Jharkhand has extensive mineral resources such as coal, iron, bauxite, copper and uranium. The government plans to mine these raw materials and drive forward industrialization. This leads to conflicts over land rights, as the area is historically inhabited by the Adivasi. The right of the Adivasi to participate in development projects is often disregarded. Despite the high forest cover, the Adivasi practice subsistence farming and have knowledge about the sustainable use of natural resources. However, traditional communities are threatened by conventional development processes.
Due to limited income opportunities, many young people move to cities, where they work under poor conditions. A lack of healthcare and education in rural areas exacerbates the situation.
This local food security project promotes “solidarity agriculture”. Younger farmer couples cultivate traditional farmland, supported by local families. They receive a share of the harvest for their cooperation.
Educational opportunities for community building, organic farming, health and climate knowledge and access to the internet are part of the project. It is aimed at Adivasi families in Jamshedpur and Ranchi, who come together regularly for meetings.
A “learning field” in Ranchi serves as a botanical garden with medically valuable plants and spices, which are used in a temporary greenhouse.
The project aims to establish a cooperative that strengthens local food security and can serve as a model for other regions.
Project sponsor: Adivasi Coordination in Germany e.V.
Project partner: Woman and Gender Resource Center, Jharkhand
Funding year: since 2021
Project no.: 133-21 A