Abstract

Non governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a pioneering role in the field of rural development. Alternatively, they may concentrate on selected rural development activities covering a wide geographical area. They may also stimulate and promote people's participation in governmental programmes like watershed and there by play a supportive role in the fields of rural development. Watershed brings them many favours like improvement in the ground water levels, restoration of eroded soils, crop rotation, improved agricultural technology, increased and improved animal husbandry, more green fodder to their milch and draught cattle etc. The approach of the NGOs is holistic and people-oriented (Pradeep, 2005). Hence the present study focuses on the management of watersheds by the NGOs and the extent of participation of the farmers in the various stages of watershed programme in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh.

Key words: Non governmental organizations, rural development, people's participation, watershed, farmers.