phase 2

The second phase of the project started in April 2000 and at present covers three districts of northern Karnataka. These are Bidar, Gulbarga and Koppal districts, with the same NGO partners i.e. PRAWARDA, MYRADA, SAMUHA. Due to the absence of a bilateral agreement between SDC and GOI, the envisaged multi partnership arrangement did not materialise and the project had to undergo mid-course corrections.

The programme in Phase 2 is a continuation of the first phase, with a number of significant shifts in focus and approaches. The second phase is being implemented through village level institutions with active support from existing NGOs. The village level institutions (Village Development Societies) own and manage the watershed development activities.

More emphasis is given to indigenous knowledge and low cost and appropriate conservation measures, income generation through intensification and diversification of production, and livelihood promotion amongst resource poor households to address equity issues. Poverty reduction and empowerment have become central themes.