Sustainable livelihoods help overcome malnutrition and poverty in India
A woman's group in the village of Sonangkuppam in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore district is working to sell shell-based decorative items to visitors and tourists.
Photo: Chris Herlinger/CWS
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Empowering the poorest and most marginalized groups in India, irrespective of caste and religion, is the ultimate goal of the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Church World Service’s long-term partner in India.
Fifty percent of India's population (rural poor, tribal people, dalits, children, and women) suffer from malnutrition and numerous violations of basic human rights. One in four girls and one in ten boys do not attend primary school.
CASA's work includes: 1) sustainable livelihood programs, including the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and trainings on organic farming, compost pits, pest control, water management, and indigenous seeds; 2) planning, monitoring and evaluation of programs; 3) capacity building through trainings, exposure trips, and advocacy campaigns; 4) advocacy, networking, and alliance building; 5) research, communication, and documentation; and 6) humanitarian and disaster management through direct aid, relief, rehabilitation, and long-term disaster management programs. For example, CASA is continuing in responding to the 2004 tsunami in Tamil Nadu and other areas by building new houses and conducting livelihood programs with affected people.