A recent cross-learning exposure, organized by Caritas India for its SAFBIN (Smallholder Adaptive Farming and Biodiversity Network) program staff, showcased innovative approaches in food and nutrition security implemented by the SABAL program. Held across the SABAL program areas in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the three-day event brought together 16 SAFBIN program staff and farmers from Madhya Pradesh, facilitating hands-on learning with the Korku tribal community in 50 villages. The SABAL initiative, led by Khandwa Diocesan Social Services and Dayasagar Social Centre, has championed sustainable agricultural development and community resilience since its launch eight years ago.

The primary aim of the exposure visit, held from October 22 to 24, 2024, was to engage participants in SABAL’s grassroots strategies to address malnutrition, food security, and climate adaptation among vulnerable communities. The itinerary featured demonstrations of SABAL’s Integrated Farming System (IFS), millet cultivation, nutrition gardens, and innovative water and soil conservation practices. Participants also explored SABAL’s successful approaches to income generation through diverse activities like fish farming, poultry rearing, and small businesses. Each component emphasized sustainable agriculture and community-led governance, highlighting how smallholder farmers can build resilience and food security through local initiatives.

On the first day, the SAFBIN team visited Ghota Village in Maharashtra, where SABAL has developed a range of sustainable practices to support local food security. Program staff and farmers met with the Parivartan Farmers Group, which has played a significant role in advocating for community rights under the PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act. Notably, the group secured long-term control over a village dam, previously leased to external contractors, ensuring that the water body serves the needs of local fishery operations. This achievement demonstrated SABAL’s success in empowering communities to safeguard their resources and directly manage income-generating assets. As Mr. Nandlal Dhande, Chairman of the Parivartan Group, shared, “The SABAL project helped us reclaim our dam for fish farming, and today we proudly sustain it as a community resource, providing both livelihood and food security.”

Participants also gained insights from Jijibai Mavaskar, a renowned farmer known as the “Millet Mother” for her dedication to reviving millet cultivation. Her success story illustrates SABAL’s impact in preserving indigenous crops, with Jijibai sharing how SABAL provided the seeds and technical support needed to build a thriving millet seed bank. In addition, participants were introduced to Anganwadi nutrition gardens and community nutrition programs, where they observed how SABAL collaborates with healthcare workers to combat malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women and young children. These initiatives are instrumental in improving dietary diversity and strengthening food security at the household level.

On the second day, SAFBIN participants visited three villages under Khandwa Diocesan Social Services, observing best practices in health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Highlights included watershed initiatives and BMP (Banana, Moringa, Papaya) plantations, which provide affordable nutrition and address soil and water conservation needs. SAFBIN farmers were particularly impressed by the village-led sanitation improvements, such as low-cost handwashing stations and organic waste management models, which support the health and hygiene of rural families. These models also reflect SABAL’s commitment to climate-resilient agriculture and resource management, which has improved food security for thousands in the region.

On the final day, Caritas India and its partners provided an overview of SABAL’s ongoing projects and management strategies. Led by Father Jayan, Director of KDSS, the session emphasized KDSS’s role in uplifting marginalized communities over the past 30 years and offered valuable insights into program monitoring and community engagement. The SAFBIN team also learned about health and education initiatives, such as the “1000 Days Calendar” used to track early childhood nutrition and development milestones in Anganwadi centers. These tools, along with SABAL’s collaboration with local governance structures, reinforce the community’s role in sustaining these impactful projects.

The exposure visit concluded with heartfelt reflections from SAFBIN participants, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from SABAL’s experienced team. As Praduman Dharwaiya, a SAFBIN Program Extension Assistant from Jabalpur, stated, “These three days were transformative. Seeing community-driven development in action provided me with valuable insights to implement in our SAFBIN program areas.”

By sharing SABAL’s innovative practices, Caritas India aims to equip SAFBIN program staff and farmers with strategies that can foster sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience among smallholder farmers. The success of this exposure visit underscores the potential for cross-learning initiatives to inspire lasting change, with participants committed to applying SABAL’s integrated development models within their own communities.