United Nations Public Service Awards Case Studies

Of the 800 million people in the world who suffer from chronic hunger and poverty, half are in India. Extreme poverty in rural India is rooted in landlessness. Landless families who depend on agricultural wage labor are almost always the poorest of the poor. Today, India has approximately 330 million people who sit at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder, dependent on agricultural wage labor that typically pays $1 per day or less. Because the demand for agricultural labor is seasonal, and because the number of workers often exceeds demand even during planting and harvesting, many agricultural laborers are underemployed for much of the year. The poor bargaining position of laborers subjects them to feudalistic relationships that often further depress their wages and expose them to mistreatment at the hands of the employers on whose lands they work. Even successful efforts to improve agricultural productivity are likely to significantly bypass the landless poor—particularly women—unless they first obtain secure land rights.

Although women comprise a significant majority of India’s agricultural labor force, they rarely have secure rights to land and are often among the most vulnerable groups in India. Women’s multiple roles in the household and informal sector, coupled with high illiteracy rates, childcare obligations, and cultural constraints, leave them with fewer options than men for non-agricultural employment. As a result, 80 percent of women in rural India depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Without secure rights to land and control over the income it generates, rural women are consigned to highly precarious positions in cases of widowhood, divorce or abandonment by the husband. Secure property rights can also give women greater bargaining power within households and are associated with much lower levels of domestic violence.

India’s central and state governments have long recognized the close connection between poverty and landlessness. Overwhelming empirical evidence shows that providing access to land—while not a panacea for extreme poverty—is a crucial intervention that enables the poor to begin a progressive cycle out of poverty.
Unfortunately, many of India’s earlier land reform efforts failed to meet their objectives and in some cases harmed the welfare of the poor and reduced agricultural efficiency. One flawed assumption of these earlier land reform efforts was that landless households required a “full-sized” farm—typically 2.5 acres or more—in order to receive meaningful benefits. This would require redistributing 25 percent of India’s cropland—a strategy that is infeasible for both political and financial reasons.

Yet global research has revealed that the amount of land needed to provide major benefits to landless families is not substantial. Indeed, a “micro-plot” as small as 1/10th of an acre or less can provide important benefits to poor families and demonstrates a practical solution that is both politically and financially feasible. And importantly, micro-plots can be titled in women’s names, helping to empower women and give them greater control over resources used to benefit children.

What is the initiative about? (the solution)
Micro-plots do not replace existing livelihoods, but rather supplement them, for example by providing space for growing vegetables to provide micro-nutrients and reduce malnutrition. Research indicates that micro-land ownership can provide: BETTER NUTRITION & HEALTH. On a 1/10th-acre plot, families can produce most of their fruit, vegetable and dairy needs, greatly reducing malnutrition and increasing micro-nutrient intake. Internationally, improvements in nutrition are associated with reduced infant and child mortality and may limit risky behaviors that can lead to HIV/AIDS. INCREASED INCOME. Families can sell excess production from gardening, agro-forestry, and animal husbandry in the market, producing as much as $200, roughly equivalent to what an agricultural worker makes in a year. ESCAPE FROM EXPLOITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS. Obtaining a micro-plot can enable landless laborers to escape exploitative relationships and bargain for better terms. IMPROVED STATUS. Status is critically important to Indian families, and impacts many aspects of social and economic life. Landowning families experience improved status, pride, and a greater stake in the community. EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN. By controlling income generated from micro-plot gardens, women are better able to ensure that their children are fed, receive education and health care, and contribute to the community. Land rights also provide protection in the case of divorce or widowhood, and can reduce domestic violence. ENHANCED WEALTH. Land is a valuable asset, and it provides families with an opportunity to build wealth by constructing a house, planting trees and making other long-term investments. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP. Micro-plots are associated with enhanced nutrient recycling, enhanced biodiversity, and land conservation and restoration. New micro-plots may also reduce pressure on poor populations to convert forests and wetlands. SOURCE OF SHLETER. Micro-plots afford a place for a family to build a house, creating physical, economic and psychological benefits. In 2001, RDI established an office in Bangalore and began forging partnerships with several Indian states interested in exploring the nexus between rural land ownership and poverty. In 2006, RDI received a three-year grant from the John R. Templeton Foundation to begin micro-land ownership programs in rural India. Four states—Karnataka, West Bengal, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh—have now adopted micro-land ownership programs. Collection, analysis and dissemination of data from these programs will help RDI to make adjustments along the way and replicate success in other states. To measure the impacts, RDI will conduct two large-scale sample surveys in each state to assess the nature and extent of the benefits that micro-plots provide to beneficiary families. These surveys will also assess the costs and risks borne by beneficiaries and their communities. We will use a large control group of families to establish causation between the allocation of the micro-plots and the observed changes in household characteristics. Based on the studies, RDI will prepare written reports and will meet with state policy makers to present findings. Success will be leveraged, sustainable and scalable.

