Training And Capacity Building

At ARPAN SEVA SANSTHAN, training and capacity building is the cornerstone of our development approach. We believe that lasting change is achieved only when communities themselves acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to plan, implement, and sustain their own development. Over three decades, capacity building has evolved into one of Arpan's core strengths, with more than 3,50,000 farmers and 2,00,000+ stakeholders of community institutions trained across our operational geographies, contributing to SDG No. 4, 5, 8, 13 & 17.

Our training programmes follow a participatory, hands-on methodology that blends classroom sessions with field demonstrations, exposure visits, and learning-by-doing. Training modules are developed in local languages by our in-house design studio, using audio-visual aids, IEC material, and digital tools to make learning accessible for rural participants.

*Key components of our Training & Capacity Building initiatives include:*

- *Farmer Training & Agricultural Extension:* Trained more than 3,50,000 farmers in water resource management, improved and climate-resilient agricultural practices, horticulture, and animal husbandry through demonstrations, farmer field schools, krishi camps, and exposure visits, enabling adoption of sustainable technologies and improved productivity.

- *Capacity Building of Watershed-Based Community Institutions:* Provided training and capacity building programmes to 2,00,000+ stakeholders of watershed projects across 26 districts of Rajasthan, strengthening Watershed Development Committees, User Groups, Self Help Groups, Joint Liability Groups, and Village Development Committees on participatory planning, financial management, and operation & maintenance of community assets.

- *Participatory Irrigation Management Training:* Strengthened Water Users' Associations of 97 irrigation sub-projects covering 4 lakh hectares of command area across 1,500+ villages under the JICA-supported Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project, building capacities of WUA office bearers and farmers on water governance, crop water budgeting, and system operation & maintenance.

- *Skill Development of Youth & Women:* Designed and delivered skill development and placement-linked programmes for 55,000+ rural youth and women in trades such as masonry, plumbing, electrician work, sewing and tailoring, beautician services, and data operation, along with upskilling of traditional artisans such as potters in manufacturing low-cost clay-based water filtration products.

- *Development of Community Cadres:* Created a trained cadre of grassroots resource persons — including 100+ "PashuSakhis" for last-mile animal healthcare, master trainers, and community resource persons — who serve as barefoot professionals ensuring continuity of services within their own villages.

- *Capacity Building of Education & WASH Stakeholders:* Building capacities of teachers, School Management Committees, and Village Water & Sanitation Committees on school development planning, digital literacy, safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene behaviour change.