Through the L3F framework, Mann Deshi Foundation is building the capacity of women from five blocks in Satara district of India, towards sustainable farming, financial literacy and agri-businesses development. “Our programme involves training of women through multiple programmes to boost their confidence, develop decision making ability and business skills,” said Vanita Shinde, Coordinator of Mann Deshi Foundation.”

Women have enrolled in Mann Deshi’s yearlong intensive business support programme to receive marketing and supply chain management skills training. Those who have undergone training on sustainable farming have established goat rearing and dairy farming activities. According to Vanita, participants who have undergone the L3F capacity-building process recorded a 30% increase in their income over a three-year period.

One of the programme participants, Sunita Bhosale, said: “the business development training has enabled me to get a group loan worth INR 20,000. I’ve purchased two buffaloes, which I rear along with farming activities. My monthly income has gone up from INR 2,000 to INR 6,000. Now, I can provide good quality education, healthcare and other required facilities to my children.”