2013 annual report by ACTING FOR LIFE

2013 ANNUAL REPORT

“40

years working to serve the poorest”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editorial

History

The team and its partners

2013 in figures

Extract from the accounts

Highlights

Improving access and management of the resources needed for production

p 10

Developing innovative production and marketing systems

p 18

Enhancing training and the socio-economic integration of the most vulnerable

p 38

Fostering poverty reduction through sustainable tourism development

p 54

Prospects for 2014

p 70

Index of operational partners

p 72

List of projects

p 74

Logistical support

p 76

Acknowledgements

p 77

Registered Charity No. INTA020062D - French Government Gazette No. 064 of 16 March 2002

EDITORIAL Acting for Life, 40 years working to serve the poorest Acting for Life has travelled such a long way since the association began, back in 1973, to mobilize airline staff and company executives and managers to work in partnership with local organizations, particularly Jesuit communities and the Don Bosco Salesians. We are pursuing the same objective today: to combat poverty through fostering the emergence of sound local organizations able to tackle the challenges of exclusion. We remain convinced that, in the interests of integral development, it is vital to adopt a territorial approach, acting together with local stakeholders (professional organizations, associations, NGOs and local authorities) on the basis of their needs and locally available resources. Our multidisciplinary team provides its operational partners with three-way expertise – technical, administrative and financial – so that projects in the field can move towards autonomy and sustainability. Providing this kind of assistance has brought acknowledgement of the professionalism of Acting for Life both from institutional organizations such as the European Union and French Development Agency and from the association’s partner companies and private foundations. We hope that reading this report will cement your commitment alongside us in a joint project “Acting for Life, life, not merely survival”. With our profound gratitude, Respectfully yours, René Lapautre Chairman of the Board

ACTING FOR LIFE 1973 - 2013 Acting for Life is the result of a rich history of co-operation with partners in the South and permanent support from airlines. A history of service with one aim always driving our work: to ensure that the poorest people have the means to live a decent life.

Creation of a sponsorship committee bringing together leading personalities from the companies associated with the projects and new private partners. ADP, UTA, AIR INTER, AIR FRANCE and other entrepreneurs increase their human and financial support. G.A.R.D France becomes the Groupe d’Aide aux Réalisations pour le Développement and sets up integral development programmes in countries in the South.

Foundation of G.A.R.D (Groupe d’Aide aux Réfugiés et personnes Déplacées) in Libreville with UTA, AIR AFRIQUE and the Don Bosco Salesians and in Haiti with the Dominicans of Verrette and AIR FRANCE.

9 7 9 1

3 7 9

Creation of G.A.R.D in France, Canada and Belgium: an international secretariat serving emerging NGOs in the South (project support, funding, development engineering, etc.) with the aid of AIR INTER and 30 other airlines.

1979

0 8 9 1

At the request of ECPAT International (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking), with its 90 specialist NGO members, Groupe Développement takes on board a new purpose: combating sexual abuse and violence against children.

198

1992

Creation of the consortium Euro Action A.C.O.R.D (Agency For Co-Operation and Research in Development) and contributions from G.A.R.D to programmes throughout Africa with support from the airlines.

1994

G.A.R.D becomes the Groupe Développement with the motto: “Life, not merely survival”

40 YEARS WORKING TO SERVE THE POOREST The association Groupe Développement is recognized as a charity in France. Creation of “sister” NGOs, in the United States, Luxembourg, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, India and Madagascar.

Acting for Life transfers its child protection work to ECPAT France in order to focus on territorial economic development projects.

Creation of the Tourism, Ethics and Development Unit.

Acting for Life France joins Acting for life International.

40! years

1997

2002

Creation of ECPAT France and ECPAT Luxembourg in support of ECPAT International (90 NGOs).

2009

to gain international recognition, Groupe Développement becomes Acting for Life: “Life, not merely survival”.

2011

2013

Acting for Life blows out its 40th candle with the firm intent of continuing its co-operation with partners in the South.

THE TEAM & ITS PARTNERS

The programme officers

The Board of Directors

Acting for life relies on the expertise of a multidisciplinary team (agronomist, anthropologist, sociologist, economist and other experts) to identify projects and assist partners to build their capacity. The programme officers co-ordinate projects and networking of partners in the South with a view to spinning off, autonomy and efficiency.

The association would not be what it is today without the commitment and loyalty of its directors. Acting for Life has a Board standing ready to serve the projects. It relies on a General Secretariat responsible for day-to-day monitoring of activities. Projects are regularly monitored by a chartered accountant, acting as treasurer, and independent audits.

The back office team

The financial support officers

Support for the teams in charge of the projects is provided by several complementary positions helping to optimize the general running of the association. This back office team deals with administration and finance, human resources, monitoring of financial partnerships and communications.

Working together with the programme officers, the financial support officers bring their financial and administrative expertise to bear on the ongoing projects. They work in close liaison with local partners, striving to build their capacity in terms of both administration and their economic model, and ensure that resources allocated to the projects are properly managed.

The independent experts The diverse nature of the projects run and supported by Acting for Life means that extensive fields of competence are required. To ensure quality and follow-up, experts regularly supply the association with their know-how.

2013 Annual report

The operational partners With the aim of supporting territorial economic development, the association co-operates especially with NGOs, associations and professional organizations but also works with local authorities. This co-operation takes account of the needs and capacities of partners in the South and enhances their efforts.

The technical partners

The institutional funders

Acting for life seeks to develop its skills through exchanges with other operational associations. This involves cobuilding, co-funding and sharing in respect of particular projects. Playing the role of facilitator, initiator or co-leader, Acting for Life strives to create leverage for projects in the interests of the local communities.

They provide Acting for Life with precious support in funding and setting up projects. Acting for Life has worked for many years alongside the French Development Agency and European Union (the main co-funders of the projects run by Acting for Life).

The financial partners

The historical partners

Companies, foundations and sponsorsâ&#x20AC;Ś Acting for Life strives to involve the private sphere in the development of its projects. We think it is important for them to take part in the development aid process through cobuilding an innovative partnership.

The financial, operational and material support of the airline sector, especially the Air France group and ADP, has enabled Acting for Life to ensure the continuity of its projects in the field. Loyal family foundations have also committed to working alongside us.

2013 Annual report

ACTING FOR LIFE

IN FIGURES

Activity was sustained throughout 2013. The teams worked in the field with all partners to implement existing projects and set up 15 new ones. Moreover, seven projects were completed and wound up. These are the dynamics of the association’s work: promoting growth at the service of development. All the data set out below refer to the portfolio of ongoing projects in 2013 and do not concern Acting for Life’s child protection projects, which were transferred to ECPAT France in 2011. Acting for Life will present a non-exhaustive but representative list of its projects in this annual report.

Distribution of projects by geographical area Africa

Latin America

Asia

Multi-country

10 projects

17 projects

4 projects

3 projects

For the year 2013, Acting for Life co-ordinated the implementation of a total of 34 projects.

Distribution of budgets by continent 5% 2%

51%

42%

Latin America

2013 Annual report

Africa

Asia

Multicountry

With 51% and 42% respectively of the total allocated budget, Latin America and Africa are the two main continents where Acting for Life has the greatest presence. While Asia may seem to have a minority share, four projects relating to “Sustainable Tourism” are currently being developed there.

Sources of project funding In accordance with Acting for Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic guidelines, our projects are based on the establishment of partnerships with organizations in the South. This demanding approach, with its concern to foster autonomy, means taking great care in putting projects together and identifying partners for whom rigour and both financial and technical involvement are essential. The airline sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-running support, which still accounts for one fifth of our funding, helps to ensure the continuity of these efforts.

14%

16% 51%

19%

Contribution from partners in the South Grants from the airline sector Other private grants European and international public grants

Distribution of the number of projects by field of intervention

Resources: Improving access and management of the resources needed for production

Production: Developing innovative production and marketing systems 6

1 Tourism

Integration Africa

Latin America

3 Production Asia

Resources

Multicountry

Integration: Enhancing the training and socio-economic integration of the most vulnerable Tourism: Fostering poverty reduction through ethical, sustainable tourism

The foregoing project distribution takes account of all the activities carried out by Acting for Life in 2013.

The number of operational partners Acting for Life works with day by day on every continent

2013 Annual report

EXTRACT FROM THE ACCOUNTS

2013 FINANCIAL YEAR

Acting for Life’s accounts are the subject of an annual external audit by the FAREC consultancy. The certified financial statements are then published in the Government Gazette and forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior; the following presentation is simply a summary. Each co-funded project is systematically audited in accordance with the legal requirements for charities.

Balance sheet at 31/12/2013

The balance sheet shows Acting for Life’s position at 31 December 2013. The association’s assets essentially comprise grants receivable and cash and cash equivalents. Liabilities are primarily made up of the association’s reserves and dedicated funds corresponding to commitments to be discharged in the coming years on already funded projects.(1) Assets (net values) Fixed assets

in K€

Liabilities

in K€

21 Net assets without right of repossession

Other accounts receivables (grants)

4 558 Result for the year

Investment securities

16 Provisions for risks and charges

Cash and banks

4 847 Funds dedicated to other resources

Other debts

9 442

Income statement in K€

Private financial partners

1 566

Public donors (EU, FAD)

2 415

Administrative fees

370

Writeback of depreciation and provisions, cost transfers

408

Financial income

Total

4 760 EXPENDITURE

Grants from the association Other external costs Fees of intermediaries and legal

201 43 245

Wages and social charges

788

Other charges Net resources not used in previous years carried forward Extraordinary costs, depreciation, depletion and amortisation Total Operating result 8

1 630

Travel, missions Taxes

2013 Annual report

12 208

9 442 Total

INCOME

52 7 477

Loans and debts with credit institutions Total

1 660

54 5 1 751 10 4 727 + 33

The profit and loss account shows the year’s activities, highlighting the main items of income and expenditure. Expenditure is primarily made up of disbursements of funds in the field in connection with projects. Salaries and Social Security expenses and mission and travel costs necessary to the smooth running of the projects complete the expenditure items. Income essentially covers public, particularly European, grants and support from our private partners. (1) The results are lower than in previous years due to the transfer of the work and funds of the “Child Protection Unit” to ECPAT. New projects will be starting up in 2014.

HIGHLIGHTS January

SEPTEMBEr

Acting for Life puts its partnership with the Azores Tourism Observatory on an official footing. New projects are identified in cooperation with Professor François Vellas and Toulouse Capitole University.

Acting for Life co-organizes a Seminar on socio-economic integration in Cusco, bringing together Mexican, Ecuadorian and Peruvian institutions.

March The Ensemble Foundation confirms its commitment to Acting for Life. The Director of the Foundation travels to the field to visit the “Mangroves, a vital resource” project in Ecuador.

May The association speaks at the sub-regional colloquium on pastoralism, organized by IRAM in N’Djaména, the capital of Chad.

June Acting for Life runs an initial training session on “Upgrading traditional crafts” for women craftworkers in Tadjouran, Djibouti. (p.64)

Jully The Airbus Helicopters Foundation makes a commitment to Acting for Life to support the “Challenges of development for the Nathuátl and Otomi people” project in Mexico. (p.26) Acting for Life joins with the Spanish NGO Fundeso and Basque Co-operation Fund in the “Colombia plays the diversity trump card” project.(p.30)

The first project on environmental protection and tourism in Mongolia is launched! An eco-bungalow building project also comes into being. In Bandiagara, Mali, Acting for Life starts its Vocational training for stoneworkers project. (p.40)

OCTOBER “Witness tours” are offered to “major donor” partners. That’s how we gain new ambassadors and donors who will encourage others to support us.

DECEMBER At the United Nations in Geneva, Acting for Life takes part with UNCTAD, UNWTO, ILO, ICC, WTO, UNESCO and UNDP in the high-level working group on international development co-operation programmes promoting tourism. Programmes of support to livestock mobility are taking off! Acting for Life extends its activities in Chad, Mauritania and all regions of Togo thanks to support from the European Union. Acting for Life undertakes a programme to improve its communications with the aid of Air France and its service providers.

2013 Annual report

MPROVING ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE RESOURCES NEEDED FOR PRODUCTION

What does Acting for Life mean by “access” and “management” of resources? Local people can come up with innovative initiatives in the economic and social fields. They need both access to the resources available in their territory and the ability to use these sustainably if they are to produce and generate an economic activity. The necessary resources are natural (water, land and grazing), human (knowledge and know-how), material (roads, machine tools, seeds and technologies) and financial (credit, savings and insurance).

