Maha: Axis Bank Foundation targets 4 million rural households by 2031 through Climate-Resilient Livelihood Programme
Mumbai, Nov 11 (UNI) With climate volatility, uncertain agricultural returns and dependence on single income sources posing growing challenges to rural households, Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) is expanding its Sustainable Livelihood Programme (SLP), targeting four million households by 2031 under its Mission 4 Million initiative.
Now in its 15th year, the programme focuses on strengthening rural household incomes through livelihood diversification, climate adaptation and sustainable resource management. The initiative builds on the Foundation's earlier goal of supporting one million individuals by 2018.
The need for such interventions is underscored by the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to the SDG Report 2026, only 36 per cent of targets are on track, while one in ten people globally continues to live in extreme poverty. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that more than 80 per cent of the world's extreme poor live in rural areas.
"To develop resilience, a rural household must diversify its income sources. It can no longer depend on a single season or a single source of income. Our experience has shown us that lasting change comes from supporting rural families with capabilities, knowledge and choices to diversify, adapt and build their own economic security," said Dhruvi Shah, Executive Trustee and CEO, Axis Bank Foundation.
According to ABF's FY 2025-26 Annual Report, the programme is being implemented across 140 blocks in Maharashtra through 13 implementing partners, with a focus on drought-prone regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha and North Maharashtra, where agriculture remains largely dependent on rainfall.
Water security forms the foundation of the intervention. Through partnerships with organisations including Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation, Development Support Centre, Samaj Pragati Sahayog and Watershed Organisation Trust, the programme supports watershed development, groundwater recharge and restoration of degraded land.
These interventions are also converged with government schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), helping rural communities strengthen their natural resource base and create opportunities for additional income generation.
The programme subsequently supports households in diversifying into livestock rearing, horticulture and micro-enterprises through partners such as BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development, Swayam Shikshan Prayog, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (India) and Agri Entrepreneur Growth Foundation.
In tribal-dominated Gadchiroli district, BAIF is combining watershed restoration with interventions in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and forest-based livelihoods. Meanwhile, Swayam Shikshan Prayog is supporting women Sakhis to lead climate-resilient livelihood planning.
The Foundation for Ecological Security is also working to strengthen village-level institutions responsible for managing forests, grazing lands and water resources.
ABF said its approach seeks to move beyond short-term income support towards building household capabilities and local institutions that can sustain livelihoods over the long term.
"Our measure of success is that families should be equipped to navigate uncertainty and sustain progress for themselves. Mission 4 Million is about taking 15 years of learning to communities that remain underserved and helping build livelihoods that can endure beyond the intervention itself," Ms Shah said.
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