Abstract

The multiple, geo-physical, socio-cultural and agro-economic diversities of Kachchh pose a complex mix of opportunities and challenges in determining a livelihood base for the people. The opportunities refer to diverse resource base consisting of large land mass, mineral deposits and long coast line besides an enterprising community and strong social capital built through generations of migratory links outside the region. Some of the major challenges facing the region, however, are frequent drought, severe scarcity of water along with increasing salinity; inappropriate management, aggravating the initial disadvantages with respect to natural resources; and physical remoteness. Third sector assumed importance in Kachchh after the devastating earthquake that shook the entire Gujarat, Kachchh being the epicentre. NGOs, Civil society groups, religious institutions, community organisations played a very crucial role in the rehabilitation process. Keeping that momentum going, many NGOs shifted their focus to livelihood, education, health and basic infrastructure issues in Kachchh afterwards. Oxfam (GB) being one of such funding agency, focused on livelihood issues with the help of various grass-root NGOs. In this context, the present study attempts to identify the role of third sector in addressing some of the aforementioned issues. Analysis of the study is based on a baseline survey of about 2600 households conducted in twenty-six villages of Kachchh district.

Key words: Third sector, drought-prone regions, development, livelihood, Kachchh, India.

Abbreviation

JEL classifications: O15, O18, Q15 and R14.