ADB extends grant to improve livelihood of poor farmers

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a grant worth US$1 million from ADB’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), to improve the livelihoods of poor farmers and disadvantaged groups in eastern districts.

A news release issued by the ADB said the project would help 6,000 people of Dhankuta, Morang, Saptari, and Sunsari districts to engage in micro enterprises such as off-season farming and high-value crops, production of packaging materials, semi-processing of fruits and vegetables, adding value to farm products, fishpond culture and livestock rearing.

“The rural areas of Nepal's eastern hills face chronic poverty, with ethnic minorities, especially women, suffering among the worst,” the release quoted Susanne Nebel, an ADB Rural Development Specialist as saying. She added, “Enabling the deprived to access opportunities and benefits from development efforts in the country is essential.”

A US$350,000 livelihood support fund would be set up during the first year to finance household, food, health and education needs to help the poorest access to economic opportunities. During the second year, $200,000 will be allotted for an income generation fund earmarked for graduates of the project’s skills training programme, the release said.

During the third year, groups that have successfully set up micro enterprises can access the commercial agriculture fund under an ADB-backed Commercial Agriculture Development Project.

It will also carry out a social mobilisation programme that will create 600 self-help groups, improve adult literacy for another 6,000 people, develop their leadership skills, and consequently increase their confidence and self-esteem. nepalnews.com pb Feb 23 07