GROWING OPPORTUNITIES

New initiatives generate hope for farmers in five countries

WINNIPEG – Over the past six months, IDE Canada has taken on new initiatives in a number of IDE countries.

“We’re very pleased to be able to offer this kind of support to IDE’s global program,” said executive director Stuart Taylor, “It is especially encouraging to see the range of supporters, from individual donors to foundations to government. As you can see, most of the projects involve matching grants and that is where our grassroots support is so vital."

Projects initiated since September:

Farm Business Advisors at an agronomy training session. These entrepreneurs will serve smallholder farmers with agricultural products and advice.

Cambodia

Developing local entrepreneurs into Farm Business Advisors, who offer affordable products and services to farmers. This two-year project, made possible with matching grant support from the Canadian International Development Agency, will raise the incomes of 3,750 farmers by at least $150.

Zambia

Promoting affordable irrigation technology and organizing farmers into marketing associations, which sell to commercial buyers such as food processors and supermarkets. This three-year project will raise the income of 3,500 farmers by at least $250 and is made possible by a group of donors in B.C.

Bangladesh

Re-establishing IDE’s leadership in micro-irrigation technology and strengthening local management systems. This project will introduce new irrigation technologies in the country where IDE first marketed the treadle pump 25 years ago. The one-year start-up phase for this project is made possible with matching support from the Catalyst Foundation in Ontario.

Vietnam

Improving local pork production techniques and linking hog producers to better markets. This project will raise the income of 400 farmers by at least $100 in the first year. This one-year initiative is made possible with matching support from the Government of Manitoba.

Nepal

Bringing IDE’s expertise in water-efficient technologies to the development of integrated Water Use Master Plans that improve local access to clean drinking water and irrigation. This project will raise the income of 500 farmers by at least $75 in the first year. This is a one-year initiative made possible with matching support from the Government of Manitoba.