What value can the association add in this connection? The principle of â&#x20AC;&#x153;concerted action and a territorial approachâ&#x20AC;? is dear to Acting for Life and has enabled it to develop great expertise in helping local stakeholders to manage their resources more efficiently. This requires sound knowledge of the issues and forums where stakeholders with sometimes contradictory interests can engage in dialogue together.

Can you give us an example of a project illustrating this theme? The micro-insurance project in Mexico perfectly illustrates this theme. The aim is to protect the harvests of vulnerable small producers against the climate disturbances that dog the country, particularly droughts and storms. By insuring their crops, small producers can improve management of the resources they need for production purposes.

MEXICO

INSURING CROPS

FOR SMALL PRODUCERS

pioneer in the creation of death insurance services for the most marginalized rural communities, the Mexican organization REDSOL is now offering and developing agricultural micro-insurance products to reduce the vulnerability of small rural producers and increase their harvest potential. Throughout the world, climate uncertainties jeopardize agricultural production. For the most vulnerable small producers, a bad harvest can mean ruin and tip whole regions into extreme poverty. How can cover for climate risks be provided for small farmers who have less than 5 ha of land? Acting for Life and REDSOL are working together to take up this challenge. Recent vulnerability studies of small producers have shown that farming is the main source of income for the great majority of them. With their limited production systems, they come up against serious economic difficulties in the event of climate disturbance (heavy rains, droughts and so on). 2011 was a year no one could forget. The north-eastern region of the country was hit by a wave of cold and frosts damaged the maize crop, the staple food of the Mexican population. Deprived of insurance and safeguards, small producers had to contend with a very dark period. Already a pioneer in life assurance matters, REDSOL, an organization stemming from farmers’ organizations, set itself the challenge in 2011 of mitigating the financial damage caused by the vagaries of the climate by offering an entirely new service ... agricultural micro-insurance. Supported and supervised by the public agency AGROASEMEX – which specializes in agricultural insurance products on a larger scale – REDSOL was able in 2011 to establish an insurance fund dedicated to the most marginalized rural producers in three Mexican states to cover the maize, coffee and groundnut crops. Presently composed of several producer organizations, the fund was set up with the aim of guarding against climate-related economic difficulties through an innovative system: agricultural micro-insurance. Under this system, REDSOL can provide previously neglected small producers with the insurance cover they lacked.

Resources

Project areas:

States of Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas 301 749 euros 2013-2016 Air France, AnBer Foundation, Fondation de France, local resources AMUCSS, REDSOL AGRICOLA

Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership Drawing on its expertise, Acting for Life is supporting the development of the REDSOL fund, thereby enabling it to reach an economically viable size to offer products suited to the needs and resources of small producers. With assistance from the association, REDSOL is increasing its customer numbers, training new field technicians, raising the awareness of other producer organizations and developing new products.

Issues Apart from the Indian example, there are few viable initiatives concerning agricultural insurance for very small producers. Economically dependent on farming, the latter are penalized in the event of a climate-related disaster. The loss of a harvest can in fact have negative socio-economic consequences for entire families. The frosts in February 2011 in particular reduced many Mexican producers to extreme poverty. Although they are poor and excluded from classic finance channels, they can be helped to mitigate risk through agricultural micro-insurance products such as those offered by REDSOL.

Achievements in 2013

Pro s p e c t s 2 0 1 4

During 2013, AGROASEMEX gave its agreement to extend the insurance fund to two new regions, Oaxaca and Guerrero, in addition to the three regions of Chiapas, Puebla and Veracruz, in order to reach a larger number of marginalized small producers. Apart from the extension of geographical cover, considerable work was done to promote insurance services, resulting in more than 2300 ha being insured. Communications tools (brochures, kits, etc.) were also put in place to facilitate the process of raising awareness of agricultural insurance products. Finally, several planning initiatives to expand operations – with seven producer organizations – were put together.

In 2014, monitoring of insurance operations will be facilitated through the opening of a regional office in Chiapas. The technical team will be further strengthened, with the recruitment and training of a new person within REDSOL. Moreover, significant emphasis will be placed on supporting the structuring of producer organizations through the holding of general meetings to facilitate the insurance fund’s participatory approach. REDSOL itself will continue its capitalization work and look into opportunities for distributing new insurance products.

Resources

PéRU

THE BATTLE FOR WATER

here are five districts in southern Lima, three of which have very high population density: San Juan de Miraflores, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa el Salvador. In these areas, some 197,821 people live in poverty, including 13,397 in extreme poverty, and do not have access to either minimum sanitation services or electricity. San Juan de Miraflores district, with its shantytown known as “la Nueva Rinconada”, has a population of more than 375,834. Drinking water supply has been inadequate for years, due to the lack of investment exacerbated by strong demographic growth. To this day, inhabitants of the shantytown have no access to water and have had to improvise various forms of supply for themselves. With support from Acting for Life, the project is working within the framework of the Lima Declaration and Lima South Political Agenda, in which environmental issues play a prominent part. This is the other side of the Peruvian economic boom. Crammed into the arid hills surrounding Lima, a fast-growing capital city, thousands of families still live in poverty in mud houses with corrugated iron roofs. When they first arrive in the Sierra, the highlands of the country, these “pobladores” survive without electricity or main drains and have to pay a high price for water brought in with difficulty by tanker. In the heart of the marginalized districts of southern Lima, millions of residents nevertheless strive to organize to improve their lot. With support from Acting for Life, the PEBAL association is developing a project based on a simple idea: putting the meagre resources of this remote place to better use. PEBAL teams show people how to use simple sanitation systems and manage water resources more responsibly. On these hostile slopes, a wastewater treatment network has also been built, following intensive mobilization efforts. The result is now visible in the heart of the shantytown, where recycled water has helped to establish green spaces.

Resources

Project areas:

Lima – district of San juan de Miraflores 65 599 euros 2012 - 2013 Private contributions, local resources ODP, PEBAL

Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership

In partnership with Acting for Life, PEBAL is endeavouring to improve its response to the needs of the most marginalized people, through the provision of appropriate assistance and technical innovations. To this end, the two associations have united around a common objective: implementing viable sanitation systems and stepping up their advocacy with the public and private authorities to promote access to drinking water.

Issues The aim is to provide access to good quality water and establish sanitation systems in 10 shantytowns in San Juan Miraflores district. In addition to access to water, the project also seeks to build the capacity of the most vulnerable people to tackle public health issues.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, around 66 families in the “la Nueva Rinconada” shantytown gained access to the wastewater treatment system. A technical study confirmed that this treated water is clean and safe for drinking. A project involving reafforestation and the creation of recreational pathways has also been put together and submitted to the authorities in three other shantytowns.

The project has now ended. Follow-up by PEBAL will help to ensure continuity. Efforts are also being made to obtain funding for the reafforestation and recreational pathways project from the local authorities.

Resources

ECUADOR

MANGROVES,

A VITAL RESOURCE

t present, almost 1 million Ecuadorians are economically dependent on the mangrove ecosystem. For centuries, mangroves have provided them with various forms of livelihood: fishing, timber, charcoal and hunting. Mangroves also provide a natural barrier against the violent winds and potential tsunamis that threaten the coast. They play a fundamental role in desalinization of coastal land needed for farming. Apart from this, mangroves have remarkable landscape qualities with significant tourism potential. As of the 1970s, the prawn industry developed illegally in the mangroves with the establishment of breeding ponds. Between 1970 and 2010, almost 70% of mangroves on the Ecuadorian coast disappeared, thereby casting the families who depended on that ecosystem into dire poverty. Mangroves, a vital ecosystem under threat in Ecuador, can genuinely be seen as lungs of the planet and a significant source of biodiversity. These flooded forests, classed as a public good, are supposed to be protected. However, in setting up there, many prawn industries deprive local people of essential resources and threaten the environmental balance. Aware of these dangers, the National Co-Ordinating Office for the Defence of the Mangrove Systems of Ecuador (CCONDEM) has been taking action for around fifteen years. An umbrella body for organizations of small-scale fishermen along the entire coastline, it seeks to preserve the mangroves through reafforestation, repopulation of species and recognition of protected areas in this South American state. Acting for Life is supporting CCONDEM in its efforts both to conserve the ecosystem and to help people live a decent life there, through the promotion of eco-friendly income-generating activities via ecotourism or small-scale fishing.

Focus on the partnership Acting for Life has been working alongside CCONDEM since 2012. Set up in 1998, that body provides a forum for inhabitants of the mangrove ecosystem in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Guayas, Manabi, Santa Elena and El Oro. Its members include some 120 organizations and 20 associations of smallscale fishermen.

Resources

Project areas:

Provinces of del Oro, Guayas, Manabi, Santa Elena and Esmeraldas 359 945 euros 2012 - 2014 Air France, Ensemble Foundation, AnBer Foundation, Fondation de France, local resources CCONDEM

Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Issues Run in partnership with CCONDEM and the American NGO Heifer, the project is helping to restore and conserve the two most threatened mangrove estuaries in the provinces of El Oro and Esmeraldas. It is improving the living conditions of smallscale fishermen and helping them to market their products, through the establishment of a marketing fund and the provision of equipment. Finally, the project is supporting around a dozen ecotourism initiatives via the preparation of a regional strategy for the Ecuadorian coast.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

During 2013, two areas were marked out in the estuaries to set up a pilot project to restore and conserve the mangrove ecosystem. At the same time, the communities stepped up their vigilance and efforts to protect the ecosystem in the two estuaries: 40 ha have been replanted. In this respect, a management plan for the nature reserve was also submitted to the Ministry of the Environment. The awareness of local communities was also raised: an information session was conducted to discuss the new legal framework that permits recognition of protected community areas. Moreover, five organizations received support to strengthen their fishing and tourism activities.

In 2014, Mexican and Ecuadorian universities will be involved in helping CCONDEM to set up the mangrove ecosystem restoration project and enhance the fishing and tourism initiatives. For its part, Acting for Life will concentrate on financial and administrative capacity-building for CCONDEM.

Resources

EVELOPING

INNOVATIVE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SYSTEMS

How is the association working on this theme? Specifically, Acting for Life is supporting producer organizations and both rural and urban entrepreneurs by giving them the means to generate more added value in their supply chains, i.e. from production through to marketing of their products.

What are the results of this support from Acting for Life and the work of its operational partners? This support offers new income opportunities and markets for producer organizations and entrepreneurs. Often struggling in the face of competition between the various economic operators, they need to make their organizations into efficient enterprises able to process their products, access new markets and deliver innovative services. Acting for Life and its partners are helping them with this process: by identifying territories, available resources, stakeholders and their needs; supporting producer organizations and entrepreneurs; and bringing stakeholders together around shared development issues.

Which project best illustrates this theme? Several of the projects conducted in West and Central Africa are emblematic within the association and the PRAPE (Regional Programme of Support to Livestock Productivity) is a case in point. Herding, as a mainstay of the economies of West and Central Africa, is an important source of income for many families. Acting for Life and its partners are working as closely as possible with key stakeholders in the livestock sector to help them tackle the relevant issues: dwindling productive resources, obstructions to livestock mobility and often precarious sales and marketing conditions.

WEST AFRICA

LIVESTOCK MOBILITY

AN ASSET FOR WEST AFRICA

he vagaries of the climate mean that surface water and wells dry up as of the months of October and November in Sahelian countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso. As a result, herders have to move southwards in search of water and grazing for their livestock. Often seen as an “archaic cultural relic”, this mobility is nevertheless the keystone of a system that generates income representing a significant share of the agricultural GDP of those countries. To escape the major drought periods, herders in the Sahel have no option but to cross borders with their animals. This ancestral practice, known as transhumance, is essential to the smooth operation of the livestock sector but nevertheless generates violent conflicts with farmers whose lands are constantly expanding to meet the population’s growing needs. As a result of monitoring the transhumance routes – from the Sahelian countries (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso) through to the coastal countries (Benin, Togo and Senegal) – Acting For Life has been able to design a vast programme aimed at facilitating livestock mobility whilst calming what has become a conflict situation. Given the success of the PAPE (Project of support to livestock productivity), developed earlier in Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali, the PRAPE (Regional Programme of Support to Livestock Productivity) is the logical next step. Supported by complementary national programmes, this large-scale programme seeks to foster dialogue between stakeholders and ensure the sustainability of the sector as a whole. This is a significant challenge for Acting for Life and its partners, who are essentially focusing on four complementary components: 1. Supplying livestock feed; 2. Livestock mobility and safeguarding the transhumance routes; 3. Equipping and managing the livestock markets; 4. Finally, facilitating informed debate between the various stakeholders in the sector. By boosting the productivity of the livestock sector, this ambitious programme is helping to meet a key objective: to do away with the volatility of farm prices that plunges many African countries into violent food crises. Currently developed in five countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Togo), it will be extended to three additional countries in 2014: Mauritania, Chad and Niger (one of the largest pastoral countries). The cross-border approach taken by this project is its distinctive and most valuable feature. Rolled out in several countries, the project targets the same objectives in each and, in the end, pays little heed to national borders.

