• Watershed Development: Implementing comprehensive watershed development programs aimed at conserving, protecting, and restoring ecological balance. This includes:
• Identifying and developing existing water resources like percolation ponds and check dams.
• Constructing loose boulder or masonry check dams to harvest water and prevent soil erosion.
• Soil and Moisture Conservation: Implementing various techniques to improve soil health and retain moisture, such as:
• Trench-cum-bunding.
• Mulching with organic materials like coconut husk, fronds, and coir pith to prevent moisture loss and enrich the soil.
• Afforestation: Promoting tree planting to improve vegetation cover, prevent soil erosion, and provide supplementary income to the community. This involves:
• Partnering with the Department of Environment and Forests to supply saplings to farmers.
• Encouraging farmers to plant commercially valuable trees like China Berry.
• Water Resource Management:
• Harvesting and storing water by developing and renovating water bodies.
• Replenishing ground and sub-surface water for utilization beyond the monsoon period.

Agriculture and Livelihood Development

COODU aims to improve the livelihoods of rural communities by enhancing agricultural productivity and creating sustainable employment opportunities:

• Water Stewardship Programs: Implementing programs like the Water Stewardship Programme (WSP) with support from ITC Ltd. to harness local natural resources for sustainable development.
• Farmers Field Schools (FFS): Conducting training programs and demonstrations on efficient irrigation management and organic farming techniques.
• Demonstration Plots: Creating demonstration plots for banana and coconut cultivation to showcase the benefits of improved farming practices.
• Promoting Organic Farming: Encouraging the use of NADEP and vermicompost to improve soil fertility and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
• Mechanization: Providing access to farm machinery to improve agricultural efficiency.
• Supporting Animal Husbandry: Recognizing the importance of livestock, COODU aims to ensure drinking water availability for livestock during summer months and promote feed for cattle through afforestation and pasture development.

Community Health and Education

COODU extends its services to address the health and educational needs of the community, with a special focus on tribal populations:

• Community Health Camps: Partnering with the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to conduct health camps for tribal populations, focusing on women and children.
• Informal Education Centers: Establishing informal education centers for school-going tribal children to improve their learning outcomes.

Key Methodologies

COODU employs several key methodologies to achieve its objectives:

• Community Participation: Ensuring community involvement in project planning and implementation through the formation of Water User Groups (WUGs).
• Convergence: Collaborating with government departments and other organizations to leverage resources and expertise.
• Technology Adoption: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, such as establishing water testing laboratories.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitoring project activities and outcomes to assess progress and make necessary adjustments.

Measurable Outcome Indicators

COODU uses measurable indicators to assess the impact of its programs, including:

• Effective harvest of rainwater.
• Assured drinking water for livestock.
• Improved soil moisture regime.
• Reduction of soil erosion.
• Recharging of aquifers.
• Improved vegetation cover.