The project is operated on the ground by our technical partner Symagine

Land ownership: planting sites are mainly owned by individual farming households. Some sites are owned by the government or the community, where members voluntarily take care of the planted trees. Planting on community-owned land mainly serves community engagement purposes

The planting season runs from July to November each year

A fully participatory approach: communities are involved at every step, from species selection to running local nurseries, planting and long-term maintenance

New nurseries are initiated and owned by community members, and existing community-based nurseries have in some instances been revived. While nurseries are owned and run by communities, the team works continuously with them to improve quality and introduce sustainable practices

Household training in planting, organic manure use and after-care, alongside regular monitoring visits to track growth, address challenges and keep households engaged

Recurring challenges such as water scarcity, livestock damage and poor soil quality are addressed through practical, low-cost solutions: mulching, pitcher irrigation, bamboo fencing, vermicompost and organic pest control

Species are selected on suitability to local geography, nutritional value and economic potential, drawing from a catalogue of 19 fruit, medicinal and multipurpose tree varieties

The target group largely belongs to the tribal population, facing severe socio-economic challenges including food insecurity and limited livelihood opportunities

Fruit-based plantations increase nutritional quality and improve the community's health status, with families receiving between 10 to 20 fruit-bearing trees on average, depending on availability of land

A greater number of trees per household positively impacts the local microclimate, resulting in better living conditions

Many households experience additional economic benefits: after meeting their own consumption needs, families are able to sell surplus fruit and vegetables on the local market, generating extra income

As all nurseries are community-based, their operation has generated revenue for the community, demonstrating the potential for economic upliftment through local nursery operations

Building local skills and ownership, thereby creating livelihood opportunities and reducing vulnerability to poverty

Restoring degraded soils and barren land through agroforestry, addressing pressures from deforestation and erratic rainfall

Long-term carbon capture while helping to prevent soil erosion and improve water retention around households

Promoting biodiversity by planting over 9 different native fruit-bearing tree species, protecting habitats for wildlife including birds and insects

Safeguarding traditional species such as the Elephant Apple and Indian Black Berry, ensuring their continued presence in the landscape