Tribal Farmers For Sustainability

A group of 12 people standing next to a building looking towards the photographer.

The Masters of Developmental Practices degree took me to Visakhapatnam, India for my international field placement in 2023. This image is of myself, and the program leaders from a non-profit organization VIKASA at the Aruku Valley office. VIKASA is a Natural Resources Management organization with a focus on agriculture and horticulture-based interventions to sustain and strengthen the livelihoods of tribal farming communities in Andhra Pradesh. They are working to develop a social order that values the real significance of environment protection, social justice, women empowerment and moves towards sustainable development. Working with the organization was an experience in diversity, teamwork, and overcoming obstacles that I will take with me throughout my career and my life. I was inspired by how the team of tribal community members were empowered by VIKASA to implement real change in their communities and create more sustainable solutions in farming culture across the region.