CLWR's Involvement in India
Description of Program
CLWR operates programs within the state of West Bengal.
West Bengal is situated in the northeastern part of India. West Bengal is among the most densely populated states of India, with more than 904 persons per sq. km. The capital, Kolkata is the second most populous city in the country (close to 14 million).
West Bengal has about 3 percent of the country's cultivable land, but about 8 percent of the population. Small and marginal farmers who together control about 68 percent of the operational holdings dominate the agriculture sector. The average size of the land holding in the state is less than 1 hectare. About 33.50 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
South 24 Parganas district located in the southeastern part of W. Bengal is a part of the deltaic region of the Bay of Bengal. South 24 Parganas is considered one of the most socially and economically backward district in the state. CLWR's operations are located in two blocks of S. 24 Parganas which form part of the Sunderban region which India shares with Bangladesh.
The operational villages are part of the low-lying delta with poor natural drainage. The area gets inundated and remains water logged during and after the monsoon season. The most common mode of transport is human drawn flat- bedded three wheelers (cycle rikshaws). Electricity is an unheard of luxury for the operational communities.
The key development problems are:
- A vicious cycle of poverty;
- High birth rate which continues to fuel population pressure on the land;
- Food insecurity;
- A harsh environment which offers little opportunity regeneration through tree planting;
- Weak structures and mechanisms for effective democratic participation;
- Lack of basic services
In response to the above, CLWR and its partner, Lutheran World Service - India is:
- Supporting communities to organize education centres that will improve literacy among adults and out of school children.
- Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to increase household food security.
- Conducting community workshops to improve sanitation through low cost latrines and garbage disposal vats.
- Providing vocational training to youth and women that will assist them in setting up small business ventures.
- Organizing programs focused on the problems and challenges faced by women and adolescent girls so as to improve their status in the society.
Partner(s):
- Lutheran World Service - India
Total Program Cost: $842,000
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