ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 1
The Timbaktu Collective’s Annual Report :: April 2018 to March 2019
Edit & Design: Mr. Ashok Kumar Ganguly Compilation: Ms. Tara Braganza Contributors: Mr. C.K.Ganguly, Ms. Mary Vattamattam, Mr. Manikandan V., Mr. Madhu Sudan G., Ms. Manisha Kairaly, Mr. Siddharth Rao, Mr. Ramesh Kumar M., Ms. Ashwini K., Mr. Anjinappa E., Mr. Narasimha Murthy P., Ms. Paroma Sengupta Photo Credits: Mr. Shabeer Basha P., Mr. Mukesh N., Mr. Madhu Sudan G., Mr. Siddharth Rao, Mr. Ramesh Kumar M., IFOAM Organics International
TABLE OF CONTENTS No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Chapter
Pg.
Message from the Executive Director About Us Programme Highlights 3.1 Organic farming & marketing ...................................... 3.2 Rearing of small ruminants by landless, agricultural labourers ..................................................................... 3.3 Facilitating rural enterprises ......................................... 3.4 Natural regeneration & biodiversity conservation ......... 3.5 Child rights, youth engagement, alternative education ................................................................... 3.6 Rights and livelihoods of persons with disabilities ......... 3.7 Financial empowerment & rights of women ................. General Highlights Administration Our Supporters Financial Information Organisational Information
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3. 4. 8. 8. 10. 11. 13. 15. 17. 19. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.
1: MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “Despite great strides in natural and human
into a reality, a space, that is both frightening
sciences, medicine, technology and human
and confusing, possibly like what Sita may have
rights, much of humanity’s recent history has
felt when she crossed the threshold drawn by
been a litany of war, genocide, terrorism, tyranny,
Lakshman.
racism, dehumanizing ideologies, pseudo-sciences, psychological and social chaos, seemingly
Yet, we, in the Timbaktu Collective, like the Baha’i,
intractable poverty and unbridled avarice. It would
believe that humanity has progressed as far as it
seem that no reasonable person can follow the
can, in a chaotic world, divided and warring, and
news and be convinced that the future will be
is at the threshold of an age of justice and peace.
significantly different. Yet, the Baha’is believe,
To attain this, we need to inculcate the values of
contrary to any lesson history teaches, that
unity, respect and freedom and the principles of
humanity is at the threshold of an age of peace,
health, ecology, fairness and care, for all. Our work
true liberty, democracy, tolerance, prosperity, and
is nothing but a reflection of this. I hope you enjoy
economic and social justice” writes Frank Stetzer in reading our Annual his introduction to the Baha’i faith.
Report and support our efforts in any
It does not seem very different from what is
way you can.
happening in this beloved country of ours. We, as a nation-state, seem to have left our childhood
Best wishes,
behind and entered adolescence, a kind of coming of age. As we begin to have adult thoughts mixed with childish thoughts, we are starting to comprehend wider truths and see broader visions. In the process, we, the citizens, are being forced
C.K. ‘Bablu’ Ganguly
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2: ABOUT US 2.1 Introduction The Timbaktu Collective is a grassroots non-profit
With community participation and ownership
organisation that works towards the sustainable
as the underlying priorities, we develop and
development of marginalised people across 182
implement various thematic programmes. The
villages in eight mandals of the drought-prone and
operational strategy across the majority of our
ecologically challenged Ananthapuramu District in
programmes is the creation of independent
the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The Collective
people’s organisations, registered as Mutually
was registered in Bengaluru in November 1990,
Aided Cooperative Societies - to build solidarity
with its field office located in Chennekothapalli
among marginalised sections of rural people,
village.
and address issues of poverty, food security and livelihoods.
Our mission is “to enable marginalised rural people, landless labourers, and small and marginal
The Collective is closely linked with ‘Timbaktu’,
farmers, particularly women, children, youth,
a 32-acre agro-forest habitat and intentional
Dalits and persons with disabilities, to enhance
community that prioritises natural regeneration,
their livelihood resources, get organised and work
organic gardening, renewable energy, and
towards social justice and gender equity, and lead
sustainable living. A school for underprivileged
life in a meaningful and joyous manner”. The
children, Prakruthi Badi, is also located within its
values dear to us: the celebration of life, gender
premises. Timbaktu is just off National Highway
equity, faith in people and their wisdom, and
44, which links Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and is 5
excellence.
km from Chennekothapalli village.
2.2 Our Programmes Organic farming & marketing Organic farming among smallholder farmers & processing, value addition, and marketing of organic food. Gramasiri (“wealth of the village”) Rearing of small ruminants by landless, agricultural labourers. Aadharana (“support”) Facilitating rural enterprises: Timbaktu Shop, Bhavani Weaving Unit (handloom weaves), Militha Livelihood Unit (soap). Kalpavalli (“eternal source of abundance”) Natural regeneration and biodiversity conservation of common lands. Chiguru (“tender leaf”) Child rights, youth engagement, alternative education. Militha (“inclusion”) Advancing the rights and livelihoods of persons with disabilities. Swasakthi (“power of self”) Financial empowerment and rights of women.
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2.3 Partnerships and outreach Partner Cooperatives
Organic Farming & Marketing
Dharani Farming & Marketing Cooperative
Timbaktu Collective
Gramasiri
Kalpavalli
Militha
Swasakthi
Employees’ welfare organisation
Gramasiri MATCS*
Kalpavalli Tree Growers’ Cooperative Society
Prathibha Cooperative of Persons with Disabilities
Mahasakthi Cooperative Federation
Timbaktu Kalayika MATCS
Adisakthi MATCS (Chennekothapalli)
Ananthasakthi MATCS (Roddam)
Mahilasakthi MATCS (Ramagiri)
Durgasakthi MATCS (Penukonda)
*Mutually Aided Thrift Cooperative Society. Consolidated Net Worth of Partner
Timbaktu Collective’s
Cooperatives on March 31,2019
Programme-wise Outreach
No.
