“Socio-Economic Impact of Women-Led Agribusinesses on Rural Livelihoods in Marathwada”

Abstract

Women-led agribusinesses have emerged as a vital driver of rural development in India, particularly in regions like Marathwada, which face chronic challenges of drought, low agricultural productivity, and limited employment opportunities. This study examines the socio-economic impact of women-led agribusinesses on rural livelihoods in Marathwada, focusing on income enhancement, empowerment, skill development, and community well-being. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining primary data from 150 women entrepreneurs across key districts with secondary data from government reports and previous studies. The analysis highlights that women-led agribusinesses significantly contribute to household income, create local employment opportunities, and enhance decision-making power within families. In addition, these enterprises improve social recognition and confidence among women, fostering greater participation in community development activities. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges such as limited access to finance, markets, and technology continue to restrict growth potential. The study underscores the need for targeted policies, including microfinance support, skill development programs, and market-linkage facilitation, to strengthen women’s agribusiness initiatives. Overall, empowering women in agribusiness not only enhances their socio-economic status but also contributes to sustainable rural development, making them key agents of transformation in Marathwada’s agrarian landscape.