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The Timbaktu Collective’s Annual Report April 2020 to March 2021
Content & Design: Ashok Ganguly Contributors: Mary Vattamattam, C.K. Ganguly (Bablu), V. Manikandan, K. Aswini, Sukanya Sakamuri, Shruti Kathane, S. Thirumala Devi, Adavi Ramudu, A. Chiranjeevi, Peruri Srikanth, K. Sannapaiah, Gondi Mahesh, Duhita Ganguly, M. Ramesh Kumar. Photographs: Shabeer Basha P., N. Mukesh Kumar, M. Ramesh Kumar, E. Pothulaiah, U. Subbarayudu, Adavi Ramudu, Ram Karthik, E. Manjula, B. Sharada, M. Sajappa, K. Sannapaiah, G. Srilikitha, G. Indiramma. Cover Photo: Members of the Collective during the 30th Anniversary celebrations. Back Cover: A view of the Timbaktu agro-forest habitat.
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Message from the Executive Director The Timbaktu Collective celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2020-21. Considering this milestone as an opportunity, we initiated a comprehensive reimagining encompassing our vision, mission, and philosophy. In parallel, we began a process of consolidating the conceptual framework of the Collective and mainstreaming it. We have witnessed enhanced economic cooperation as a spill-over effect of the social capital we have built as part of revitalising the local economy. The farmers’ Cooperative met 99% of its annual working capital requirement of Rs. 1.05 crore (~US$ 143,000) through short-term loans from other Cooperatives promoted by the Collective. Another example is rice procurement for our Covid-19 relief activities: the Collective procured rice worth Rs. 11 lakh (~US 15,000) from member farmers. Although we have journeyed without a blueprint, the organic development of our interventions exhibits interconnectedness, interdependence, and the triumph of the human spirit. None of this would have been possible without the support, guidance, and generosity of our institutional and individual donors, government authorities, non-profit partner organisations, friends, and, most importantly, the local community, who are at the centre of everything we do. We thank you for your faith in us. We look to the future with hope, resolve, and excitement. Viva! Mary Vattamattam
Members of the Collective who were alumni of Prakruthi Badi (Nature School) at the school’s Annual Day.
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About Us Introduction The Timbaktu Collective (“the Collective”) is
With community participation and ownership
a non-profit organisation that works towards
as the overarching themes, we develop and
the sustainable development of marginalised
implement thematic programmes and initiatives.
people across 190 villages in nine sub-divisions
Our operational strategy is the creation of
of the drought-prone and ecologically challenged
independent people’s organisations (Mutually
Ananthapuramu District in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Aided Cooperative Societies) - to build solidarity
The Collective was established in November 1990,
among rural people and address issues of
and its Head Office is in Chennekothapalli village
poverty, food security, livelihoods, environmental
(160 km north of Bengaluru).
degradation, and myriad forms of discrimination.
Our mission is “to enable marginalised rural
The Collective is closely linked with Timbaktu, a
people, landless labourers, and small and marginal
32-acre agro-forest habitat that emphasizes natural
farmers, particularly women, children, youth,
regeneration, permaculture, and sustainable living.
Dalits, and persons with disabilities, to enhance
Prakruthi Badi (Nature School), a primary school for
their livelihood resources, get organised and work
children from underprivileged backgrounds, as well
towards social justice and gender equity, and lead
our main Training Centre, are located in Timbaktu.
life in a meaningful and joyous manner.”
Our Values • • • • •
Celebration of life Gender equity Faith in people & their wisdom Cooperation Excellence
4 Prakruthi Badi students take a break during the school’s Annual Day.
Our Programmes Swasakthi (“power of self”) Financial empowerment and rights of women. Militha (“inclusion”) Rights and livelihoods of persons with disabilities. Gramasiri (“wealth of the village”) Rearing of small ruminants by agricultural labourers. Chiguru (“tender leaf”) Child rights, youth engagement and alternative education. Kalpavalli (“eternal source of abundance”) Natural regeneration and biodiversity conservation in village common lands. Dharani (“earth”) Organic farming, food processing and marketing among smallholder farmers. School of Regenerative Agriculture Training the next generation of rural organic farmers. Enterprise Development Marketing and business development support to community-owned enterprises.
Dharani and Manjula, cadre of the Ananthasakthi Women’s Cooperative, collect thrift and interest payments in Kalipi village.
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Partnerships and outreach Timbaktu Collective
Dharani
Dharani Farming & Marketing Cooperative
Gramasiri
Gramasiri MATCS*
Adisakthi MATCS (Chennekothapalli)
Kalpavalli
Militha
Swasakthi
Kalpavalli Tree Growers’ Cooperative Society
Prathibha Cooperative of Persons with Disabilities
Mahasakthi Cooperative Federation
Ananthasakthi MATCS (Roddam)
Mahilasakthi MATCS (Ramagiri)
Durgasakthi MATCS (Penukonda)
*Mutually Aided Thrift Cooperative Society.
