WADI Intervention of NABARD as a Regenerative Ecosystem: A Case Study in Korba, Chhattisgarh, India

WADI is a comprehensive tribal development programme of NABARD, in which a tribal family is supported in the creation of a small orchard of one or two acres with multiple crops. Following experiential learningExperiential learning theory, this study explores the WADI projectWadi project as a regenerative rural ecosystemRural ecosystems through sustainable agriculture and the formation of a Farmers’ producer organisation (FPO). Women involved in WADI intervention at Kartala I and Kartala II, Korba, Chhattisgarh, India, over the last ten years, were interviewed, and thematic analysis was done. Findings showed not only transformation from migrant labourers to social entrepreneursSocial entrepreneur, but also improvement of soil and climate of the rainfed area earlier not fit for farming. This study shows that if timely intervention is provided, the tribal land can be improved along with the empowerment of women. WADI provided family income and jobs, and even helped in economicEconomics growth and ecological balance. This study’s unique contribution is to explore the role of institutionsInstitutions in socialSocial entrepreneurship, agroforestry, and climate changeClimate change mitigation. It also highlights the improvement in soil and water resources of the l and 6 years after the intervention began. Moreover, this study contributes theoretically to the importance of a regenerative ecosystemEcosystem. It can be extended to other developing countries or comparative studies can provide new insights.