Jeevan
Since 2015
Kalyan Taluka, Thane (30 villages)
Jeevan focuses on empowering tribal communities through strengthening local governance, promoting sustainable agriculture, and creating awareness and access to tribal rights in Kalyan Taluka, Thane.
Our Reach
17,630
Tribal Women & Families
30
Number of Villages
26
Women Farmers Groups Formed
3,286
Government Entitlement Linkages
Why We Intervene
Our work with tribal communities showed us that vulnerability was closely linked to limited access to knowledge, opportunities and collective decision-making. We also saw traditional agricultural practices gradually changing, while farmers lacked platforms to come together and address common concerns. Karunya Trust began Jeevan with the belief that communities should be strengthened by building on their existing knowledge, resources and roots. Through regular community visits and engagement with tribal families and farmers, the programme supports communities in identifying their needs, exploring opportunities and strengthening collective action. It also builds linkages with relevant government departments and other stakeholders to connect communities with available schemes, services and resources. The intervention seeks to strengthen self-reliance, dignity and the ability of communities to shape their own future
Interventions
Good Governance
- Forms women’s farmers' groups to improve access to government schemes, farming knowledge and new agricultural practices
- Facilitates community members in applying for government schemes, benefits and entitlements
- Conducts social audits of basic public services
- Promotes Gram Sabha awareness and participation
- Prepares women to participate in Gram Sabha meetings
- Networks with government departments and NGOs
- Organises exposure visits to government offices
- Promotes women's leadership through the Women Catalyst Programme
- Sensitises community members to advocate for and demand basic amenities in their villages
Sustainable Livelihood
- Provides entrepreneurship and business-development training
- Supports income-generating activities
- Supports livestock rearing and dairy farming
- Provides market linkages for women entrepreneurs
Sustainable Environment
- Promotes tree plantation and forest conservation
- Promotes kitchen gardens
- Supports rainwater harvesting and soak-pit construction
- Promotes plastic-free village campaigns
- Conducts awareness activities on forest and tree conservation
- Promotes organic farming and trains farmers to prepare organic manure and natural pest repellents