It’s official: My Peace Fellowship with Jeevan Rekha Parishad (JRP) has come to an end. As I prepare to transition back to my life in the United States, I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Manu, Biraj, Surajita, and the entire JRP team, both past and present, for hosting me this summer. And, of course, I am extremely grateful to Iain Guest and The Advocacy Project (AP) for making this experience possible. This summer has been an absolutely incredible, unique, and insightful journey. The opportunity to work in the field, immersed in a community so different from my own, has been profoundly instructive as I shape my career in international development and planning. I’ve learned that no matter where you are in the world, community is where the work must begin and end. JRP clearly understands this principle, and I will undoubtedly adopt many of their field techniques in my future endeavors.

Making new friends during my last field visit

My last photo at JRP

Overview:

During my fellowship, I’ve contributed to various aspects of JRP’s operations, including grant writing, website development, branding, and social media. However, my primary focus has been the Neemola project. This initiative, devised and implemented in partnership with The Advocacy Project, is aimed at empowering local communities through economic opportunity while combating malaria. It has shown remarkable progress and potential for sustainable impact.

The Neemola project is not merely an economic endeavor, but a holistic approach to community development and public health. In just the first few months of operation, the project has engaged approximately 100 participants, including 50 dedicated seed collectors who receive compensation for their work. JRP has successfully fostered widespread community involvement across several additional key roles:

1. 10 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists): These workers facilitate the distribution of neem oil and other products. They also manage distribution databases for high-need recipients such as lactating mothers, pregnant women, and young children across multiple communities.
2. Anganwadi Workers (AWWs): These individuals oversee nutrition, early education, and malaria monitoring in clusters of two to three villages.
3. Self-Help Group (SHG) leaders: They coordinate the daily activities of women in tribal villages, many of whom are engaged as seed collectors or in other start-up activities. The leadership structure includes:

Cluster Resource Persons (CRPs): Each leads 10 SHGs

Master Bookkeepers (MBKs): Each oversees 3-4 CRPs

Each self-help group is distinguished by its unique uniform, symbolizing unity and organization within these communities. It would be a grave misconception to view tribal communities as lacking capability. In reality, they possess a highly organized and meticulous top-down structure that is more than capable of facilitating effective project implementation.

Every tribal Self-Help Group sports a unique uniform

Interview with an MBK

Economics:

The economic benefits of the Neemola project are already evident for participants. Seed collectors are earning valuable supplementary income, with approximately $500 USD (equivalent to nearly 42,000 rupees) distributed to them so far, according to the most recently updated project budget. One woman reported earnings of 900 rupees (equivalent to around 18 kilos of collected neem seeds). Participants in other activities, such as trainings and tree plantations, also receive small honorariums. These earnings are being used for critical needs like school fees, emergency funds, and healthcare. The project complements existing sources of income such as livestock rearing, forest product collection, and small-scale agriculture, helping communities build a more resilient economic future.

During an interview, one participant shared her experience: “After receiving money from collecting neem seeds, I deposit it in my bank account and can use it for emergencies. This extra income can be useful for health issues or school tuition.”

This woman has earned approximately 900 rupees

Achievements and Challenges:

JRP’s achievements in just a few short months have been significant. Already:

1. 1 quintal (100 kilos) of neem seeds have been collected. While this is slightly behind the target due to staff turnover and extreme summer temperatures, an additional 5 quintals are expected by the end of August now that new staff have been trained. In total, 6 quintals of seeds can produce approximately 240 kilos of neem oil.
2. 128 bottles of neem oil have been produced and distributed. This first batch is being distributed for free to introduce people to the product, with plans to eventually sell it to cover production costs.
3. 100 neem trees were procured from the forestry department and planted by tribal women in Daspalla to ensure long-term sustainability. JRP aims to eventually establish a neem tree demonstration forest.
4. 12 women, including members of Self-Help Groups, an ASHA, and a Master Bookkeeper, were trained in neem seed processing and bottling.

Sorting and processing neem seeds

Bottling and labeling Neemola

Planting neem trees

Distributing Neemola

Cultural Integration:

One of the most memorable experiences from my final field visit was witnessing a Pala performance. Pala is a traditional Oriya theater form where actors, adorned in vibrant traditional costumes, create impromptu performances on any given topic. For the Neemola project launch, we commissioned a Pala focusing on the themes of malaria prevention and the benefits of neem oil.

The performers, resplendent in colorful kurtas, dhotis, and elaborate headgear, crafted an entire production on the spot. Through a captivating blend of music, dance, and dialogue, they recounted the tale of an ancient kingdom’s struggle with malaria and how neem emerged as the solution. It was truly fascinating to witness how these skilled artists seamlessly wove together historical context, current health concerns, and the significance of the Neemola project into their performance.

The vibrant Pala performers

Pala performers distributing neemola after the show

Future Plans:

As JRP moves forward, they will address several key areas:

1. Scale: While currently behind the initial target of 10 quintals, JRP is optimistic about catching up in the coming months as it adjusts from recent staff turnover.
2. Distribution and sales: The first 40 kilos of neem oil will be distributed for free to introduce the product. The remaining 200 kilos expected this year will be sold in local markets in Daspalla and city markets in Nayagarh and Bhubaneswar. An estimated income of 3000 rupees per month is expected, which will cover production costs, with any surplus going to neem seed collectors.
3. Marketing: A new marketing manager, Sandeep, will spearhead efforts to bring Neemola to markets beyond the tribal villages.
4. Pricing/Accessibility: To ensure long-term accessibility, tribal communities will be able to purchase Neemola at a 50% discount from the JRP office – 10 rupees for a 100 ml bottle and 25 rupees for a 250 ml bottle.

Conclusion:

The Neemola project stands out as a truly unique initiative. It’s not merely an economic endeavor, but a holistic approach to community development and public health. The remuneration, coupled with the provision of neem oil and repellents in an underserved area prone to malaria, is crucial. This startup has created opportunities for women to earn, save, and contribute to their families’ well-being. Importantly, participating in the project doesn’t detract from other work commitments. Women have reported seamlessly integrating neem seed collection into their daily routines, such as during their commutes to and from agricultural activities like rice cultivation.

Ruce cultivation

In the rice paddies

Overall, I’m optimistic about the Neemola startup’s future. The growing enthusiasm of participants, as news spreads about the opportunity for extra income, coupled with the meaningful economic benefits and potential for scalability, all point to a sustainable and impactful initiative. While not without its challenges, the project has demonstrated the power of community-driven development.

As the project continues to evolve under the guidance of Sandeep, the new marketing manager, and Abhilipsa, the new field strategist, I’m confident that the startup will meet its objectives and grow. All of the pieces are in place. Finally, none of this would have been possible without The Advocacy Project’s funding and steadfast support, and JRP looks forward to working with AP to continue funding this valuable and rewarding project.

Thank you, JRP and AP, for providing such a fascinating and instructive summer experience.