The "Improvement of Marginalized Community's Livelihoods and Sanitation" project in Bac Kan province has now been completed, and was seen as highly successful by all involved.
The project built the capacity of local people, largely ethnic minorities, in four villages in Co Linh and An Thang communes, enabling the local people to improve the livelihood of the community, and improve sanitation.
Local people providing feedback at the final evaluation meeting, August 2011
The three year project saw a wide range of initiatives. Clean water systems were constructed, reducing the risk of disease and saving considerable time each day for local people, particularly women. Latrines were built, and village culture houses which provide local people with a place to hold meetings, and build solidarity and support. Improved cattle enclosures were constructed which, along with training on buffalo care, reduced the death of cattle in the cold winter months. A range of training courses, workshops and field trips were organized. Gender workshops were held in each village, and women now have increased voice and involvement in the community.
While the project is now completed, the benefits to the local people will be ongoing, as the capacity of the local partner and the local people in the villages has been increased.
The external evaluation report of the project commented that the project was sustainable, as there is improved capacity and skills in local staff and local minorities. Further developments related to the project have been handed over the local authorities, who now have the capacity to implement to manage these projects sustainably.
Nguyen Van Nhuan, SRD's project officer responsible for managing the project, said that he thought the most significant achievement of the project is the increased capacity and confidence of the local people. "People now have an increased awareness about how to overcome poverty", he said. "They can recognise options for their lives, and they have a strong belief that they are able to improve their economic situation. It is very hopeful."
-SRD-
Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD)
No.31, Alley 19 Kim Dong Street, Hoang Mai District, Ha Noi
Phone: +84 24 3943 6676/78 | Fax: +84 24 3943 6449
