Natural Resource Management

Environmental degradation is a chronic and expensive problem for the rural poor, most of whom depend directly on agriculture, livestock, horticulture and orchard management for their livelihood. Whether it occurs naturally or as a result of human intervention, environmental degradation threatens the livelihoods of the rural poor. Similarly, poverty has negative environmental effects when the poor must resort to unsustainable practices - cutting down trees and polluting water supplies, for example - in order to survive. In many parts of the country environmental degradation has created a new class of poor people - those whose resource-based livelihoods have been destroyed.

The Environment and Natural Resource Management activities of BRSP are focused on improving soil quality, reducing farmers' losses, adding value to inputs and increasing productivity and profitability. Many CO members have learned new techniques for planting, harvesting and processing, all aimed at improving crop yields. Many farmers have learned how to grow new crops which increase the profitability of their land and labour. Many others have been able to retain control of their assets and resources, as a result of increased profitability.

Following are the main sectors of NRM in BRSP:

• Livestock
• Agriculture