use case

A co-operative managed supply-chain model for rural to urban distribution

The use case explores a unique initiative by the largest trade union in India, composed of self-employed women.

S Asia, Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA), Offline
- Where did this use case occur?
2004 - ongoing
- When did this use case occur?
SEWA - Self-Employed Women's Association
- Who were some of the key collaborators
The processing centers work with over 70,000 marginal farmers.
- How many people participated?
Cooperative, Currency / Trade
- What are some keywords?

What was the problem?

India’s agricultural sector is an essential part of its economy. However, within this sector, small-holder farmers are faced with low investment and recurring threats to their livelihoods, such as encroachment from corporate agriculture and urban expansion. Such uncertainty prompted a collective approach to build security within the rural agricultural sector, especially among women farmers.

How does the community approach the problem?

Rural Urban Distribution Initiative (RUDI) began in Gujarat State as a branded rural marketing and distribution network and involved rural women’s self-help groups and farmers’ associations comprised of agricultural workers living below the poverty line.

Process

Cooperative Management

Technique

RUDI helps to strengthen the local economy by linking farmers; women at local processing centres and distribution hubs; and saleswomen, through a value chain that enables capital and quality food to circulate locally. In doing so, RUDI increases the stability of smallholder income and economically empowers women. The initiative is embedded within an organization owned and operated collectively by women from SEWA, alongside a mix of external investors.

Tool

No Specified Tools

What were the results?

RUDI grew from one processing centre in 2004 to 10 processing centres in Gujarat and Rajasthan, working with 70,000 marginal farmers. RUDIBen (saleswomen) numbers over 3,000 while RUDI provides 100,000 households annually with food security. Over this period, RUDI’s turnover increased from US$160,000 to US$1.6 million per year.

In Our Opinions

How participatory was it?

Empower

The project gave control over the supply chain and decision-making to improve economic standing among women

What makes this Use Case unique?