Cooperative
Net worth in lakhs, INR
1
Adisakthi MATCS
897.05
2
Ananthasakthi MATCS
649.14
3
Mahilasakthi MATCS
559.90
4
Durgasakthi MATCS
435.86
5
Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative
338.72
6
Gramasiri MATCS
7
No.
1
Programme
Organic farming
Stakeholders
2,068
and marketing 2
Gramasiri
997
3
Aadharana
25
4
Kalpavalli
2,400
5
Chiguru
2,060
219.65
6
Militha
1,559
Prathibha Cooperative of Persons with Disabilities
117.22
7
Swasakthi
22,887
TOTAL
31,996
8
Timbaktu Kalayika MATCS
39.79
9
Kalpavalli Tree Growers’ Cooperative
1.26
TOTAL
325.9*
*Approx. USD 4.57 million
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2.4 Awards and Recognition Outstanding practice in agro-ecology
Mary, and members of Dharani FaM Coop, Karthi
The Timbaktu Collective was among 15
met a farmer in Kalikivandlapalli in Ramagiri
practices recognised as ‘Outstanding Practices
mandal. Karthi was very appreciative of our work,
in Agroecology 2019’ by the World Future
and made the first-ever donation to our upcoming
Council (WFC) in collaboration with Technology
‘School of Farming’.
for Agroecology in the Global South (TAGS). The Collective’s work in organic farming is now
Previous awards & recognition • Lush Spring Prize (2017) from Lush Cosmetics, UK • The One World Award (2014) from Rapunzel Naturkost GmbH and IFOAM Organics International • Real Heroes (2013) in the Environment category of the annual awards organised by the CNN-IBN television channel in partnership with Reliance Foundation • Mary received the Vanitha Woman of the Year Award (2010) from the Malayala Manorama Group • Mary and Bablu were selected as the Couple of the Year (2005) by The Week magazine and featured as the cover story in its year-end, special edition • Bablu was elected to the prestigious Ashoka
regarded as an exemplary agro-ecological practice that empowers small-scale food producers, nurtures sustainable food production systems, and promotes resilient agricultural practices. Earth Day Stars Bablu and Mary received a Certificate of Recognition for the promotion of organic farming from Earth Day Network – India. Karthi visits Timbaktu Karthi, the popular Tamil film actor, accompanied by representatives of Uzhavan Foundation (his initiative for the welfare of farmers) and Agaram Foundation (his brother, Suriya’s educational foundation), visited The Timbaktu Collective on
Fellowship in 1993
March 27, 2019. Besides discussions with Bablu,
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3: PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS 3.1 Organic farming and marketing Introduction The Collective’s organic agriculture programme
agriculture value chain and improve their returns.
promotes sustainable, local and climate-resilient
The services offered by the Cooperative to its
farming among smallholder farmers who are
members include efficient and timely procurement
engaged in family farming and cultivation of
at the farm gate at a fixed (premium) price,
diverse food crops, with a focus on millets and
accurate measurement of produce, processing,
pulses.
storage, value addition, packaging, and marketing. A share of profits is redistributed to members
Some of the key activities undertaken by the
proportionate to the produce procured from them
programme:
by the Cooperative.
• • •
Provision of extension services for crop planning, cultivation, and harvesting
Timbaktu Organic’s product line includes:
Facilitating village-level sangha meetings and
•
mandal-level leaders’ meetings
kodo, pearl, etc. in the form of flour, rice and
Implementing and monitoring a Package of
semolina •
Practices (PoP) •
Millets: foxtail, little, great, finger, barnyard,
Groundnut: whole, roasted, and spiced; coldpressed oil
Training and capacity building on cultivation •
practices, preparation of organic fertilizers and
Pulses: red gram, cowpea, green gram, horse gram
pesticides etc. •
Facilitating peer-to-peer learning
•
Ready-to-eat and cook items
•
Organic certification as per the Participatory
•
Wild honey
Guarantee Systems (PGS) •
Highlights
Maintaining a Management Information System with field data on farmer members,
Dharani FaM Coop completed 11 years of
acreage and extent of cultivation, quantity and
operations in March 2019. From starting with 300
quality of harvest etc. •
members from six villages in 2008-09, when it
Provision of inputs such as seeds, manure,
earned a revenue of Rs. 30 lakhs, the Cooperative
biomass, Halikar cattle (a traditional milch and
has grown into a thriving business enterprise with
draught animal), sprayers etc.
2,068 members from 58 villages, with an annual revenue of Rs. 3.8 crores (≈ USD 531,000).
The programme also promotes the Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative (Dharani FaM
The Cooperative achieved its highest-ever net
Coop), a producer-owned and managed business
sales of Rs. 3.77 crores in 2018-19. The sales value
enterprise that markets the organic produce of its
increased by 22.80% when compared to 2017-18.
members by using the ‘Timbaktu Organic’ brand
This was attributed to high demand for value-
name.
added products and groundnuts.
