Fellowship: Livelihoods in Kumaun

OVERVIEW

Chirag (Central Himalayan Rural Action Group) is a rural development organization based in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand in India. Since 1987, they have worked closely with communities on issues relating to forestry, soil and water conservation, agriculture, animal husbandry, drinking water, health care, education and skill and knowledge development of young people. Chirag works in nearly 250 villages in Nainital, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh and Almora districts.

This fellowship project will involve an understanding of Chirag’s initiatives in the Kumaun region, focusing particularly on the activities of Kumaun Grameen Udyog (KGU) – a Section 25 company established by Chirag. KGU is mandated to plough back all profit into rural development activities. With the aim of providing livelihood opportunities for the local community, KGU works with local artisans and sources from small farmers. Their product-range is based on a two-pronged approach: to work with locally available skills and resources; and to introduce new capacities. The fellowship project is an attempt to identify design intervention opportunities in KGU’s endeavor to provide livelihood, education, and health.

PARTICIPANTS

We seek 4 or 5 fellows to accompany 2 Box studio guides and one student volunteer

SCHEDULE

The trip to Kumaun will last 2 days and 3 nights and will be followed by 2 days of synthesis in Delhi and 1 day of studio work + panel printing. Possible dates: 20th-25th February 2011.

Sample itinerary:
Day 1

Noon – Reach Sitla (accommodation)
Second half – Meet Chirag team and get an overview of their aim and activities
Second half – Visit a couple of sites (Animal feed program and Kilmora store. Guided by Chirag team)

Day 2

First half – Meeting farmers (guided by Chirag team)
Afternoon – Brainstorming with Chirag team (scope of design intervention)
Evening – Leave for Delhi

Day 3 & 4

Morning – Reach Delhi
Discussion on team’s findings and mapping of design opportunities.

Day 5

Poster design and printing

PROVISIONS

All fellowship participants will be awarded with travel to the workshop site from Delhi, as well as room and board, local travel, and studio space (where required).