This project is part of a six year intervention, commencing with this project in June 2009, to develop an innovative and replicable model for improving the livelihood opportunities of vulnerable scheduled tribal communities in nine selected villages in HD Kote Taluk, Mysore District, through sustainable and equitable use of resources.

A total of 772 families from 9 communities will benefit from the project over the six years and each family will be assisted to develop one acre of horticulture plantation with species of mango and amla (a kind of sour gooseberry used for pickles, ayurvedic medicines and hair oil). These species will provide high value, high nutrition crops for consumption by the families and for sale in the nearby market towns.

Around each acre a live fence will be planted using native species including pongamia and high value teak trees which will provide shade for the crops and the root systems will prevent soil erosion and run off during the heavy monsoon rains. The project will cover all costs for seeds and trees, fertilizers, materials for farm pond installation for water resource management, vermi-composting units etc.

The families will be supported through the planting and establishment of their orchards for the first two years until such time as they begin to yield crops from the plantations. Raleigh volunteers will provide support with digging tree pits and planting; creating water management resources including ten farm ponds in each community and constructing vermi-composting units.

This is a seasonal project occurring during the South West monsoon season each year with the coming of the rains and can only be implemented at this time of year. There will be a high community participation rate in this project since this directly relates to income generation and the families will not need to find alternative employment alongside this work, agriculture being their main occupation.

Since the Young Foundation programme places special emphasis on community leadership, this has been selected as the first village to be worked with on the six year programme. Participants will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the community mobilisation process from the very beginning of the initiative.

Shared Interest Foundation is partnering up for the first stage of this 6 year project and we would really like to provide ongoing support throughout the remaining 5 years. This will not be possible without your help. If you would like to support this project and assist hundreds of Indian families please visit our just giving page http://www.justgiving.com/sif or send a cheque payable to Shared Interest Foundation to Shared Interest, No. 2 Catherdral Square, Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EH

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