MID-TERM APPRAISAL STUDY OF A.P. PARTICIPATORY TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (IFAD-II)

Abstract

The Andhra Pradesh participatory Tribal Development Project (IFAD-II) is being implemented in 28 watersheds covering 1016 tribal villages and 76810 families in five ITDAs viz., Adilabad, Eturunagaram (Warangal District), Bhadrachalam (Khammam District), K.R. Puram (West Godavari District) and Sundipenta (Comprises of Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar, Prakasam, Guntur, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda Districts). A special strategy was adopted for identification of predominantly tribal villages/habitations by fixing two norms. The study covered only 5 per cent of the sample schemes grounded up to 31st march, 1998. Multiple stratified random sampling method was adopted in identifying the schemes and villages. From each ITDA 3-5 Mandals were selected randomly, from each watershed at least one Mandal was covered and from each Mandal 2 to 3 villages were selected. The scope of the survey was mainly restricted to soil conversion works, small scale irrigation, horticulture, women development (thrift groups), satellite nurseries etc. The study covered 429 households with a total population of 2428. The more medium size family households consisting of 5-7 members, are 56.68. There are small farmer households followed by marginal farmers. In the study area, 76.88 of households are illiterates. The proportion of children studying in secondary education is very low (14.88). The study reveals that there are a greater number of cultivators, but the agricultural and irrigation activities are not reaching interior areas of the tribal pockets. A positive sign in labour households is due implementation of off-farm schemes. Some of the households got self-employed. The study revealed that in the case of 96% of beneficiaries/schemes, they were identified on the basis of survey and selected in the Gramsabha meetings conducted within the villages. About 87% of the households reveals that the grounding of the scheme, were done in proper time and at a time. 67% of the schemes were given in the form of assets. Only 21% of the schemes were partially grounded in which minor irrigation tanks/kuntas, check dams, soil and moisture conservation works were there. The schemes were intact with the 77% of beneficiaries, whereas in 14% it is partially intact, which was happened in horticulture. The study observed that 86 per cent of tribals are living in kutcha houses. There are lot of demand for permanent housing. The self-employment programme under ISB and milch animal schemes may be given more priority. The study also observed that presently, the GCC is not active in these areas. It is suggested that strengthening of GVVK school by giving more powers to the parents committee/VTDAs. Proper care must also be taken on health and sanitation aspects. Quarterly/half years evaluation studies of the programmes have to be made to see the process and impact of the programme. If any gaps or problems in the implementation, delays, if any, can be rectified and suitable action may be taken.