Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
International Childcare Trust

Contractor:
International Childcare Trust

Project Code: 149-680-040 R2"> Start Date 01-Apr-89	End Date: 01-Mar-92
Commitment: £29,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
Intercares' afforestation programme is situated on the plains in the Anna district of Tamil Nadu in sight of the Palni hHils on the Western Ghats which cover an area of over 2,400 sq.kms, in Tamil Nadu. They form an important part of the Cauvery and Vaigal watersheds and agriculture on the plains in the Madurai and Anna districts is almost entirely dependent on the waer that flows from these hills.

Most of the countryside had been rendered almost totally barren by 50 years of uncontrolled tree felling, firewood gathering, over-grazing, and excessive cultivation which had resulted in deep erosion, damaged soil covering, reduced top soil, and decreased water retention. This has resulted in the drying up of streams, water and precious top soil running off during the rains and the silting up of irrigation dams in the foothills.

It is becoming difficult for people to obtain supplies of firewood for their homes and fodder for their animals. Our mixture of high density and shelter belt tree planting will provide both for local domestic wood requirement and re-establishes a healthy watershed.

Previous efforts at reafforestation in the area had failed because it took place without involving local people and on public lands. As a result no-one was reponsible for the maintenance of plantations which continued to be used for gathering firewood and grazing herds of animals. Virtually no newly planted saplings survived after two years.

Project Objectives:
The reafforestation project covers 100 acres of privately owned land in two semi-arid villages near Madurai. The land will be fenced and bunded and there is provision for protection and tending of seedlings after planting.

To promote reafforestation in three Tamil villages, using indigenous crop-bearing trees which would provide income for their owners.

Intended Outputs:
Eroded fields of South India restored by replacing traditional seasonal crops with planned commercial pantations of varied indigenous trees and introducing to the fields contour bunding and inter-cropping. Fields belong to a local family who values them.

To increase smallholders' income by improving their lands and raising awareness of the value of alternative planning. To involve the villagers in planting, maintenance, and protection programmes.