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Soil and Water Conservation

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Soil and Water Conservation

Nature Restored, Futures Rebuilt

Soil and water are the lifelines of rural livelihoods, especially in agriculture-dependent regions. However, due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, soil erosion and water scarcity have reached alarming levels in many parts of India. Recognizing this, Sampark Sanstha initiated a comprehensive and community-driven soil and water conservation program in Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative has transformed barren, degraded lands into thriving ecosystems, restoring both nature and livelihoods.

17.11.08 028
Bori bandhan training Dunglapani
DSCN2755
Nature Restored, Futures Rebuilt
17.11.08 028
Bori bandhan training Dunglapani
DSCN2755

Soil and water are the lifelines of rural livelihoods, especially in agriculture-dependent regions. However, due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, soil erosion and water scarcity have reached alarming levels in many parts of India. Recognizing this, Sampark Sanstha initiated a comprehensive and community-driven soil and water conservation program in Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative has transformed barren, degraded lands into thriving ecosystems, restoring both nature and livelihoods.

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Nandanflodhan
Plantation training Bhimkund4
The Challenge: Degradation in Numbers
  • 70% of farmers in the region faced severe water stress and declining crop yields.
  • Over 50% of arable land was degraded due to unchecked erosion and poor moisture retention.
  • Thousands of families were forced into seasonal migration due to poor agricultural productivity and resource scarcity.
The Challenge: Degradation in Numbers
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Nandanflodhan
Plantation training Bhimkund4
  • 70% of farmers in the region faced severe water stress and declining crop yields.
  • Over 50% of arable land was degraded due to unchecked erosion and poor moisture retention.
  • Thousands of families were forced into seasonal migration due to poor agricultural productivity and resource scarcity.
Water Resource Management
  • 171 wells deepened and 10 tube wells constructed to ensure water availability beyond the monsoon season.
  • 2,200 check dams and 640 dugouts built, resulting in a 2.5–3.0 meter increase in groundwater levels and improved water security for agriculture and households
Soil Conservation and Land Restoration
  • 53,000 meters of contour trenching helped reduce runoff and erosion.
  • 1,782 hectares of field bunding improved soil moisture retention and reduced nutrient loss.
  • 1,009 hectares of land leveling enabled better water absorption and increased the area under productive cultivation.
Greening and Pasture Development
  • 1,60,000 trees planted (including fruit-bearing and native species), enhancing biodiversity and creating alternative income sources.
  • In Rupapada village, a 50-acre community pasture was developed, benefiting 142 households and supporting 20,000+ fodder plants, ensuring year-round fodder for livestock.
Outcomes and Impact
  • Water availability has improved across 6+ villages, enabling year-round farming and livestock care.
  • Agricultural productivity has increased by 30–40% in treated areas.
  • Reduced migration due to improved local employment and food security.
  • Enhanced community participation with local youth and women actively involved in planning and maintenance.
Key Learnings and Principles
  • Water is a shared responsibility: All conservation efforts involved the local community, ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Ecology and economy are interconnected: Rehabilitated land not only improved the environment but also reduced poverty.
  • Climate resilience is possible: With scientific planning and grassroots engagement, even degraded lands can be revived and made productive.
Water Resource Management
  • 171 wells deepened and 10 tube wells constructed to ensure water availability beyond the monsoon season.
  • 2,200 check dams and 640 dugouts built, resulting in a 2.5–3.0 meter increase in groundwater levels and improved water security for agriculture and households
Soil Conservation and Land Restoration
  • 53,000 meters of contour trenching helped reduce runoff and erosion.
  • 1,782 hectares of field bunding improved soil moisture retention and reduced nutrient loss.
  • 1,009 hectares of land leveling enabled better water absorption and increased the area under productive cultivation.
Greening and Pasture Development
  • 1,60,000 trees planted (including fruit-bearing and native species), enhancing biodiversity and creating alternative income sources.
  • In Rupapada village, a 50-acre community pasture was developed, benefiting 42 households and supporting 20,000+ fodder plants, ensuring year-round fodder for livestock.
Outcomes and Impact
  • Water availability has improved across 6+ villages, enabling year-round farming and livestock care.
  • Agricultural productivity has increased by 30–40% in treated areas.
  • Reduced migration due to improved local employment and food security.
  • Enhanced community participation with local youth and women actively involved in planning and maintenance.
Key Learnings and Principles
  • Water is a shared responsibility: All conservation efforts involved the local community, ensuring long-term sustainability.
  • Ecology and economy are interconnected: Rehabilitated land not only improved the environment but also reduced poverty.
  • Climate resilience is possible: With scientific planning and grassroots engagement, even degraded lands can be revived and made productive.
Thematic Areas of Intervention and Impact

Natural Resource Development & Sustainable Livelihood (SDG 8, 13, 15)

By implementing soil and water conservation techniques, SAMPARK restored 38,913 hectares of degraded land. Infrastructure like check dams, 171 well deepening, contour trenches, and plantations supported sustainable agriculture and water retention. These interventions benefited 40,000 farmers, increased irrigation potential across 185 hectares, and made barren lands fertile. Over 1,500 farmers started earning from fruit trees, and desilted soil enriched 5,300 hectares—improving productivity and resilience.

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Famers benefited

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 Hectares of land treated

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Trees planted

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Gabion/check dams, 640 dugouts

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Hectares fertilized using desilted soil

Conclusion

Sampark Sanstha’s soil and water conservation program in Jhabua stands as a powerful example of how nature-based solutions, when rooted in community participation and scientific planning, can bring about sustainable rural transformation. Their work offers a scalable and replicable model for other semi-arid and drought-prone regions seeking to build climate-resilient ecosystems and inclusive development

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Conserve soil and water to nurture healthy crops, strengthen ecosystems, boost farm productivity, and build long-term climate resilience for communities.

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