The Rock that saved: How a stone wall transformed this man’s life!
See how constructing stone bunds is creating jobs, preserving farmland, and fostering sustainability.
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Ps 62:6)
Life in Badudha, India is harsh, especially for the Paharia community farming on vulnerable and rocky hilltops. Climate change and soil erosion have devastated their lands. The nearby stone quarrying and coal mining activities also exacerbate these issues, topped by the unpredictable and torrential rainfalls that flood their farms and threaten livelihoods. The future for the Paharias (Maltos) is bleak.
Gonga, a Malto in his late twenties, lives with his wife, Rekha, and their two young children in Badudha, India. Their livelihood depends on farming, growing crops like corn, pigeon peas, green gram, and sorghum. However, due to their deteriorating land, living off of their crops is impossible. To supplement their income, Gonga also collects and sells minor forest produce in local markets. Gonga and his family of 7 still struggle to have enough to eat, let alone sell, and many days Gonga wonders how he will ever be able to sustain his family.
Then, in their darkest hour, Tearfund Canada’s partner, EFICOR, stepped in. Seeing the reality of the land the Maltos were living on, they were determined to make a difference. EFICOR strives to raise awareness about environmental issues and implement practical solutions in rural communities like the Badhuda village. One significant initiative they’ve started is the construction of stone bunds across sloped fields. In hilly, rocky lands like Gonga’s, these walls, made from locally sourced stones and rocks, act as natural barriers to soil erosion and help with water management.
Initially, Gonga was hesitant to participate. After all, putting his only livelihood in the hands of others was a dangerous leap. But seeing the positive changes in his neighbours’ lands where rocks were cleared and soil erosion was controlled, he decided to adopt the approach. The results were more than he could have imagined! These stone bunds not only preserved the soil on his farm but also helped hydrate and recharge groundwater, which is crucial for flourishing agriculture and long-term sustainability. The help of EFICOR, supported by Tearfund, fundamentally and radically reshaped his future for good.
This project wielded multiple benefits for Gonga, and he is immensely content with the results. The stone bunds that were added to his land prevent soil erosion, allowing for a more stable crop foundation. Additionally, because of the recharged groundwater, his farm has more long-term sustainability. Not only that, but he found work in the construction phase of the project, and was able to provide essential income for his family. These are only some of the transformative impacts that resulted from Tearfund’s partner EFICOR!
Gonga Deheri’s story is one example of the transformational work that Tearfund Canada strives to provide. This agricultural initiative has not only improved environmental conditions for Gonga, but also brought hope and resilience to him and his family.
Tearfund does not believe in band-aid, short-term solutions, but in lasting, sustainable impact. By supporting these efforts, you contribute to empowering communities like Gonga’s, helping them overcome environmental challenges and secure a brighter future through the love of Christ. Your generosity brings sustainable, long-term solutions and renewed hope to vulnerable communities internationally. Join us in continuing this vital work and making an extraordinary difference in the lives of people like Gonga!
