About Wassan foundation
Wassan Foundation: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development
Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN) is a non-profit organization that aims to empower communities for sustainable development. Founded in 2003, Wassan Foundation has been working tirelessly to promote sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and community development in India.
Our Story
The idea of Wassan Foundation was born out of the need to address the challenges faced by rural communities in India. The founders of Wassan Foundation realized that there was a lack of support for small-scale farmers and marginalized communities who were struggling to make ends meet. They saw an opportunity to create an organization that could provide technical assistance, training, and resources to help these communities improve their livelihoods.
Our Journey
Over the years, Wassan Foundation has grown from a small grassroots organization into a well-respected institution with a strong presence in several states across India. We have worked with thousands of farmers and community members, helping them adopt sustainable farming practices, conserve natural resources, and build resilient communities.
Our Approach
At Wassan Foundation, we believe that sustainable development can only be achieved through a participatory approach that involves all stakeholders. We work closely with local communities to identify their needs and priorities and develop customized solutions that are tailored to their specific context.
Our Core Values
We are guided by four core values:
1) Empowerment: We believe in empowering individuals and communities by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to take control of their lives.
2) Sustainability: We are committed to promoting environmentally sustainable practices that ensure long-term benefits for both people and the planet.
3) Equity: We strive for social justice by promoting equal opportunities for all members of society regardless of gender or caste.
4) Partnership: We recognize the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, private sector organizations as well as local communities themselves.
What We Do
Wassan Foundation works in three thematic areas:
1) Sustainable Agriculture: We promote sustainable farming practices that help farmers increase their productivity while conserving natural resources. Our programs focus on soil health, water management, crop diversification, and livestock management.
2) Natural Resource Management: We work with communities to conserve and manage natural resources such as forests, water bodies, and biodiversity. Our programs aim to improve the livelihoods of local communities while protecting the environment.
3) Community Development: We support community-led initiatives that promote social inclusion, gender equality, and economic empowerment. Our programs focus on building resilient communities that can withstand shocks such as climate change or economic downturns.
Ongoing Programs
Wassan Foundation has several ongoing programs across India. Some of our flagship programs include:
1) Watershed Development Program: This program aims to improve the productivity of rain-fed agriculture by promoting soil conservation measures and water harvesting techniques.
2) Livelihood Enhancement Program for Tribal Communities: This program focuses on improving the livelihoods of tribal communities by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and providing training in non-farm activities such as handicrafts or beekeeping.
3) Women's Empowerment Program: This program aims to empower women by providing them with training in income-generating activities such as tailoring or food processing.
Research Collaborations
Wassan Foundation collaborates with several research institutions including CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Australia's national science agency. These collaborations help us stay up-to-date with the latest research findings in our field and ensure that our programs are evidence-based.
Our Community
Our Board
Wassan Foundation is governed by a board of directors who bring a wealth of experience from diverse backgrounds including academia, government service, civil society organizations as well as private sector companies.
Our Team
We have a dedicated team of professionals who work tirelessly to implement our programs across India. Our team includes experts in agriculture, natural resource management, community development as well as finance and administration.
Write a Message
If you are interested in learning more about Wassan Foundation or would like to support our work, please visit our website or contact us directly. We welcome partnerships with like-minded organizations who share our vision of empowering communities for sustainable development.
Resources
We provide a range of resources on our website including financial reports, annual reports, case studies, research papers as well as books and booklets. We also produce films that showcase the impact of our programs on local communities.
In conclusion, Wassan Foundation is an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of rural communities across India. Our participatory approach to sustainable development ensures that we are able to address the unique needs and challenges faced by each community we work with. With your support, we can continue to empower communities for sustainable development and build a better future for all.