Promoting Women's Groups for Market Linkages in Bihar, India

This study examines the impact of the Women’s Advancement in Rural Development and Agriculture (WARDA) project in Bihar, India, which aimed to empower smallholder women farmers by connecting them to larger agricultural markets through farmer producer companies (FPCs). The research analyzes survey data from WARDA-supported producer groups (PGs) and control groups, focusing on maize interventions in Purnea district. The findings indicate that while sales through FPCs were minimal during the survey year, the project significantly increased women's economic empowerment by enhancing their participation and decision-making in income-generating activities. The study also reveals the importance of the composition and size of collective institutions for maximizing project benefits and emphasizes the need for further research on the relationship between women's empowerment, work hours, and …