Assessment of training needs and resource availability for selection of suitable income-generating activities among rural women in Bikaner District, Rajasthan

Introduction

"To awaken the people, it is the women who should be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, and the nation moves." These words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru highlight the crucial role of women in the socio-economic development of society. Rural women make significant contributions to agriculture, livestock, household management, and rural livelihoods. However, despite their active participation, they continue to face challenges such as limited access to skill development, resources, technology, extension services, and market opportunities, restricting their economic empowerment. Income-generating activities offer an effective means of improving the livelihoods of rural women by enhancing income, self-reliance, and decision-making ability. However, the success of these activities depends on identifying the actual training needs of rural women in accordance with locally available resources, market opportunities, and their interests. Many existing training programmes are supply-driven and fail to address locationspecific needs, resulting in poor adoption of acquired skills. Bikaner district possesses considerable potential for livelihood-based enterprises, yet information on the specific training needs of rural women remains limited. Therefore, assessing these training needs is essential for identifying suitable income-generating activities and providing a scientific basis for planning relevant, need-based capacity-building programmes for rural women.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in Bikaner district of Rajasthan, selected purposively due to its arid conditions, limited agricultural opportunities, and potential for livelihood-based income-generating activities. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 200 rural women from four randomly selected villages (Kolayat, Surajada, Pemasar, and Kanasar) of two randomly selected Panchayat Samitis (Bikaner and Kolayat). Data were collected through a pre-tested and expertvalidated structured interview schedule (reliability coefficient = 0.84). The first phase of the study focused on www.extensionjournal.com The general profile of the respondents revealed that the majority (66.00%) belonged to the middle-age group (25-50 years), while 81.50 per cent were married. With regard to caste, the highest proportion of respondents belonged to the upper caste category (37.00%), followed by Scheduled Caste (31.00%), Other Backward Class (29.00%), and Scheduled Tribe (3.00%). In terms of education, the largest proportion of respondents had attained secondary education (22.50%), followed by middle school education (20.50%), indicating that most respondents possessed basic formal education. Regarding digital access, 39.00 per cent of the respondents had occasional access to social media, while 36.50 per cent reported active participation on social media platforms. Overall, these socio-personal characteristics indicate that the respondents were in an economically productive stage of life, possessed adequate educational background to comprehend skill-based training, and had moderate access to digital communication channels. The predominance of married and middle-aged women suggests a preference for practical, home-based enterprises that can be managed alongside household responsibilities, whereas the educational status and social media access indicate favourable conditions for effective training delivery, technology dissemination, and market information. Furthermore, the representation of different social groups ensured that the identified training needs reflected the diverse socio-economic characteristics of rural women in the study area, thereby providing a reliable basis for designing need-based and locally relevant training programmes.

Training Needs Assessment

Training needs assessment formed the initial stage in the development of the training package. It was undertaken to identify the knowledge and skill gaps of the respondents and to determine suitable income-generating activities that could be adopted by them. Information pertaining to respondents' interests, existing competencies, availability of resources, willingness to engage in entrepreneurial activities, and perceived training requirements was collected and analyzed.

Based on the assessment, the identified activities were prioritized and ranked according to their suitability, feasibility, and potential for adoption. The results of the assessment provided the foundation for selecting the most appropriate activities for the development and implementation of the training package. To assess the overall training requirements and establish priorities among the activities, the Mean Percent Score (MPS) was calculated for each activity. During the investigation of the study, it was observed that rural women could easily relate to Nutri Laddo as it is a familiar food product commonly prepared and consumed in their households. In many rural communities, Nutri Laddo is traditionally given to women during pregnancy and after childbirth due to its perceived nutritional benefits. Therefore, respondents found this enterprise activity relevant to their daily lives and existing knowledge. Additionally, the increasing awareness regarding healthy eating habits and the growing demand for nutritious, valueadded food products at the household level had further encouraged respondents to seek training in the preparation and marketing of Nutri Laddo. The familiarity of the product, coupled with its potential for income generation through small-scale home-based production, likely contributed to its high preference among the respondents. [3] , who found that training programmes tailored to participants' expressed needs were perceived as more useful and relevant. Therefore, while planning training package and livelihood promotion programmes, greater emphasis were placed on these highly ranked training areas to ensure better participation, skill utilization, and income enhancement among the target population.

