West Guangxi Poverty-Alleviation Project

This project works to reduce poverty among the rural people living in ten of the poorest countries in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

At least 80 per cent of households in the region are classified as poor, and 10 per cent are considered extremely poor. Ethnic minorities are among the target group.

The population’s average annual income of US$140 is derived from farming tiny plots of land and off-farm activities, such as raising small livestock, processing and marketing. Women are a significant part of the target group and participate in project activities related to water management, microcredit and training.

The project encourages active community involvement through participatory village development plans and helps villagers manage their own natural resources and establish local farming associations.