By Salik Ansar | External Consultant
Sri Lanka's economy is recovering with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite elevated commodity prices, there is currently no scarcity; the nation is experiencing uninterrupted power supply again, and essentials like fuel are readily accessible. All this allows us to continue our project in Udawalawe. Despite challenges in 2022, this year marks significant strides forward for our project!
Supplementary Crop Project
As you may be aware, the supplementary crop project was initiated two years ago. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 and the economic crisis, Trunks & Leaves opted to delay the project's implementation until 2023. Our main goal was to investigate the feasibility of crop species resistant to elephant damage, that also provide additional income for farmers. Approximately 1500 families, mostly farmers, depend on a modest monthly household income ranging from $100 to $120. The problem of crop raids by elephants creates substantial difficulties for both farmers and elephants, leading to significant losses for both parties.
To address this challenge, our goal is to identify and cultivate alternative crop varieties resilient to elephant damage, tailored to individual farm conditions. These selected crops are intended not only to withstand such challenges but also to generate additional income for farmers beyond staple food crops. However, to ease the transition from familiar crops, farmers need assurance of a market demand for these alternatives. Our strategy involves actively seeking buyers for these alternative crop species, creating a reliable income stream for farming communities. Through this initiative, we aspire to foster a harmonious coexistence between farmers and elephants, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of marginalized farming families.
In our previous report, we shared that our field team identified 300 participating farming families residing around Udawalawe National Park. The initial survey, marking the project's first phase, is now complete and has provided demographic insights into these families.
Moving into the second phase, our objective was to assist these 300 families by bolstering their financial well-being through support for their cash crop endeavors. All farmers in this area cultivate cash crops with quick turnaround times for easy market sales. This approach ensures families maintain the necessary cash flow for sustenance. As part of our project, Trunks & Leaves wanted to support their cash crop initiatives, whether by sourcing saplings or providing essential seeds and resources.
The next phase
The third phase of our supplementary crop project focuses on maintaining the engagement of the 300 farming households and encouraging their active participation. While our agricultural consultant initially identified four primary crops - cinnamon, pepper, ginger, and turmeric - for cultivation trials, our completed surveys revealed some interesting insights and we wanted to take the farmers’ inputs into consideration. Fortified with this knowledge, the team are confident with a new list of crops which they put together, incorporating fruits that elephants in the area have refrained from raiding. We plan to begin our main cropping phase by the April/May farming season next year. Till then, the farmers will be cultivating their cash crops and we will be aiding them in every way possible.
New partnership on the horizon
We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with IEP (International Elephant Project), an organization that shares our core beliefs. IEP has a rich history of conservation work in Sumatra, focusing on orangutans, as well as tigers, and elephants. Now, they are expanding their reach to collaborate with Trunks & Leaves on our co-existence project. These partnerships are invaluable, providing us with diverse insights to benefit the Udawalawe community.
Trunks & Leaves is committed to maximizing our impact for the community and helping elephants live peacefully in their natural environment. We welcome any support and kindly encourage donations via GlobalGiving to directly benefit this deserving community, strengthening our positive relationship and helping them live alongside their magnificent neighbours, the Asian elephants.
Stay connected with our project through social media for exciting updates!
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