The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in India has been implementing the SCALE project through co-financing support from the European Union. SCALE focuses especially on enhancing livelihoods opportunities in rainfed, semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Through its direct implementation activities, SCALE is reaching over half a million people, most of them living under difficult socio-economic circumstances. A core aspect of the project’s activities has been the formation of a host of community institutions, which have been playing a significant role in enforcing public awareness on participation in developmental activities and sustainable management of local common resources.
Also, most of these institutions have been involved in addressing cross-cutting local concerns including provision of basic services, focusing on gender issues, developing human resources and community leadership and enhancing economic opportunities, especially for the poorest and the most disadvantaged. Other major focuses of SCALE include fostering innovation and informed dialogue on issues and policies important towards building sustainable livelihoods in project areas.
