Operational Framework for Microenterprise Promotion in APRLP Watersheds

This paper outlines a detailed plan to generate employment in 500 watershed villages in Andhra Pradesh, India. As per the author:

• The largely unorganized and rural labour in the villages lack the following:
  • Information about demand centres among semi-skilled labourers;
  • Credit facilities, leading to the formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs);
  • Knowledge about new market opportunities;
  • Infrastructure, such as electricity, transport facilities, efficient telecommunications, etc.
• These problems can be solved by the integration of diverse development projects for sustainable rural livelihoods, with the local people being the primary stakeholders;
• Development projects should target the poorest areas first;
• Micro, meso and macro market links should be strengthened;
• Information and communication links, security nets, insurance, technology and infrastructure need to be improved;
• The SHGs have to be strengthened. Also, various private sector units have to be involved in the generation of capital;
• It is important to form a group involving the government, NGOs and private institutions, which, while being a resource group would also provide support services to all enterprises in the community;
• The approach, goals and methodology of some of the organizations that are contributors in this field:
  • Swami Ramanada Tirtha Rural Institute (SRTRI);
  • Marketing and Research Team (MART);
  • Livelihood and Resource Centre(LRC).