Rural & Community Development
Natural Resource Management & Watershed Development
Since 1990, Rajasthan Bal Kalyan Samiti (RBKS) has been working extensively on Natural Resource Management and Watershed Projects, addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Over the years, RBKS has partnered with esteemed organizations, including the Aga Khan Foundation, Wells for India (UK), CAPART, World Food Programme, Canadian High Commission, Swiss Development Cooperation, Caritas India, NABARD, Binani, Department of Science & Technology (New Delhi), Tribal Area Development Department, and Government of Rajasthan.
Currently, RBKS is actively implementing projects in partnership with NABARD, The Hans Foundation, and the Directorate of Watershed, Jaipur.
| Key Focus Areas | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Watershed development and water management | Introduction of new agricultural technologies |
| Development and conservation of existing water resources | Organic farming and fodder management |
| Soil and water conservation measures | Water source creation and reducing water velocity |
| Agriculture and livestock management | Capacity building of local communities |
| Promotion of horticulture, floriculture, and medicinal plants | Skill training for sustainable livelihoods |
This integrated approach ensures ecological sustainability while improving agricultural productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Linking Education and Livelihoods
During early field visits, RBKS realized that addressing child labor required more than awareness—it required strengthening livelihoods. Families struggling to survive often relied on child labor, preventing children from attending school. In 1981, RBKS expanded its mission to include livelihood generation and women empowerment, ensuring that communities had the financial stability to support children’s education.
| Project Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Years of Experience | Working on Natural Resource Management & Watershed Projects since 1990 |
| Key Partners | NABARD, The Hans Foundation, Wells for India (UK), Aga Khan Foundation, Govt. of Rajasthan, and more |
| Focus Areas | Watershed management, soil & water conservation, organic farming, horticulture, livestock, skill training |
| Women Empowerment | Scholarships, residential facilities, and vocational training for girls and women |
| Leadership Outcomes | Women supported by RBKS now serve in Govt. & Private sectors; many as village Sarpanch |
| Community Impact | Reduced child labor, improved livelihoods, enhanced education access, and sustainable rural development |
Women Empowerment – Building Generations
It is rightly said, “You educate a woman, you educate a generation.” RBKS has always believed that empowering women is central to community transformation.
Our Initiatives for Women:
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Skill Development & Training: Equipping women with financial and social self-reliance skills.
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Residential Facilities & Scholarships: Addressing challenges of mobility and affordability for higher, technical, vocational, and professional education.
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Leadership Opportunities: Many women supported by RBKS are now serving in government and private sectors, and some have even risen to leadership roles as Sarpanch (village heads).
By building strong women’s communities, RBKS has laid the foundation for long-term social and economic empowerment.
Impact
Through decades of work in watershed development, livelihood creation, and women’s empowerment, RBKS has successfully transformed rural communities by:
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Improving natural resource management and agricultural sustainability
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Enabling families to send children to school by reducing economic dependency on child labor
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Creating pathways for women to lead change in their homes, communities, and governance
RBKS continues to strengthen rural and tribal communities by combining resource management, livelihood generation, and empowerment, ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.
