1.2 Coordonnées des personnes-ressources et des institutions impliquées dans l'évaluation et la documentation de l'Approche

1.3 Conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées

Quand les données ont-elles été compilées (sur le terrain)?

30/04/2021

Le compilateur et la(les) personne(s) ressource(s) acceptent les conditions relatives à l'utilisation par WOCAT des données documentées:

Oui

2.1 Courte description de l'Approche

CoDriVE-VI is a participatory approach that integrates local knowledge with scientific data through 3D visual modelling to assess groundwater vulnerability and support sustainable, community-based groundwater management. It overlays surface and subsurface features, enabling villagers to visualize aquifer systems and develop informed water use plans.

2.2 Description détaillée de l'Approche

Description détaillée de l'Approche:

CoDriVE-VI (Community-driven Vulnerability Evaluation – Visual Integrator) is a participatory approach developed by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to support sustainable groundwater management. It aims to demystify the invisible subsurface and make aquifer systems understandable to rural communities by combining scientific tools with local knowledge in a hands-on, visual format. While the process is facilitated by WOTR, communities are placed at the center of the process, contributing traditional insights, assisting with data collection, and actively participating in constructing and interpreting the 3D model. Thus, the approach is best described as participatory, with strong elements of community ownership and engagement.
The “Visual Integrator” refers to the integration of both surface and subsurface data—such as topography, drainage, geology, well inventory details, and geophysical survey results—into a tangible, scaled three-dimensional model. This participatory 3D modelling (P3DM) process helps communities visualize how aquifers relate to the landscape, showing key features such as recharge zones, discharge points, and areas of intensive groundwater extraction.
“Vulnerability evaluation” is carried out through the community’s participatory analysis of the model. Using the integrated visual platform, villagers can identify zones that are more vulnerable to depletion—such as those with low recharge, high borewell density, or historically declining water tables. While a formal vulnerability matrix is not used, the 3D model serves as a practical vulnerability map. It guides discussions and decisions around water budgeting, aquifer recharge, crop-water planning, and the development of informal rules for responsible groundwater use.
The methodology combines participatory rural appraisal with hydrogeological and geospatial techniques. After an initial orientation and trust-building phase, communities help map surface features. Subsurface data is then collected through geological mapping, well inventory surveys, and geophysical methods like Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). The data are analyzed using GIS tools and inverse slope modelling. The 3D model is then constructed using layered cardboard sheets, with communities contributing throughout the process—cutting, assembling, painting, and validating the layers.
The CoDriVE-VI process unfolds in several stages: community mobilization and planning; surface and subsurface data collection; model building in participatory workshops; and result interpretation and management planning. Key stakeholders include community members, WOTR facilitators, technical experts (geologists and GIS specialists), and local governance representatives.
Participants found the visual models highly effective in helping them grasp aquifer dynamics, leading to a shift in perception—from seeing groundwater as an individual entitlement to recognizing it as a shared resource. This in turn fostered collective decision-making. The approach has also contributed to improved groundwater literacy, informed water budgeting, and motivated some villages to initiate local groundwater governance practices.
While climate change is a key driver of groundwater stress, the approach also acknowledges other socio-economic and environmental pressures—such as population growth, land-use change, deforestation, and the uncontrolled proliferation of borewells—as critical factors influencing groundwater vulnerability. By visualizing these interconnections, CoDriVE-VI supports more holistic and sustainable groundwater management at the community level.

2.3 Photos de l'approche

2.5 Pays/ région/ lieux où l'Approche a été appliquée

2.6 Dates de début et de fin de l'Approche

2.8 Principaux objectifs de l'Approche

1. To build the capacity of rural communities to understand groundwater systems, including aquifer behavior and climate and non-climate stressors affecting groundwater availability.

2. To make subsurface aquifer characteristics visible and comprehensible through participatory 3D modelling that integrates scientific and local knowledge.

