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The engagement for uplifting skillsets and transforming the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand was jointly spearheaded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Grant Thornton Bharat. The transformation was split into two key areas of the farm and non-farm initiatives that aimed at boosting the income and skill development opportunities for farmers, artisans and workers in the unorganised sector. About 25,000 beneficiaries were targeted in the farm and non-farm sectors.
The income and skill levels of the artisans and farmers had been stagnant for some time and not in line with growth rates and figures at the national level. There was deep scope for improvement in the service chain value, quality and economics of the farm and non-farm sectoral outputs. The individualised nature of the work that the people were involved in, made it difficult for them to access opportunities for effective marketing and access to developed scientific methodologies and economies of scale.
To identify the key problem areas, Grant Thornton Bharat adopted a standardised step-by-step approach. We undertook a cluster diagnostic survey to help identify the pockets that required sharp attention. A comprehensive problem and gap analysis helped to underline the main areas and avenues of intervention. Next, potential beneficiaries were identified and classified into direct beneficiaries and indirect beneficiaries. Close to 8,500 direct beneficiaries were identified and about 17,500 indirect beneficiaries.
A few initiatives were devised from the results of the standardised approach that we took. Some are the establishment of common facility centres in many value chains. Multiple focus groups were created, and mobilisation initiatives were undertaken. Spread over a timeline of close to six months, mobilisation was targeted at the farmers and artisans.
Our focus on improving livelihoods and boosting income generation for the Hazaribagh area had a positive impact on the community and the economic ecosystem of the area.
In one year, there were a 25% increase in women owned and led FPCs. A marked increase of 35% was noted in women’s participation in traditionally male dominated industries and sectors. 100% of the target was achieved in the formation of 15 institutions for women, with 12 FPCs and 3 SPVs.
The intervention of Grant Thornton Bharat and the BMGF was invaluable in supporting the erstwhile institutions in overcoming growth barriers. More than 7,700 farmers were trained in crop advisory and FPO management, with a target to achieve better utilisation of land and resources. 44 private and public sector non-farm BDS partnerships were formed, with the aim of assisting and boosting farmer’s access to key growth levers.
Our quick and comprehensive actions helped in building and strengthening key relationships with the local area government as well as the workers at the grassroots level.
Going beyond expectations, we helped to shape a vibrant community that is becoming a beacon for skill development and positive change.
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