Production

Benin Burkina Faso Mali Senegal Togo

While the importance of the livestock mobility strategy is now acknowledged by the African Union in its “Policy Framework for Pastoralism in Africa” and mobility is legally protected in most Sahelian countries, there is still a long way to go in terms of improving services connected with livestock mobility such as access to water points, livestock feed and veterinary care. As a result of its direct impact on animal production and improving income for the surrounding communities, Acting for Life has been able, in close liaison with its partners, to continue its awareness-raising work in respect of conflicts (between farmers and herders) over access to resources.

Issues Having begun with the PAPE in 2010, the Regional Programme of Support to Livestock Productivity is now having a significant impact. In co-operation with its operational partners, Acting for Life is helping to boost the economic viability of herding systems, particularly through its assistance in the supply of more than 10,000 tonnes of livestock feed. The association is also working to improve herd mobility by safeguarding “transhumance corridors” and related facilities (wells, grazing areas and so on). Support in establishing livestock markets has also helped to boost the local economy and improve the living conditions of the “indirect” beneficiaries (rope makers, horn cutters, women craftworkers and so on). The impact does not stop there. Acting for Life also acts as a facilitator of exchanges between the various stakeholders in the sector, helping them to reflect together on subjects of key importance for the future.

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Benin – Burkina Faso – Mali – Senegal – Togo 2 865 014 euros 2012 - 2015 European Union, French Agency for Development, Air France, AnBer Foundation, Caritas France Foundation, local resources ACAD, ADECOB, ADISSAH, AFAD, ANOPER, APIDEV, ARED, CIRAD, Conseil Régional de l’Est du Burkina Faso, GADEC, Louvain Coopération, RAFIA, RECOPA, POTAL-MEN Production

Focus on cross-cutting partnerships

With a view to facilitating the operational aspects of the programme, Acting for Life has joined forces with various partners in different fields, such as: • ARED, Association For Development Research and Education in Africa, an NGO specializing in training instructors for the “Livestock Trading in West Africa” module; • CIRAD, Centre for International Co-operation in Agronomic Research for Development, with which Acting for Life is working to update the module in Senegal and Togo.

Livestock mobility: transhumance and trade

The map below illustrates the cross-border aspect of the programme, the importance of dialogue between partners and the transhumance and trade flows between the various countries.

La mobilité du bétail : transhumance et commerce Flux de commercialisation important Flux de commercialisation significatif Zones d’interventions Futures zones d’interventions (Pays producteurs et/ou consommateurs)

Abeche

N’Djamena

Gozbeida

Amutiman

Zoom in on achievements in 2013 per country BURKINA FASO • Increase in municipal revenue from the livestock markets (more than 50% for the market in kompienga) • Increased income for women at the Dewal-Weltare mini-dairy • 50 km of tracks marked out

Production

BeNIN • 5 informed debates held concerning the livestock sector • 5 veterinary input stores strengthened • 5 livestock markets built MALI • Reduction of conflicts between farmers and herders • Limitation of the ever-rising livestock feed prices charged by traders/retailers • 160 key stakeholders trained in respect of the livestock trade • 60 tonnes of livestock feed supplied SeNeGAL • 20 partners and other technical participants trained as instructors for the livestock trade modules • 4 workshops set up at local level and 1 workshop at regional level

PROSPECTS 2014

TOGO • Improved management of marketing infrastructure • 5 workshops held at local level, 1 workshop at regional level and 1 workshop at national level • a plan of action established for the development of agro-pastoralism in the Savannah region

In 2014, in Togo (Koundjouaré) and Burkina Faso (Matiacoali and Liptougou), Acting for Life and its partners will work on building livestock markets. A loading bay will also be set up to facilitate the transport of livestock to the enclosure at Dapaong market in Togo. In Mali, Acting for Life will continue its work to standardize taxes at regional level and endeavour to enhance revenue from the different livestock markets at municipal level. In Senegal, the association will continue its monitoring of the impact of the livestock trade training module and prepare a plan of action to facilitate the development of the sector. In Benin, around 50 km of tracks will be safeguarded and a grazing area established. A loading bay to facilitate the passage of the animals will also be built. Finally, an agreement signed between producer organizations and inter-municipal associations will facilitate monitoring of agropastoralism activities. As a logical follow-up to this programme of support to livestock mobility, Acting For Life and its partners will start new projects in West and Central Africa in 2014. By extending its area of intervention, particularly in Chad, Mauritania and Togo, the association will be pursuing its aims to improve livestock productivity through cross-border mobility. In this way, Acting for Life is helping key stakeholders in the sector to improve their organization and play an active part in putting together livestock production and marketing policies and strategies in their respective countries.

Production

BURKINA FASO

MINI-DAIRY : FOSTERING

WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS

espite the existence of cash crops and less arid climatic conditions than in the North, the eastern region of Burkina Faso still suffers worrying levels of poverty, as confirmed by macro and micro-economic indicators. Having been involved for some years in the agropastoralism sector in West Africa, Acting for Life is establishing an innovative mini-dairy model to develop women’s entrepreneurial skills. Based in Fada N’Gourma, the DEWAL-WELTARE mini-dairy relies for its daily production on supplies from around thirty herder families living on the outskirts of town. Set up in 1998 with extremely limited resources, it brings together around a dozen women involved in both producing milk and running the business. Using the raw material collected, the women pasteurize the milk and process it in a rudimentary fashion, mainly into yoghurt and cottage cheese. The enterprise is challenging in more ways than one. The dairy sector represents an important but nonetheless uncertain source of income and various constraints hinder the co-operative’s development prospects. Supply difficulties due to lower yields in the dry season, the transhumance of many animals, the lack of diversity of the products on offer and the women’s lack of training in managing their co-operative stand in the way of sustainability. Acting for Life and its partners have therefore focused on three main elements: safeguarding access to livestock feed for milk producers; improving and diversifying processing methods and marketing; and, finally, building producers’ technical and financial management capacities. Adopting an original approach, the project is primarily implemented by the women themselves all the way along the supply chain.

Production

Project areas: Fada N’Gourma (East) Total project budget: 67 466 euros Period: 2013 - 2014 Financial partners: Air France, local resources Operational partners: DEWAL-WELTARE, RECOPA-EST

Focus on the partnership In this region, DEWAL-WELTARE in Fada N’Gourma is the leading co-operative processing and selling milk. In implementing the project, Acting for Life works alongside RECOPA-Est (communications network on pastoralism), which has taken an interest for some years in development of the dairy sector and building the capacity of the mini-dairy. A not-for-profit association involved in the livestock sector, RECOPA has a long history of working with Acting for life.

Issues

Support for the co-operative’s development can help to lift various constraints, e.g. by increasing the quantities of raw material available, looking for new market segments and establishing a coherent business plan. The project beneficiaries will then experience fewer difficulties in adding value to the herds’ milk production and gaining a firm foothold in the market.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

As the agreement was signed at the end of 2013, assessment work and the establishment of the tools began in 2014 and will be finalized the same year.

In 2014, a business plan will be prepared and a literacy project developed for the members of the women’s group. Acting for Life and its partners will also continue their work on diversifying the processing, packaging and marketing of the dairy products. Finally, an exchange visit between women from the DEWALWELTARE co-operative and “sister” organizations in the north of Benin will be organized. The women will receive training in new milk production and processing techniques.

Production

MEXICO

THE CHALLENGES OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE

NAHUATL AND OTOMI PEOPLE

n partnership with Acting for Life, the Mexica “Sierras Verdes” (AMUCCS) association is developing an integrated poverty reduction programme in the north of Puebla state, resting on three pillars: education and strengthening of producer organizations; health through better diet and improved housing; and economic development. Despite sustained development efforts, the rural regions of Mexico – particularly where the indigenous communities live - are still affected by extreme poverty. A recent World Bank study estimated the poverty rate amongst the indigenous Mexican population to be 80.6% (the second highest rate in the world after the Democratic Republic of Congo). This was the reason for the establishment in 2007 of “Sierras Verdes”, which aimed to design an original operating methodology based on supporting the autonomy of families in an area where the Nahuátl and Otomi people are in the majority. For the last six years, the Sierras Verdes (Green Mountains in Spanish) organization has been striving to improve the living conditions of indigenous communities by providing them with access to healthy food in adequate quantities, as well as training and microfinance services. Sierras Verdes is now diversifying its activities to offer assistance to small producers in growth sectors, with the aim of dynamizing the local economy whilst safeguarding the environment. For Maria, who together with other women has just set up a small jewellery business, the practical help from Sierras Verdes will mean that she can become familiar with new production techniques and develop commercial outlets. As for Roberto, he needs support to improve the marketing strategy of the coffee co-operative to which he belongs. These small producers all share the same vision: to handle product processing themselves; reduce the number of intermediaries between them and consumers; and earn enough to provide their families with a decent standard of living.

Production

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners:

Puebla – Pahuatlán 1 325 133 euros 2013 - 2016 Airbus Helicopter Foundation, AnBer Foundation, local resources SIERRAS VERDES (Groupe AMUCSS)

Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership Recognized as a Mexican local development agency, Sierras Verdes belongs to the Mexican national micro-finance platform, AMUCCS. Since its establishment in 2007, Sierras Verdes has been providing support in rural areas in the following three fields: facilitating the economic organization of small producers; promoting the development of micro-enterprises; and consolidating food security strategies.

Issues In this project, Acting for Life and Sierras Verdes have a shared ambition to create a unique operating model that can be adapted in other rural regions of Mexico. Whilst increasing the financial literacy of local communities through the establishment of savings groups, it will help them not only to acquire efficient equipment to improve family productivity but also to manage their micro-businesses.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, Acting for Life focused particularly on the following three elements: education and capacity-building for producer organizations; improving health through diet and better quality housing; and developing the local economy. In each case, the project has made significant advances: several producer organizations have been set up in six growth sectors, including coffee and livestock; savers’ groups have been set up; and training has been given in respect of “food security”. Finally, technical assistance has been provided to improve the production and productivity of craftworkers in the region.

In 2014, Acting for Life and Sierras Verdes will work to strengthen the associations, co-operatives and microbusinesses involved in the supply chains and growth sectors in the local area. A feasibility study will be conducted to explore the possibilities of extending activities in Mexico to Querétaro state.

Production

PERU

A BETTER LIFE

FOR FARMING FAMILIES

here are few sources of income in Ocongate municipality, located in the Cusco region of Peru at an altitude of between 3000 and 6400 metres. With support from the Peruvian association CCAIJO and Acting for Life, families have been able to increase their income by adding value to their milk production. In a population of 14,000, 9 out of 10 people live in rural areas. The illiteracy rate is 63% (as against the 12% national average) and 52% of children in the province suffer growth retardation as a result of malnutrition. Nevertheless, genuine development opportunities do exist. Following the fall in alpaca wool prices in 2006, small producers began to farm dairy cows and many family cheese dairies were set up, significantly improving residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; living standards. This was the background against which Acting for Life, in partnership with the Peruvian organization CCAIJO, set up a project to support the dairy sector. Marce and Antero used to farm alpacas, whose wool was their main source of income. Faced with falling prices, they decided gradually to build up a herd of sixteen dairy cows to establish their cheese dairy. With the help of CCAIJO, they improved their production of fodder to feed the livestock and learned to make cheese, whilst taking care to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Altiplano. They now want to diversify into making yoghurt and other dairy products. As an alternative to migrating to the city, JosĂŠ and Elisabeth have also launched into dairy production as a means of subsistence. In their new cheese dairy, they plan to collect milk from neighbouring herders and would like to employ two people from their village to cope with growing demand.

Production

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners:

Ocongate - state of Cusco 490 506 euros 2013 - 2016 Air France, AnBer Foundation, local resources CCAIJO

Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership The CCAIJO association has been working for more than 30 years to improve living conditions for rural communities in Cusco region. For its part, Acting for Life is providing support in identifying community needs, designing projects, fundraising, administration and financial management of funds received. It also provides technical assistance to increase the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact and help it move towards autonomy.

Issues Through their involvement in the production, processing and marketing of dairy produce in the Andes, Acting for Life and its partner are improving the productivity of small farmers, reducing child malnutrition and, more broadly, improving the living conditions of the population of Ocongate.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

A forum for stakeholders in the sector is being set up with the aim of preparing a development plan for dairy activities in the region. Two municipal associations of dairy producers also received support to build their capacities. For its part, Ocongate municipality worked on improving production through artificial insemination of the cows and improving grazing. Finally, assistance was provided to improve milk quality, enabling the farmers to raise their selling prices.

