FOCUS: WOMEN AND LIVELIHOODS

Project: Development and introduction of training courses in biomass based drying technologies 

Project Duration: March 2008 to February 2010

Project Support: ETC, Netherlands

TIDE and ETC Foundation have been collaborating for project implementation for about 5 years. As a part of an ongoing discussion, it was assessed that TIDE would significantly benefit if it developed enhanced capacity to conduct technical and enterprise training programs. This 3 year project has been designed capacity of TIDE through a training of trainers program. TIDE would further use the expertise that it has gained in the first year to conduct technical and enterprise training programs for 4 women's groups in enterprises linked to biomass based drying.

Project Objectives 

• TIDE's capacity in training methods, with special focus on enterprise building, development of training courses and programs and also in carrying out training needs assessments and identification of trainees is strengthened
• Different training manuals, modules and programs for enterprise building using the technology of biomass based drying are developed and used
• Four women's enterprises are established which would be able to handle all aspects of procurement, production and sales independently
• Women working in drying enterprises would earn more than in agrarian sector as farm labour, they would have more time to spend with their children and would have more flexibility in managing their time.

The target group and beneficiaries are 

• TIDE staff who would strengthen their capacity to conduct technical and enterprise training programs
• 40 women future owners of 4 biomass based enterprises in the states of Karnataka an Kerala
• Other CBOs and potential women's enterprises to whom TIDE would offer their acquired competencies