12-December-2024
Innovating Last-Mile Delivery for CFR Resource Kit in Jharkhand
Rather than relying on centralized government distribution, IoFE explored alternative delivery models to ensure that kits not only reached communities but were also put to effective use.
The Initiative on the Forest Economy (IoFE) has successfully piloted and tested new models to ensure that Community Forest Rights (CFR) claim filing kits reach directly to Forest Rights Committees (FRCs) in Jharkhand. As part of the Abua Bir Abua Dishom (ABAD) campaign, this initiative evaluated four distinct delivery models across 273 villages in 8 blocks to identify scalable and effective mechanisms for resource distribution.
Testing New Delivery Models
In many past efforts, kits meant for FRCs often got stuck at district or block levels, never reaching the people who needed them. To address this, IoFE tested four distinct delivery models:
Bir Bandhu-Led Distribution: Utilizing trained community resource persons to distribute kits at the panchayat level.
Local Paid Volunteers: Engaging local youth and students as delivery agents, offering financial incentives to improve accountability.
Vehicle-Based Delivery: Using planned routes to distribute kits in bulk, ensuring direct-to-village access.
Helpdesk-Based Distribution: Setting up collection points at weekly markets where FRC members could receive kits and get hands-on assistance.
Each model aimed to address specific challenges, from lack of accountability in past delivery efforts to delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles.
The testing phase provided valuable insights into what worked best for last-mile delivery.
The Bir Bandhu model leveraged an existing trained workforce but was limited by competing responsibilities and lack of incentives. In many cases, kits remained undelivered or were left at panchayat offices instead of reaching FRCs directly.
Local paid volunteers were more flexible and efficient but required strong monitoring. Without structured oversight, delivery quality varied.
Vehicle-based delivery proved to be the most efficient, covering multiple villages in a single day. Announcements made in local languages helped ensure that communities were informed in advance. However, access to remote villages remained a challenge in certain areas.
The helpdesk model played a critical role in post-delivery support, providing FRCs with guidance on claim filing and resolving issues related to JharFRA registration. However, attendance at market-based distribution points was inconsistent.
The results indicated that a hybrid approach—combining vehicle-based bulk delivery with helpdesk-based support—offered the most effective solution.
Beyond Distribution: Ensuring Kits Are Used Effectively
Delivering a kit was just the first step. Ensuring that FRCs could navigate the claim-filing process independently required ongoing engagement.
A dedicated helpline to provide real-time assistance with documentation, registration, and claim submission.
Helpdesks at block offices and markets, where FRC members could receive one-on-one support.
Video tutorials, explaining each stage of the claim process in simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Regular follow-ups through WhatsApp and phone calls, ensuring continued engagement and troubleshooting emerging challenges.
Findings from the Pilot
The success of the pilot has shaped a clear strategy for scaling this initiative across Jharkhand:
Vehicle-based delivery will serve as the primary method for bulk distribution, ensuring that kits reach FRCs efficiently.
Helpdesk-based support will provide last-mile assistance, helping FRCs complete the claim-filing process.
Post-delivery helplines and follow-ups will strengthen the initiative, ensuring that communities are not left without guidance.
This model balances speed with accessibility, allowing Jharkhand's forest-dependent communities to claim their rights with the support they need.
This effort goes beyond distributing kits—it is about ensuring that FRC have the resources, knowledge, and support to navigate the legal process of securing their land rights. By refining delivery models and integrating post-distribution support, the IoFE team has developed a system that can be scaled and adapted in different contexts.