Bamboo: The Green Gold for Poverty Reduction and Rural Growth

November 4, 2024 Leave a comment

India has huge natural bamboo stocks that have been an integral part of Indian culture for many millennia. Bamboo in many ways is the mainstay of the rural Indian economy, sparking considerable social and ecological spin-offs. In the early part of the century, large tracts of bamboo occurred in many parts of the country but were treated by the forestry sector (which was then cast in a production forestry mode) as a weed of little economic value and was used mostly by the rural communities for crafts, making implements and as housing material. It was the discovery of bamboo as a source of long-fiber by the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun that started the process of using bamboo in a variety of industrial applications, so far unexplored, with several paper mills and rayon mills being set up. But in the absence of a clear policy there was rapid degradation and decimation of the resource in much of the country. Bamboo resources plummeted so alarmingly that at present the resource is limited to few pockets in the country. Two-thirds of the bamboo in the country is restricted to the North-Eastern Region (NER) while the remaining one-third is spread across the country.

But there is hope for the resurgence of bamboo, and this is based on evidence of significant new and contemporary economic opportunities that have emerged over the past decades. A bamboo revolution that holds the potential of reversing economic downturns and ensuring profitability, is very much possible.  Bamboo is an untapped avenue of economic growth, and a burgeoning bamboo sector can rope in prosperity, profits, and sustainable livelihoods.

Despite the severe degradation of the resource in the past, India still has a considerable growing stock of bamboo, and comparative annual harvest figures[1] still place India at the top of the global league. It is important to realize the considerable latent potential that bamboo has to contribute to economic growth, poverty alleviation, generating employment, rehabilitating vast tracts of degraded land generated due to past agricultural and industrial practices and policies, and revitalizing the social, economic and ecological well-being of rural economies.

In line with this, goals should be aimed at focusing on recovering the resources lost to the rural poor as it has been a natural capital that has helped them to keep their economies afloat even in times of significant cash crunches. Attempts should be made to replenish bamboo stocks, make it economically beneficial to rural communities in a way that it provides them opportunities to earn a sustainable income and improve their standard of living. Efforts should also be made to increase the economic opportunity from the use of bamboo as an industrial raw material, to raise employment opportunities (especially for the educated and unemployed rural youth), and to rehabilitate the degraded lands across the country (making available and productive a natural resource which is increasingly becoming scarce and expensive).

Over the years a variety of strategies have been developed to reduce the poverty of rural and rurban population through small enterprise development, based on various forest produce. In rural areas, the poor are overwhelmingly dependent on natural resources and in most cases, it is the only capital they possess. They have little power or ability to climb out of poverty. They are not only financially poor, but also opportunity-and knowledge-poor. In this respect, bamboo is one of the few natural resources that could provide a lifeline to sagging rural economies and help integrate them into the market economy. As bamboo is not one commodity but the fountainhead of many products, it could open up a number of markets simultaneously for the rural poor with the added advantage of being a low-risk option.

The bamboo sector also forges personal links with the rural community, allowing them to participate closely in production processes and directly access profits through value addition as compared to other industrialized processes. As the sector is dependent to a large extent on manual labour, it demands many hands to contribute to the cultivation, harvesting, preservation and value-added manufacturing processes. The upshot is that it provides livelihood options in varying activities to a large number of rural workers. This is the main reason why developing countries find it more viable to be involved with the sector whereas developed countries prefer becoming consumptive markets for these very products. Women in particular stand to gain from this sector as they secure means of livelihood due to their dexterity with the material and their ability to shape it into products and more important, they gain from the flexible work hours this sector affords. Bamboo can thus break marginalization through empowerment and also bridge gender divides.

Employment generation and livelihood creation are enabled through strong backward integration of bamboo production and processing. Though tree-like in stature, bamboo is best grown and managed like an agricultural crop or managed as such within the forest. This needs labour input, which calls for significant people involvement. Again, volume production in bamboo is achieved through a large number of unit poles, unlike timber where one large log provides a substantial quantity of wood. But on the other hand, the lightweight poles enable people participation in its transport. Furthermore, the easy linear splitting ability of bamboo, quite unlike that of wood, enables primary processing for a final industrial product to be undertaken by the rural community. The above properties lay the economic basis for definite win-win community-industry partnerships in bamboo, with the bamboo being managed or grown, and primary processing undertaken by communities in rural areas.