In 2014, a business plan will be drawn up to help develop the sector. Support to the farmers will be stepped up to achieve optimum quality standards for the milk and its processing at family and community facilities.

Production

COLOMBIA

COLOMBIA PLAYS

THE DIVERSITY TRUMP CARD

he earlier agricultural marketing project on the territory of the Páez Indian people achieved good results. More than 240 families succeeded in diversifying their agricultural production. In addition to coffee, they now grow maize and beans and raise chickens and sheep. Production is mainly intended for family consumption but the surplus is sufficiently large for the produce to be sold on the region’s markets at a fairer price. In 2013, the Colombia Nuestra foundation (FCN) decided to extend the experiment to a larger area that is culturally and geographically diverse. Comprising five municipalities, the operational area in Cauca is inhabited by people of African heritage and Páez and Misak Indians. Despite abundant resources, these people have limited means of production. Their income is also heavily dependent on the coffee and sugar cane crops. Some families are even forced to take part in growing illegal crops in order to survive. Acting for Life is helping the FCN to support these communities in implementing an efficient production and marketing strategy. Developed in partnership with FUNDESO, the Spanish development aid association, this FCN project aims to improve productivity and adapt crops to market requirements. What is so special about it? It rests on the complementarity of the various communities. Primarily located on the plains, Afro-Colombian farmers specialize in sugar cane, cereals and poultry. The indigenous communities, clustered in the highlands, produce potatoes, meat and quinoa. They now have processing equipment and are able to sell their products at a shared sales venue. The aim is not purely economic: the project seeks at the same time to boost co-operation between the local authorities and representatives of the indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities with a view to supporting family agriculture and dialogue between the different groups.

Focus on the partnership The FCN was set up 40 years ago at the time of the first agrarian reform in Colombia, with the aim of recognizing the rights of the indigenous peoples. The Foundation has striven to help these communities “reclaim land”. It also seeks to boost coffee production by developing a fair

Production

Project areas: Department of Cauca Total project budget: 331 942 euros Period: 2013 - 2014 Financial partners: Air France, local resources Operational partners: FCN

trade value chain. This was the rationale for the creation of the “Fondo Páez” producers’ association. In partnership with Acting for Life and FUNDESO, it is now supporting projects fostering the development of the indigenous and AfroColombian communities.

Issues Despite the agrarian reform of the 1970s, small producers still have limited means of production, preventing them from improving their income and, consequently, their living conditions. The aim of this project is to foster the development of the Misak, Nasa and Afro-Colombian people in Cauca, taking account of their diversity and resources. The challenge Acting for Life, FCN and FUNDESO have set themselves is to improve agricultural production; facilitate access to markets; raise the awareness of the local authorities; and support family farming.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, production strategies were put in place for 11 Páez, Misak and AfroColombian community organizations in the territory, reaching around 153 families. These strategic plans helped to increase production volumes and improve the marketing process. Three trials on marketing complementary products were also carried out, laying the foundations for more structured marketing in the region. Training sessions were held to convince local stakeholders (such as municipalities and local authorities) of the importance of supporting family farming.

In 2014, Acting for Life will provide further support to food production to achieve sufficient volumes to strengthen marketing processes. Moreover, a marketing structure established by the farmer organizations will come into being. Finally, Acting for Life, FUNDESO and FCN will endeavour to put together a territorial economic development proposal covering the indigenous, AfroColombian and mixed heritage communities.

Production

COLOMBIA

FONDO PáEZ, INDEPENDENTLY GROWING COFFEE

temming from a joint initiative of the Colombia Nuestra foundation(FCN) and AFDI (French Farmers and International Development), the Indian organization Fondo Páez came into being in 1996. Now acknowledged as a key economic and social stakeholder within the Páez communities, “Fondo Páez” aims to develop and improve the communities’ production systems with the aid of Acting for Life, so that they can engage in direct local marketing. The Páez people, who have a strong presence in Cauca where family livelihoods are heavily dependent on coffee production, were involved in the indigenous movements in the 1970s that struggled to escape enslavement by the major landowners and reclaim land for cultivation. Crop diversification and the development of appropriate production systems are vitally important to provide them with food security and a regular income. Over the last 10 years or so, the indigenous Páez people have achieved a small miracle. Perched at an altitude of around 1500 metres in the south of the country, these communities produce organic fair trade coffee that has made its way to Europe and opened up new horizons for them. Thanks to the income generated by this precious drink, the Páez have established their own savings and credit fund, which now enables them to finance fast-expanding farm production (beans, maize and poultry) intended for their own consumption and sale on the surrounding markets. Via the Fondo Páez, some 800 families have chosen a safer, sustainable path. They have improved their income and diet and gained in autonomy, taking advantage of the support provided by Acting for Life and the FCN. Coffee producer Alfredo took up keeping poultry to feed his family, but has also received training in accountancy. He now manages the Fondo Páez savings and credit fund in the area where he lives. He also helps the salespeople in the food shop in his village to keep their books and is able to fund the education of his children, including his elder son who is going to study accountancy at university. A more certain future for the indigenous Páez people is now on the cards.

Production

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Páez – Department of Cauca 299 907 euros 2009 - 2013 Air France, AnBer Foundation, local resources FONDO PáEZ

Focus on the partnership Acting for Life, the FCN and Fondo Paéz have been working together on this project since the end of 2008. Acting for Life has provided its partners with three-way support – technical, operational and financial – to achieve the stated objectives: enhancing food security and the economic development of the territory.

Issues Malnutrition and poverty are prevalent in Páez region where 50% of the population is under 15 and family income is no more than two dollars a day. The Fondo Páez organization was set up to improve family living standards by revitalizing the food crop economy and marketing produce via short supply chains. Apart from coffee production, communities now have access to a healthy, diversified diet and their trading activities have increased.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, significant efforts were made in the following three fields: 1. 1. Diversification of crop and livestock production - Páez families are now able to plan their production of food crops as a complement to coffee; 2. 2. Creation of short supply chains in the territory and its surrounding region - a market study conducted to estimate local demand led to the development of a marketing strategy; 3. 3. Finance and management capacity-building - following an audit of the credit fund, recommendations were made that enabled the Fondo Páez to restructure and decentralize its management. A total of some 680 indigenous families directly benefiting from the project now belong to the organization.

In 2014, options were agreed jointly between Acting for Life, Fondo Páez and the Colombia Nuestra Foundation for the continuation of these activities. To cover the costs of mobilization of the volunteer members of Fondo Páez, Acting for Life will endeavour to put in place a contributions scheme and make use of the premium from coffee sales. Acting for Life is also planning to support capitalization of this successful experience.

Production

cOLOMBIA

FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS

FOR A BETTER LIFE

Colombian organization involved with small rural producers, CEIBA helps to improve the living conditions of farmers in Antioquia. Specializing in natural resource management, this Colombian NGO seeks to enhance the training of young people and adults by means of a methodology known as “farmer field schools”. What is the project’s original feature? An integral and many-faceted approach: agriculture, food, income diversification, resource preservation and training. In Colombia, the economy of Antioquia region is exceptionally highly dependent on coffee. This seasonal crop, with its selling prices pegged to particularly volatile world markets, is not enough to provide small producers with a decent income throughout the year or access to sufficient healthy food for an acceptable lifestyle. Since 2006, Acting For Life has been working alongside CEIBA in the “farmer field schools” project to improve the living conditions of these marginalized producers through diversification of their activities. In the village of Liborina, wedged into an area with an extremely hilly landscape, the roads are almost impassable. As the primary source of livelihood, farming here provides no more than a meagre income for small farmers who have to contend with uncertain access to drinking water and electricity. With support from Acting for Life, CEIBA has established around 20 farmer field schools providing adults and young people with training. As a result, many small farmers have been able to upgrade their skills although many of them had barely got through primary school. Several community economic initiatives have been launched since, enabling families to diversify their income: local shops, sugar cane processing industries and credit and savings funds. Apart from this economic aspect, small farmers can now make their voices heard. They take part in lobbying alongside local councillors to make rural areas a priority in government policy. The mechanism is simple and virtuous: only education and training can help small farmers assert their rights and enjoy in their turn the fruits of growth in Colombia.

Production

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners:

Department of Antioquia 419 633 euros 2013 - 2015 AnBer Foundation, Fondation de France, local resources CEIBA

Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership Acting for Life has been helping CEIBA since 2005 to identify community needs, design projects, raise funds and deal with the administration and financial management of those funds, whilst providing technical and methodological assistance with a view to enhancing the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact.

Issues CEIBA provides many small farming families with the opportunity to improve their living conditions by building their capacity and that of their organizations. In 14 villages in Antioquia, it is endeavouring to build up the social fabric in a particularly isolated area. The main challenges are: improving family diets, structuring savings groups, preserving water resources, improving housing conditions and establishing economic activities.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

An assessment was carried out to identify needs in terms of improving agricultural production, housing conditions, access to water, training of popular savings groups and economic initiatives designed to increase income. CEIBA also began to install family vegetable gardens and the equipment needed for processing and preparing food. More widely, it is now seeking to establish local savings groups that would help people to access sustainable finance.

For the second year of this project, Acting for Life and CEIBA will endeavour to strengthen the savings groups and enhance the economic initiatives as income sources for the most marginalized communities. Training will continue as a crosscutting project activity. Efforts will also be made to draw the local authorities into this approach.

Production

chilE

RELMU WITRAL OR,

“RAINBOW WEAVING”

et up in 2003 and supported since 2008 by Acting for Life, the Relmu Witral association has 135 women weaver members. It markets high-quality traditional textiles produced by its members – women in a vulnerable social and economic position – according to fair trade principles. Relmu Witral is also a social enterprise contributing to the integral development of its members. With its 10,000 inhabitants – 50% of whom are ethnic Mapuche – the rural municipality of Tirúa is one of the 10 most disadvantaged municipalities in Chile. In these communities, women are particularly vulnerable. Often victims of domestic violence, they have long been excluded from the school system and many of them have problems with literacy. Moreover, labouring is essentially the only work available in Tirúa and jobs are aimed exclusively at men. The aim of Relmu Witral is therefore to address the needs of its 135 women members. In Florentina’s family, weaving is a skill passed from mother to daughter. This 71-year-old grandmother has taught her daughter and then her granddaughter to spin and dye sheep’s wool. She has passed the ancestral knowledge of weaving techniques on to them. The Mapuche – “people of the land” in the local dialect – who live in Araucania in the south of Chile are the majority indigenous people in the country. The art of weaving is one of the riches of their culture. For generations, women have been washing and spinning wool and then dying it with natural pigments extracted from flowers, leaves and stalks. They use looms to make blankets, shawls or mats. Their know-how is unique and centuries-old, but now threatened with disappearance. Because they live in isolated communities, women have to go to urban centres to sell their products, but there is insufficient demand on the local market. This was the reason for the creation more than 10 years ago of the Relmu Witral (rainbow weaving) association, which now has a membership of 135 Mapuche women weavers, aged between 18 and 75. The objective? To enable them to make a decent living from their crafts by finding adequate marketing channels to safeguard, enhance and sustain their skills.

Production

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Santiago du Chili 44 164 euros 2013 - 2014 Air France, local resources RELMU WITRAL, boutique Los Dominicos

Focus on the partnership Acting for Life is helping the Relmu Witral association to make better use of ancestral know-how. The association purchases and markets its members’ products, thereby assuring them of a regular source of income. It also contributes to the integral development of its beneficiaries through literary classes, instruction in weaving techniques, setting up practical workshops and organizing meetings with other craftswomen.

Issues Faced with competition between the existing weavers and those from other organizations in southern Chile, the Relmu Witral association opened its shop to facilitate the direct sale of the craft products. By restricting the number of middlemen, Relmu Witral ensures economic sustainability and helps to improve its members’ living standards.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

The project has helped to support the launch of the craft shop in the Chilean capital. After one year in business, the shop’s sales are continuing to rise and its net result is positive, providing the women weavers with an additional income.

In 2014, the project will undertake systematic monitoring of the shop’s economic activity. Acting for Life will also assist the women to develop their crafts in line with demand and the market.

Production

NHANCING TRAINING AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

What is Acting for Life’s position in this regard? The Association supports the provision of training and assistance to foster new skills that the local economy needs to develop. In this regard, the aim is to strengthen both the “vocational training” and ”entrepreneurship” aspects of growth sectors in order to bring about sustainable improvements in beneficiaries’ living conditions.

