Baseline Survey – Empowering Tribal Katkari Youth from Mulshi Block, Pune

Eight selected villages: Andeshe, Belawade, Disli, Kolwan, Lavarde, Mugaon, Sutarwadi, and Tamhini in Mulshi Block, Pune District, Maharashtra

Tribal communities, particularly the Katkari people, face unique socio-economic challenges rooted in geographic isolation, limited livelihood opportunities, and marginalization from mainstream development. Understanding their lived realities, skills, aspirations, and barriers is essential for designing interventions that truly empower rather than impose external solutions. This comprehensive baseline survey was conducted through direct, in-person interactions by trained surveyors who visited each participant individually across eight Mulshi villages—creating a data-driven foundation for targeted youth empowerment initiatives that respect cultural contexts while opening pathways to economic independence and dignified livelihoods.

• Socio-Economic and Skills Assessment – Document socio-economic conditions, existing skills, traditional knowledge systems, available resources, and employment opportunities accessible to Katkari youth, while identifying gaps between current capabilities and market demands that need to be addressed through targeted interventions.

• Entrepreneurial Readiness and Potential Evaluation – Assess entrepreneurial inclination, business readiness, risk appetite, and enthusiasm among youth for self-employment ventures, while evaluating their understanding of government schemes and access barriers to entitled benefits and economic support mechanisms.

• Livelihood and Cultural Context Analysis – Investigate existing and potential livelihood options—particularly forest-based livelihoods, agriculture, livestock, and handicrafts—while examining how cultural backgrounds, traditional practices, belief systems, and community mindsets influence economic activities and receptivity to new opportunities.

• Traditional Capacities and Gender Inclusivity – Document inherent physical skills and traditional competencies like archery, forest knowledge, and craft skills that could be leveraged for livelihood creation, while ensuring comprehensive gender analysis that addresses unique barriers, opportunities, and aspirations of both young men and women.
• Risk Identification and Motivation Strategies – Identify potential challenges, obstacles, and resistance factors that could hinder program success, while discovering culturally appropriate methods to inspire and mobilize youth toward skill development, entrepreneurship, and economic participation that respects community values.

This baseline survey creates a robust, evidence-based foundation for designing contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and genuinely empowering interventions for Katkari youth. By understanding their realities, aspirations, skills, and challenges from their own perspectives, subsequent programs can bridge the gap between traditional livelihoods and modern opportunities—creating pathways to economic independence while preserving cultural identity and dignity.