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 26 MSS Mandal Sasyamitra Samakhyas 27 NABARD National Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development 28 NGO Non-Governmental Organization 29 NPM Non-pesticidal Management 30 PDS Public Distribution System 31 PME Planning Monitoring & Evaluation 32 PPME Participatory Planning Monitoring & Evaluation 33 RDT Rural Development Trust 34 SA Sustainable Agriculture 35 SC Scheduled Caste 36 SMGs Sasya Mitra Groups 37 SRI System of Rice Intensification 38 ST Scheduled Tribe 39 STO Socio-Technical Organizer 40 UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate change 41 WCC Watershed Computer Centre 42 WDC Watershed Development Committee

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General Information Name of organization : ACCION FRATERNA ECOLOGY CENTRE Physical Address : Upparapalli road, Bangalore Highway Anantapur – 515 002 A.P. – India Postal Address : Upparapalli road, Bangalore Highway Anantapur – 515 002 A.P. – India Telephone : +91 8554 244222 / 246884 Contact Person : Dr. Y.V. Malla Reddy (with cell phone no.) (0)98490 56555

Fax : +91 8554 244990 Email : actionf@sancharnet.in;

yvmallareddy@yahoo.co.in

Website : www.af-ecologycentre.org Project Title : Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Livelihood

Program Project Number : ICCO : 71-03-03-016 EED : 20090224 G FMSF : 20090224 G Project Period : 01.04.2009 to 31.03.2012 Reporting Period : 01.10.2011 to 31.03.2012 Date of the Report : 30.05.2012 Author of the Report : Dr. Y.V. Malla Reddy

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1. DIRECTOR’S REPORT

1. Introduction. The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods project (2009-12) was implemented with utmost commitment and transparency. During this phase, AF had laid foundation for building a layer of CBO structure (SMGs, GSS & MSS) comprised of farmers and farm labourers with 50% women representation to promote sustainable agriculture and also to access various resources from Government and other agencies. The project was implemented with involvement of these CBOs. AF is now striving hard to strengthening this CBO structure. The Project phase 2009 -12 has also been a good learning experience for AF – EC, as the organization has faced lot of turbulences and overcome them successfully. It has helped organization to become more compact, cohesive and more flat with 3 tier new structure. During this phase the systems of staff accountability, transparency in financial transactions and CBOs involvement in decision making have been firmed up. The overall discipline in the organization has been established which has resulted in improved efficiency and effectiveness. AF kept changing its strategies and priorities from time to time based on the changing scenarios to be a relevant organization.

2. Project Achievements in 3 years i.e. 2009-12:

The Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods project (2009-12) had directly worked with 20,800 farmer and farm labour families on promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Diversified Livelihoods. Various campaigns, training programs and demonstrations were organised to farmers on various practices of Sustainable Agriculture like Bio-Fertilizers, Non Pesticide Management (NPM) and various cropping models for seasonal crops and tree crops. Particularly the 4 day mega training by Natural Farming expert Mr.Subhash Palekar in April 2011 attracted the attention of the whole district. The skill trainings were imparted to 1931 rural youth to diversify their livelihoods. During the project phase 2009-12, AF had lobbied to influence Government for pro-poor and pro-farmer policies. It also extended cooperation for the proper implementation of the Govt schemes at the grass root level. 3. General Situation of Anantapur District The Rainfed Farming in Anatapur has become a dangerous gamble. The recent Government statistics reported that in the last 14 years, the poor rainfed farmers of Anantapur District had got crop yields in only 2 years. The crops had failed in remaining 12 years. The last harvest the rainfed farmer families had, was in Dec’ 2007. The farmers have almost shed hopes on rainfed Farming. The climatic changes and erratic rainfall are adversely affecting groundnut and other crops. More and more rainfed farmers are becoming labourers.

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The traditional water bodies and bore wells are fast drying up due to scanty rainfall. The extent of cultivation in Rabi season is also coming down drastically. The farmers with fruit trees are also facing problems because of lowering ground water. AF had seen an opportunity in this farming crisis and making farmers think about the changes that are to be adopted in rainfed agriculture. AF is striving hard to develop appropriate cropping systems and practices for rainfed agriculture that suit well to Anantapur agro-climatic conditions. It is also conducting many types of experiments in order to make the agriculture sustainable and beneficial to the small farmers. By now AF has succeeded in creating a good number farmers and farm demonstrations of LEISA, which provide a hope for farmers. 4. Changes in AF Staff During the reporting period i.e. 01.10.2011 to 31.03.2012, totally, 5 staff members (4 men and 1 woman) resigned for various reasons and 19 candidates have been newly recruited, of whom 14 are Women. Presently, AF has 44% women staff (35 out of 80). AF is working with Karyakartas (village volunteer) at village level. Since these karyakartas are village - based, they provide a closer support in implementation, monitoring and follow up at each farmer family level. They are paid monthly performance-based incentives, as per the recommendation of the GSS. 5. Update on other Programs of AF 5.1 Update on NABARD watersheds AF has taken up 6 Watersheds funded by NABARD. Totally, Rs. 69 millions has been sanctioned for these watersheds to be implemented in 4 years. As part of this programme, AF is implementing various activities like; (a) Soil conservation & Rainwater Harvesting (b) Plantations (c) Promoting Agricultural Productivity Enhancement & Non-farm livelihoods etc. All the above activities were implemented through village watershed committees in a participatory and transparent manner. By the end of the reporting period, about 17 million worth of activities were taken up benefitting 3082 farmers and also community at large. More than 49000 person days of work was generated and 2600 ha of land was treated in this project.

5.2 Update on IWMP watersheds The State Govt. has sanctioned 3 mega watersheds to AF under its Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP). Muttala mega watershed sanctioned in 2009-10, covers 4 villages. The Project period is 7 years and the total financial outlay is Rs. 30.42 millions. Bandameedipalli mega watershed has been sanctioned in the year 2010-11. It covers 4 villages. The financial outlay of this watershed is Rs. 59 millions. The third watershed sanctioned in the year 2011-12 under this project is Kuderu watershed. The activities taken up in these watersheds are related to Natural Resource Management, Productivity Enhancement & Livelihood Promotion. As of now, most of the activities were implemented in Muttala Watershed. By the end of the reporting period, about 7

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million worth of activities were taken up benefitting 80 farmers directly and also community at large by generating 28000 person days of work and building community assets. The implementation of activities in Muttala watershed has been very effective in terms of participatory process as well as physical achievements. It is seen as a model watershed by the Government. So the Government is organizing exposure visits to Muttala watershed for farmers and staff from other districts of Andhra Pradesh.

5.3 Update on CDM-Bio-gas project AF’s Biogas project under CDM has got approval and registration from UNFCC. This is a major success and an important milestone. Now AF is trying to raise capital for this project. 5.4 Update on Low Carbon Farming (LCF) project The LCF research project is continued with the financial and scientific support from Environment Defense Fund (USA). The experiments of measuring Green House Gas emissions are going on. The experiments results of last crop season were not accurate as we found out that the Gas Chromatograph in our lab was not calibrated. We have got it calibrated now and are planning to continue experiments in coming crop season i.e 2012-13. We are still optimistic about potential of LCF programme. The initial data available till now say that Paddy crop has prospects, but for Groundnut sufficient initial data is also not available. We have to wait for one more season to have a concrete picture. 5.5 Update on E&E coalition Program During the reporting period the E&E coalition mainly focused on; (a) Its Strategic future direction, (b) Reflection on its program, (C) Leadership in the coalition, (d) Rules of engagement. The present Plans & Budget were reviewed and a new action plan was prepared.

5.6 Update on Food and Water Security Coalition Program AF has been playing an important role in strengthening the food and water security coalition being the member of steering committee. The coalition has been involved in planning the next phase of its programme during the reporting period. 5.7 Climate Study for Climate Proofing of Sustainable Agriculture in Semi Arid Anantapur AF requested ICCO to commission a downscaled climate modeling for Anantapur District and Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture. A similar study was undertaken by Sevamandir for Udaipur District by a team of Climate Scientists from Alterra, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. Dr. Fons Jaspers conducted the study from Alterra. The study was supported and facilitated by ICCO for Anantapur District. AF collected all the data required like rainfall, temperatures for the past 120 years and also data regarding the type of soils, the history of cropping patterns, yield levels etc and sent to Fons Jaspers. Subsequently he visited Anantapur for one week and met the farmers, Scientists,

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Social activists etc as part of his field work. Finally a report was prepared and presented to AF and ICCO.

Summary of the study in brief: Climate change effect over the period 2040-2080 may result in higher temperatures: 2-3 degrees under the ‘business as usual’ scenario and 1-2 degrees under the ‘sustainable path’ scenario. The shady and transpiring conditions of agro-horticulture will create a moderating microclimate by reducing the depletion of soil moisture and oxidation of mulch and organic matter and increasing crop production by keeping the stomata open for assimilation during the day. Because of climate change the rainfall will be at longer intervals with downpours.

Bio-intensive rain-fed farming being advocated by AF Ecology Centre is very appropriate and is a sustainable way of agriculture for small and marginal farmers requiring a minimum of external inputs. It consists of an agro-horticulture cropping integrated with dairy farming making use of available off-season labor.

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2. OUTCOME & IMPACT

2.1 PROJECT Objective:

To enhance the quality of life of 60,000 resource poor farmer and farm labor families by promoting; (a) Sustainable Agriculture, (b) Additional off-farm & non-farm livelihoods, (c) Youth rehabilitation in non-farm sector, (d) Access to basic services and (e) Pro-poor policies, through CBOs, in a participatory approach encompassing gender and equity.

2.1.1 Objectively Verifiable Indicators:

Ind-1 : Status of family - Economic and Food Security. Ind-2 : Diversity in skills and employment. Ind-3 : Occupational mobility of rural youth towards non-farm sector. Ind-4 : Rate of distress migration. Ind-5 : Social and Gender equity in benefits.

2.2. Objectives for Project Components (Specific Objectives): 2.2.1 Component-1 : Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

Ind-1: % of farmer families practicing at least 3 NPM / LEISA practices. Ind-2: % of farmer families practicing multiple cropping with at least 3

other crops. Ind-3: % of farmer families accessing land devt. works under MGNREGS.

2.2.2 Component-2 : Promoting the access of basic services and promoting diversified livelihoods.

Ind-1: % of job-seeking labor families accessing a minimum of 100 days of employment under MGNREGP in a year.

Ind-2: % of labor families accessing basic services like PDS, education, health. Ind-3:% of labor families accessing credits for dairy/livestock development. Ind-4:% of labor families with their youth (both boys & girls) either employed

in non-farm sector or self-employed. 2.2.3 Component-3 : Alliance Building and Policy Advocacy.

Ind-1:No. and type of other NGOs and CSOs, with whom alliances are made. Ind-2: No. of CBOs involved in policy issues. Ind-3: No. & type of issues identified and represented at various levels. Ind-4: No. & type of issues taken up for lobbying with Govt. Ind-5: Changes brought about in policies / implementation procedures.

2.2.4 Component-4 : Organizational Development. Indicator-1: Improved gender policies within the organization. Indicator-2: Gender & social equity policies integrated in program activities. Indicator-3: PPME reports prepared.

