Impact of micro watersheds on traditional livelihoods- a case study of Ajmer Rajasthan

Student name: Ms Gunjan Gupta
Guide: Dr Smriti Das and Ms Ranjana Ray Chaudhuri
Year of completion: 2017
Host Organisation: Manthan Sansthan Kotri, Ajmer
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Ms Dennise Fernandes

---

Abstract: The study is set against a background of ecological stress faced traditional communities having agriculture and cattle rearing as livelihood.

The study is an Impact Analysis of micro watershed around the Sambhar Salt lake area in Ajmer district of Rajasthan. A mixed method approach was used to understand the village dynamics and background of the village and the watershed program. The watershed project around the Sambhar Salt Lake was an initiative by a grassroots organization. The study tries to understand the interventions taken up the organization and its trickle down effect on social status, like women empowerment, education, health, and hygiene. It was observed that post intervention the immediate outcome achieved by the project was focused on the economic benefits of farmers especially those who cultivated the second crop. Rabi crop cultivation has started post the implementation of the watershed project. The watershed project helped village communities become more cohesive. This study will provide a pre and post intervention scenario.

Key words: Watershed, Social, Economic, Grassroots Organization.