Electronic Participatory Rural Appraisal (e-PRA) in Canal Command Areas by WELL Labs
About the Solution
This solution by WELL Labs uses electronic Participatory Rural Appraisal (e-PRA) to strengthen water governance in dryland and canal command villages in Raichur district, Karnataka. The approach combines satellite-maps, GPS tools, and local knowledge to map water sources (wells, borewells, canals), land, fields, streams, and vulnerable patches, enabling communities to visualise and analyse their own water realities. Villagers then use these maps to jointly plan water sharing, protective irrigation, tank filling, and crop security strategies. The model has been applied across multiple villages, resulting in stronger community ownership over water systems and improved equity in water distribution
WELL Labs (Water, Environment, Land, and Livelihoods Labs) is an organisation focused on research, innovation, and participatory approaches to land-and-water sustainability. Through its “Rural Futures” programme, WELL Labs collaborates with grassroots partners (such as Prarambha) to adapt tools and methods for local contexts. Its mission includes enabling communities to strengthen water governance, build climate resilience, and make visible local knowledge through mapping and participatory design.
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Training
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Sub-Category – Electronic Participatory Rural Appraisal
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Willingness to travel – Yes
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Institution / Trainer – WELL Labs
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Short Description –
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Objectives:
To enable farmers to identify and map all water sources and vulnerabilities in their village (dryland or canal command) using participatory and digital tools.
To help communities develop inclusive rules for water sharing and use based on mapped realities.
To plan and implement protective irrigation and infrastructure solutions adapted to local conditions.
To build community ownership and resilience in water management under changing climate stressors.