Rain Drop

Rain Drops focuses on livelihood development in India, primarily among marginalized communities. Its goal is to stimulate entrepreneurship, improving living conditions for villagers. By promoting entrepreneurship in various sectors like agriculture and poultry farming, it aims to diversify income sources and combat food and financial instability, preventing rural-to-urban migration. This support allows families to maintain their land, culture, and relationships, while also investing in their children's health and education. Rain Drops also empowers Indian women through training in leadership and community mobilization, fostering economic independence and raising awareness of their rights, enabling them to engage with local governance bodies.

Since 2011, Rain Drops has been combatting drought and bolstering economic stability in Indian villages by planting thousands of fruit and medicinal trees. It provides necessary tools and training, educating villagers on the economic advantages of tree cultivation. A tree nursery in Bargarh generates income for the community while offering affordable trees and plants. Rain Drops' approach has encouraged farmers to shift to profitable, sustainable tree plantations, reversing deforestation and prioritizing resilient tree varieties for faster benefits and improved survival rates, particularly in water-scarce regions.

Rain Drops is actively addressing the water management challenges prevalent in Indian villages. These regions, like Ambajogai, have long grappled with drought, intensified agriculture, and deforestation, resulting in water scarcity. To mitigate this, Rain Drops undertakes initiatives such as constructing water harvesting ponds, wells, and implementing earthworks for efficient water management. These efforts not only capture rainwater to recharge underground water tables but also prevent soil erosion and enable water infiltration. Moreover, Rain Drops empowers farmers to adopt more water-efficient agricultural practices, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, reducing water consumption. The introduction of fish farming has not only bolstered farmers' income but also enriched their diets, contributing to a more sustainable and diversified livelihood for these communities.

In India, Rain Drops empowers women in remote villages through training and support. It helps form women's groups to advocate for their rights and aims to enhance women's autonomy by introducing income-generating activities. Starting in 2013, Rain Drops trained women in jam-making, leading to diversified income sources like sewing and spice-making. It offers various training programmes, including women's rights, food processing, and leadership. Rain Drops also initiated Women Gram Sabahs, encouraging women's participation in decision-making, resulting in improved infrastructure and access to clean water. Challenges remain in gaining broader participation from husbands and village leaders.

Rain Drops, the NGO, aids India's agricultural transition, guiding small farmers away from traditional practices unsuitable for changing climates. It collaborates mainly with lower-caste communities, facilitating access to resources like wells and irrigation systems.

Training is a core focus, teaching farmers to adapt practices to environmental shifts by promoting crop diversification. Poultry farming is another successful venture, providing financial security and food diversity. For instance, Ram Sawar from Ajadpurva village earned €73 in five months, significantly enhancing his income. These efforts empower individuals and elevate their quality of life.