Abstract:
This research intends to explore the facilitation role of NGO in rural livelihood development and
to measure the outcomes of livelihood development opportunities. Household food and nutrition
security, income generation, employment opportunities, space for women, human resource
development, market opportunities and wellbeing created by a local NGO through initialization
of mushroom farming. Primary data collection tools were structured pre-tested questionnaire,
two in-depth interviews with key informants, and participatory mapping. A Sample of 87 both
funded and non-funded mushroom farmers was selected through simple random sampling
technique from Hambantota district. The sample included 61 female farmers of three categories
low income, disabled and female headed. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics
and paired sample t-test. Facilitation role of NGO can be categorized into to two main sections;
provision of tangible and intangible assets. Financial capital for initiation of mushroom
cultivation and develop necessary facilities help to empower resource poor families. Training on
mushroom production, packing, processing and record keeping strengthen the human capital of
the low income, disabled and female headed households. Facilitation on business registration,
continuous monitoring and evaluation of the process and establish community plus local
institutional network ensure the sustainability of the venture. Results revealed that funded
female farmers have enhanced their household wellbeing, nutrition security, open up
employment opportunities for the housewives, strengthened women participation in family
income generation and link farmers into markets. Further, venture creation improves household
economic status, enables their savings culture in both formal and informal ways, and generated
investment opportunities. Further, COVID-19 pandemic badly affected on most vulnerable rural
livelihoods but NGO assisted farmer groups were able to manage the situation positively
compared to non- supported farmers.