Availability of Resources

The selection of suitable income-generating activities depends not only on the training needs of the respondents but also on the availability of essential resources required for undertaking such activities. Therefore, an assessment of resource availability was conducted to examine the accessibility of raw materials, tools and equipment, infrastructure, financial support, and marketing facilities among the respondents. The analysis of resource availability provided valuable insights into the feasibility and sustainability of various activities. The findings, together with the training needs assessment, were utilized for identifying and selecting the most appropriate activities for the development of the training package. The data presented in Table 3 reveal that the majority of respondents possessed only partial skills or no skills in most of the selected income-generating activities. Among the activities assessed, Nutri products (bars, laddoos and nutri mix) emerged as the area in which respondents demonstrated the highest level of expertise, with 38.00 per cent being skilled, 11.50 per cent partially skilled and 50.50 per cent not skilled. This comparatively higher level of skill may be attributed to the familiarity of rural women with the preparation of traditional nutritious food products and their increasing awareness of nutrition-based enterprises. Similar findings were reported by Rani (2021) [5] , who observed greater familiarity of rural women with household-based enterprises than with specialized entrepreneurial activities.

Existing Skilled assessment

The highest proportion of skilled respondents was also observed in home furnishing items (10.50%), followed by Bandhej (Tie and Dye), hand embroidery, crochet and knitting, upcycled textile products, home décor and candle making, and food processing, each with 8.00 per cent skilled respondents. Fabric wall hanging/pot painting accounted for 7.00 per cent skilled respondents, whereas macrame/braiding techniques recorded only 2.50 per cent skilled respondents. No respondents were found to be skilled in carpet making, stitching, painting (block/screen/stencil), educational toys and soft toys, or preparation of learning materials/manuals. A large proportion of respondents were found to be partially skilled in activities traditionally practiced at the household level. The highest% of partially skilled respondents was recorded in stitching (74.00%), followed by hand embroidery (56.00%), crochet and knitting (54.00%), home décor and candle making (51.00%), and painting (block/screen/stencil) and food processing (43.00% each). Moderate levels of partial skill were observed in Bandhej (40.00%), home furnishing items (32.50%), and carpet making (23.50%). The findings further show that a substantial proportion of respondents lacked skills in several specialized activities. The highest% of respondents who were not skilled was observed in upcycled textile products and educational toys and soft toys (92.00% each), followed by preparation of learning materials/manuals (86.00%), macrame/braiding techniques (78.50%), and carpet making (76.50%). More than half of the respondents were also not skilled in painting (57.00%), home furnishing items (57.00%), Bandhej (52.00%), and Nutri products (50.50%). Overall, the results indicate that respondents possessed relatively better competency in conventional householdbased activities such as stitching, embroidery, knitting and food-related enterprises, whereas skill levels were considerably lower in specialized craft-based and educational product-oriented activities. www.extensionjournal.com The data presented in Table 4 show the availability of various physical resources among the respondents, which can support their participation in income-generating and entrepreneurial activities.

Availability of physical resources

The findings reveal that all respondents (100.00%) possessed vessels used for cooking and food processing, making it the most commonly available resource. This was followed by stoves, available with 91.00 per cent of the respondents, indicating that most households had the asic infrastructure required for food preparation and small-scale food processing enterprises. A substantial proportion of respondents (71.50%) owned a sewing machine, suggesting good potential for engaging in stitching and tailoring-related activities.

More than half of the respondents (56.00%) reported having a grinder, which can facilitate activities such as preparation of spices, flour, and value-added food products. In contrast, only 28.00 per cent had access to an oven, indicating limited availability of equipment required for certain food processing and baking enterprises. Among textile and craftrelated resources, 45.00 per cent of respondents possessed hand tools for embroidery, knitting, or macrame work, reflecting moderate readiness to undertake handicraft-based activities. However, the availability of specialized dyeing and printing equipment was considerably low. Only 11.50 per cent had printing blocks, while 6.00 per cent each possessed frames and colours used in dyeing and printing processes. This suggests limited infrastructure for activities such as Bandhej, block printing, and fabric decoration.

Regarding storage facilities, 40.00 per cent of respondents had access to dry storage facilities, which are important for preserving raw materials and finished products, particularly in food-based enterprises.

The availability of basic household resources indicates favourable conditions for implementing food-processing and stitching enterprises. Dangi (2021) [1] also emphasized that training programmes are more effective when designed around locally available resources and facilities hence, the findings indicate that respondents were relatively wellequipped with basic household resources required for food processing and stitching activities, whereas the availability of specialized equipment for dyeing, printing, and craftbased enterprises was limited but still available if needed. Table 6 reveal the accessibility of various raw materials required for undertaking different income-generating activities. The findings indicate that the majority of respondents had easy access to commonly used agricultural and household-based raw materials, whereas the availability of certain specialized materials was comparatively limited. Among all the raw materials, millets were reported as easily available by all respondents (100.00%), indicating their widespread cultivation and availability in the study area. Similarly, yarn/thread and jaggery were reported as easily available by 90.50 per cent of the respondents. Only a small proportion of respondents experienced difficulty in obtaining these materials, while very few reported their nonavailability. This suggests favourable conditions for enterprises related to stitching, embroidery, and value-added food products. A large majority of respondents (80.00%) reported that nuts were easily available, while only 19.00 per cent experienced difficulty and 1.00 per cent reported non-availability. Likewise, food grains and pulses were easily available to 62.00 per cent of respondents, whereas 38.00 per cent reported some difficulty in procuring them. The easy availability of millets, jaggery, grains and nuts enhances the feasibility of nutrition-based enterprises. Similar observations were reported by Premlata (2021) [4] , who emphasized that enterprises based on locally available resources are more readily accepted and adopted by rural women.

