Agriculture and Horticulture Development
Our Agriculture and Horticulture Development projects focus on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of farming in Sikkim. By introducing innovative practices, improving crop varieties, and providing technical support, we aim to boost farmers' incomes and promote environmentally friendly agricultural methods.
Enhancing mandarin productivity among small-scale farmers in Sikkim.
Supported by:
Department of Horticulture, GOS & ICAR
Funded By:
Australian Center for International Agricultural Research
Year:
2003-2005
Area
State of Sikkim
This project aimed to enhance mandarin productivity among small-scale farmers in Sikkim. Through meticulous research and experimentation, the project sought to identify and disseminate high-yielding, disease-resistant citrus varieties suitable for the region's unique agro-climatic conditions. Activities included-
Investigating improved germ plasm and planting materials as a cost effective means of increasing mandarin productivity for low resources farmers in Sikkim
Broadening the genetic base of Sikkim’s citrus industry through targeted introduction of improved scion and rootstocks.
Documenting the existing status and constraints of the citrus industry in Sikkim.
Funded By:
Australian Foundation for People of Asia and pacific (AFAP)
Year:
2003-2005
Area
Ravangla, South Sikkim
This project aimed to bolster income and employment opportunities in Ravangla through sustainable agricultural practices. Focusing on Sikkim mandarin cultivation, the project also promoted other horticultural crops and aromatic plants. By building on the achievements of the ACIAR project, it aimed to disseminate technical know-how to local farmers and enhance their livelihoods.
Enhancing cultivation and production of Sikkim Mandarin (orange).
Funded By:
Sikkim Development Foundation
Year:
Ongoing
Area
State of Sikkim
This project focused on enhancing the cultivation and production of Sikkim Mandarin (orange). Core activities included planting of improved rootstocks, bud grafting, developing improved planting materials, and promoting superior mandarin cultivars adapted to the region's specific agro-ecological conditions. By providing technical expertise and support, the project aimed to improve the quality and quantity of mandarin production, thereby increasing farmers' incomes.
Funded By:
Australian Foundation for Peoples of Asia & Pacific (AFAP)
Year:
2003-2005
Area
State of Sikkim
This project aimed to promote Patchouli cultivation as an additional cash crop amongst farmers in West and South Sikkim, and generate income and employment through skill development in the community to cultivate, process, market & sell Patchouli products.
Farmers were provided with training on Patchouli plantation, which was organised at Linzok in collaboration with North Eastern Development Financial Institution (NEDFi) on 13th April 2006. 25 farmers from Samsing, Dalep, Tingbhum, Tashiding and Linzok of West and South Districts of the state participated. Handouts on Patchouli cultivation were also given to farmers.
Sustainable Livelihoods and Ecoourism
Our Sustainable Livelihoods and Tourism projects aim to empower local communities in Sikkim by developing eco-friendly tourism and supporting micro-enterprises. By promoting community-based tourism and skill development, we help residents generate income while preserving their cultural heritage and natural environment.
Funded By:
AusAid & Australian Foundation for the Peoples of the Asia and the Pacific
Year:
2003
Area
Ravangla sub-division, south Sikkim
This project sought to strengthen the capacity of the village communities in the Ravangla Sub- Division to undertake village tourism and micro-enterprise ventures, through a collaborative approach involving local communities, government agencies, and key stakeholders in the tourism industry.
The project also pioneered the concept of village tourism and homestays in Sikkim, developing Kewzing in South Sikkim as a pilot in homestay and village eco-tourism. A Handmade paper unit at Borong was also established to generate livelihoods using locally available resources.
Funded By:
AFAP
Year:
Dec 2003
Area
Borong- Polok, South Sikkim / Kewzing, South Sikkim / Utteray, West Sikkim
This project aimed to foster sustainable tourism in selected regions of Sikkim while generating income and employment opportunities for local communities. By promoting community-based homestays and developing rural enterprises, the project sought to diversify the local economy and preserve cultural heritage. Through capacity building and skill development programs, local residents were empowered to participate actively in the tourism industry.
