Livelihood revival and skill linkages in Odisha’s Kendrapara is a study on women-led groups in one of the most vulnerable districts in India
When Kuntala showcased her flourishing grocery shop alongside her sewing machine, we felt immense pride in her accomplishment. As the sole provider for her family — ever since her husband, a plumber, was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung ailment that has rendered him unable to work — she has risen to the challenge with remarkable determination.
She expressed her gratitude to ActionAid Association, MMF, and Finolex Industries Ltd for supporting her livelihood and contributing to her husband’s medical expenses. Using her savings, Kuntala purchased a second-hand sewing machine and started a small tailoring business from her home. Each day, she wakes early, tends to household chores, runs her shop, and stitches clothes in the evenings. She also learned to promote her services through her village network.
Today, Kuntala Malik earns approximately Rs 15,000 per month through her grocery shop and tailoring service. Her story stands as a powerful testament to how access to livelihood support, the utilisation of skills, and persistent effort can transform a woman’s economic condition and enable her to support her family with dignity.
Sixty-three individuals — primarily women — who received livelihood support for vegetable cultivation, grocery businesses, sewing machines, and more in Kendrapara, Odisha, along with women’s groups in Hyderabad, Bhopal, and Gujarat, are now earning average monthly incomes of Rs 10,000 or more.
This marks a substantial improvement from their previous earnings, which were either non-existent or minimal. Beyond financial gains, these women report feeling more confident, empowered and independent — better able to support their families and afford their children’s education and medical needs.
Climate crisis in Kendrapara
Climate change continues to affect India’s coastal regions and Kendrapara is no exception. Coastal erosion and the loss of traditional livelihoods are compelling people to seek employment elsewhere. A report titled District-level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using the IPCC Framework — released on 13 December 2024 at IIT Delhi —provides a comprehensive analysis of flood and drought risks across 698 districts in India.
Developed by IIT Mandi, IIT Guwahati, and CSTEP Bengaluru, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the report identifies 11 districts at ‘Very High’ risk for both flood and drought. Notably, Kendrapara is the only district facing this dual threat.
In response, the Odisha government has established India’s first climate refugee colony in Baghapatia, Kendrapara, to resettle 571 households from villages in Satabhaya that were submerged due to coastal erosion.
However, this effort remains inadequate. Many individuals — especially youth — continue to migrate to Kerala and other regions in search of work.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently requested an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the District Collector of Kendrapara regarding conditions in the Baghapatia rehabilitation colony.
Although detailed plans exist, basic facilities remain lacking. The local school suffers from poor infrastructure and a shortage of teachers, depriving children of their right to education. During rainfall, waterlogging and inadequate drainage systems lead to frequent flooding. One-third of the houses are unfinished, and construction had not yet begun on several others during our Lost to the Sea study. More than two-thirds of the homes are only partially built, lacking essential amenities such as toilets and drainage.
Resettlement, policy and livelihoods
If the government undertakes resettlement, it is vital to implement plans that include livelihood support, infrastructure, and essential facilities to improve the quality of life for climate refugees. For communities dependent on agriculture, alternatives such as horticulture, vegetable farming, and integrated fisheries-agriculture models should be introduced. For women, small businesses, animal husbandry and agri-fisheries present key livelihood options.
A robust climate justice policy that integrates disaster management, risk reduction, and resilience-building is urgently needed. As previously highlighted, climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of disasters — including cyclones, floods, heatwaves, coastal and river erosion, and extreme temperatures. A people-centric climate justice approach must incorporate preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation strategies.
Conservation and mitigation strategies must involve local communities and nature-based solutions. Community participation is critical in activities such as mangrove plantation, wildlife conservation, land development and disaster mitigation in ecologically vulnerable coastal areas.
The implementation of rainwater harvesting and restoration of water bodies in Kendrapara can improve groundwater recharge and enhance agricultural resilience.
Equally crucial is limiting the extraction of groundwater and preventing the removal of fertile topsoil from flood-prone agricultural land.
To build climate-resilient communities, climate change mitigation and adaptation must be integrated with developmental strategies. This includes expanding access to fundamental services such as clean water, sanitation, education, and healthcare. Strengthening financial and institutional support for these areas is essential for long-term resilience.
Empowering women and youth leaders
Women and young people, who are disproportionately impacted by climate change, must be empowered to assume leadership roles in rebuilding their communities. They need access to skill training and livelihood support, enabling them to either start their own enterprises or join existing economic initiatives.
Individuals like Kuntala should be recognised and supported as community leaders. Similarly, the journey of 20-year-old Manisha Malik from Sasan village in Pattamundai, Kendrapara, offers another inspiring example. Coming from a poor farming family, Manisha was initially hesitant to share her experiences. However, after attending a job fair organised by the project team, she decided to enroll at the Shahi Expert Training Centre in Bali Chandrapur.
With free meals, accommodation, and training materials, she completed a 45-day programme. Although her parents initially prohibited her from joining the job placement, persistent counselling by ActionAid and training staff led them to reconsider. In August 2024, Manisha joined Shahi Expert Pvt. Ltd in Bangalore as a sewing machine operator, earning Rs 15,500 per month.
With continued support from stakeholders — including government agencies — stories like Manisha’s and Kuntala’s can inspire more women and youth to engage in skill development and livelihood opportunities. This not only reduces distress migration but also contributes to the restoration of local ecosystems and community empowerment.
Debabrat Patra, Associate Director and Humanitarian Lead and Sangita Bal, Project Coordinator, Kendrapara, both work with ActionAid Association
Views expressed are authors’ own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth