JAGATI-Climate Resilience Initiatives (J-CRI)

JAGATI-Climate Resilience Initiatives (J-CRI) is envisioned as an integrated, community-led approach to strengthening sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience among tribal and rural communities. Recognizing that agriculture, livestock, nutrition, natural resources and climate adaptation are deeply interconnected, the initiative brings these areas together within a holistic climate-resilient livelihood system. JTCRI promotes climate-resilient farming through millets, pulses, indigenous crops and horticulture; strengthens livestock-based livelihoods; supports kitchen and nutrition gardens; and encourages soil and water conservation, agroforestry and the sustainable management of non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The initiative also focuses on strengthening farmer groups, women’s Self-Help Groups, local enterprises and community institutions, while improving access to climate information and locally appropriate adaptation practices. By combining traditional knowledge, biodiversity, sustainable natural-resource management and modern scientific approaches, J-CRI aims to develop Climate-Resilient Rural Villages (CRRV) where communities play a central role in planning and implementing solutions for improved livelihoods, food and nutrition security, ecological sustainability and long-term resilience.

Key Components:

Landscape Restoration

Landscape Restoration Initiative promotes the ecological restoration of degraded forests, farmlands, watersheds and community landscapes through participatory and nature-based approaches. The initiative integrates soil and water conservation, agroforestry, biodiversity restoration, sustainable land management and livelihood diversification. By involving local communities in planning and implementation, JAGATI seeks to restore ecosystem health while improving water security, agricultural productivity, biodiversity and livelihood opportunities, contributing to long-term climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Indigenous Biodiversity

Indigenous Biodiversity Initiative promotes the conservation and revival of indigenous biodiversity through community-led action. The initiative engages tribal communities, women and youth in protecting native seeds, traditional crops, medicinal plants, wild foods, forests and local ecosystems. By documenting traditional ecological knowledge and strengthening community stewardship, JAGATI seeks to conserve biodiversity while linking it with sustainable livelihoods, food security, cultural heritage and climate resilience for future generations.

Green Enterprise & Bioeconomy

Green Enterprise & Bioeconomy Initiative promotes sustainable, community-owned enterprises based on locally available natural and biological resources. The initiative supports value addition, processing, branding and market linkages for millets, NTFPs, indigenous foods, honey, bamboo, medicinal plants and other sustainable products. By strengthening producer groups, women’s enterprises and rural entrepreneurs, JAGATI aims to generate dignified livelihoods while encouraging biodiversity conservation, responsible resource use and locally rooted green economic development.

Community Geo-Climate Resilience

Community Geo-Climate Resilience Initiative integrates geoscience, GIS, climate information and community knowledge to strengthen local planning and resilience. The initiative supports participatory mapping of land, soil, water, groundwater, forests, biodiversity and climate risks, enabling communities to better understand and manage their natural resources. By combining scientific evidence with indigenous and local knowledge, JAGATI promotes informed decision-making, sustainable land use, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient development planning.

Women Climate Leaders

Women Climate Leaders Initiative recognizes women as key agents of climate resilience, natural resource management and community transformation. The initiative strengthens the knowledge, leadership and decision-making capacities of women through SHGs, producer groups and community institutions. Women leaders will be supported to promote climate-resilient agriculture, nutrition, seed conservation, water management, green enterprises and disaster preparedness. JAGATI aims to create a strong network of grassroots women leaders driving sustainable and inclusive climate action.

Climate Innovation Lab

Climate Innovation Lab Initiative creates opportunities for rural and tribal youth to develop innovative solutions to local climate and development challenges. The initiative encourages young people to explore innovations in sustainable agriculture, water management, GIS, biodiversity, renewable energy, waste management and disaster preparedness. Through mentoring, training, research and innovation support, JAGATI aims to nurture a new generation of community-based innovators who can combine technology, local knowledge and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

JAGATI-100 Climate-Resilient Villages Initiative (J-100)

JAGATI 100 Climate-Resilient Villages Initiative aims to develop and demonstrate an integrated model of community-led climate resilience across selected rural and tribal villages. Each village will promote climate-resilient agriculture, water security, nutrition, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, women’s leadership and local disaster preparedness. Through participatory planning and measurable outcomes, JAGATI seeks to create 100 learning villages that demonstrate practical, scalable and locally appropriate pathways towards resilient communities and sustainable development.

JAGATI Adivasi Climate Knowledge Fellowship (JACK Fellowship)

JAGATI Adivasi Climate Knowledge Fellowship, or JACK Fellowship, promotes research, documentation and knowledge exchange on indigenous responses to climate and environmental change. The fellowship will engage young researchers, students and community knowledge holders to explore traditional agriculture, food systems, forests, water, biodiversity and climate adaptation. By recognizing community members as knowledge partners, JAGATI aims to generate evidence, preserve valuable indigenous knowledge and promote dialogue between traditional wisdom, scientific research and contemporary development practice.