Introduction: The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India)

Established in 1983 as a non-communal, non-profit organisation for rural development, AKRSP(I) focuses on natural resource management. It supports a variety of natural resource management programmes in community forestry, agricultural development, soil, land and water conservation in micro-watersheds, water resource development (including lift irrigation, canal irrigation, ground water recharge and drinking water provision), biogas, savings and credit, and agricultural input supply and produce marketing. In all its interventions, it places emphasis on participation, equity, sustainability and cost effectiveness. It currently operates in about 350 villages in Bharuch, Surendranagar and Junagadh districts of Gujarat.

AKRSP(I) firmly believes that the poor and the disadvantaged can become self-sufficient if they develop the capacity to manage their local natural resources. Its mission, therefore, is “to enable the empowerment of rural communities and groups, particularly the underprivileged and women, to take control over their own lives and manage their environment, to create a better and more equitable society”.

Organising the community and building its capacity to manage resources has always remained the core concern for AKRSP(I). Community-based organisations take into account social and economic inequities, and ensure that the entire village participates, plans and manages its natural resources. Hence, the same village may have multiple forms of formal and informal organisations based on social variables such as class, caste and gender or resource use (e.g., a canal society).