Can you tell us about achievements in this connection? Acting for Life has chosen to get more heavily involved in this theme. One example of major progress was the formulation of a regional project for Latin America on rural socio-economic integration through entrepreneurship. Moreover, in Africa, the idea is to go beyond simply supporting training centres and instigate a larger-scale dynamic process that takes account of local realities and needs.

In your view, which project provides the best illustration? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stoneworkingâ&#x20AC;? project in Bandiagara, Mali, where we find efforts to strengthen existing vocational training, create new training modules, manage a local resource (stone) and, finally, put professional skills into practice. In addition, the project has a socially useful dimension in the shape of paving and cleaning up of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streets.

MALI

“TIBOU WALOU YIRIBAREDe”

KNOWLEDGE OF STONEWORKING

ow can theory and practice come together when enterprises, most of which are informal, do not offer vocational courses? Acting for Life offers a response to young people in Bandiagara through an original model of training in stoneworking.

In Mali, the economic landscape is heavily dominated by informality that favours neither the professional integration of young people nor their access to decent employment. Apart from these difficulties, the training on offer is not relevant to the needs of the local market. This has led Acting for Life and its partners to come up with an original solution. This unique system focuses on both training and the development of an economic growth sector for Bandiagara - a territory known for its stone resources. The “Tibou Walou Yiribarede” (“knowledge of stone work” in the Dogon language) project is based on the establishment of a site school where all stoneworking skills (including extraction, cutting, masonry, traditional building, paving, constructing sewers/drains, etc.) are taught and practised. 50 young people studying for a technical qualification (CAP) in stoneworking have begun their theoretical and practical on-site training at this vocational school. They are preparing to undertake drainage work in the town for the benefit of local people (e.g. establishing mini-sewers, cess-pools to collect wastewater, etc.). As a result of the work co-ordinated with several Malian practitioners, the project is now able to offer a relevant vocational training model.

Focus on the partnership The NGO PDCO (Promotion for Community Development) is co-ordinating the territorial arrangements in Bandiagara. It is responsible for facilitation (consultation and dialogue with councillors and residents, liaison with groups of stoneworkers and institutional co-ordination) and the socio-economic integration of young people. PDCO works in concert with the Bandiagara Technical and Vocational School, a private school that offers vocational training certificates (CAP and BT) in stoneworking. Other local stakeholders are also involved, such as the Mopti Regional Assembly and the cercle and municipal councils of Bandiagara.

Integration

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Bandiagara – Mopti 70 025 euros 2013 - 2014 Air France, AnBer Foundation, Private contributions PDCO, ETPBA

Issues

The project aims to: train 50 young people in stoneworking skills at two levels of vocational qualification (CAP and BT), contribute to their socio-professional integration and take part in developing the territory of Bandiagara. To do this, it has put in place a “site school” system combining training in stoneworking skills with production for the benefit of the community. This will result in the paving of 2 km of roads, in addition to the complementary drainage work undertaken using local materials.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

The above-mentioned activities were carried out between the months of September and December 2013. The local authorities of Bankass, Koro, Douentza and Bandiagara (Préfets, Presidents of the cercle Council, Mayors and Presidents of the municipalities) have been informed about the project. In addition, a selection and monitoring committee comprising a dozen local stakeholders (Training and Employment Institute, local authorities and NGOs) has been established. Training material has also been put out in three local languages to enhance the communications process. Finally, training for the CAP stoneworking certificate, which began in mid-October 2013, has already enabled 90% of beneficiaries to reach the required standard in the end of first term assessments.

In 2014, training of trainers in street paving will commence. Training modules in stone-cutting and primary drainage work will also be put in place. Furthermore, young people in the first and second years of study for the CAP in stoneworking will continue their training with a complementary paving module.

Integration

IVORY COAST

FARMER: A VALUED

PROFESSION ONCE AGAIN

he former economic jewel of West Africa is gradually picking up again, even though the scourge of poverty still affects the rural people who form a majority in the country. To head for the capital is now a real temptation for those looking for a way of escaping it, particularly young people. Limited training opportunities and high unemployment. The prospects look pretty poor as soon as one moves away from Abidjan, the country’s economic lungs. Nevertheless, there are some rays of hope. Set up more than 10 years ago in the Yopougon district on the outskirts of the capital, an educational farm known as “Tshanféto” (‘Get up’ in the Ebrié language) offers vulnerable people a new future. The beneficiaries include an average of 40 people of all educational levels and from different regions who come to this unique place every year to train as farmers and get a foothold on the job market. At Tshanféto, the focus is on learning plant and vegetable production techniques, management and marketing, as well as on environmental themes, through training geared towards organic farming. Unlike many agricultural centres around that do not offer trainees any chance to practice their professional skills, Tshanféto enables them to become immediately operational after training. At the same time, the educational farm organizes short à la carte training courses to enable its former trainees and local producers to enhance their skills in certain leading-edge techniques such as cultivating rubber (Hevea) trees.

Focus on the partnership

The educational farm was set up in the 2000s at the initiative of the local Bétharram congregation for the benefit of peri-urban communities. Its strategy is based on self-financing productive activities, while paying attention to the education and integration of beneficiaries. Tshanféto now needs institutional and financial recognition from the national authorities of its training if it is to develop. Moreover, supporting post-training integration means working more closely with local stakeholders and systems to ensure the continuity of the project.

Integration

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Yopougon 659 410 euros 2011 - 2014 Air France, AnBer Foundation, Fondation de France, Caritas France Foundation, local resources TSHANFĂŠTO

Issues The training centre contributes to both improvement in the living conditions of rural and peri-urban communities on the outskirts of Abidjan and the professional integration of the younger generations. An evaluation conducted with former trainees from different years has highlighted the problems with post-training integration. There are few real success stories, most of them due to family economic support. However, the great majority do persist, despite difficulties relating to particular climatic conditions, the diseases that affect production and the socio-political crises in the country.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, 47 young people received training in plant and animal production, farm management and marketing from an organic farming perspective. In addition, 22 adults attended short training courses on the theme of animal husbandry. Individual vegetable patches within the collective plots were also introduced to encourage young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s initiatives. Finally, points of sale were designed to develop direct marketing.

In 2014, the project will enhance the knowledge and farming skills of around 50 young people and 20 adults. Acting for Life will seek to contribute to the economic balance of TshanfĂŠto through improving marketing and self-financing. Finally, new partnerships will be set up to promote integration and institutional recognition by the Ivorian public authorities.

Integration

BENIN

EVER STRONGER...

he mission of Acting for Life is to contribute to the emergence and development of sound local organizations. This project aims to put partners in Benin on the road to autonomy in line with the chosen approach: building their accounts and financial management capacities. Public funders have significant requirements when it comes to accounts management and technical and financial control. These requirements are passed on by NGOs from the North who, by signing contracts with these donors, undertake to ensure that the grants received are used according to the proper procedure. With this in mind, Acting for Life has put together a specific financial and administrative capacity-building project that is consistent with its mission to support operational partners: 1. Ensuring compliance with the requirements set out in the partnership agreement; 2. Building the management capacity of the partner organizations - by installing accounting software – to enable them in the medium term to receive and manage financial aid directly; 3. Promoting networking and exchanges of good practice between the various partner organizations.

Focus sur le partenariat

The beneficiaries of this project are the finance officers and bookkeepers of the four associations and NGOs receiving support: • ACAD: National Association of the municipalities of Atakora and Donga • ADECOB: Association for the development of the municipalities of Borgou • APIDEV: Association for the promotion of sustainable development initiatives • POTAL-MEN: an NGO specializing in livestock mobility 44

Integration

Project areas: Parakou (North) Total project budget: 39 008 euros Period: 2013 - 2014 Financial partners: Air France, Private contributions Operational partners: ACAD, ADECOB, APIDEV, POTALMEN

Issues Acting for lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aim is to build its partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; accounts management and administration capacity, enabling them to comply with donor requirements and facilitating networking. Reinforced in this way, these four organizations in Benin will, in the medium term, be able to respond themselves to calls for projects, a key lever in strengthening civil society in the South.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, the partner organizations were equipped with accounting software and trained to use it. The Acting for Life team also carried out a one-week field mission to answer questions about configuring the software, validate accounting data entry and move forward with establishing a systems plan.

In 2014, the bookkeepers of the various partner organizations will be monitored. This activity will involve the delivery and quarterly monitoring of the accounts. There will also be a further Acting for Life mission to deal with the annual end of year closing of the accounts.

Integration

PERU

PARTNERS UNITED

AROUND INTEGRATION

espite the substantial economic development taking place in Latin American countries, rural areas continue to be affected by extreme poverty. The economy of these countries is still marked by underemployment and informal work. In addition, vocational training tends to focus on the farming sector or urban areas and there is limited provision in rural areas. These countries do, however, have a high rate of business start-ups. These enterprises are an important vector of integration, job creation and economic development but tend to be informal and have a very short lifetime. Acting for Life and its partners are keen to develop a relevant response. The project seeks to set up an exchange of experience between public and private stakeholders in Mexico, Ecuador and Peru in order to put together a grant application to support the development of tools, strategies and skills promoting rural entrepreneurship. In September 2013, Acting for Life brought various stakeholders together in Cusco, Peru, to discuss matters relating to socio-economic integration in rural areas: micro-finance institutions, local development agencies, rural development NGOs, centres providing technical training and help to business start-ups, producers and so on. Around fifteen Peruvian, Ecuadorian and Mexican participants were able to discuss ways to promote the integration of young people and adults through employment and entrepreneurship. They all agreed on the issues surrounding integration in Latin America: the need to work together with local public and private stakeholders, enhance the development of market-driven technical and entrepreneurial skills for marginalized communities, develop appropriate financial services for rural areas and encourage a culture of savings and credit. At the end of the meeting, several institutions from these three countries decided to share and adapt their practice in order to respond more effectively to the lack of opportunities in marginalized rural areas.

Integration

Project areas: Peru Total project budget: 22 428 euros Period: 2013 Financial partners: Private contributions Operational partners: CID

Focus on the partnership

Acting for Life promotes North/South and South/South co-operation by encouraging networking between organizations in Ecuador - CEPESIU, a partner of Acting for Life since 2013; Mexico – AMUCSS, a partner since 2005; and Peru – CCAIJO, a partner since 2012. Under this ambitious regional programme, Acting for Life is working to build the capacity of these three organizations.

Issues The three partner institutions of Acting for Life and their networks have stepped up their efforts to support entrepreneurship. They have now identified needs with a view to improving the day-to-day experience of small farmers, farmers’ groups and micro-entrepreneurs.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, Acting for Life and CID carried out expert missions to identify partners’ capacity-building needs. In addition, Acting for Life organized a regional seminar in Cusco to debate the dynamics of integration in the region with local stakeholders. Finally, the association and its partners reached agreement on the principal challenges relating to integration in Latin America and jointly prepared a grant application with a view to strengthening their tools, methods and skills.

The project achieved its objective over the year, paving the way for further co-operation. In 2014, Acting for Life will work on a more extensive programme to support the development of innovative approaches to promote integration and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Integration

PERU

ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AN ALTERNATIVE WAY OF TACKLING YOUTH POVERTY

n the theme of entrepreneurship, Acting for Life is supporting a Peruvian NGO, CID, which specializes in supporting young marginalized entrepreneurs, seeking to develop their business management skills. Particularly hard-hit by youth unemployment, the cities of Cusco, Puno and Arequipa struggle to bring down their underemployment rate. In view of this, the Peruvian authorities have developed national policies (2010 – 2015) to make youth employment a priority. Juan, Sandra, Rafáel and Arturo are between 16 and 29 years of age. They already have their own businesses and a regular income. In Puno, a city on the Peruvian Altiplano close to Lake Titicaca at an altitude of 3820 metres, these young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are trying to make their way in the world of work. They all had plans in their minds, but how could they be helped to take the first step and get the chance to improve their own and their families’ income in a region where almost 45% of the population lives in poverty? The answer came from CID (Colectivo Integral de Desarrollo) supported by Acting for Life, which runs youth entrepreneurship centres. The main resources offered by CID are training in business management, support and monitoring of entrepreneurs and access to loans or grants. The results are encouraging. Juan had not long been settled in the shantytown when he was able to set up his “La Caserita” grocery shop. Sandra and her sister opened a crèche in their neighbourhood. Rafael has just opened a restaurant that will help him top up his income from textile working, while at the age of 16 Arturo has begun work as a carpenter in his father’s business. In total, around 1300 young people have benefited directly from this entrepreneurship support programme, a boon for the new generations seeking to develop their skills.

