Accion Fraterna Ecology Centre India

Why this project matters

In Anantapur, one of India’s driest, most agriculture‑dependent districts, smallholder farmers face chronic income instability. With nearly all farmland reliant on rainfall, their crops suffer frequent losses from drought, pests, and rising input costs. These pressures trap families in low incomes and drive widespread migration in search of work. 

Our work with AFEC in this region aims to promote the adoption of drought-resilient agroecological practices, while diversifying smallholder livelihoods. Our project helps strengthen local institutions, technical agroforestry knowledge and community leadership to restore soil health, stabilize yields, and build more secure futures. 

Project impact

The project has already undertaken the following activities: 

• Agroforestry designs finalized in consultation with multiple farmer groups 

• Tree seedling planting & distribution for significant portion of onboarded farmers 

• Multiple training sessions by lead farmers for their local community and AFEC technical agronomist 

• Strengthening and expansion of in-house nursery at AFEC 

• Farmer onboarding 

• Stakeholder engagement 

• One full cycle of Acorn project councils completed across entire project region