ENTERPRISE & LIVELIHOODS

Remote areas most often have subsistence economies. Dependent on a fast-reducing resource-base for their livelihoods, communities inhabiting these areas are economically marginalized and being increasingly impoverished. Remoteness and weak infrastructure have hindered development of secondary/tertiary sectors in the region and possibilities of alternative occupations. Lack of employment avenues leads to out-migration, particularly of the educated youth. Globalisation too has handicapped people living in such peripheral, sparsely-populated rural areas in their ability to access the benefits of mainstream economies and economic prosperity for themselves.

Such areas are rich in resources and skills that could provide a comparative advantage to its economy. Value-addition to local produce and productive use of local heritage could provide alternate avenues for income generation.

Fostering growth-oriented enterprises and niche sector clusters would develop the economic potential of the region and generate employment that would also retard the flight of quality human capital from the region. Industries based around these areas are however extractive in nature (e.g. timber, tourism, herbal products) and the leakage factor is very high. Human capacity is stunted, and that is another cause for the pegging down of development.

Pragya works to alleviate the poverty of Himalayan people and develop the economic potential of the Himalayan region in areas of comparative advantage, towards sustainable regional development. A cluster-based approach that blends income and employment generation with development gains is adopted. Income generation programs in the farm and non-farm sectors include skill building, technology inputs and market development. Access to basic economic enablers of credit, input materials of production markets opportunities is facilitated. Community enterprises that involve value-addition to local primary produce are promoted, and cooperatives set up to ensure equitable and fair trade.