Integration

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Cusco, Puno and Arequipa 1 287 484 euros 2010 - 2013 Air France, Anber Foundation, local resources CID

Focus on the partnership

CID is known in Peru for its programmes in support of youth entrepreneurship. Through this project, Acting for Life has chosen to work in co-operation with this key stakeholder in the business start-up field.

Issues There are around 8.2 million young people aged between 15 and 29 in Peru, some 30% of the country’s population. Although training for young people is constantly improving, there is still a significant lack of opportunities and jobs.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, around 1300 young people from the cities of Puno, Cusco and Arequipa received training in entrepreneurial skills. In addition, more than 2000 young people were helped to start up and develop their micro-businesses. This enabled them to consolidate their business plans and use appropriate tools to manage their economic activity. For its part, CID was able to build its own “business development centre” in Cusco. Finally, four national competitions entitled “Make a success of your business start-up!” were also launched, providing loans to finance the requirements of 220 young entrepreneurs.

The project has now ended. In 2014, CID must ensure the economic sustainability of the development centres whilst maintaining a balance between its social mission and the income deriving from its youth-related activities.

Integration

PERU

WHEN REHABILITATION

BECOMES POSSIBLE

he project stems from a joint initiative launched by representatives of the Peruvian Episcopal Social Action Committee (CEAS) and Acting for Life in September 2012. Its aim is to prepare prisoners for reintegration when they leave prison, through the provision of technical training while helping them to increase their familiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; income by selling the products they make in prison. Pastoral care providers in prisons had become aware of the need to involve Peruvian companies in this project so that prisoners could receive training and have a better chance of rehabilitation. CEAS works to assist the inmates of twelve prisons in eight Peruvian regions. Over the last 10 years, the organization has set up forty production units, including 10 new ones with support from Acting for Life. They teach trades such as ceramics, woodwork, sewing or shoemaking to prisoners whose products are then sold to their families and private individuals. At the same time, all the young prisoners who take part in the project receive training in business management. A former prisoner, Francisco has been able to get prison to chime with rehabilitation. While serving his time, he attended workshops on garment making, which enabled him to put some money aside and open his own shop on his release. Now the owner of a prosperous small business, he currently employs seven former prisoners. His success story would never have been possible without the aid of CEAS. Supported by Acting for Life, the latter organization goes into prisons with the aim of widening prisonersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; horizons by teaching them useful trades and enabling them to work during their incarceration. As a result of this initiative, Francisco is no longer an isolated case. Sergio and Juan are also living examples of its success. After their release, they became trainers in carpentry and animal husbandry and decided to go back to the prisons where they had served their sentences to pass on their know-how and offer other prisoners the prospect of a better future. Not far from the capital, in Jicamarca, several former prisoners have set up a farm after being trained to breed guinea pigs, a delicacy in Peru. Success was not long in coming: they now supply all the restaurants in the city.

Integration

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners:

Lima â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Callao suburb 49 000 euros 2013 - 2014 AnBer Foundation, Fondation de France, local resources CEAS

Operational partners:

Focus on the partnership

Acting for Life has been supporting the CEAS initiative since 2013. The two institutions work together on this project to promote post-prison rehabilitation in Peru by involving and raising the awareness of private companies. Simple, effective leverage is used: encouraging the development of professional workshops inside the prison, developing the sale and marketing of products made by prisoners, continuing to train them at those workshops and establishing a sound partnership between the Episcopal Committee and the prisons to consolidate this innovative operation.

Issues CEAS is now acknowledged by the prison establishment as the Peruvian organization best qualified to run a nationwide project promoting work in prisons. If this activity is to develop sustainably, Peruvian companies need to feel they have a stake in it. In the long term, this project will help to strengthen the existing production workshops and set up a partnership between the Lima Chamber of Commerce, the prison establishment and CEAS.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, prisoners benefited from technical training. A total of 10 workshops were organized on the following themes: shoemaking, ceramics, crafts using recycled materials and painting on canvas and wood. In addition, two workshops were held on business management and self-esteem. Finally, five â&#x20AC;&#x153;trade fairsâ&#x20AC;? to promote the products were organized in the cities of Lima and Trujillo.

In 2014, a market survey will be conducted to assess which products are in demand and identify possible marketing channels with a view to setting up a strategic selling area. The link between prisons and Peruvian companies will also be strengthened in order to engage them in a collaborative approach.

Integration

INDIA

SWIFT WASH, AN ALTERNATIVE MODEL OF REHABILITATION

n the Indian State of Goa, an innovative solidarity-based project is seeking to assist former victims of prostitution with their rehabilitation. The beneficiaries of the “Swift Wash” laundry are predominantly female, but there are also some reformed pimps. The model offers them a regular source of income while teaching them a trade and providing them with counselling. In this region, one of the most frequently visited in India, sex tourism has increased considerably and brought with it a growing number of victims of trafficking and prostitution networks. In 2006, to give them an alternative, the Indian NGO ARZ set up Swift Wash, a new industrial laundry concept. The laundry operates 24/7, 365 days per year, with some 40 employees, for a dozen clients mainly from the hotel sector, including the Indian group Taj. At this alternative laundry, the tasks of collection, washing, ironing and delivery are performed and supervised by employees undergoing rehabilitation. Alongside the economic activity, support services are available, such as counselling, legal assistance and a crèche for employees’ children. In seven years, some 500 people have benefited from the aid of Swift Wash. A successful gamble for this solidarity-based project - now enjoying recognition from the communities and local authorities - which has been able to provide an innovative response to the needs of some extremely vulnerable people. Nevertheless, operating costs higher than those of a traditional laundry, the lack of financial support from the public authorities and the psychological weakness of the employees are constraints still to be lifted on the road towards financial autonomy. After seven years’ activity, the managing team has become fully aware of the challenge they have taken up as a solidarity-based enterprise, i.e. how to reconcile the social and business aspects.

Focus on the partnership

For more than 10 years, the Indian NGO ARZ has been helping the victims of sexual exploitation and violence. A valued partner of the authorities in Goa, ARZ also received an award for its work from the Ministry of the Interior in 2012. Having worked in partnership with ARZ since 2009, Acting for Life took the decision in 2010 to provide active support to the Swift Wash project. This led Acting for Life to help Swift Wash financially and provide technical support to its team, mainly to build its management capacity and consolidate its economic model. 52

Integration

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners:

Goa state 477 374 euros 2010 - 2014 PPR group and Kering foundation, Air France, local resources ARZ - SWIFT WASH

Operational partners:

Issues

The solidarity-based laundry project offers beneficiaries personalized assistance to guide them towards sustainable social and economic reintegration. The many group activities (training and awareness-raising sessions, games and other events) encourage the personal development of the laundry’s employees and help them to recover psychologically. Moreover, considerable effort has been put into raising the awareness of the local authorities (government, judges and police officers) via the Indian NGO’s advocacy activities.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

Following the mission carried out in May 2013, Acting For Life noted the financial difficulties experienced by Swift Wash. Issues surrounding management and the laundry’s social role have been addressed via the advocacy work of ARZ. Progress has also been seen in terms of improving procedures (administration and financial management), cost control and reducing waste, development of customer loyalty, recognition of the laundry by the local authorities and, finally, the economic and social reintegration of the beneficiaries.

Acting For Life has decided to continue its financial and technical support to Swift Wash in 2014, bearing in mind the following two priorities: continuing efforts to improve the laundry’s productivity and results (e.g. looking for new customers and limiting the number of beneficiaries) and stepping up advocacy by ARZ to gain recognition from the federal and national governments of the success achieved in terms of rehabilitation. The main objective for 2014 is therefore to continue consolidating the Swift Wash social project.

Integration

OSTERING POVERTY REDUCTION

THROUGH SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

In what way can tourism effectively combat poverty? Acting for Life sees tourism as an integral part of development. The association is working to achieve the following objective: enable the poorest communities to live a decent life by taking advantage of the economic spin-offs of tourism in their countries. To this end, Acting for Life has joined forces with Toulouse University and its network of training institutions to guide these initiatives more effectively.

What progress has been made in this field in 2013 ? Three major advances have been seen. Firstly, in terms of enhancing the economic impact of tourism for the benefit of local communities, especially in Peru with the “Baroque Church Trail” project, secondly as regards the transfer of environmental protection skills and, finally, direct aid to the poorest through the provision of technical expertise.

Can you give us an example of an emblematic project this year? A pilot project was run in Djibouti in co-operation with the National Tourist Office. It works with women’s craft co-operatives in Tadjouran region, focusing on training in traditional crafts. The project helps women to use traditional know-how to make new craft products meeting the expectations of international tourists and thereby generate more sustainable income.

DJIBOUTI, TUNISIA, CAMBODIA

ECO-BUNGALOWS

FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

he project to build “eco-bungalows”, developed by Acting for Life, aims to provide an economic response and a “green” solution for the most disadvantaged communities through the establishment of environmentally friendly accommodation in line with the resources and needs of local stakeholders.. Already tested in Djibouti and Tunisia, this “green” project demonstrates the relevance of the concept. From a technical perspective, the eco-bungalow draws inspiration from contemporary trends and traditional building materials. Its innovative design enables it to meet the demands of international tourists in terms of comfort and modernity, whilst fitting into the landscape and remaining affordable for small local investors in tourism. The materials used in the construction process mean that this project is well placed to meet the economic expectations of local communities. Because it is simple architecturally and inexpensive, the eco-bungalow can be built directly by the inhabitants themselves who then benefit from the resulting economic activity. In this way, it offers a vision of more environmentally friendly tourism drawing on existing local resources.

Focus on the partnership

In this project, Acting for Life provides expertise helping to roll out this kind of building in other countries with significant tourism potential. To enhance its impact, Acting for Life co-operates with key partners such as Ministries of Tourism. The latter facilitate the search for suitable land on which to build the eco-bungalows.

Issues Through this pilot project, Acting for Life has built up a methodology to facilitate the establishment of the bungalows. The innovative approach enables the most vulnerable communities to take part in the building work (providing materials and labour, etc.) and management of the sites, thereby creating an economic activity of importance for both the direct beneficiaries and the local area (markets, local crafts and so on).

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Djibouti, Tunisie, Cambodge 20 093 euros 2011-2014 Air France, local resources Ministry of Tourism, associations et local companies

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, the project focused especially on legal issues and the acquisition of building land. Acting for Life and its partners drew up a legal guide describing a range of practical ways of accessing land for the benefit of local communities. In addition, two seminars were held, in Tunisia and Cambodia respectively, to capitalize the first experimental phase of the project.

In 2014, the guide will be translated into several languages and widely distributed. An eco-bungalow is also to be built in the Brazilian province of Maraj贸.

Tourism

cambodIA

MOORING BUOYS TO

PROTECT CORAL

ambodia has been experiencing significant growth in tourism over the last few years and is now one of the flagship tourist destinations in South-East Asia. In response to this positive development, the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism has set itself the task of working to extend the economic impact of tourism nationwide. To this end, the ministerial team opted for sustainable beach tourism development in protected natural areas around Sihanoukville. With its turquoise water and white sand, Sihanoukville bay is an earthly paradise, but its future is in danger. The pressure of tourism threatens the fragile balance between coastal preservation and economic development. In 2011, the Ministry of Tourism approached Acting for Life to set up an ambitious project involving mooring buoys to protect coral in the bay. Responding not only to the need to protect the environment and conserve resources but also to the demands of tourism, the project helps to conserve the coastal area whilst meeting touristsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; expectations. In this region, coral is extremely important for the local economy and many communities are heavily dependent on fishing activities. The coral reefs also provide refuge for fish where they can find the food they need. Global warming, intensive fishing and unregulated diving activities are amongst the factors considered as threats to coral in the bay. The installation of several mooring buoys has helped to minimize risks and raise the awareness of the parties involved (government and local authorities, tourists, fishermen, NGOs, etc.). The distribution of a good practice guide to tourists and local stakeholders should ensure the continuity of the project.

Focus on the partnership

In close liaison with the local authorities and Ministry of Tourism, Acting for Life has determined project priorities and identified relevant sites. The task of the project teams is to check progress and monitor use of the buoys following their installation.

Issues The development of these sites has benefited both diving enthusiasts and the local community, especially the fishermen who have seen improvements in their quality of life and working conditions.

