History

The Rural Agency for Social and Technological Advancement (RASTA), is a non-governmental non-profit organization. We began working in Kerala, India in 1987 as a small traditional voluntary organization. Through our steadily increasing experience in the field of rural development and organizational development processes during the past 28 years, RASTA was able to continuously extend its services and developmental activities – thematically as well as geographically.

RASTA focuses on both, marginalized people in our society, like indigenous people, small and marginal farmers, women and children, as well as the preservation of our rich and diverse nature. Our goal is the formation of a more just and peaceful society based on social justice, egality, equity and ecological awareness through the socio-economic development of rural areas in southern India.

Vision

To create a self-reliant and ecologically aware society that ensures sustainable resource management and where people can live, think and act with dignity and in the absence of discrimination and inequality concerning religion, caste, color or gender.

Mission

RASTA pursues a comprehensive approach to rural development and the empowerment of marginalized people. Hence our work encompasses a broad range of activities to the benefit of marginalized people and our rich environment alike, i.a.:

Promoting and developing of ecologically advantageous technologies and facilities as well as other in-kind benefits and providing microfinance arrangements for different groups and communities to secure the lives and improve the quality of life of children, women, indigenous people and small farmers.

Organizing and conducting of educational and training measures for women and school dropouts as well as promoting women’s groups to empower women and children to assure their livelihood and to live their lives self-determined and free from the fear of domestic violence, financial dependence and a lack of perspectives.

Fostering organic agriculture for food security and promoting the organization and association of small farmers.

Creating synergies with governmental efforts for rural change and development.

Preserving and fostering traditional healing practices to cope with common diseases, physical discomforts and other health problems by natural means.

Preserving our rich environment through awareness-raising, fostering natural resource management, protecting endangered animals and fostering responsible and eco-friendly tourism.