Resilient Livelihood

Diverse skill development trainings, small scale livelihood support, awareness and advocacy to tap available government resources and fund mobilisation of community groups and cooperatives for improved livelihood alternatives had motivated people for engaging in diverse agro-based and off-farm income generating activities. Collective/individual vegetable farming for commercial purpose and livestock rearing were some of their agro-based livelihood activities; whereas, upscaling the traditional skills like making mudha, dhaka, handicraft, carpet weaving, dhakiya and leaf plate, mason, carpentry, plumbing, tailoring etc. were their major off-farm livelihood engagements.

Additionally, AAN is also providing support for smallholder farmers to improve their production and enhance their livelihoods. For instance, 3 e-rickshaws were provided to women groups of Bardiya to ease their accessibility to market their productions. This has also helped them to cut down the expenses of middleman. In Siraha, AAN and its partner organisation, Dalit Jana Kalyan Yuba Club initiated a Community Bamboo Product Selling Outlet in Lahan Municipality, where the producers can exhibit and sell their goods in fair prices. Among the best practices, the entrepreneurs themselves look after the outlet’s overall management on profit share basis. This has also attracted visitors of the adjoining districts and even some Indian buyers. In Kathmandu, AAN and its partner organisation, HomeNet Nepal initiated to brand the products prepared by home-based workers. They have chosen ‘Home Creation’ as their brand name.