Access to Raw Materials

In the case of fabric/cloth, 42.00 per cent of respondents reported easy availability, while 31.00 per cent experienced difficulty and 27.00 per cent stated that it was not readily available. Similarly, seasonal fruits and vegetables were easily available to 40.50 per cent of respondents, whereas 27.00 per cent faced difficulties and 32.50 per cent reported www.extensionjournal.com non-availability during certain seasons. The variation in accessibility may be attributed to seasonal fluctuations and local market conditions. The availability of specialized materials required for textile and craft-based enterprises was comparatively lower. More than three-fifths of the respondents (61.50%) reported that natural dyes and colours were not available, while only 32.00 per cent found them easily accessible. Likewise, reusable waste materials, which are important for upcycled and eco-friendly products, were not available to 38.00 per cent of respondents, and 39.00 per cent could obtain them only with difficulty.

During the survey, respondents expressed the view that although certain raw materials were not always available within the village, procurement was generally not a major challenge. They reported that many required materials could be easily purchased through online platforms and ecommerce websites. Furthermore, the proximity of Bikaner district headquarters provided access to wholesale and retail markets where specialized materials such as fabrics, dyes, decorative items, packaging materials, and craft supplies could be procured. Therefore, despite the limited local availability of some materials, respondents perceived that most raw materials could be arranged whenever required.

Overall, the findings suggest that basic agricultural and food-related raw materials were readily available to the majority of respondents, while specialized inputs for textile printing and craft-based activities were less accessible at the village level. However, the availability of online purchasing options and nearby urban markets significantly reduced constraints related to raw material procurement and enhanced the feasibility of undertaking diverse entrepreneurial activities. [2] . About one-third of the respondents (33.50%) reported receiving support from government schemes, suggesting that a considerable proportion had benefited from developmental programmes aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities. However, the coverage of such schemes was not universal, indicating scope for increasing awareness and outreach among rural women. Only 26.00 per cent of the respondents were found to be members of a Self-Help Group (SHG). During the survey, several respondents reported that although SHGs were present in nearby areas, many women had not yet joined such groups due to limited awareness, lack of interest, or irregular group activities. Since SHGs often serve as a source of savings, credit, and entrepreneurial support, their limited membership may restrict opportunities for collective economic advancement. The least accessible financial resource was credit or loan facilities, with only 4.50 per cent of respondents reporting access to such facilities. Discussions with respondents revealed that many women were hesitant to avail loans due to repayment concerns, lack of information regarding loan procedures, and apprehension about financial liabilities. As a result, most respondents preferred relying on personal savings or family resources rather than formal credit The data presented in Table 8 show the availability of market-related resources and opportunities for the respondents. Market access plays a crucial role in determining the success and sustainability of incomegenerating activities by enabling producers to sell their products and reach potential customers. The findings reveal that 59.00 per cent of the respondents were aware of online selling platforms and exhibitions, making it the most commonly reported market-related resource. During the survey, respondents stated that increasing use of smartphones and social media platforms had improved their awareness of online marketing opportunities. Many women perceived online platforms as useful avenues for promoting and selling products beyond their local area. More than half of the respondents (58.00%) reported the availability of a local market for selling products, indicating that village and nearby markets could serve as important outlets for small-scale enterprises. Similarly, 53.50 per cent of respondents reported having access to transportation facilities to nearby towns, which can facilitate the procurement of raw materials and marketing of finished products. Only 32.00 per cent of the respondents reported access to a weekly hat or village market. During interactions, respondents mentioned that such markets were either not organized regularly or were located at a considerable distance from their villages, limiting their usefulness as a marketing channel. www.extensionjournal.com

Access to financial resources

Access to market availability

Notably, none of the respondents reported receiving support from middlemen or traders (0.00%). The respondents explained that products were generally sold directly to consumers, within the village, or through personal contacts rather than through organized trader networks. This absence of intermediary support may limit market reach but can also allow producers to retain a greater share of profits from sales.

Overall, the findings suggest that respondents had moderate access to market opportunities through local markets, transportation facilities, and growing awareness of online selling platforms. However, limited access to weekly markets and the absence of trader support indicate the need for stronger market linkages, marketing training, and institutional support to enhance the commercialization of rural women's enterprises. [3] who observed that participants demonstrated considerable interest in training opportunities that catered to their identified needs. These findings indicate significant scope for the successful implementation of training and entrepreneurship development programmes among rural women, particularly when supported by appropriate technical guidance, financial assistance, and marketing facilities.

