Biovillages: the new paradigm for sustainable livelihoods
Student name: Ms Ritika Sehjpal
Guide: Dr Priya Bhagowalia
Year of completion: 2011
Host Organisation: MS Swaminathan Research Foundation
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Prof Kanchan Chopra
Abstract: The paper deals with the concept of sustainable livelihoods. The Bio-Village concept being
one such concept, tries to diversify the income base of the villagers by providing them access
to different income generating activities and help them come out of the poverty trap.
Individuals and households have experimented with new forms of livelihoods, expanding
their non-agricultural income sources, while retaining their base in subsistence farming.
Various livelihood patterns have emerged, depending on historical, geographical and agro
ecological factors. In the first part of the analysis with the help of regression analysis, we find
what factors affect households to pursue income generating activities. The analysis reveals
that the most significant factor in determining pursuing of income generating activities are
trainings pursued by the households and number of years as SHG member. In addition to this,
Age of respondent, Asset poverty and occupation of males emerge as most decisive factors.
The paper concentrates on these 5 village communities as MSSRF started the Bio-Village
concept in three phases. The second part of analysis is to test the hypothesis that the presence
of the Bio-Village concept has led to linkages between different activities such that the
economic returns are sustainable. It is shown that linkages across economic activities such as
dairy, mushroom cultivation, Vermicompost, fodder cultivation etc, can lead to sustainable
livelihood options.. This portrays the success of the organisation in helping the rural poor to
come out of poverty. It is the focus on people that places them at the centre of development.
Over the years, MSSRF has been working with the village communities and helping them
diversifies their livelihood options, and in this endeavour it has been very successful, thus
expanding it programme to other villages in Puducherry.
