Prior to joining TIST, the members of Sindhukavi Small Group of Chitoor village found that the barren land and low rainfall failed to support even quick growing crops. The members of this Small Group often had to sell household items in order to eat.
Since joining TIST in April 2004, the grouphas planted nearly 15,000 trees, increased their agricultural yields and received more than Rs.34,000/- in tree payments. Their last payment totalled Rs.5,470/- or $130; enough to feed two families for up to two months. The Small Group no longer have to sell their possessions for food. Moreover, some of the Small Group invest their share of TIST payments in other income creating activities. Mr.Sundaram, for example, uses his TIST money as the capital needed to start working in household electrics.
Participating in TIST empowered the Small Group to organise their work, make significant improvements to their local environment and has giventhe groupincome and food security. |
