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Poverty is common/ moderate among the
community in the area where the Nagenahiru Foundation is
active. Fisheries and agriculture are the major income
sources of the community in the area and due to the lack
of proper livelihoods and inadequate income poverty
prevails among a considerable number of the community.
According to statistics about ___% of the total families
in the geographical area where NF’s activities are
concentrated receive the Samurdhi subsidies (?) and come
under low income families. In spite of these state
sponsored efforts poverty is still an issue that hinders
social development, quality of life as well as
environmental sustainability.
However, the Nagenahiru Foundation believes that poverty
could be reduced through the development of sustainable
livelihoods. Sustainable livelihoods could be defined as
sources of income for the community while protecting the
environment and using natural resources in a sustainable
manner. Some such sustainable livelihoods were neglected
during the recent past due to a variety of reasons,
including the open market economy, change of attitudes
etc. However, due to the influence of the modern
environmental movement, the importance of these
sustainable livelihoods has materialized again as a key
element in achieving sustainable development. The future
of these livelihoods is also ensured with the emerging
trend towards a green economy and low carbon economy.
With the above mentioned factors in the background, the
NF initiated certain programmes to reduce poverty and to
promote sustainable livelihoods. The following are such
initiatives.
Wetland Crafts Development:
Wetlands are the source of a number of important natural
resources that are consumed by man. It is well
recognized that wetlands provide a number of medicine,
fruits and vegetables, building material, fire wood,
etc. Another important but rather neglected natural
resource that comes from wetlands is the different reed
and other plant species used in traditional craft making
industry.
Wetland plants commonly used in craft industry include
gal ehe (Cyperus corymbosus), havan (Cyperus dehiscens),
borupan (Eleocharis plantaginea), gatapan (Scirpus
erectus), thunhiriya (Schoenoplectus grossus) and
watakeiya (Pandanus odorodissimas). The main raw
material is parts of these plants, which are harvested
and processed using simple technology to manufacture
various crafts. These crafts are produce mainly by hand
weaving. The items include traditional mats, hats, bags
of various types, slippers etc. These items have an
increasing market due to the environmental friendly
nature and the creativity associated with the crafts
including the traditional patterns. Women are largely
involved in this enterprise and the knowledge has been
passed from generation to generation. This knowledge
includes the weaving patterns, use of natural colours,
etc. The industry itself is an environmental friendly
industry as these plants have a high re-growth capacity
and promotes the conservation of wetlands if the raw
material is harvested in a sustainable way.
However, with the influence of market economy and the
free market system and the change of attitudes this
industry was neglected during the last few decades. The
knowledge is diminishing with the demise of the elderly
generation. It was considered a vanishing craft.
The NF selected to reactivate this traditional craft
making system as a means of sustainable livelihood by
introducing an additional income method while conserving
wetlands. The project was implemented in Maduganga area
including Bentota and Magala North villages. Following
aspects were taken in to consideration during this
project;
- Collection, Documentation and dissemination of
traditional knowledge on wetland plant species and
technology used in the craft industry.
- A comprehensive review of wetland plant species
used in craft making industry and the potential
community development options using this industry.
- Exchange of international and national
experiences on sustainable management of wetland
plant species and production of crafts.
- Identification of potential and new markets for
the products.
- Development of a system for best management
practices for sustainable utilization of wetland
plants. Since it is a renewable resource and over
exploitation could end the industry, best management
practices were introduced.
The growth of this industry provided economic and
social benefits to the rural community who usually
suffer from poverty due to lack of adequate income, thus
making it a sustainable livelihood. It has also ensured
the conservation of wetlands. At present the beneficiary
community manage those wetlands and harvesting is done
using a sustainable harvesting pattern. The health of
these wetlands is vital to guarantee a continuous supply
of raw materials.
Promotion of Savings
Other programmes launched by the NF have also made a
significant contribution towards poverty reduction. For
instance, alternative energy sources introduced for
kerosene use, as a measure for climate change
mitigation, such as the ja-kotu prawn catching system
and the CFL lighting system for night fishing vessels
has an impact on poverty reduction.
Use of these alternative energy sources reduced the
expenditure of fishermen for kerosene. It was estimated
that an average lagoon fisherman expends about 30% of
his family income to purchase kerosene for lighting
their fishing lanterns. This conversion has increased
their savings and the saved money is being utilized for
other purposes, including the welfare of the family,
education of children etc. This saving is considerable
when compared with their income, as the cost of kerosene
was estimated to be about 30% of his total income.
Reducing the use of kerosene provides other advantages.
This will reduce the importation of kerosene oil. This
will have a positive impact on the national income of
the country as kerosene is imported to Sri Lanka.
For more information on the NF efforts to introduce
alternative energy for kerosene use please visit Climate
Change Mitigation page.
Coir Corridor Mat Production:
Coconut is among the major cash crops along the
coastal belt of the country. Coconut fibre is a
by-product of this industry. Coir was used to make
various ropes used in other industries and also crafts
such as door mats and corridor mats. This industry has
been a supplementary income source for low income
families for a long time.
Realising the potential of this vital industry, the
Foundation has taken steps to encourage door mat
production among the community. Awareness and training
programmes were conducted to promote the industry among
selected target groups. New designs and new patterns
were introduced to the people. Action was taken to
introduce the finished products to new markets. Since
the raw material for this industry is a by-product, this
is a sustainable livelihood that will benefit
environment and livelihoods. Action is taken to minimise
the environmental impact during the processing of coir
by creating awareness. |
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