Download PDF - Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme

Preface
This field guide is the result of a long process, drawing on years of experience and
knowledge gathered from throughout the region. More specifically, it stems from the
comprehensive book of the Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Programme for
South and Southeast Asia (NTFP-EP), From Seeds to Beads: Tales, Tips and Tools for
building a Community-based NTFP Enterprise. Seeds to Beads gathered together the
work of many authors who, as true practitioners, contributed their experiences to a
common pool. The impetus to produce this handy manual specifically for facilitators
working in Cambodia was the identification of a need for at-a-glance guidance that
could be referred to in the field.
Although many of the steps are common to the development of any small enterprise,
this field guide is unique in incorporating the specific elements of a community-based
NTFP enterprise. Thus, the processes of successful entrepreneurship - skills and personnel
development, financial management, business plans, monitoring and evaluation –
are covered. But this field guide also encourages facilitators and the people they
guide to take in the wider aspects of community mobilization and of inclusiveness,
urging them to select the right NTFPs, and to monitor and manage these so that they
continue to regenerate, and thereby support community income generation over
the long-term.
We hope, too, that by clearly presenting the logical sequence of steps involved, supported by
a wide choice of tools, this field guide will provide not just practical steps and tools, but will also
inspire and support field facilitators so they can, in turn, motivate the communities they work with.
Above all, this field guide acknowledges the key role facilitators play. They are the
essential catalysts for community-based enterprise development, drawing communities
together, encouraging them to contribute their own skills and knowledge to the common
cause, and giving them the guidance to adopt enterprise strategies that will
literally change their lives. As the case stories show, community-based NTFP enterprise
development facilitators are making a big difference among Cambodia’s forest
dependent communities. It is hard work and there are many problems to overcome.
But it is also fun, and those who have taken up the challenge have found it well worthwhile.
We hope that this field guide will continue the good work that has already been started,
and wish facilitators and all the people they guide, motivate and inspire to persevere in
protecting and managing Cambodia’s forests, making community profits, and improving
livelihoods.
Ma. Cristina S. Guerrero
Executive Director, NTFP Exchange Programme for South and Southeast Asia
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