Income-Generating Activities - Action Against Hunger

Field handbook • Scientific and Technical Department
Example 22: Technical improvement in honey production in Guinea Conakry
Honey forms part of the diet of the rural population of Guinea, as well as being
a product that can be sold. However, in the region of Kissidougou, the usual extraction
process, involving burning the hives, reduces production, quality and destroys
the bees, weakening the capacity to continue the activity.
In the Dabola region, some associations specialized in beekeeping began to introduce
new reusable hives that facilitate the extraction of higher quality honey. ACF
proposed to the beneficiaries of the IGA programmes (see Example 18) the introduction
of these new techniques. They were well accepted and the increase in production
was considerable: the 3 to 4 liters that were produced per hive with
traditional techniques grew to 25 liters per hive. Technical training was very important
in order to guarantee that the goods and materials were used in the correct
way.
Even though it is more risky, ACF has also introduced IGA dedicated to new types
of production for the intervention zone. When a demand exists for a determined product
that is not produced locally, it is first necessary to evaluate if the conditions in the
zone are suited to the new product. Only when technical, social and economic viability
is assured can the risk of starting new IGA be considered. It is advisable to carry
out the production on a small scale at first, as a pilot experience, and when the results
are seen, the possibility of reproducing the activity on a larger scale can be discussed.
Example 23: Introduction of mushroom cultivation in Vigan, the Philippines
On Luzon Island, in the Philippines, ACF introduced mushroom cultivation with
the aim of diversifying the sources of income of the vulnerable population who made
a living from fishing. Even though this product does not form part of the usual diet,
mushrooms are in demand from restaurants and the sectors of the population with
more resources. The market studies demonstrated that it would be an economically
feasible activity for the area.
The intervention zone fulfilled the necessary requirements for the promotion of
this product. Even though the initial investment was significant, as infrastructure
under which the production would be carried out had to be constructed, the operational
costs were seen to be low. At the same time, the beneficiaries received technical
training in order to apply a simple technology that had already shown positive
results in nearby zones.
INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES: A KEY CONCEPT IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURTIY
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