Livelihood &
Economic Independence
Livelihood & Economic Independence
In rural India, lack of sustainable livelihood opportunities keeps millions in the grip of poverty. At Rural Development International Foundation (RDIF), we recognize that economic independence is not just about income—it's about dignity, self-worth, and the power to shape one's future. We work with rural communities to build skills, create employment, and promote entrepreneurship—especially for women and youth.
Why Livelihood Matters
When rural families lack stable income:
Children drop out of school to support the household
Families fall into cycles of debt and migration
Women remain dependent and underrepresented in the economy
Young people lose hope and migrate in search of work
We aim to bridge the urban-rural economic divide by bringing skills, resources, and opportunities directly to rural doorsteps.
Our Livelihood Approach
Skill Development for Employment
We train youth and women in industry-relevant skills that lead to real jobs.
- •Training in tailoring, handicrafts, agri-allied services, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, hospitality, and retail
- •Digital literacy and computer education
- •Certification and placement support
- •Soft skills: communication, teamwork, work ethics
Micro-Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
We support rural entrepreneurs with tools to grow and sustain small businesses.
- •Business idea development and planning
- •Financial literacy and access to micro-credit
- •Marketing, pricing, inventory, and bookkeeping training
- •E-commerce and digital payment integration
- •Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) turned into micro-enterprise clusters
Agri-based Livelihoods
We strengthen farm and non-farm rural livelihoods through innovation and sustainability.
- •Organic farming training and sustainable agriculture practices
- •Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperative models
- •Post-harvest processing and value addition
- •Access to markets and fair trade platforms
- •Kitchen gardens and nutrition-focused agriculture
Impact at a Glance
12,000+
Individuals trained in skills
3,000+
Women with self-run businesses
500+
Youth placed in formal jobs
75%
Report monthly income increase
120+
Rural clusters reached
Stories of Transformation
"After RDIF's training, I got a job at a hotel in Pune. Now I support my entire family back home."
— Ramesh, Odisha
"We started a small pickle-making unit. RDIF helped us reach nearby towns. Now 10 women earn from it."
— Meena Devi, Odisha
Signature Programs
📍 Kaushal Vikas Kendras (Skill Development Centers)
Community hubs that offer market-relevant skill training, job readiness support, and career counseling.
📍 Gram Udyog Clusters
Clusters of rural micro-enterprises led by SHGs producing textiles, food products, craft items, and eco friendly goods.
📍 AgriNext Labs
Innovation labs that train farmers in modern agriculture, drip irrigation, organic inputs, and digital market access.
Vision for the Future
- •Train 50,000 rural youth and women in employable skills by 2030
- •Support 5,000 micro-enterprises across villages
- •Establish 100 Gram Udyog Clusters for women-led local industries
- •Promote sustainable rural tourism as a community enterprise model
Empower Rural Livelihoods
Help us create sustainable economic opportunities and break the cycle of poverty in rural communities
Fund Skills Training
Support vocational training programs for unemployed youth and women
Support Entrepreneurs
Enable micro-enterprises and Self-Help Groups to grow sustainable businesses
Partner with Us
Corporate partnerships to scale livelihood programs and create employment
Latest Insights
Explore our thoughts on livelihood and economic development
Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs
Discover how micro-enterprises are transforming rural economies and creating sustainable income opportunities for women and youth across India.
Skills for the Future
Exploring industry-relevant training programs that are bridging the employment gap and preparing rural communities for modern workforce demands.
Sustainable Agriculture
Learn how innovative farming techniques and cooperative models are revolutionizing rural livelihoods and ensuring food security.
Support Rural Livelihoods
Empower communities with sustainable skills and economic opportunities
FOR CSR PARTNERSHIPS
Carl Segan
📞 94472729222
✉️ spacevoyage@nasa.gov