Incentivising Traditional Livelihoods: The Case of Women SHG Managed Uppada Dry Fish Unit

FXB India Suraksha is a non- governmental organization working for the rights of children affected by poverty and disease. Responding to the poor social, economic and education conditions in Chapaluppada village in southern India, FXB India has been implementing the Integrated Village Development Project here since January, 2010. Located along the eastern coast, 25 km north of Visakhapatnam, on the Bhimili beach road, Chapaluppada village panchayat comprises seven hamlets namely, the villages of Pedauppada, Chinauppada, Chapala Debbadapalem, Kotturu, Paturu, Pukkallapalem and Chukkavanipalem, covering 260 acre with a population of above 4000 (2001 census). All these villages are mainly occupied by the poor traditional fishermen community. The adult literacy rate in Chapaluppada village is as low as 13 per cent and has direct effect on their children, resulting in poor attendance in schools, a high drop-out rate and poor academic competencies among the children. Fishing as an occupation is also on the decline as it is no more considered lucrative due to its unpredictable nature, the lack of gainful activity leading to high alcoholism among the menfolk.