:: Deepak Foundation ::

Kawant is the most under developed block of the State with majority of its population living below the poverty line. (Cowlagi Committee Report, 2006) It has been realized that the complete development of an area can be ensured by enhancing the livelihood of the population. Further, the experiences gained during the implementation of the Safe Motherhood and Child Survival (SMCS) project revealed that unless the livelihood needs of the population are catered, health intervention would not be effective. Based on extensive experience of the Foundation in successfully initiating a number of sustainable livelihood generation activities in rural and tribal areas of Gujarat, the Foundation has launched a holistic development program in Kawant using a multi- sectoral, multi-stakeholder, Public-Private-Partnership approach.

The Foundation has initiated Kawant Livelihood Project (KALP) under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana of the Government of Gujarat, in the Kawant block of Vadodara district. Kawant has a tremendous potential for development through the creation of livelihood opportunities in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, water resources, dairy, education, and skills development and accordingly interventions have been planned in these sectors.

All the KALP activities will be linked up with the Village Health and Sanitation Committees (VHSCs) so that an integrated approach is followed.

Prime objectives of KALP

The prime objective of KALP is to create livelihood opportunities in the Kawant block so as to provide opportunities for income generation to at least 60-70% households. The existing resources and field network of the Foundation in Kawant under “Safe Motherhood and Child Survival Project” (in partnership with the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Gujarat) developed during the past five years (2004-9) has ben the key outreach network for this project. In addition a multidisciplinary specialist team has been put in place with an experienced field team to implement the multitude of project activities of KALP.

Watershed Development (30000 ha): Indo-German Watershed Development Project through the support of NABARD has been initiated in the 5 five villages: Narukot, Balagam, Mankodi, Bordha and Undva. Sharmdan has been done in these villages. Pre-Capacity Building Phase of the Project is ongoing. A total of 1200 ha. will be covered under this project. In addition through Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), a large area will be given watershed treatment.

Agriculture & Horticulture: Integrated Wadi Agriculture Diversification Project (IWADP) was implemented through the sector and about 93.2 acres of area have been covered reaching out to 159 beneficiaries. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) has been sanctioned for the Kawant block - 1000 ha. wadi and 5000 ha. of improved agriculture will be done.

Animal Husbandry/ Dairy: Under this, ten Womens’ Dairy Cooperative Societies (WDCS) have been promoted. Dairy Cooperative Management training and capacity building of the WDCS members is also done.

Education: Setting up of School in Kawant Taluka (Class I to X) for 1000 students: Considering the poor quality of education and high drop out ratio, a secondary school has been planned in Kawant. Preliminary survey of existing schools to assess the need for improvement was also done.

Skill Development Centre (Residential Centre, providing training to 1000 students): A Skills Development Centre has been established to provide vocational skills to the tribal youth, for getting better livelihood opportunities through jobs and micro enterprise.