Enhancing community skills and knowledge for potential livelihood opportunities
Organized By:
Singapore Management University
Supported by:
Borong Polok Handmade Paper Unit, Sangam Club and Nawa Samaj
Year:
December 2006
Area
Borong and Polok villages, South Sikkim
This project aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of local communities through volunteer engagement. Sikkim Development Foundation facilitated learning and knowledge sharing for the local communities of Borong and Polok villages in South District of Sikkim, about the designing of handmade paper and paper products, website design, marketing and advertising material making, basic computer operations and spoken.
The project empowered community members to develop new skills and explore potential livelihood opportunities.
Environmental Conservation and Management
Our Environmental Conservation and Management efforts are dedicated to preserving Sikkim's natural resources and biodiversity. We work with local communities to promote sustainable practices, enhance ecological awareness, and implement conservation projects that protect the region's unique environment for future generations.
Conservation of avi-fauna in Sikkim through community participation and ecotourism.
Funded By:
Australian Foundation for People of Asia and pacific (AFAP)
Year:
October 2005 - June 2006
Area
State of Sikkim
The objective of this project was to initiate a process for conservation of the rich avi-fauna of Sikkim through participation of communities and ecotourism stakeholders. By establishing the Sikkim Ornithological Society, the project fostered a platform for bird enthusiasts, researchers, and conservationists to collaborate.
Through capacity building programs and awareness campaigns, local communities were empowered to become active participants in bird conservation efforts. Additionally, the project explored the potential of birdwatching tourism as a sustainable livelihood option for local people.
Funded By:
Forest department, Government of Sikkim
Year:
April 2002
Area
State of Sikkim
Recognizing the devastating impact of forest fires, this project focused on developing a comprehensive strategy for fire prevention and control. The role of Sikkim Development Foundation was to coordinate and execute baseline surveys and capacity building programs for Forest officials and the stakeholder communities. By empowering local communities with fire prevention knowledge and skills, the project sought to create a network of fire watchers and volunteers.
Promoting responsible waste disposal and cleanliness in the Arithang area.
Organized By:
United Arithang Development Society (UADS)
Funded By:
NEAC, GOI
Year:
June 2007
Area
Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim
This project focused on raising among the residents of the Arithang area on safe and proper disposal of household generated garbage. By distributing pamphlets on best practices for collection and disposal of garbage, organizing community clean-up activities, the project aimed to promote responsible waste disposal and improve the overall cleanliness of the area. Tools necessary for the safety of garbage collectors were also provided to the UADS.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Our WASH initiatives focus on improving access to clean water, promoting safe sanitation practices, and fostering hygiene awareness in Sikkim. By collaborating with local communities and government agencies, we aim to ensure sustainable water management, reduce health risks, and create a healthier living environment for all residents.
Delivering universal access to safe drinking water and promoting an Open Defecation Free environment.
Funded By:
Rural Management and Development Department, GOS, The World Bank, Water & Sanitation Program – South Asia, State Institute of Rural Development,
Area
State of Sikkim
The goal of the project was to deliver universal access to safe drinking water, that is affordable and sustainable, across Sikkim. Our role was to strengthen the capacity of the Rural Management and Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in achieving the state goal through improved operational management of rural water supply systems and an Open Defecation Free environment.
Addressing water supply and sanitation challenges in the Arithang community, Gangtok
Funded By:
GWSSP/Ausaid
Year:
March 2004 - November 2005
Area
Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim
This project aimed to address the water supply and sanitation challenges faced by the Arithang community in Gangtok. The project also focused on developing a replicable model for water and sanitation management that could be scaled up to other areas of Gangtok. Our role was that of a local partner organization responsible for mobilizing communities and conducting stakeholder consultations
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Total Sanitation Campaign in Sikkim.
Organized By:
United Arithang Development Society (UADS)
Funded By:
Rural Management and Development Department
Year:
August 2008
Area
State of Sikkim
This project evaluated the effectiveness of the Total Sanitation Campaign in Sikkim. Through a comprehensive assessment of sanitation coverage, behavior change, and sustainability, the project identified strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The findings of the evaluation were submitted to the commissioning department with recommendations to inform policy decisions and refine sanitation promotion strategies.
