Commerce with a Cause ? NGO and Cooperative Income Generation Projects in Three South Indian Villages

Field research was conducted to identify the successes and limitations of three income generation projects in South India: a non-governmental organization (NGO) that produced handloom products; an NGO that produced baskets; and a cooperative that produced baskets. Interview data and financial statements were analyzed to determine the financial viability of the projects and benefits to workers. Although all organizations were profitable, economic benefits of the projects were limited, primarily by the selection of products and competitive market conditions. Some of the organizations, however, had significant impacts on the skill-base and self-confidence of craftswomen, particularly when craftswomen participated in organizational management. Findings explored: factors contributing to limited financial returns to workers; opportunities and preferred methods for incorporating workers into management hierarchies; advantages and disadvantages of certain products based on economic viability and suitability for production under NGO and cooperative management; and relative benefits of various government regulations, marketing assistance and grant programs designed to assist NGOs and cooperatives. Thesis Supervisor: Bishwapriya Sanyal Title: Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Regional Planning Head, Department of Urban Studies and Planning Table of