Project Annai Mary - Sustainable Livelihoods

Project Annai Mary worked with 150 Tribal and Dalit women across three villages in Tamil Nadu, including a small number of women living with HIV. The women were engaged in beekeeping and goat-rearing, using honey for household consumption and medicinal use, while generating income from surplus honey and goat sales in local markets. The project also supported the production and marketing of home-made chutneys, as well as the development of kitchen gardens and organic compost. These gardens improved family nutrition and provided an additional source of income when vegetables were in surplus.

Impact

The project enhanced food security, income stability, and overall well-being for the participating women and their families. Many women reported increased confidence and financial independence, enabling greater participation in household decision-making. The income from various project activities reduced their reliance on irregular daily wage labour and helped cover essential expenses such as children’s education and healthcare. Additionally, the project fostered greater community collaboration and promoted sustainable, eco-friendly practices at the household level.