Members/ stakeholders1
Net worth (crores, INR)
Mahasakthi network of women’s thrift & credit Cooperatives
24,223
35.51
Prathibha Cooperative of People with Disabilities
1,548
2.01
900
1.98
Chiguru Programme
1,637
n/a
Kalpavalli Tree Growers’ Cooperative
1,070
0.05
Dharani Farming & Marketing Cooperative
2,036
3.92
Total
31,414
43.47**
Cooperative/Programme
Gramasiri Agricultural Labourers’ Cooperative
** Approximately US$ 5.3 million2
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This figure does not take into account overlap in Cooperative membership, which is estimated to be around
1,000 members. 2
The exchange rate used throughout the report: USD 1 = INR 73.20.
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Awards & Recognition •
Covid Warrior (2020) from the District Administration
•
The Global Alliance for the Future of Food, in August 2020, nominated the Collective as one of 21 worldwide ‘Beacons of Hope’ that are achieving sustainable, equitable, and secure food systems
•
Outstanding Practices in Agroecology 2019 from the World Future Council and TAGS3
•
Lush Spring Prize (2017) from Lush Cosmetics, United Kingdom
•
One World Award (2014) from Rapunzel Naturkost GmbH, Germany, and IFOAM Organics International
•
Real Heroes 2013 (Environment) organised by the CNN-IBN television channel in partnership with Reliance Foundation
•
Mary Vattamattam received the Vanitha Woman of the Year Award (2010) from the Malayala Manorama Group
•
Mary Vattamattam and Bablu Ganguly were selected as The Week magazine’s Couple of the Year (2005) and were featured as the cover story in its year-end special edition
•
Bablu Ganguly was elected to the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship for social entrepreneurs in 1993
C.K. Ganguly (Bablu), Chairperson, receives a Certificate of Commendation from the Ananthapuramu District Administration for the Collective’s Covid-19 relief efforts.
Technology for Agroecology in the Global South.
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Programme Highlights Swasakthi The Swasakthi programme empowers rural women by promoting independent and sustainable financial institutions in the form of Thrift and Credit Cooperatives and using them as platforms for solidarity, collaboration, leadership, and social change. Since its establishment in 1992, the Swasakthi programme has dramatically enhanced the economic status of women and set in motion a radical personal and social transformation encompassing choice, dignity, and respect. The programme provides technical assistance and financial management support to four large women’s thrift and credit Cooperatives, and the Mahasakthi Federation, a network organisation for the Cooperatives. Besides its functions in capacity building, legal assistance, and advocacy, the Mahasakthi Federation manages the day-to-day operations of Bhavani Chenetha Sangam (Bhavani Weavers’ Group), a production unit of first-generation women weavers that manufactures natural-dyed handloom fabrics. The Mahasakthi Federation had a consolidated membership of 24,223 women from 183 villages in March 2021. The net worth of the Cooperatives increased from Rs. 31.11 crore (~US$ 4.25 million) to Rs. 35.5 crore (~US$4.8 million). The Cooperatives’ financial status is remarkable considering it has been built on member savings and interest payments without relying on external capital.
After the Covid-19 lockdown, 7,870 members were covered in education sessions on financial literacy and Cooperative regulations conducted by the CEOs and Directors of Mahasakthi.
The International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8, 2021. Cooperative members and all of the Collective’s women staff took part. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of three generations The Cooperatives issued 5,054 loans worth Rs. of a family who were members of the same Coop22.15 crore (US$ 3 million). 66% of the loans were erative. used for livelihoods: agriculture, livestock rearing, small enterprises, petty shops, etc. None of the four The Mahasakthi Federation was featured in a study women’s Cooperatives had defaulters at the close titled ‘Role of Cooperatives in the Empowerment of Marginalised Women in India.’ Action Aid and the of the year. University of Kassel conducted the study.
8 Mary Vattamattam, Executive Director, speaks during International Women’s Day.
Members of the Collective’s Core Group during a Gender Mainstreaming Workshop in Visthar.
Gender Mainstreaming Workshops The Collective organised a series of Gender Mainstreaming Workshops for its employees and Cooperative Directors in collaboration with Visthar, the Bengaluru-based social justice non-profit. The goal of the sessions was to review programme implementation, team relationships, and organisational decision-making from a gender lens, and develop strategies to embed gender equity in all of the Collective’s work. Mercy Kappen and V. Asha, two expert trainers from Visthar, facilitated the workshops. The initial phase of the process was completed in 2020-21. 113 employees and 76 Cooperative Directors took part in intensive, 3-day workshops. The feedback from the exercise was overwhelmingly positive, and several participants said it enabled them to recognize and address gender issues in their professional and personal lives.
Participants from a member education session.
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Shruti Kathane, Coordinator of the Militha programme, leads a music lesson at a Day Care Centre for children with disabilities.
10 Jaya Sri, Physiotherapist, conducts a home-based therapy session.
Militha The Militha programme was initiated in 2004 to ensure that persons with disabilities are included and integrated as valued members of their families, are treated with respect, and live with dignity and fulfilment. The programme provides technical assistance to the Prathibha Cooperative of Persons with Disabilities (Prathibha Cooperative), a federation of village-level Cross-Disability Groups (CDGs) comprised of adults with disabilities and caregivers of children with disabilities. Prathibha Cooperative serves as a platform for thrift and credit activities, advocacy for disability rights and entitlements, and the provision of therapy and rehabilitation services. Prathibha Cooperative had 1,548 members and a
cial literacy, cooking, gardening, and board games.
net worth of Rs. 2.01 crore (~US$229,500) in March 2021. The Cooperative issued 389 loans worth Rs.
The team provided home-based physiotherapy and
1.06 crore (~US$ 144,000); 75% of loans were uti-
special education to 109 children with Cerebral Pal-
lised for livelihood activities such as farming, rearing
sy and learning disabilities, with three sessions per
of small ruminants, and operating petty shops.
child every month. As a result of multiple trainings, 23 caregivers were in a position to independently
The Cooperative transitioned to cluster-level lead-
provide high-quality therapy.
ers’ meetings instead of village-level meetings in the post Covid-19 lockdown period. This was done to
In January 2021, a one-day children’s camp was
abide with safety and social distancing protocols.
held with 21 participants. They were delighted to
The monthly Directors’ meetings, which resumed in
socialize and take part in fun activities after sever-
July 2021, was used as a forum to monitor the im-
al months indoors. The team followed appropriate
pact of Covid-19 on members.
safety protocols while conducting the camp.
The newly-built Cooperative Branch Office in Rod-
The Collective provided 18 fellowships worth Rs.
dam sub-division was inaugurated during the Co-
1.45 lakh (~US$ 1,980) to youth members studying
operative’s Annual General Meeting on October 29,
at senior high school level. The fellowships covered
2020. The World Day of Persons with Disabilities
the cost of tuition, study material, and transporta-
was celebrated on December 22, with 230 mem-
tion.
bers taking part in it. As part of the increased emphasis on building instiThe team operated three Day Care Centres for chil-
tutional linkages, the team members visited Associ-
dren and youth with limited options for mobility.
ation of People with Disabilities (ADP) and Mobility
The centres catered to 27 individuals and were open
India in Bengaluru to learn more about their work.
five days a week. The focus of this initiative was
Narayanamma, a team member, signed up for a
to facilitate learning and rehabilitation, and provide
12-month Certificate Course on ‘Arts Practices for
parents with an alternative to home-based care.
Inclusion’ conducted by Snehadhara Foundation,
The programme’s in-house therapists managed the
Bengaluru.
centres with support from paratherapists in the community. The schedule at the Day Care Centre comprised of physiotherapy, life skills training, vocational training, music and language lessons, finan-
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Gramasiri The Gramasiri programme aims to generate supplementary incomes for agricultural labourers by promoting the rearing of small ruminants, i.e., goats and sheep. The key strategies are the provision of short-term, low-interest loans (specifically to purchase small ruminants) by the Gramasiri Agricultural Labourers’ Livelihood and Marketing Cooperative (Gramasiri Cooperative), maintenance of a growing revolving fund, promotion of plant-based, organic livestock management services (Ethnoveterinary medicine), and operating a microinsurance facility for small ruminants. The Collective established Gramasiri Cooperative in 2010. The team reviewed membership data and ensured that all members were maintaining small ruminants. Gramasiri Cooperative had 900 members from 54 villages, who collectively owned 12,705 small ruminants. The Cooperatives net worth in March 2021 was Rs. 1.98 crore (~US$ 266,000), which included loans of Rs. 1.14 crore (~US$ 155,000) issued in 2020-21. Gramasiri Cooperative continued to be an essential source of credit for other Cooperatives (based on its surplus cash). During the year, it issued a working capital loan of Rs. 25 lakh (~US$ 34,000) to Dharani FaM Coop.
Gramasiri members procure small ruminants in a village market.
The team conducted education sessions on sangha (group) management, members’ roles and 48 members received claims worth Rs. 66,000 responsibilities, Cooperative rules and regulations, under the Cooperative’s Microinsurance facility for etc. 727 members took part. animals. The Cooperative Directors visited the Adisakthi The Collective organised trainings on Ethnoveteri- Cooperative to learn about their social welfare nary medicine for a resource team comprised of the schemes, legal aid services, use of hand-held programme team and Directors of Gramasiri Coop- printers, and maintenance of membership data. erative. The resource team prepared 12 Ethnoveterinary medicines during the trainings, and went on The Cooperative resumed the production of mutton to conduct 43 village-level workshops covering 442 pickle as part of its exploration of the small ruminant value chain. members.
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Chiguru The Chiguru programme addresses the academic and extracurricular needs of children and youth while emphasising happy childhood; nurturing environments; opportunities for life skills development, play, creative engagement, cultural expression; and choices to shape their futures. The programme has two components: • Mogga (“bud”) Project: collaboration, leadership, and experiential learning through Balala Sanghas (Children’s Clubs), Navayuvatha (the “new youth” forum), and three community centres (Children and Youth Resource Centres or CYRCs4). • Prakruthi Badi (Nature School): an officially recognised primary school for children from disadvantaged backgrounds which provides an opportunity to experience learning in a nurturing environment while being sensitive to environmental and ecological issues. The students are chosen from the Collective’s working area based on a comprehensive assessment of their socio-economic status. The Mogga Project reached out to 1,606 children
gaged to conduct a series of leadership camps in
in 2020-21. All of these children were members of
the Timbaktu agro-forest habitat. Several partici-
the 44 Balala Sanghas. The team distributed 3,847
pants reported shifts in mindsets and perspectives
story books in order to revive reading habits and
as a result of the camps.
respond to the lack of viable options for online education in our region.