3. To foster collective ownership and sustainable management of groundwater as a shared, finite resource.

4. To support community-led evaluation of groundwater vulnerability and guide responsive actions such as water budgeting and recharge planning.

5. To document, preserve, and apply indigenous spatial knowledge related to land use, topography, and local water systems.

6. To enable informed decision-making by facilitating the transfer of community-generated insights to local governance bodies and development agencies.

2.9 Conditions favorisant ou entravant la mise en œuvre de la(des) Technologie(s) appliquée(s) sous l'Approche

3.1 Parties prenantes impliquées dans l'Approche et rôles

3.2 Participation des exploitants locaux des terres/ communautés locales aux différentes phases de l'Approche

	Participation des exploitants locaux des terres/ communautés locales	Spécifiez qui était impliqué et décrivez les activités
initiation/ motivation	interactive	Local villagers in the project areas (e.g., Ahilyanagar and Jalna districts) were engaged early through orientation sessions. While the initiative was introduced by WOTR, community members showed interest and contributed knowledge from the beginning, especially around their water challenges and local hydrogeology.
planification	interactive	Villagers participated in identifying key features for surface mapping, shared traditional knowledge of aquifers and land use, and were involved in selecting locations for surveys. Their inputs shaped both the design and scale of the models.
mise en œuvre	interactive	Community members took part in well inventory surveys, guided geological observations, and actively built the 3D physical models. They also helped colour-code aquifer zones under facilitators’ guidance, and validated the data presented.
suivi/ évaluation	interactive	During workshops and feedback sessions, villagers evaluated the accuracy of models, reflected on the implications of subsurface characteristics, and discussed how to use the insights for water budgeting and community planning
research		Community knowledge directly contributed to the research process by enriching scientific interpretations with local hydrogeological understanding. Their experiences and reflections were documented and used to improve the approach.

3.3 Diagramme/ organigramme (si disponible)

3.4 Prises de décision pour la sélection de la Technologie/ des Technologies

Indiquez qui a décidé de la sélection de la Technologie/ des Technologies à mettre en œuvre:

• tous les acteurs concernés dans le cadre d'une approche participative

Expliquez:

The selection and design of the CoDriVE tool was done through participatory processes involving local communities, WOTR facilitators, and technical experts. Villagers contributed local knowledge and needs, while experts provided scientific input, ensuring collective decision-making.

Spécifiez sur quelle base ont été prises les décisions:

• l'évaluation de connaissances bien documentées en matière de GDT (prises de décision fondées sur des preuves tangibles)?
• les résultats de recherches?
• expériences et opinions personnelles (non documentées)

• Decisions were based on field experiences from over 25 villages, scientific methods (e.g., VES surveys, GIS analysis), and documented evidence on aquifer-based planning. Local knowledge and experiential insights also guided model design and validation.

4.1 Renforcement des capacités/ formation

Une formation a-t-elle été dispensée aux exploitants des terres/ autres parties prenantes?

Oui

Spécifiez qui a été formé:

• exploitants des terres
• personnels/ conseillers de terrain

Si pertinent, spécifiez le genre, l'âge, le statut, l'ethnie, etc.

Training involved both male and female community members, including farmers, youth, and local leaders from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in the villages. Inclusive participation was encouraged throughout

Formats de la formation:

• sur le tas
• entre agriculteurs (d'exploitants à exploitants)
• zones de démonstration
• réunions publiques

Thèmes abordés:

•Basic concepts of hydrogeology and aquifers
•Groundwater vulnerability and common pool resource concepts
•Surface and subsurface mapping
•Use of Participatory 3D Modelling (P3DM)
•Groundwater budgeting
•Climate change impacts on water resources
•Community-led planning and rule-setting for water use

4.2 Service de conseils

Les exploitants des terres ont-ils accès à un service de conseils?

Oui

Spécifiez si le service de conseils est fourni:

• dans les champs des exploitants?
• dans des centres permanents

Décrivez/ commentez:

WOTR provided technical assistance through facilitators and hydrogeology experts. These acted as advisors, guiding communities in surveys, model interpretation, and decision-making.

