In a collaborative effort by Gram Vaani, IIT Delhi, and GIZ, with field support from 4S and SSEVS in Bihar, SUPPORT in Jharkhand, Mahatma Gandhi Seva Ashram in Madhya Pradesh, and Centre for Microfinance and PRADAN in Rajasthan, the initiative focuses on providing voice-enabled advisory services to strengthen the livelihood ecosystems of vulnerable households. This blog aims to shed light on using sustainable, inclusive, and participatory digital solutions to strengthen the rural livelihood initiatives by providing customized, periodic and timely information in their local language for adoption for better management practices leading to improve yields, reduce losses, and increased income.
Power of Voice: Mobile Vaani
Our flagship solution, Mobile Vaani, is a voice-based social media platform designed to bridge the information gap in rural areas. The platform’s simplicity – requiring just a voice call to access – ensures inclusivity and broad participation. Through Mobile Vaani, we disseminate crucial information and provide expert guidance on various livelihood activities, thereby empowering communities to manage and sustain their assets effectively.
Customized Advisory Services for Livelihood Enhancement
Our voice-enabled advisory services are tailored to the specific needs of the communities we serve. By delivering periodic technical advisories, maintenance guidelines, and linkages with livelihood services, we aim to convert structures into assets that can be managed sustainably. These advisories are not just about information dissemination but also about engaging with the community, understanding their needs, and providing solutions that are both practical and impactful.
Use Cases: Goatry and Mango Plantation
1. Goatry: For goat farmers, periodic advisories have been crucial in enhancing economic benefits. From early-stage farming guidance on housing, nutrition, and health management to advanced techniques in breeding and feeding, our advisories ensure healthy growth and reduced disease-related losses. By fostering peer learning and community-based innovations, we help farmers adopt efficient practices, leading to long-term sustainability and higher economic returns. Upcoming advisories will focus on providing market price information and establishing marketing linkages to increase income stability.
2. Mango Plantation: For beneficiaries under the Birsa Harit Yojana & MGNREGA, our customized advisories cover all stages of plantation management, from site selection and soil preparation to pest control and nutrient management. These advisories help farmers improve crop yields, reduce losses, and enhance the quality of produce, translating directly into higher market value and increased income. By enabling engagement with experts, we promote the adoption of best practices and optimal resource use.
Collaborative Content Development
The content plan for our advisory services is developed collaboratively with technical support from partner organizations and thematic experts. Beyond periodic advisories, the plan includes seasonal messaging and peer-recorded content on best practices. This comprehensive approach ensures that farmers receive timely, relevant information that addresses their specific needs.
Empowering Communities Through Expert Engagement
One of the unique features of our platform is the ability for individuals to record and submit their queries on specific topics. These queries are categorized and prioritized, with responses provided promptly by a dedicated panel of experts. This query resolution mechanism ensures that community members receive accurate and timely answers, further enhancing their ability to manage and sustain their livelihood activities.
A Strategic Approach to Livelihood Enhancement
Implementing voice-enabled advisory services through Mobile Vaani is a strategic approach to enhancing livelihoods. By offering targeted support at various stages of agricultural and livestock management, we help farmers improve yields, reduce losses, and boost income through better management practices. The success of these advisories demonstrates the potential for replicating this model for other livelihood activities, driving sustainable economic benefits and enhancing livelihoods across rural India.
At Gram Vaani, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Our voice-enabled advisory services are a step towards creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for rural communities. We invite you to join us on this journey and witness the positive impact of empowering communities with the right information at the right time.
For more information on our initiatives and how you can get involved, visit our website or follow us on social media. Together, we can make a difference.
