Local institutions and paraprofessionals in watershed management

The emphasis of the AgaKhan Rural Support Programme in Gujerat is on building up local institutions in order that they can sustain watershed management in the long term. This is done though participatory appraisals of the area, through mapping such features as soils, drainage, run-off, existing water control structures and land use and mangement. Participation by the poorer section of the community is ensured through wealth ranking. Volunteers are trained in watershed management skills, and are compensated in some way by village structures. Panning is carried out by these volunteers, and over the long term effective institutions are created, which consider a holistic approach, recognising the strengths of indigenous knowledge.