Attitude the respondents

Selection of Suitable Income Generating Activities Combined ranking of training needs and resource availability

The selection of suitable income-generating activities for training package development was carried out by considering both the training needs expressed by the respondents and the availability of resources required for undertaking the activities. The resource assessment included skill availability, physical resources, raw material accessibility, financial resources, market opportunities, and respondents' willingness to participate in entrepreneurial activities. The findings of the training needs assessment revealed that Tie and Dye (Bandhej) secured the highest rank with a Mean Percent Score (MPS) of 65.67, followed closely by Nutri Laddo with an MPS of 64.83. These activities were perceived by respondents as practical, culturally relevant, market-oriented, and suitable for home-based income generation. Other activities such as Low-Cost Educational Toy Making (MPS=59.83), Papad-Badi Making (MPS=59.67), and Stitching (MPS=58.00) also received high preference scores. The resource analysis further supported the selection of Tie and Dye and Nutri Laddo. Although only 8.00 per cent of respondents were skilled in Tie and Dye and 52.00 per cent were not skilled, the activity demonstrated strong training demand and good market potential. While specialized tools such as dyeing frames, blocks, and colours were available with relatively fewer respondents, the respondents reported that these materials could be easily procured from nearby markets in Bikaner or through online platforms whenever required. Similarly, Nutri Laddo was found to be highly feasible due to the availability of essential resources. A substantial proportion of respondents already possessed skills related to nutri-product preparation (38.00%), and the major raw materials required for production, such as millets (100.00%), jaggery (90.50%), nuts (80.00%), and food grains and pulses (62.00%), were reported to be easily available. Furthermore, all respondents possessed basic cooking utensils, 91.00 per cent had stoves, and 56.00 per cent had grinders, indicating favourable conditions for establishing nutrition-based food enterprises. The assessment of financial and market resources also strengthened the suitability of these activities. Most respondents had access to bank accounts (92.00%), local markets (58.00%), transportation facilities (53.50%), and www.extensionjournal.com awareness regarding online selling opportunities (59.00%). In addition, more than half of the respondents expressed willingness to attend training programmes (57.00%), start income-generating activities (54.50%), and allocate time for enterprise activities (55.00%). Thus, the combined consideration of training needs and resource availability clearly indicated that Tie and Dye and Nutri Laddo were the most appropriate activities for training intervention among the respondents. The result is similarly followed according Singh and Pandey (2018) [6] that demonstrated that need-based training programmes improved participants' knowledge and satisfaction

Final selection of top two activities for training package development

The final selection of income-generating activities for training package development was based on the combined ranking of training needs and resource availability. The analysis identified Tie and Dye (Bandhej) and Nutri Laddo Preparation as the two most suitable activities for capacity building among rural women. Tie and Dye was selected because it received the highest training need score (MPS = 65.67) among all the activities assessed. The activity has strong cultural relevance in Rajasthan, especially in the Bikaner region, and offers significant potential for home-based entrepreneurship. Respondents perceived it as a profitable enterprise with growing market demand for traditional textile products. Although existing skill levels were limited, this highlighted the need and scope for training intervention. Nutri Laddo was selected as the second activity due to its high training need score (MPS = 64.83), existing familiarity among respondents, and strong resource support. Rural women were already acquainted with the preparation of traditional nutritious laddoos, particularly those used during pregnancy and postnatal care. The easy availability of major raw materials and cooking facilities further enhanced the feasibility of adopting this enterprise at the household level. Therefore, considering respondents' preferences, existing resource base, market opportunities, and entrepreneurial potential, Tie and Dye (Bandhej) and Nutri Laddo Preparation were finalized as the two activities for the development of training packages. The selection ensures that the proposed training programme is both need-based and resource-feasible, thereby increasing the likelihood of skill adoption, enterprise establishment, and income enhancement among rural women

Conclusion

The study clearly demonstrated that rural women in Bikaner district possess considerable potential to adopt incomegenerating activities when provided with appropriate needbased training and institutional support. The respondents showed a strong preference for enterprises that are homebased, culturally relevant, market-oriented, and require relatively low investment. Among the various activities assessed, Tie and Dye (Bandhej) and Nutri Laddoo preparation emerged as the most suitable enterprises due to their high training demand, availability of essential resources, local market potential, and feasibility for household-level production. Although respondents possessed basic physical resources and had good access to banking services and local markets, limited access to specialized equipment, formal credit facilities, and organizational participation may restrict entrepreneurial growth. The positive willingness of respondents to participate in training programmes further indicates substantial scope for capacity-building interventions. Therefore, training programmes designed according to the identified needs and supported by improved market linkages, financial assistance, and extension services can significantly enhance skill development, self-employment opportunities, household income, and the socio-economic empowerment of rural women.

References

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