The team organised a science and technology exhibition at the Chennekothapalli CYRC on
‘Chinnari Nestham’ (Children’s Friend), a poster
National Science Day on February 28, 2021.
magazine, was reimagined and upgraded to a
The event featured projects, displays, and live
full-fledged bimonthly Telugu-language newslet-
experiments in chemistry and electronics, with 240
ter. Adavi Ramudu, the Coordinator of the Mog-
presenters (selected from neighbouring schools
ga Project and one of the earliest graduates of
and colleges) and 1,427 attendees.
Prakruthi Badi, contributed hundreds of beautiful and cheerful illustrations for the newsletter. Chin-
Through the Covid-19 lockdown, Prakruthi Badi
nari Nestham was read by approximately 3,000
prepared and distributed worksheets and learning
children and served as a vital resource in a season
material to the students and supplied provisions
of academic uncertainty.
and essentials for their families. The School team also conducted visits to review the performance of
The team conducted 98 one-day camps for 3,545
students and customize their learning goals.
children and youth over five months. The topics covered included environmental stewardship,
Prakruthi Badi resumed in-person classes in
food chain, climate change, leadership, problem
January 2021. The School team used various
solving and collaboration. TrueNature, an outdoor
activities, exercises, and pedagogical tools to
education organisation from Bengaluru, was en-
address academic gaps.
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The CYRCs are freely accessible community centres that have a science lab, computer terminal, library, and
facilities for sports and games.
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N. Mukesh Kumar, Chiguru cadre, facilitates a group activity at the Ramagiri CYRC.
Tarsh Williams from TrueNature conducts a leadership camp for youth.
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Kalpavalli The Kalpavalli programme promotes community-based natural resource management and biodiversity conservation in a 6,000-acre expanse of village common lands called the Kalpavalli Community Conservation Area (KCCA). The programme works closely with the Kalpavalli Tree Growers’ Cooperative, a federation of 10 informal Forest Protection Committees (FPCs) that oversee and protect the KCCA. The programme, which was initiated in 1992, seeks to reverse the damage to a productive ecosystem due to deforestation, overgrazing, forest fires, and climate change and establish sustainable livelihoods based on the collection and sale of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) and eco-tourism. The Collective’s efforts have transformed the once barren, arid landscape into a thriving Savannah grassland ecosystem. The KCCA is now one of India’s largest community-led environmental restoration sites and home to endangered species such as the Indian Grey Wolf, Black Buck, Sloth Bear, and Hyena. The team worked extensively to review and revive Kalpavalli Cooperative’s membership. The Kalpavalli Cooperative had 1,070 active members in March 2021. With the help of the members, the Collective held a series of village-level workshops to build awareness of ecological restoration.
The Kalpavalli programme collaborated with the local administration in carrying out public works under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Over 25,000 saplings of pongamia, neem, and custard apple were planted in the KCCA through NREGA’s Greening of Hillock Scheme, creating 5,800 labour days of work in the adjacent The forest watchers worked to prevent forest villages. fires, managed grazing, recorded animal and bird sightings, and guarded against poaching and The programme’s conservation education outreach hunting. They were also involved in tree plantation efforts covering human-animal conflict, snakebite and upkeep, seed collection, seed dibbling and prevention, biodiversity and climate change, the formation of fire lines. They collected 98.2 kg of food chain, etc., reached 1,760 children (916 boys seeds from pioneering tree and plant species for and 844 girls). The Bush Camp, an educational field future seed dibbling activities. 60 km of fire lines base and campsite for conservation outreach, is were made in the summer months to protect KCCA being considered for ecotourism. In this regard, we from wildfire. launched a pilot ecotourism venture in March 2021 in partnership with Linger, a responsible tourism Progress was made toward getting legal recognition venture. and protected status for the KCCA. Gandham Chandrudu (IAS), the District Collector, initiated KCCA was a source of supplementary income and the process of getting KCCA notified under the fodder with its increased availability of grass and Prohibitory Order Book (which bars the assignment other NTFPs due to better than average monsoon of common lands for commercial purposes). rains. 398 families from an 80-kilometre radius brought 1,15,815 cattle and small ruminants for B.M.K Reddy, the Chairperson of the Andhra grazing. 763 families were involved in collecting Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, visited the and selling date palm fruits, blackberry, gooseberry, KCCA and interacted with the programme team broom grass, thatch grass, and custard apple. 11 and the forest watchers. He provided advice on families tapped toddy, and 248 families gathered improving the functioning of village-level Biodiversity medicinal plants. In total, 1,420 families used the Management Committees (BMCs). KCCA to generate additional income.
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The result of decades of community conservation work.
