Sustainable Livelihood Improvement of Marginal Bamboo Artisans by Their Skill up Gradation in Bamboo Mat Designs, Weaving Techniques and Bamboo art Craft

Acknowledgement :

I have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.

I am highly indebted to Founder member of organisation for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project & also for their support in completing the project.

I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents & member of Village Care Society for their kind co-operation and encouragement which help me in completion of this project.

I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to industry persons for giving me such attention and time.

My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleague in developing the project and people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

About project :

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.

Nearly all the families have legal status as a bamboo artisan and have permit to avail about 1500 bamboo per year from the forest department at concessional rates. The youth has all the required skills of traditional mat weaving activity but they don’t prefer to engage themselves in it owing to the meagre returns. The cost of bamboo has increased but the value of the output is not proportionately increased. The revival of the occupation is possible with advance technology support and value addition to the existing bamboo mats by processing them into bamboo mat boards. The revival of the occupation will not only solve the employment issue of the engaged youths but also new generation quality bamboo products will be available in the market. The revival will boost up economy of the region and also will provide the renewable source to meet the needs of construction and furniture material which is currently met by the wood.

About location :

Gondia district was carved out by division of Bhandara district. Gondia district is situated on North-Eastern side of Maharashtra state having state borders of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh.

The total population of the District is 1322635. The male and female population is 662656 and 659964 respectively. The SC and ST population in the district is 355484 and 309822. The literacy rate of district is 84.95%.This is underdeveloped district and most of land is covered with forest. Paddy is main agriculture produce. The other agriculture produce in the district are Jawar, Linseed, wheat, tur. The main profession of people is farming.

There is no large scale industry in the entire district due to this district is economically backward. There are many rice mills in the district as paddy is the main agriculture produce here. Gondia city is popularly known as RICE CITY due to large number of rice mills.

The district is divided into 4 subdivisions namely Gondia, Deori, Tiroda and Morgaon Arjuni. Gondia Subdivision has 1 taluka. Deori Subdivision has 3 talukas. Tiroda subdivision has 2 talukas and Morgaon Arjuni Subdivision has 2 talukas having 556 Gram panchayat 954 revenue villages exist in the district. The district area is divided into six legislative assembly constituencies namely Gondia, Tiroda, Goregaon, Amgaon, Lakhandur and Sakoli. Lakhandur and Sakoli constituencies has an area of Gondia and Bhandara district.

Basically district is divided into 8 talukas and 8. Only two mucipalities are existing at Gondia and Tiroda. Wainganga river is the largest and most important river. Rivers like Bagh, Chulbandh, Gadhavi and Bavanthadi are the tributaries of river Vainganga.

The district lacks industrial activity and is industrially backward. The district is also prone to naxal activities in some areas (especially the eastern part) and the district is a part of the red corridor14. The district was classified as one of the country’s 250 most backward districts in 2006 by the Ministry of Panchayat Raj.

People and CultureThe total population of district is 1322635 that includes 662656 males and 659964 females (as per census 2011). Density of Population is 253 per Sq.Km.
The tribals in the district have their own culture. They are used to perform the worships of their God “Persa Pen” and others. They do the dance “Rela” on auspicious occasions and when new crops come. Rela dance is popular dance among the tribals. The other dance is “Dhol” dance. Holi, Dashehara and Deewali are the main festivals of tribals. The tribal community is resides in the dense forest of District.Local Cultural Folks :Dandhar and Gondi dance.Languages Spoken – Hindi, Marathi, Gondi, Powari

Forest During the year 2010-11, an estimated 2833 Sq KM of area was under forest which constituted 50.22% of the total area. Forest resources contribute significantly to the economy of the district. Nagzira, 152 sq km and Navegaon, 133 sq km are the national reserve forests. Bamboo, tendu leaves and teak wood are the main resources of the district.

