Livelihood improvement and empowerment of women through aquaculture technology interventions in Odisha

Freshwater aquaculture technologies were disseminated to women as a means to improve their socio-economic status in three villages in coastal Odisha. The programme was carried out with 180 women belonging to self-help groups through scientific freshwater aquaculture interventions. Different extension methods were used to provide access to technologies, skill development and handholding support in aquaculture. Livelihood improvement of the beneficiaries was assessed in terms of changes in income, employment and household expenditure prior to and after the aquaculture technology interventions. The aquaculture technology interventions has resulted in 247 and 321% improvement in income and household expenditure on food and clothing respectively to the beneficiaries as compared to the pre-intervention period. The improvement in livelihood dimensions and empowerment was due to active participation in all phases of intervention. It is inferred that if a supportive environment is created, scientific aquaculture interventions could play a critical role in gender mainstreaming.