Seven Sisters Development Assistance
Livelihood Model
SeSTA's Livelihood Model
SeSTA’s livelihood model is designed to empower rural households by creating sustainable income-generation opportunities that cater to diverse socio-economic groups. With a total reach of over 7,000 households, the model focuses on inclusivity and scalability by addressing the unique needs of families across different landholding categories. For ultra-poor households earning less than ₹50,000 annually, SeSTA facilitates access to essential government entitlements, while introducing income-generating activities such as backyard poultry with 50 birds, piggery, goat rearing, and handloom. This segment is supported with interventions aimed at adding ₹25,000 annually to their income and ensuring they are no longer excluded from key government schemes.
SeSTA will work directly with 7000 households in a block and support the SRLM in the adjacent block to implement livelihood activities to 3000 households in a span of 5 years. Below is the table of the Deepening Model
Processes adopted
FBLP
The Family Based Livelihood Planning is a strategic planning procedure, which is conducted with every household SeSTA is engaged with. The strategy maps and understand the family’s livelihood practices, their resources available and also to map their aspirations. The FBLP exercise also enables to identify the scope of intervention on Livelihoods and identify the gaps in the present practices, so that trainings as well support mechanisms can be developed. The exercise becomes a blueprint for both the family and SeSTA to engage in different livelihood activities thereafter.
INRM
Climate change and deforestation is putting a relentless pressure on natural resources. This is putting food systems and community resources at risk. INRM (Integrated Natural Resource Management) planning and implementation helps mitigate this risk and is crucial for holistic development of an area. It consists of holistically looking at the 5J’s- Jal, Jungle, Jameen, Jan and Janwar and building an integrated plan of a particular patch by looking at feasibility, sustainability and carrying capacity of resources. Generally, the plans are made in a watershed approach looking at resources, slopes, problems, solutions from ridge to the valley.
Market Linkage & Processing
As women farmers adopt improved processes and techniques to boost production, the next critical step is to ensure that their increased yields find a stable and reliable market. This connection is vital not only for sustaining their livelihoods but also for maximizing the value of their hard work. SeSTA plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between these women farmers and the marketplace, acting as a link that enables the seamless flow of products from producers to consumers. With a clear vision to supply high-quality products that align with consumer demands, SeSTA is working tirelessly to create a system that benefits both ends of the value chain.
