Cecoedecon

CECOEDECON focuses on empowering underprivileged and marginalized groups by enhancing their capacities and dismantling structural and institutional barriers that hinder their progress. Building people's institutions is a major strategy, envisioning them as key agents of development in the long run. Village Development Committees were established in all villages, forming block-level federations called Kisan Seva Samiti (KSS). These KSSs were further united into KSSM (Kisan Seva Samiti Maha Sangh) at the state level. Similarly, Self Help Groups for women were formed, and their block-level federations evolved into cooperatives. Additionally, Youth Groups, Bal Panchayat, Shaharia Vikas Manch, and others were established to bolster community mobilization efforts. Through extensive capacity building and support, these institutions are empowered to drive effective development initiatives.

CECOEDECON's livelihood security initiatives have evolved over three decades, focusing on water harvesting, soil and water conservation, and eco-regeneration to combat drought and migration. Measures like gully plugs, small check dams, and tree plantations provided employment and boosted farmers' income. Emphasizing 'Sustainable Agriculture,' CECOEDECON promoted traditional practices like dryland farming, mixed cropping, and agroforestry, facilitating capacity building and knowledge exchange. Demonstrating these methods on its farm motivated farmers to adopt new practices. Gender dimensions and Participatory Technology Development were incorporated, and the government recognized CECOEDECON's expertise in watershed development, including them in the Watershed Evaluation Committee at the state level.

CECOEDECON's Basic Rights program aims to enhance access to rights-based entitlements for vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. Focusing on health, nutrition, child rights, and gender, the organization addresses challenges like low literacy and limited access to quality education and healthcare in rural Rajasthan. By strengthening democratic institutions and promoting community participation, CECOEDECON strives to ensure inclusive and rights-centered development, empowering the marginalized and promoting gender sensitivity.

CECOEDECON's civil society building programs aim to unite like-minded CSOs and social movements committed to the principles of the right to livelihoods and climate justice. The vision is to empower the sector as a resilient and independent partner, actively shaping a stronger society and enhancing people's well-being. In response to emerging challenges like climate change, GMOs, and biodiversity, CECOEDECON has forged robust partnerships with Parliamentarians, Policy makers, Media, CSOs, and farmers. Collective events such as awareness programs, public hearings, and state and national-level consultations with policymakers and public actors are organized to address these issues effectively. These collaborative efforts enhance public awareness and policy dialogue, fostering a collective.