Income Generation


‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’ (Chinese proverb)

Emergency projects are essential in providing immediate relief for people afflicted by famine, wars and natural disasters. Just as important, however, is the long-term security of these people, which is often overlooked once international news headlines move on to other stories.

Many of these people lose all their sources of income and benefit only temporarily from handouts. The purpose of our Income Generation Project is to allow people to become independent, so they have the ability to permanently rebuild their lives and stand on their own two feet, taking the first steps out of the vicious cycle of poverty.

Human Appeal’s Income Generation Projects are a proven, successful way of reducing poverty. We use micro-credit schemes and supply specialist equipment to help set-up local businesses. This project involves providing financial assistant to people affected in the areas of farming, agriculture, livestock, fisheries and retail.

"Micro finance has proved its value in many countries as a weapon against poverty and hunger. It really can change peoples' lives for the better, especially the lives of those who need it most."

- (Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, November 2004)

We provide training and interest free loans enabling people to earn a better living, either by running small businesses or by seeking well-paid employment.

Our projects also address the gender imbalance by focusing on widows who have no source of income at all. The schemes are also sustainable because once the loans are repaid the money can be loaned out again and again.

YOUR DONATION WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:

• Providing livestock – Provide the poor with domestic animals to allow them to produce their own food, with the opportunity to sell.

• Vocational training programmes – Develop independence by teaching people new skills, while developing existing ones. For example I.T classes, Rickshaw projects and so on.

• Micro-credit scheme - Supply interest-free loans to help start small businesses and provide them with advice when needed.

• Distributing farming tools – Provide essential materials (seeds, tools and fertiliser) to improve irrigation and increase harvest.

Case Studies

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was the second worst affected country when the 2004 Tsunami hit. Over 35,000 people died and most of the infrastructure around the coastline was completely destroyed. To combat rising unemployment rates, as a result of the devastated infrastructure, Human Appeal invested in income generating projects, helping create an environment of independence. One such project was the Auto rickshaw project, catering for around 50 people. An Auto-rickshaw is a popular vehicle for hire and is one of the chief modes of transport in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It’s a motorized version of the traditional rickshaw, a small two-or three-wheeled cart pulled by a person. HAI bought 50 auto rickshaws at a cost of £1,600 each, which included registration, license and insurance for a whole year. With this scheme Human Appeal managed to create employment for 50 people, who in turn can generate income and support for their families. After receiving his rickshaw, one of the drivers expressed his gratitude at receiving such a golden opportunity: “I had no income…this seemed like an impossible dream. Thank you so much!”

1,000 Fibre Glass Boats – Indonesia

One of the biggest sectors affected by the Tsunami was the fishing industry in Indonesia, which produced over 300,000 tons of fish annually. More than 80% of the trade has been affected. Thousands of fishermen were killed whilst out in their boats and hundreds of families are struggling to survive as their boats and nets were destroyed leading to the loss of a regular source of income.

Human Appeal has provided funds to purchase over 1,000 fishing boats for the local fisherman as part of our Income Generation Project. These fishing boats vary from motor fitted boats to large sea faring canoes suited for the different types of catch for the fish market. The average cost of each boat is £1,550. To boost the local economy further in the Tsunami affected areas of Indonesia, Human Appeal International employed local craftsmen and engineers to build those boats, who then provided them to the poor fishermen.