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1.3. Achievement of Project & Project Component Objectives 2.3.1 Achievement of Project Objective

IND No

Impact Indicator

Status during the Reporting Period - (October 2011 to March 2012)

1 Status of family - Economic and Food Security.

The dry spell during September 2011 resulted in huge crop loss in rain fed lands in Kharif 2011. The farmers and farm labourers were left with no income from agriculture during this reporting period. Added to that, the price rise of essential commodities like food grains, groceries and fuel due to inflation and power cuts for bore well irrigation have affected the lives of farmer and farm labor families. Severe Groundnut seed scarcity is anticipated for the Kharif 2012. The acute scarcity of fodder is leading to the distress sale of cattle and small ruminants.

Government had announced crop insurance for the year 2009-10 which is the compensation for crop loss. This insurance is distributed to farmers during this reporting period. AF-EC campaigned for crop diversity and promoted millets and pulses through Village Seed Banks.

Though the labourers did not get sufficient employment from agricultural operations, MGNREGS provided relatively good employment to wage seekers during the period. During the reporting period, October 2011 to March 2012, 41% of enrolled labour families under this project (5100 families) availed wage labour under MGNREGS. Out of them 36% families belong to SC& ST communities.

The target families are continuously able to access the PDS. 17,294 farmer and farm labor families (81% of the total 20,764 families, enrolled into AF’s SMGs) are accessing Public Distribution System (PDS), which has ensured food security to an extent. 85% of the families are also accessing primary education for their children.

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2 & 3 Diversity in skills and employment. Occupational mobility among rural boys & girls towards non-farm sector.

The poor rainfed farmer and farm labour families of Anantapur district need additional sources of income to withstand the highly adverse living conditions like harsh climate, unproductive agriculture, lack of marketing facilities, lack of industries, poverty etc. So, AF is striving hard to bring Sustainable diverse livelihoods among rural women and Youth in Off-farm & Non-farm sectors.

• During the project phase 2009-12, AF provided alternate livelihoods support to 2,607 farmer and farm labor women. Of them 2,170 (83%) have been enrolled into AF’s SMGs. Of these 2,170 women, 1,143 (53%) are continuing those livelihoods and earning an income of Rs. 2,500 to 4,500 per annum.

• During the reporting period (October 2011 to March 2012), 358 rural youth, 68 boys and 290 girls have been trained in job oriented skills. Of them 120 youth (33%) have found employment.

• During the project phase (2009-12), 1931 rural youth, 465 boys and 1466 girls have been trained in job oriented skills. Of them 954 youth (49%) have found employment.

This has enhanced the self worth of these rural women and youth in the community. Their importance has grown in the family and their opinions are being considered in family decisions. They have become confident, they now behave responsibly and want to work and earn more.

4 Rate of distress migration.

The employment Guarantee programme has arrested the distress migration of labour to a large extent. The agriculture crisis, financial break-down and the consequent distress among the poor farmers during the project period has led to some migration of farmers in the district. However, its rate is very low. The distress sale of cattle was witnessed in the district.

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2.3.2 Achievement of Project Component Objectives

PCO No

IND No

Desired End Result

(By 2012)

Achievement during the Reporting Period (October 2011 to March 2012) &

during the Project Phase 2009-12 Remarks

1 1 Of the total 16,000 small and marginal farmer families, atleast 1,600 families (10%of the target families), reduce their Cost of Cultivation by practicing at least 3 of the following LEISA practices: • Use pest

traps. • Use bio-

pesticides. • Use bio-

fertilizers. • Practice SRI

and Azolla & alleys in paddy.

Of the 15,605 small & marginal farmer families enrolled into AF’s SA program; During the Reporting period (Oct 2011 – March 2012): • 1070 families (7%) have used Pest

traps in their fields. • 237 families (2%) have applied Bio-

pesticides to their crops. • 1215 families (8%) have used Bio-

fertilizers like Jeevamritam to their crops.

• 474 families (3%) have practiced SRI and have provided Azolla & alleys in paddy.

During the project period (2009-12): • 2280 families (14%) have used Pest

traps in their fields. • 1712 families (11%) have applied

Bio- pesticides to their crops. • 3420 families (22%) have used Bio-

fertilizers like Jeevamritam to their crops.

• 590 families (4%) are practicing SRI and have provided Azolla & alleys in paddy.

Totally, during the project phase (2009-12) 1230 families (8% of the enrolled families) have adopted at least 3 of the above LEISA practices saving cost of cultivation by about Rs 1500 per ha every crop season.

Performance of this indicator is slightly low because: (a) AF is working only with focus groups and the no. of enrolled farmer families in each village has come down from 250 to 75 and the indicators have been measured only w.r.t. the enrolled families. (b) SMGs were formed only during 2011 and it is taking time for them to settle down.

2 Of the total 16,000 small and marginal farmer families, 20% practice multiple cropping with at least 3 of the following crops : • Fruit tree

Of the 15,605 small & marginal farmer families enrolled; During the Reporting period (Oct 2011 – March 2012):

• 150 families (1%) have grown Fruit tree crops.

• 266 families (2%) have grown fodder in their farm lands.

Performance of this indicator is low because of erratic rainfall causing droughts for 3 years continuously.

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crops. • Farm forestry

with wild fruit, fodder and bio-mass plantations.

• Food crops like millets, pulses etc.

• Vegetables • Fodder.

During the Project period (2009-12:

• 1188 families (7%) have grown Fruit tree crops.

• 1,443 families (9%) have raised Farm forestry through seed dibbling.

• 2,090 families (13%) have grown food crops like Millets & Pulses.

• 2160 families (14%) have grown Vegetables in their farm lands.

• 3659 families (23%) have grown fodder in their farm lands.

Totally, during the project period 1,215 families (8% of the enrolled families) have adopted multiple cropping with at least 3 of the above crops.

3 Of the total 16,000 small and marginal farmer families, 10% improve the carrying capacity of their lands by accessing land developmental works under MGNREGP.

Of the 15,605 small & marginal farmer families enrolled in SMGs, 250 families (2%) have accessed land development works from MGNREGP during this reporting period. Of the 4,600 small & marginal farmer families in the 16 NABARD & IWMP watershed villages, During the Reporting period (Oct 2011 – March 2012),

• 393 families have accessed Soil and Moisture Conservation works in 426 ha of land.

• 94 families have raised mango plantations in their 323 ha. of land.

• 400 families have planted Bio-mass seedlings on bunds in 800 ha. of land.

During the project phase (2009-12),

• 722 families have accessed SMC works in 1012 ha of land.

• 288 farmers have raised Horticulture in 737 ha of land.

• 518 farmers have grown Biomass in 1004 ha of land.

Totally, during the Project period (2009-12), 1278 families (8%) have improved the

Implementation of NABARD & IWMP watershed programs was as planned during the period.

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carrying capacity of their lands by accessing land development works under MGNREGS, NABARD watersheds & IWMP watershed programs.

2 1 Of the total 13,000 farm labor families (incl. small & marginal farmers), 60% families get atleast 60 days of employment under MGNREGS during a year.

During the Reporting period, of the 12,432 farm labor families enrolled in AF’s SMGs;

• 6,418 persons (3,412 men & 3,006 women) from 5100 families (41% of the farm labor families) could access wage employment in MGNREGS.

• Women got equal wages, on par with men.

During the project phase (2009-12) about 40% of enrolled labour families have accessed more than 60 days of wage employment per year from MGNREGS.

MGNREGS provided timely employment to wage seekers when there was no other work available in villages.

2 Of the total 13,000 farm labor families, 90% access basic services like PDS, education, health etc.

During the reporting period, of the 700 farm labor families surveyed (5% sample);

• 560 families (80%) have accessed PDS.

• 245 families (33%) have 323 children of primary school age. Of them 305 children (About 94%) have been enrolled. But 30 children (10%) have dropped out.

Presently, 275 children (About 85% of the school-aged children from the labor families) are continuing in primary school, which indicates a better retention rate in primary schools.

The divide between the rainfed small and marginal farmers & laborers has become very thin. So, both farmer and labor families were considered for the survey.

3 Of the total 13,000 farm labor families, about 650 families (5%) access credit support from Banks for the purchase of dairy animals or small ruminants.

Of the 700 farm labor families surveyed during this reporting period;

• 23 families (3%) have accessed loan from Banks & other agencies for purchase of dairy animals.

• 21 families (3%) have accessed loan from Banks for the purchase of Sheep and Goats.

Presently about 4% of labour families are able to access loans from mainstream financial Institutions.

-

4 1,300 Rural youth (Girls & Boys) from atleast 10% of the 13,000 farm labor families,

Of the 12,432 farm labor families enrolled in AF’s SMGs; During the Reporting period Oct 2011 to March 2012:

• Youth (Girls & Boys) from 358 families (3%) have acquired skills

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diversify their occupational base thro’ acquisition of job-oriented skills.

to diversify their occupation. Of them 290 Girls have been trained in garment making & Embroidery and 68 Boys been trained in Driving.

During the project phase (2009-12):

• Youth (Girls & Boys) from 1931 families (16%) have acquired skills to diversify their occupation. Of them 1466 Girls have been trained in garment making & Embroidery and 465 Boys been trained in Driving, IT Enabled Services etc.

3 1 Building issue based alliances with concerned NGOs & CSOs:

a) To focus on policy & implementation issues related to agriculture, off-farm & non-farm livelihoods, accessing employment and basic services etc.

b) To mobilize public opinion on the above issues and represent them in relevant forums

c) To lobby with Govt. for appropriate action.

AF has taken the following measures to focus on issues related to policies, mobilizing public opinion and lobbying with Govt.:

• Actively participated in Issue based alliances like (a) Food security coalition (b) All India Coordinated Millets Improvement Program (AICMIP) (c) E&E coalition for Social equity (d) Watershed Development programs.

• Also AF has been lobbying for taking up dry land horticulture under MGNREGS. Now this has become a policy.

• Discussed with CBOs, at different levels to identify issues related to SA and Rural livelihoods and consolidate people’s voice for advocacy.

• Organized public campaigns at different levels on SA, environmental degradation, desertification and gender equality to publicize the issues and for a Govt – public interface.

• Lobbying with Govt. for promotion of Millets & their inclusion in PDS.

• Presently advocating incentives for millets and pulses cultivation

• Advocating incentives and subsidy for practicing LEISA.

-

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2 Bringing on desired changes in policies and / or in the implementation procedures.

The process of Lobby & Advocacy with Govt. is in progress and as a result;

• Freshly cooked food is introduced in Anganwadi centers on an experimental basis in Anantapur district.

• Rainfed horticulture is taken up under MGNREGS in some select districts including Anantapur.

-

4 1 By 2012 AF Ecology Centre has :

(a) Improved gender sensitivity among staff. (b)An operational PPME in place. (c) Improved expertise in ; (i) Sust.Agrl, (ii) Alternate livelihoods devt and (iii) Training rural youth in job-oriented skills & Rehabilitating them. (d) Accounts & Finance shifted from RDT and Self – managed.

Gender policy is framed in a participatory process and being followed. • Presently AF-EC has 80 staff members.

Of them 35 (44%) are women. • Of the 19 new staff members recruited

during the Reporting period, 14 members (82%) are women.

