NRLM Scheme: Ethiopia Adopts India’s Poverty Alleviation Initiative

A high-level delegation from the government of Ethiopia recently visited India to learn about the implementation strategies of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). This initiative is India’s flagship program for poverty alleviation and women’s economic empowerment. The Ethiopian delegates expressed their interest in applying the lessons learned to their own Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and invited Indian partners for collaboration in driving further innovation.
The World Bank representatives reiterated their commitment to supporting women’s livelihood transformation in Ethiopia. They emphasized the need for government leadership, enabling policies, and private sector engagement. The delegates from Ethiopia, including representatives from various regions and sectors, appreciated the engagement and expertise demonstrated by Indian officials during the visit.
The Ethiopian delegation commended the flexibility and customization of NRLM’s design to suit diverse local contexts. They were particularly impressed by the ‘sakhis,’ community-based facilitators who provide essential support to women in rural India. Innovations such as bank linkages, diversified livelihood activities, and departmental convergence were highlighted as key drivers of social and economic empowerment for women.
Inspired by the success stories of women’s collectives in India, one delegate emphasized the importance of investing in women as the foundation of any economy. The Ambassador of Ethiopia to India highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations and emphasized the need for sustained policy exchanges to shape impactful interventions. He acknowledged India’s global leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and called for adapting successful Indian experiences to the Ethiopian context.
In conclusion, the delegation from Ethiopia expressed their gratitude for the knowledge exchange and insights gained during the visit. They recognized the value of peer-to-peer learning and emphasized the importance of women’s economic empowerment in combating rural poverty. The partnership between Ethiopia and India in implementing poverty alleviation initiatives is seen as a step towards sustainable development and inclusive growth.