History
Our Journey…
A Journey of Community Strength and Resilience
Founded in 2007, Wayanad District Tribal Development Action Council is a grassroots organization working for the empowerment of Adivasi communities in Wayanad and the Nilgiri Biosphere region. Supported by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, WDTDAC has spent nearly two decades promoting sustainable livelihoods, agrobiodiversity conservation, cultural identity, education, health, and land rights.
2007 – Formation of WDTDAC
WDTDAC was established and registered under the Societies Registration Act in 2007 to strengthen collective action among tribal communities and address issues related to land, livelihood, education, health, and cultural preservation.
2012 – National Recognition for Biodiversity Conservation
The tribal farming communities associated with WDTDAC received the prestigious Community Genome Saviour Award from the Government of India for conserving traditional paddy varieties of Wayanad.
2013 – Holistic Tribal Development Initiatives
In 2013, WDTDAC partnered with various tribal development programmes of MSSRF to implement its first holistic tribal development intervention at Mukkilpeedika, a plot of Forest Rights Act (FRA) land allocated to the Paniyan and Thachanadan Moopan communities, following a land struggle led by the Adivasi Kshema Samithi (AKS). WDTDAC played a key role throughout the intervention, from selecting the project site to overseeing final monitoring and evaluation. The region had faced severe marginalisation, resulting in the complete absence of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and access to clean drinking water. This joint effort led to the successful implementation of integrated livelihood initiatives including crop and livestock development, skill training programmes, a drinking water project, and the piloting of alternative tribal housing models (mud architecture based greenhouses).
2014 – Formation of Ooru-Level Committees
To deepen grassroots participation, WDTDAC facilitated the formation of Ooru-level committees across tribal hamlets in Wayanad and the Nilgiris. These committees became local platforms where communities could collectively discuss development issues, preserve traditional practices, and participate in decentralized planning processes.
The initiative strengthened solidarity between different tribal communities and encouraged knowledge sharing, especially in agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
2015 – Youth Employability and Leadership Training
Recognizing the growing challenges faced by tribal youth in accessing employment opportunities, WDTDAC launched a comprehensive employability and leadership training programme with support from MSSRF.
The initiative focused on soft skills, career guidance, confidence building, communication, and mentoring. Many trained youth later secured jobs in government and private sectors, becoming role models within their communities and inspiring younger generations to continue education and skill development.
2015 Onwards – Honouring Agrobiodiversity Conservers
To recognize the invaluable contributions of indigenous farmers, WDTDAC introduced the Regional Genome Saviour Awards. These awards honour individuals, families, and community groups who actively conserve traditional crop varieties, native livestock breeds, and sustainable farming systems.
The initiative helped bring visibility and dignity to traditional farming practices while encouraging younger generations to continue conserving indigenous agricultural heritage.
Wayanad Community Seed Fest
One of WDTDAC’s most celebrated initiatives is the Wayanad Community Seed Fest, jointly organized with MSSRF and various partner organizations.
The Seed Fest serves as a platform where farmers, scientists, students, policymakers, and the public come together to celebrate traditional seeds, indigenous food systems, and sustainable agriculture. The programme has helped promote awareness about agrobiodiversity conservation while creating market opportunities for traditional farming communities.
2016 – Reviving Indigenous Culture and Traditions
WDTDAC initiated several cultural revival programmes aimed at preserving indigenous art forms, music, rituals, and oral traditions. Youth artist groups were formed to encourage younger generations to learn and proudly perform traditional dances and songs.
The organization also supported the conservation of traditional knowledge related to farming, food systems, and handicrafts, helping communities reconnect with their cultural identity.
Promoting Traditional Nutri-Rich Foods
To address changing food habits and nutrition-related health concerns, WDTDAC and MSSRF organized awareness programmes promoting traditional nutrient-rich foods used by Adivasi communities.
Events such as the “Pathilachantha” (Leafy Green Fest) encouraged the wider public to appreciate indigenous food systems and highlighted the nutritional value of locally available traditional crops and leafy greens.
2018 – Advocating for Human Rights and Dignity
WDTDAC has consistently spoken out for the dignity, equality, and rights of Adivasi communities. In 2018, the organization actively raised concerns regarding human rights violations faced by tribal communities and emphasized the need for stronger social justice and protection mechanisms.
The organization continues to advocate for inclusive policies and respectful engagement with indigenous communities.
2019 – Expanding Visibility Through Digital Platforms
In 2019, WDTDAC launched its website and documentary initiatives to document its journey, community stories, and achievements. These efforts helped create wider awareness about indigenous knowledge systems, conservation practices, and grassroots development experiences.
2022 – Participation in International Platforms
WDTDAC representatives participated in the 9th International Gene Treaty meeting held in New Delhi, where they showcased the agrobiodiversity heritage of indigenous communities from the Western Ghats.
This participation highlighted the global importance of traditional knowledge and the role of tribal communities in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2023 – Celebrating Indigenous Identity at “Forest of Life”
WDTDAC participated in the “Forest of Life” climate festival organized by Azim Premji University. Representatives performed traditional tribal art forms such as Vattakali and Kumbapattu, sharing stories, rituals, and the deep ecological relationship between indigenous communities and forests.
The event provided an important platform to celebrate indigenous identity, culture, and environmental wisdom.
2025: Strategic Engagements in Tribal Development
In 2025, WDTDAC played a pivotal role in the plan preparation for the One Health Programme, conducted by the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
Additionally, WDTDAC submitted a memorandum on tribal development to the Minister for Tribal Welfare, Government of Kerala, outlining key priorities and recommendations for inclusive policy action.