• Ensured equal representation of women in all CBOs and in their leadership positions, giving preference to the women for the convener’s post.

• Making payments related to program activities to women.

• AF is working on making PPME operational.

• AF has developed a ‘changes envisaged by 2016’ also called “Vision 2016” involving all the staff and as seen by the staff.

• AF has arranged trainings on Sustainable Agriculture, Seed Banks & Alternate livelihoods devt, to improve their expertise in the above areas.

• AF staff has also been oriented on Clean Devt Mechanism (CDM) and Low Carbon Farming (LCF).

• Accounts and finance have been shifted from RDT office and are being self - managed by AF Ecology Center.

-

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2.4. What other observations did you make? Please mention any thing that may be enlightening for the progress of the project, provide case stories if any in the annexure.

Some important observations: • In some villages groups of farmers have changed their farming practices

from HEIDA to LEISA. Mutual cooperation among them has increased with practice of sustainable Agriculture and participation in CBOs. See the case study of Thammaih Doddi village.

• Farmers’ reaping the benefits of Multiple Fruit Tree crops and earning sustained incomes. See the case study of old couple Marenna & Laxmakka of Kadadarakunta village.

• Farmers reducing cost of cultivation and getting better yields with LEISA practices, mainly use of Jeevamritam. See the case study of Mr. Siva Naik of Yelagalavanka Thanda village.

All these observations would contribute to the achievement of AF’s development goal considerably. (The case studies are provided at the end of the report) 2.5 In case that you observed any Negative Outcome please describe.

No Negative outcome is observed.

2.6. Could any impact (Positive or Negative) be observed in the wider context of the project that might be related to the project interventions? Do those observed facts contribute to achieving the development goal?

Anantapur faced droughts for 4 consecutive years from 2008 – 2011. The last harvest the poor rainfed farmers of Anantapur had was, in Dec’ 2007. This year also the rainfed farmers had to face a crop failure because of scanty rainfall. The wage rates in MGNREGP are good and the agricultural wages also have gone up. The farm labor families are getting benefited by that. This is a very positive development that has come about in recent times. However it has its own share of negative effects - The cost of labor for already volatile agriculture has gone up, because laborers are demanding wages on par with or nearer to MGNREGP wages. Though it is very good for laborers, yet small, marginal and even medium rain fed farmers are unable to afford the high cultivation costs, particularly when the yields are not guaranteed (due to droughts) and most of them have turned into laborers in desperation!

This is an undesirable scenario because it could contribute to the disappearance of small & marginal farmers from agriculture and force them to become labour – a downward occupational mobility! So AF’s programme is directed to strengthen small and marginal farmers with LEISA. AF is advocating that the same MGNREGS be used to enhance agri-production of small and marginal farmers.

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These adverse conditions are also seen by AF as an opportunity to: o To motivate the farmers to shift from cost intensive mainstream Green

Revolution model of agriculture to cost saving Low External Input Sust. Agriculture (LEISA).

o To bring in crop diversification for risk spreading by educating farmers.

o To build mutual cooperation among SMG members to exchange labour, inputs, implements etc in order to overcome the crisis by strengthening the CBOs.

The above trend can contribute further to the achievement of AF’s Development goal in the long run.

2.7. Which methods did you use for assessing Outcome and Impact?

• Outcome and Impact Assessment was done in a participatory manner by using methods like focused group discussions, group interviews and individual interviews, involving the target population throughout the process.

• Impact assessment was done in selected 40 villages (About 17 % of the 230 project villages) while Outcome assessment was done in all the 230 project villages.

• 20 families were selected for impact assessment from each village (20 % of the 100 enrolled families per village). For Outcome Assessment, the data of all the target families enrolled in AF’s SMGs was considered.

• Totally, 800 families were selected for impact assessment. Outcome Assessment was done with data from Village Activity Registers which are being maintained in each of the 230 villages by village level staff. Information on Outcomes was also collected from various means like (a) Random Physical Verification, (b) Interviews with farmer & farm labor families, (c) GSS records etc

• To understand the impact a household survey was done for selected 800 families and Ration cards were verified.

• Data was collected from various sources like (a) School attendance registers, (b) Govt. mandal level Offices, (c) Fair price shop records (d) MGNREGP website (e) Records of AF Skill Training Centers & Driving Schools etc.

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3. ACTIVITIES: Following are the main activities implemented by AF during October 2011 to March 2012: 3.1 Awareness generation on Sustainable Agriculture Promoting Sustainable Agriculture is AF’s core program. AF is campaigning, demonstrating and promoting LEISA practices and developing farming systems suitable for the harsh Agro-climatic conditions of Anantapur. AF is spreading awareness on the above activities thro’ Campaigns at Village, Mandal & District levels. AF is also spreading awareness on the ill-effects of Climate Change and the ways for mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change. 3.1.1 Village Level Awareness Campaigns on Sustainable Agriculture. Village Level Campaigns on Sustainable Agriculture are organized every year, in each village. The STOs facilitate the GSS and SMGs to take lead and organize these campaigns. In these campaigns awareness is created on; (a) various SA practices including crop diversification with millets, pulses, fruit, fodder and bio-mass yielding tree crops and (b)Integrating cattle and livestock into the farming system. Bio-fertilizers and Bio-pesticides with locally available material are prepared and demonstrated to the farmers in these campaigns. The practicing farmers share their experiences in practicing SA with other farmers. All the farmers in the village, including women are motivated to participate in these campaigns. The cost, if any, of organizing these campaigns was borne by the farmers, SMGs and GSSs themselves.

• During the reporting period October 2011 to March 2012, 208 Village Level Campaigns (97% of the planned 214) were conducted. 8,132 women farmers (76% of the planned 10,700) attended, of whom 2,846 (35%) are from SC & ST families. 8,774 men farmers (82% of the planned 10,700) attended, of whom 3,510 (40%) are from SC & ST families.

• During the project period (2009-12), 922 Village Level Campaigns (107% of

the planned 856) were conducted. 9,346 women farmers (87% of the planned 10,700) are covered, of whom 3,441 (37%) are from SC & ST families. 10,102 men farmers (94% of the planned 10,700) are covered of whom 3,955 (39%) are from SC & ST families.

3.1.2 Ecology campaigns for building public opinion: These campaigns are organized at Project level and also at Area level in each of the four operational areas of AF. Each Area consists of 50 - 65 villages. From each village 12 - 15 farmers, both men and women are mobilized to participate in these campaigns. The campaigns include exhibitions of different varieties of seeds and plants suitable to Anantapur agro-climate, medicinal plants, fodder plants, fruit plants, bio-diversity of various species, indigenous materials used in preparation of

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bio-pesticides & bio-fertilizers. Photo exhibitions of successful practices are arranged to attract farmers’ attention. Various issues such as ecology, agriculture, bio-diversity, climate change, combating droughts, rural handicrafts etc. are discussed and policy recommendations were evolved in these campaigns. Local art-forms are performed to educate as well as to entertain people and also to appreciate local culture, which is an integral part of agriculture and environment. Government officials and elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions are also invited to participate to provide a direct interface with Govt. officers and help farmers access various Govt. schemes.

During the reporting period October 2011 to March 2012, one campaign was organized. World Water Day was celebrated on 22nd March 2012 at Anantapur. (Please refer to Annexure 1 & 2 for more information) During the project phase 2009 - 12, 6 Area level Ecology Campaigns and 4 project level ecology campaigns were organized. Totally about 12000 members including about 5500 women have participated in these campaigns. 3.2 Facilitation of CBOS

3.2.1 Facilitating SMGs, GSS and MSSs(Mandal Sasyamitra Samakyas): The Karyakarthas (KKs) and STOs organized regular meetings of SMGs, GSS and discussed about implementation of various planned activities and created awareness on their benefits. Writing catchy slogans and pictorial paintings on walls about Sustainable Agriculture was taken up in the villages to draw the attention of farmers. Selection of deserving and eligible beneficiaries for incentive based activities was a key responsibility of the SMGs and GSS. The AF staff and KKs facilitated SMGs and GSS in the beneficiary selection process, following Gender & Social equity. The resource poor, small and marginal farmers, willing to practice LEISA/NPM practices were selected as beneficiaries. The MSS meetings are facilitated at Mandal level by Area Team Leaders and Agriculture officers. The MSS are playing an important role particularly in organizing mandal level awareness campaigns, International women days, ecology days and in mobilizing public opinion on issues concerning agriculture, environment, gender etc. During the project phase (2009-12), a total of 802 SMGs (94% of the planned SMGs in AF’s 214 project villages) were formed covering 20,764 Small and marginal farmer and labor families. These families are represented by 10,670 women and 10,094 men. Of them 8,230 families (40% of the families covered) belong to SC & ST communities, which are represented by 4,280 women and 3,950 men. There are 8 MSSs functioning now. During the project phase 2009-12, 180 MSS meetings were organized in 8 mandals.

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3.3 Trainings 3.3.1 Specific trainings on specific practices for selected farmers. Farmers taking up certain SA practices, which need technical trainings, are given the required special techniques and skills.

• During the reporting period October 2011 to December 2012, no specific trainings were conducted on SA practices but Farmer Field Schools were conducted in all villages.

• During the project phase 2009-12, 1,055 farmers (298 women + 757 men) were

trained on special practices and techniques in SRI method of paddy cultivation, Integrated Farming System (IFS) and Bio-Intensive Farming System in Rainfed Areas (BIFSRA). Of them 329 (31%) are from SC & ST families.

3.3.2 Gender trainings to men and women leaders. Gender trainings are organised to both the men and women members of the GSS (4Women & 4 Men from each GSS) at cluster level, wherein gender issues like sharing of their work load by men, domestic violence, girl child education, economic freedom, decision making in family matters, cropping choices, food and nutrition, women’s livelihoods, women health etc are being dealt with.

• During the reporting period, 121 cluster level Gender trainings were organized. All the GSS conveners and co-conveners 856 men and 856 women have attended these trainings. Women Day Celebrations were organized in all the 4 areas during the reporting period.

• During the project phase 2009-12, 333 cluster level Gender trainings (99% of

the planned 336) were organized. 2840 women (82% of the planned 3424) attended, of whom 1190 (41%) are from SC & ST families. 2772 men (81% of planned 3424) attended, of whom 888 (32%) are from SC & ST families.

3.4 Promoting Sustainable Agriculture practices 3.4.1 Installation of Pest traps (Pheromone traps & Color boards). Demonstrations on effectiveness of pheromone traps and color boards are taken up to monitor the incidence of pests and to trap them mechanically before they are multiplied. These pest traps are readily available in NPM shops set up with support of AF in selected villages.

• During the Rabi 2011 season, 1,070 farmers (100% of the planned 1070) installed pheromone traps, white & yellow boards, in their 1,070 ha of farm lands (100% of planned 1070). Of them 298 farmers (28% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 298 ha (28% of the area covered).

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• During the 2009-12 project phase, 2,280 farmers (106% of the planned 2,140) installed pheromone traps, white & yellow boards, in their 2,280 ha of farm lands (106% of the planned 2,140). Of them 460 farmers (20% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 460 ha (20% of the area covered).

