The organisation works with tribal communities across a large number of villages where climate change is already affecting livelihoods, water access, and seasonal stability. While the need for action was clear, there was no shared articulation of what climate resilience meant in practice for these communities.
Climate conversations were often external, shaped by technical frameworks rather than lived experience. Community members had limited exposure to possible responses, especially around clean energy and climate-resilient livelihoods. At the same time, multiple stakeholders were active in this space, but there were few structured platforms for them to engage with each other or with communities.
The organisation needed to define a clear programme direction that was grounded in community realities, while also building alignment across a wider ecosystem to move from intent to action.
We began our work with a participatory programme design process. Workshops were conducted with community representatives to surface how climate variability was affecting livelihoods, migration, and resource use. These discussions were anchored in lived experience rather than technical framing. The insights were synthesised into a Theory of Change that outlined pathways for climate-resilient livelihoods, local resource management, and collective action. A programme strategy note was developed to translate this into a clear direction, including priorities for implementation and fundraising.
After a year, we returned to build on this foundation through a set of Community Learning and Action workshops focused on clean energy transition. These were designed as three-day convenings that brought together community organisations, energy practitioners, researchers, and donors. The structure combined immersion visits, interactive sessions, and an expert dialogue.
Facilitation was designed to keep community perspectives central. Bilingual guides and workshop collaterals supported engagement across participants. Sessions focused on practical applications of decentralised energy in agriculture, allied livelihoods, and domestic use. The expert convening was used to connect technical possibilities with field realities, with an emphasis on feasibility, affordability, and local capacity. A handbook was developed to anchor the discussions and enable continued use beyond the workshops.
The first phase enabled the organisation to articulate a climate strategy grounded in community priorities. It created internal alignment and provided a clear basis for engaging with external stakeholders and funders.
The second phase translated this direction into action. The workshops helped communities relate clean energy solutions to their own needs and contexts. They also created direct engagement between technical actors and community organisations, leading to more grounded conversations on implementation.
Clear next steps emerged, including potential pilots and partnerships around decentralised energy. The organisation was able to carry forward a more actionable agenda on energy self-reliance, with continuity between programme intent and on-ground exploration.
