Collective Dairy Farming, Women Empowerment and Social Inclusion: A Village-Level Study from Bihar, India

Using the theory of change, the study captures how the dairy cooperative societies (DCS)-level activities under National Dairy Plan 1 (NDP I) have promoted women’s empowerment and social inclusion in rural societies. We use the case study method, in-depth interviews and informal talks to gather information from the women dairy farmers. We propose that dairy farmers under NDP-I have improved their socio-economic conditions, and dairy farming has increased the intra-household bargaining power of the farmer women. This article examines the role of the DCSs in improving the socio-economic status of weaker sections, including women and lower-caste people (Bihar, India). We find that social inclusion has been a regular practice at the DCS level, promoting a diversified social relationship among rural women. The findings highlight the process of change that has enhanced women’s agency to decide and act upon them at both the household and community level. The study captures the very process of change that empowers the weaker sections of rural Bihar. Earlier studies hardly have tried to understand the empowerment process through the lenses of ‘theory of change’.