Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Contractor:
Plan International

Project Code: 149-680-134	Start Date: 01-Apr-95	End Date: 31/03/2000
Commitment: £404,277	Status: Current	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
The target area is Shoolagiri Block of Dharmpuri District in Tamil Nadu, one of the 16 most drought-prone states of India. Here there are severe water shortages, both for drinking and agriculture, falling soil fertility and crop yields, little vegetation cover and hence a shortage of fodder and fuel. Incomes average Rs 8,500, well below the poverty level which is Rs. 12,000. There are no alternative income generating opportunities in the area and the people are forced to migrate to the cities where the most they can hope for are slum shelters and low-paid labouring jobs with no security.

Project Objectives:
To improve the productivity of the land and increase the availability of water in the whole watershed area so as to enable the inhabitants to increase their incomes while restoring and protecting the environment.

Intended Outputs:
To check soil erosion and improve its fertility through a programme of afforestation, bunding, gully plugs, the building of check dams and the promotion of organic and other appropriate agricultural practices. To increase incomes from farming by 50 per cent, to increase employment in land-based activities and reduce rural -urban migration. To improve the leadership qualities and management skills of the participants, 48 per cent of whom will be women.