different approaches

The project adopts an approach that is participatory in nature with the following main characteristics -

Process-oriented. As the watersheds represent different socio-economic as well as agro-ecological environments, there is the necessity to identify local, site-specific interventions. The project therefore enables the project partners to adopt different methodologies within the overall strategy and approach of the project.

A participatory situation analysis and planning process involving the communities, forms the basis for the identification of project activities and budget allocations. The process approach demands a built-in flexibility to adequately respond to opportunities and needs at village level within the project framework.

People-centred, people-initiated and people-controlled. The rural poor and their institutions are the focus of the project. The outside actors are basically facilitators and providers of services and support. All development activities are channelled through and implemented by community based institutions in the watershed.

Building the capacities of village level institutions (Village Development Societies) with the aim of empowering people to take control of the development of their village is one of the main thrusts of the project. People contribute to the development activities with their own means so that they take more responsibility for the identification of appropriate activities. This positively contributes to the overall quality of the implementation of the works and to the overall sustainability of the development.

Equity focus. The project enables marginal and oppressed sections of the village community (landless, small and marginal farmers, women) to gain maximum benefit from the project. Existing power relations based on caste, class and gender differences are addressed in order to offer improved livelihood opportunities to poor households in the watersheds. The project offers these households opportunities for income generation through employment, preferential access to common property resources and non land-based activities. It aims at the empowerment of women, enhancing their capacities and offering them access to resources and decision-making forums.