The Integrated Watershed Development Programme,
Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh, India

The project location

 
• Two small watersheds - once densely forested - in central Jhabua District, in western Madhya Pradesh, adjacent to Gujarat and to Rajasthan;

 
• Large-scale deforestation in the 1960s, with severe effects in the ecosystem, climate and populations;
• Widespread soil erosion, overgrazing and inappropriate land use resulting in barren landscapes;
• Breakdown of self-sufficient autonomous lifestyles with forest clearance;
• Seasonal migration of men in search of employment;

 
• Development of an integrated approach to the problems based on community needs;
• Protected afforestation on community land;
• Distribution of seedlings to encourage planting on private land;
• Soil and water conservation;
• Pasture improvement through planting pasture grasses;
• Water harvesting;
• Distribution of subsidised fuel and energy saving devices;
• Integration of land-use innovations with measures to improve community livelihoods;
• Promotion of alternative income generating activities to reduce poverty and discourage seasonal migration;

 
• Control of soil erosion;
• Substantial re-afforestation of 247 ha;
• Rehabilitation of degraded communal pastures, giving better yields and economic returns;
• Access to irrigation allowing double cropping and increased cultivation of cash crops;
• Increased incomes from sales of fodder grass, bamboo and eucalyptus poles, replacing outgoings on purchases;
• Increased water supplies from water harvesting and raised groundwater levels;
• More local income generating possibilities and training reflected in greater prosperity and less migration;
• Improved environment including the regeneration of indigenous trees and grasses;
• Distribution of local fuel-efficient stoves, halving fuel requirements.

 
• A marked increase in groundwater recharge;
• Development of a very adoptable system for neighbouring states;
• Ongoing community motivation to maintain and expand the improvement;
• Replication by private farmers in neighbouring states.

This project was implemented by the National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE) and the local communities with funds from the Government of India.

Success Stories: Asia Pacific