Like most rural areas of the world, approximately 90 % of the population in the Jambusar and surrounding blocks is involved in farming as a way of earning a living. Small-scale farming, raising livestock and non-farm activities are some of the common livelihoods that these populations survive on.

Rural livelihood poses a great challenge as these populations are often in a state of poverty where they lack the basic necessities for survival. A rural household with diverse sources of income earning activities has a better chance of survival financially than a household which has only one source.

Aatapi focused on enhancing the productivity of the land. It prioritised  delivery of quality education and training and introduction of a package of best practices appropriate for local soil and water conditions. It strengthened the formation of linkages and local synergies to enable the community to access their rights and entitlements to strengthen agriculture as a sustainable source of income. Aatapi also worked with women to develop animal husbandry as a viable source of supplementary income. It encouraged and facilitated the formation of women run dairies to enhance profits.