In spite of a fairly good monsoon in most parts of the country in 2003, large tracts of the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra did not receive adequate rainfall. For some of the areas 2003 was the fourth consecutive year of drought.

The failure of crops has seriously affected the household economy in these rural areas, greatly increasing the incidence of indebtedness. Large scale migrations are taking place due to shortage of drinking water, scarcity of food, lack of employment and lack of fodder for livestock. In some places cattle camps have been set up and the fodder supply is organised through assistance from the government and from philanthropic organisations. Almost every water source is dry due to the third year of insufficient monsoon rains. Women in particular find life harder than usual having to wake up earlier for a long trek to get water for the family.

The Dalits and marginal farmers who, even in "good times", have to take out loans to cultivate the lands leased to them by landowners, are falling deeper into debt due to the consecutive crop failures. Possessions of value are being sold off to provide basic necessities. Pressure and exploitation by unscrupulous money lenders on the Dalit and marginal farmers to repay loans with interest further aggravates conditions.

ACT member Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) is proposing to assist the most vulnerable of the affected population with: Food for Work (rice / wheat); potable water, drilling of tube wells and fodder for livestock

This appeal may be revised to include a proposal from the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India.

Project Completion Date:

31 December 2004

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested (US$)

Total Appeal Target(s): 949,279

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0

Balance Requested from ACT Network: 949,279

Signed by:
Thor-Arne Prois
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office