PNGWiAF - Lae 2008
CDI’s Sustainable Rural Livelihood program design is an integration of the Agriculture and Capacity Building programs traditionally in CDI. This program aims to build the capacity of individuals and institutions in the target areas to utilise their natural, human, financial, and social capital for sustainable rural development initiatives that they identify, plan, implement and manage. It focuses on promoting participatory learning, planning and implementation approaches and processes to sustainable community development project identification and development.
Communities in the project area have traditionally been hunter-gatherer societies. With the rapid transition into a cash economy from royalty and equity income, there is a growing reliance on cash and increased consumption of imported and processed foods. The agriculture program therefore aims to promote increased food production and decreased reliance on imported food. This is done through demonstrations, training workshops and regular advice to subsistence farmers. CDI’s agriculturalists assist local farmers in planning, developing and marketing sustainable commercial agriculture projects. Regular coaching and support is provided to farmers including the sourcing of materials and supplies and assistance with logistics for getting products to market.
Initiatives to improve agricultural production amongst the targeted communities, both for food consumption and for income generation is encouraged in a manner that is not destructive to the natural environment and utilises natural resources effectively. This integrated approach encourages research into new and innovative ways for food production.