The Wayanad Center of Development

Wayanad is one of the districts nestled in the forested regions of southern state of Kerala in India. Though rich in natural resources and known for its agricultural production, many of the indigenous tribal groups in Wayanad are not integrated into economic activity in this region. Traditionally, the district has attracted plantation and estate owners to grow a variety of crops. On a smaller scale, the local population sustains itself by gathering food from the forests and small agricultural crops. Unfortunately, larger scale agricultural endeavors often exhaust the soil of its natural minerals, hindering the tribal groups’ ability to sustain their own agricultural crops.

 In addition to the hindrance of large scale agricultural farms, a major growth of the tourism industry in and around Wayanad has occurred. The state of Kerala is renowned worldwide for its richness in natural beauty. However, the tourism industries often does not offer any means to economic growth in the region. Instead, both the agricultural and tourism industries have disrupted the lives of the locals and impeded their ability at times to support their own communities.  

 As a result of recognizing this need, Profugo joined with communities in Wayanad in 2009 as global neighbors that advocate for the rights of tribal groups and create a center where economic growth can take place. The program is built around a group of 40 families who have joined together with Profugo in building a safe, healthy, and economically viable community. The community project is currently working to implement Profugo’s three-pronged approach to community development. Though there is many avenues to take towards economic opportunity, Profugo has implemented the following with the hope of creating sustainable opportunities for communities in Wayanad to improve their way of life.

• Hired a local social worker in 2009 to conduct family interviews and assemble data on the needs in the communities.
• Established an English learning school for community members run by a national program coordinator in 2010.
• Began a business skills training workshop in the spring of 2011. The program will train the local community members in tailoring and sewing in a year-long program.
• Sent a team of researchers to Wayanda in the fall of 2011 to distribute seeds and implement a new agricultural plan.