Download PDF - Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme

Once the groundwork has been laid, the next stage is to help community members
to bring the enterprise into operation. They may need extra finance for this,
or they might need training. There are, therefore, two major objectives at this
juncture. One is to ensure that the business can run profitably. The second is to
ensure that the community group is sufficiently knowledgeable and capable of
operating their enterprise.
Stage three :
Implementing
the enterprise
Overview
At this stage, you will help the community to answer:
• What are the objectives and indicators of the enterprise
• Is the product being sold in the right market
• Is the product being produced in the right volume Is the quality
appropriate And is the timing right for buyers
• Are all transactions being recorded And are financial reports
being regularly produced
• Is financial information being used to guide decision-making and
in improving the operation
• Is continuous investment being made in the enterprise to strengthen
it and make it sustainable
Once the enterprise is running, it is vital to monitor progress against objectives
so that any necessary adjustments can be made. The results of monitoring also
provide credible evidence of achievements that can be presented to community
members and to other organisations.
Stage four :
Monitoring
the enterprise
At this stage, you will help the community members to establish:
• What are the objectives set in the business plan
• What are the key result areas of these objectives
• What are the performance indicators of each key result area
• Does the enterprise group have a monitoring plan
• Are monitoring reports presented regularly
To give examples to how mentors can help communities to develop successful
enterprises, case stories are included. These show the ways in which NGOs
have supported people in developing NTFP businesses that are having a positive
impact on their incomes and lifestyles.
To provide further guidance, tools to help with many of the steps described in
the book are also included.
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