Introducing Sustainable Technology and Industry in Aspirational District, Yadgir to Provide Livelihoods and Strengthen Human Capital

This paper explains a unique, multi-sectoral convergence and development project for women self help groups covering sustainable technology, women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods, horticulture, health and nutrition, and education in Yadgir Aspirational District. Yadgir is the most backward district of Karnataka with extremely poor human development indicators, low per-capita income and minimal industrialization. Sustainable technology has been introduced in this district for the first time for setting up a small scale nutritious food production unit run by self help group women, for producing VitaPoshan, a fortified, nutritious multi-grain food, for children, adolescents, adults and family, made from locally available agri-horticulture produce. An accompanying strong multi-layered communication strategy has resulted in progressive behavior change regarding health, nutrition, sanitation practices, already visible in families. This initiative is expected to accelerate improvement of the health/nutritional status of the family/community; economic empowerment of women; higher learning capacity of children; upward social mobility and higher income within families–in short, strengthen Yadgir’s human capital.