3.4.2 Application of Bio-pesticides. Education and awareness was created on the ill-effects and the high investment needed for chemical pesticides. Indigenous, locally available herbs and low cost alternatives were explained to the farmers. The focus is on prevention of pest & disease incidence through usage of bio-pesticides like decoctions of local wild plants and hot spices. This activity is not budgeted and farmers are motivated to do at their own cost. AF has supplied 9 sprayer sets to NPM shops in villages to enable farmers to use them and spray Bio-pesticides at nominal cost.

• During the reporting period, 237 farmers (22% of the planned 1,070) applied various decoctions as bio-pesticides in their 343 ha of farm lands (32% of the planned 1,070). Of them 57 farmers (24% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 64 ha (19% of the area covered).

• During the present phase (2009-12), 1,712 farmers (80% of the planned 2,140) applied various decoctions as bio-pesticides in their 1,869 ha of farm lands (87% of the planned 2,140). Of them 345 farmers (20% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 300 ha (16% of the area covered).

3.4.3 Application of Bio-Fertilizers Education and awareness is created on the high costs of chemical fertilizers and their ill-effects on soil, water, food and people. AF is providing some incentives to the farmers to go in for the production and application of Jeevamrutham – An indigenous, economical, environment - friendly and highly effective concentrate bio-fertilizer. AF is demonstrating its efficiency by providing incentives to some poor farmers (marginal/SC/ST/women/rainfed) from each village to prepare and apply Jeevamrutham to their farm lands. AF is encouraging other farmers in village to prepare and apply Jeevamrutham to their farm lands at their own cost. To demonstrate the efficacy of Jeevamrutham to the farmers, AF is providing incentive to 4-5 farmers from each village to purchase a local cow (The excreta of local cows is said to contain highest number of micro-organisms, that make Jeevamrutham a very high quality bio-fertilizer). AF is also supporting the farmers to establish pits for collection of cow urine and troughs for making Jeevamrutham. In addition to this AF has helped interested youth in setting up 33 NPM shops in project villages. These shops will provide readymade inputs to farmers.

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• During the reporting period, 1,215 farmers (56% of the planned 2140) applied

Jeevamritam to their 1073 ha of farm lands (50% of the planned 2140). Of them 320 farmers (26% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 289 ha (27% of the area covered).

• During the project phase (2009-12), 3,420 farmers applied Jeevamritam and other bio-fertilizers like Vermi compost, NADEP compost, FYM etc to their 2,966 ha of farm lands. Of them 1207 farmers (35% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 823 ha (28% of the area covered).

3.5. Promoting Crop Diversity and Crop Rotation 3.5.1 Food Crops: Millets & Pulses AF is educating and advocating multiple cropping in the place of groundnut mono crop to improve soil health and ensure food and nutritional security at each household level. The crops advocated are red gram, pearl millet, sorghum, foxtail millet, field beans, cow pea, castor, etc, which can be grown as pure crop and mixed crop or intercrop with groundnut. Women are encouraged to play an important role in deciding the selection & cultivation of food crops. Sprinkler sets were supplied to NPM shops so that farmers can borrow water for rainfed crops wherever possible and protect them in critical stage. The Seed Banks played an important role in seed collection and distribution to promote food crops extensively.

• During the reporting period October 2011 to March 2012, the monitoring of the crops taken up in June & July 2011 continued.

• During the project phase (2009-12), 4,426 farmers (138% of the planned 3,200) have grown the above food crops in their 2,576 ha of farm lands (161% of the planned 1,600). Of them 1,023 farmers (23% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families with a coverage of 659 ha (26% of the area covered).

3.5.2 Vegetable cultivation. AF is promoting vegetable cultivation in two ways for different purposes. They are:

1. In the farm lands for income generation and crop diversity 2. In Kitchen gardens (for landless) for household food and nutritional security.

• During the reporting period, 5330 vegetable seed kits were supplied to

farmers and labourers raising kitchen gardens. • During the project phase (2009-12), 2,160 farmers (90% of the planned 2,400)

have grown Vegetables in their farm lands, of whom 502 (23% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families. 9,874 families (92% of planned 10,700) have raised kitchen gardens around their houses, of which 3,847 families (39% of the families covered) are SC & ST families.

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3.5.3 Fodder cultivation. AF is organizing and facilitating the farmers to access annual fodder seed being supplied by animal husbandry department on subsidy. Perennial fodder is being raised by the farmers themselves through fodder slips.

• During the reporting period, 266 farmers (25% of the planned 1070) have organized Perennial fodder plots in their 68 ha. of farm lands (32% of the planned 214). Of them 56 (21%) are from SC & ST families, with a coverage of 11 ha.

• During the project phase (2009-12), 3,659 farmers (114% of the planned 3,210) have organized Perennial fodder plots in their 976 ha. of farm lands (152% of the planned 642). Of them 594 (16%) are from SC & ST families, with a coverage of 138 ha.

3.6.1 Rainfed horticulture AF- EC is campaigning for Fruit Tree Crops extensively and advocating that every rainfed farmer should have at least 30% of their land under various fruit tree crops. This is to provide some sort of safety net against the annual crop failure due to drought (which has almost become a regular phenomenon!). In these harsh conditions, tree crops will provide some assured income. AF-EC itself has not provided any incentives for tree crops, but educated and enabled farmers to access horticulture programs being implemented by RDT and Govt.

• During the reporting period, 150 SC/ST farmers have accessed fruit plants supplied on subsidy by RDT and from Horticulture Department and planted in their 120 ha. of dry land.

• During the project phase (2009-12), 1,188 farmers have accessed fruit plants supplied on subsidy by RDT and from Horticulture dept and planted in their 707 ha. of dry land. Of them 573 farmers (48% of the farmers covered) are from SC/ST communities with a coverage of 344 ha (48% of the extent covered).

3.7 Development of long term Tree Crop model farming systems suitable to

Anantapur Agro-Climatic Conditions. AF is advocating three models of rainfed Farming Systems, suitable to agro-climatic conditions of Anantapur. These three farming models are aimed at mitigation of drought and creating sustainable agri-production on rainfed lands integrating annual crops, tree crops and animals, with low cost external inputs. Following are the three models: 3.7.1 Integrated Farming System (IFS) for Rainfed Lands: In this model, annual crops, Fruit trees, Biomass trees, Fodder trees and small unit of dairy animals will be integrated in one ha. of rainfed land.

33 IFS plots have been organized by AF in its program area. Out of these plots 28 plots (85%) now exist. The survival of fruit plants in these plots is about 80% and survival of bio-mass plants is 60%. This model will take 5 - 6 years to start production at an optimum level. During the reporting period, AF has introduced one

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local Cow in each of these plots, to enable the farmer follow SA practices like Jeevamritam. During this reporting period pot watering has been given for IFS plots.

3.7.2 Bio-intensive Farming System in Rain fed Areas (BIFSRA) This model, developed under the technical guidance of Dr. O.P.Rupela, Principal Scientist, (Retd) from ICRISAT, aims at producing adequate bio-mass on farm for mulching the land particularly during summer months, to avoid exposure of soil to sun, rain and wind. When the soil is mulched properly the biotic life in the soil is conserved and nurtured and also soil organic matter (SOM) improved. So it does not need any additional manure. It can hold the moisture for longer periods and crop is less stressed for moisture under rain fed conditions.

AF has organized 8 demo plots, one each in 8 mandals of its program area. The survival of fruit plants in these plots is 90% and bio-mass plants are 65%. This model will take 4 to 5 years to yield adequate biomass for mulching the plot. During this reporting period pot water has been given for BIFSRA plots.

3.7.3 Multiple Fruit Tree Cropping (MFTC) Plots AF is promoting Multiple Fruit Tree Crops, like Mango, Sapota, Amla, Custard Apple etc. and a lot of bio-mass yielding trees particularly for poor rainfed farmers. On an average, these MFTC plots are of a size of one acre to one and half acre. SCs & STs are given high priority followed by small & marginal BC farmers. AF is advocating that every rainfed farmer should have at least 30% of their land under various fruit tree crops, which would provide a safety net against the crop failures (droughts). These MFTC plots will provide adequate demonstration for replication by other farmers, besides providing income to the poor and socially backward farmers.

• During the reporting period, no new MFTC plots were organized, but pot water has been given for already existing MFTC plots. The survival of the plots is gradually coming down due to continuous drought, by the end of the reporting period only 201 (60%) plots have survived.

• During the present phase (2009-12), 336 farmers (102% of the planned 330 farmers) have organized MFTC plots in their 336 acres of farm lands (102% of the planned 330 acres). Of them 192 (57% of the farmers covered) are from SC & ST families, with a coverage of 143 acres (43% of the extent covered).

3.8. Skills Development and Youth Rehabilitation Program

The objective of the program is to develop job-oriented skills among under-educated rural youth and rehabilitate them by facilitating their access to skill-based employment for occupational diversity and occupational mobility. 3.8.1. Skill training centres The down-trend of the skill-based employment market due to falling economy in the region compelled AF to go only for ITES trade, as there was practically no demand for other trades.

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• During the reporting period, no training was conducted.

• During the project phase (2009-12), totally 55 candidates (47 Boys & 8 Girls)

were trained in ITES and other courses. Of them there are 20 youth (36% - 17 Boys & 3 Girls) from SC & ST communities. Of the 55 candidates trained, 40 (73% - 35 Boys & 5 Girls) have managed to find employment.

3.8.2. Tailoring Centers

AF has established 14 mobile tailoring centers for girls in its project area. About 25 – 30 girls are trained in each batch. The course duration is 4 months.

• During the reporting period October 2011 to March 2012, 289 rural girls were trained in Garment making. Of them, 109 girls (38%) are from SC / ST communities.

• During the project phase (2009-12), totally 1,456 rural girls were trained in Garment making of whom, 564 (39%) are from SC/ST communities. Most of the girls are making use of the training (a) About 250 girls are doing piece work on contract basis and earning about Rs.2,000 per month (b) About 130 girls are working in tailoring shops in adjacent villages and earning about Rs.1, 500 per month and (c) About 300 girls are working from their homes in the villages and earning about Rs.1,000 per month during festive seasons.

3.8.3 Driving schools

• During the reporting period October 2011 to March 2012, 62 Boys were trained in light motor vehicle in Driving at Anantapur and Kalyandurg Driving Schools. Of them, 47 boys (75%) belong to SC & ST communities. Of the 62 boys trained, 25 (40%) have found employment with Private employers and earning about Rs. 5,000 - 6,000 per month.

• During the project phase (2009-12), 413 youth (412 Boys & one girl) were trained in light motor vehicle in Driving at Anantapur and Kalyandurg Driving Schools. Of them, 260 (62%) belong to SC & ST communities. Of the 413 youth trained, 233 (51%) have found employment with private employers and earning about Rs. 5,000 - 6,000 per month.

• AF has started Heavy Motor Driving School as there is high demand for heavy professional drivers. The HMV Driving School started functioning from November 2011. During this reporting period 7 youth were trained including 1 woman and 2 from SC/ST communities. All of them got employment after the training. AF is contemplating to organize a 3 day orientation programme to heavy Truck drivers who carry hazardous goods.