4.3 Renforcement des institutions (développement organisationnel)

Des institutions ont elles été mises en place ou renforcées par le biais de l'Approche?

• oui, modérément

Spécifiez à quel(s) niveau(x), ces institutions ont été renforcées ou mises en place:

• local

Décrivez l'institution, ses rôles et responsabilités, ses membres, etc.

Village Water User Groups (VWUGs) and local governance committees were strengthened to coordinate groundwater management activities. Their roles included planning water use, monitoring aquifer health, implementing community water rules, and facilitating knowledge sharing. Members typically included local farmers, community leaders, and field facilitators

Précisez le type de soutien:

• renforcement des capacités/ formation
• équipement

Donnez plus de détails:

The strengthening focused on enhancing institutional capacity to support community-driven water resource management. Training sessions improved leadership and technical skills, enabling institutions to take ownership of groundwater sustainability. Equipment such as GPS units and simple monitoring devices were provided to aid local data collection and verification.

4.4 Suivi et évaluation

Le suivi et l'évaluation font ils partie de l'Approche? :

Oui

Commentaires:

Monitoring was integrated through periodic community workshops, feedback sessions, and participatory verification of groundwater models. Evaluation focused on assessing the accuracy of aquifer mapping, effectiveness of capacity building, and impact on local water management practices.

Si oui, ce document est-il destiné à être utilisé pour le suivi et l'évaluation?

Oui

Commentaires:

This documentation serves as a reference for tracking the implementation process, assessing community engagement, and evaluating outcomes. It can be used to guide adaptive management and inform replication in other regions.

4.5 Recherche

La recherche a-t-elle fait partie intégrante de l’Approche?

Oui

Spécifiez les thèmes:

• sociologie
• écologie
• technologie

• Hydrogeology and participatory modelling

Donnez plus de détails et indiquez qui a mené ces recherches:

Research was integral to developing and refining the CoDriVE methodology. Hydrogeologists and social scientists collaborated with local communities to understand groundwater systems and social dynamics influencing water use. Technology research focused on participatory 3D modeling tools and groundwater budgeting techniques. WOTR staff, partnered with academic institutions and experts in hydrogeology, led the research activities. Community feedback was also systematically documented to improve approaches.

5.1 Budget annuel de la composante GDT de l'Approche

Si le budget annuel précis n'est pas connu, indiquez une fourchette:

• 10 000-100 000

Commentez (par ex. principales sources de financement/ principaux bailleurs de fonds):

Funding mainly came from government development programs and international donor agencies supporting WOTR’s groundwater management initiatives. Major donors included state water departments and NGOs focused on sustainable water use.

5.2 Soutiens financiers/ matériels fournis aux exploitants des terres

Les exploitants des terres ont-ils reçu un soutien financier/ matériel pour la mise en œuvre de la Technologie/ des Technologies?

Oui

Si oui, spécifiez le(s) type(s) de soutien, les conditions et les fournisseurs:

Material support included provision of tools and equipment such as GPS devices and monitoring kits, provided free or at subsidized cost by project partners. Some minor financial incentives were given as stipends during training sessions. Support was conditional on active participation in capacity-building and water management activities. Providers included WOTR and partner NGOs.

5.3 Subventions pour des intrants spécifiques (incluant la main d'œuvre)

• main d'œuvre

Si la main d'œuvre fournie par les exploitants des terres était un intrant substantiel, elle était:

• volontaire

Commentaires:

Most of the labour contributed by land users and local communities during planning, mapping, and 3D model building was voluntary. In some cases, key technical or facilitative roles were partly supported by the implementing agency. No direct subsidies were provided for equipment, tools, or construction inputs under this approach

5.4 Crédits

Des crédits ont-ils été alloués à travers l'Approche pour les activités de GDT?

