Entrepreneurial activities of Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups (NHGs) in Kerala

Realizing the potential of women entrepreneurship state poverty eradication mission of Kerala the Kudumbashree initiated entrepreneurial activities for rural poor women by organizing them into neighbourhood groups (NHG). It was aimed at taking up microenterprises with the support of Kudumbashree and has evidently proven its capability in organizing rural poor and empowering them. The study was conducted in Palakkad district on 120 NHG members to explore the diversity of enterprises, their functioning and challenges they faced. It was found that majority of the entrepreneurs were involved in activities like Nutrimix production and textile bag making which fetched them regular income as well as profit on a sustained basis. These women entrepreneurs faced several challenges in moving forward which needs immediate intervention. Also there is a need for more awareness about new ventures and capacity building in critical areas for further advancement.