Food Security, Livelihood & Income Generation

The Food Security and Livelihood through Income Generation lies at the center of SCF’s poverty reduction strategy.

Food security and livelihood programs in Sindh

The Food Security and Livelihood through Income Generation lies at the center of SCF’s poverty reduction strategy. The organization firmly believes that sustainable livelihoods are the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. To this end, SCF empowers individuals and communities by offering a range of opportunities for income generation. Initiatives under this theme include providing goats for breeding, sewing machines to foster skill development, grants to kick start small businesses, and toolkits for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, SCF conducts vocational and technical training programs, equipping individuals with the skills they need to secure a better future for themselves and their families. Through these programs, SCF not only imparts skills but also instills a sense of self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

Women and girls are considered marginalized group in Pakistani society. Majority of women are not given space for their involvement in development process. Limited actions are taken at state level, specifically for women development. One of the major reasons to slow growth of country in Human Development Index (HDI) is because of limited or no space for women population for their involvement in economic activities. SCF has addressed women development issues providing space for income opportunities, leadership skills and various training on skill development. SCF has worked for the protection of the rights of women and girls and provided a number of actions for their social and economic empowerment.

SCF has also addressed gender based violence specifically child marriages in Sindh and implemented awareness and prevention projects to create awareness among parents and to develop support mechanisms for the protection of the girls against child marriages. It also trained police officials on the law restricting child marriages as well as other pro- women laws. SCF has also been engaged in advocacy for pro- gender programming, policies, laws and budgeting process through research and policy advocacy intervention at provincial level. SCF aims to provide 1,050 beneficiaries with income generation training for economic resilience in the changing climate in the area and its worst impacts on the livelihoods.

Support small business start-ups and offseason poverty reduction Support small business start-ups and offseason poverty reduction Support small business start-ups and offseason poverty reduction

5.1 Support Small Business Start-ups – Offseason Poverty Reduction Support

Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has supported more than 300 rural women to initiate small, household-level income-generation activities, enabling them to earn sustainable livelihoods within their communities. These initiatives have included embroidery, ralli patchwork making, food preparation and presentation, stitching, and other micro-enterprise activities. As a result, women-led enterprises in rural areas have strengthened, allowing women to earn income particularly during agricultural off-seasons. On average, participating women experienced a 30% increase in household income, contributing to improved economic stability and livelihood resilience.

Building on this experience, SCF implemented a targeted intervention to better understand the vulnerability and poor economic conditions of widowed women and identify opportunities to strengthen their livelihood sources. Data was collected using a Poverty Score Card (PSC), complemented by household verification visits conducted by the SCF team to assess living conditions and economic realities. In-depth discussions were held with shortlisted beneficiaries to explore feasible micro-business ideas aligned with their skills, available resources, and local market opportunities. Following a detailed vulnerability and needs assessment, 10 widowed women were assessed, and 6 women were selected based on their extreme vulnerability and poor socio-economic conditions. In addition, two men (including one person with a disability) and one orphan were also identified and selected for small enterprise support. Overall, six women, two men, one person with a disability, and one orphan received livelihood and small enterprise support aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and self-reliance.

Each selected beneficiary received an initial kick-start seed grant ranging from PKR 60,000 to PKR 100,000, tailored to the type of enterprise, assessed needs, and local market requirements.

This intervention was implemented with the generous support of Muslim Charity UK, Solidar Suisse, and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), contributing to improved livelihoods, dignity, and resilience among the most vulnerable households.

Skill development programs for youth in Sindh Skill development programs for youth in Sindh

Tech-Enabled Skills for Youth Economic Empowerment in Rural Sindh

Sindh Community Foundation (SCF), under the Skill Development Program of the Sindh Education Foundation, implemented a technology-integrated vocational training initiative aimed at enhancing youth employability and economic resilience in rural Sindh.

A total of 60 young men and women from Bulri Shah Kareem (District Tando Muhammad Khan) received hands-on training at the Accelerated Action for Learning and Training Program (AALTP) Center. The program focused on market-driven trades, including Advanced Tailoring (16), Beautician (11), Electrician (14), and Driving Skills (19), enabling participants to access local income opportunities ranging from PKR 10,000–15,000 per month.

Building on this model, SCF piloted a green skills training program across Tando Muhammad Khan, Matiari, Jamshoro, and Hyderabad, training 50 youth in Solar PV Installation for tubewells and performance monitoring. This technology-focused intervention created pathways for self-employment and technical service provision, increasing income levels to PKR 20,000–25,000 per month, while also contributing to climate-resilient agriculture.

The program integrates practical skills with digital and technical competencies, preparing youth for both local employment and overseas opportunities in the agriculture and energy sectors. In addition, participants were introduced to financial literacy and basic enterprise skills, enabling them to manage income, build savings, and invest in small businesses.

As an early-stage, scalable model, this initiative demonstrates how technology-enabled skills training can bridge the gap between unemployment and sustainable livelihoods, positioning rural youth as active economic contributors while strengthening local markets and resilience.

Embroidery & Stitching Skills

SCF delivered one comprehensive training in embroidery and stitching to build the creative and technical capacity of rural women. A total of 367 beneficiaries participated in this program, which focused on advanced embroidery techniques, color coordination, fine stitching, and traditional design elements. Among them, 257 women specialized in embroidery and stitching, while 110 women were trained in traditional patchwork and RTALI making. These skills not only revived local heritage but also created income-generating opportunities.

Livestock Management

SCF implemented one specialized training on climate-smart livestock management, reaching 121 beneficiaries. Women were equipped with knowledge and practical skills in disease prevention, vaccination, and techniques to boost milk and meat productivity. This initiative helped rural women improve livestock care, leading to better food security and higher household income.