Who proposed the solution, who implemented it and who were the stakeholders?
RDI’s micro-land ownership programs are carefully designed and implemented in consultation and partnership with local stakeholders, since governments and local NGOs must collaborate to implement the programs. RDI has developed partnerships with Indian researchers and NGOs and built solid working relationships with state government leaders and policymakers. RDI also has strong central government support at the national Government of India level. RDI hires and works closely with Indian professionals and partner organizations to the greatest extent possible. This not only maximizes the short-term effectiveness of our efforts, but also builds capacity for a growing group of Indian professionals who can carry on the work beyond the project to ensure its sustainability. State interest in micro-land ownership has also attracted international partners, such as the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (UNFAO), the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the World Bank, each of which has funded and co-sponsored program activities. In each state, RDI’s local partners help to provide a tailored, culturally specific program that fits the specific needs of each community. For example, local NGOs help RDI ensure that once poor families attain secure rights to a micro-plot, they are educated on how best to use it. Beneficiaries receive nutritional education, advice on what can be grown to meet family nutrition needs, what crops are marketable, how to cultivate crops and raise poultry and small livestock, and how to access markets. In Karnataka, RDI works with NGOs such as AME Foundation, UASB, and the UNFAO to provide agricultural extension training. RDI has also teamed with SEEMA, a local NGO that educates families and provides support for developing sustainable agricultural practices, as well as community training on gender issues and women’s empowerment. Other partners include the Karnataka State Government Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, responsible for overseeing implementation of the micro-plot program; the Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and the Minister and Secretary of Agriculture. At the local level, RDI works with a select number of Gram Panchayats (elected village councils) and village secretaries. RDI also works with the University of Agricultural Sciences, the premier institute of agricultural learning in Karnataka. In Orissa, RDI works with the Revenue Department, state Cabinet Ministers and government officials from the Department of Rural Development and Agriculture. RDI also works with the National Youth Services and Social Development Research Institute, the only Orissa NGO recognized by the United Nations, Utkal University, and the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology. In West Bengal, RDI works with the Department of Land and Land Reforms, and the Ministers and Secretaries of Rural Development and Agriculture. RDI also works with Economic Information Technology (EIT), a Kolkata-based research organization that undertakes research projects for international clients, and a local university. In Andhra Pradesh, RDI works an NGO called the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP); the Department of Rural Development; Department of Revenue; Chief Commissioner of Land Administration; Center for Good Governance; ActionAid; Deccan Development Society; Mahila Samata; and Nalsar University of Law.

Describe how and when the initiative was implemented by answering these questions
a. What were the strategies used to implement the initiative? In no more than 500 words, provide a summary of the main objectives and strategies of the initiative, how they were established and by whom.
The main strategies used to implement MLO were established through over 40 years of work around the world. We have seen the benefits of MLO – in a slightly different context from the de-collectivization in the former Soviet Union where we assisted the new governments in re-writing their legislation and implementing their new programs. There was an immediate crop production increase thereby providing not only a new abundance of food, but a proven and dramatic curve in production outputs that was analyzed against size of plot. The numbers were very clear – smaller plots production was much more significant than commercial sized farms. This information was then added to our already significant findings from our first efforts in Vietnam that show private land ownership increased rice production by 30%.