Established in 2008, Dharani FaM Coop has enabled farmers to gain control over the
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‘Timbaktu Organic’ products were promoted and sold in various stalls and exhibitions such as The Courtyard’s ‘Farmers Market’ (July 22, 2018, Bengaluru), BIOFACH India (October 25-27, 2018, New Delhi), Organics and Millets International Trade Fair 2019 (January 18-20, 2019, Bengaluru). 437 members supplied 442 tonnes of organic produce to Dharani FaM Coop during the crop procurement done after the Kharif and Rabi seasons. Rs. 1.72 crores (≈ USD 240,000) was spent on procurement, and this created an
women. After largely being involved in millet
immediate financial benefit for the members. They
de-stoning and de-husking, the women were
will share Rs. 7.46 lakhs in patronage bonuses
increasingly taking part in machine processing.
during the Cooperative’s AGM in September
The cost of providing daily wages was increased
2019. Patronage bonuses are additional incentives
by 82% – from Rs. 26.20 lakhs in 2017-18 to Rs.
given to members for selling their produce to
47.74 lakhs in 2018-19 due to an increase in the
Dharani FaM Coop. They are calculated as follows:
daily wage rate.
Rs. 5 per kg of millets or pulses, and Rs. 1 per kg of groundnut and paddy.
Ms. Shonali Madappa, a Bengaluru-based design consultant, was hired to upgrade the Timbaktu
The Cooperative’s central production unit provided
Organic brand and re-design the packaging for
23,270 labour days of daily wage work for
all products. The new Timbaktu Organic brand
both manual and machine-based processing. Of
identity and packaging design will be introduced
these, 21,138 labour days of work was provided
in the latter part of 2019.
to women. This was done as part Dharani FaM Coop’s strategy of providing employment
Due to irregular rains, there was a high level of
opportunities to the local population, particularly
disparity between crop planning and harvest. 1,972 farmers went in for crop planning. Of these, only 1,219 farmers could sow crops in 4,844 acres. Finally, only 767 members were able to harvest crops in 3,182 acres. 376 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) were conducted between April - September 2018. The important topics covered were crop planning, pest management and preparation of organic concoctions such as panchagavya and jeevamrutham. 24 farmers were trained as Master Trainers. The emphasis was on ensuring adherence to the inhouse PoP for organic farming.
9
As part of the Participatory Guarantee Systems
team members visited Deccan Development
(PGS) of peer-based organic certification, plot
Society (DDS) in Zaheerabad, Telangana on
inspections of all 2,068 farmers were completed
October 26-27, 2018. They were inspired by
during the Kharif season. 1,570 members were
the women leaders at the forefront of its work,
certified as organic, 496 farmers were certified as
particularly their seed bank initiative.
“In conversion – 2”, and two farmers are certified The Collective supported a Permaculture Design
as “In conversion – 1”.
Course (PDC) hosted by Timbaktu Kutumbam Dharani FaM Coop’s members, as well as the
Foundation - a sister organisation, at the
organic field team, undertook exposure visits
Sri Kailasam farm near Gondipalli village in
to learn from best practices. On May 20-23, 58
Penukonda mandal. The PDC was facilitated by
people visited the farm of the late Dr. Narayan
eight experienced permaculture designers. 15
Reddy, who was a noted organic farmer in
participants from across India took part in the
Doddaballapur, Karnataka, to learn about
course, which lasted from January 2 to 16, 2019.
sustainable agriculture, water management, and biomass/compost preparation. 41 farmers and
3.2 Rearing of small ruminants by landless, agricultural labourers Introduction The Gramasiri (“wealth of the village”) programme sangha meetings or were not rearing small enhances the livelihoods of landless agricultural
ruminants.
labourers by promoting the rearing of small ruminants, operationalising thrift and credit
The Cooperative’s capital base crossed the Rs. 2
activities, and developing common lands. The
crore mark, finishing at Rs. 2.18 crores (≈ USD
programme collaborates with the Gramasiri
304,000) on March 2019. This was made possible
Agricultural Mutually Aided Thrift Cooperative
due to the continued robustness of the thrift and
Society (Gramasiri Cooperative).
credit operations.
Gramasiri Cooperative undertakes monthly thrift
145 members (new or recently joined) from nine
collection and provides loans to members to buy
sanghas were covered in the Member Education
sheep or goat. It also offers ethnoveterinary and small ruminant insurance services to members. The Collective provides extensive technical assistance and guidance to the Cooperative, particularly on the rearing of small ruminants and access to subsidized loans.
Highlights Gramasiri Cooperative’s membership was reduced from 1,034 to 997 after the conditions of being a shareholder were reiterated and enforced. This was necessitated by a context where some members were either not regularly attending the monthly
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sessions, which focused on the rights of a
September 2018. As a follow-up, a Vaidya Sangha
member, savings/loan repayment, responsibilities
(medical practitioners’ group) was established by
of being in a sangha, the role of leaders Directors,
them to attend to any animal health needs and
the goals of the Cooperative, etc. 10 leaders’
pass on their knowledge to members.
meetings were organised this year, with an emphasis on improving recovery rates.
