Publication

Abstract : This study reports a field-based intervention in Chintala Thanda, a Lambada tribal village in Andhra Pradesh, to improve women’s livelihoods by revitalizing traditional Patteda weaving and Banjara embroidery. Under the Live-in- Labs® initiative, thirteen women artisans (aged ∼40–60+) were recruited via snowball sampling during a two-week field immersion. Primary data were gathered through semi- structured interviews, participatory observation, and design workshops with local artisans. The outreach targeted two core challenges—limited market exposure and lack of organized production—and introduced two strategies: adapting traditional crafts into modern products (scarves and handbags) for local markets and fairs, and forming Self-Help Groups supported by regional branding and capacity building to enable collective production and income generation. The women showed strong interest in both approaches, indicating adaptability and potential for sustainable enterprise. The findings suggest that culturally rooted design innovation combined with SHG-based models can empower tribal women, provided continued support in design, digital literacy, and market linkage.