1. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
WELCOME TO IRRAD!
FINDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR POVERTY ERADICATION IN INDIA
Jane Schukoske, CEO, IRRAD
January 10, 2014

2. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
S.M. Sehgal Foundation, registered as a trust in India since 1999
MISSION
Our mission is to strengthen community-led development
initiatives to achieve positive social, economic and
environmental change across rural India.
VISION
We envision every person across rural India empowered to
lead a more secure and prosperous life.
APPROACH
• Community participation in integrated village development
• Scale tested, replicable models
- good governance through pachayat raj institutions
and citizen participation
- water management
- agricultural income enhancement
• Knowledge instituteTogether, We Empower Rural India
ABOUT IRRAD

3. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
IRRAD’S FOCUS AREAS
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
Agriculture
Enhances farmers’ income
Research:
evidence
-based
interventions
Water
Provides water solutions
Rural Governance
Ensures citizen participation
Builds capacity of village-level institutions
Sanitation, Hygiene and Health
Promotes hygiene
Together, We Empower Rural India
Research:
evidence
-based
interventions

4. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
Initial Outreach Area:
District Mewat, Haryana
431 villages, 1.1 million people, limited access to media
• Low literacy rate: 56.1% , Female Literacy: 37.6%
• Patriarchic and conservative community
• Water scarcity; 14% villages have sweet water, rest are saline
• Dependence on agriculture and allied activities: 78%
• Poor health indicators:
 Institutional deliveries: 14.8%
 Maternal Mortality Rate: 275 per 100,000 live births
 Access to toilet facilities: 16.2%
• Family Size: 7; Girls married before 18 years: 43.2%
• Fading local culture
• Low awareness about government programs
Sources: Census 2011; District Level Household and Facility Survey-III, 2010; Sample Registration Survey 2011
Together, We Empower Rural India

5. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
IRRAD’S WORK
IN MEWAT DISTRICT, HARYANA
Together, We Empower Rural India

6. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
Village-level
institutions are
capable of supplying
public goods and
services
VILLAGE GOVERNANCE
Good Village
Governance
Citizens demand
accountable,
transparent village
governance
Supply-side
interventions
Demand-side
interventions
Build capacities of
village-level
institutions
Raise villagers’
awareness of their
rights and
entitlements
Together, We Empower Rural India

7. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
COMMUNITY RADIO
High value in small radius where
little access to mainstream media
• Community run: rural voices
• Strengthens community
communications
• Serves as a bridge between the
village-level institutions and
villagers
• Brings relevant knowledge and
culture
• Enables other community media
Together, We Empower Rural India
(e.g., audio sms)

8. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
IRRAD’S IMPACT
• Good rural governance program: 76,000 citizens engaged
• Capacity building of 1,400 community leaders (trainers of trainees) in
Mewat District
• Harvesting water in villages: 271 dry villages served; check dams, culverts, loose
stone structures built
• Adoption of modern agricultural practices: 4567 field demonstrations
• Alfaz-e-Mewat FM 107.8 broadcasts 12 hours daily and reaches 183 villages
• Scientific analysis: study of ground realities, village needs, implementation of
government schemes and NGO interventions
Together, We Empower Rural India

9. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
BEST PRACTICES IN DEVELOPMENT
• Community ownership: villagers share their views and knowledge in
defining village problems, develop local solutions and participate as decision
makers
• Access to information: publications, meetings, wall paintings, community
radio and mobile phone technology
• Local Institution building: through strengthening capacities of panchayat
raj, citizen involvement, and effective communication with block, district
and state government officials
• Scientific approach in implementation: baseline, monitoring and
evaluation, and impact assessment of projects
• Replication of tested apt solutions and leverage of government schemes
Together, We Empower Rural India

10. IRRAD
Together, we empower rural India
Institute of Rural Research and Development
An initiative of the S.M. Sehgal Foundation
Reach us at:
CEO@irrad.org / www.irrad.org
Institute of Rural Research and Development
(an initiative of S.M. Sehgal Foundation)
Plot No. 34, Sector 44, Institutional Area
Gurgaon 122003, Haryana, India
Together, We Empower Rural India