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Sihanoukville 17 232 euros 2011 - 2014 Air France, local resources Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia

The installation of the buoys has helped to reduce both collection of coral and the progressive destruction of the reefs. In addition, the emergence of environmentally friendly diving agencies has triggered a virtuous circle of new restaurants, accommodation for tourists in local homes and small shops to cope with the influx of visitors. Finally, the good practice guide has helped to make local people more aware of the importance of sustainable tourism development.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

The project evaluation phase took place in 2013, during which all stakeholders in the tourism sector were questioned about the impact of the buoys. The positive findings highlighted the effectiveness of the project and its recognition by the local authorities, including the Mayor of Sihanoukville and the Director of the Tourist Office.

In 2014, the same type of project will be promoted at sites identified outside the pilot area. The awareness of local people and tourists of the need to preserve their environment will also be monitored.

Tourism

cambodIA

CLEAN CITY,

CLEANING UP IS A WINNER!

n 2012, some 1.76 million tourists visited Cambodia. To encourage this positive development, the Ministry of Tourism set itself the task of undertaking specific activities to extend the economic impact of tourism nationwide.

The Cambodian authorities recently put a request to Acting for Life for help in combating one of the most striking aspects of environmental degradation: the impressive amount of plastic bags and waste washed up in the coastal areas and other tourist sites in the country. Using its expertise in the field of sustainable tourism, Acting for Life designed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Clean City, cleaning up is a winner!â&#x20AC;? project in 2013. To tackle the problems of pollution due to tourist activity, the association and its partners came up with means and incentives to meet the need for waste collection and treatment, including: 1. Drawing up a system of reference for local tour operators (establishing criteria for the recycling and use of plastic bags); 2. Adopting binding measures to combat environmental degradation; 3. Finally, running trials in several tourist areas of Cambodia in agreement with the Ministry of Tourism.

Focus on the partnership

In its efforts to co-operate with its operational partners, Acting for Life is working on this project with a reliable local stakeholder: the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism. To ensure continuity, the association is also working alongside professionals in the tourism sector and relying on the local authorities to consolidate its advocacy work.

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Phnom Penh et Sihanoukville 28 720 euros 2013 - 2014 Air France, local resources Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia

Issues By responding in this way to the problems of cleanliness of holiday sites, Acting for Life is helping its partners in Cambodia to adopt an approved methodology for the environmental protection of tourist hotspots.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, the project provided the relevant public authorities with a tool that can be replicated and adapted in all the tourist areas of the country. The aim is to enable operators in the sector to develop their businesses in a preserved environment. In addition, the local authorities have taken on board the need to develop innovative infrastructure to combat pollution and environmental degradation effectively.

In 2014, Acting for Life will work to consolidate this initial experimental work in Sihanoukville bay, in co-operation with the Ministry of Tourism.

Tourism

cambodIA

HANDICRAFTS, AT THE SERVICE OF THE MOST VULNERABLE

ver the last few years, international tourism has helped to create new job opportunities for the poorest people. In this connection, Acting for Life has established a project to develop local crafts in Phnom Penh.

This project forms part of the “tourism and support for disabled workers” programme begun in 2011, which has demonstrated its relevance and impact with promising results in Mozambique, Togo and Colombia. In Phnom Penh, Acting for Life and its operational partners are putting representatives and groups of craftworkers facing extreme poverty in touch with international operators in the tourism sector working in the same geographical area. The economic environment in Cambodia is presently conducive to the promotion of handicrafts, encouraging the emergence and servicing of new markets taking account of new, “environmentally responsible”, consumption habits.

Focus on the partnership

Through lobbying the hotel sector, Acting for Life helps to bring together craft associations working with the most vulnerable groups, especially disabled workers. Networking through tourism in this way helps craftworkers to develop more regular income and put their activity on a sustainable basis, so that they can better meet their own and their families’ needs.

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Phnom Penh 19 264 euros 2011 - 2014 Air France, local resources Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia , associations and local hotels

Issues Put together jointly by Acting for Life and its partners, this project has helped associations of disabled craftworkers to identify marketing opportunities and they can now sell their products directly to hotels.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, Acting For Life travelled to the field to visit several craft co-operatives with the twofold objective of: 1. Presenting a brochure on upgrading craft skills: “Upgrade your products yourself”, to address the problems encountered by craftworkers in managing their business; 2. Continuing the work of canvassing hotels begun in previous years.

In 2014, the brochure “Upgrade your products yourself” will be adapted, published and distributed in several languages. Acting for Life will also work on a training programme for craft co-operatives on product diversification to meet demand from international tourists. Finally, the association will begin an identification mission to open up new development prospects in Colombia, Mauritius, Peru and Chile.

Tourism

DJIBOUTI

DIVING AND HANDICRAFTS CAN HAPPILY COEXIST

andicrafts form part of the expression of local culture and attract international tourists. Supported by the National Tourist Office of Djibouti (NTO), Acting for Life has designed a project to enhance the revenue of this country bordering on the Red Sea, which is a mecca for divers. The association and its partners aim to work with women’s craft co-operatives close to the Seven Brothers Islands, an internationally renowned dive site. Many tourists keen on underwater activities come especially to admire the beauty and richness of the aquatic fauna, essentially ignoring the craft products of the region. In partnership with the National Tourist Office and the association of craftswomen of Djibouti, Acting for Life offers direct assistance, promoting a strategy to diversify craft products and adapt them to tourists’ tastes and requirements. The project therefore aims to develop handicrafts whilst retaining the women’s identity and know-how. As Mohamed Abdillahi Wais, head of the National Tourist Office, points out: “When tourism moves forward, poverty moves back”. This dynamic and realistic young man has understood the potential and importance of encouraging this kind of activity in his country. While tourists may still come exclusively to admire the undersea world, they can now immerse themselves in the culture of this country with its varied treasures. By increasing sales, Acting for Life is developing tourism at the service of economic development and working to improve the craftswomen’s living conditions. Finally, with a view to sustainability, Acting for Life has prepared a “good practice guide” and designed workshops to upgrade local crafts whilst drawing on traditional knowledge and working methods.

Focus on the partnership

The involvement of the National Tourism Office in this sustainable tourism activity is vital. In Djibouti, Acting for Life has entered into a robust partnership, helping to forge links with this partner’s line ministry and achieve recognition of the work done to benefit the women. Together, Acting for Life and the NTO are helping the craftswomen to improve their income whilst fostering the development of their co-operative with the aid of tourism.

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Djibouti 22 210 euros 2013 - 2014 Air France, local resources National Tourisme Office and association of craftswomen

Issues This project promotes local handicrafts developed by women. It helps to generate a new strategic focus for tourism, diversify income sources and consolidate the craft sector by providing appropriate methodological tools and, finally, support craftswomen to develop their activity on a sustainable basis.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

For a week in 2013, around 40 people took part in a workshop on upgrading local crafts. Basket-making, embroidery, pearls, wooden sculptures and other handicraft techniques known in Djibouti were all examined with a view to increasing product quality and diversity. As a result of the work done by Acting for Life, sales increased in 2013 and are now more regular.

In 2014, work in Djibouti will be continued in partnership with the NTO. The positive results achieved in 2013 led to the adaptation of the project for other countries in Africa and Latin America, so the teams will work to identify new partners. Finally, the projects and their results will, as before, be presented at travel shows (in Germany, Spain, France, etc.) to raise public awareness of the socio-economic issues connected with tourism.

Tourism

pEru

CUSCO, ON THE CHURCH TRAIL

nown worldwide for its Inca remains, especially Machu Picchu (visited by more than 800,000 people every year), the region of Cusco is one of the top tourist destinations in Latin America. Its historical heritage, less well-known but just as exceptional, dates from the colonial period. Its Andean baroque-style churches offer great potential for tourism for the benefit of local people. Travelling along a road in the southern valley of Cusco provides the opportunity to admire these masterpieces of the colonial period. Managed by the Jesuits in Peru, these baroque-style churches have undergone substantial renovation work in recent years, becoming a real attraction for tourists keen on history. In some cases, such as the St Peter the Apostle church in Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sistine Chapel of the Andesâ&#x20AC;? due to the splendour of its internal decoration, around 100 lovers of historical remains visit every day. However, it is presently difficult to quantify the economic impact of these visits on the local population. The vast majority of tourists visit Andahuaylillas as part of a tour organized by a travel agency and only see it as a stopover between Cusco and Lake Titicaca. To address this issue and generate benefits for the most vulnerable communities, Acting for Life and its partners have designed tools to promote historic sites by extending the time tourists spend in the area.

Focus on the partnership

In this project, Acting for Life offers its partners the benefit of its technical expertise in the field of sustainable tourism. The aim is to work with local stakeholders to develop solutions complementing existing resources that will bring more tourists to the area.

Tourism

Project areas: Total project budget: Period: Financial partners: Operational partners:

Cusco 12 320 euros 2013 - 2015 Air France, local resources University of Ruiz de Montoya

Issues By making audacious proposals in respect of tour routes, site development and accommodation, Acting for Life and its partners have been able to demonstrate the tourist appeal of the baroque churches in Cusco region. This upgrading process facilitates the movement of tourists around all sites, thereby generating more income for the poorest local communities.

Achievements in 2013

P R O SP E C T S 2 0 1 4

In 2013, different tourism development scenarios were worked out during fieldwork. These proposals were put into practice in the form of half-day tours offered by agencies in the region. In addition, to get the project known and increase its impact, an article in French and English was posted on Wikipedia. An arrangement was also made with the booking.com website to include hotels in the surrounding towns and villages and encourage more visitors to come.

2014 will be devoted to promoting the tour with local tour operators. Acting for Life will also continue its promotional work by means of new tools aimed at tourists.

Tourism

PUBLICATIONS

FOR CAPITALIZATION

cting for Life has for some years been producing technical publications with a view to capitalizing the various sustainable tourism project. The publications listed below, targeting the local authorities, help the association to step up its lobbying work in favour of ethical, responsible practice.

The “eco-bungalow” guide Publication date: 2013 Place of distribution: Djibouti, Thailand This guide helps to identify the legal arrangements governing access to land so that local people can build eco-bungalows themselves, following the model used in the pilot project developed by Acting for Life. An additional guide on self-funding solutions for project developers will be published in 2014.

The Sustainable Development Charter Publication date: 2012 Place of distribution: Cambodia The Sustainable Development Charter serves as a reference framework for tourist establishments. Its threefold vocation is to encourage better marketing of products for tourists; provide guarantees in terms of quality and compliance with sustainable development criteria; and lay the foundations for territorial economic development through tourism.

The craft upgrading manual Publication date: 2012 Place of distribution: Brazil, Djibouti This manual has three main objectives: – facilitate the identification of indicators of craft upgrading; – sustain the distribution of a brochure on recommended good practice; – put craftworkers in contact with young international designers. More widely, it encourages the production and marketing of handicrafts using more modern techniques, whilst remaining environmentally friendly. This simple user guide has been designed for all craftworkers. 68

Tourism

Brochures to raise awareness of environmental protection Publication date: 2009 Place of distribution: Cambodia, Djibouti Distributed to various operators in the tourist sector and presented in the form of an educational mini-guide, the brochures help to raise local stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; awareness of the need to preserve the environment.

The technology transfer manual Publication date: 2009 Place of distribution: Cambodia The increased productivity generated by technology transfer is a vital source of tourism development. This educational manual presents 10 indicators applicable to all tourist organizations (public, private and voluntary sector) for the benefit of developing countries.

Indicators for sustainable tourism

Publication date: 2006 Place of distribution: Guinea, Mongolia, Bangladesh This guide presents a logical framework comprising a small number of indicators. It helps to assess sustainability and award a score to each project.

The good practice guide Publication date: 2006 Place of distribution: Guinea, Mongolia, Bangladesh This guide summarizes the projects run by Acting for Life on poverty reduction through tourism. Its methodology seeks to strike a balance between two complementary elements: resources required and results expected in terms of poverty reduction through tourism.

Tourism

PROSPECTS FOR 2014 2013 saw the Acting for Life teams engaged in extensive identification work. The results speak for themselves: between the end of 2013 and early 2014, several significant projects came into being. At the same time, Acting for Life will be further expanding its communications tools.