b. What were the key development and implementation steps and the chronology? No more than 500 words
The initial step was to do the field and desk side research to provide a solid basis to support our previous understanding of the issues at hand. The next step was focused on raising awareness with policy makers, decision makers, academics and politicians. This was done through a concentrated call schedule that took an enormous amount of time and energy. Once we began to build momentum with policy briefings we were able to gain access to groups, associations and interested organizations to speak on the program merits. This began to build a core group that help solidify our credibility and further enhance our chance to create more interest. Once we built a solid base of believers we proposed pilot projects in several locations. With the help of local governments we implemented not only the state legislation but the local government education component and then, armed with the knowledge and understanding of the law – implemented the pilot projects with the aid of state level land acquisition and distribution. Our overarching goal was then to follow up with monitoring of the projects, continued education at the local government level and also for the beneficiaries. Finally we engage the local NGOs and SHGs to facilitate additional support, agricultural extension and micro-credit services. Continued monitoring of the projects, programs and services to ensure that the model was employed properly and adjustments are then made as necessary.

c. What were the main obstacles encountered? How were they overcome? No more than 500 words
The main obstacles encountered have been: understanding of the need, political will, legislation to support the program, lack of knowledge at the village level once the legislation and programs are in place, cultural barriers – most particularly regarding gender, finding adequate partnerships to provide agricultural extension and micro-credit. We began by awareness raising, speaking to the benefits – economic, political and social stability – as well as sharing the successes. We did this using seminars, symposiums, policy briefings, media, technology and word of mouth. As we have been doing this type of work for over 40 years, in over 40 countries and have impacted over 400,000,000 people we knew we would be required to be patient, supportive, build champions throughout the region and look for those who would be connectors, mavens and salespeople for our mission and vision. We also looked to academics and politicians for their support and sphere of influence to get to the decision makers and continue to use this same process as we work to bring more states into this program. Once we have established a core group to work with we have employed a “training the trainer” approach to leverage our ability to get to as many beneficiaries as possible. This also has been important as the benefits which we did not count on have been the word of mouth that has garnered more interest and more support. We have also been greatly assisted by the work of other NGOs that have provided the additional agricultural extension and micro-credit that has allowed the beneficiaries to increase their successes – again, creating more interest through example and word of mouth. We have learned that this work is a team sport – that no one organization can accomplish the tremendous task and no one organization can take credit for the work that has occurred. We know the true heroes are the states who embraced the vision and grabbed hold of the process, the beneficiaries who took the opportunity and made it their own and the funders who saw the vision and were willing to make the long term investment to garner the appropriate outcomes.

d. What resources were used for the initiative and what were its key benefits? In no more than 500 words, specify what were the financial, technical and human resources’ costs associated with this initiative. Describe how resources were mobilized
Initially the funding was provided through a variety of foundations to begin the pilot projects. Once the projects were beginning to show positive results, increased funding was sought and acquired. Additional funding for more in depth survey work and awareness raising is eminent. We are currently funding an office in Bangalore and Delhi as well as one India consultant, two India administrative staff and one full time US attorney who is posted in India through 2007-2008 fiscal year. Our funding sources have also provided us the communications budget to continue to raise awareness with the aid and guidance of a professional public relations firm. Our total budget is $318,000 annually with an impact currently to extend to about 100,000 beneficiaries of the 300,000,000 landless poor in India. These numbers will grow exponentially now that we have developed the systems and economies of scale. Additionally, with the interest and support of the federal government which is setting aside budgetary dollars for land acquisition at market rates to match state funding we should see more state interest in the coming months. With the potential new funding coming into play we will be looking to grow to manage the increased demand for our expertise and training. We are currently completing our global policy briefings – London is the final city, January 29th, 2008 and will continue to provide press releases and fact sheets to the media, policy leaders and academics as the development and successes continue to grow.

