Community Initiatives
Enterprises born of collaboration —
communities, our team, and our partners together.
Our work comes alive through the efforts of communities, our team, and our partners — not as projects delivered to people, but as collaborations built from the ground up. These initiatives are proof of process: the result of long-term engagement, co-creation, and shared leadership. Each one shows how collective action can build enterprises, restore dignity, and create resilient livelihoods.
Mayuri Vanashree Shakthi Okkuta & Ragihalli Bakery
In Ragihalli, women came together to form the Mayuri Vanashree Shakthi Okkuta, a federation that anchors local enterprises and strengthens governance at the grassroots.
One of its flagship initiatives is the Ragihalli Bakery, a women-led millet enterprise. The bakery sources ragi from local farmers, processes it into wholesome foods, and sells at markets in and around Bangalore. Its success rests not only on the determination of the women, but also on support from partners: micro-loans from Rang De, mentoring from experienced bakers, and loyal customers who value healthy, artisanal foods.
Kai Thota – Community Nutrition Gardens
Kai Thota (“hand garden” in Kannada) is a network of nutrition gardens co-created with women farmers. These gardens grow diverse local foods that improve household nutrition, supply Anganwadis, and contribute to community food security.
At the same time, they form the backbone of a
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model,
where urban subscribers directly support peri-urban women farmers. This collaboration strengthens local food systems, ensures fair livelihoods, and builds resilience against volatile markets. Kai Thota thrives because of subscriber communities, local governance, and committed farmers, all working hand in hand.
Ragihalli Café
The Ragihalli Café brings local cuisine and culture into the spotlight. Women prepare traditional meals using local millets, greens, and seasonal produce, serving them through pop-ups, events, and food experiences.
The café is sustained through collective effort — women’s skills in cooking, schools and institutions inviting them to events, and urban markets creating a platform for their food and stories. More than just a livelihood, the café is a cultural bridge, reconnecting people to local food traditions while opening new spaces of dignity and income for rural women.
Partner with us to grow resilient communities
Your support helps women, youth, and farmers reclaim livelihoods, restore ecosystems, and build fairer futures. Together, we can scale grassroots solutions for lasting impact.