Launching of the Project

The Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Puducherry has started with a new research project on Improving livelihood security of women self help groups (WSHG) involved in livestock rearing through capacity building in gender awareness in collaboration with the University of Reading, UK. This is the first project that is funded in India under Development partnership in Higher Education (DelPHE) scheme of the DFID through the British Council. This is a three year project which involves £67,000/-.

The study is to be carried out in all the four states of Southern India, in addition to the Puducherry region. The research has an interdisciplinary approach involving the participation of the International and Rural Development Department of University of Reading, UK, Centres for Women’s Studies in Bangalore and Coimbatore and the Departments of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension of Veterinary Colleges in Hyderabad, Waynad and Puducherry.

Mr. Chris Gibson, Director, British Council South India, launched the first Research Project in India under the Development Partnerships in Higher Education (DELPHE) Programme on 24 November 2006 at Rajiv Gandhi College of Veterinary ans Animal Sciences, Puducherry. Thiru. Pradip Mehra, I.A.S. Chief Secretary to the Government of Puducherry and Chairman, Puducherry Veterinary College Society, Puducherry inaugurated the Research Project.

The Project will focus on improving the knowledge levels of the women in SHGs to move out of poverty. The research will study the dynamics of WSHGs involved in livestock rearing in terms of (i) distribution of benefits of livestock rearing (ii) understand knowledge processes, identify knowledge needs and develop methods for meeting those needs through poverty mapping and appropriately designed knowledge kits.