DBF GRANTS
The DeFries Bajpai Foundation (DBF) supports scientists, engineers and practitioners who are working towards sustainable solutions to development. A particular focus is the central highlands of India and development pathways that integrate conservation, economic growth, and livelihoods for local people. The DBF grants foster the jugalbandi and is ethical practice to support bottom-up approaches and knowledge in the landscape. ​​
CURRENT GRANTEES
The DBF Grantees with ongoing projects: 2024-2026
SOUMIK BANERJEE
Project Title: Study of Millet Cultivars, Cropping Systems & Culinary Diversity of Central India
Organization: Keystone Foundation
DR. OLIVER KING
Project Title: Exploratory research on food safety in Kodo millet
Organization: M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
RAJEEVAN APPADE KALLIDLE
Project Title: Contribution of Tribal women among (Baiga & Gond) communities in conserving the cultivation pattern of endemic millet varieties (Kodu & Kutki) and its impacts on ecological conservation
Organization: National Institute of Women, Child and Youth Development (NIWCYD)
​We extend our deepest gratitude to Tal Lee Anderman for her funding of the Small Grants.
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As Tal Lee Anderman beautifully expressed:
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"The biggest gift I could ask for in supporting projects that make our world a better place is having people who I trust unconditionally to put these funds towards creating real change. I have total confidence in the impact Mr .Soumik Banerjee and Mr. Rajeevan A K will have in the pursuit of creating more sustainable, nutritious, and climate-resilient food systems, and I am grateful to support them through the DBF Small Grant Program. My own career was launched through a similar program, and I am humbled and excited to see what they do with these grants!"
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Thank you, Tal Lee Anderman, for your support and belief in our work.
PREVIOUS GRANTEES
2022 Grantees
An approach to localise fires and optimise distribution of fire detection nodes at the Melghat Tiger Reserve: Abhishek Srivastava, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore
Acoustic recordings as a tool for improved communication with small landowners on biodiversity: Shekhar Kolipaka, Commonland.
A paradigm shift in connectivity planning: Win-win situation for wildlife and people: Prajakta Hushangabadkar, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Conservation
Capacitating Community Forest Resources Management Committees for Responsible Forest Governance: Subhag Dolke, Srujan
Integration of Conservation and Livelihood around Protected forest area of Kanha Tiger Reserve: Ameen Charles, Community Development Centre
Identifying opportunities and tradeoffs to waterbird conservation in a tropical agricultural mosaic: Shivona Bhojwani, University of Minnesota
Understanding Status of Fallow Forests in Bewar: Soumik Banerjee, Keystone Foundation
Adivasi migration from Baiga Chak, Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh: Motivations and changing environmental consciousness: Venkat Ramanujam Ramani, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Banglore, India.
Planning conservation management for wildlife by analyzing hunting practices and alternative livelihood options for Pardhi tribal community in Central India: Manpreet Singh, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, India.
Investigating the effect of landscape features on functional connectivity among Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) populations in the Melghat landscape: Neelu Soni, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, India.
Use of Machine Learning Techniques for Improved Surveillance of the Melghat Tiger Reserve: Abhishek Srivastava, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore, India.
Road-block for wildlife connectivity: Impact of the road network on genetic connectivity and population structure of Sambar (Rusa unicolor) population in the central Indian landscape: Abhinav Tyagi, National Center For Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
An attempt to convert farmers in and around protected areas to organic farming with the help of support cum reward structure: Milind Watve, Yuva Rural Association (YRA), Pune
2019 Grantees
2017 Grantees
The ‘who, what, and where’ of reducing human-wildlife conflict: Understanding behavior profiles of problem individuals and the spatio-temporal distribution of risk hotspots: Himanshu Chittanni, National Centrefor Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
Involving Local Conservation Leaders in Conservation Communication Efforts: Shekhar Kolipaka, Leo Foundation, The Netherlands
Spatial prioritization for carnivore conservation in a Human-dominated landscape: Mahi Puri, Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bangalore and University of Florida, USA
Design and Development of an Automated Surveillance System using Wireless Sensor Networks for the Melghat Tiger Reserve: Abhishek Srivastava, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore
Studying behavioral response of farmers during pilot implementation of community operated compensation model: Milind Watve, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune