Guwahati: In response to the escalating human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Assam and Meghalaya, Aaranyak and the British Asian Trust have joined hands to provide alternative livelihood options for women adversely affected by the conflict.
With conventional means of sustenance such as agriculture being disrupted by the conflict, the collaboration aims to empower women in HEC-affected areas.
Recently, a two-day training program focusing on handloom operations was organised by Aaranyak and the British Asian Trust for a group of HEC-affected women from the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
Held at Bordubi LP School in West Garo Hills, the training program witnessed the participation of twenty-seven women, marking a significant step towards fostering coexistence between humans and the endangered Asian elephants.
Dr Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar, a senior conservation scientist at Aaranyak, emphasised the importance of equipping women with the necessary skills to thrive in a competitive market.
“A training program like this aims to equip women with the necessary skills so that they can sell their products in the competitive market and make sure that their products quality and design stand out from the rest,” Dr. Lahkar stated.
Nadeswar Deka, an expert in handloom, was enlisted by Aaranyak to lead the training sessions. Deka’s expertise enabled the women from Photamati, Bordubi, and Lower Kaersengdap villages to hone their skills in handloom operation and marketing strategies.
By focusing on unique designs and product quality, the training aimed to enhance the women’s capacity to generate income and secure their livelihoods amid the challenges posed by the human-elephant conflict.
In Assam and Meghalaya, Aaranyak, in partnership with the British Asian Trust and with support from the Biodiversity Challenge Funds, UK, is actively engaged in promoting coexistence between humans and elephants.
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The collaborative efforts involve working closely with local and indigenous communities to address the root causes of the conflict and implement sustainable solutions.
Key figures from Aaranyak including Nipul Chakma, Pranjit Borah, Swapan Das, and Subash Chandra Rabha, along with village champions and the village head of Photamati, facilitated the training program which took place in March.
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