Helping local communities to survive — and thrive

Agricultural communities in the hot, semi-arid state of Maharashtra in Western India face challenging conditions: more than 90% of the 16 million hectares of arable land available to them have suffered ecological degradation. Climate change will make these conditions even more difficult by making rainfall more variable, temperatures more extreme, and pest attacks harder to predict and repel.

Women planting rice using a crop intensification system developed by the Watershed Organisation Trust

The Swiss Re Foundation supports the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), a local not-for-profit organisation, in its efforts to help communities in Maharashtra cope and adapt. Among other measures, WOTR is helping villagers collect and harvest rain water, learn and apply sustainable agricultural practices, and conserve soil and water.

This work will enhance food and income security, especially for the poor. The project is also designed to empower women and combat child malnutrition, demonstrating how environmental and social sustainability can work hand in hand.

The Swiss Re Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2012. It supports efforts to improve conditions for communities affected by natural disasters, climate change, population growth or pandemics. The Foundation provides grants for education and training, research and innovation, development aid and the promotion of social responsibility. It also supports community projects where Swiss Re has offices and encourages volunteering by Swiss Re employees.

For more on the Watershed Organisation Trust www.wotr.org

For more on the Swiss Re Foundation www.swissrefoundation.org