Climate Resilience
Restoring water, land, and forests to secure the natural foundations of village life.
Across Odisha’s hilly districts, climate stress is no longer episodic. It is reshaping how land, water, and forests sustain village life.
Over the past two decades, erratic rainfall and forest loss in parts of the Eastern Ghats have contributed to declining groundwater levels and increased soil erosion. More than 70% of households depend on rain-fed farming, leaving them especially exposed to these shifts.
In many villages, water insecurity now reflects long-term ecological and climatic change rather than seasonal variation alone. As farming becomes less predictable, local opportunities narrow for young people. Women shoulder more of the work required to sustain households.
Our work on climate resilience responds to these realities by restoring the natural systems that sustain village life and strengthening local institutions to manage them over time.
How We Respond
Water-Centric Collective Action
We enable farmers and rural enterprises to conserve soil and water while increasing productivity, expanding market access, and reducing costs.
Strengthening Local Leadership
We strengthen village institutions and local governments to plan for and manage changing climate conditions.
Building Local Technical Capacity
We develop village-based cadres, including Jala Bandhus, to advance local water management and embed technical expertise within the community.
Bringing Technology Within Reach
We make technical tools and data, including groundwater mapping and weather forecasting, accessible for informed local decision-making.
Improving Production Practices
We enable farmers and rural enterprises to conserve soil and water while increasing productivity, expanding market access, and reducing costs.
Spotlight
Gram Vikas awarded for restoring 540 acres of degraded land in Kalahandi
The restoration of degraded land has improved water security and local livelihoods, demonstrating the long-term value of landscape restoration.
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Resilience in Action
In Pergunipada, women rebuilt a water system one tree and trench at time
Facing water scarcity, women in Pergunipada mobilised their community, planted trees, and revived local springs.
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After years of drying springs, a forest returns in Kalahandi
In Kalahandi, indigenous communities restored forests and revived springs, renewing their land through sustained collective action.
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In Kantabanji, water conservation is changing what the land can hold
Kantabanji residents are building water conservation structures to protect their land and secure water for years to come.
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Partner for Progress
Over 50 national and global donors collaborate with Gram Vikas to strengthen community-led development in rural Odisha. Join us in advancing long-term change. Write to ed@gramvikas.org.
Our Priorities
We strengthen people’s capabilities to act on six priorities for rural resilience.
Enterprises & Markets
Expanding income and enterprise opportunities where people live and work.
Health & Wellbeing
Advancing safe water, sanitation, and nutrition for healthier lives.
Youth & Opportunities
Equipping young people to learn, earn, and lead.
Local Governance
Enabling Panchayats and village institutions to act for collective good.
Equity & Inclusion
Ensuring everyone has a stake and a voice in progress.