Experience has shown natural resources can be harvested sustainably if people stand to benefit from it. The development of bamboo as a cash crop will result in the conservation and protection of the existing resource, and the scaling up of cultivation, which would be a natural outcome of the increased cash value of the resource, as against its present low cash to mere-subsistence value. The environmental benefits from the economic development of bamboo can be very significant.

As a resource that can be harvested annually, it could provide a regular supply of construction material to the communities. If the use of wood could be replaced with that of bamboo, it could reverse the process of severe and rapid degradation of forests and forest cover. Bamboo also helps protect soil from erosion, especially in the upland areas. Bamboo should also be strategically grown to reduce or prevent soil cutting from riverbanks, which is perhaps the major cause of siltation of riverbanks, resulting in reduced carrying capacity of rivers and flooding during the peak rainy season.

In last 3-4 decades, intensifying patterns of land and resource utilization, primarily due to pressure from the rapidly increasing population, have caused land and natural resource degradation in many parts of India. Bamboo is an ideal resource for rehabilitation, even in extremely degraded situations such as land used for brick making.

India with its rich potential of bamboo resources has only just started to develop bamboo marketing and trade.  However, the significant bamboo resources in India make it ideally placed to benefit from the experience of China and other countries around the globe. Bamboo holds within it the promise of bailing people out from below poverty line levels.

Bamboo finds many uses today in addition to its conventional uses for handicrafts, scaffolding and the paper industry.  It can be used as construction material, as a wood substitute and as food, fuel and a filtration medium. Its real contribution to housing lies in the dual role it can play – of providing a cheap and affordable wood alternative to the homeless while at the same time generating livelihood options for those involved with it.

Bamboo can propel economic growth through increased local production and the sale of high-value wood-substitute products, especially in bamboo-rich states. Robust local production of a local natural resource capital like bamboo will lead to the retention and circulation of cash within the state economies itself, rather than the cash flowing out for purchase of goods from outside the state. Export of cash value-added bamboo products to markets outside the bamboo states could enable incremental cash earnings that will add to the economic growth of the state. Asset creation and local consumption can get a fillip from the increased circulation of money within the state economy from local consumption of locally manufactured products. This consumption will be enabled not only by government purchases, but also as a result of the higher disposable incomes that will be generated.

In India, as elsewhere in other developing countries, strong correlative linkages exist between economic growth, rural poverty and the environment. Firstly, the poor are more vulnerable to the health effects of pollution because of their inadequate nutrition, poor access to health care and their unhealthy living environment. Secondly, the poor are affected faster by degradation of natural resources because of their greater reliance on them to meet basic needs. Environmental degradation, in turn, adversely affects the economy’s capacity to grow, because growth relies on the sustainable productivity of natural resources and the health of the population.

It is a vicious circle, which can be broken through a growth solution that is not only income generating for rural communities but also environmentally sound. Bamboo, a natural resource and one that protects the environment, enables the development of industries, which function through a symbiotic linkage between small and large enterprise that significantly benefits the community. 

Bamboo is available throughout the country barring the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan (except for some areas). Existing traditional bamboo and cane handicraft products, though not many, could be improved, diversified, produced along industrial assembly lines and converted into value-added products that are already a part of mainstream industry. Value additions could be made to its use in the paper industry and its use in the unorganized scaffolding industry can be doubled.  Simultaneously, other mainstream micro and small enterprise products such as matchsticks, pencils, toothpicks, skewer sticks, and blinds, as well as medium-scale industrial panel products that rival wood products, with strong backward community linkages and benefits can be explored. An increase in bamboo products and market opportunities will also result in increases in demand for raw bamboo, besides the production of fresh bamboo shoots and their processed products. There is considerable potential to set up medium and large-scale industries for generating value-added food and wood-substitute products for export markets.