About artist :

Sr.no	Type of beneficiaries	Kohmara	Khoba	Kaneri	Kokana	Mandatoli
1	Bamboo wood artist	35	22	72	30	20
2	Bamboo cultivator	12	9	20	17	15
3	Bamboo product helper	33	45	56	41	38
4	Traditional bamboo artist	50	78	68	48	76
	Total	130	154	216	136	149
	All total	785

As we found and reached the 785 beneficiaries around five identified villages followed Kohmara, Khoba, Kaneri, Kokana and Manditola nearly all the families have legal status as a bamboo artisan and have permit to avail about 1500 bamboo per year from the forest department at concessional rates. The youth has all the required skills of traditional mat weaving activity but they don’t prefer to engage themselves in it owing to the meager returns. The cost of bamboo has increased but the value of the output is not proportionately increased. The revival of the occupation is possible with advance technology support and value addition to the existing bamboo mats by processing them into bamboo mat and bamboo craft.

About staff :

Sr.no	Name	Designation	Qualification	Post at
1	Shashikant Walmik Jambhulkar	Project principle investigator	Mlip	GONDIA
2	Sandeep Ramteke	Co- investigator	m.com	GONDIA
3	Kartik Shivshankar Jambhulkar	Field supervisor	Graduate	GONDIA
4	Indrapal B Raut	Bamboo Master Trainer	Master trainer	GONDIA
5	Shashikant Raut	Guest lectures and field experts	Freelancers and Entrepreneurs	GONDIA
6	Pitambar Tembhurne	Mobilizer and awareness team	BSW/MSW	GONDIA
7	Mohan G. Borkar	Marketing expert consultant	MBA / or equaling	GONDIA/ NAGPUR
8	Triveni Arun Tayde	Clerk	Graduate	GONDIA
9	Pallavi Devrao Jambhulkar	Accountant	MCM	NAGPUR
	All total

The proposed project needs the specified and experienced qualified people who may help out to completion this project with its objectives.

About work Sade :

To trap large market new designs for the bamboo mats will be provided to the artisans. This will be done with the collaboration of various designing institutes.

Basically it was not possible to open worksades at each of village therefore we opened three worksade as per availability and transportation to nearby village. Where beneficiaries can came and learn new techniques and been machinery friendly. Therefore we had opened three worksades followed as kohmara, Koba and manditola. This worksade has 20 by 30 place of sade which constitute the bamboo cuter, sharpener, other equipment tools which necessarily used in bamboo factory. This worksade has also chemical treatment unit to processed.

Sr.no	Number of worksades	Total
1	Kohmara	01
2	Khoba	01
3	Kaneri	00
4	Kokana	00
5	Manditola	01
	All total	03

About activities :

Awareness campaign: intestinal phase of the program started with the awareness program into five villages which focused on mobilizing people and giving them the information about the project objectives and activities. In the pan four years we conducted Promotion of 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 awareness program.

Time line frame work for bamboo Sustainable livelihood improvement of marginal bamboo artisans by their skill up gradation in bamboo mat designs and weaving techniques

For the year of 2016-20 awareness program

About workshop :

Workshops are the third phase of project for those who attend the awareness program and willing to be part of this venture to develop their own business skill in the sector of bamboo. we have conducted three/four days workshops were we have given them information about bamboo cultivation, bamboo products, the variety of bamboo products, from small scale production to heavy production in the groups.

In the pan four years 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 worshop program.

For the year of 2016-20 Workshop program

About Training :

Training is the fourth phase of project for those who attend the Workshops program and willing to be part of this venture to develop their own business skill in the sector of bamboo. we have conducted 25 days training were we have given them training about bamboo cultivation, bamboo products, the variety of bamboo products, from small scale production to heavy production in the groups.

Training we have given the training to 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. Artisans trained in primary processing of bamboo and operating the required machines.

About capacity building :

As we found and reached the 785 beneficiaries around five identified villages followed Kohmara, Khoba, Kaneri, Kokana and Manditola. Capacity building we have come to know that the artisans were using traditional methods for producing the products. We have introduced them with the machinery and given them the training how to used it. We have also given them information and training about chemical treatment on bamboo for better and long-lasting life of bamboo products.

