The building blocks of change
Belaku started as a small health research project in rural Karnataka. But then the women said it was all very well to tell them about nutrition and eating right, but who was going to pay for it? Thus began the livelihoods initiative, Kirana
Preserving the traditional weaving techniques of the Dhanghars
Until recently, the Dhanghar community used to weave traditional ghonghdis (blankets) for personal use only. Now members of this nomadic community are being trained to develop their ancient craft into a commercially viable art, helping them earn better livelihoods
Preserving the traditional weaving techniques of the Dhanghars
Until recently, the Dhanghar community used to weave traditional ghonghdis (blankets) for personal use only. Now members of this nomadic community are being trained to develop their ancient craft into a commercially viable art, helping them earn better livelihoods
Bringing professionalism to craft
The Craft Resource Centre in Bhuj, Gujarat, helps skilled metal-workers and weavers compete in a globalised market without compromising on their traditional craft and quality
Women weavers of the Kumaon
Panchachuli Women Weavers, the largest independent women's cooperative in the state of Uttaranchal, has played a key role in changing the socio-economic dynamics of the local community. Women from over 32 villages in the hilly region of Almora are involved in the processing of raw materials and production of woven and knitted products
Mumbai's MarketPlace
MarketPlace: Handwork of India, a women's cooperative, makes and exports apparel to the US. Over 450 women are today managing a turnover of $780,000. The initiative has transformed their lives
Seabuckthorn makes 'berry' good business sense in hilly Nepal
An award-winning initiative in Nepal cultivates and markets the versatile seabuckthorn berry, protecting traditional Tibetan knowledge and creating livelihoods for local people
Bastar's artisans work with Saathi for a better future
Saathi is helping Bastar's tribal communities revitalise their craft using new techniques to make and market their famous terracotta and bell metal works of art
Berry pickles and ayurvedic tea: Local remedies boost incomes and conservation
Under the UNDP's Medicinal Plant Conservation Project, Sawarna village in Nashik, Maharashtra, has learnt to produce and market products such as Nirgudi oil and Trifala churna. These traditional products have transformed the livelihoods of these Warli families
IT Power's watermills: Promoting renewable energy in Uttaranchal
Among the fast-flowing streams of the Himalayas, lakhs of people depend on watermills to turn grain into flour. IT Power helps them do this and much more, in an eco-friendly, cost-effective manner