AFARM-MPSM Strategies for Adivasi Development

SUMMARY OF THE AFARM-MPSM CONSULTATION ON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR ADIVASI AREAS IN MAHARASHTRA (February 4, 2017)

We present the Summary in two parts:-

I         Anil Nimbhorkar, Program Manager- Networking & Advocacy, Action for Agricultural Renewal In Maharashtra – AFARM presented four issues as central for rural Adivasi development:-

1. Education

2.   Livelihood

3.   Women’s Development

4.   Linking with Government Programmes

II        Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal’s  Matrix  Rural Adivasi Development

I         Regarding the issues he raised Mr.Nimbhorkar said:-

1.          EDUCATION

1.1           Education should be linked to day to day life (‘’Vyavaharik Gnyan”)

1.2           Educational infrastructure is lacking. Learners drop out.

1.3           Children learn so little that education seems unnecessary.

1.4           Society should be involved in education. Although school committees don’t function.

1.5           Teachers neglect education but they too lack support structures.

1.6           We may not be able to impact the Govt. system but at least at the Gram Panchayat level we could have influence.

1.7           We hope in the long run change will come

2.       LIVELIHOOD

2.1     Livelihood of the Adivasi depends on Jal, Jangal, Jameen (Water, Forest and Soil Resources)

2.2     Jungles are disappearing

2.3     Soil may not be able to produce enough for population needs

2.4     Water (rain) falls in abundance in Adivasi areas but flows away

2.5     The Public Distribution System in Adivasi areas needs to be made efficient.

2.6     Lack of livelihood resources in Adivasi areas causes migration

2.7     Malnutrition is linked to the disappearance of forest

2.8     Cropping patterns must change to improve nutrition

2.9     MNREGA can help treatment of land and water resources for productivity

3.       WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT

3.1     Health is an important concern.

3.2     Women must participate in decision making especially in local self government structures

3.3     Women’s skills must be built on

3.4     Men’s control of women’s savings must end

4.       ACCESSING GOVT. PROGRAMMES

4.1     MNREGA, Forest Rights, etc. should be implemented

4.2     Adivasi rights must be defended

IMaharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal’s expressed Strategy for Adivasi 

  Development in this Matrix:

Fr. Godfrey DLima SJ

Director

MPSM

Nashik

Feb. 13, 2017