Established in 1983 by a group of committed social workers from the OXFAM West Orissa Program, Friends’ Association for Rural Reconstruction (FARR) was founded to serve the most marginalized communities in Odisha, including tribal populations, Dalits, and the rural poor. With operational bases in Biswanathpur (Kalahandi), Muniguda (Rayagada), and Hindol (Dhenkanal), FARR began its journey addressing critical issues such as hunger, education, health, and community empowerment.
Over the past four decades, FARR has expanded its reach to 12 districts, implementing holistic rural development programs. Its core focus areas include food and livelihood security, natural resource management, women’s empowerment, education, health, and capacity building. Guided by a vision of social justice and grassroots participation, FARR continues to work closely with vulnerable communities, advocating inclusive development and sustainable change.
FARR has been registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.Also registered under Income Tax Act, Section 12A; and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
FARR visualizes a society of material fulfillment with highest intellectual attainment and peace.
To provide equal opportunity and to empower the women and poor people in particular, in order to initiate and strengthen a value-based, people-centered developmental process which will be ecologically, socially and economically sustainable.
To empower individuals and support their socio-economic advancement...
• To empower individuals within society and support their socio-economic advancement, with the aim of building a just, inclusive, and healthy community.
• To organize poor people to be aware of government schemes and privileges meant for them; to ascertain their rights and assist the people and government for effective implementation of these schemes.
• To build capacities of workers, CBOs, and development organizations working in rural areas.
• To take up relief activities at the time of natural calamities, disaster and emergency situations with the help of government and non-governmental organizations.
• To network with various organizations, NGOs, and individuals at local, regional, national and international levels.
• To promote and conduct research study and documentation of various problems and issues for the benefit of the community and other stakeholders.
Gender equality, environment protection, and programs for marginalized communities...
• Gender: Equal rights for women and men, political empowerment of women at local governance, elimination of violence against women.
• Environment: Sustainable programs for regeneration and preservation of nature from pollution and destruction.
• Poor people: Programs are designed to benefit the poorest and marginalized more on long-term basis.
• Tribal: Ensuring that tribal communities can continue to sustainably use and manage natural resources like forests, water, and land, in line with their traditional practices and livelihoods.
• Dalits and Minorities: Promoting Dalits and minorities for organizational work for their own development.
• Health: Alternative health care for benefiting the rural mass.
• Education: Awareness, non-formal, child labour, girl child education, women’s literacy.
• Agriculture: Promotion of natural farming and organic practices.