Livelihood programme

 

Sustainable forest management & sawmilling is one of the core activities of NRDF. Although it creates lots of benefits for the communities it is experienced that it leaves out people, especially women and non-land owner groups, as active participants. To increase people’s involvement in sustainable natural resources management NRDF started some small livelihood projects that are not always directly related to forestry or conservation but does contribute to more community development. Under its livelihood programme theme NRDF supports small income generating activities in the project areas. Some examples of these projects are: honeybee farming, sewing projects, small agricultural projects (Chilli, cash crops), piggeries, poultries and marine products. One of the main activities under this programme is the implementation of small loan schemes. Currently there are three such schemes active in Vella Lavella and Choiseul, covering almost 25 small family projects. The forest for life programme 2011-2013 will especially focus on commercializing potential Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP’s). One of those is the production of honey. All NRDF partners have already established small family based honeybee farms. By up-scaling this activity and possibly introducing certification, NRDF expects much profit for the communities.  There are also some other potential NTFP’s that could be introduced into the local and international market.

 

Main objective:

Support income generating activities within the project areas to increase the involvement of especially women in the programme activities.

 

Main activities:

• Increase the scale of the existing honeybee programme with possible product certification;

• Continue with current micro loans and start up new loans in new areas;

• Introducing new market commodities especially NTFP’s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(L-R)

1. Chili farm (Vella Lavella)

2. Honey bee keeping (Vatoro)

3. Piggery (Choiseul)