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3.9. Policy Advocacy at different levels

The Objectives of promoting Policy advocacy at different levels are:

• To facilitate farmers’ CBOs, to identify and debate on issues related to; (a) Govt Agriculture policies, (b) Implementation of basic services like PDS, MGNREGP, (c) Alternate non-farm livelihoods etc. and represent to the government authorities.

• To mobilize public opinion on issues concerning agriculture, rural livelihoods, farmers distress, ecology and environment, climate change etc.

• To advocate for pro-poor policies with State/Central Govts, by making alliances with CBOs, NGOs & CSOs.

During the reporting period, discussions on policy change in Irrigation and Agriculture was taken up with farmers in World Water day celebrations. AF widely publicized a paper on how to improve water resources in Anatapur District and how a conjunctive water use can bring a more rational use of water, a very scarce resource in Anantapur together with a more equitable distribution socially, spatially and temporally. This meeting voiced the need to bring the policy changes towards a more equitable and judicial sharing of water, eco-friendly agriculture with focus on rainfed agriculture which is badly neglected in the current policies. (See Annexure 1 for a report on the World Water Day held on 22, March 2012 and Annexure 2 for the paper publicized on water)

3.10. Interventions in NABARD funded watersheds.

AF collaborated with NABARD to achieve sustainable development, through participatory watershed development. Presently, AF is working in 6 Watersheds funded by NABARD. In each watershed village a Watershed Development Committee (WDC) is organized with the consensus of the whole village, ensuring adequate representation of SC, ST, women, landless and other occupational groups. WDC is formed through Gramasabha, owns the project, is responsible for planning, Implementation, monitoring and maintenance of the project. All the program-related decisions are taken and implemented by WDC. Various activity wise user groups have also been organised for effective implementation of various watershed activities including non farm Income generation programmes.

The NABARD watershed program is being implemented in 1) Mallipalli, 2) Gubanapalli, 3) Papampalli, 4) Garudapuram, 5) Battuvanipalli and 6) Dasampalli villages. Totally, Rs. 69 millions has been sanctioned for this program for a period of 4 years.

During October 2011 – March 2012, the following activities were implemented in NABARD watersheds:

1. Soil & Moisture Conservation works - Soil Bunding of 20133 mts & Stone Bunding of 5654 mts and 65 stone outlets in rainfed lands benefitting 300 farmers.

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2. Gully Control works - 40 Rock Fill Dams & 70 Stone Gully Plugs benefitting 80 Farmers.

3. Water Harvesting works - 6 Farm Ponds benefitting 6 Rainfed farmers.

4. Run-off Diversion works – A Diversion Drain of 3000 running mts long in a hillock.

5. Plantation works – (a) Fruit plants in 323 acres of dry lands benefitting 94 rainfed farmers, (b) Block plantation in 20 acres of temple land (common property resource) and avenue plantation of 4 km, (c) Bio-mass yielding Plants (Bund Plantations) in 800 acres of rainfed lands, benefitting 400 farmers.

6. Livelihood Support – An amount of Rs. 4,100,000 was provided to watershed committees to provide credit for 400 families.

Cumulative Progress in NABARD watersheds till March 2012:

Sl.No

Name of the Activity

Physical Achievement

Financial Achievement

No. of Farmers

Benefitted

person days of work

generated

1 Area Treatment works 1839 ha. 3,856,275 1124 25101

2 Dry Land Horticulture 267 ha. 2,595,897 194 13710

3 Vegetative measures 490 ha 818,694 618 3425

4 Drainage line Treatment 203 nos 1,359,601 206 6891

5 Livelihoods & Productivity Enhancement

1057 loans 8,271,600 1057 -

TOTAL - 16,902,067 3082 49127

All the above activities were taken up with active participation of watershed Development Committee and the user groups in a transparent manner. All the details of all activities and their payments are clearly displayed on the walls in prominent places in the villages.

3.11 Interventions in IWMP watersheds

AF is implementing 3 mega watersheds under Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP) funded by Government. The Institutional mechanisms like Watershed Development Committees, user groups and participatory processes are similar to NABARD Watershed projects. And there is strong convergence and coordination between IWMP and MGNREGS.

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Muttala mega watershed was sanctioned under 2009-10 batch and the implementation of activities have started from April’ 2011. The total financial outlay of the project is Rs. 30.42 millions. The implementation of activities in Muttala watershed has been very effective in terms of participatory process as well as physical achievements. This has emerged as a model Watershed in Andhra Pradesh and the Government is organizing exposure visits to Muttala watershed from other districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Bandameedipalli mega watershed was sanctioned under 2010-11 batch. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was approved and implementation has started from February 2012. The financial outlay of the project is Rs. 59 millions.

Kuderu Mega Watershed was sanctioned under 2011-12 batch. The Detailed Project Report was prepared in January 2012. The Financial outlay of the project is Rs. 52 m. These 3 watersheds cover 13 villages and 12000 acres of land belonging to 4000 families. The total Project period is 7 years, of which 5 years is for the implementation of activities and the last 2 years is for Consolidation, Monitoring & Evaluation of Impacts. The activities taken up can be broadly categorized as; (a) Natural Resource Management Activities, (b) Productivity Enhancement Activities in Agriculture and (c) Livelihoods Promotion Activities. During October 2011 – March 2012, AF has implemented the following activities in IWMP watersheds:

• Soil & Moisture Conservation works (Gully Control works) - 4 Rock fill dams were constructed in rainfed lands benefitting to 4 farmers.

• Water Harvesting works – 3 dug out Pond benefitting to 3 Rainfed farmer.

• Run-off Diversion works – Water absorption trench of 1056 cubic meters

• 37150 person days of employment was generated from the above activities during this reporting period benefitting 730 families. Each labour has earned an average amount of Rs 150/- to 175/- per day. The total amount spent on wages during this reporting period is Rs 5,550,000.

• AF has successfully lobbied with IWMP authorities for including boulder removal works in SC & ST assigned lands and implementing Dry land Horticulture in other caste farmers lands.

• Cumulative Progress in IWMP watersheds till March 2012:

Sl.No Name of the Activity

Physical Achieve

ment

Expenditure (Rs)

No. of Beneficiarie

s

Person days of work

generated

1 Dryland Horticulture 210 Ac 5,725,376 42 26487

2 Rock Fill Dams 38 nos 441786 27 666

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3 Water Absorption Trenches at Foot hills 3000 mts 128,545 7 504

4 Farm Ponds 2 nos 14,380 2 Machine

5 Animal Health Camps 2 nos 48,296 Community

6 Water Purification Plant 1 no 321,934 Community

7 Seed Dibbling 160 kgs 3,330 Community 6

8 Avenue Plantations 2 km 71,047 Community 372

9 Fodder Development 2 Ac 7,615 2

10 Recharge of dried well 1 no 11,986 Community

Total 6,774,295 28,035

Watershed offices were opened in each village and watershed information and maps are displayed. Each micro watershed has a Karyakartha, selected by the WDC, who conducts User Group & Labor Group meetings, verify Muster Rolls and monitor the quality of works during implementation. A Watershed Computer Centre (WCC) has been set up at AF office, as per the guidelines of IWMP to effect On-line payments to the beneficiaries.

3.12 E&E Coalition Program During October 2011 – March 2012, one E &E coalition meetings was held in January 2012. Mr. Bhemappa and Ms. Rizwana have participated these meetings from Accion Fraterna. Mr. Pradeep Esteves and Ms. Paromita facilitated these meetings. The main agenda discussed was;

1. Experience sharing of partners 2. Review on the E & E programs. 3. Governance issues of the coalition 4. Future strategy for E & E coalition 5. Action plans

The secretariat of E&E has changed from REDS, Tumkur to Dalit Foundation, Delhi.

3.13 Food and Water Security Coalition Program AF has been playing an important role in strengthening the food and water security coalition being the member of steering committee. The coalition has been involved in planning the next phase of its programme.

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4. CHANGES IN THE ORGANIZATION: 4.1.1 Related to Low Carbon Farming (LCF): AF has been piloting the LCF project along with 5 network members to help Anantapur farmers especially rainfed farmers to generate income through carbon credits in agriculture. AF had established reference plots of Paddy and Groundnut crops during Rabi 2011. A lab was established to measure Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. One research Assistant and two lab assistants were appointed to collect samples of GHG emissions and analyze in the laboratory and the experiments were carried out. However there was a technical snag in the research process that came out only in March 2012. The snag was that the Gas Chromatograph (GC) was not calibrated properly for measuring the emission reductions. This was the mistake done by the suppliers of the Gas Chromatograph. So, after a long battle with them, they have agreed to calibrate the GC now and we have to repeat the research now for 2012 season. EDF is technically advising and monitoring the lab work through their specialists. The EDF scientists have been closely looking at the available data in India and abroad to assess the prospects of LCF in Anantapur. The early indicators are that the paddy seems to have good prospects, whereas the groundnut is a question mark. The 2012 season will give us a more authentic data to assess the future prospects of LCF for Groundnut and Paddy. During Rabi 2011, LCF was taken up in 2735 acres with 1747 farmers in the project area. All the activities included in the process like farmer selection, plot selection, baseline survey, recording global coordinates, Uploading in the polygon recorder Software, Creating shape maps, verification of plots, maintaining farmer diary, collecting photographs and copy of land entitlement, entering data in software and finally committing the plots were completed for all the above mentioned plots. The Data of 5 Mainstream control plots was also maintained during this period. However all this is to train and practice for our staff and impress on the seriousness and rigor required, for LCF being a scientific project unlike other development projects. 4.2 Related to Staff Composition:

There was some staff turnover during the Reporting period. The Present total number of staff is 80. Following is the brief summary:

• Totally, 5 staff members (1AO + 2 STOs + 1 PME + 1 Lab Assistant) resigned for their posts, for personal reasons.

• Totally, 19 staff members (17 STOs + 1 Computer operator + 1 Senior Associate, PME) have newly joined the organization.

• Of the newly recruited 19 members, 14 are Women. The strength of women staff has increased from 23 to 35. Presently, AF has 44% women staff (35 out of 80)

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AF is working with Karyakartas (village volunteers) in all the project villages. These KK’s are being paid monthly performance-based incentives. KK’s facilitate the SMGs, GSSs and regular project activities like organizing meetings, Farmer Field schools and follow up of other activities in the village. They will also be helpful in future for management and monitoring of Biogas project under CDM and Low Carbon Farming Project as they are based in the concerned villages and can provide a much closer monitoring and follow up at each farmer and community level.

5. Change in Development Context and Problem Analysis.

5.1 Are there important changes in the direct Political Environment since the inception of the project?

The political situation in Anantapur district is unchanged. The tenure of village panchayats has expired by end Sept’ 2011 and now the special officers of Revenue department are fulfilling the responsibilities of the village presidents (Sarpanches) in 996 Village Panchayats in the District. The implementation of Govt Schemes and village developmental activities are continuing with the special officers. The state government is planning to conduct elections to local bodies.

5.2 Are there important changes in the Direct Social Environment since the inception of the project? There is no change in Social Environment.

5.3 Are there important changes in the Direct Natural Environment since the inception of the project?

There is no change in Direct Natural Environment

5.4 Do those changes have implications for the relevance of the project?

The combined effect of continuous Crop failures, ill-effects of Climate Change and escalation of food prices has further increased the relevance of AF’s Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Program (SARLP).

