Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
Through Integrated Processes

 

Bundelkhand region in Central India, comprising 13 districts (7 from Uttar Pradesh and 6 from Madhya Pradesh), is widely regarded as one of the most impoverished regions of the country. A study conducted in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh (MP) by MP Right to Food Campaign and MP Apda Niwaran Manch reveals astonishing facts about the projected image of agriculture in the region. Statistics show the manner in which the food crisis and drought crept in. In 2003-04, Bundelkhand produced 2.45 million tonnes of food grains. Registering a decline of 44.67%, this figure dropped down to 1.13 million tonnes in 2006-07.

It has been estimated that almost half of the population in Bundelkhand is food insecure where the household food security is defined as access to food of requisite quantity, of acceptable quantity, by means through which it is reliable over a fairly long period. The main causes are low agricultural productivity, lack of alternate livelihood options, degeneration of the natural resource base, poor access to reliable information, finance, markets and technology.

While the Government of India is taking several reactive steps to counter faulty implementation such as e-payment for NREGA workers, co-opting Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutions of Management (IIMs) to provide technical assistance for quality control measures, and improved monitoring and evaluation tools, experiences from the field demonstrate that NREGA is facing major problems in implementation. Both grassroots surveys and the audit report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reveal scams in payments, delays in release of NREGA funds and lack of transparency added to monitoring mechanisms. Discrepancies and irregularities have been reported in many states in the execution of the job guarantee initiative.

It is imperative that systems be established to address the major shortcomings pertaining to irregularities such as those in job card distribution, delays in payment of wages and corrupt practices such as tampering of muster rolls and demanding bribes for payment of wages. There has to be greater involvement and commitment demonstrated by the implementing officials, along with training and capacity building, to enable them to recognise that this right gives them an opportunity to make systemic and structural changes to address poverty. As custodians of public money, they must honour the trust imposed in them and ensure the successful implementation of this initiative.

Development Alternatives (DA) has been working in Bundelkhand for over two decades with the focus on implementation of an array of developmental interventions directly as well as in partnerships with other agencies. These interventions cater to fulfilling DA’s mandate of creating sustainable livelihoods in large numbers through integration of processes leading to the formation of informed and empowered communities having access to and control over dignified income generation opportunities and thriving in a clean and healthy environment.

The current issue of DA Newsletter brings forth some fresh experiences and successes from Bundelkhand. After years of drought, it is raining in Bundelkhand. I hope you will find this issue as awaited and as refreshing as the rains. q

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