We are a nonprofit organization transforming a drought-prone region in Andhra Pradesh.
- 30-year track record of facilitating social change
- Promoting organic agriculture, natural regeneration, community-based institutions, alternative banking, rural entrepreneurship, and the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities
- Internationally recognized approach
- Partnerships with civil society, government agencies, and CSR initiatives
Nurturing the rural, ethically
Vision
Rural communities take control of their lives, govern themselves, and live in social, gender, and ecological harmony while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle.”
Mission
To enable marginalised rural people, landless labourers, small and marginal farmers, particularly women, children, youth, Dalits, and persons with disabilities, to enhance their livelihood resources, get organised and work towards social justice and gender equity, and lead life in a meaningful and joyous manner.
Check out the documentary ‘Timbaktu’ (2011) made by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh of Black Ticket Films. Rintu & Sushmit have been nominated for the 2022 Oscars for their latest documentary, Writing with Fire.
Our Story
In April 1990, three social activists bought a barren piece of land that was ravaged by uncontrolled exploitation. They named the place ‘Timbaktu’ with the intention of practicing agriculture and sustainable living (after attending India’s first Permaculture Design Course). They registered the Timbaktu Collective a few months later. They soon realized that the land needed healing – it had been ravaged by indiscriminate logging, grazing, and forest fires. Thus began a concerted effort to protect the land and enable Mother Nature to work her magic. A series of conversations with residents of neighboring villages convinced the founders to initiate community development activities. In 1992, the Timbaktu Collective launched programmes focused on informal savings and credit for women and natural regeneration, and established the Nature School (Prakruthi Badi), an alternative school for drop-out children.
Fast forward to 2022. ‘Timbaktu’ is a thriving agro-forest habitat and intentional community. Timbaktu Collective is one of the leading nonprofit organisations in India.