The value-added bamboo industry is ideally placed to adopt that model. Given the right policy atmosphere and thrust, the value-added bamboo industry in India has the potential of reaching a size of USD 2.3 billion (USD 131.5 billion globally) in the next 10 years with a CAGR of 10.3%, employing 11-15 million people in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors[2].

The bamboo industry also fulfils the criteria needed by sectors that aim to achieve double-digit economic growth. Bamboo has a very strong and direct with rural communities, which would allow them to partake directly and in a more significant way to value addition as compared to other industrialized processes. The value-added bamboo industry thus provides an integrated solution that uses an abundant natural resource that protects the environment and can be processed and generated through community-owned enterprises, both small and large.

[1] INBAR 2002, Market Opportunities Report

[2] https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/bamboo-products-market

Photo Credit: NMBA

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of any organization, foundation, CSR, non-profit or others

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Data is Divine

October 21, 2024 1 Comment

“In God we trust. All others must bring data.” This quote, made by W. Edwards Deming holds true (and may even supersede God for some as Divine).

I have been in love with data right from my school years and the mysteries of the world it holds. I have tried to develop data driven models on human relationships, the movement of animals, finding patterns in the ways of the world, and later designing programs of social impact for challenging poverty, and policy development. In the end, we all are data, from the moment we are an idea until long after we pass away.

“Data is divine” highlights the growing understanding of data’s vital significance in modern society, in much the same way that religious or spiritual values have directed civilizations throughout history. In today’s digital age, data powers innovation, decision-making, and advancement in all fields, including governance, research, business, healthcare, and lifestyle.

1. Data as a source of truth: Data is frequently regarded as an impartial depiction of reality, providing information on trends and occurrences that may be imperceptible to anecdotal experience or intuition. In this way, data has a unique position as the basis for making well-informed decisions and uncovering hidden facts.

2. The power of data in innovation: Data is driving advancements in domains like healthcare, finance, and climate science and is revolutionizing industries as it powers AI/ML and sophisticated analytics. This emphasizes how data has the “divine” ability to spark significant change. The use of data for enhancing human welfare, from preventing pandemics through data-driven epidemiology to lowering inequality by studying societal trends has been in use. When applied sensibly and morally, it can aid in resolving some of the most pressing issues facing society.

3. Data as omnipresent: From the apps we use daily to the systems that manage our cities, data is present everywhere in the modern world. Its pervasiveness is comparable to a certain “divine” quality in that it affects almost every facet of contemporary life, whether we are conscious of it or not.

4. Data and ethics: Data carries a great deal of responsibility along with its power. Similar to supernatural knowledge, there are significant ethical ramifications to the way we collect, use, and safeguard data. Data misuse can result in inequality, manipulation, and privacy violations. As a result, it is crucial to handle data with dignity, openness, and ethics.

“Data is divine” also implies that we must treat it with deference and accountability while simultaneously appreciating its immense importance in shaping our future. We need to balance the power of data with ethical considerations as our world grows more and more data driven. The following are some crucial strategies to preserve this equilibrium,

1. Data privacy and informed consent: People ought to be in charge of how their information is gathered, kept, and utilized. It is not appropriate to force them to divulge information. Companies must be open and honest about their data practices so that users know what information is being gathered and why. Clear and informed consent should not be buried in complicated terms and conditions. Data literacy is essential among general population so that they are aware of the consequences of disclosing personal information, and the dangers of data misuse.

2. Data minimization: Only gather information that is absolutely required for the current job. This reduces the possibility of abuse and shields people from needless exposure. I’ve seen in recent years how social development initiatives gather and store vast amounts of data, with donors coercing their nonprofit partners to obtain it, yet this doesn’t address any societal issues. It is crucial to have a conscious grasp of what is needed.

3. Data bias and fairness: AI/ML systems may reinforce or increase biases found in the training data. Therefore, diversifying datasets, employing inclusive development techniques, and reviewing algorithms for bias are all necessary to ensure fairness.

