A Technology-Enabled Solution for Women Empowerment in India and Waste Management for Combating COVID-19 and Beyond

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 not only has impacted adversely the health infrastructure, taking away lives of millions of people but it has also crippled the economy. The worst effected were food supply chain due to restrictions imposed on operations of shops and retail outlets. The consumers were suffering due to lack of supply. Similarly, agriculture produce were getting wasted due to lack of cold storage.

Methodology

In this case we have proposed how a mobile-based application solution during COVID lockdown can successfully transform the livelihood of rural farmers in the state of Maharashtra (India), a state worst affected by the pandemic.

Result

The technology-integrated supply chain model jointly developed by financial institutions, self-help groups (SHGs) and NGOs has enabled direct selling of fresh produces by rural women farmers to urban large residential societies at their doorsteps. It has provided a solution of municipality waste management by converting the waste to compost, getting them collected and used in the farmlands.

Implications

It will help the urban consumers to have the continuous supply of fresh vegetables and fruits available at their doorsteps, and keep a track of transport of foods from farm to fork. The farmers will be able to get better price for their produce. The model will also contribute towards circular economy (CE) through citizen partnership.

Citation

Ajwani-Ramchandani, R. and Bhattacharya, S. (2023), "A Technology-Enabled Solution for Women Empowerment in India and Waste Management for Combating COVID-19 and Beyond", Gupta, A.D. (Ed.) Strategic Corporate Responsibility and Green Management (Critical Studies on Corporate Responsibility, Governance and Sustainability, Vol. 16), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2043-905920230000016001