Livelihood programme

Sustainable forest management and forest conservation are the main focus areas of NRDF.

Although sawmilling has many beneficiaries it is experienced that it leaves out large numbers of people as active participants, such as women and non-land owner groups. To have more people involved NRDF has started some small projects that are not always directly related to sawmilling or Forest management, but do contribute towards the same aim and objectives.

Under its livelihood programme NRDF supports small income generating activities in the project areas. Some examples of these projects are: honeybee farming, sewing project, small agricultural projects (Chili, cash crops), piggeries, poultries, marine products etc. One of the main activities under this programme is the management of small micro loan schemes. Currently there are two such schemes active in Vella Lavella and Choiseul covering 25 small family projects.

Main objectives of the livelihood programme are:

· To increase the number of income generating activities as an alternative for large scale logging and/or mining;

· To have more active involvement of people (especially women) in the project area interventions;

· To support the use of a wider range of (local made) products from available natural resources.  

(L-R)

1. Chili farm (Vella Lavella)

2. Honey bee keeping (Vatoro)

3. Piggery (Choiseul)