Case Study-1

Transforming Agriculture through an Earthen Check Dam in

Kasira Village
Background & Problem Statement
Kasira Village in Jharkhand faced severe agricultural distress due to reverse
water flow and unreliable irrigation, affecting 119 acres of farmland and nearly
80 farmers. The dependence on monsoon rains led to unpredictable crop yields
and financial instability.
Solution: Community-Led Construction of an Earthen Check Dam
Under the Integrated Village Development Program, the Citizens Foundation and
LTIMindtree Foundation collaborated with local farmers to construct an Earthen
Check Dam with Boulder Pitching.
Implementation Strategy
 Site Selection & Technical Planning: Engineers assessed the location
for optimal water retention.
 Community Engagement: Farmers were actively involved in planning
and decision-making.
 Construction Process: Included foundation excavation, boulder pitching
for stability, and grass reinforcement to prevent erosion.
 Monitoring & Sustainability: The dam’s impact on water retention and
irrigation was continuously assessed.
Impact: Before & After Comparison

Factor Before (Pre-Dam) After (Post-Dam)

119 acres affected by

Cultivated Land 96 acres now efficiently irrigated
water scarcity

No storage, rain-
Water Storage 1.2 - 1.3 million gallons retained
dependent

Irrigation
Only during monsoon Support extended until May 2025
Availability

Crop Yield Low & inconsistent 30-35% increase

Diversified into vegetables, paddy,

Crops Grown Mostly paddy
and other crops

Unstable due to crop

Farmer Income 30-35% income growth
failure

Testimonial
"The dam has changed our lives. We now have water security, better crop yields,
and financial stability. I am grateful for the support that has brought hope and
prosperity."
— Anmol Tidu, Farmer

Case Study-2
The Impact of the Community Agri Resource Centre on Farmers in
Paragon Village
Background
In the heart of Jurdaag Panchayat in the Karra Block, Paragon Village is home to a
community that relies heavily on agriculture for its livelihood. However, farmers
in the region have long faced significant challenges. Limited access to modern
farming tools, outdated cultivation techniques, and the unpredictability of market
trends made farming a strenuous and often unprofitable endeavor. These
constraints led to inefficiencies, low productivity, and reduced economic
opportunities for many families.
Recognizing these challenges, The Citizens Foundation, in partnership with the
LTIMindtree Foundation, launched the Community Agri Resource Centre
(CARC) under the Integrated Village Development Program in September
2024. This initiative was designed to bridge the gap in agricultural resource
accessibility and technical knowledge, empowering farmers to enhance their
productivity and livelihoods.

Problem Statement
Before the establishment of the Community Agri Resource Centre, farmers in
Paragon Village struggled due to:
 Lack of Modern Equipment: Most farmers relied on traditional manual
farming techniques, which were time-consuming and inefficient.
 Limited Knowledge of Advanced Agricultural Practices: Due to the
absence of technical training, farmers were unaware of improved sowing,
irrigation, and harvesting methods.
 Unstable Income and Low Yields: Without access to proper tools and
techniques, crop yields were low, leading to insufficient income to support
basic family needs.
These challenges created a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for farmers to
break free from subsistence farming.

Implementation Strategy
To address these critical issues, the Community Agri Resource Centre was set
up as a comprehensive support hub, integrating multiple interventions to
maximize impact:
 Provision of Modern Tools: The centre was equipped with essential
agricultural machinery, including plows, seed drills, power tillers,
 sprayer machines, and irrigation systems etc. Farmers could rent
these tools at nominal rates, significantly reducing financial barriers.
 Capacity-Building Workshops: Monthly training sessions led by
agricultural experts educated farmers on improved farming techniques,
pest control, irrigation management, and sustainable agriculture.
 Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing: The centre
became a hub for farmers to discuss best practices, share experiences,
and build a collective support network.
 Market Linkages and Financial Literacy: Farmers received guidance
on understanding market trends, ensuring better selling prices, and
managing finances effectively.
Challenges Faced & Overcome
 Limited Awareness about the Centre: Community mobilization efforts,
including local meetings and radio broadcasts, helped spread awareness
and encourage participation.

Impact of the Community Agri Resource Centre

Before vs. After Comparisons

Impact Area Pre-Agri Centre Scenario Post-Agri Centre Impact

Farmers lacked modern

Access to 900+ farmers now have access to
tools, leading to labor-
Tools advanced tools at affordable rates.
intensive methods.

Average wheat yield: 500 Increased to 750 kg per acre (a

Crop Yield
kg per acre. 50% rise).

Seed Low efficiency due to 30% increase in germination rates

Germination manual sowing methods. using seed drills.

25-35% yield increase, leading to

Income Farmers struggled with low
higher income and reinvestment in
Growth profits.
better farming inputs.

Regular interactions at the centre

Community Limited collaboration among
fostered stronger community
Cohesion farmers.
bonds.

