Livelihood and Value Chain Development study

As part of the demonstration project carried out through the OASYS South Asia project, an off-grid electrification intervention was undertaken in a cluster of villages in Dhenkenal district of Odisha. In order to develop productive uses of electricity, a detailed study of livelihoods was undertaken and potential areas for improvement in the value chain were identified. This paper reports the above activity and documents the existing livelihoods in the area. Through a series of interviews, focused group meetings and stakeholder interactions, the study finds that there exists potential for improvement of agricultural/ horticultural production and artisanal activities undertaken by the local population. Value can be added by undertaking simple processing and packing activities and by selling organic, eco-friendly outputs through local NGOs or government outlets. Electricity can support such activities, thereby offering an opportunity for improved income generation and a better quality of life.