SHG’s formation and livelihood generation program

Introduction :

The proposed area was once well known for the bamboo mat weaving activity. Bamboo mat weaving was the sole source of livelihood for majority of the population belonging to the underprivileged section in the area. The whole family was used to be engaged in this occupation of mat weaving and they never felt need for migrating to other places or engaging in other labour activities. Such were the golden days of this occupation that nobody in the family ever felt need of seeking any other work outside the village. But, now it has declined so much that only rare families are found to be engaged in this activity and that too restricted to the older people. It has become impossible for the family to meet all their needs by solely depending on mat weaving work. Now, all the younger people are forced to work as a labourer in agriculture and allied sectors in the village. Many times they have to migrate to faraway places because of the unavailability of employment opportunity in the vicinity.

Program goal:

The processing centre will provide opportunity for SHGs to revive their age old occupation by means of technological advancement and market oriented product designs. The project would provide permanent infrastructure for the basic needs of training, designing, processing and marketing to the artisans.

Program report:

To generate the SHGs earning sources and continuity of the business we focus on workshops, training, capacity building and formation of SHGs group so this flow lead ahead of objectives to reach the livelihood generation

Workshops Program- we conducted workshops on bamboo Plantation, bamboo art and craft product and its market, bamboo harvesting and cultivation and its available market, this are such topic which we focused and conducted workshop program

Training Programs- Training we have given the training to SHGs and artisans about the bamboo art crafts, mats, daily household usage products and furniture table/sofa/chair etc. Training provided to the artisans for their skill enhancement in mat weaving techniques and designs. SHGs & Artisans trained in primary processing of bamboo and operating the required machines.

Capacity Building Programs- Technology interventions to improve the quality of the bamboo mat, better technology in terms of designing and machinery provided. This also ensures greater productivity in shorter duration of time. Tool kit for the bamboo mat weaving had been given to each of the SHGs  artisans.

Formation of SHGs groups –Mobilization of SHGs this program let to identifying as what stages and skills they have. We trained them for the creating of different product which can be sold in the market. The SHGs were in the focus of proving them with needed skills up gradation which were the need of honor.  Hundred plus SHGs have livelihood and better life them previous.

Evaluation :

We have garnered the huge data yet we are only focusing on the key finding in the evaluation report. In the awareness program we have found that many people were not aware SHGs importance and benefits

They were limited to local markets and the reach out was limited. Traditional bamboo art craft family’s current generation is not that interested in entering into bamboo craft making. We have found the people who were interested and mobilized them into different groups in the villages. We have given the training to those who linked themselves into the organization. Then we have conducted the workshops who were interested in making bamboo art craft. In the workshop we have given them information about the latest technical development and explaining them the market linkages.

The programs conducted were limited and could not be at larger scale due to failed or formulate cluster development.  The necessity of funds was one of the main points due to which we could not take the activities in other areas. We have conducted the training and workshop into five villages. Though we have successfully have formed the artisan groups.

Conclusion:

As a result, the product output in the market is severely lacking both in quality and quantity. The quality does not match the international standards. And since the SHGs & Artisans do not have appropriate training and access to modern tools and machinery, they cannot supply large volumes. The gap between the finishing quality and design of the traditional products and the market demand is huge. As a result, the SHGs & Artisans have to sell their products in local markets at low prices resulting in economic loss. On the other hand, the consumer does not get the products as per his/her choice and standard. Hence the supply chain of Bamboo products does not complete.

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