Testimonials from Farmers

"We want to thank The Citizens Foundation and the LTIMindtree Foundation for
bringing the Agri Resource Centre to our village. The power tiller and sprayer
machines have made farming easier and more efficient, improving crop health
and yield. Our harvests have increased substantially, allowing us to support our
families more comfortably."
- Dilga Munda & Sukra Herenz, Farmers, Paragon Village

Case Study-3
Transforming Early Childhood: A Case Study of Anganwadi Center
in Kasira Village
Introduction
In the heart of Kasira Village, nestled within the Karra Block, stood an Anganwadi
center that had long been a beacon of early childhood care. However, years of
neglect had left it in a dilapidated condition, hindering its ability to serve the
community effectively. The facility lacked basic infrastructure, proper sanitation,
and an engaging learning environment, leaving children, pregnant women, and
lactating mothers with minimal support. Recognizing this dire need, Citizens
Foundation, with the generous support of the Ltimindtree Foundation, embarked
on a mission to renovate the Anganwadi center, ensuring a transformative
impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.
Problem Statement
Before the renovation, the Anganwadi center faced several challenges:
 Inadequate Infrastructure: The building had broken walls, leaky roofs,
and insufficient ventilation, making it an unsafe and unwelcoming space.
 Limited Educational Resources: Children lacked access to engaging
learning materials, making early education less effective.
 Poor Hygiene and Sanitation: Absence of proper drinking water
facilities and toilets posed a significant health risk.
 Low Community Engagement: Due to its deteriorated state, many
parents hesitated to send their children to the center.
With 6 pregnant women, 12 lactating mothers, 40 boys, and 25 girls relying on
this center, urgent intervention was required to ensure their well-being and
development.
Implementation Strategy
To address these issues, a comprehensive renovation plan was executed with the
following key interventions:
1. Infrastructure Overhaul
 The building was repaired with new walls, a reinforced roof, and proper
ventilation.
  Clean drinking water facilities and child-friendly toilets were installed.
 Safe flooring and brightly painted walls created an engaging environment
for children.
2. Introduction of Learning Kits
 Age-appropriate educational materials such as picture books, puzzles, and
interactive games were provided.
 Teaching aids for Anganwadi workers were introduced to improve early
learning outcomes.
 Play-based learning techniques were incorporated to make education more
engaging.

3. Health & Nutrition Enhancements

 A dedicated kitchen area was set up to ensure hygienic meal preparation.
 Nutritious food was provided to pregnant and lactating mothers.
 Regular health check-ups and awareness sessions were conducted.
4. Community Engagement & Capacity Building
 Parents and local community members were involved in the renovation
process to instill a sense of ownership.
 Training sessions were held for Anganwadi workers to maximize the
effectiveness of the provided learning kits.
 Monthly community meetings were introduced to ensure sustained
engagement.
Impact: Before & After Comparison

Before
Parameter After Renovation
Renovation

Attendance Rate 45% 85%

Health Check-ups Irregular Monthly health check-ups ensured

Learning Limited and Modern and engaging learning kits

Materials outdated available

Parental Active participation in meetings and

Minimal
Involvement events

Voices from the Community

 Anganwadi Worker, Pundugi purti: “The renovation has made our job
easier. With better resources, we can now provide a quality early learning
experience.”
 Case Study-4
Empowering Futures: Remedial Classes Centre in Karra Block

Contextual Background

Karra Panchayat, nestled within Karra Block, is predominantly inhabited by tribal communities.
Despite rich cultural heritage, the region faces educational challenges, with students often lagging in
foundational subjects. High dropout rates and low academic performance, especially in grades 9 and
10, have been persistent concerns.

Problem Statement

A significant number of students in Karra's secondary schools struggle with core subjects, leading to
poor performance in board examinations. Factors contributing to this include limited access to
quality teaching resources, socio-economic constraints, and a lack of personalized academic support.

Implementation Strategy

In response to these challenges, The Citizens Foundation, with funding from LTIMindtree Foundation,
under the Integrated Village Development Project (IVDP). Started remedial Classes Centre targeting
35 students (20 boys and 15 girls) from grades 9 and 10 in Karra Panchayat.

Key components of the strategy include:

 Assessment and Identification: Baseline tests identified students requiring additional

support.

 Customized Learning Plans: Tailored curricula focusing on individual learning gaps.

 Qualified Educators: Engagement of trained teachers familiar with local dialects and cultural
contexts.

 Hiring of Teachers: Teacher for Remedial Classes hired

 Community Engagement: Regular interactions with parents to emphasize the importance of

education.

 Resource Provision: Supply of study materials and access to learning aids.

Challenges Faced

Implementing the program wasn't without hurdles. Initial resistance from parents, who prioritized
household chores over education, required persistent community meetings to shift mindsets.
Logistical issues, such as inadequate infrastructure, were addressed by setting up dedicated learning
centers equipped with necessary amenities.

Impact and Outcomes

The remedial classes have yielded remarkable improvements:

 Academic Performance: Pre-program assessments showed an average score of 45% across

subjects. Post-intervention, this surged to 70%, with several students achieving distinctions
in Pre-board Exams.

 Examination Success: The 9th and 10th class students who attended remedial classes regularly
scored an average of 50% more marks in comparison who didn’t attending remedial classes

Testimonials

Rina Kumari, a 10th-grade student, shares:

"Before these classes, I struggled with mathematics. Now, I not only understand concepts but also
help my peers."