Non

5.5 Autres incitations ou instruments

D'autres incitations ou instruments ont-ils été utilisés pour promouvoir la mise en œuvre des Technologies de GDT?

Oui

Si oui, spécifiez:

Supportive policies included local water governance regulations encouraging sustainable groundwater use and community rule enforcement. NGO advocacy helped secure government backing for participatory water management.

6.1 Impacts de l'Approche

6.2 Principale motivation des exploitants des terres pour mettre en œuvre la GDT

6.3 Durabilité des activités de l'Approche

Les exploitants des terres peuvent-ils poursuivre ce qui a été mis en œuvre par le biais de l'Approche (sans soutien extérieur)?

• incertain

Si non ou incertain, spécifiez et commentez:

While the approach may be effective, its long-term viability or replication across other areas could be "uncertain" because:
It relies on external scientific expertise (e.g., geophysical surveys, 3D model building).
There are financial implications (e.g., cost of equipment, facilitation, training).
Communities might not be able to independently replicate or sustain it without ongoing support.

6.4 Points forts/ avantages de l'Approche

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue de l'exploitant des terres
Enhanced groundwater understanding: The 3D model helped farmers visualize aquifer connectivity, which improved their awareness of water scarcity and led to better planning
Collective decision-making: The approach promoted social cohesion and encouraged joint management of groundwater as a common resource.
Practical application: Enabled decisions on water budgeting, cropping patterns, and site selection for recharge structures
Inclusiveness: Encouraged participation of all sections of the village including women and marginal landholders
Created a visual tool that villagers could present in Gram Sabha meetings and discussions with local authorities

Points forts/ avantages/ possibilités du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé
Bridges science and local knowledge: CoDriVE-VI effectively demystifies hydrogeology by integrating local understanding with technical surveys
Low-cost and replicable: Uses locally available materials (e.g., cardboard) and community manpower.
Supports policy alignment: The approach aligns with national programs like NAQUIM and Atal Bhujal Yojana, enabling scale-up
Encourages behaviour change through experiential learning—participants shift from individual to community-centered groundwater thinking

6.5 Faiblesses/ inconvénients de l'Approche et moyens de les surmonter

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue de l’exploitant des terres	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
Time-consuming model preparation: Building the physical 3D model takes effort and coordination.	Train local youth/facilitators to manage the model-building steps and streamline the process
Initial difficulty in understanding hydrogeological concepts: Terms like "resistivity" or "aquifer" were hard to grasp	Use simplified language, analogies, and step-by-step facilitation.
Models can be physically damaged over time	Store models in safe, community-designated spaces or digitize versions where feasible.

Faiblesses/ inconvénients/ risques du point de vue du compilateur ou d'une autre personne ressource clé	Comment peuvent-ils être surmontés?
Limited scalability without facilitation support: While the model is low-cost, initiating the process requires trained facilitators	Create a cadre of local groundwater ambassadors trained in CoDriVE-VI.
Not linked directly to economic incentives: Without immediate financial benefits, long-term engagement may decline.	Integrate with livelihood programs (e.g., water-efficient cropping, irrigation advisories).
Not institutionalized within local governance systems	Advocate for formal integration into Gram Panchayat and watershed planning protocols.

7.1 Méthodes/ sources d'information

7.2 Références des publications disponibles

Titre, auteur, année, ISBN:

Chemburkar S., Kale E., 2021. Making the Invisible, Visible: Manual for preparing Co-DriVE - Visual Integrator to o

7.3 Liens vers les informations pertinentes disponibles en ligne

Titre/ description:

Manual for preparing CoDriVE

URL:

https://wotr-website-publications.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/156_Making_the_Invisible_Visible_A_Manual_for_Preparing_the_CoDriVE_Visual_Integrator.pdf

Titre/ description:

Report

URL:

Chemburkar S., Kale E., 2021. Making the Invisible, Visible: Manual for preparing Co-DriVE - Visual Integrator to overlay surface and sub-surface characteristics for sustainable groundwater management, WOTR