SEWA: Supporting village-level organization to improve rural livelihoods
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International Food Policy Research Institute
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The rapid growth of the Indian economy has not been accompanied by a comparable reduction in rural poverty, leading policymakers to seek new approaches to rural livelihoods development. In response, the government has expanded the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and village-level membership organizations through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Evidence from two programs implemented by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)—producer associations in Gujarat and self-help groups in Rajasthan—suggests that NGOs can effectively organize marginalized populations, improve access to financial services and information, strengthen cooperation, and empower women. Participants demonstrated greater financial literacy, increased savings, enhanced decision-making within households, and improved awareness of public services and accountability mechanisms. However, direct impacts on income, employment, consumption, and broader political agency were limited. While membership organizations appear to reduce collective-action costs and strengthen community participation, they have been less successful in increasing representation in local decision-making processes. The experience also highlights the political challenges NGOs may face when operating at scale. Overall, NGOs can play an important role in scaling up rural livelihoods programs by empowering communities and fostering behavioral change, although their effectiveness in improving livelihoods and strengthening government accountability remains constrained.
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scaling up, agriculture, rural development, nutrition, livelihoods, women