The Cooperative processed 40 insurance claims [for the death of animals] after collecting
A pilot vaccination drive for small ruminants was
premiums for 692 animals as part of its recently
conducted in Basampalli, Venkatampalli, and Kalipi
initiated animal insurance scheme. A member is
in collaboration with block-level Government
entitled to receive Rs. 1,000 in case of an animal’s
Veterinary Officers in June and July 2018.
death, provided they have paid the premium of Rs. 100 and there is an approval from the respective
A refresher training on ethnoveterinary practices
sangha leader.
was conducted for interested members in
3.3 Facilitating rural enterprises Introduction
Highlights
The Aadharana programme establishes and
In its first year of operations, the Timbaktu Shop
promotes new community-owned rural enterprises. recorded total gross sales of Rs. 1.06 crores (≈ The programme manages the ‘Timbaktu Shop’ - a
USD 148,000). The break-up of sales as per brand/
unit of Dharani FaM Coop that sells organic food,
product and production unit are as follows:
handloom fabrics and handcrafted body care
•
products; and supports the business development
Timbaktu Organic (Dharani FAM Coop): Rs. 80.09 lakhs
and marketing needs of Bhavani Chenetha
•
Timbaktu Weaves (Bhavani): Rs. 13.52 lakhs
Sangam (Bhavani), a handloom-weaving centre of
•
Timbaktu Handcrafted Soaps (MJS): Rs. 8.69
and for marginalised rural women, and the Militha Jeevanopadhula Sangam (MJS), a livelihood unit
lakhs •
of persons with disabilities that manufactures handcrafted soap and bodycare products.
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Pickles, jaggery, neem fruit: Rs. 2.89 lakhs
One of the most successful sales days for Bhavani was at ‘Ugadi Utsav’, organised in Chennai by the Crafts Council of India on March 21-23, 2019.
The Timbaktu Shop received a footfall of 23,272 customers due to its convenient location at the intersection of Chennekothapalli bypass road and National Highway 44 and excellent customer service by the Aadharana team. The shop was opened on April 6, 2019; the Directors of Dharani FaM Coop performed the opening rites. The
MJS earned Rs. 9.15 lakhs (≈ USD 12,700) in 2018-
shop was a significant step towards realising the
19. This was mainly on because of sales made at
Collective’s vision of making markets work for rural the Timbaktu Shop. producers. Three new varieties of basic soap were introduced: jasmine soap, rose soap, and lemon soap. All three soaps were made after trying varying oil and saponification types to make the soaps affordable. These soaps were priced at Rs. 100 per bar. Manisha Kairaly, Director – Enterprises and Design, who directs the Aadharana programme, gave a talk titled ‘Celebrating Rural Ingenuity’ in Coimbatore on January 25, 2019. The talk focused on the Collective’s unique approach to rural enterprise development. This was part The 16 women weavers of Bhavani had another
of ‘Meanings and Metaphors – Handspun and
great year, recording sales of Rs. 14.42 lakhs
Handwoven in the 21st Century’, an exhibition
(≈ USD 20,000). There was a high demand
of handloom fabrics and saris organised by The
for Bhavani’s products, such as natural-dyed
Registry of Saris, Bengaluru, and Lakshmi Mills,
saris, dupattas, stoles, yardages, etc. The most
Coimbatore.
important sales channels were postal deliveries (based on requests received on their Instagram page - timbaktu.weaves), Timbaktu Shop, and participation in selected stalls and exhibitions.
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3.4 Natural regeneration and biodiversity conservation Introduction The Kalpavalli (“eternal source of abundance”)
to this major productive ecosystem (located in a
programme undertakes community-based
rain shadow area) because of deforestation,
natural resource management and biodiversity
overgrazing, forest fires and climate change.
conservation in the Kalpavalli Community
In addition, the programme seeks to establish
Conservation Area (KCCA), a 9,000-acre expanse
sustainable livelihoods based on the utilisation of
of previously barren and degraded revenue
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and collection
wastelands that have been transformed into a
of user fees.
vibrant Savannah grassland ecosystem. The KCCA is probably one of India’s largest community-led
In undertaking its activities, the programme
environmental restoration sites and is home to
collaborates with the Kalpavalli Tree Growers’
endangered wildlife such as the Indian Grey Wolf,
Cooperative (Kalpavalli Cooperative), which is promoted by the Collective. The Kalpavalli
Black Buck, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Hyena etc.
Cooperative consists of ten village-level Forest Protection Committees (FPCs). The programme seeks to reverse the damage done
Highlights 11 forest watchers patrolled the KCCA and
including children, on topics such as snakebite
protected it against forest fires, overgrazing, and
mitigation, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem
illegal resource exploitation. They also collected
services, human-animal conflict, usage regimes for
437.5 kg of native plant and tree seeds for use in
NTFPs, etc.
seed dibbling camps. 480 youth and children from neighbouring villages ‘Jungle Bandi’ (jungle vehicle), the mobile
visited the KCCA for 16 ecological camps. The
interpretation centre, conducted 83 workshops.
camps were designed to provide field exposure
The Jungle Bandi reached out to 4,860 people,
on ecological issues, followed by the practical
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application of knowledge. Therefore, every camp
plants increased from 28 to 99 after the team
has two components – an overnight stay at KCCA
did interviews and literature reviews. Finally,
for nature walks, bird watching, and observation
surveys of more than 400 people found that the
of protection-related activities, and a second
local population is aware of the ecological value
day spent at the Chiguru Resource Centre in
of wolves and vultures, and willing to support
Chennekothapalli for nature-based projects such as conservation actions in their villages. watershed models, herbariums, fishponds etc. In October 2018, the Collective became a regional 430 children and youth participated in six seed
partner of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust’s
dibbling camps, planting 70kg of seeds before the
‘India Snakebite Mitigation Programme’. The
onset of the monsoons in June.
Collective’s implementation partner was Adavi Trust. The Kalpavalli team conducted 10 sessions
As part of its research agenda, the team focused
with the local community on topics such as
on date palms, broom grass, medicinal plants,
snake behaviour, snakebites, tips for safety and
and fauna (community perception of wolves and
prevention, first aid protocols etc.
vultures). The team documented 74,719 date palm trees along 33.5 km of riparian habitat.
A group comprising of Kalpavalli team members,
Although these trees were being harvested, the
forest watchers, and the Directors of the
study found that approximately 30% of the trees
Cooperative visited the Prani Pet Sanctuary in
were young, which indicates healthy recruitment.