Poultry Rearing

Through one focused training in poultry farming, SCF empowered 101 beneficiaries to enhance their livelihoods. The sessions covered poultry health management, proper feeding, breeding techniques, and ways to increase income through egg sales. This practical knowledge enabled women to establish sustainable poultry-based micro-enterprises.

Food Preservation

SCF conducted one hands-on training in seasonal food preservation for 129 beneficiaries. The course included pickle making, vegetable drying, and safe storage methods. This helped women reduce food waste, improve household food availability, and earn supplementary income through the sale of preserved goods.

Basketry and Decorative Items

In one creative training session, 107 beneficiaries learned the art of crafting traditional and decorative items. Of these, 57 women specialized in making floor mats, while 50 women focused on producing decorative household products. These skills have opened up opportunities in the handicraft market, boosting both cultural preservation and local incomes.

S.No. Training Program Number of Trainees Target Group Location Key Outcomes / Impact
1Embroidery & Stitching Skills367Rural womenMultiple districtsEmpowered women with advanced stitching, embroidery & RTALI-making skills; enabled income generation.
2Livestock Management121Rural womenMultiple districtsImproved food security and income through better livestock care and milk/meat productivity.
3Poultry Rearing101Rural womenMultiple districtsEnabled women to manage poultry for sustainable income through egg production and breeding.
4Food Preservation129Rural womenMultiple districtsEnhanced food security and generated income through sale of pickles and dried vegetables.
5Basketry & Decorative Items107Rural womenMultiple districtsProvided skills in floor mat and decorative item making; opened access to handicraft markets.
6Advanced Tailoring16Youth (male & female)Bulri Shah Kareem, Tando Muhammad KhanTrained youth in tailoring to meet market demands; improved employability and income (PKR 10k–15k/month).
7Beautician11Youth (female)Bulri Shah Kareem, Tando Muhammad KhanEnabled self-employment opportunities and beauty-related services in rural communities.
8Electrician14Youth (male)Bulri Shah Kareem, Tando Muhammad KhanProvided practical electrician skills for local market demand; increased job opportunities.
9Driving Skills19Youth (male)Bulri Shah Kareem, Tando Muhammad KhanTrained young men in driving for jobs in transport and logistics; enhanced employability.
10Offseason Livelihood Skills (Poultry, Food Preservation, Livestock)120 (4 batches of 30 women)Women cotton workers (seasonal labor)12 villages, District MatiariAddressed offseason poverty; enabled women to earn year-round through home-based enterprises.

Women Economic Empowerment Fund

Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) is dedicated to enhancing the economic empowerment of women artisans and small business owners in Sindh. To advance this mission, SCF has established the Women Economic Empowerment Fund, aiming to support 1,000 women by providing financial resources, ensuring business sustainability, and fostering continuous empowerment initiatives. This fund will promote women-led green jobs and strengthen participation in the green economy across Sindh.

A key focus of the Fund is to reduce off-season poverty among women cotton workers, who face severe financial hardship once the cotton-picking season ends. To address this recurring vulnerability, SCF has developed a comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy, which strongly recommends establishing a dedicated Women’s Economic Empowerment Fund that operates with a long-term, sustainable approach.

The Fund is designed not only to support income generation during off-seasons but also to provide climate-shock-responsive livelihood assistance, enabling skilled women to quickly resume income activities after floods, heatwaves, droughts, or other climate-induced disruptions. This ensures that women can rebuild their livelihoods with dignity, stability, and resilience.

SCF has identified a high demand for such initiatives, as rural women continue to struggle with accessing financial resources. Conventional funding sources, such as bank loans and local NGO grants, often involve lengthy processes and complex documentation, which are inaccessible to many rural women, particularly those who are illiterate. Similarly, government-led financial programs are burdened with bureaucratic hurdles, preventing small women-led businesses from developing and scaling.

To address these real-time economic needs, SCF has received initial seed support from its partner, the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). Through this fund, SCF aims to enhance women-led green businesses, contribute to climate resilience, and foster sustainable economic growth at the local level.

Objectives of the Fund

  • Promote Sustainable Economic Development — To promote women’s entrepreneurship in order to strengthen local economies, encourage sustainable and green practices, and build long-term economic resilience.
  • Improve Livelihoods of Women Artisans and Entrepreneurs — To increase income and financial stability of women artisans and small business owners, enabling them to better support their families and invest in their futures.
  • Enhance Women’s Financial Independence and Decision-Making Power — To enable women to achieve financial autonomy, reduce dependence on external income sources, and strengthen their role in household and community-level decision-making.
  • Support Growth of Women-Led Green and Climate-Smart Businesses — To support the expansion of women-led enterprises through financial assistance, skills development, and improved access to local and global markets, particularly within the green economy.
  • Increase Market Presence and Competitiveness of Women-Led Enterprises — To improve the visibility and competitiveness of women artisans and entrepreneurs in local, national, and international markets by promoting eco-friendly and sustainable products.
  • Strengthen Anticipatory Climate Risk & Shock Resilience — To establish an early-action financial and livelihood resilience mechanism that enables women especially climate-vulnerable rural workers to protect assets, sustain income, and rapidly recover from climate and economic shocks through a dedicated recovery fund.

Fund Establishment

  1. Initial Funding: The fund is initiated by depositing grant amounts into a dedicated savings account.
  2. Growth Strategy: Over three years, the fund’s value will grow through strategic investments, increasing the available resources for women’s economic empowerment initiatives.
  3. Allocation of Profits: Profits from investments will be reinvested to enhance the fund’s value and support additional programs.
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