5.5. Do those changes have implications for the project goal?

No. There are no implications for the project goal.

5.6. Do those changes have implications for the project objective?

No. There are no implications for the project objective. 5.7. Is the underlying problem analysis of the project still valid?

Yes. The underlying problem analysis of the project is still very much valid.

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6. CONCLUSIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

6.1 Do you see a need for changing the planned activities in order to achieve the project objective? No, we don’t see a need for changing planned activities except activities related to accessing carbon revenues to farmers under Low Carbon Farming as the research is still in progress. We need to wait for 2012-13 crop season to know the research findings on the feasibility of carbon revenues. However the financial implications of these changes would not be significant.

6.2 Any need of updating the project planning?

NO

6.3 Is there any need for consultancy?

Yes, there is a need for consultancy in subjects like LCF and operationalising the new PME design of EED, Gender, Documentation etc.

6.4 What are the lessons learnt? The project phase 2009-12 has taught us some lessons which helped us to improve the implementation and monitoring systems.

Lessons from Field Monitoring: To ensure quality implementation of the programme activities, AF recently had undertaken physical and process verification of all field activities at the level of beneficiaries and CBOs. These verifications were done objectively by the PME team and senior field staff like Area Team Leaders & Agriculture Officers). In this process, activities, processes and village level records were verified. The villages and beneficiaries were randomly selected covering all the clusters. These visits had alerted the field staff. The findings in these visits were very helpful in strengthening the programme implementation at the village level.

The learning’s from these visits are:

• The SMGs and GSS are not adequately participating in the programme planning and implementation at village level. There is a high need to orient the staff to work closely with these CBOs and enhance efforts to involve SMGs and GSS.

• Beneficiary selection is done by Karyakartas and few GSS leaders without adequate participation of other members. Capacity Building of all first line CBO leaders is essential for strengthening the participation of SMG members in decision making, particularly of women.

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• Use of output for some activities like Jeevamritham drums is not satisfactory. They are being used for water storage. There is need for regular follow up with support of CBOs and ensure use of output.

• The village level records are maintained but not in uniform format. This format has to be designed and field staff needs training.

• There is need for strengthening the monitoring mechanism at all levels in order to ensure quality implementation of activities and use of outputs at ground level.

• The high performing staffs have to be rewarded and inadequate performers have to be counseled and properly dealt with. AF is also working on strengthening staff performance assessment methods to be more objective and fair, based on which appropriate reward and punishment will be affected.

7. FOR FINAL REPORT

7.1 Can the long term impact be observed? The long term impact of this project has been observed in following areas:

a) The change in the mindset of farmers has started appearing slowly: AF has been struggling consistently for the last 4-5 years to create awareness and bring a paradigm shift from High External Input Destructive Agriculture (HEIDA) to Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture (LEISA) in its project area through its Sustainable Agriculture program. It has extensively organized meetings and campaigns to create wide spread awareness on the ill effects of Green Revolution model of farming and the advantage of Sustainable Agriculture. Consequently, a slow change is seen in the mindset of farmers. In AF’s 230 project villages;

• About 50% of the farmers are aware of the advantages various LEISA practices. • About 8% of the farmers are practicing 2-3 of the 5 major LEISA practices. • About 10 % of the farmers have reduced the usage of chemical fertilizers and

pesticides by about 50%. b)Improved Gender and Social Equity in AF’s CBOs & Program: The CBOs particularly women leaders began to participate in the process of planning, implementation and monitoring at the village level. Each Sasyamitra Group (SMG) has about 25 families and at least 12 families (50%) are represented by women. Each SMG selects one women and one man as convener and co-convener. Village level federations, called Grama Sasyamitra Samakhya (GSS) are constituted with conveners and co-conveners of the SMGs, in which automatically 50% of the members are women leaders. Likewise Mandal Level Sasyamitra Samakhyas (MSS) are formed with conveners & co-conveners of GSS were also automatically 50% of the members are women leaders. In this way, equal representation of women has

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been ensured in all the 802 SMGs, 214 GSSs and the 8 MSSs organized by AF. Also the women headed households, which constitute nearly 5% of the target families, get an exclusive share in program benefits. An important indicator of improved women participation and their leadership function is their increased active participation in the Ecology Campaigns, Environment Day celebrations and International Women Day celebrations, which are organized at Area level and Project level. c) Establishment of models of Tree Based Farming Systems suitable for Anantapur agro-climate: During the project phase (2009-12), AF has established tree-based farming models, that are drought resistant, eco-friendly and remunerative. They are (a) Integrated Farming System (IFS), (b) Bio-Intensive Farming System in Rain fed Agriculture (BIFSRA), (c) Multiple Fruit Tree Cropping (MFTC) and (d) Multiple Cropping System (MCS). All these models are tree based. The simple reason for promoting these models is that trees like mango, tamarind, custard apple, Amla are rainfed and can withstand climate variations like erratic rainfall and high temperatures. These models will start yielding in next 2 to 3 years and become live demonstrations for sustainable tree based farming systems in drought prone areas like Anantapur. Meanwhile AF is already advocating the Government to scale up such tree crops intensively. D) IMPACT EVALUATION BY EED EED commissioned an independent 3 member international expert team for evaluating the impact of watershed programme of AF. The evaluation team was led by Ms. Birgit Kundermann (Germany) with Ms. Nicola Reade-Soh (Germany) and Mr. MV Rama Chandrudu (India) as team members. The team conducted the evaluation in a participatory approach using scientific research methods like sampling and Field Survey. It covered both qualitative and quantitative aspects. It was done during the month of August and September 2011. The evaluation covered a period of 10 years programme from 2001 to 2010 which also included the present Sustainable Agriculture Programme. The evaluation findings have shown very positive results of the programme. The evaluation gave a morale boost to AF – EC as well as to EED and ICCO as it was funded both by ICCO and EED.

7.2 What is your assessment on the relevance of the project from today’s perspective? The project is very much relevant and its relevance is further deepened from today’s perspective because of the following reasons:

• The climate study of Fons Jaspers confirms the fear of more erratic rainfall and gradual increase in temperatures. The study also confirms and reiterates the relevance of the project for now and future as well.

• The Climate Change is affecting the monsoon pattern in Anantapur District causing tremendous crop losses. The rainfall has become more and more erratic and temperature variations are on the increase. The pattern during the

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last decade shows that the sowing season is delayed affecting the extent of sowing, growth of the crops and increased incidence of pests and diseases resulting in more and more crop failures under rainfed conditions. The ground water levels are going down and deep bore wells have also began to dry up. The fodder availability has further gone down which is leading to the distress sale of cattle to slaughter houses.

• The farmers are investing high amounts on external inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, hybrid seeds and on digging more bore wells. Recurring droughts and high investment mainstream agriculture are pushing more and more farmers into debt trap. The farmer and farm labor are almost left with low income from agriculture since last 10 years. Their socio-economic conditions are deteriorating further with price hike of essential commodities like food grain, power and fuel.

• The inappropriate agriculture policies regarding subsidies and supply of inputs are also affecting poor rainfed farmers. Though some useful Govt. programmes exist, there are bottlenecks in their implementation.

• In this scenario, the farmers are gradually inclined to shift to the low cost sustainable agriculture practices and also diversify the rural livelihoods. There is a dire need to develop appropriate cropping systems and practices for rainfed agriculture that are suitable to Anantapur agro-climatic conditions.

The Agro-climatic and socio economic conditions reinforce that the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods project is further more valid and indicate the need to intensify AF’s work on sustainable agriculture and diversification of livelihoods. The effect of continuous Crop failures, ill-effects of Climate Change, escalation in prices of food and other essential commodities combined with inappropriate policies has further increased the relevance of AF’s Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods Program (SARLP).

7.3 To what extent are the measures sufficient and practicable to ensure the sustainability of the outcome you envisaged at the planning stage?

The immediate outcome to the farmers from the use of output is cost reduction and risk spreading in agriculture through LEISA practices and diversified cropping. The Sustainable Agriculture aims to achieve both. So it is highly probable that farmers sustain the practices. However these practices are a bit labour intensive which sometimes is an obstacle. So AF is working for creating input supply systems at village level itself. AF has been implementing the programme through Community Based Organizations (CBOs) like SMGs, GSS and MSS. These CBOs are the foundation of Sustainable Agriculture programme. These CBOs in the long run are expected to create conditions for ensuring sustainability. AF is working on building capacities of CBOs, so that they will own up the programme at village level and at higher levels.

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CASE STUDIES

Thammaiah Doddi is a small village in Kundurpi mandal which is 5 kilometers away from mandal head quarters. The population of villages is 350 with 50 families. All of them belong to one community and are relatives. The cultivable land in this village is 240 acres out of which 200 acres is rainfed and 40 acres is irrigated. Agriculture is the main occupation and all the families have atleast a pair of cows or bullocks and 10-50 small ruminants. The farmers of this village are very progressive and hard working.

Case study 1: Farmers of Thammaiah Doddi village shift their farming practices from HEIDA to LEISA:

AF has formed two groups in the village. One is Irrigated farmers group and other is rainfed farmers group. All the farmers in the village have joined the groups. They attend and participate in the meetings very well. AF has worked closely with these farmers are convinced them about LEISA practices and Sustainable Agriculture. Now the farmers of this village are practicing mixed cropping instead of mono cropping of Groundnut. They follow NPM methods to control pests instead of using agro chemicals. They prepare and use Bio-fertilisers like jeevamritam, Vermi compost and NADEP compost for soil fertility instead of buying chemical fertilizers. The farmers cooperate with each other like labour sharing, sharing of farm equipment, seeds etc. AF has provided vermin compost and NADEP compost pits to 10 families in the village. It has also supplied 35 troughs for preparing Jeevamritham regularly. In addition to this AF has provided 5 cow urine pits and 5 local cows to farmers of this village. Also the organization has helped the 13 farmers in accessing sprinklers and drip facility from Government. The SMGs and GSS are functioning effectively. All activities are implemented with their active involvement. The village is united; farmers cooperate with each other, resolve conflicts by discussions and take decisions through consensus. The women participate in decision making at family, group and community level. Now the farmers in this village are growing different annual crops like Ragi (Finger Millet), Red gram, Paddy, vegetables, Greens and different oil seeds and pulses along with Groundnut. Most of the farmers are also growing fruit trees like mango, sapota and custard Apple. All of them have sufficient produce to meet their family nutritional requirements. No family in the village is buying vegetables and milk from market. They get enough and more from their lands and animals. All the people in the village are hale and healthy as they are consuming nutritious and pesticide free food. The farmers are also slowly getting out of debt trap as the cost of cultivation has reduced by atleast Rs 1200 per acre per season and the crop yields are also good. The local media has also given positive attention to the success story of this village and covered in news papers.

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Case Study 2: A 70 year old couple becomes owner of a Fruit orchard:

He is 70 years old, suffering from rheumatic pain and could not walk properly. She is 60 years old and suffering from cardiac problems. At this age, generally one expects them to take rest and spend time with their grand children. But this couple Mr.Marenna and Mrs Lakshmamma of Kadadarakunta village are still bravely fighting the challenges in the gamble of rainfed agriculture. They have proved that Fruit crops can be grown in rainfed lands. This couple represents the common farmer of Anantapur District who relentlessly fights the continuous droughts to make both ends meet.

