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The input and training we provide for community development is informal and responsive in character. Projects and processes come out of key working relationships and friendships to fulfill the specific needs of local communities.
All of our projects are designed to be sustainable. We provide essential input to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.
Fish Farming
With the assistance of the Chiang Mai Aquatic Development Foundation, which has the largest Tilapia hatchery in northern Thailand, we have developed a working fish farm. The business, although still in its early stages of development, has established itself in the local community as a source of high quality tilapia, a popular choice of fish for most Thai kitchens. Trials are currently being run in order to find the best feed, most economical feeding methods and alternative farming methods, including intergrated aqua-culture. One of the aims of the project is to offer training in fish farming techniques to local people as an alternative to other types of farming.
Micro-Enterprise
One of the most important aspects of our work is income generation and small business development. Projects aim to utilize traditional skills and experience, though we do provide further training as appropriate. Our aim is to bring positive and lasting change for project participants, their families and their communities. Feasibility studies are carried out, through field research and pilot projects. When a project is decided on capital funding and set-up costs are raised. All of our projects are supported with on-going advice and training. Projects we have developed include fish farms, agricultural projects and craft projects using local skills.
Training Farms
Mai Daeng farm is situated in a remote area within the Golden Triangle. This region is home to many displaced peoples who are the victims of human rights abuses by the Burmese military. The farm is home to one such family. Over 600 fruit trees have been planted and three large fish ponds dug. We hope to model an integrated approach to show local people the benefits mordern organic farming techniques. Besides being a model and training environment the project generates some financial resources that are invested in other development projects in the surrounding communities. |