Livelihood Promotion Program
1. The Challenge (Context)
Rural families in our target areas face seasonal income instability. Small farmers struggle with market access, while hazardous industries—like salt pan work—trap workers in a cycle of poverty and poor health. Women and youth often lack the technical skills required to enter the modern workforce or start viable businesses.
2. Our Strategic Intervention
REAL shifts the focus from “Aid” to “Enterprise.” We build robust value chains and market linkages. By organizing women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Federations, we create collective bargaining power and access to credit, enabling families to diversify their income beyond daily wage labor.
3. Key Programs & Initiatives
A. The Dairy Value Chain Project
Supported by KKS Germany
Transforming dairy from a household chore to a profitable business.
• Approach: Providing loans for high-quality milch animals, fodder development (Azolla), and veterinary care.
• Innovation: A “Revolving Fund” mechanism managed by Women’s Federations ensures the money is reinvested into the community.
• Outcome: Year-round stable income for marginalized women, insulating them from agricultural seasonality.
B. Rehabilitation of Salt Pan Workers
Location: Marakkanam, Villupuram District
A targeted intervention for families working in harsh saline environments.
• Health: Conducting eye screening and general health camps to combat occupational hazards like blindness and skin disease.
• Alternative Livelihood: Skill training for women and adolescent girls in non-hazardous trades: Tailoring, Beautician services, and Food Processing.
C. Youth Skill Development & Employment
Bridging the gap between rural youth and the job market.
• Action: Vocational training aligned with market demand, followed by Job Fairs.
• Result: 70% of trained youth secured wage employment or launched self-employment ventures.
4.Impact at a Glance
Metric | Achievement |
Financial Inclusion | Facilitated ₹125 Crore+ in credit linkages for SHGs via NABFINS. |
Employment | 70% job placement rate for vocational training graduates. |
Empowerment | 1,500+ Young Women targeted for skill development by 2030. |
Health & Safety | 94% vaccination coverage and health support for Salt Pan worker communities. |
5.Partner Showcase