Black Bucks are a frequent sight in the KCCA. Photo: Suhel Quader
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Dharani The Dharani programme promotes sustainable, local, and climate-resilient farming among smallholder farmers. It also provides support in institutional development, processing, and value addition to Dharani Farming and Marketing Cooperative Ltd. (Dharani FaM Coop), a business enterprise owned by the same group of farmers. Dharani FaM Coop sells a range of organic food products using the Timbaktu Organic brand name. Since its establishment in March 2008, Dharani FaM Coop has enabled its members to improve their returns and gain increased control over the agricultural value chain. The programme provides extension services to farmers who cultivate diverse food crops such as millets, groundnut, lentils, etc. It implements crop-specific Package of Practices (PoP) and provides support in organic certification. It conducts several meetings, peer-to-peer learning events, and trainings. It uses a robust Management Information System (MIS) to collect and analyze data on members, acreage and extent of cultivation, quantity, and quality of the harvest, etc. Dharani’s processing and operations team manages vital functions at the Cooperative’s centralized processing facility in Chennekothapalli.
B. Gopalappa breaks a coconut during a ceremony to begin the farming season in Kogira village.
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The Dharani programme reached out to 2,036 farmers from 63 villages, who set aside 11,545 acres for organic farming. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, village-level meetings were not held from April to June 2020. However, technical assistance was conducted via phone and individual check-ins (using social distancing and safety protocols) once the restrictions eased up. Starting July 2020, most of the regular activities had resumed.
425 farmers with adequate irrigation facilities cultivated ‘Rabi’ winter crops in 1,118 acres. The team conducted eight intensive two-day training workshops on organic and Biodynamic farming for 215 farmers at the Timbaktu agro-forest habitat and at the Kailasam Farm (managed by the Timbaktu Kutumbam Foundation, our sister organisation).
The Collective engaged with the Agriculture Research Station in Rekulakunta to train the team on assessing soil health and sample collection. G. Mahesh (Programme Coordinator and CEO of Dharani FaM Coop) and K. Sannapaiah (Field Coordinator) visited the Eklavya Organic Agricultue Polytechnic in Gingurthy, Telangana, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra 2,028 farmers took part in the crop planning ex- (Farm Science Centre) in Tenuki, Telangana, to learn ercise ahead of the ‘Kharif’ monsoon crop. By the about best practices in organic farming. close of the crop cycle, 1,656 farmers had cultivated their lands. While the target was 11,549 acres, 7,529 acres (65%) were cultivated. The team conducted 370 Farmer Field School sessions during the farming season, during which they monitored seed germination and supervised the preparation of organic fertilisers and Biodynamic compost.
T. Ananda harvests finger millet in P. Kothapalli village.
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P. Narayanappa and his family sowing seeds ahead of the ‘Kharif’ crop season in Locharla village. Based on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS5) Dharani FaM Coop (Timbaktu Organic) recorded protocol for organic certification, the team super- net sales of Rs.4.59 crore (~US$ 627,000) in 2020vised peer-to-peer inspection of farmers’ fields to ver- 21, continuing its impressive growth trajectory. ify adherence to organic farming principles. Besides, the team updated farmers’ documents and records. Partner with Timbaktu Organic 91% of the 1,656 farmers who opted for a Kharif crop in 2020 were certified ‘organic’ at the close of the inspection process. The rest of the farmers were ‘in-conversion’, which meant that they were in the process of being certified. Dharani FaM Coop’s centralized processing facility operated with limited personnel between April to May 2020. However, they maintained the same level of output as previous years. The Cooperative provided 19,048 days of work to daily wage earners from Chennekothapalli, who were paid Rs. 50.22 lakh (~US$ 68,000). Women comprised the majority of daily wage earners.
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If you are an organic retailer/wholesaler based anywhere in India and are interested in the ‘Timbaktu Organic’ product line, please contact Dharani FaM Coop’s sales team. Dharani FaM Coop undertakes direct distribution of its products to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ananthapuramu. All other orders are dispatched through courier agencies. Phone/WhatsApp: 8985005750 Email: timbaktu.organic@gmail.com
The Collective follows the PGS certification protocol developed by Participatory Guarantee Systems Organic
Council (PGSOC), a civil-society coalition for low-cost certification of smallholder farmers. The Collective has been a member of PGSOC’s Governing Council since 2006. Website: www.pgsorganic.in.
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G. Kristappa, Dodagatta village
“I live in Dodagatta village in Roddam mandal. I became a member of Dharani FaM Coop along with a group of farmers who approached the Cooperative to set up a farmers’ group in my village. Over the years, I’ve participated in residential trainings in Timbaktu and village-level Farmer Field Schools and have enjoyed taking part in the monthly sangha (group) meetings. In the Kharif 2020 season, I cultivated Kodo Millet on 1.5 acres following Package of Practices guidelines. The results were terrific! I managed to harvest 1,300 kgs.”
Groundnut weeding in progress in Shyapuram village.
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School of Regenerative Agriculture The Collective established the School of Regenerative Agriculture (SRA) in October 2019. SRA’s mission is to train the next generation of rural farmers on organic agriculture, Biodynamic farming, Permaculture and Agro-ecology. The SRA conducts educational courses focused on the practical and theoretical aspects of sustainable agriculture, and enables students to live, work, and learn on a farm. The SRA is located in the Kailasam Farm, which is owned and managed by the Timbaktu Kutumbam Foundation. The School of Regenerative Agriculture was operational through the Covid-19 lockdown, with online classes, and learning being conducted via reading materials, videos, and practical assignments. The SRA resumed in-person learning in June 2020.
