Guwahati: Women from communities plagued by human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam are emerging as key players in Aaranyak’s efforts to mitigate the issue.
Aaranyak, a biodiversity research organization, with support from the SBI Foundation (SBIF), has been actively working in Udalguri, Baksa, and Tamulpur districts of Assam to bring the community on board in its fight against HEC.
The focus of these efforts has been on empowering women economically through livelihood options, training them in administering first-aid during HEC emergencies, and protecting their lives and livelihoods with tools like solar-powered fences.
From sleepless nights to peaceful lives
Women in HEC-affected villages can now finally sleep soundly at night. Thanks to solar-powered fences protecting their homes and fields, they can go about their daily chores and income-generating activities without fear.
These women are now a vital part of Aaranyak’s on-ground efforts for HEC mitigation through community participation.
Rita Boro: A shining example
Rita Boro (53) from Segunbari village in Udalguri District exemplifies the women taking charge. She participated in a first-aid training program conducted by Aaranyak with SBI Foundation’s support last year.
Equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle elephant encounters and basic medical emergencies, Rita has become a trainer in her own community.
Her training came in handy in a real-life situation. While returning home from a training, she encountered Pangru Baraik, a man with a severely injured leg. With no one willing to help, Rita used her first-aid skills to stop the bleeding and arranged for medical attention.
Rita’s story highlights the importance of first-aid training in these communities. She is dedicated to using her skills to help others.
Empowering women through alternative crops
Eighteen courageous women from four self-help groups in Badlapara village, Udalguri, have embarked on a transformative journey. They are cultivating alternative crops like taro, turmeric, and black lentils that are unpalatable to elephants.
These landless women cultivate on abandoned lands or lease them from owners who have given up due to wildlife threats.
Last year, with support from Aaranyak and SBIF, they successfully cultivated 150 kilograms of turmeric rhizomes on a one-bigha plot despite elephant intrusions. They also pooled resources to fence their plot, demonstrating the power of community collaboration.
Currently, they are processing the harvested turmeric into powder to maximize profits. Their success story serves as an inspiration for others.
Anaitha Boro: Finding solace in mustard fields
Anaitha Boro, a single mother from Salguri village, used to suffer crop losses due to HEC. Aaranyak intervened, providing her with seeds and knowledge to cultivate elephant-resistant crops like mustard.
Anaitha’s mustard crop not only thrived but also brought her much-needed income. Her story is another testament to the effectiveness of Aaranyak’s HEC mitigation efforts.
These are just a few examples showcasing how women are playing a pivotal role in mitigating HEC. Aaranyak’s collaboration with SBIF is empowering women and securing the lives and livelihoods of communities facing the challenges of human-elephant conflict.