Abstract:

The world today strives to find innovative technological and educational solutions to address the challenge of human poverty. Shanti Ashram has participated actively for nearly two decades in exploring partnerships and programs that address human development challenges. In 1995, the Ashram focused on ending poverty and reach full employment in the Perur block. This initiative attracted many partners across the country including the UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The objectives were to enhance the institutional capacity of the people through awareness campaigns, participatory consultations, and training on environmental issues, economic, and organizational skills. Second was to devise a village level land use and implementation plan. And last to provide technical inputs and supporting services with tree planting and market-oriented strategies. After 3 years of educating, training, and monitoring the Perur Block, it has shown significant improvements in land use, increased tree cover, and an increase in living conditions. Proving that this unique programme of agro-forestry is a successful micro-level solution to alleviating poverty.