YOUR COMMUNITY IN RATLAM

Ratlam Area Development Programme (ADP) is located in Madhya Pradesh, India’s largest state. The majority of the people in the ADP area belong to the Bhil tribe. Water is scarce causing 40 per cent of the population to migrate to urban areas between April and June each year to search for work.

Income generation

Agriculture is the mainstay of the region’s economy, but little of the land is irrigated. The expanding population is placing pressure on land and water resources, consequently the water table is low and topsoil infertile. This forces agricultural labourers to migrate in search of work each dry season.  
World Vision is building ‘check’ dams to recharge groundwater and water tanks to store rainwater. Irrigation enables families to grow a second crop each year, reducing the need to migrate.
Training in alternatives sources of income, such as horticulture and fish-farming, and sustainable agricultural practices, including composting, are provided. Farmers are linked to government schemes to provide subsidised inputs.
Groups savings associations, called ‘self-help groups’, are formed. Through these groups people regularly contribute small sums to a joint account from which they can later borrow for personal needs or to start a small business.

Health

The Bhil people believe in witchcraft and visit traditional healers for treatment, only seeking professional advice when their illness has progressed considerably. There are few government health workers in Ratlam ADP because it is so remote.
The ADP works with government health officials to organise programmes in pre-natal care, immunisation, nutrition and HIV/AIDS education. Traditional birth attendants and village health workers are trained to provide basic health services. Together with the communities World Vision digs and deepens wells to provide safe water.

Community leadership

Village Development Committees (VDCs) link together focused groups, such as watershed management committees. VDCs discuss community issues and seek solutions. The ADP helps VDCs identify and prioritise problems, implement programmes and monitor progress.
Mahila Mandal (Women’s Associations) encourage women, who previously had little decision-making power, to contribute ideas for development. Youth clubs are organised to hold cultural and sports activities, debating competitions and discuss village issues.

Education

By 2002 the State Government had created primary schools in almost every village. Schools, however,  are in poor condition and some lack classrooms. One teacher was appointed to every school, but many children find it difficult to travel there.
Some parents keep their children at home because they cannot meet school expenses or see no value in education. Others hesitate to send their daughters to middle school if there is not one in their village.
The ADP encourages attendance by providing uniforms, stationery and sports equipment, organising children’s clubs and holding public meetings.
Classrooms are repaired and provided with furniture. Teachers are offered refresher training and single teacher schools are provided with an additional teacher.

Faith

The Bhil people worship ancestral spirits but also celebrate Hindu festivals. The ADP works to help people overcome their reluctance to change.

Sustainable development

World Vision and the people of Ratlam envisage that by 2010 the community’s development will be at a level that no longer requires World Vision assistance. We will keep you updated on their progress.