Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agroforestry-Based Land Restoration in Sanand, Gujarat

The Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agroforestry-Based Land Restoration initiative aims to support 150 small and marginal farmers in Sanand, Gujarat by promoting climate-resilient agroforestry practices that strengthen livelihoods while contributing to environmental sustainability.

The project combines practical training, agroforestry plantation, and community institution strengthening to encourage the adoption of sustainable and nature-based farming solutions. Each participating farmer will be supported in establishing agroforestry plantations across 0.32-acre plots, with a total of 12,000 agroforestry species planned under the initiative.

Alongside on-ground plantation activities, the project will strengthen Village Development Committees (VDCs) by building their capacities in areas such as management and marketing, helping create stronger community-level systems for the long-term sustainability of the intervention.

Key Objectives

• Support 150 small and marginal farmers in adopting climate-resilient farming practices.

• Promote agroforestry as a sustainable and nature-based livelihood solution.

• Restore and improve the productivity and ecological health of agricultural land.

• Enhance soil health and contribute to improved biodiversity.

• Build farmers' knowledge and practical skills through training.

• Strengthen Village Development Committees through management and marketing capacity building.

• Promote long-term livelihood resilience through sustainable land-use practices.

Key Intervention Areas

1. Agroforestry Plantation: Facilitation of the plantation of 12,000 agroforestry species across 0.32-acre plots per participating farmer, integrating trees and crops to support both environmental and livelihood outcomes.

2. Farmer Training & Capacity Building: Practical training will be provided to farmers to improve their understanding and adoption of climate-resilient agroforestry practices and sustainable land management.

3. Land Restoration & Environmental Sustainability: The project promotes nature-based approaches to improve soil health, biodiversity, and long-term land sustainability.

4. Village Development Committee Strengthening: Village Development Committees will receive capacity building in management and marketing, helping strengthen local institutions and support the sustainability of the project.

Expected Impact

The initiative seeks to create a stronger connection between environmental restoration and livelihood development. By promoting agroforestry among small and marginal farmers, the project aims to improve land health, enhance biodiversity, and build more resilient agricultural livelihoods while encouraging sustainable, nature-based farming practices.

Implementation Approach

The project is being implemented through a bipartite partnership between SMS India Pvt. Ltd. and CCSE (Centre for CSR and Sustainability Excellence). Through farmer training, agroforestry plantation, land restoration, and community institution strengthening, the initiative seeks to establish sustainable farming systems that deliver long-term environmental and livelihood benefits in Sanand, Gujarat.