Diversified Sustainable Income Generation Options For Rural Women in Odisha

Abstract

Rural prosperity and women empowerment are the two sides of a coin. Promoting aquaculture and related enterprises among women holds immense potential for ensuring their livelihood and socio- economic empowerment. A study was undertaken in three villages namely Jaipur, Fakirpada and Paribasudeipur of Puri and Khordha districts of Odisha during the period 2012-13 to 2015-16. A random sample of 161 women from 10 Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) were selected as beneficiaries for disseminating ICAR-CIFA’s aquaculture technologies like carp seed rearing, carp culture (grow out), integrated fish farming, post-harvest technologies with value addition of fish and fish hydrolysate. The women were empowered with skill development in aquaculture and related enterprises. Due to frequent occurrence of natural calamities and environmental hazards, the women are forced to diversify their group activities in order to sustain their livelihoods. In the study area, women SHGs were encouraged to diversify their activities to mushroom cultivation, rice and vegetable cultivation, floriculture, mini-dairy, backyard poultry, mid-day meal preparation, coir work, etc. in order to strengthen their livelihood in a sustainable way. On the whole, the present paper explores different pathways for rural women to avail various opportunities in terms of multiple diversifications as Sustainable Livelihood (SL) options based on available natural resources, financial and human capital. Socio-economic impact of such changes on the beneficiaries was assessed and emerging issues were identified.