The Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP) in Kulathupuzha, Kollam, is a long-term livelihood initiative supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and implemented by Thanal Trust across forest settlements in the Western Ghats. Designed as a five-year intervention, the programme works with 413 tribal families to strengthen livelihood security through land-based activities, water conservation, and community institutions.
The programme integrates sustainable agriculture, allied income activities, and women-led enterprises with strong emphasis on community ownership and leadership development. Alongside farming and livelihood diversification, investments in water and soil conservation form the ecological backbone of the initiative.
Key Impacts Include
- Improved food security and diversified income sources for tribal households
- Strengthened water availability through ponds, wells, rain pits, and irrigation structures
- Formation and strengthening of women-led Self-Help Groups and collective enterprises
- Enhanced leadership, skills, and long-term livelihood resilience
This programme demonstrates how integrated, community-led approaches can restore ecosystems while enabling equitable and climate-resilient rural development.
Impact
- 1,500+ rain pits , 19 ponds restored, and multiple water structures built.
- Women-led flour and chapathi mills established with CSR support.
- Improved food security and stable income sources for all 413 families.
- Renovated 19 ponds, 3 chiras, and 3 wells; constructed 1 borewell; and dug 1,530 rain pits for soil and water conservation.
- Formed 26 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Conducted 93 training sessions on livelihood and skill development.