Bengaluru on January 21-22, 2019 to learn about
Seven different types of brooms were being made
animal behaviour.
by locals using common and rare grass species. The number of species in the list of medicinal
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3.5 Child rights, youth engagement, alternative education Introduction The Chiguru (“tender leaf”) programme
providing trainings on child rights and clean
addresses the academic and non- academic
environment, facilitating community actions, and
needs of children and youth: a happy childhood;
supporting ‘Navayuvatha’ (“new youth”), a forum
nurturing environments; opportunities for life skills
for village youth.
development, play, creative engagement, cultural expression; and choices to shape their futures.
CRC
Chiguru has three components:
CRC is a freely accessible community centre for children and youth that has a science lab,
•
• •
Mogga (“bud”), a village outreach
computer terminal, library, and facilities for various
programme that targets children
sports and games. The centre also serves as a live
and youth.
museum and model for ecological and sustainable
Chiguru Resource Centres (CRC) in
practices such as a soak pit for water drainage,
Chennekothapalli and Roddam mandals.
vermicompost pit, and a waste segregation and
Prakruthi Badi (Nature School), a semi-
management system. The CRC also hosts public
residential, alternative primary school for
celebrations, events and competitions regularly. It
children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm.
Mogga Project
Prakruthi Badi
The Mogga Project promotes experiential learning,
Located within the Timbaktu agro-forest habitat,
solidarity, and leadership among children and
Prakruthi Badi (Nature School) seeks to provide
youth while maintaining an overarching focus on
its students with an opportunity to experience
their ecological rights. Some of its main activities
learning in a pressure-free, nurturing environment
are setting up and supporting village-level Balala
while being sensitized to environmental and
Sanghas (Children’s Clubs), federating the sanghas
ecological issues. Prakruthi Badi is officially
into the Mogga Samakya, organising meetings
recognized by the Right to Education (RTE) Act and
of the Balala Sanghas and Mogga Samakya,
it does not charge any tuition or boarding fees.
establishing cluster-level Community Centres,
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Highlights In March 2019, there were 48 Balala Sanghas with
was inaugurated on December 2018. The centre
a membership of 2,010 children from 42 villages.
in Ramagiri was under construction inside the
A significant achievement of the Balala Sanghas
premises of the Mahilasakthi Cooperative.
was taking up social actions on village cleanliness and raising awareness on the prevention of child
Project DEFY, the Bengaluru based Makerspace,
marriages.
conducted a two-day workshop on basic electronics in February 2019, in which 52 children, youth and project team members participated. In March, six youth and 10 team members from Prakruthi Badi and Mogga participated in an interactive two-day science workshop, where they performed simple experiments on air pressure, heartbeat and lung capacity. Ms. Vartika Poddar, a theatre person from Kolkata visited the Prakruti Badi and Mogga team in March. She conducted a three-day training programme on theatre and games. The objective
The Mogga Project collaborated with the
of the training was to provide the team with new
Kalpavalli programme to organize the project-
tools to keep the children engaged.
based component of 16 Ecology Camps. 150 youth participated in activities such as farming, vermicomposting, rappelling, making macramĂŠ crafts, science experiments, electronics, woodwork, etc. The CRCs have been re-imagined and used as spaces for learning, knowledge, skill-building, research and experimentation. There are now two CRCs after the centre in Roddam mandal (located in Ananthasakthi Cooperative office) The Mogga Project, in partnership with TKF, hosted its first-ever Foundation Course on Organic Farming for Youth between October 31 to November 6. The course was led by TKF in Kailasam farm, with the youth being mobilised by Mogga. The Mobile CRC team conducted learning, craftwork, and science experiments in 18 schools, reaching out to approximately 700 children.
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The quality of teaching was strengthened by hiring additional teachers and appointing an academic consultant for curriculum design and teacher training. Classroom teaching was supplemented with outdoor activities and childcare received a boost with the appointment of two matrons. Resource persons from Adventure Nest, In April 2018, Prakruthi Badi (Nature School) celebrated its 25th anniversary with current and former students.
Ramanagar, conducted outdoor activities for the school. The children tried their hand at balancing on a rope strung between two trees (zip lining) and ascending a rope (jumaring). The whole
At the start of the academic year in June 2018,
experience was completely new for the children
the school had 51 students (24 girls, 27 boys). Of
and they enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
these, 31 were residential students and 20 were day scholars.
3.6 Rights and livelihoods of persons with disabilities Introduction The Militha (“inclusion�) programme advances the
the Cooperatives Directors – both at the apex and
rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and helps
mandal-level. The programme also undertakes
them gain equal status in their families and society. activities such as rehabilitative therapy for children The programme partners with the Prathibha
with disabilities, training of parents/caretakers;
Mutually Aided Cooperative Society (Prathibha
following up with relevant public authorities
Cooperative), a membership-based organisation of
on schemes and benefits for PWDs; conducting
PWDs living in three mandals of Ananthapuramu
assessment and referral camps; interfacing with
District, established in 2008. Along with
hospitals and other institutions; community
facilitating thrift and credit activities, the Prathibha
engagement and sensitisation; and livelihood
Cooperative provides a joint platform for PWDs to
enhancement.
advocate for their rights and entitlements. The Prathibha Cooperative functions as an apex organisation of three mandal- level branches: Chaithanya Prathibha in Chennekothapalli, Swarnagiri Prathibha in Ramagiri, and Adarsha Prathibha in Roddam. At the grassroots level, the Cooperative comprises of multiple, village-level Cross-Disability Groups. The Militha programme supports Prathibha Cooperative in conducting regular meetings, thrift and credit activities, and educational sessions for
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Highlights The Prathibha Cooperative had 1,559 members
The programme issued educational fellowships
and a net worth of Rs. 1.17 crores (≈ USD
worth Rs. 1,47,050 to 23 youth with disabilities
163,000) in March 2019.
