Institutionalisation of Rural Entrepreneurship through NGOs: Introspection from the Case Studies

Abstract

The rural population constitutes a major segment in India. The livelihood strategies of this vast segment depend primarily on agriculture and allied activities. Growth in this agriculture sector has shown a declining trend during the last one decade. The declining trend is noted in the growth rate of employment and gross domestic production. In the context of this reality, it becomes a primary necessity for institutions and agencies involved in rural development in general and poverty alleviation in particular to undergo a paradigm shift. The burgeoning problem of population and underemployment can be tackled through institutionalising the process and concept of rural entrepreneurship. NGOs definitely have an increasing role to play in this process. The experience of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI) in implementing Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (REDPs) using training as a strategy has yielded very positive results. This process was carried forward in collaboration with NGOs. This implementation strategy has proved effective. Using the case study methodology, an attempt has been made to understand the success and failure factors towards institutionalising this REDP approach.

A Critical Review of Self-Help Group - Bank Linkage Programme of Micro-finance in India

“…There is a need to convert these SHGs into enterprising groups to maintain and sustain their livelihoods. According to Singh (2000Singh ( , 2002, there is very high potentials in nonfarm sector to start enterprises by these SHGs.…”

Marketing Facilitation for Improving Livelihoods of Tribal Producers

“…They gained importance in eighties in both industrialized and developing countries (Thomas 1992). During the seventh five-year plan period, Government of India recognized the importance of involving NGOs in implementation of development programmes (Singh 2002). Through their development programmes, NGOs can address the limitations of government's efforts in linking tribals to markets.…”