Download PDF - Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme

ack for further discussion with the community group so that any necessary,
or feasible, changes can be made before full production starts.
A product prototype should result from this step, and product samples should
have been tested in the market.
Output
Working together for business growth
Bunong indigeous communities have been working together to harvest wild honey
as a sustainable income-generating enterprises since 2007. They are based in
the Community Forestry areas in Pichrada, Mondulkiri.
This successful group enterprise began with a feasibility study, which showed that
the honey offered great potential. Training in sustainable harvesting techniques
followed, a harvesting group was established, and community members were
trained in skills needed to run a community-based enterprise. A market survey
then identified the best target buyers.
Of course, the processes did not always run smoothly: some community members
did not understand the goals of the enterprise, the enterprise regulations were not
always clear and it took time for everyone to understand their roles and responsibilities.
But the community members benefited from the support of (WWF and
NTFP-EP) who mentored them through the creation of the business plan, ensuring
that all key stakeholders were involved. Even so, with little business experience,
not everyone followed the plan.
WWF and NTFP-EP also facilitated market negotiations focusing on pricing, volume
of supply, quality assurance, payment procedures and transportation. There were
challenges there, too, including irregular payments by buyers and difficulty in
collecting signatures to draw funds because villagers were often away in the forest.
Strengthening the capacity of the business committee to ensure self-management
and sustainability has been an ongoing focus of the project. But there have
already been many benefits. The honey price negotiated collectively has risen
from 8,000 riel to 25,000 riel (from about USD 2 to USD 6) per litre and there has
been greater community involvement in forest management. As an added significant
change, women are now represented in leadership positions.
Overall, although it is not a quick process, but with careful facilitation and an
increase in the community’s capacity for self-management, community-based
enterprises like this offer excellent development potential.
`An internal
control system,
enterprise
development,
networking and
ongoing training
in forest
management
contributed to
strengthening
and focusing the
enterprise towards
achieving
success’
`To enhance
success, further
training is required
on enterprise
management,
strengthening
internal control
systems and
effective
communication
techniques
between the
committee,
villagers and
authorities’
Developing the enterprise CHAPTER II
39