The SRA’s Visiting Faculty made substantial enhancements to the students’ learning experience. The SRA also relied on the Collective’s in-house expertise in organic farming and ecological restoration to conduct locale-specific training sessions.
The one-year Foundation Course, which was to end in September 2020, was extended by another three months. 16 students graduated from the course in December 2020. A fun-filled Graduation Ceremony was held on December 23, with their families in attendance. The highlight of the day was an agriculture-themed dance performance by the students.
The students put their theoretical knowledge into practice by participating in on-farm activities such as composting, vegetable and paddy cultivation, forest tree plantation, soil and water conservation, and soil fertility enhancement.
SRA students during a training session on paddy cultivation.
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The faculty used the ‘Multiple Intelligences’ framework to enable students to identify and appreciate their unique intelligence. Modules were conducted on perception building, the factors preventing adaptation, and challenges in learning new skills. The Theory of Multiple Intelligences was developed by Howard Gardner, the American developmental psychologist and Professor, who considers human intelligence to be comprised of specific “modalities of intelligence,” rather than defining intelligence as a singular, holistic ability.
The students transitioned to the Advanced Certificate Course based on their performance in the year-end assessments for the basic course. The Advanced Certificate Course began on February 1, 2021, and will continue until January 2022. 13 out of the 16 1st year students enrolled in the course. The students began implementing their learnings in specific plots as part of individual project assignments (a key feature of the Advanced Course). The faculty also conducted refresher sessions in English, Mathematics, and Accounting.
Y. Amrutha, an SRA student, receives her Foundation Course Certificate from C.K. Ganguly (Bablu).
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Enterprise Development The Enterprise Development programme anchors the marketing and business development activities of the production units and brands promoted by the Collective including Timbaktu Organic (Dharani FaM Coop), Timbaktu Weaves (Bhavani Weaving Unit), Timbaktu Handcrafted Soap (Militha Livelihood Unit), Timbaktu Pickles (Timbaktu Pickle Unit), and Gramasiri Mutton Pickle (Gramasiri Cooperative), and operates the Timbaktu Shop.
The team achieved cumulative sales of Rs. 4.59 crore (~US$ 627,000) for Timbaktu Organic through partnerships with 433 retailers, 61 bulk customers, and 38 buyers of by-products. The value-added product department experimented with 13 recipes for millet-based snacks. As a result, four new items were added to Timbaktu Organic’s product basket. The team organised a food demo at SP Supermarket in Anantapur town to spread awareness of the benefits of organic food and share easy-to-learn recipes. More than 500 people visited the demo. The Timbaktu Shop introduced a mobile phonebased payment option, which significantly improved the customer experience. The Shop made annual sales of Rs. 74.2 lakh (~US$100,000) from regular and walk-in customers. The team managed the production schedule of Timbaktu Weaves, which had 13 master weavers. Subsequently, the team achieved sales of Rs. 7.56 lakh (~US$10,000) through direct sales and participation in stalls and exhibitions. At the close of the year, Timbaktu Weaves had a stock value of Rs. 7.91 lakh(~US$10,000). The team achieved sales of Rs. 6.11 lakh (~US$ 8,300) for Timbaktu Handcrafted Soap. The brand is linked with the Militha Livelihood Unit, which comprises of persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
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Covid-19 Relief Activities
A week after the national lockdown which began on March 24, 2021, the Collective received authorization from the District Administration to take up relief activities. The District Administration also invited the Collective to join an informal network of non-profit organisations that it had formed to ensure better coordination of relief efforts. After being trained on health and safety protocols, a volunteer group from the Collective and its partner Cooperatives set out to identify vulnerable groups and distribute cooked food, groceries, toiletries, medical supplies, and other essential items. The Collective decided to source grains and vegetables from local farmers who were unable to sell their produce.
informal sector workers, and distressed local families with limited means to sustain themselves through the lockdown. Here is a summary of our efforts: • Food, provisions, and other essential items were distributed to 2,295 people from 407 families. • Provisions and supplies were provided to 15 relief camps set up by the District Administration. The Collective donated 20 beds to the quarantine centre in Roddam village. • Food and provisions were distributed to the families of Prakruthi Badi students, with their needs being met through the national lockdown. • The Collective spent Rs. 21.72 lakh (~ US$29,500) to procure and distribute relief material.
The volunteer group supported specific categories of people – migrant labourers and their dependents from the North and Central India (some of whom were stranded in our working area and others who were undertaking a perilous journey to their hometowns on foot and bicycles after the abrupt closure of public transportation), truck drivers,
Members of the Collective distribute material for the Covid-19 Isolation Centre in Polepalli village.
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Networking Bablu Ganguly, the Chairperson of the Timbaktu Collective, served as a World Board member of IFOAM Organics International, the largest network of institutions promoting organic agriculture. Bablu was elected to the World Board in November 2017. Bablu represented the Collective in forums such as IFOAM Asia, BioFACH6, Natural Farming Coalition, Ashoka Roundtable on Youth Leadership, Vikalp Sangam, PGSOC (Participatory Guarantee Systems Organic Council), and the Asian Productivity Organisation. He also participated in several webinars, including the Revive Talks series organised by E-Coexist, the Punebased social enterprise. V. Manikandan, the Director of Operations and Administration, represented the Collective in various PGSOC meetings held through the year. He also served on PGSOC’s Board.
