Pahariya: Addressing vulnerabilities among the Pahariya community through market interventions in India

The Pahariya are a highly vulnerable group of tribal (or Adivasi) communities in Eastern India. In recent decades their way of life has become increasingly difficult due to the degradation and loss of forest resources upon which they depend for livelihoods, as well as due to the unfair trading practices of local market traders.

Sorghum, one of the staple crops of the Pahariya.

Credit: Transform Trade

Traidcraft Exchange and its local partners have started work with 3000 Pahariya households in two districts of Jharkhand state.  We are working with Pahariya communities to establish and strengthen local community institutions that can represent the interests of their members, support them to access the services and entitlements available through government schemes, and begin to engage with market players from a position of collective strength. 

The work has a specific focus on empowering women within the Pahariya communities, enabling them to sustainably manage natural resources, improve production practices, strengthen their food sovereignty, and obtain increased and more secure incomes for their households.

Project Name:  Addressing vulnerabilities among the Pahariya community through market interventions

Where are we working? Jharkhand state, Godda and Pakur districts

How long for? 4 years (October 2019 - September 2023)

Who is benefiting? 3000 vulnerable and marginalised tribal households.

What are our aims?  To reduce vulnerability and improve sustainable livelihoods and food sovereignty among 3000 Pahariya households, particularly women.

Who are we working with?  The work is generously supported by the Oak Foundation.

For more information about this project, please contact programmes@transform-trade.org