Dhanwanti Batham, a tribal woman from Barai village, Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh, lives with her husband, one son, and four daughters. Her husband, a daily wage laborer in construction, struggled with irregular earnings, leaving the family in financial distress.

Background:

Dhanwanti Batham, a tribal woman from Barai village in Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh, is part of a family of seven, including her husband, one son, and four daughters. Her husband works as a daily wage laborer in construction, but inconsistent earnings often left the family financially strained.

Problem Identification:

Dhanwanti's family faced economic hardships, with wages being irregular. Additionally, the community grappled with malnutrition, particularly among children.

BNF Team Intervention:

The BNF team identified Dhanwanti's situation and provided tailored support through:

1. Needs Assessment: Understanding the challenges faced by her family and community.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Ensuring interventions were aligned with local traditions and values.
3. Education and Training: Imparting knowledge about nutrition and farming.
4. Suposhan Sakhi Program: Enabling Dhanwanti to play an active role in addressing malnutrition in her community.
5. Empowerment: Encouraging her to utilize her skills and resources to make a difference.
6. Community Engagement: Hosting events to foster awareness about nutrition and health.

Support Provided by BNF:

1. Training on Vegetable Farming: Highlighting the importance of green vegetables for health.
2. Seed Support: Supplying seeds to start her farming initiative.

Dhanwanti's Initiative:

Dhanwanti owned a small piece of land on the outskirts of Barai village. With a passion for farming and a vision to combat malnutrition, she began cultivating vegetables sustainably. She dedicated a portion of her land exclusively to nutritious vegetables, intending to make them accessible to malnourished families at half the market price.

For instance:

• Spinach priced at ₹20/kg for general families was sold for ₹10/kg to families with malnourished children.

Outcome:

Every morning, Dhanwanti harvested fresh vegetables and set up a roadside shop near her farm. Her affordable prices attracted financially challenged families, while she used these interactions to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of vegetables.

In just six months, Dhanwanti transformed her initiative into a sustainable livelihood, earning an average daily profit of ₹300. More importantly, she became a beacon of hope in her community, improving the health of children and inspiring others to take proactive steps toward better nutrition.

Conclusion:

Dhanwanti’s story showcases the transformative impact of empowerment, education, and community engagement. Her dedication to addressing malnutrition while supporting her family is a testament to how grassroots efforts can create lasting change.