10 Militha members established a cloth bag production unit in Roddam mandal. They are now
The Cooperative issued 518 loans to members
making cloth bags for the Timbaktu Shop, for
worth Rs. 91.54 lakhs. The top five loan activities
which it produced 3,800 bags during the year.
and no. beneficiaries: agriculture (116), sheep rearing (91), home needs (81), small business (70),
The mid-term project evaluation of the KCF-
purchase of milch animals (60).
supported project was undertaken by Ms. Poonam Natarajan from Vidya Sagar, Chennai on February
The Militha team facilitated access to 741
18-22, 2019. She found that most of the activities
entitlements such as disability certificates, pension,
were being implemented well, but suggested
subsidized travel passes, marriage incentive,
a deepening of work in diversifying livelihood
Niramaya health insurance scheme, assistive
options, getting parental support for home-based
devices etc.
therapy, and getting second opinions on surgery assessments.
The Militha team provided home-based therapy for 225 children, with a focus on special education,
The Chennekothapalli office of Prathibha
speech and hearing, and physiotherapy.
Cooperative was inaugurated in April 2018.
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3.7 Financial empowerment and rights of women Introduction Swasakthi (“power of the self”) is the Collective’s
the Collective to provide guidance and support
initiative for the empowerment of marginalised
in governance, financial management, member
rural women. The programme promotes alternative education, and advocacy. The Mahasakthi financial institutions for and by women in the form Federation also houses the Cooperatives’ Legal of Mutually Aided Thrift Cooperative Societies
Aid Cell, which is an informal grouping of CEOs,
(MATCS). In addition to financial empowerment,
staff members and Directors that provides support
the Cooperatives are important platforms of
to both members and non-members in cases
women’s leadership, solidarity, collaboration,
of domestic violence, marital disputes, property
and social change; they have set in motion
disputes, and any other difficulties.
a radical personal and social transformation encompassing choice, dignity and respect. The
The Cooperatives, as well as the Federation, are
Collective has established four mandal-level
led by 15 Directors elected from among the leaders
Cooperatives in its working area: Adisakthi MATCS
of village-based women’s sanghas (groups). The
(Chennekothapalli), Ananthasakthi MATCS
staff of the four Cooperatives and Federation are
(Roddam), Mahilasakthi MATCS (Ramagiri), and
part of the Timbaktu Panchayati and the Swasakthi
Durgasakthi MATCS (Penukonda).
Working Group. During the year, the Swasakthi programme supported the Cooperatives and the
The Cooperatives have come together under the
Federation in member education and leadership
banner of the Mahasakthi Samakya (Mahasakthi
training.
Federation), a network organisation promoted by
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Highlights The women’s thrift and credit Cooperatives had a
The Mahasakthi Federation took up 40 cases
membership of 22,887 women and a combined
for legal aid support to members. 17 cases were
net worth of Rs. 25.52 crores (≈ USD 3.56 million)
resolved through family counselling, and 23 cases
in March 2019. Around 32% of members now
needed follow-up.
have savings of Rs. 10,000 or more, making them eligible for loans ranging from Rs. 40,000 to Rs.
Legal Aid Camps were conducted in 17 villages.
120,000.
These camps were conducted in partnership with local police, judiciary, and local government
Loans worth Rs. 21.12 crores (≈ USD 2.95 million)
departments.
were issued to 7,084 members. The top five loan activities and no. beneficiaries: small business
Security was increased in the offices of all four
(1,389), agriculture (1,211), home construction
Cooperatives with the installation of CCTV
and repairs (937), purchase of cattle (777),
cameras and fences.
education of children (673). The Tally financial management software was 232 members and their families received Rs. 12.53
customized to the requirements of the Mahasakthi
lakhs for social welfare activities related to the
Federation. Work was begun on transferring all
death of a member, insurance for the death of
financial data from Microsoft Excel to Tally, which
primary earner, girl child education, and those
allows for server-based, real-time monitoring of
affected by natural calamities.
transactions.
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4: GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS Networking
We received visitors from the following institutions
The Collective believes in the value of being
in 2018-19:
connected with other individuals and institutions
•
Indian Institute of Human Settlements,
working for sustainable development – locally and
Bengaluru
globally. Over the year, many of our team members • • participated in networking meetings, seminars,
Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru
and conferences. In addition, Bablu Ganguly, in
India – Germany Fellowship
German delegation from Media Ambassadors:
the capacity of World Board Member of IFOAM
•
Pragath Sikshan Sanstha, Maharashtra
Organics International, took part in discussions
•
Demeter International, Germany
with development practitioners, policymakers,
•
Uzhavan Foundation and Agaram Foundation, Chennai
government authorities etc., on matters related to •
national and international organic movements, fair
Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD), Coimbatore
trade, certification etc. •
Millet Network of India, Hyderabad
Some of the events that featured the Collective’s
•
IFOAM Asia, South Korea
team members (not including Bablu’s IFOAM
•
University of Gastronomic Sciences, Italy
engagements):
•
Centre for Community Development, Orissa
•
Samvad, Ranchi
•
The Otherwise Club, England
•
Play Conference 2019, Christ University, Bengaluru, March 2019
• • •
Agriculture Conference, Dornach, Switzerland,
Timbaktu in the media
February 2019
Manisha was featured in ‘The Hindu’ as one of
Organic and Millets Trade Fair, Bengaluru,
four foodpreneurs who embody the spirit of slow
January 2019
food. The article was written by Archana Pidathala,
BIOFACH India 2018, New Delhi, October
the noted gourmand.