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 artisans.

Formation of groups Artist/ SHG :

Mobilization of artisans and SHG This program let to mobilizing the artisans group and identifying as what stages and skills they have. We also have formed SHG groups and trained them for the creating of different product which can be sold in the market. The artisans were in the focus of proving them with needed skills up gradation which were the need of honor.

SHG and Cluster formation to organize artisans their SHGs formed and these SHGs then combine to form the clusters. This helped in ensuring better bargaining power, support and adequate returns to the artisans. Each cluster have around 10 villages and each village have around 2 to 3 SHGs covering around 200 artisans. Cluster will function as the processing centre. Five processing centres are proposed in the area. As the project expands the number of clusters can be increased.

Principles forMonitoring andEvaluation :

Key principles in VCS project evaluation:

Improve performance and contribute to organizational learning:
Reinforce accountability and transparency;
Form part of a larger dynamic planning and review process;
Are oriented by national and VCS longer term priorities and objectives;
Focus on results and assume that projects are managed for results;
Provide for the participation of beneficiaries and other associates;
Reinforce among our project stakeholders a sense of joint ownership;
Are supported through a highly credible, independent and transparent process;
Confine the process to one which is technically and administratively reasonable;
Are conducted in an ethical way including the responsible handling of confidentialinformation.

[Monitoring/Evaluation] team :

EVALUATION MANAGER

The evaluation manager is responsible for managing all independent and internal evaluations. He/she should be in the sector or region in which the project is being implemented and have knowledge and experience in the management and evaluation of technical cooperation projects. The evaluation manager should have no links to the project decision-making and hence should not be the technical or administrative backstopped of the project. The sector or region decides on the organization of the evaluation management functions. There can be more than one evaluation manager per sector or region.

During project implementation, the evaluation manager ensures that evaluations take place in a timely manner. In preparing for an independent evaluation, the evaluation manager is required to:

Determine the target audience for the evaluation and the key evaluation questions the evaluation should answer;
Prepare the draft TOR for the evaluation (final approval is given by the evaluation Team
person and send a copy of the approved TOR to EVAL for information;
Identify the evaluation consultant(s), and obtain final approval for their recruitment from the evaluation focal person;
Ensure smooth organization of the evaluation process and proper support to the evaluation team;
Ensure proper stakeholder involvement in the entire evaluation process;
Ensure that gender issues are considered throughout the evaluation process;
Submit the final evaluation report to the evaluation focal person for final review
Send the final reviewed and approved report to VCS for submission to the donor andsend copies to all other relevant evaluation stakeholders, including the key associates;
Ensure proper follow-up on the recommendations and dissemination of lessons learned within theVCS.

Purpose and scope of work :

Initially, the evaluation manager be the determined the objectives, coverage and key clients of the evaluation. Consultation with the key stakeholders to determine the scope of the evaluation has a good way of identifying some important parameters for the evaluation. This may even include a decision on the type and timing of the evaluation. This consultation process helps the evaluation manager to accommodate the key stakeholders’ priorities when drafting the TOR and avoids major revision of the draft after circulation. When determining the purpose and scope of the evaluation, the evaluation manager should also keep in mind that the evaluation itself should be effective and efficient.

Required Expertise and Criteria :

Evaluation criteria	Description
Relevance and strategic fit of the project	The extent to which the objectives of a development intervention are consist with beneficiary requirements. Artesian needs. Priorities and donor associate. The extent to which the approach is strategic and the VCS uses.
Validity of project design	The extent to which the project design is logical and coherent
Project progress and effectiveness	The extent to which the project immediate objectives were achieved or are excepted to be achieved. Taking into account their relative importance
Efficiency of resource use	A measure of how economically resources / inputs / funds expertise , time etc. are converted into result
effectiveness of management	The extent to which management capacities and arrangements put in place supports the achievement of results
Impact orientation and sustainability of the project	The strategic orientation of the project towards making a significant contribution to broader long term sustainable

