The Centre for Advanced Research & Development (CARD) identifies itself as a development NGO working primarily on livelihoods issues in rural sector. CARD acts as a facilitator of development process along with capacity building approach. The sustainability of this approach largely depends on the empowerment of the communities for participating at all levels and by demanding their entitlements, and at the same time by advocating that the government functionaries accept the change. This can only be achieved by bringing in attitudinal change, disseminating knowledge and by imbibing participatory skills amongst various development stakeholders. This is where an interface is required and NGOs can act as the interface. We strongly advocate that the governments, both central and the states must recognize the role of non-government organizations in all spheres of development and create policy environment to encourage voluntarism. CARD is a non-government organization established in India with its HQ at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) but its research, evaluation and documentation activities are nation-wide. CARD has been established to promote advanced research and to apply its findings for the protection and development of the society and its environment.CARD has a strong grassroots presence in all agro climatic zones in Central India, namely; Gond predominant eastern tribal region (MP& CG), agriculturally rich Feudal Malwa region and Bhil predominant degraded western tribal region. The primary concern of CARD has always been livelihoods promotion but at the same time we do support other development initiatives like water & sanitation, health & nutrition, child development & woman empowerment, alternate energy promotion, in the existing action areas. Our major concern is that the majority marginalized farming community can earn enough to live a life of dignity and enjoys atleast the minimum quality standards. Our thematic areas of work have broadened over the journey of 20 years
