This paper follows SEWA's experiment with participatory microplanning to assist earthquake-affected communities in Gujarat, following the devastating earthquake of January 2001. SEWA's approach, adapted from a membership to a community focus, resulted in the Livelihood Security Project for Earthquake Affected Rural Households in Gujarat (Jeevika), which came about as a response to calls from the communities to rebuild themselves through securing sustainable livelihoods, rather than focussing on relief.
SEWA's goal is that the communities involved (some 400 villages) will take responsibility for planning, implementation and monitoring of the Project's programmes, and then managing and maintaining same upon completion. The challenges faced and successes achieved are documented; although the Project is heavily human-resourced, SEWA is committed to the notion of the communities' self-reliance and sustainability.