Is the initiative sustainable and transferable?
The process of micro-land ownership (MLO) is a highly leveraged, sustainable and generational program that has proven to be extremely effective since the first programs began as early as 1993. As MLO takes such a small portion of arable land – as little as 1/10th of an acre – it reduces the chances of graft or corruption as very few people would want such a small plot within the confines of hundreds of other plots for formerly landless poor. The plot size is not meant to provide full economic freedom, but is designed to supplement the nutrition and income of the rural poor. India has embraced this concept and the federal government has just recently agreed to provide additional funding to support the states that incorporate these programs within their own jurisdictions. Our initial programs began in Karnataka and have since, due to awareness raising through symposiums, work groups and policy briefings has spread to West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. It has also been instituted in Pakistan on a pilot project basis that is underway in conjunction with IDLO. The benefits of MLO are basic and logical. From the moral aspect – it is a proven concept that promotes poverty alleviation, better health, education for children and a better life for the rural poor families. From the economic aspect it provides the fundamental steps to begin to build a middle class – the future consumers of goods and services as well as provides future tax dollars – turning those who are economic drains turn into economic builders and provided larger macro benefits such as economic, political and social stability. Additionally there are gender and cultural benefits. First we understand that women account for over 50% of the world’s population, provide 60-80% of the world’s food production yet own less than 5% of the world’s land. Women are great stewards of the family income and will use it for the betterment of their children and household. When women receive land rights they are protected from loosing their homes due to abandonment, divorce or widowhood that may lead to risky behavior increasing HIV/AIDS. Statistical data shows decreased abuse as the women are now economic partners in the household. Secure land rights reduces urban migration, provides a financial safety net if they do migrate, keep families together and reduces sending children off to schools that may be training grounds for terrorists. MLO’s have statistically proven to be environmental stewards of the land and production increased as a result of their efforts. Due to the efforts and recommendations that suitable arable land be presented to the beneficiaries the states in India have carefully chosen land that is in proximity to their villages, not environmentally fragile, purchased at market rates and appropriate documentation for programs to ensure both the women and men’s names on the title. RDI is training the trainers using a variety of methods to ensure institutional knowledge is leveraged and sustainable and has helped write legislation with appropriate language for enforcement.

What are the impact of your initiative and the lessons learned?
To borrow the metaphor of fishing, we realized that providing fish to the world’s rural poor would feed them today, but tomorrow we would still be looked upon to supply more fish; their social and economic security would still be in peril. What we realized is that people do not really want fish, they want the opportunity to fish for themselves. We recognized that by providing them the opportunity to fish, to attain the fishing pole, help them learn how to use it and then ensure they have secure rights to the pond, they will take advantage of the opportunity and succeed in fishing. Indeed, some will even start a fishing business. In the actual context of our work--securing land rights for the rural poor--even a plot as small as 1/10th of an acre can be the foundation that can begin a progressive cycle of growth. It begins with status and hope--the new land owners are now part of a community. (Often, when asked, they say this is the most important benefit to them.) The next step is nutrition from the first plantings, providing essential micronutrients that can improve their health, ability to withstand illness, reduce infant mortality and lower birth rates as more children survive past infancy. The next step is income from the first crop rotation, as families can sell the abundance in their new community by simply taking the products to the roadside--a small footprint that does not drain fossil fuels or necessitate infrastructure such as transport. In India, this income is often equal to a laborers annual wages. This wealth allows families to take their children out of the fields and into the classrooms, empowering the next generation. Next, families begin to make investments in their land – livestock pens, shelters, bio-fuel areas, trellises, etc., so they are building wealth and security – both emotional and physical. One of the final steps is their ability to access and use credit. We know that micro-lending is not always effective in reaching to poorest of the poor due to the difficulty and cost of transport. It is not cost-effective for many MFI's to travel to reach families in remote, rural villages. In addition, without land, a woman borrower could not use a loan to purchase a cow to sell milk in the marketplace as she would have no place to keep the cow. Without land, a tenant farmer is often at odds with their landlord who may confiscate the animal or charge additional rent. Land must come first--it is the foundation upon whcih other interventions such as microcredit can work more effectively. Micro-land ownership is not a panacea to global poverty, but it is the foundation for a progressive cycle of growth that empowers to rural poor to break the cycle of poverty that traps each future generation. Land is highly leveraged, sustainable and generational in its impacts.


Institution Name:		Rural Development Institute
Institution Type:		Non-Governmental Organization
Contact Person:		Gail Romero
Title:		Director of Development
Telephone/ Fax:		(206) 528-5880
Institution's / Project's Website:		(206) 528-5881
E-mail:		gailr@rdiland.org
Address:		1411 4th Ave., Suite 910
Postal Code:		98101
City:		Seattle
State/Province:		WA
Country:		United States

The Problem

Solution and Key Benefits

Actors and Stakeholders

(a) Strategies

(b) Implementation

(c) Overcoming Obstacles

(d) Use of Resources

Sustainability and Transferability

Lessons Learned

Contact Information