Gafur is leading his community in the fight against climate change
In the Thar desert of north-west India older people are leading their communities in the fight against the effects of the climate crisis by using traditional rainwater harvesting techniques.
“You can find all kinds of fruits and flowers here.
Everything you need is here. Since the garden was created, I have been very happy.”
“My name is Gafur Khan! I have three sons and each of them has sons. I have two daughters. I’m 97 years old and the oldest around [here].
I live in the Thar Desert in north-west India. It's always been very hot here but it used to rain more back then. Back then the black clouds were quite prominent. Now they don’t come.”
Helping communities cope with climate change
GRAVIS, our local partner in the region, teaches Gafur’s community and other communities in the region to understand and adapt to the changing climate. They’ve given Gafur seeds and guidance for sustainable crops that can thrive in high temperatures and with limited water.
GRAVIS has also helped Gafur to build a fenced-off area where cattle cannot graze, thereby protecting his crops.
As Gafur’s says it himself: “Gafur Khan has planted these gardens! We get a lot of fruit. They are plenty. We have everything: manjacks, jujube, lemons. We give to everyone. We don’t sell it in the market nearby. We just give it away to family members or to someone in need.”
Gaining respect from his family
“These plants are grown by an old man who works hard. Which brings in more food and changes food habits. Other family members give me more respect now. They didn’t care for me before. However, after the planting of the garden I was being looked after with care and they gave me more respect. I planted trees, and my respect has grown. Mine, my sons, my grandsons… nearby neighbours, everyone. They see the garden and get happy. They say, “Oh! The garden is nice!” The garden is my respect. One finds everything to eat here.”
Proud to feed his family
Gafur with his family in his garden.
“Eating and drinking are all quite good now because of me. I feed the family with good produce. I am very happy. I can tend to this garden and I can find all sorts of vegetables and fruits here. It makes me feel good and all the kids feel happy.”
As the climate changes, all of us are affected, but older people are among those most vulnerable to the worst impacts of the climate crisis. The Grandparents United community helps empower more older people like Gafur, to lead the fight against climate change in their communities.