Livelihoods lift

The Northeast is known for its rich natural resources, a relatively literate population and climatic conditions conducive to agriculture. Despite these strengths, the region continues to lag, not least due to inadequate livelihood opportunities.

The Northeast Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA), an associate entity of the Tata Trusts, has been working to overcome this challenge while implementing its ‘integrated livelihoods programme’ (ILP), which is operational across Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

NEIDA works closely with underserved rural communities to improve the incomes of village folks and to diversify their livelihood sources. In its basket are multiple livelihood models, market-oriented agriculture, backyard piggeries, tourism ventures and more.

ILP emphasises the building and reinforcing of community institutions and the participation of women. The programme has reached 29,488 households across the three states, with 72% of these households now earning more than ₹100,000 a year.

Featured here are four success stories from Nagaland — covering four livelihood streams — that illuminate the difference ILP has been making.

Written and coordinated by Keletsino Mejura