A high-level Ethiopian delegation recently completed a week-long visit to India to study the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Facilitated by India’s Ministry of Rural Development, the visit focused on understanding India’s strategies for poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and rural entrepreneurship.
Ethiopian Delegation Visits India to Learn from DAY-NRLM’s Rural Development Model
Learning from India’s Rural Livelihood Model
The Ethiopian officials observed how NRLM has successfully empowered millions of rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), bank linkages, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
They appreciated NRLM’s flexibility, which allows the programme to adapt to local needs and diverse communities.
The delegation expressed interest in adopting similar frameworks within Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP)—one of Africa’s largest social protection initiatives.
Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
In the closing session held in New Delhi, representatives from India, Ethiopia, and the World Bank emphasised the need for strong government leadership and private sector participation for sustainable livelihood transformation.
They recognised India’s experience in capacity building, institutional convergence, and community engagement as a potential guide for Ethiopia’s rural development policies.
Empowering Women Through Grassroots Action
The delegation was particularly inspired by India’s concept of ‘Sakhis’—local women who act as facilitators in rural areas.
These women play a key role in last-mile service delivery, helping others access credit, training, and welfare schemes.
The Ethiopian team observed that empowering women through collective action and financial inclusion not only improves family income but also drives community development.
Strengthening India-Ethiopia Relations
The Ethiopian Ambassador to India praised the long-standing friendship between the two nations and called for deeper cooperation in the social, digital, and livelihood sectors.
He highlighted India’s success in Digital Public Infrastructure and expressed Ethiopia’s interest in implementing similar systems to modernise welfare delivery.
The visit marks a new step in South-South cooperation, focusing on shared goals of inclusive growth and gender equality.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM was launched in 2011 by India’s Ministry of Rural Development.
- The mission promotes self-employment, SHGs, and women’s empowerment in rural India.
- Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) was started in 2005 as a major social protection initiative.
- The World Bank supports both NRLM (India) and PSNP (Ethiopia).
- ‘Sakhis’ in NRLM act as grassroots facilitators, helping rural women access financial and government resources.
- The visit highlights India-Ethiopia cooperation in development and digital governance.
Question & Answer
Q1. The Ethiopian delegation visited India to study which Indian government scheme?
(a) MGNREGA
(b) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM
(c) Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(d) Digital India Mission
Answer: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – NRLM
Q2. Which Indian ministry facilitated the Ethiopian delegation’s visit?
(a) Ministry of External Affairs
(b) Ministry of Rural Development
(c) Ministry of Women and Child Development
(d) Ministry of Cooperation
Answer: Ministry of Rural Development
Q3. Ethiopia plans to adapt lessons from NRLM into which of its own programmes?
(a) Agricultural Growth Program
(b) Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP)
(c) Green Legacy Initiative
(d) Women’s Enterprise Fund
Answer: Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP)
Q4. What are ‘Sakhis’ in the NRLM framework?
(a) Rural bank officers
(b) Women facilitators providing last-mile services
(c) Village head representatives
(d) NGO field workers
Answer: Women facilitators providing last-mile services
Q5. Which international organisation supports both India’s NRLM and Ethiopia’s PSNP?
(a) IMF
(b) UNDP
(c) World Bank
(d) ADB
Answer: World Bank
🔗 Other Useful Links:
📌 Latest Government Job Vacancies
📌 Latest Exam Results
📌 Free Mock Tests
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "SBI Launches ‘SBI-STAR’ Awards to Recognize Employee Talent in Arts, Sports, and Social Work")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "COP30 Belém 2025: Full Details on Theme, Dates, and Participating Countries")
_11zon.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "CR450: China’s Record-Breaking High-Speed Train to Enter Service in 2026")
.jpg=w704-h396-p-k-no-nu?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey Creates History with 8-Wicket Haul in T20Is")