From Awareness to Empowerment: A PLS-SEM Analysis of GI Tagged Silk Handloom Weavers towards Poverty Reduction (Sustainable Development Goal 1)

Abstract

This study examines the role of Geographical Indication awareness, socio-economic factors, and challenges faced by weavers in influencing weaver empowerment and poverty reduction, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 1. Using a quantitative research design, primary data were collected from 400 GI-tagged silk handloom weavers in Arani Taluk, Tamil Nadu. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4 to analyze the relationships among constructs. The findings reveal that socio-economic factors (β = 0.531), challenges faced (β = 0.322), and GI awareness (β = 0.101) significantly influence weaver empowerment. Further, weaver empowerment strongly contributes to poverty reduction (β = 0.823). GI awareness (β = 0.083) and challenges faced (β = 0.265) also directly impact poverty reduction. Additionally, mediation analysis confirms that weaver empowerment significantly mediates the relationship between GI awareness and poverty reduction. The study highlights that both structural conditions and institutional awareness play a crucial role in enhancing livelihoods and reducing poverty among handloom weavers. The findings provide important policy implications for strengthening GI awareness programs, improving socio-economic conditions, and addressing industry challenges to achieve sustainable development.