Deliverables and Timeline :

Methodology :

For the evaluation we formed the field visits, questionnaire, feedback forms and group discussion. From this we have collected the data upon which the evaluation was completed. We have collected data from various tools so that we can evaluate the project form multiple lens. This has allowed us to evaluate different aspects such as people needs, the resources provided and gaps, training and workshop impact, the perspectives of the participants, the implementation of activities and gaps, market linkages and need analysis of the market demands. The data were collected from many a sources therefore there is longer time were invested in evaluation. Each data has been analysed independently so we are able to get the glimpse of the evaluation of activities. All this evaluation tools has contributed into holistic approach that we have taken to understand the results produced by different activities and programs. The trainings and workshop was beneficiary for the understanding and empowerment of the artisans. The methodology used has produced the quantum of quality data which we used to evaluate the different aspect of target achieved and deliverables of the projects. The project activities have garnered the expected impact whereas we have found the gaps in market demand and supply gap from the artisans.

Review of implementation :

Awareness campaign: intestinal phase of the program started with the awareness program into five villages which focused on mobilizing people and giving them the information about the project objectives and activities.
Mobilization of artisans and SHG: This awareness program let to mobilizing the artisans group and identifying as what stages and skills they have. We also have formed SHG groups and trained them for the creating of different product which can be sold in the market. The artisans were in the focus of proving them with needed skills up gradation which were the need of hour.
Workshops: we have conducted three/four days workshops were we have given them information about bamboo cultivation, bamboo products, the variety of bamboo products, from small scale production to heavy production in the groups.
Training: We have given the training to artisans about the bamboo art crafts, mats, daily household usage products and furniture table/sofa/chair etc.
Capacity building: we have come to know that the artisans were using traditional methods for producing the products. We have introduced them with the machinery and given them the training how to used it. We have also given them information and training about chemical treatment on bamboo for better and long-lasting life of bamboo products.
Formation of artisan’s groups/SHG groups for market linkages: we have formed the artisans groups from different villages. We have given them the information and training about how to run enterprises and SHG. We have given them exposure about investment, account handling, to available them the raw material from the market, how to approach dealers, to sell the products online by using Facebook, whatsapp, instagram.
Corporate meetings for market linkages: in this activity we have tried to understand the demands of the market from the corporates and whole sellers. This is vital to understand the need and quality of the product which can sustain in the market with the prize where artisans can make the profit.
Cluster development: we have given them all the possible training, material, workshops yet we have found that the cluster we were trying to create was not getting through. This is mainly due to insufficient funds. We therefore, understood the insufficiency funds are main challenge to develop the cluster.

Presentation of findings regarding project performance :

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 about the present development in the art craft making. 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. Due to lack of market availability to the products of bamboo craft.

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 workshop was given by the independent experts on the bamboo art craft making and those were linked to the market already.

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 and SHG groups we are short of funds which the artisans and SHG requires.

Conclusions :

We have successfully run the project and achieved the objectives of the project which were formed in small scale. We want to develop a cluster and financial support for the expansion of the project. We have experience of working with seven hundred plus artisans and this experience will lead to formulate the project and expand it in other villages or areas. We are looking forward to form the cluster with the available artisans as well as we want to expand the scale if we get the necessary funds.

Lack of knowledge on various product designs & technologies; On the other hand, bamboo as a material does not figure in the curriculum of architecture, engineering and design institutes or in the polytechnics, with the result that its usage in designed buildings and products is very low.

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 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 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.

Program on structures making and Furniture making, Master craftsmen shared their positive feedback and experience in working with solid and small diameter bamboo, new designs, techniques on treatment, joinery and assembling. Master craftsmen learnt the different species and techniques on using them in furniture components development and structural development. They learnt the components making for structures, load testing methods and step by step process on both furniture making and structures making. It was suggested that post training, the team will develop one structure at home using the lessons and practical training undertaken in Gujarat. This training achieved the intended outcome of enhancement of skills of the master craftsmen and ability to impart these skills to other artisans.