Leverage Small Capital, Grow Collective Livelihoods
With a modest financial boost, community groups can cultivate diverse livelihoods, from farming to crafts, while preserving traditional practices and seeds.
By Sukhdas Mandavi · MOHLA
Responds to — Economic insecurity, income diversification
We, the sisters of our group, have many ideas for how to secure our future. If we receive a small amount of financial capital, say 20,000 rupees, we can start so many ventures together. We talk about pig farming, poultry farming, and goat farming. We can also make bricks in the village to sell to housing beneficiaries or start a bamboo utensil business, even purchasing Mahua to support our community.
Beyond new ventures, we are deeply committed to our traditional ways. We already practice zero-irrigation farming, which is crucial for our land, and we always conserve our indigenous seeds. This isn't just about food; it's about making sure our culture remains alive for future generations, so our tribe does not become extinct.
By working together and combining our skills, a small financial push allows us to diversify our income, strengthen our food security, and ensure our traditions thrive. It's about building a strong, self-reliant village where everyone has basic facilities like education and health, moving towards a 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
The Recipe
You'll need
- Financial capital (e.g., 20,000 rupees)
- A dedicated community group
- Indigenous seeds
- Knowledge of zero-irrigation farming
- Traditional craft skills
Method
- 1
Form a collective group for shared economic activities.
- 2
Secure initial financial capital (e.g., 20,000 rupees) for your group.
- 3
Engage in collective farming, including zero-irrigation crops.
- 4
Collective actionLivelihoodsSeed conservationCultural preservationSmall enterpriseCommunity resilience
