"It has never rained like this before. It has always rained, but before, it was timely. Now it is untimely - it is hot when it used to be cold, and raining when it used to be hot.

It is because our practices have changed and we have unbalanced things.

Everywhere is flooded. Crops are destroyed. Now, with the floods everyone is falling ill, there is disease everywhere."

Dharahin Devi, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh (Summer 2008)

For Dharahin Devi, it is clear...the effects of climate change are happening to her community now.

Heavy rains in Dharahin's village have destroyed houses and ruined harvests, leaving people facing an uncertain future. Now, the stagnant water that remains is a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. Already, vulnerable people are falling ill and it is likely that many more will become sick.

Alternative income

For Dharahin, however, the future doesn't seem as bleak. She no longer depends entirely on a good harvest for her income.

She is a member of a dairy collective. She and other members of a Self Help Group (SHG) formed by FYF partner Pepus bought animals and equipment to set up the collective using a group loan.

This means that they can now have an additional source of income.

Come rain or shine

With increasingly erratic weather, it is possible that next time it won't be rain that devastates the harvest, but drought.

Through the Pepus project FYF is supporting 1,500 people living in 60 villages in Allahabad to cope with the effects of climate change by practicing environmentally-friendly farming methods that help to ensure more reliable harvests, whatever the weather.

By rebuilding soil fertility using compost and contour ridge marking, farmers are increasing soil moisture holding capacity. This means that even if there is a drought next season, Dharahin will still have a harvest.

Affecting government policies

Meanwhile SHGs like Dharahin's are emerging as important pressure groups on government. By making sure that their voices are heard they will be able to affect policy-making and ensure that people understand the impact of climate change on their every day lives.

The Pepus project reflects FYF's overall approach to environmental issues. Find out more by reading FYF's Environmental Statement