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Back to Poverty Alleviation
MICRO CREDIT INTERVENTION PROGRAM:
1. REQUIREMENT
2. LIVLIHOOD RELATED INTERVENTION
3. EDUCATION RELATED INTERVENTION
4. HABITAT RELATED INTERVENTION
5. CONCLUSION1. REQUIREMENT:
It is being pointed out that NGOs should identify potential markets, businesses and profitable SMEs. I believe that this should be obvious. Rather the requirement is that NGOs Develop Capacities and Enhance Skills of potential entrepreneurs from amongst the Rural Poor. It is the job of local CBOs to identify deserving candidates from amongst themselves. Once they are identified the need the requisite skills to be able to take advantage of Micro Credit. In short assistance and guidance is required to be imparted. It is estimated that there are 9 to 10 million people engaged in the informal sector of the rural economy. There are hardly any Institutions working in the field to train these individuals. Moreover these Institutions should be located in the very areas that require the most. The Khidmat Foundation has identified four potential areas wherein Intervention is possible. These are:
· LIVLIHOOD PROGRAMS.
· EDUCATION PROGRMS.
· HABITAT RELATED PROGRAMS.
· HELTH RELATED PROGRAMS.
2. LIVLIHOOD RELATED INTERVENTION:
This is the most important Sector and needs the most attention. It has been found that most beneficiaries of Livelihood Micro Credit Programs spend their credit on consumption rather then the Production Process. Though in most cases credit is paid back, there is no real effect upon the economy. It is only through Production and Basic Economy Generation that we can extricate our economy from stagflation. Thus credit must be utilized to create more income. This is only possible when our illiterate masses gain the requisite skills. Where are such Institutions that will cater to this need? Sorry to say that nothing is being done in this regard! The Khidmat Foundation has been attempting to set up such Institutions right where they are most needed. Our aim is to establish Technology Receiving & Transferring Centers along the lines of the Comilla Approach of the late Mr. Akhter Hameed Khan. Our theme is simple, we wish to establish Marakaz in the rural areas that cater to the following:
· Skills Enhancement through Hands On Training (HOT).
· Establishment of Community based Marketing of Produce.
· Assist in the establishment of SMEs.
This function is meant to be kept separate from Credit Disbursement, though the Foundation can act as an External Audit. The Technology Receiving & Transferring Centers are designed as SEs that are self sustaining in order to provide the necessary hands on training. In most cases these are related to Agriculture and Horticulture. The eventual aim is to hand over these SEs to the local communities after 5 years. The Foundation has made a lot of effort to gather Appropriated Technology. This has been done through a long process of Adaptive & Applied Research on ground in a number of locations all over the Country. We have evolved Management Systems for Soil, Water and Crops. We have also evolved an Environment & Photoperiod Controlled, Low cost structure that will provide for Kitchen garden needs of the poorer segments of society. We have also sourced a number of modern inputs that have significantly raised yields in a wide variety of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops. This is where the difference lies. With the ability to raise yields and that too in an Environmentally safe manner, we are in a position to positively effect the lives of millions. All this is bound to have a tremendous impact upon our Economy.
3. EDUCATION RELATED INTERVENTION: The type of education that is intended lies in the informal sector. Accredited training with University based Diplomas are planned. Some of the intended programs are:
• Pruning.
• Grafting/ Budding/ Air Layering.
• Planting, Culture & Care.
• Plant Nutrition.
• Soil Rejuvenation.
• Conservation Irrigation.
• Low Cost, Controlled Environment Structures.
• Photoperiod Control.
• Nursery Operations.
• Plant Protection (Organic and Safe Chemicals).
• Processing, Packaging/ Canning & Cold Store Technology.
• Marketing Skills.
• Operations Documentation/ Cost Analysis.
• Using automatic tools & machines.
• Repair & Maintenance of Machinery.
• Tractor Operation & Accessories.
• Intensive Herbs & Vegetable Planting.
• Plantation Projects.
• Tea.
• Edible Oil Plants.
• Cereals.
• Legumes.
• Fruit.
• Mulberry for Silk worms.
• Growing Certified Seed.
• Use of Safe/ Stabilized Agricultural Chemicals.
• Permaculture.
• Technical Skills.
• Woodworking.
• Machine shop Operations.
• Hobby Shop.
• Leather working.
• Wool Knitting.
• Fabrication.
• Forge & Foundry.
• Sand Casting.
• Silk reeling.
• Screen-Printing.
• Electric Household wiring & Appliances.
• Electronic trouble shooting & Repair.
4. HABITAT RELATED INTERVENTION:
The Foundation is in possession of Earth Sheltered, Ceramic Adobe, Passive Solar Construction Technology. This technology not only provides low cost construction but is also capable of providing Ceramic Tiles as a by-product. These tiles are used to line drains, water channels and canals. Water is a precious commodity whose importance to our existence is vital. Seepage of irrigation and sewage water is causing a lot of damage. To be in possession of a technology that at the same time addresses housing as well as seepage problems and that to at an affordable price is quite significant. The Foundation is in the process of constructing a prototype. Apart from the very real need of housing there is the requirement of building Grain and Produce Stores and Cold Stores. This can be done in an affordable manner.
5. CONCLUSION:
Rather than talk and write about these activities the Foundation has gone into the field at the grass roots level and made an impact. Seeing is believing! We have found this practical approach to be eminently suited to the task of Rural Development. The time is long over due when the fruits of our research should be shared with the common man. This is only possible through the main stream of Development.