Development of Adivasis by Kudumbashree District Mission, Malappuram, Government of Kerala
Shelter – Nilambar Adivasi Comprehensive Development Project.
Problem
- Centralised programmes ineffective for tribal sectors
- Tribal communities isolated in dense forests with rudimentary agrarian setups
- Threats from infrastructural projects, wildlife, and harsh forest climates
- Prior developmental initiatives lacked proper planning and were not tailored to specific community differences
- Formation women’s institutions for negotiation and critical analysis
Solution
- Establish institutions at the hamlet level to ensure accessibility to entitlements and schemes
- Promote social well-being by preventing issues like child marriage and domestic violence
- Offer skill training to youth, reducing unemployment and substance abuse
- Enhance livelihoods through agriculture and micro-enterprises
- Regular hamlet visits, awareness programs, and financial literacy campaigns
- Promote online platforms, inter-departmental convergence, and form tribal training groups
- Distribute funds to support new ventures for community development
Outcomes
- Launch of PSC training leading to government job placements for tribal youth.
- Expansion of Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) from 35 to 195
- Creation of 42 Youth Clubs and their involvement in community and inter-departmental activities
- Establishment of 25 Bridge Course Centers aiding in reducing school dropouts
- Introduction of GANTHE – TRIBAL NTFP UNIT and KOSATTI – Tribal Folk Art Group
- ST Balasabha increased from 2 to 30; Number of JLG Groups (Agri) increased from 3 to 32; Number of JLG Groups (AH) increased from 0 to 35; Number of Micro Enterprises increased from 0 to 19
Project Details
Category: Inclusion of Adivasis
Project: Shelter – Nilambar Adivasi Comprehensive Development Project
Organisation: Kudrmbashree District Mission, Malappuram
Start Date: 01-Apr-2021
Problem
The tribal communities in Kerala, mainly residing in the dense forests of the Western Ghats, face unique challenges. Their isolation from mainstream society means that most of them depend on basic agrarian setups or forest resources for survival. Yet, they often face dangers posed by infrastructural projects, wild animals, and the harsh climate. Additionally, previous centralised programs were ill-suited to their needs and failed to account for distinct community characteristics, leading to inadequacies in addressing their challenges.
Solution
To address the issues faced by the tribal communities, the project’s solution is multi-faceted. It aims to establish powerful women-centric institutions at the hamlet level to foster negotiation power and critical self-analysis, which would lead to social transformation. Such institutions also focus on ensuring the availability of necessities like nutritious food, healthcare, and education while addressing social issues. Furthermore, to counter unemployment, skill training is provided to the youth, reducing their inclination
towards substance abuse. The project also prioritises regular interactions with tribal families, promoting awareness and financial literacy, fostering online engagements, encouraging departmental convergence, and distributing funds to kindle new community ventures.
Outcomes
The outcomes of the project have been notably transformative. A significant achievement is the PSC training initiative, which has enabled educated tribal youths to secure government jobs. The growth of Neighborhood Groups (NHGs) from a mere 35 to 195 is evidence of the project’s expansive reach. Furthermore, the establishment of youth clubs has galvanised young individuals into community-centric activities, while the Bridge Course Centers have been instrumental in reducing school dropouts. Initiatives like GANTHE and KOSATTI have revitalised traditional tribal arts and provided sustainable livelihood options. These outcomes not only signify the project’s success in Malappuram but also highlight its
potential to be replicated in other regions.