2019 • • •
Asia Organic Youth Forum, Philippines,
Bablu wrote an article about the Collective’s
September 2018
strategic approach in ‘Rural 21’, the international
PGS Certification for Regional Councils, New
journal for rural development and development
Delhi, September 2018
cooperation.
TEDx Glendale Academy, Hyderabad, July Siddharth Rao, Director – Ecology, co-authored a
2018
case study on the Kalpavalli forest that appeared
Visitors
in Issue No. 55 of ‘Ecologia Politica’, the biannual,
The Collective welcomes visitors from India and
Spanish language social science journal.
abroad who want to learn about our work and approach. They also include current and potential
The Collective was featured in a short film by
supporters of our work. To streamline this process,
‘Your Soapbox’ as a followup to receiving the Lush
we organise structured three-day Visitors’ Days
Spring Prize (2018).
once every quarter. We also host visitors on other occasions depending on the availability of time and personnel.
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5: ADMINISTRATION Sruthi Working Group
•
Lumos Design: branding and packaging design
The Sruthi Working Group comprises of all the
•
Agarwal Kejriwal & Co: Financial Evaluation of Dharani FaM Coop
administrative and support functions of the •
Collective. It encompasses fundraising; financial management; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
Black Ticket Films: Production of short films on partner Cooperatives and enterprises
(PME); communication, documentation, reporting; contracting for consultancies; legal compliance,
Timbaktu Panchayati
hospitality and logistics; office maintenance as well
Timbaktu Panchayati is the informal umbrella
as repairs and construction. The Sruthi Working
organisation of all the full-time employees of the
Group did a commendable job in anchoring the
Collective as well as our partner Cooperatives.
operations of the Collective.
The Panchayati meets once every two months. The Panchayati had 137 members in March
Consultancies
2019.
The Collective engaged the services of the
Timbaktu Kalayika
following consultants and institutions in 2018-19: •
•
Timbaktu Kalayika MATCS (Timbaktu Kalayika)
Ms. Poonam Natarajan: Mid-Term Evaluation
is the Cooperative for Timbaktu Panchayati
of ‘Rehabilitation and Sustainable Livelihoods
members. Its main objective is to facilitate
for Persons with Disabilities’ (RSLPD Project),
affordable access to credit and create a savings
Phase II
net for employees. Timbaktu Kalayika had a net
Ms. Kavitha Kuruganti and Ms. Snehlata
worth of Rs. 39.79 lakhs in March 2019.
Nath: Mid-Term Evaluation of ‘Revitalizing Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Project’, Phase III
The Cooperative also undertakes social welfare
Ms. Sayonika Sengupta: art-based therapy for
activities to support individuals not associated
Prathibha members
with our work who are in dire need of financial
Mr. Haritha Sarma: organisational
support due to ill-health, calamities, accidents
development
etc. In 2018-19, the Cooperative gave donations
•
Mr. Naresh Sreenivasan: conservation outreach
of Rs 1.69 lakhs to 32 families.
•
Ms. Shonali Chenzira: conservation outreach
•
Ms. Aditi Surendra: drawings for packaging
• •
design •
Ms. S. Ashalatha: training on ethnoveterinary practices related to small ruminants
•
Mr. Craig D’Mello and Mr. Abhijit Sinha: setting up a Makerspace in CRC
•
Ms. P.A Devi and Mr. K. Shantha Rao: theatre training for children and youth
•
Dr. Rajaram Subbian, Basic Needs India: training parents of children with disabilities
•
Innovation and Science Performance Foundation
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6: OUR SUPPORTERS Our sincere thanks to the institutions & individuals
in rural areas. SPA Education Foundation provides
who supported our work in 2018-19.
funding to Prakruthi Badi.
Institutions
Ion Foundation
Bread for the World (BfdW)
The philanthropic arm of Ion Exchange Limited, the
The global development agency of the Protestant
water and environment management company.
Churches in Germany. BfdW supports our work
Ion Foundation provides funding to Prakruthi Badi.
with smallholder farmers, agricultural labourers, enterprise development, women, and ecology.
Rural Development Trust The Indian/Spanish NGO provided support to
Asha for Education
persons with disabilities to access its housing
A volunteer-driven, non-profit organisation based
scheme.
in the USA. Its New York, London, and Bengaluru Chapters have supported our work with children
Individuals
for several years.
•
Mr. Karthi Sivakumar
•
Ms. Leslie Barson
Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (KCF)
•
Ms. Frauke Quader
A philanthropic trust set up by the Kadoorie
•
Mr. Ipe van der Deen
family in Hong Kong. KCF supports our work with
•
Dr. Ernst Gunther Broder
persons with disabilities, children, and youth.