4. Equitable data access: One way to lessen inequality is to make sure that data access and its advantages are shared equitably among all communities. This entails preventing the reinforcement of systemic disadvantages while ensuring that marginalized groups have access to data-driven insights.

5. Data governance and accountability: To ensure that data is utilized properly, organizations and governments must establish robust data governance policies and ethical frameworks. To stay up with the latest developments in technology, these policies must be revised regularly. It is imperative to establish unambiguous lines of accountability for the handling and utilization of data. Data practices can be kept moral and in line with social standards with the support of independent oversight organizations or ethics boards.

6. Regulation and legal safeguards: Strong data protection laws that impose restrictions on how businesses and organizations can gather, keep, and handle personal data must be enforced by governments. Laws that address issues like accountability for algorithmic judgments, eliminating discrimination, and safeguarding human rights in AI-driven systems are crucial for the ethical application of automation and artificial intelligence. Because technology is changing so quickly, regulatory models must be adaptable and flexible to support innovation and enable quick responses to emerging ethical dilemmas.

7. Data for social good: Data can and should also be used positive social impact including lowering inequality and poverty, combating climate change, and improving public health. Governments, corporations, and civil society organizations working together can help guarantee that data is used morally and for the good of society. These collaborations may result in common frameworks for the ethical use of data.

A multifaceted strategy including legislation, transparency, public education, and proactive governance is needed to strike a balance between the power of data and ethical issues. Prioritizing the defence of individual rights, maintaining equity, and advancing the common good while fostering innovation should be the main goals of ethical data use. Through cultivating a culture of accountability and responsibility, we can leverage data’s promise (and divinity) without sacrificing moral principles.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of any organization, foundation, CSR, non-profit or others

Cover Photo: This is an AI generated image.

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Revenge of the Planet

October 8, 2024 Leave a comment

In a twist of fate that seems like it was ripped straight from the pages of a dystopian novel, Planet Earth has decided it’s time for a little payback. And who can blame it? After decades of exploitation, pollution, and blatant disregard for its well-being, the Earth is ready to reclaim its throne. So, buckle up and prepare for the “Revenge of the Planet,” a wild ride through the hilarious and dramatic consequences of our environmental neglect.

The year was 2030, and Earth had been dealing with humanity’s nonsense for centuries: automobile humming, factories puffing, and smartphones buzzing, plastic in the oceans, air full of smog and pollutants, and forests reduced to sad little patches that looked like Mother Nature’s receding hairline. While we humans went about our business, basking in the glow of smartphones and conveniently ignoring every climate report ever written, the planet finally had enough. It was time for some cosmic payback.

First came the heatwaves. When the sun started sizzling eggs on car hoods and air conditioners were breaking down in sheer exhaustion, we should’ve known something was up. Earth wasn’t playing anymore. Then came the incessant rain, cyclones and Hurricanes. Thousands of cities and villages got flooded killing all in their wake: humans, animals, trees, cars, houses, all were game for the planet’s rage. As glaciers melted at a pace faster than your average deadline in an office setting, and wildfires spread like trending tweets, humans start to notice. Our beloved beaches? Now more like lava zones.

As Earth’s revenge gained momentum, the animals began organizing. Rats—usually content with minor mischief like digging up flower beds—became stealth operatives, chewing through power lines and cutting off electricity to entire neighbourhoods. Birds, tired of dodging skyscrapers, formed tactical squadrons to stage mass air raids on unsuspecting pedestrians. Pigeons, already seasoned in the art of airborne attacks and eating through aircon units, took their missions to new heights, dive-bombing with precision accuracy.

Mother Earth had one last ace up her sleeve: technology. Since humans had become so dependent on gadgets, she decided to hit us where it hurt. Phones suddenly started overheating for no reason, GPS systems began suggesting scenic routes through uncharted forests, and voice assistants became strangely passive-aggressive.

“Hey, Siri, what’s the weather today?”

“Why don’t you go outside and find out for yourself, you lazy carbon footprint.”

