Design Interventions for the Sustainable Livelihood of the Bamboo Craft Community

Abstract

Bamboo is a plentifully available material in India’s North-Eastern Region (NER), comprising eight states. Bamboo craft serves as a crucial source of livelihood in these states. Meghalaya, one of the NER states, has a centuries-old tradition of practising the woven bamboo craft. The state is somewhat isolated from mainstream developmental activities, leading to a persistently unchanged livelihood structure over generations. The absence of infrastructure and limited technological access has empowered these communities to exercise increased autonomy, thereby preventing them from participating in the country’s circular economy. The paper delves into the challenges faced by bamboo craft communities, exploring issues related to their practices, livelihoods, and culture. It also shares the experiences and insights gained from a three-year-long collaborative design intervention project called Shken.in.