We have been working in the drought prone districts of Mahaboobnagar in Andhra Pradesh and Gulbarga district of Karnataka. Since inception, our activities have been focused on participatory management systems emphasizing on livelihood through natural resources which are crucial for sustainable development of dryland communities. Recurrent droughts leading to conditions of starvation motivated YFA to take up soil and water conservation measures. The area of operation of YFA being the resource-scarce districts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka the activities have stressed on the efficient management of natural resources in an integrated manner to include the watershed management approach, and the strengthening of peoples institutions, owned and managed by women, A holistic approach aimed at optimal use of land, water and vegetation was followed to prevent soil erosion, improve water availability and increase fuel and fodder availability. Development was not confined to agriculture land alone. The entire area under watershed was taken up for development. The various activities undertaken are [I] formation of farm bunds [ii] gully plugging and [iii] afforestation of public and private lands.
Soil & Water Conservation
Water Harvesting Structures
Irrigation development
Dryland on-farm research
development of para-research
and extension leaders
Demonstration of new technologies
such as Tissue Culture, neem product development
Horticulture development
Agro-farming
Tissue culture
Vermiculture
Grain Banks