By the time forests started sprouting overnight and the Arctic ice declared “We’re back!” humanity finally took notice. Governments convened emergency meetings to address the phenomenon, though the politicians were quick to blame each other.

“We need to plant more trees!” one leader shouted.

“But the trees are literally attacking us,” another replied.

Meanwhile, while we sat glued to our screens, watching the chaos unfold, the bees are buzzing in the background. That’s right, our fuzzy little friends are holding clandestine meetings, plotting a revolt. “We’ll stop pollinating crops if they don’t start recycling!” one bee declares, and with that, the price of avocados skyrockets, pushing millennials to the edge of madness. Who knew that eco-awareness could double as a financial crisis?

After a series of failed peace talks with the ocean (which responded with a tsunami every time someone brought up offshore drilling), humans collectively realized: we were in deep compost!

Just as it seemed like Earth would forever reign supreme, a surprising thing happened. Humans finally got their act together. It’s time for a Renaissance! Countries began cooperating—trading carbon offsets instead of insults. Renewable energy became the norm. Plastic was replaced by biodegradable alternatives, and landfills shrank faster than your favourite sweater. People rally together armed with reusable bags and solar panels. Urban gardens sprout up like mushrooms after a rain, while communities bond over composting workshops. It’s a revolution of education, where every child learns how to plant a tree faster than their parents can say, “Remember when we just used to throw things in the landfill?” In the end, Earth called off her revenge, not because she couldn’t win, but because she wanted to see what we’d do next. As for humanity, we learned the hard way that Earth isn’t just a rock floating in space—it’s a vengeful force of nature with a wicked sense of humour. And if we want to stay on its good side, we’d better treat it right.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of any organization, foundation, CSR, non-profit or others

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Importance of family counseling in entrepreneur selection

September 24, 2024 Leave a comment

A person requires to possess both ‘can do’ attitude and aptitude for business to start on an entrepreneurial journey. But is that enough? Often an entrepreneur’s success is celebrated as an individual, but seldom the support system in the form of family and friends are discussed due to which the entrepreneur has achieved success. This is irrespective of the nature and size of business, geography, gender and backgrounds of the entrepreneur, and investment that goes in the venture.

While there’s no age to starting a business, the development programs I am working with focuses on women and girls in the age group of 18-50 years from poor and low-income households in the rural areas, with a desire to be self-employed and in future create employment for the youth in their respective villages. Selection processes of such aspiring entrepreneurial women vary depending on the model and approach of the programs. For the conventional businesses existing vocational skills and basic business acumen is analyzed, for others apart from these qualities, level of confidence, ability to invest their time, efforts, and money, general awareness, and other aptitude tests are conducted to measure the eligibility. What remains common across, and I believe is one of the most crucial factors for them to succeed from the word go is the support of their families, which remains the backbone of their ventures during and after the programmatic support. Therefore, post shortlisting of a potential entrepreneurial candidate, family counselling becomes the ultimate decider for her to join the program. And no, it has nothing to do with patriarchy. It’s same for any gender, and I think anywhere in the world. I have been a serial entrepreneur in my past, and have experienced in firsthand that without family support, I could have only done so much.

Family background including the size, type, and economic status can influence entrepreneurs’ and, therefore, entrepreneurship development. Even if the entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t necessarily run in the family, their support plays a vital role in an entrepreneur’s journey. Through their belief, encouragement, constant motivation, and involvement, families provide a nurturing environment for entrepreneurial growth.

In the process of meeting the family at their house in the village and discussing about their current livelihood and income sources, level of education in the household, aspirations and future plans, nature of relationship with the potential entrepreneurial candidate, sharing about the program, and earning their commitment of being the wind  beneath the wings of their daughters, daughters-in-law, wife, and in turn building trust is the main agenda of the family counselling. This support is the most important step and measure for induction of an aspiring candidate in our entrepreneurship program. Garnering this support is half the battle won for the aspiring entrepreneur.

