What problem or need is the project addressing?
Orissa is the poorest state in India, with about 46% of its 36 million population living in poverty. Orissa also has a large tribal population: 22% belong to scheduled tribes. These communities depend on forests and the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for their livelihoods.
However, despite their dependence on NTFPs for their livelihoods, tribal communities and forest dwellers are unable to make their voices heard with buyers or policy-makers. This means that despite their hard work to collect and process NTFPs, they receive very little income in return.
There is great potential for NTFPs to ensure the livelihoods of the poor. However forests and NTFPs must be managed in a sustainable way that meets the basic livelihood and income needs of local communities.
What is the project doing?
Traidcraft Exchange has developed a comprehensive project to ensure the long-term welfare of poor collectors of NTFP (especially tribal groups). The project is supporting them to better control, influence, manage and benefit from the NTFP trade.
The project will make the voices of poor collectors heard, raising awareness of the impact of unfair trade practices and policies, and the need for change. Working with communities to develop a collective voice is vital so they can negotiate with buyers and policy-makers and demand their rights to a fair price and vital social services.
This project will benefit 3000 families who depend on the collection of NTFP for their survival. Assuming an average family size of 5, the project will benefit about 10,000 poor people.
What impact has the project had?
The project started in 2006. So far activities have focused on organising local communities to give them a voice.
Our local partner
Traidcraft Exchange is implementing this project with RCDC (Regional Centre for Development Cooperation - Forestry and Governance). RCDC is leading this project and has vital experience of working with rural communities in the forest and tribal regions of Orissa.
How is this project funded?
The project is funded by the European Commission, grant-making trusts, and donations from generous individuals.
