Research & Publications
Evidence-based insights from the ground — exploring climate resilience, livelihoods, and community development across Northeast India.
“Bee” - The Change: A Dipstick Study on Scope of Beekeeping
A dipstick study of beekeeping as a supplementary livelihood in Kushdhuwa block, Goalpara. It finds that 40-50% of distributed bee boxes hold no active colony, so colony survival, not box count, is the bottleneck. Honey demand is steady but sold locally, unbranded and without aggregation. The study recommends a four-phase path: colony stabilization, capacity building, gradual expansion to 4-5 boxes, then branding and market linkage through SHG/CLF groups.
Apple Ber Value Chain, Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition Feasibility Study
A mixed-method study of 67 women apple ber growers in six villages of Debitola block, Dhubri. Average output rose from 36 kg (2023) to 97 kg (2025), but 97% of growers have no storage and all harvest between December and February, so prices fall at peak. Farmer interest in value addition is strong (92.5% want market linkage), but KVK trials failed due to fungal spoilage, so the study recommends a fresh-first, three-phase roadmap led by women and SHGs.
Climate-Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience
This research examines climate change impacts on agriculture, livestock, and natural resources across some of the most climate-vulnerable districts in Northeast India. Data was collected through household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews across four states. The study highlights deteriorating water availability, shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and declining soil quality — while spotlighting scalable methods to counter these impacts and secure sustainable livelihoods.
Agro-Eco Tourism in Western Assam
This report explores the emerging potential of agro-ecotourism in rural Assam, focusing on the villages of Nishangram, Sutki, and Hatigao in Goalpara, and Sankorghola in Bongaigaon district. It highlights how farming communities are blending traditional agricultural practices with sustainable tourism to create new livelihood opportunities, while preserving natural and cultural heritage. Agro-ecotourism here reflects a hopeful transition where rural life, nature, and culture converge.
Impact of Climate Change on Rural Communities in Assam and Manipur
This report explores how climate change is affecting the everyday lives of rural communities in Assam and Manipur. Unpredictable rainfall, floods, longer dry spells, and rising temperatures are creating serious problems for people who rely on farming and natural resources. Prepared by SeSTA with support from Axis Bank Foundation, the study reveals that with the right support and local action, communities can adapt and build a safer future.
Women in Entrepreneurship
This study looks at women entrepreneurs in rural Northeast India, exploring businesses in farm and non-farm areas — examining their motivations and the challenges they face. Many start businesses out of financial need and mostly use personal savings because formal loans are hard to access. The report recommends improving access to credit, skills training, markets, and infrastructure to help women grow their enterprises.