Internal Organisation Administration The Sruthi Working Group oversees the administrative and support functions of the Collective. It manages fundraising, financial management, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME), communication, documentation, reporting, contracting, legal compliance, hospitality and logistics, office maintenance, and repairs and construction. The Sruthi Working Group did a creditable job in anchoring the operations of the Collective during an unprecedented, unpredictable period. The Collective’s Core Group, which is made up of the Programme Coordinators, met once a month for review, planning, and budget monitoring. The Steering Committee (SC) is the management team responsible for human resource management, fund development and reporting, and organisational policy. The SC met at least once a month during the year. Steering Committe members in March 2021:
Timbaktu Panchayati Timbaktu Panchayati is the informal umbrella organisation comprised of the Collective’s and its partner Cooperatives’ employees, which meets once in two months. The Timbaktu Panchayati had 131 members in March 2021.
V. Manikandan - Convenor C.K. Ganguly (Bablu) Mary Vattamattam
Timbaktu Kalayika Timbaktu Kalayika (TC Kalayika) is an employees’ welfare organisation which provides affordable credit access to Timbaktu Panchayati members. TC Kalayika had a net worth of Rs. 51.45 lakh (~US$ 70,000) in March 2021. Besides, TC Kalayika donated Rs. 3.09 lakh [~US$4,200) to 55 families who were not covered by our regular interventions.
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P. Zabeera Khanam K. Sannapaiah M. Ramesh Kumar K. Aswini Sukanya Sakamuri G. Suresh Kumar
BIOFACH is the leading international trade fair and exhibition for the organic industry.
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Governance General Body
Managing Committee (Board of Directors)
The Collective’s 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on September 26, 2020. The AGM approved the change in office bearers: C.K.Ganguly was designated as the Chairperson, while Mary was appointed as the Collective’s Board Secretary and Executive Director.
Four Managing Committee (MC) meetings were held during the year. The MC played a critical role in revising organisational policies and setting the framework for the OD (organisational development) process.
General Body members in March 2021:
Managing Committee members in March 2021:
C.K.Ganguly (Bablu)
Chairperson
C.K.Ganguly (Bablu)
Chairperson
Mary Vattamattam
Secretary
Mary Vattamattam
Secretary
Pradeep Esteves
Treasurer
Pradeep Esteves
Treasurer
John D’Souza
Member
M. Annapurna
Member
B. Venkatesh
Member
Garima Bhatia
Member
Mercy Kappen
Member
Mercy Kappen
Member
Y.V. Malla Reddy
Member
Haritha Sarma
Member
Garima Bhatia
Member
R.V. Jayapadma
Member
M. Annapurna
Member
Mathew John
Member
Haritha Sarma
Member
V. Manikandan, Director of Operations and Administration, speaks during the 30th Anniversary celebrations.
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Swathi from TrueNature conducts a leadership camp for children.
Regulatory Compliance & Finance 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 Bankers
Auditors
State Bank of India (New Delhi Branch) Foreign Exchange Division 11 Parliament Street New Delhi - 110001
A.R. Rao & Rajan (Chartered Accountants) 186/A, 1st Floor, Venkataranga Iyengar St., Seshadripuram, Bengaluru - 560020
Canara Bank (Trinity Circle Branch) MG Road, Bengaluru - 560001 Canara Bank (Chennekothapalli Branch) Ananthapuramu District - 515101
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Our Supporters Our thanks to the institutions & individuals who
company of a civil engineering company based
supported our work in 2020-21
in Mumbai and as a trust that promotes primary education and healthcare in rural areas. SPA
Institutions
Education Foundation supported Prakruthi Badi
Bread for the World (BfW)
(Nature School).
BfW is the global development agency of the Protestant Churches in Germany. BfW supported
Ion Foundation
our work with smallholder farmers, agricultural
The philanthropic arm of Ion Exchange Limited, the
labourers, enterprise development, women, and
water and environment management company,
ecology.
Ion Foundation supported Prakruthi Badi.
Kadoorie Charitable Foundation (KCF)
Others
KCF is the philanthropic trust set up by the
The Collective also received support from non-
Kadoorie family in Hong Kong. KCF supported our
profit funding instruments set up by Zerodha
work with persons with disabilities, children, and
Broking Limited, NASSCOM Foundation, U.K.
youth.
Giving Foundation, and Akila Trading Private Limited.
GLS Future Foundation for Development GLS Future Foundation for Development is
Individuals
part of GLS-Treuhand, the German trusteeship
•
Ranjeet Ranade
organisation that manages 300 entities, including
•
Param Vir Singh Bedi
GLS Bank. The Foundation supported the School of •
Anand Nair
Regenerative Agriculture in 2020-21.
•
K.R. Sairam
•
Shankar Narayana
•
Baba Fareed
Asha for Education Asha for Education is a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation based in the USA. Its New York, London, and Bangalore Chapters have supported our work with children for several years. North South Foundation North South Foundation is a USA-based nonprofit organisation that provides scholarships and educational opportunities to underprivileged children and youth in India. The Foundation supported the School of Regenerative Agriculture. SPA Education Foundation SPA Education Foundation serves as the holding
Pearl millet being used as a border crop.
