BAIF’s Unique Approach to Migration free Rehabilitation with Ecological Restoration
Tribal communities in India are characterized by chronic poverty, alienation, lack of choice and absence of hope. Understanding the need to rehabilitate the families in their own environs and acknowledging their affinity towards trees, an innovative ‘Wadi’ programme was evolved by BAIF in 1982, by enabling tribal families to establish fruit orchards on their denuded lands, which generated cash income and food crops for home consumption. This system of agri-horti-forestry, ensured climate resilient food production, enabling over two lakh Scheduled Tribe families from 6483 villages in 11 states, to come out of poverty. This pioneering programme of Tribal Rehabilitation with an innovative approach to rehabilitate these forest loving families, has ensured food security, safe drinking water, improved health, education of children, empowerment of women and active participation in village governance. The programme has sequestered 2 million tons of carbon dioxide during the last 10 years.
The Tribal Development Centre established by BAIF in South Gujarat, has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence for developing rural technologies for improvement in livelihood and quality of life by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
On the occasion of the first Tribal Pride Day (Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas) observed on November 15, BAIF pledges to continue its efforts to restore the dignity of the true custodians of our green cover and groom them as the frontline development team of the country.
