Most people of Paithan Taluka (sub-region) of Marathwada region depend on farming for their livelihoods. More than 90% of the farms are dependant on rains for their cultivation. The small patches of land (less than a hectare) with lack of irrigation and fertility makes it very difficult for the farmers to meet their basic needs.  Even if they were to think about additional sources of income, there are little options available and the skills needed are very much lacking. Such challenges are more pronounced among the women who in addition have to bear the brunt of socio-cultural barriers that discourage them from ownership of assets and to earn their own incomes.

In addition to imparting knowledge and skills on organic agriculture to improve livelihoods from the small lands owned by the poor and marginalized, IIRD also partners with the people in the search of alternative livelihoods. While doing so, IIRD also takes into account that trades and skills not apt for rural settings may result in migration and further negligence of small farms which may subsequently lead to food insecurity. Therefore, the vocational training and skill-building programmes are targeted towards rural livelihoods such as masonry, local arts and music, organic agriculture, nursery management, dairy, tailoring, and domestic wiring. About 3000 youth (mostly women) have been trained in identified vocational trades in IIRD.

Training of women in stitching and embroidery

Electrical wiring practicals in progress

Trained woman repairing fan in a village

Practical demonstration on Nursery Management

Nursery Management as a micro-enterprise

 

Parrie Centre for Technology - Venue for some of the vocational training courses

Training on Organic Agriculture in the Village

PEACE Hostel - to accommodate 50 trainees