For over four years, TERI has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability of Pathardi village, located in Mokhada, Palghar. The organization has implemented several projects focusing on food, energy, and water security to make the village self-sufficient.
In order to achieve the broader objectives of the project, it is crucial to create better livelihood opportunities for the villagers, particularly women. Sustainable livelihood generation helps the villagers become more resilient to shocks and stresses and provides better nutrition, health services, and quality of life for family members.
To identify the most appropriate livelihood opportunities for the village, thorough research was conducted. Several interventions were carried out, including training programs on goat rearing and management, bamboo cultivation and article making, and poultry farming. Additionally, TERI is providing assistance to villagers interested in starting businesses based on these activities by sharing information about subsidies and other relevant resources.
There are several key ideas that can be borrowed and applied in other contexts. These include:
Focusing on sustainable livelihood generation: By creating better livelihood opportunities for villagers, organizations can help to improve their overall well-being and resilience. As noted in the above response, sustainable livelihood generation can lead to better access to health services, improved nutrition, and a higher quality of life.
An example of an organization that has successfully implemented sustainable livelihood generation programs is the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). IFAD’s Rural Development Report 2016 highlights the importance of investing in sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. The report notes that such investments can lead to improved food security, increased income, and reduced poverty.
Conducting thorough research to identify appropriate interventions: Before implementing any livelihood generation program, it is important to conduct thorough research to identify which interventions are most appropriate for the local context. This can help to ensure that the interventions are relevant, effective, and sustainable.
An example of an organization that has conducted thorough research to identify appropriate interventions is the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO’s report on “Promoting Livelihoods and Inclusive Local Economic Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings” highlights the importance of conducting participatory assessments to identify local needs and priorities.
Providing training and resources to support livelihood generation: In addition to identifying appropriate interventions, it is important to provide training and resources to support the development of sustainable livelihoods. This can help to ensure that villagers have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
An example of an organization that provides training and resources to support livelihood generation is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The UNDP’s report on “Localizing the SDGs through Social and Solidarity Economy” highlights the importance of providing training and capacity-building support to communities in order to help them develop sustainable livelihoods.
Overall, these ideas can be helpful for other countries looking to promote sustainable livelihood generation in their rural communities. By focusing on appropriate interventions, conducting thorough research, and providing training and resources, organizations can help to create sustainable and resilient communities.