Intellecap India

Why this project matters

In Jharkhand, one of India’s poorest states, rural communities face a persistent cycle of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The majority of households depend on rain-fed agriculture, yet low productivity, poor soils, and erratic monsoon patterns leave families highly vulnerable to climate shocks. Jharkhand ranks among the worst-performing states on hunger indicators, and seasonal food insecurity is widespread—affecting a significant share of rural households, particularly among tribal populations whose diets are often limited to staple crops with low nutritional diversity. These conditions not only depress incomes but also contribute to chronically high rates of malnutrition, especially among children and women. 

Together with Intellecap and Transform Rural India (TRI), this Acorn project empowers smallholder farmers to adopt agroforestry systems. By integrating fruit trees such as mango, guava, and lime, farmers can generate new, sustainable income streams while improving soil health and dietary diversity. Over time, these interventions are expected to significantly increase household incomes and enable families to reinvest in better food, education, and long-term well-being—creating a multiplier effect that extends well beyond the farm.  

Project impact

The project has already undertaken the following activities: 

• Stakeholder engagement 

• Farmer onboarding 

• Training on agroforestry/best practices for chosen project lead farmers by TRIF  

• Farmer engagement sessions 

• Validation by accredited VVB