CInI(Overview)...

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The International Water Management Institute (IWMI)-Tata Water Policy Research Programme initiated research studies in the tribal districts of Central Indian region in the name of Central India Initiative in 2003. The objective was to review the processes that determine the relationship between the tribals and the irrigation system existent in the Central Indian undulating-hilly-mountainous tribal belt. The studies revealed that wherever in these parts rural development agencies were active and intervened in the water management, land management and agricultural activities, in all those places the tribal communities benefited greatly through improved water control mechanisms & superior agricultural technologies. This had a direct impact on the tribal economy and the living standards of the people residing in these parts.

The studies also revealed that the Central Indian region is sub divided into four zones, based on the agro-climatic and socio-economic conditions:

(i) Zone 'A' covers states of Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal - The focus is on stabilizing Kharif crops, through the creation of decentralized water harvesting structures near farm lands.

(ii) Zone 'B' parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and tribal areas in Andhra Pradesh -The focus is on promotion of ‘Wadi’ (orchards) and creation of water harvesting structures such as nallah and cement bag bunds.

(iii) Zone 'C' Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh - The focus is on promotion of ‘Wadi’ (orchards), developing and revival of irrigation systems to participatory approach and package of practices for crops like cotton , soybean etc.

(iv) Zone 'D'. Gujarat and south Rajasthan - The focus is on Community Managed Natural Resources; large check dams and lift irrigation systems.

To realize the full potential of these research outcomes, a completely devoted Cell, called the Central India Initiative Cell, was established in 2005, with the support of Sir Ratan Tata Trust. The basic aim of the Cell was to work comprehensively towards the livelihood enhancement of the tribal communities by sustainable natural resource management. Subsequently, Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives (CInI), an organization focusing on tribal livelihoods was established in May 2007 under the Societies Registration Act 1860 with head office in Jamshedpur and regional office in Ahmedabad. The Sir Ratan Tata Trust has promoted CInI as one of its key initiative under the Rural Livelihood and Communities (RLC) portfolio and has initiated key field projects in these states. Various field projects are underway in the states of Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh focusing specifically on enhancing the livelihood of tribal communities through land and water resources interventions. The projects are being implemented by NGOs involved in improving the livelihoods and quality of life of about 4 lakh tribal families through a range of interventions in the project villages such as:

• water resources development
• improved agricultural practices
• horticulture development
• formation and strengthening of village level committees for efficient management of the resources
• off-farm income generation activities.

CInI has developed bespoke strategies for each state falling in the Central Indian belt and is working closely with the Civil Society Organizations, Corporates, International Research Organizations and Donors for the upliftment and enhancement of the livelihoods of tribals living in this region.

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