•
Mr. Anand Nair
•
Ms. Shibani Ganguly
•
Mr. Madhu Konakanchi
GLS Future Foundation for Development Part of the GLS-Treuhand, the German trusteeship organisation that encompasses 300 entities including GLS Bank, the foundation supported the Militha programme. Hand in Hand Fonds Hand in Hand Fonds is a fund that supports social and environmental projects in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. It is a jointly managed by Rapunzel Naturkost (the German organic food company) and Deutsche Umwelthilfe (the German environmental and consumer protection association). Hand in Hand Fonds supported the Mayasabha kitchen garden in Timbaktu. SPA Education Foundation SPA Education Foundation serves both as the holding company of a civil engineering company based in Mumbai and as a trust that promotes the improvement of primary education and healthcare
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7: FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial Statement Sources of Funds
2018-19 Expenditure
2018-19
Particulars
Amount in lakhs
Particulars
Amount in lakhs
Opening Balance
196.27
Sustainable Agriculture & Marketing
200.82
Administration
61.94
Rights and rehabilitation of PWDs
58.64
Child Rights
55.77
Interest on Investments
8.58
Foreign Contributions Brot Fur Die Welt - Germany
346.82
Alternative Education
32.65
Kadoorie Charitable Foundation - Hong Kong
119.62
Livelihood for Landless Labourers
28.79
Asha for Education - UK
16.12
Promotion of Rural Enterprises
27.12
GLS Future Foundation for Development, Germany
10.37
Capital Expenditure
22.56
Rural Development Trust
8.50
Women's Empowerment
15.84
Hand in Hand Fonds
4.06
Ecological Conservation
12.08
Individuals
5.74
Housing for PWDs
8.50
Studies and Documentation
7.91
Network Meetings
3.39
Domestic Contributions Individuals & Local Organisations
7.82
Training of Team Members
3.22
Other Income
3.08
Community Support
1.53
SPA Education Foundation
3.04
ION Foundation
2.47
TOTAL
732.49
Closing Balances
191.73
TOTAL
732.49
Balance Sheet on March 31, 2019 Liabilities
Amount Expenditure in lakhs
Amount in lakhs
Capital Fund
236.48
Fixed Assets At Written-Down Value
236.48
Other Funds
191.73
Investments
94.68
Current Liabilities
Current Assets
Staff Gratuity Account
11.19
Cash & Bank
Programme Advance
1.23
Programme Advance
Total
440.63
103.22 6.25 440.63
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Salaries of Timbaktu Panchayati members
Income & Expenditure for FY 2018-19 Expenditure
Amount Income in lakhs
Amount in lakhs
Programmes
246.34
Grants and Contributions
524.56
Programme Facility & Coordination
193.08
Interest on Savings Bank Accounts and Deposits
8.57
Administration
77.99
Other Income
3.08
Capital Cost
22.54
Gratuity Fund - General Fund A/C
0.80
TOTAL
Excess of Expenditute over Income
540.75
TOTAL
Salaries in INR
Female
Male
Total
Below 15,000
52
44
96
15,000 to 25,000
11
14
25
25,001 to 35,000
1
4
5
35,001 to 45,000
0
3
3
Above 45,000
2
6
8
Total
66
71
137
4.54
540.75
8: ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION Registration • Registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act (1860) on November 14, 1990. Registration No: 546/90-91. • Exempted from Income Tax under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act. Donations to the Collective are eligible for tax deduction under Section 8OG of the Income Tax Act. • Registered with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for receipt of foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. FCRA Registration No: 094420621, renewed on October 13, 2016. • Registered with the NGO Darpan platform of NITI Aayog. Registration No: AP/2017/0116292.
Managing Committee Ms. Mary Vattamattam | Chairperson Mary is a development activist with 40 years of experience in working with marginalised sections of people in Andhra Pradesh. She is the Director - Programmes at the Collective. Mr. C.K.Ganguly | Secretary CK ‘Bablu’ Ganguly is a development activist, social entrepreneur and change-maker with 40 years of experience working with marginalised and rural populations in Andhra Pradesh. He is the Collective’s Executive Director. Mr. John D’Souza | Treasurer John is an IEC (Information, Education and Communications) professional based in Mumbai. He founded and led the Centre for Education and Documentation (CED), one of India’s earliest resource centres focusing on developmental issues, for nearly five decades. Ms. Jayapadma RV Jayapadma is a rural management professional with twenty years of experience working with community-based organisations, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral organisations, government organisations and academic institutions.
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Ms. Garima Bhatia Garima is a chemical engineer by training and a nature lover by passion who lives in Bengaluru. After spending ten years working with General Motors, she is now exploring her multiple interests – as a Project Manager with the Nature Conservation Foundation, as a bird watcher and photographer, and as a volunteer for several social and environmental causes. Ms. Annapurna Mamidipudi Annapurna is a researcher, development activist, and fabric expert with interests in handloom weaving, sustainable agriculture, development policy and market-oriented methods to sustain traditional arts and crafts. Mr. Pradeep Esteves Pradeep has been involved in development activities for over three and a half decades. The first two were as Director of the Coolie Sangha, an NGO representing landless labourers in Karnataka. He currently supports and facilitates organisational change processes as Director of Context – India.
Steering Committee Mr. V. Manikandan (Convenor) Ms. Mary Vattamattam Mr. C.K.Ganguly Mr. A. Chennakesavulu Ms. Zabeera Khanam
Mr. K. Sannapaiah Ms. Manisha Kairaly Mr. M. Ramesh Mr. Siddharth Rao Mr. Madhu Sudan G
Bankers
Auditors
Canara Bank (Trinity Circle Branch) MG Road, Bengaluru - 560001
A.R.Rao & Rajan (Chartered Accountants) 186/A, 1st Floor, Venkataranga Iyengar Street Seshadripuram, Bengaluru 560020
Canara Bank (Chennekothapalli Branch) Chennekothapalli Ananthapuramu District - 515101
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Contact Information Address: The Timbaktu Collective Field Office Chennekothapalli village Ananthapuramu District Andhra Pradesh, INDIA PIN: 515101 Email: info@timbaktu.org Facebook: facebook.com/timbaktu.collective
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