Local Control of Community Resources: Grassroots Democracy Sahabhgi Vikash Abhiyan Khariar, Orissa
Activities supported
For several years IFA has supported SVA efforts to improve the lot of rural people in an impoverished area of western Orissa. The current effort is to support "Change Makers" for the area's forest people to fight for their rights as well as for the protection and preservation of the forests.
The work has taken the form of a campaign "Jungel Bachaow Abhiyan - Save the Forest Campaign." Thirteen social activists and six women have received IFA Fellowships. Working in 300 villages they have succeeded in organizing the villagers around the issues of land settlement and other rights of forest dewellers.
To fund fellowships to support "Change Makers" To develop and improve community resources To develop and improve income generating activities To develop and sustain rural community based organizations To pressure the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities To educate the authorities regarding the problems of the region and their sustainable solutions
Duration of support: 5 years
Total support: $ 29,500
IFA visits: Surekha and Prithvi Sharma: 2002, 2003, 2005