Client / Financial Support: Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan

Duration: 25 mins

The district of Kutch in Gujarat has always been a drought prone region. The Kutchi communities have not only lived through regular droughts but also represent a history replete with drought management techniques and systems – both in terms of water harvesting and fodder management. Kutch Abhiyan – a network of 27 NGOs revived and harnessed the traditional knowledge of the native communities and empowered them to undertake drought proofing activities in thirty villages of the district which led to an increase in their household income in good rainfall years and a reduction of their liabilities in the second or third drought year.

The Drought Proofing Programme (DPP) has assured food, fodder, drinking water and livelihood security for these thirty villages. It has also enhanced gender equity due to the emphasis on women’s participation. The Programme has come as a boon for the otherwise deprived communities of Kutch and is in sharp contrast to the Government’s Drought Relief programme as it brings an end to the dependency created by the latter

Akaal Pade Pan Nade Nahi captures the successes of the drought proofing programme while suggesting the way forward.