Jacob’s Well Sustainable Initiatives

Sustainability Liberates Communities from Poverty

	•	33% of the global poor reside in India.*
	•	43% of India’s poorest live in Odisha (formerly Orissa).*

Many of the tribal people living in the hill country often have to travel through thick forest and cross rivers to reach the nearest small town. Most don’t own land, and those that do might only own one hundredth of an acre. Many rely on collecting non-timber forest products and taking them to the weekly market for their livelihood.

Jacob’s Well is implementing sustainability initiatives in remote villages where there are no resources and no hope.

We aim to assist the villagers by teaching them new agricultural skills, new crafts and water management techniques, introducing more profitable crops to sell, and establishing a direct connection with the market to avoid middlemen.

Rejoice Centre is, and will continue to be, a place of learning and a testing ground for various crops, produce, farming techniques and sustainability programs.

Currently a variety of medicinal plants and fruit trees are being grown to establish which will be the most viable for village use.

We are also researching different types of poultry and fish. Fish such as Telapia, chickens, ducks, quail and turkeys are being farmed for sale and consumption, some for eggs, some for meat, some for both. Cows, goats and sheep provide milk and income in villages.

We undertake training from livestock inspectors and vets to assist in improving outcomes for village people. The children at Rejoice are learning these skills, and will have the knowledge and ability to transform their communities and other remote villages in the state and beyond.

Providing help, support and start-up loans empowers the desperately poor to fight poverty. Chicken or goat farming, seeds and tools for a market garden, or a sewing machine and material, are just some of the seed businesses that can provide an income.

* World Bank.