In the very initial stages, Sampark realised that it was futile to think of sustainability of social change and reforms unless means of livelihood of local community were strengthened. Since most of the community members were engaged in agriculture, the organisation found it prudent to intervene in agriculture sector to promote employment of local community.
Sampark coined the slogan: gaon ki mitti gaon mein, gaon ka paani gaon mein, meaning water and soil should remain confined to village itself to enhance agriculture yield. Efforts were initiated to collect water in the village and improve fertility of agricultural land, leading to increase in food security and affluence, both ultimately halting migration.
The efforts continue till date. They involve: awareness generation, motivation, ensuring people’s participation, formation of groups, group management and strengthening, and social and statistical surveys.
Village development plan is key to livelihood and agriculture promotion. It is prepared through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). Watershed development and land development are given priority in this. A village fund is set up so the people may have a sense of ownership, all resources are kept in this village fund and spent from here.
To enable people to make collective successful efforts for their livelihood, attention is paid on their development in which discussions related to the people’s rights. Strengthening of Gram Panchayats and other works being implemented in the village are kept in mind in livelihood improvement efforts.
During the past few years the programme have laid emphasis on strengthening of Watershed Committees, enhancement of participation of women in these processes for ensuring gender equity, internal and external evaluation of groups, strengthening associations and federations, and reaching maximum benefit of the programme to economically and socially weaker sections of the society. For this, the organisation holds discussion meetings with the members of Village Watershed Committees.
Emphasis is also laid on group formation and their capacity building. Two kinds of groups have been formed: One those which participate in village development such as Village Watershed Development Committees and user groups, and two, self help groups like Saheli Bachat Samiti, Saathi Bachat Samooh, Village Development Fund, etc.
Several groups have been registered under the Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act, 1973.
Read Documents: Madhya Pradesh Ki Prastavit Pashudhan Neeti (2007) Hetu Samudaya Ki Anushansayein and Aavashyakata Hai Ek Thos Pashudhan Neeti Ki
Read Article: Rajya Stariya Pashupalak Sammelan |
