Sustainable Livelihood Program: Bridging the Gap between Intention and Reality
In our quest to design an impactful intervention for a sustainable livelihood program that could augment the income of the locals engaged in agriculture and fishery in the Sundarbans, we embarked on a journey to immerse ourselves in the realities on the ground. Our experience underscored the stark contrast between our preconceived notions and the harsh realities faced by the communities residing in this challenging terrain.
As we ventured deeper into the mangroves, the narrowing roads and the uncomfortable boat ride, enveloped in black smoke, offered a glimpse into the daily hardships endured by the locals. The conversation with Paramita Mondal, a local woman, shed light on the staggering 60% interest rate she had to pay for three to four months to procure seeds and agricultural inputs, a far cry from the 12% personal loan rates available in cities.
Despite the existence of NGOs, government schemes, and CSR-funded programs aimed at improving access to finance and enhancing the quality of life for marginalized sections, the realities in the Sundarbans remain vastly different. Paromita's plight exemplifies the disconnect between well-intentioned interventions and the ground realities faced by many like her in this challenging terrain.
