Promoting women’s participation in small agroforestry nursery units –
This project involves women and youth in establishing seedling enterprises. “Promoting
women’s participation in small agroforestry nursery units” increases greenery in
Tamilnadu towns, while providing women’s groups with a means to make money.
- 750 women involved
- 50 villages in target area
- 1 million seedlings expected to be planted
Many women in India’s Tamilnadu state are landless farmworkers. Although they possess a great deal of
know-how in agricultural practices, they basically live hand-to-mouth. This is because the region offers
few opportunities for locals to generate income. The people there have little knowledge about climate
change, although its impacts can already be felt. The area is prone to drought, and has little vegetative
The organization HEALDS will
train women to establish small nurseries and assist with marketing the plants locally. Women and youth in
the Namakkal district of India’s Tamilnadu state will raise seedlings to be sold to farmers for
planting in and around their villages. Women in self-help groups suggested the project as a way to draw
from their existing knowledge base. Thus, it is intended to help spread awareness of climate change and its
impacts on farming.
Helping the planet
Increasing plant cover helps watersheds regain their ecological balance so they can continue to provide
water and habitat. Promoting sustainable practices contributes to the improved management of natural
resources. If trees are planted, they can store atmospheric carbon, thus preventing further climate
Women would benefit from the opportunity to earn extra cash. Farmers get the advantage of more trees on
their land, while the community as a whole has the chance to enjoy more secure and higher-quality sources
Plans are also being made to extend the project to include cultivating seedlings for vegetables. This is
done in order to help the women feed their families. Spreading awareness of climate change impacts and
disseminating coping strategies will bring the topic closer to the forefront of the villagers’ minds.
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