Center For Development Action & Appropriate Technology(CADAT)

Centre for Development Action and Appropriate Technology (CADAT) was founded on February 11, 1994, by a group of young professionals working in the field of rural development. Although the area of Assam In India is rich in resources, its people remain below the national average in income levels, health and education. CADAT was formed with the ambition of alleviating poverty in rural areas, addressing the misbalance of resource distribution in the area.

Vision

Eradication of rural poverty from the country

Mission

 Work with the people and their communities as a partner, bringing change and enabling individuals to reach their full potential.  Join hands with other partners in development to promote and achieve equality, justice and peace for

CADAT aims to alleviate poverty in the rural areas by building the capacities of poor people. Therefore the focus is not on handouts, but on making a meaningful change in the lives of individuals aspiring to be self-sufficient and independent. This approach to development makes a durable difference to the people who seek to help themselves. It also maintains the dignity of individuals, who after improving their condition can say with pride ‘I achieved this myself.’

CADAT’s approach to development is multi-faceted, whereby a combination of different aspects are acted upon in unison to achieve a greater standard of living. CADAT therefore participates in a wide range of complimenting activities. In such a way, the provision of financial programs is combined with health awareness, as neglect of the latter ultimately affects the ability to generate income. People are made aware of their own political strength so they may better lobby government to address issues that affect their livelihood. Access to resources that are essential in the economic development of individuals are promoted through CADAT’s involvement in irrigation and fishery projects. And so on. Programs have a positive impact in isolation, but the results are even more fantastic when combined in an overall development program. Experience in the Sonitpur District and Assam as a whole allows CADAT to achieve the objectives of each program taking into consideration the cultural concerns of the people. This allows a more thorough implementation as programs are tailored to the society, and compliment the other programs in place. CADAT provides an example of how regional NGOs can achieve greater results through this nuanced understanding.