BFFS components
The overall goals of the JP components are to:

• Restructure and build the capacity of community organizations
• Improve access to basic health care
• Improve access to drinking water
• Promote primary education

Like PRAPO, this programme has been similarly slow to become fully operative, and risked the withdrawal of BFFS funds as a result. Contracts for new infrastructure have now been signed (to build and equip schools, hospitals, roads and wells) and implementation should pick up considerably over 2011. Community organizations are in place to oversee the construction of infrastructure. A mission in January 2011 noted the achievements to date.

Many beneficiaries said that the programme’s activities had allowed them to generate more income, and buy bicycles, clothing and shoes, as well as dishes and tableware for improved hygiene, allowing them to invite guests to their homes. The fulfilment of these basic needs greatly improved their living conditions and their willingness to engage with other programme activities.

The long-term impact and sustainability of the programme will depend on the commitment and continuity of local governance structures. With this in mind, PRAPE has helped establish 228 CVDs (comité villageois de developpement or village development committees) and 7 unions attached to these committees in order to facilitate planning of public and collective goods and services and production and marketing for both farmers and fishers. It is anticipated that these committees and unions will play a larger role in the future including after project closure.

Health

Health-related activities include the rehabilitation of hospitals in Bumba and Yamabuku, and two health centres. A total of 26 health officers, 126 nurses and 400 health centre staff have received training.

To ensure good outreach of community health services, the BFFS component has purchased 5 ambulances, 12 motorbikes and 26 bicycles. For health care in the home, 20,000 treated mosquito nets and 120,000 condoms have been purchased and distributed to households (15,000 treated mosquito nets were specifically designated for pregnant women).

Water

Easy access to clean drinking water is an important aspect of good health care. To date 12 wells have been built and equipped with hand pumps.

Education

Very encouragingly, the primary concern of the beneficiaries encountered during the January 2011 mission, was the education of their children. Four primary schools have been built and equipped with desks, benches, chairs and a blackboard. Facilities such as latrines were also built close by.

Due to the strong demand for and importance of schooling, priority will be given to the education component, with a target to build a further 11 schools, in some cases rehabilitating buildings that are in poor condition and giving the schools the means to operate in optimum conditions.

Infrastructure

BFFS funds have also gone towards building new rural roads, in particular 85 km in Yambuku and 65 km in Bumba.