In India, around 104 million people live in so-called "Scheduled Tribes"—indigenous communities closely connected to nature and often residing in remote regions. Government services are largely inaccessible to them. Hunger is a harsh reality for many families—women and children suffer the consequences most. 

Among the affected areas are the districts of Kalahandi and Rayagada in the state of Odisha. Many families only have enough to eat for nine months of the year. A third of all children under five there are underweight. Acute iron deficiency also affects almost all girls and young women. "I used to be constantly weak and tired. I didn't know why," says 19-year-old Jayanti. Her life was marked by chronic iron deficiency: weakness, headaches, and lack of concentration. The reasons: Rice is the main crop grown in the fields, supplemented by what nature and the forest provide. Between harvests, many families face a period of hunger. Vegetables and protein-rich foods are scarce. Adding to the problem is a bitter injustice: women and children often eat last and the least.

 

 

Helping where others can't go 

Our partner organizations DAPTA and Living Farms work directly in villages where government aid falls short. They connect families with government food programs, build networks, and fight against food inequality. Their clear goal: to empower more than 5,000 particularly vulnerable households so that everyone has enough to eat year-round. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development's (BMZ) "Special Initiative ONE WORLD – No Hunger," which has been combating global hunger since 2014. 
 

What has been achieved so far? 

• 4,100 food gardens have already been established. Families grow their own leafy vegetables, legumes and nutrient-rich plants in them.
• Children suffering from acute malnutrition are being monitored in 116 villages.
• Nutrition workshops and groups for women and young people, where knowledge is shared. Always accompanied by discussions about gender equality and health. 

The training sessions conducted by partner organizations showed Jayanti how simple foods like leafy greens, lentils, millet, and eggs can make a difference. Within six months, her condition improved significantly. Today, she attends school regularly again, is an ambassador for the program, and a role model for other girls. 

“Now I show others how we can take care of our health. If we are healthy, we can learn, find work later, and realize our dreams.” Jayanti’s voice is living proof of how targeted support can sustainably change the lives of families.