Project news Ecosystems and biodiversity in Togo As a complement to current projects on livestock mobility, Acting for Life will work to diversify its activities in Togo with the “Preservation of Ecosystems and Biodiversity through Agro-Pastoralism” (PAPEBA) programme. The aim is to encourage co-ordinated natural resource management alongside herding in Togo. In Mauritania, livestock takes the strain! In 2014, with support from the European Union, the “Programme to Boost the Resilience of the Family Economy” (PRREF) will take shape. Its aim is to develop the supply of inputs (such as livestock feed and veterinary resources) and increase animal productivity. In addition, tracks will be laid out, protected and managed to facilitate livestock mobility. Finally, Acting for Life will continue to engage in strategic thinking concerning the challenges of establishing a livestock microinsurance scheme for herders. In Ecuador: working as closely as possible with small producers Acting for Life will join forces with the Belgian NGO SOS FAIM to support the work conducted by the CEPESIU centre in rural areas. Developed in six Ecuadorian provinces, the project will aim to combine micro-finance with a local development approach. This 24-month project will focus on improving the living conditions of small rural producers through territorial economic development, access to financial services, strengthening productive activities and supporting entrepreneurship. In Chad, building herders’ capacity Funded by the European Union, the “Project to Support the Livestock Sector” (PAFBET) will foster strategic debate between key stakeholders in eastern Chad concerning the challenges in the livestock/meat sector. This 30-month project will give stakeholders a better grasp of the analytical tools so that they can engage in more effective advocacy. New projects promoting sustainable tourism 2014 will be a flagship year for the development of innovative projects on the “sustainable tourism” theme: • in Mongolia: Acting for Life will work on building an eco-village comprised of yurts. This educational project shows how high-quality environmentally friendly infrastructure can be put in place.

2013 Annual report

• in Haiti: Acting for Life will set up a “Tourism Observatory” that will help the local authorities access reliable statistical databases so that they can design effective investment policies. • in Cambodia: the “Clean Up” project will get under way. This innovative project aims to provide a practical solution to the problem of unhygienic tourist sites, particularly beaches on the Cambodian coast. • in Peru: a tourist itinerary taking in aspects of the “Moché” civilization will be established to assist the most vulnerable communities.

News concerning the Association TOWARDS BETTER COMMUNICATIONS In 2014, Acting for Life will work on enhancing its communications. The 2013 Annual Report sets the tone: successful communications for the benefit of the projects. The website www.acting-forlifew.org will also be updated during the year. This will be followed by the launch of a series of tools designed to raise the profile of the association, projects and people involved. Recruitment is under way in pursuit of this ambition. Promoting integration At the end of 2013, Acting for Life recruited a Programme Officer to step up work on “Integration and Socio-economic Training”. Intensive project identification work will be undertaken in 2014. Consolidating our project expertise in Africa In West and Central Africa, the projects currently developed by Acting for Life are expanding. To consolidate its expertise, the association has recruited a Programme Officer for Africa. The objective is to support the rest of the team and help to realize ambitions in the sub-region. Capitalizing to ensure sustainability The special feature of projects developed by Acting for Life and its partners? Territorial networking. The association will facilitate contacts between operators in complementary areas, especially in Latin America and Africa. New projects will give pride of place to this territorial approach.

2013 Annual report

INDEX OF PARTNERS AFRICA (23 partners) Country

Partners

Component

Page

BeNIN

ACAD (Association of Atakora and Donga municipalities)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

20, 44

ADECOB (Association for the Development Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobiof Borgou municipalities) lity

20, 44

POTAL-MEN, notre union

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

20, 44

ANOPER (National Association of Professional Organizations of Ruminant Breeders)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

APIDEV (Association for the Promotion of Sustainable Development Initiatives)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

20, 44

RECOPA (Communications Network on Pastoralism)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

20, 24

Council of Eastern Region

Agro-pastoralism and livestock

Dewal-Weltare

Production and improvement of the dairy sector

IVORY COAST

TSHANFéTO

Integration and vocational training

DJIBOUTI

NTO (National Tourist Office)

Poverty reduction through sustainable tourism development

AAT (Association of Craftswomen of Tadjouran)

Poverty reduction through sustainable tourism development

ADISSAH (Association for Integrated Development in the Savannah and Sahel)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility - biodiversity component

AFAD (Association for Development Support and Training)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

ETPBA (Bandiagara Technical and Vocational Training)

Integration and vocational training

PDCO (Promotion for Community Development)

Capacity-building in the field of training

SeNEGAL

GADEC (Action Group for Community Development)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

TOGO

RAFIA (Research, Support and Training for Self-Development Initiatives)

Agro-pastoralism, livestock mobility and natural resource management

Louvain coopération (Co-operation Agency)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock

RBM (Billital Maroobé network)

Technical assistance and capacitybuilding

ARED (Association for Research and Education for Development in Africa)

Training in agro-pastoralism and the livestock trade

BURKINA FASO

Cross-cutting partners

MALI

2013 Annual report

CIRAD (Centre for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development)

Agro-pastoralism and livestock mobility

Initiatives – Conseils – Développement (Initiatives – Consultancy – Development)

Advocacy and technical assistance

In connection with its projects, Acting for Life also works with AVSF (Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières, Belgium) which provides its technical expertise in respect of the agro-pastoral sector.

LATIN AMERICA (15 partners) COLOMBIA

CEIBA (Integral Education and Environ- Training, food security, food production mental Well-Being Organization) and support for savings groups

FCN (Fundación Colombia Nuestra)

Production and marketing of farm produce

FONDO PáEZ

Agricultural production in rural areas

ECUADOR

CCONDEM (National Co-ordinating Office for the Defence of the Mangrove Ecosystem)

Protection of the mangrove ecosystem, support to fishing and local tourism development

MEXICO

AMUCSS (Mexican Association of Social Micro-credit and support to income Sector Credit Unions) generating activities

Sierras Verdes - AMUCSS group

Development of farm supply chains and local savings groups

Redsol Agrícola (Solidarity-based Social Micro-Insurance Network)

Agricultural micro-assurance

CHILE

Relmu Witral

Development of Mapuche women’s crafts

PeRU

CCAIJO (Agro-Industrial Training Centre)

Development of the dairy sector

UARM (Antonio Ríuz de Montova University)

Poverty reduction through sustainable tourism development

CID (Integral Development Group)

Entrepreneurchip and business start-ups

CEAS (Episcopal Social Action)

Socio-economic integration

PEBAL (Company of Peru Benevolent Fund)

Improving the living conditions of marginalized communities

ODP (Peruvian Development Office)

Improving the living conditions of marginalized communities

46, 48

In connection with the “Mangroves, a vital resource” project, Acting for Life also works with the American NGO HEIFER.

ASIA ( 3 partners) CAMBODIA

MINTUR (Ministry of Tourism)

Poverty reduction through sustainable tourism development

56, 58, 60, 62

INDIA

ONG ARZ

Integration of marginalized people

SWIFT WASH

Integration of marginalized people

2013 Annual report

LIST OF PROJECTS AFRICA Country

Project

Page

WEST AFRICA

The new age of herding Technical name: Regional Programme of Support to Livestock Productivity (PRAPE) - Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, Mali

BENIN

Ever stronger Technical name: Capacity-building programme for partners’ finance departments

BURKINA FASO

Mini-Dairy: fostering women’s entrepreneurial skills Technical name: Project to support women’s entrepreneurship in the dairy sector (PAFLEF)

IVORY COAST

Farming: a valued profession once again Technical name: Youth training and employment in organic farming

DJIBOUTI

Diving and crafts can happily coexist Technical name: Poverty reduction through tourism programme for women’s craft associations

MALI

“Tibou walou yiribarede”, knowledge of stoneworking Technical name: Stonework Training Programme (PFMP)

LATIN AMERICA

CHILE

Relmu Witral or “rainbow weaving” Technical name: Relmu Witral –‘los Domenicos’ shop

COLOMBIA

Colombia plays the diversity trump card Technical name: Development of the Misak, Páez and Afro-Colombian communities in Cauca

Farmer field schools for a better life Technical name: Support for food security and development in 14 rural villages

Fondo Páez, growing coffee independently Technical name: Development of marketing circuits on Indian territory

ECUADOR

Mangroves, a vital resource Technical name: Preservation of the mangrove ecosystem and diversification of income sources

MEXICO

The challenges of development for the Nahuátl and Otomi people Technical name: Sierras Verdes, a new model of food security and sustainable development for the poorest regions of Mexico

Insuring crops for small producers Technical name: A new model of farm micro-insurance to reduce poverty

2013 Annual report

PERU

A better life for farming families Technical name: Improving the living conditions of small milk producers in Cusco region

The battle for water Technical name: Promotion and access to water in the Nueva Rinconada shantytowns in Lima

Entrepreneurship, an alternative way of tackling youth poverty Technical name: Boosting rural entrepreneurship in Latin America

When rehabilitation becomes possible Technical name: Mobilizing Peruvian companies to promote work in prison and facilitate the rehabilitation of former prisoners

Cusco, on the church trail Technical name: Economic development of the baroque church trail

Partners united around integration Technical name: Regional programme of support to rural entrepreneurship in Latin America

Clean city, cleaning up is a winner! Technical name: Project to raise awareness of environmental protection in favour of tourism

Mooring buoys to protect coral Technical name: Protection of coral reefs and marine species

Handicrafts at the service of the most vulnerable Technical name: Upgrading the local craft sector through the tourism industry

Swift Wash, an alternative model of rehabilitation Technical name: Swift Wash, a laundry as an alternative to prostitution

ASIA CAMBODIA

INDE

MULTI COUNTRY DJIBOUTI TUNISIA CAMBODIA

Eco-bungalows for sustainable tourism Technical name: Pilot “Eco-bungalow” programme to reduce poverty through tourism

2013 Annual report

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT For the last 40 years, Acting for life has been providing human, financial and logistical support to its permanent partners: ACCIR SAHEL

DOCTORS FOR DISABLED

L’OUTIL EN MAIN

ACTION SOLIDARITE DES PAYS OUBLIES

EAU VIVE

LOUVAIN DEVELOPPEMENT

EMMAUS INTERNATIONAL

MALIRA MALI

EMPOWER

MEJ

ENFANTS DU MEKONG

MOUVEMENT DU NID

AFRIQUE VERTE

ELECTRICIENS SANS FRONTIERES

OIKOS

AGIR ABCD

ESPOIR ET DEVELOPPEMENT

AGRO ACTION ALLEMANDE

ESSOR

AIDE MEDICALE ET DEVELOPPEMENT

EUCHARISTEIN SUISSE

ADIE ADRP BENIN AFDI

AIDER ALAD MALI ALDEFI ALTER SANTE ALTERNATIVES SUD ASAPAC ASETA ASHALAYAM ASS FORAGE MALI ATELIERS SANS FRONTIERES ATD QUART MONDE BEN’ENFANCE CALAO CAUSSE ET SAVANE

FIDESCO FONDACIO FUNDESO ESPAGNE GRDR AFRIQUE IMPACTHOPE INSTITUT EUROPEEN DE COOPERATION ET DE DEVELOPPEMENT INDE ESPOIR INTERAIDE INTER-PI INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GROUPE DEVELOPMENT TEXAS

PAFFA PALAVRA VIVA PAO PLANETE URGENCE PRISONNIERS SANS FRONTIERES PS EAU RAFOD RESEAU ENTREPRENDRE RESEAU JEUNESSE IGNATIEN JESUITES SANTE ET DEVELOPPEMENT SCD SCI AFRIQUE SOLIDARITE ENTRAIDE MADAGASCAR SOLIDARITE LABORATOIRES SOLIDARITE PARASOLS PASSERELLE POUR L’ESPOIR

CERAS - JESUITES

INSTITUT NOTRE DAME DE L’ASSOMPTION

CLAIRE AMITIE - AMICLA

JESAM

SOS SAHEL

CODEGAZ

JRS

TECHNAP AFRIQUE

COMMUNAUTE DE L’AGNEAU

JUK-SPEL DON BOSCO

TOLERANCE

CONGREGATION DES SOEURS DU CHRIST

KIRCHE IN NOT ALLEMAGNE

TOURISME ET DEVELOPPEMENT SOLIDAIRES

CPAL

LA TABLE DE CANA

DELEGATION CATHOLIQUE POUR LA COOPERATION

LATTITUDE FILM 16/35

DESAFIO CHILI

FERT

OIPR

LACIM INDE

LE ROCHER 83 ET 93 LES TROIS QUARTS DU MONDE

SOLTHIS

UNIS CITE FRANCE VSF - CICDA

THEY SUPPORT US Over many years, Acting for Life has built up a relationship of trust with its financial partners. Their essential role in the development of the projects supported by Acting for Life helps to extend the scope of our work. Acting for Life seeks to forge strong long-term links with its partners. Armed with 40 years’ experience in the field of economic development in the “South”, our association would like to thank everyone who has made, is making or will make a commitment to work alongside us.

For 2013, our very special thanks go to:

Our financial partners

The ones who help with our running

Our technical partners

ACTING FOR LIFE

1050 avenue de l’Europe - BP07 93352 LE BOURGET Tél. +33 (0) 1 49 34 83 13 Fax. +33 (0) 1 49 34 83 10 contact@acting-for-life.org www.acting-for-life.org