Kadadarakunta is a small village in Kalyanadurg mandal which receives less than the normal rainfall of Anantapur Dist. In this village even a farmer with 20 acres of rainfed land is unable to make enough money for living expenses. The soils in this village have become infertile due to continuous erosion by rain and direct exposure to sun.

Mr.Marenna belongs to backward community. He has 4 acre rainfed land and was growing groundnut like all other farmers and was leading life with meager income. He has no support as his two sons have left the village in search of livelihood.

In 2008, AF encouraged the old farmer couple to follow Integrated Farming System (IFS) in his 2 acres of rainfed land. IFS model was designed by AF for drought proofing in rainfed lands. AF supplied 44 Mango, 50 Sapota, 24 Amla and 40 Custard apple seedlings to them. Also the organization gave them technical design and support in planting the seedlings. The planting was done in mother womb method. The outer bund of the plot was planted with Agave suckers and Pongamia seedlings. All the seedlings were supplied free of cost and labour cost was reimbursed for pitting and planting the seedlings. Sufficient amount of Farmyard manure was applied in the pits during planting.

As the land was only rainfed, the water needed for initial establishment of plants for first 3 years had to be procured from outside water source like common water body or private well owner. So, AF supplied a 500 Lt’s capacity water tank to store water at the field site to ensure regular watering to the plants. Financial assistance @ Rs 5 per plant was given every month as labour costs for pot watering the plants. AF also offered the couple a pair of milch animals as to integrate livestock in farming. But they have not accepted the benefit as they are unable to take care of animals because of old age. Marenna & Lakshmakka have followed sustainable agriculture methods. The plants have grown up very well and within 3 years time all the Mango, Sapota and Amla plants have started yielding. At present, 160 fruit plants and 250 Biomass plants exist in the plot.

The old couple worked hard to protect fruit trees by pot watering and managed to survive a long gestation period. So, today they are enjoying the fruits of hard work and long wait. Now Mr. Marenna & his wife are happy and confident that these fruit trees will take care of them in this old age. Though this is the first yield they have got Rs 5,000 from selling the fruits. The old couple became a role model to other farmers by securing sustained income from tree crops even during the drought years. With investment of about Rs 20,000 from AF and hard work from farmer, a good model of diversified cropping has come up in 3 years time. This has inspired no of farmers nearby to take up this kind of Integrated Farming System.

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Case Study 3: Cost of cultivation reduced with practice of LEISA

:

Mr. Siva Naik, is a poor tribal farmer from a village ‘Yelagalavanka thanda’ in Beluguppa Mandal. He has 6.15 acres of dry land, in which he is growing sweet lime trees in 2 acres, groundnut in 3.5 acres and Jowar in 0.5 acre. Till last year (2011 Kharif) he was using lot of chemical Fertilizers and pesticides on his land. Every season he was spending Rs. 9,200/- @ Rs. 1,500/- per acre on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. During the last season he noticed that, the groundnut crop became yellow and gradually dried up. The sweet lime plants also had stunted growth, the leaves slowly turned yellow and gradually dried-up. Some neighbour farmers suggested him to use costly fertilizers which he could not afford. So he was in despair and lost hope of saving his groundnut, Jowar crops and sweet lime plants. AF staff has visited his field at that time and explained him that his crops are drying up because of nutrient deficiency. He educated Mr. Siva Naik about LEISA practices (Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture) and explained him how other farmers are benefitting from them. Then Mr. Siva Naik decided to try LEISA practices on Groundnut and sweet lime crops. With the guidance of AF staff, he immediately prepared and applied Jeevamritam (liquid bio-fertilizer) in his field. Jeevamritam was prepared by mixing Cow dung, Cow urine, Jaggery and pulse flour, which were locally available. It was very economical and cost only Rs. 150/- per acre. After 10 days of continuous application he saw wonders happening on his field. The pale sweet lime and groundnut crops started looking fresh green and healthy. New leaves started appearing on the sweet lime plants. His groundnut crop has grown up very well control the pests and diseases. The whole farm looked very much better than last year when he was applying costly chemical fertilizers. He spent just Rs.920/- on preparing Jeevamrutham for the total farm during the season. Mr.Siva Naik also followed NPM (Non-pesticide Management) practices like installing pheromone traps, white and white and yellow boards, using Herbal Pest Repellent solutions to control the pests and diseases. The practices were very cost effective and eco-friendly. In total he has saved up to Rs 8000 on Fertilizers and Pesticides. He also got good yields i.e 950 Kgs of Groundnut per acre and 500 kgs of Jowar in 0.5 acre which is little more than normal yields. He also had a good harvest of sweet lime. He is a happy person now; he understood the benefits of LEISA practices and had decided to practice Jeevamritam and other LEISA practices continuously. He is now an advocate of LEISA practices. Like Siva Naik, hundreds of farmers are coming forward for LEISA and abstaining from the use of expensive and hazardous chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

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ANNEXURE - 1

Brief report on “ World Water Day “ Celebrations

Introduction

: An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. UN-Water dedicated World Water Day 2012 to the theme of Water and Food Security - The World is Thirsty Because We are Hungry.

The objective of organizing “ World Water Day “ was to enhance awareness on the role of rural community in restoring water balance by protecting and conserving natural resources. The World Water Day 2012 campaign was envisaged to raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the dire need for water management in the district. The Twentieth annual World Water Day (WWD) was celebrated on 22 March 2012 at Lalitha Kala Parishat, Anantapur, by Accion Fraterna Ecology centre. The farmers and karyakathas from 8 mandals (project area) attended the meeting. Different stalls, Postures and exhibitions related to water awareness were organized. The Participants and invitees

: About 1200 people from 4 areas (Dharmavaram, Atmakur, Kalyandurg and Kundurpi) of Accion Fraterna project area participated in the celebrations. The participants include Conveners and Co-conveners of SMG’s, GSS’s and MSS’s, Progressive farmers, Karyakarthas and other farm labours. Dr.Y.V.Mallareddy, Director of AF-EC, Ms. Gerlind Schneider, EED - Germany, Sri. P.Hari Krishna, FMSF, New Delhi, Smt. R.Anitha Ramachandran, Joint Collector – Anantapur, Sri.L.Murali, Project Director - DWMA, Aanantapur , Sri.G.Nageswar Reddy, Director of RDT Ecology program etc., were the invitees for the celebrations.

Exhibition and stalls for awareness creation: All the participants assembled at the venue for the meeting. Before entering into the meeting hall, the participants (Farmers and Farm labours) visited the stalls and exhibitions. A model demo plot of 36’X36’ model Kitchen garden with local made drip system was demonstrated in one of the stalls, which impressed the participants very much. The other stalls exhibited various kinds of traditional and indigenous seeds, food grains, traditional agricultural implements, bio-fertilizers & pesticides. And different slogans related to water management were displayed.

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Inaugural Address and other messages by guest speakers

Ms. Gerlind Schneider, EED-Germany said that water scarcity is increasing worldwide and there is need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable, efficient and equitable management of scarce water resources, both at international and local levels. “Unless we increase our capacity to use water wisely in agriculture, we will fail to end hunger and we will open the door to a range of other ills, including drought and other instability” she added.

: Dr.Y.V.Malla Reddy presided over the meeting. In his inaugural address he remarked that Water is vital for Agriculture, Rural development and Food industry. Food security is unthinkable without it. “On this World Water Day, we must all recognize this inextricable link between water and food security and make it a central component of our work for sustainable development. Agriculture is the biggest water user, with 70 percent of the global water withdrawal coming in irrigation. We must increase water productivity and wastewater reuse in agriculture to produce ‘more food per drop’. We must put in place more efficient irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems and we must integrate our management of water and land and to promote sustainable rural and urban water management. It works to protect water quality for sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction and it builds capacity in order to enhance water management. This World Water Day is a call for action. We must join together today to secure clean water and food for every citizen of the world, now and in the future “he added.

The Joint collector Mrs.R.Anitha ramachandran, Anantapur, appealed the people of Anantapur District to protect the soil and use scare rain water efficiently and to convert the ground water with proper water management. The Joint collector emphasized that effective utilization of rain water is the most important measure to create water sources.

The other guest speakers highlighted the human made damage to the environment and suggested remedies like Plantation to combat the recurring droughts with available scarce water. They also explained different ways for creating awareness in people. This initiative of organizing this meeting in the District was appreciated by each and every person from Government Administration, NGOs. Cultural Activities

: The Cultural activities which include folk songs, folk dance impressed the participants with messages on importance of water management. The celebration ended with delicious lunch and entertainment by cultural team.

Conclusion

: The participants actively participated in all the activities of world water day celebrations. Awards were given to progressive farmers and well performed Karyakartas. From each area 10 selected farmers and 4 selected karyakarthas were given awards. The main objective of giving these awards is to motivate the best farmers and Karyakarthas and bring inspiration to other farmers and kayakarthas.

The Meeting successful ended at 02.30 pm with vote of thanks. The extensive coverage about this meeting was given by all popular news papers and television channels.

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ANNEXURE – 2: (Flyer circulated on World Water Day)

Improve Water Resources, Prevent Desertification, Protect Agriculture, Farmers and Rural Livelihoods in Anantapur Dist.

1. Introduction:

United Nations General Assembly declared 22nd March as World Water Day. 22nd March was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. Observance of 22nd March as World Water Day began in 1993 and its importance has grown significantly ever since. It has offered an opportunity for concerned stakeholders and civil society organizations to draw the attention of public on issues concerning water and create “Water Consciousness”. And as well draw the attention of the policy makers in order to advocate a favourable policy environment for a) to promote a rights based approach to water b) Sustainable water conservation and water use c) Spatial and social equity in accessing water d) Mitigating natural calamities like droughts and floods and their impact in people, particularly the vulnerable populations e) Address issues of Food Security f) Address issues of clean drinking water g) Address issues of water pollution. Water is the basis for life of all the living beings. People are confronted with various water related problems at various levels such as family, community, local, regional, national and global. Even today, one third of the Worlds’ Population lack access to protected drinking water. People of some regions are confronted with devastating floods, while others are confronted with droughts and famines. Increasingly water has become a cause of conflict at various levels starting from within a family, between villages, regions, states and countries. Water related disputes are ongoing at all levels in India creating social tensions in the country. The water is becoming increasing scarce and so increasingly precious. So, it is predicted that the future wars will be fought for water at various levels. The main aim of the “World Water Day” is to draw the attention of the people towards water problems, create water consciousness, build public opinion, and advocate favorable policies in order to address the problems related to water. “Water is the most critical resource for socio-economic development of any region or country”. The water use is categorized essentially for a) Domestic consumption b) Agriculture, Cattle, Livestock etc c) Artisans and other livelihood activities like pottery, cottage industries etc., d) other Industries and e) Maintenance of ecological balance. Presence of adequate water resources indicates the richness of endowment of natural resources. Such resource rich regions could be economically and ecologically strong provided they are judiciously managed. Scarcity of water in an area leads to desertification and droughts. The variation in availability of water between regions is the basis for regional imbalances, disparities and regional disputes. Of the total water existing on the Globe, the “fresh water” directly useful for human beings is less than three percent. The balance 97% of the water is in the form of oceans and ice in polar and other regions and is not directly useful to human beings. 70% of the available “fresh water” is being utilized by Agriculture sector.

