Embarking on a Journey to Uncover Ground Realities

Initially, in our quest to design an impactful intervention for a sustainable livelihood program, we embarked on a journey to immerse ourselves in the realities of the locals engaged in agriculture and fishery in the Sundarbans. From the very outset, our experience underscored the stark contrast between our preconceived notions and the harsh realities faced by the communities residing in this challenging terrain.

Witnessing Daily Hardships Firsthand

Subsequently, as we ventured deeper into the mangroves, the narrowing roads and the uncomfortable boat ride, enveloped in black smoke, offered a firsthand glimpse into the daily hardships endured by the locals. Moreover, our 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.

Women are waiting for a boat here. The crisis of drinking water on this island forces the people to visit nearby islands to fetch drinking water.

Bridging the Gap between Intentions and Realities

However, 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. In addition, Paromita’s plight exemplifies the disconnect between well-intentioned interventions and the ground realities faced by many like her in this challenging terrain. Consequently, this experience reinforced the critical importance of deeply understanding the contextualized realities before designing interventions for a sustainable livelihood program.

Co-creating a Sustainable Livelihood Program

Therefore, only by bridging the gap between intention and reality can we hope to create truly impactful and sustainable livelihood programs that resonate with the lived experiences of the communities we seek to serve. Furthermore, sustainable livelihood programs, if not grounded in the local context, often fail to address the unique challenges faced by the target communities. As a result, our firsthand experience highlighted the importance of co-creating sustainable livelihood programs with the active participation of local communities.

Adopting a Holistic Approach for a Sustainable Livelihood Program

In addition, sustainable livelihood programs in regions like the Sundarbans must adopt a holistic approach, addressing not only economic factors but also social, environmental, and infrastructural aspects. By involving local communities in the design and implementation processes, we can better understand their priorities, challenges, and potential solutions. Moreover, providing access to affordable credit and financial services, coupled with capacity-building initiatives and the development of climate-resilient agricultural practices, can create a comprehensive framework for sustainable livelihoods.

Mother and her young child                                                                                                                                                

A Continuous Learning Journey

Ultimately, as development practitioners, it is our responsibility to continually re-evaluate our assumptions and approaches, ensuring that our sustainable livelihood programs are grounded in the realities of the communities we serve. By bridging the gap between intention and reality, we can create meaningful and lasting change, empowering communities to thrive and pursue sustainable livelihoods. Finally, this journey has been a continuous learning process, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, humility, and a deep commitment to understanding the unique contexts in which we operate.

– Sunirmal Ray