 |
Marine and Agricultural Resources Support (MARS) Programme
Many rural households in Mauritius are feeling the impact of the so-called triple trade shock on the country's economy, as losses in trade preferences for textiles and sugar, and rising oil prices undermine the country's export economy. Unemployment is increasing and people with poor education levels are not able to participate in the new services-based economy. At the same time pollution and the depletion of marine resources are affecting the incomes of coastal communities in Mauritius. The programme is designed to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable households in Mauritius, particularly those dependent on marine resources, sugar cane production and employment in the textiles industry. Specific target groups include:
The programme will also support the government's reform agenda by demonstrating improved practices in development implementation. It will introduce sustainable marine resource management and help poor households in coastal communities establish profitable enterprises that do not put the resource base at risk. It will investigate and develop alternative activities, such as small-scale aquaculture of octopus and varieties of lobster, crab and clam and small-scale seaweed production. Producers will be trained to ensure that these high value marine products meet the standards of the luxury hotels on the islands. It will also help diversify rural livelihoods by improving farm productivity and assist poor rural people in establishing profitable non-farming enterprises and acquiring skills to gain employment in other areas. Source: IFAD |
|
 |
 |
email this article