Promotion Of Sustainable Livelihood Platforms Among Dalit Communities In Bihar For Socio-Economic Empowerment And Well-Being

Bihar is essentially an agrarian society with more than 80% of the population directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry which constitutes the main economic activity. Landlessness is high among marginalized communities. There is a large scale out-migration of workers to other prosperous states while people in the region are in search of employment and better wages.

From 2018 to 2021, PHIA Foundation did a project in partnership with Samagra Shikshan Evam Vikas Sansthan, network partner based in West Champaran district, Bihar.

The project intended to enhance skills, income and well-being of Dalit communities through improved vegetable cultivation practices and establishing a sustainable model of vegetable value chain in 6 villages of Nautan and Lauria blocks of West Champaran district.

Vision

Enhancing skills, income and well-being of Dalit communities through improved vegetable cultivation practices and establishing a sustainable model of vegetable platforms promoted by 200 Dalit families (including 70 Women headed families) in 6 villages of Nautan and Lauria blocks of West Champaran district in Bihar.

Key Objectives

• To support socio-economic empowerment of Dalit communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities leading to financially secure and productive lives free from discrimination
• Build capacity and skills among the community members to manage producer’s collectives/federations.