Watersheds

Livelihoods

Many critiques negate the term "livelihoods" as one of those new buzzwords in the development jargon. Suddenly everyone seems to be busy promoting livelihoods of poor. Many are trying to bring their past experiences into the framework of livelihoods, to gain some credibility. Irrespective of the criticism associated with the term, many agree that the framework of livelihoods provides an over arching and comprehensive understanding of the reality in a systematic manner. The contribution from international donors (SDC, DFID, OXFAM, UNDP and others) and academic institutions (IDS, IRMA and others) in developing conceptual frameworks and crystallizing the philosophy was well recognized.

Watershed Development program also tried to expand its scope by adopting the terminology of livelihoods and tried to rediscover itself in Andhra Pradesh.  Conceptually, can watershed program contribute to the cause of livelihoods approaches/ philosophy? WASSAN facilitated a study to analyze the preparedness of watershed program in addressing the livelihoods concerns  using the key words of livelihoods framework.

For  details ....

Watershed Development Program in Andhra Pradesh :
Its implications on Livelihoods of Rural Poor  

WASSAN and Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) have jointly undertaken a study "Micro Watershed Development Plan" as part of the project formulation process of AP Rural Poverty Reduction Program (APRPRP). This project was  operationalised in 500 Mandals in 16 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The overall objective of the study was to evolve a framework and operational strategies for natural resources related interventions that benefit the poor.  The study had a time frame of two months and the methodology consisted of a detailed study of 10 watershed development programs spread around 8 districts based on a case study approach. The objectives were to assess the coverage of poor and analysing the processes of their inclusion and exclusion in the mainstream watershed program. Field experiences in several districts are inventoried and some of the successful cases are chosen for documentation. 10 case studies were taken up for detailed documentation by a research team and around 20 cases were documented in a workshop mode.  In addition, around 75 field experiences in natural resources management were reviewed (documented by WASSAN earlier) for the purpose of the study. Several other experiences were also considered based on a review of literature.

For details ....  

Natural Resource Development and Management for Enhancement of Livelihoods of the Poor in Andhra Pradesh - (Volume- I)  

Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) tried to explore options for enhancing the natural resource based livelihood options for rural poor in Andhra Pradesh. SERP provides these groups of poor people with adequate financial resources and institutional support to improve their access to/ control over/ productivity of their natural resources. As part of these efforts, WASSAN and Centre for World Solidarity, Hyderabad have suggested operational strategies for enhancing the role and opportunities for rural poor in natural resource management program. A study was undertaken to understand the 'Process Of Inclusion And Exclusion Of Poor In Ongoing Watershed Program In AP'.

For details ....

Process of Inclusion and Exclusion of Poor in Ongoing Watershed Programme
in Andhra Pradesh - (Volume- II)

Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Project (APRLP) was implemented in 5 districts of Andhra Pradesh. This project expected to add livelihoods dimension to the ongoing watershed program.

In this context, a working group was constituted on Livelihoods, Equity and Gender (LEG). WASSAN  provided necessary professional support to this working group. As part of this process, WASSAN conceptualized "methodologies and tools" for livelihoods analysis and action planning.  Worked with selected NGO partners and members of District Capacity Building Centres(DCBCs) to field test these methodologies and tools in Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar district. A workshop was organized for sharing experiences of different organisations on livelihoods and also to reflect on the methodologies and tools  developed by the LEG group.

For details ....

Sharing Experiences in Livelihoods

Livelihoods Analysis... A framework                                 For details ....

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