The farmers of Belles have experienced some hardship mainly due to the decline in the banana
industry and the high cost of production of other agricultural produce, low market price and unstable markets. The farmers recognize that the area is rich in natural resources with a range of opportunities but which have been under-utilised and need to be organised for income generation.
Through the proposed project, the farmers anticipate higher income levels from sustainable use of the abundance of resources in the area, in agricultural based and other eco-tourism activities. Located between the Morne Trois Pitons National Park World Heritage Site and the Central Forest Reserve, the Belles area has valuable forests, watersheds, rivers and streams, rich soil, historical sites and flaura and fauna. The people are hard-working experienced men and women. The community has not benefitted from any investment in tourism at a national level, but some of the residents have recognised the benefits and invested as much as they could into small start-ups for tourism related projects. The farmers? group has explored the possibilities for alternative livelihoods and recognise the potential in moving to agro-based eco-tourism.
This project has linkages to the national eco-tourism programme and the ?Organic Dominica?thrust, also the need for increased attention on food security and addressing prevailing CNCD Chronic Non- Communicable Diseases.
The project will have direct linkages to the Waitukubuli National Trail and will develop through this project, the sections of the old French trails which traverse the village with intention to eventually join to the Waitukubuli National Trail. Some tours will be developed in conjunction with other service providers. Also included in the plan are farm owners and other owners of property where there are trails, forests and hot springs, rivers and streams and other special attractions and resources to encourage and support conservation and sustainable use.
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The project will also be linked to developments in Concord and Marigot areas including the two SGP projects namely Sand Bay Development and the DomSetCo?s turtle watching project facility at Cabana taking advantage of the Melville Hall - Pond Case Road Rehabilitation Project which will provide improved access to the village and is expected to see an increase in users once completed.
The Dominica Organic Agriculture Movement (DOAM) will be engaged to train and support more farmers of the area to economically engaged in organic farming. Sustainable Living Initiative Centre (SLIC) will be invited to support demonstration projects of alternative energy such as mini hydro-power plants on farmers? holdings.
Planned Activities
Overall Objectives: To engage local people in developing the community of Belles to become a leading eco/agro tourism community in the country through which the residents will increase income while conserving and enhancing the natural resources.
Act-ivity
Description
Time frame
Expected results
Indicators
Estimated amount EC$
1
Capacity building ? Project developing, report writing, monitoring and evaluation, organisational development, business plan development, marketing,
10 months
The BFG and other members of the community will be able to start up and manage small business and Increase revenue to families and communities
Number of people completing training (in different areas)
Number of small businesses set up and operating successfully
Percentage change in income levels
Number of people employed
9,000.00
2.
Skills training ? plant propagation, food processing for cottage industries such as [jams, jellies, pepper sauce, coffee and cocoa], food preservation wet and dry techniques
8 months
Ability of members and other residents to utilise skills in opportunities for income generation
Improved livelihoods
# of persons trained
Income generated from activities
9,000.00
3
Environmental education programme including discussion forums, special events ?World Rivers Day commemorative activities, tree planting and river clean ups
6 months
Increased awareness and appreciation for resources and environment and increased adopting of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices
Number of species/trees planted
# of endangered species planted
# of endangered species protected
Residents display increasing advocacy for conservation and sustainable measures
6,000.00
4.
Community processing centre and information centre (refurbished container(s)with associated vending stalls
9 months
information centre operating-
processing centre operating Revenue generated
70,000.00
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5
Knowledge management and research?
Documentation of project activiites and processes
Publications
12 months
Number of publications produced
Revenue generated through publications
Number of copies distributed
7,000.00
6
Marketing ? of products and services
8 months
Increased awareness of Belles and its offerings and increase in number of visitors and buyers of products
#of marketing initiatives
$ business generated
8,000.00
7
Monitoring and evaluation
15 months
Achievement of expected results within time and budget
Successful implementation of project
# of reports
Time and cost of implementation within budget
5,000.00
8
Repairs to community water supply systems
6 months
Reliabille and safe supply of water subscribing residents
# reduction in breakage of distribution lines
# of households with regular water
21,000.00
Members of the Belles Farmers group have been involved in initial discussion and project identification. The group has engaged other residents, and property owners of the area in discussion and will continue to do so as the project is being developed and managed to encourage participation and incorporate ideas for the project so that the entire community benefits. A series of meetings were held to develop the proposal and ensure understanding and agreement on final plans. A project management committee will be set up to oversee project implementation, to include members of the BFG and other community resource persons.
This project is in keeping with the country?s priorities in agriculture and tourism. The community seeks to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Division and appropriate authorities for technical support and guidance in implementing proposed activities. Among these are the Ministry of Tourism, Discover Dominica Authority, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture, Bureau of Standards, CARDI and Produce Chemist Laboratory. About sixteen women from the community completed training in drying of fruits with the Produce Chemist Lab some years ago and these skills will be enhanced with additional training and effecively utilised in the processing activities.
Project participants and group will begin generating revenue from some of the project activities before completion of the project while others will generate after completion of project activities. A percentage of the revenue generated will be set to be contributed back to the project by all benefitting farmers. All persons wishing to participate in the project will be required to make a small initial financial contribution to
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the project which will be placed as a deposit in a revolving fund to be used along with some of the funds of the project to enable farm and site development beyond the project implementation phase. Tools and equipment purchased under this project will require a small usage fee to ensure funds available for maintenance and replacement. The BFG will organise fund-raising activities during the project implementation phase to generate revenue for the fund and to meet/ assist with other project expenses. The group is considering special activiites to commemorate World Rivers Day annually, evry last Sunday of September. This will serve as major environmental education and fund raising activity.
Through sales of agricultural produce individual farmers will increasingly become more independent and can reinvest in farming and other agri/eco tourism projects. The BFG will group will increase its sales of agricultural inputs and sell other material and supplies required for the project and other related activities so as to generate some more revenue and ensure supplies are available on site. With increased capacity and a trained project management team,other activiites such as site development and tours and fundsale of can be better coordinated.
The group will charge processing fees to individuals wanting to use the processing facility towards maintenance and equipment servicing. With the use of solar and hydro for a high persentage of energy required, the cost of energy for operations will be reduced in the long run.
Ongoing updates and dissemination of information on the project will continue attracting interest and involvement in all groups/sectors including youth and school children which will ensure continued participation. The capacity building will enable growth of community leaders and team work, financial management to contribute to project success and sustainability.