Addressing Climate Threats in Rural India: Water Scarcity and Agricultural Vulnerability

2024 LOCAL ADAPTATION CHAMPIONS AWARD NOMINEE

In rural India, communities face increasing climate-related challenges, particularly in the areas of water scarcity, erratic rainfall, and agricultural vulnerability. These threats are exacerbating poverty levels and deepening inequality, especially for marginalized groups such as women, Dalits, and indigenous communities. In regions prone to drought, farmers are witnessing dwindling crop yields, making it difficult for rural households to sustain their livelihoods. The stakes are high as climate change continues to impact the most vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive solutions that build resilience.

Empowering Rural Women with Sustainable Solutions

Responding to these pressing climate challenges, the PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation has developed a community-driven approach that empowers local farmers to adopt organic farming, water conservation, and renewable energy solutions. By training local women in organic farming techniques, the foundation promotes sustainable agricultural practices that reduce dependence on chemical inputs, enhance soil health, and improve crop resilience to climate variability. The foundation also runs programs that include skill development workshops for youth from marginalized communities, and provides support for displaced families to start small businesses.

In its approach to implementation, the PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation emphasizes collaboration with universities for research and development, partners with corporates to access CSR funding, and engages with government programs like Anganwadis for community outreach.

“Our mission is to empower women to not only adapt to climate change but to thrive despite it,” says Bharti Chauhan, founder and director of PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation. “We’re fostering climate resilience at the grassroots level by equipping women with tools and knowledge that strengthen their communities.”

Cow Dung Log Production

The cow dung log-making machine converts cow dung waste into eco-friendly logs and sticks used for cooking, industrial heating, and Hindu funeral rituals, reducing deforestation and promoting environmental conservation. The PraveenLata Sansthan Foundation has launched a project training rural women to operate cow dung log-making machines, enabling them to collect dung from their villages, produce logs, and sell them locally. This initiative provides sustainable livelihoods, fostering economic independence. To date the project has produced over 5,000 tons of logs, preventing the cutting of approximately 800 trees, making a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.

Local Leadership and Community-Centered Development

The cornerstone of PraveenLata Sansthan’s efforts lies in its commitment to locally led adaptation. Local involvement starts with community consultations and participatory planning sessions, where local insights and knowledge shape intervention designs to ensure they are relevant and responsive to community needs. Local communities are also involved in the implementation and evaluation of each project. Women are at the forefront of these initiatives, playing active roles in rainwater harvesting, the production of biodegradable products, and renewable energy solutions. These efforts not only strengthen environmental stewardship but also create income-generating opportunities for rural women, who are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Chauhan emphasizes, “By giving communities ownership of these initiatives, we’re fostering a sense of responsibility that ensures long-term sustainability. This is crucial for building resilience in the face of future climate challenges.”

Scaling Impact: Building Resilient Communities

PraveenLata Sansthan’s initiatives are having an impact across multiple regions in rural India, directly benefiting hundreds of women each year. Through training programs, the foundation has introduced sustainable agriculture practices that improve crop yields, conserve water, and reduce environmental degradation.

The project’s water conservation efforts, particularly rainwater harvesting systems and efficient irrigation techniques, have improved access to water in drought-prone areas. This, in turn, supports agricultural productivity and household water security, which are crucial for community resilience.

With plans to expand these efforts to new regions, PraveenLata Sansthan aims to replicate its model of women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable farming across India. The foundation’s focus on marginalized groups ensures that the most vulnerable are equipped with the tools and resources needed to overcome the challenges posed by climate change.