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The food security of a region or a country depends on the availability of water resources for agriculture. The remaining 30% of the fresh water is used for the purpose of domestic consumption, artisans & cottage industries, industrial sector and eco system, maintenance. The scarce availability of water necessitates an equitable, efficient and effective use of water in order to meet the water needs of all people and sectors in a balanced manner. Mainly water availability is categorized as 1. Rain Water 2. Surface water (water bodies and rivers) 3. Moisture available in the upper layers of soil and 4. Ground water. However, rain water is the source for all the above 4 categories of water. The Central Public Health Engineering Department has assessed that a person requires 135 litres of water per day to meet the domestic and drinking water needs. 2. Status of water resources in Anantapur district. 2.1 Rainfed farming in severe crisis and on the collapse! Anantapur district is moving fast towards desertification. Agriculture is in severe crisis and other rural livelihoods are in peril. The life of all the people in rural areas is in severe distress. The district receives an annual rainfall of 552 mm. The district experiences droughts in three years in every five years! That means rains do not occur as and when it is required for crops and so the crops fail. The total geographical area of the district is about 50 lakh acres. The total area under cultivation is about 27 lakh acres. Out of this only 3 lakh acres is under irrigation mostly underground water. This means 90% of the cultivated area is under rainfed. Under these prevailing crisis conditions, there is a recent trend of rainfed farmers abandoning agriculture. If this trend is unabated, there is a possibility of disappreance of rainfed cultivation due to continuous drought conditions displacing about 4 – 5 lakh farm households, particularly small and marginal farmers. 2.2 Groundwater table is sinking day by day & surface water bodies silted and in disrepair: Not more than 3 lakh acres is under irrigation with 1.7 lakh tube wells in the district. In addition to this, an area of only 60,000 acres is being irrigated under High Level Canal of Thunga Bhadra dam. Due to less recharge during drought years, the ground water table is fast depleting every year. There are about 5000 nos. of traditional surface water resources like tanks, mini percolation tanks etc., in the district. These conventional water bodies once were the main sources of harvesting rain water and recharging ground water in the District. This water harvesting and recharge mechanisms are now ineffective due to siltation, disrepair and neglect. Besides, the inflows of water into tanks are also largely decreased, due to climate change and shift in the pattern of rainfall. These water bodies are losing their water holding capacity, due to accumulation of silt for years. Some water bodies are losing their capacity due to damage to weirs and bunds. Apart from this, nearly 40% of the rain water is being evaporated due to intense heat and lack of green cover. This could have been avoided, had the vegetative cover spread in the district extensively. Thousands of bore wells are drying during summer every year. The ground water is depleting due to indiscriminate drilling of more and more new bore wells. The

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farmers are desperate to save the irrigated crops and fruit trees. So the farmers distressed and desperate are resorting to drilling of ten to twenty bore wells in their lands in search of water, but without success. Due to failure of bore wells the farmers are pushed in to a deep debt trap and some are resorting to suicides as they see no hope for future!. 2.3 Reserved forest denuded and Revenue hillocks & waste lands barren: In order to convert the rain water into ground water and enhance life systems, an area should have adequate forest with greenery. An area of 5 lakh acres (10% of the Geographical area) is under reserved forest in our district. All this area embraces only degraded forest with thorny scrub and bushes or denuded. Similarly an area of 10 lakh acres (20% of the Geographical area) comprising of barren hills, hillocks, waste lands and stream banks is also devoid of any vegetation. Forest commission recommends that 33% of a geographical area (in a district) has to be under forest in order to have an ecological balance and sustainable environment. 3. The following policies and programme are proposed to develop the water

resources and their proper and efficient utilization in Anantapur District. 3.1 Rain water harvesting and soil & moisture conservation activities to be taken

up extensively in the district In the entire district, the total area of 50 lakh acres ( that is cultivated lands, barren hills, forest areas, hillocks, stream banks all put together) has to be treated under watershed development programme. Soil and moisture conservation and rain water harvesting activities are to be carried out. This results in increase in vegetation, biodiversity, biotic life in the soils, ground water development and combats desertification. 3.2 Renovation of traditional water bodies such as tanks and mini percolation

tanks Traditional surface water bodies such as irrigation tanks, small tanks, percolation tanks etc., existing in the district are to be de silted, repaired and restored to their full capacity. This leads to increase in rain water harvesting and a high surface water storage capacity which in turn increases ground water recharge. Thus the bore wells also will have assured water yield. 3.3. Afforestation (5 lakh acres) of reserved forest and developing (10 lakh acres)

social forestry on the hillocks, barren lands and stream courses etc. The forest area of 5 lakhs acreas which is degraded is to be developed with suitable afforestration. Besides another 10 lakhs acres of barren hills, hillocks, saline, alkaline soils, stream banks etc., are to be developed with social forestry. Afforestation and social forestry should be taken up with diversified local species which can yield tree fodder, wild fruits, biomass and other non-timber forest produce, which will support livelihoods, environment and bio diversity with increase in vegetation, moisture in the upper layers of soil, and soil biotic life will be increased besides increase in ground water table. The leaf litter falling on the ground will be converted into humus (soil carbon) due to decomposition. And this process aids in increase of moisture holding capacity, fertility and productivity of the soils. This whole process

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combats desertification and enhances carrying capacity for agriculture, animal husbandry and other rural livelihoods. 3.4. Adoption of conjunctive water utilization by formation of ‘Ananta Water Grid’ The water received from Thunga Bhadra Project by the district through High Level Canal and what would be allocated under Handri-Neeva Project should be used to fill the traditional water bodies in the district without using for direct irrigation. There by creating an “Anantapur Water Gird”. Thus, the soil moisture due to rain, surface water, river waters, ground water has to be linked to supplement and complement each other in order to create a mechanism of “conjunctive water utilization” in managing irrigation for crops. As a part of this, a system, protective or life saving irrigation for rainfed crops during dry spells can also be adopted. Thus the drought in Anantapur District can be minimized with this protective irrigation. The conjuctive water use will cover larger area with irrigation, provide a better crop- security and benefit many more farmers. 3.5 Regulation of ground water utilization and adoption of micro irrigation through

social regulation. A policy and a system of sharing of ground water between the farmers having bore wells and those who do not have bore wells is to be adopted in order to save rainfed crops during prolonged dry spells, by giving protective irrigation. Micro irrigation methods are to be followed to save water and get “more crop per drop” of water. A social regulatory mechanism has to be followed in utilization of ground water so as to adopt a more equitable distribution of ground water with non- bore well owners. Ground water regulation, water-sharing and conjunctive use of water will together enhance water synergy, social equity in water usage and also a more equitable spatial distribution of water across the district. 3.6 Conservation Farming Paradigm (Sustainable Agriculture) to be adopted in the

place of Green Revolution Paradigm: The Green Revolution Paradigm of agriculture is also known as HEIDA (High External Input Destructive Agriculture) is destructive to environment and people due to its high use of chemicals. It is high cost intensive and so unsuitable for drought prone rainfed farming. It is anti-small and marginal farmers as they could not afford high investments and compete with big farmers. It is only suitable for big farmers and big holdings with irrigation facilities as it operates on big machines like tractors, harvesters etc, which cannot operate in small holdings. So it is totally unsuitable for rainfed agriculture and small and marginal farmers particularly for Anantapur like drought-prone agro-climate. So, a Conservation Farming System which is eco-friendly, low external input with low cost should be preferred. This paradigm of agriculture is also called “Sustainable Agriculture”. It is pro-rainfed farming system and also pro-small and marginal farmers, as it uses low cost local resource based bio-fertilisers and bio pest management and local seeds which can be re used by farmers time and again. Under the Sustainable Agriculture, more and more rainfed tree farming mango, custard apple, tamarind, subabul, sesbania etc., have to be encouraged as local tree crops are more resilient than annual crops. The tree farming has to be with

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diversified trees for food, fruit, fodder, fibre, biomass, medicinal etc. The tree crops will bring a positive change in the land use from short duration seasonal crops to perennial tree crops and has a positive impact on environment. 3.7 Water intensive crops should be banned: Since the district is heading for desertification, the water intensive and long duration crops like paddy, sugar cane, banana, should not be encouraged. Only short duration crops (vegetables, millets, food crops) and rainfed are to be encouraged. 4. A 10 year perspective plan for combating drought & desertification. By following extensively the policies and programmes mentioned above, the water resources can be augmented and environment improved besides achieving social equity and spatial equity in distribution and utilization of available water and environmental resources. The policy decisions are to be made in this direction and suitable programmes developed. A 10 year perspective plan in this direction has to be prepared and implemented on war footing. In this process of preparation of action plans and implementation, rural communities, Panchayat Raj Institutions, Water Users Associations, Forest Protection Committees, Watershed Development Committees, Self Help Groups and other Civil Society Organizations are to be appropriately involved. Similarly, various Government departments like Forest Department, District Water Management Agency, Rural Development Department, Minor Irrigation Department, Horticulture, Agriculture, Micro Irrigation, Revenue Department etc., have to work in coordination with commitment to the stated goals. It is to be noted that MGNREGS could be extensively used in actual implementation of a number of programmes suggested above. If the above policies and programmes are strictly followed, droughts and desertification could be combated. A change towards sustainability in agricultural eco-system can be obtained through improvement of water resources and environmental resources. Agricultural Security (including cattle and livestock) rural livelihood security and Food Security can be achieved on sustainable basis. A call today on the occaision of on the World Water Day 2012 to the Government, particularly policy makers Non-Government Organizations, farmers organization, SMGs and their federations, Civil Society Organizations and people to work in a concert in this direction.

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Annexure - 3

Accion Fraterna organized 4 day orientation training program to all the staff members in 2 batches during 26th March 2012 to 2nd April 2012. The resource person was Mr.RamaKrishna Surdeo, a training consultant on HRD & OD from Orissa.

Brief report on Development Training to Staff

The Main Objective of this training was to enhance the skills, spirit and motivation of staff to perform and enhance their commitment towards individual and organizational development. The training also was helpful for employees in setting their personal goals, which in turn, enhance their contribution to the organization’s goal. The training content included (a) Reasons of marginalization, (b) need of farmers’ co-operatives, (c) Perception and motives, (d) Reflection on Achievement Motivation, (e) Setting Goals for self, Team and community (f) Reflection on group leadership styles and its functions, (g) Principles for effective team work, and (h) Enhancing the functional levels of individuals in team and community.

The training started with keynote address by the director and self introduction of the participants. The Different participatory methods adopted in the training were (a) Case studies (b) Simulation exercises – Marble game, (c) Presentations through Posters/papers/ Movies, (d) story writing and analysis, (e) Reflection through structured exercise, Ring Toss, (f) Group work and presentation, (g) small groups discussions with paper/poster on the subject, and feedback.

Conclusion: All the staff members actively participated in the training and got clarity on importance of Community building. Their knowledge and conceptual understanding of development work has improved. It has positively affected the attitude and behavioral of the participants. The training was impressive and thought provoking.