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Acknowledgements
The Collective wishes to place on record its sincere • appreciation for the strategic support and advice from the following individuals: •
H. Arun Kumar (IAS), the State Agricultural • Commissioner, approved subsidy support for upgrading Dharani FaM Coop’s processing unit.
•
B.M.K Reddy, the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board, provided insights on the roles and responsibilities of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
•
•
•
•
Vasudha Nagaraj, an Advocate from Hyderabad, conducted legal aid trainings for the Directors and employees of Mahasakthi Federation. S. Ashalatha trained Gramasiri Cooperative members in Ethnoveterinary practices for animal care. She supported content creation for village-level Ethnoveterinary trainings.
•
Jakes Jayakaran, Madhavi Reddy, Venugopal, and S. Naveen Kumar served as Visiting Faculty at the School of Regenerative Agriculture.
•
Siddharth Rao conducted an ecological survey of the KCCA and updated its Management Plan.
•
Jagannath Singh (IFS), District Forest Officer, and G. Surya Sai Praveenchand (IAS), Assistant District Collector, visited the KCCA to review the implementation of work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
Ashok Ganguly provided support in communications, grantwriting, and social media management.
•
Y. Prasad and Venugopal Reddy, Project Directors from the District Water Management Agency (DWMA) made a preparatory visit ahead of the NREGA project.
A. Chennakesavulu, who retired from the Collective after more than two decades, supported Kalpavalli and Gramasiri Cooperatives to strengthen their membership outreach strategy.
•
G.V. Narayana Sarma taught Mathematics at the School of Regenerative Agriculture.
•
Pavani Madira conducted special education sessions for children with disabilities.
•
A. Srilakshmi conducted physiotherapy sessions for children with disabilities.
Gandham Chadrudu (IAS), the former District Collector of Ananthapuramu, authorised community conservation activities in KCCA through NREGA and ordered a Government Survey of the conserved areas.
Mercy Kappen and V. Asha from Visthar, Bengaluru, facilitated a series of gender mainstreaming workshops.
•
Haritha Sarma anchored the Collective’s organisational development process.
•
Rachna Nandakumar, Vishwanath Parameshwaran, and V. Kartikeyan supported the organisational development process.
•
Garima Bhatia helped to establish the ecotourism partnership with Linger, a responsible tourism venture.
•
Ranjeet Ranade and Zenobia Driver advised Dharani FaM Coop on its long-term business plan.
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Financial Overview Receipts & Payments for 2020-21 Sources of Funds Particulars Opening Balance
2020-21 Amount in lakhs 262.27
Expenditure Particulars
2020-21 Amount in lakhs
Sustainable Agriculture & Marketing
153.74
Interest on Investments
5.23
Child Rights and Alternative Education
66.44
Other Gains
0.27
Rights and Rehabilitation of PWDs
62.67
Other Income
0.45
Community Conservation
35.63
Livelihoods of Agricultural Labourers
33.09
Foreign Contributions Brot Fur Die Welt, Germany
232.06
Women’s Empowerment
32.61
Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, Hong Kong
126.42
Covid-19 Relief
21.73
GLS Future Foundation for Development, Germany
40.72
Training of Team Members
8.27
Asha for Education, USA
12.48
Housing for PWDs
7.10
North South Foundation, USA
1.44
Ecology Field Station
4.38
Akila Trading Pvt Ltd., South Africa
0.30
Maintenance Expenses
3.52
UK Online Giving Foundation
0.06
Administration
109.63
Nasscom Foundation
0.01
Capital Expenditure
26.75
Other Foundations
0.04
Closing Balance
128.87
Total
694.42
Domestic Contributions Individuals & Local Organisations
5.17
ION Foundation, Mumbai
3.29
SPA Education Foundation, Mumbai
3.04
Other Donations Total
1.16 694.42
Balance Sheet on March 31, 2021 Liabilities
Amount in lakhs
Expenditure
Amount in lakhs
Capital Fund
243.43
Fixed Assets at WDV
243.43
Other Funds
128.87
Investments
100.19
Current Liabilities
Total
7.47
379.77
Current Assets Cash and Bank
31.31
Programme Advances
4.84
Total
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379.77
Income & Expenditure for FY 2020-21 Expenditure
Amount Income in lakhs
Salaries of Timbaktu Panchayati members
Amount in lakhs
Programme Expenditure
429.17
Grants and Contributions
426.20
Administrative Expenditure
109.63
Interest on Savings Bank Accounts and Deposits
5.23
Capital Expenditure
26.75
Other Income
0.73
Excess of Expenditure over Income Total
565.55
TOTAL
133.40
565.55
Salaries in INR
Female
Male
Total
Above 60,000
1
2
3
41,000 to 50,000
1
2
3
31,000 to 40,000
5
3
8
21,000 to 30,000
12
12
24
12,500 to 20,000
47
46
93
Total
66
65
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Narasimhulu, a Prathibha Cooperative member, interacts with M. Ramesh Kumar, the Coordinator of the Enterprise Development programme, during an event on International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
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The Timbaktu Collective Chennekothapalli village Ananthapuramu District Andhra Pradesh India - 515101 info@timbaktu.org www.timbaktu.org facebook.com/timbaktu.collective
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