Enabling smallholder farmers to restore their properties and establish alternative revenue streams.
TIST's "Small Groups" consist of 6-12 subsistence farmers who form self-maintained communities on areas previously used as cropland or grassland. These groups support and encourage each other, share best practices, and decide on the most suitable tree species for their lands. Group members elect leaders on a rotational basis. Some farmers prioritize trees beneficial for agroforestry, such as cashew, lemon, and teak. Others focus on improving soil fertility, enhancing biodiversity, or producing firewood.
TIST provides the administrative backbone for supplying seeds, tools, and necessary educational expertise. Active involvement includes newsletters, weekly meetings at the small group level, monthly meetings where clusters of small groups receive training, periodic seminars at the national level, and monitoring systems based on handheld computers.
70%
of total net carbon revenues go directly to TIST farmers
8,000+
farmers enrolled in the TIST India program
Participants admire early growth from their hard work.