The hard work has to be of the entrepreneur, but families give financial assistance and provides the seed capital for the start-up, provides emotional assistance keeping the morale high during those challenging and difficult times that every entrepreneur undergoes, promote the venture in their long curated networks both within and outside their villages through word-of-mouth, volunteer their time at the business to attend to customers and promotion, and more importantly celebrate even the small moments of joy together.

Apart from money and market, family support is the third pillar of the tripod, which drives entrepreneurial success.

If you want to know more about designing rural women entrepreneurship projects and/or learn about family-counselling for rural entrepreneurship, feel free to connect.

(First published on LinkedIn on 6th March 2024)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of any organization, foundation, CSR, non-profit or others

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Economic impact of Tuberculosis in India

September 17, 2024 1 Comment

Tuberculosis (TB) exacts a significant economic toll in India, affecting individuals, households, and the nation’s economy as a whole. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB continues to pose formidable challenges, impeding economic development and exacerbating poverty. By delving into the economic dimensions of TB in India, we can better understand its impact and the urgent need for concerted action to address this burden.

The economic burden of TB encompasses direct costs related to healthcare services and indirect costs stemming from productivity losses and premature mortality. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), TB costs India an estimated $24 billion annually in terms of lost productivity and healthcare expenses. This staggering figure underscores the magnitude of TB’s economic impact on the nation.

Direct costs of TB care include expenses incurred for diagnosis, treatment, and management of the disease. These costs can be prohibitive for affected individuals and households, particularly those already grappling with poverty. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2021, approximately 39% of TB patients in India face catastrophic health expenditures, pushing many families into poverty.

Indirect costs of TB are equally significant, primarily attributable to productivity losses resulting from illness, disability, and premature death. TB often strikes individuals during their prime working years, disrupting employment and income-generating activities. A study published in The Lancet estimated that TB-related productivity losses in India amounted to $340 million annually, reflecting the substantial economic impact of the disease on workforce productivity.

Moreover, TB-related stigma and discrimination can exacerbate indirect costs by impeding social integration and employment opportunities for affected individuals. Fear of transmission and discrimination in the workplace further compound the economic hardships faced by TB patients and their families.

  • India bears the world’s highest burden of TB, accounting for approximately one-quarter of global TB cases.
  • In 2022, there were an estimated 2.8 million incident TB cases in India, with 342,000 TB-related deaths.
  • TB disproportionately affects economically vulnerable populations, including the homeless, slum dwellers, migrants, and marginalized communities.
  • The economic impact of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is particularly severe, with higher treatment costs and lower treatment success rates compared to drug-susceptible TB.
  • According to the India TB Report 2021, the economic burden of TB in terms of lost productivity and healthcare costs is estimated to be $32 billion annually, representing a significant drain on the economy.
  • According to The Economic Times, the total cost of TB treatment from the onset of symptoms to one year post-treatment ranged from $330-$375 per PwTB, despite free diagnosis and treatment provided by the government.

Efforts to mitigate the economic impact of TB require a comprehensive approach that integrates health system strengthening, social protection measures, and poverty alleviation strategies. Investing in accessible, affordable, and high-quality TB care services is essential for reducing the financial burden on affected individuals and households. Additionally, addressing social determinants of health such as poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowded living conditions is critical for preventing TB and breaking the cycle of disease and poverty.

Furthermore, enhancing TB control efforts through innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, and community-based interventions can help alleviate the economic burden of TB while advancing progress toward elimination goals. Prioritizing TB within broader health and development agendas is essential for mobilizing resources, galvanizing political commitment, and fostering multisectoral collaboration to tackle this pervasive public health challenge.

The economic impact of TB in India is substantial, exerting profound consequences on individuals, households, and the nation’s economy. Addressing this burden requires concerted action and sustained investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services. By leveraging evidence-based interventions, strengthening health systems, and addressing social determinants of health, India can mitigate the economic impact of TB while advancing progress towards achieving health equity and sustainable development goals. As India strives towards a TB-free future, addressing the economic dimensions of the disease is paramount for fostering inclusive growth and improving the well-being of its citizens.

(First published on LinkedIn on 28th March 2024)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the views or opinions of any organization, foundation, CSR, non-profit or others

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