Community Empowerment and Capacity Building
Our Community Empowerment and Capacity Building projects enhance local skills, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support marginalized groups in Sikkim to foster self-reliance and community development.
Empowering women and marginalized communities through micro-enterprise initiatives.
Funded By:
Australian Foundation for the Peoples of the Asia and the Pacific
Year:
Completed in July 2003
Area
Pakyong, Rorathang, Pakyong sub-division, east Sikkim
It focused on empowering women and marginalized communities, by building awareness on the various micro-enterprise initiatives that can be taken up to improve the quality of their lives.
To mobilise and enable these communities through a participatory process of consultations, motivational workshops, training and capacity building measures to undertake various imitative on a self-reliant and sustainable basis.
Enhancing skills and knowledge of local communities through volunteer engagement.
Organized By:
Singapore Management University and Sikkim Development Foundation
Supported by:
Borong Polok Handmade Paper Unit, Sangam Club and Nawa Samaj in July 2003
Year:
December 2006
Area
Borong and Polok villages, South Sikkim
This project aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge of local communities through volunteer engagement. By collaborating with local organizations and volunteers, the initiative focused on providing practical training and educational opportunities tailored to the needs of the communities in Borong and Polok villages in South District of Sikkim.
The Sikkim Development Foundation facilitated learning and knowledge sharing in various areas, including the design and production of handmade paper and paper products, website design, and the creation of marketing and advertising materials. Additionally, the project offered training in basic computer operations and a spoken English language course for local primary school students, equipping them with essential skills for future opportunities.
By empowering community members with these new skills, the project enabled them to explore potential livelihood opportunities and enhance their economic prospects. The initiative fostered a spirit of self-reliance and community development, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the villages involved.
Area
Wok, Sikip Block.
The core of the campaign was to strengthen the community to bring about a sense of belonging . This in turn would transform the attitude of ownership of the community towards its vital assets: its water resource, the health of its people, its natural and built environment.
The activities undertaken were-
Community Mapping
An exercise to map the area indicating significant social, historical and natural assets and landmarks. [ roads, paths, water sources, waterways, religious places, natural features, schools, govt. institutions, settlements, commercial, land use/ landscape, historic places…] These would include water sources, distribution system etc.
Awareness drive at Sanganath and Tingmo Secondary Schools:
Orientation on basics of water, sanitation and waste management and sensitizing them on the strategic approach of the campaign.
Building Toilets:
Sanganath and Tingmo Secondary Schools faced water management issues, with inadequate toilets not suited for heavy use. To address this, students and skilled workers collaborated to build and upgrade new toilets. This initiative, part of the IEC campaign, involved active participation from both students and teachers, boosting awareness and engagement.
Water harvesting:
Introduced as a simple solution that can take care of the sanitary needs of the students.
Awareness on waste management:
Awareness about the different components of waste and their characteristics.
Research, Evaluation, and Policy Advocacy
Our Research, Evaluation, and Policy Advocacy initiatives focus on analyzing programs, assessing impacts, and shaping policies to promote sustainable development in Sikkim. Through evidence-based research, we aim to inform decision-making and advocate for effective strategies that benefit local communities.
Funded By:
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata
Year:
Completed in July 2003
Area
Gangtok
This seminar aimed to stimulate discussions and identify potential issues within the Teesta Eco-region which encompasses Sikkim, North Bengal and part of North Bangladesh. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, the seminar explored opportunities for sustainable growth while preserving the region's ecological balance.
The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, fostering partnerships for future development initiatives.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the Total Sanitation Campaign in Sikkim.
Funded By:
Rural Management and Development Department
Year:
August 2008
Area
State of Sikkim
This project evaluated the effectiveness of the Total Sanitation Campaign in Sikkim. Through a comprehensive assessment of sanitation coverage, behavior change, and sustainability, the project identified strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. The findings of the evaluation were submitted to the commissioning department with recommendations to inform policy decisions and refine sanitation promotion strategies.
Organized By:
Human Resources Development Department, Government of Sikkim
Funded By:
Human Resources Development Department, Government of Sikkim
Year:
2010-11
Area
State of Sikkim