Empowering the Rural Poor through EO products and services – An Impact assessment

Paper number

IAC-07-E5.I.10

Author

Mr. PG Diwakar, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Dr. BK Ranganath, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Dr. D. Gowrisankar, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Dr. V. Jayaraman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Year

2007

Abstract

With the convergence of space-based imaging technology and, network based computation and information technology, the focus has shifted to how these technologies could change the livelihoods of rural community and put them on the path of developmental processes.  Many rural villages in India do not have right kind of infrastructure and connectivity, making it difficult for any developmental program to perform effectively.  This makes them more vulnerable and further cut them off from the mainstream developmental programs in the country. Using these high technology inputs, a participatory watershed development approach has been arrived at empowering the rural poor with important inputs enabling them to realize better livelihood possibilities.  

This integrated programme carried out in 0.5 Mha spread over 5 districts of Karnataka in Southern India, encompassing large tracts of dry land farming areas hosting poverty stricken and vulnerable population of about 0.4 M, have seen significant benefits from the actual implementation. Project implementation has given special emphasis on the community level usage of space-based images, thematic inputs on land and water under participatory rural appraisal (PRA) exercise at community level, training and capacity building, implementation of GIS and information technology solution with local language and local context in a successful manner.   The EO products with locale specific information on soils, slope, geomorphology, land, Water and other infrastructure details including parcel boundaries with simple local language adaptations are made available for the communities to utilize at grass roots.  While EO inputs have empowered people to take scientifically sound decisions on land and water resources development, the implementation of information technology for on-line monitoring has brought about transparency and added capacity to the community to use technical inputs for their own benefits.  

With the optimum combination of these features under the project, significant success is visibly seen on the ground, resulting in positive change in livelihood pattern, reduction in migration due to better yield, increase in income, increased employment opportunities due to better productivity, affordability for educating children, increased livestock dynamics and milk yield etc, while at the same time enhancing the natural resources assets.  This experiment carried out probably for the first time using high technology space inputs anywhere in the world, could be replicated elsewhere in the other developing countries facing similar scenarios.

Abstract document

IAC-07-E5.I.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E5.I.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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