SEEDS

Goal: To support the efforts of hill tribe communities to conserve, protect, and cultivate their land.

Context: Indigenous communities in India have beengranted land titlesbythegovernment, but are often forced to sign them over to outside money lenderswho charge exorbitant interest rates. SEEDS works with villagers to avoid these problems. Also, as forest resources become more scarce, villagers must learn agricultural techniques and clear landsin a sustainable, environmentally safe way.

Target Group: Indigenous hill tribe communities living in remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, India

OUTPUTS & SUCCESSES

• Indigenous communities act as guardians of their forests and leaders in conservation of local resources
  
  
• New lands are prepared for agriculture; food shortages are reduced
  
  
• Communities develop income-generating activities using renewable forest products, enabling them to avoid money lenders