Rural poverty programme starts next month

WINDHOEK – The National Planning Commission (NPC), through its co-operation with the European Union, will launch the Rural Poverty Reduction Programme (RPRP) next month.

In an interview with Nampa, the NPC’s Deputy Director for Poverty Reduction and Human Resources Planning, Vekondja Tjikuzu, said the aim of the programme was to reduce poverty in all 13 regions. He said the programme would focus on rural water provision, roads, land reform and capacity building.”We are looking for labour-intensive activities,” he said.Tjikuzu said community involvement was important, and women especially would be encouraged to take part in the programme.”Our target is mainly women.Government has realised that if women are involved in projects and programmes, the reward they get, does not matter whether in terms of money or food, women feed households with that reward.”The EU donated N$424 million to the programme, which will run for four years.- NampaHe said the programme would focus on rural water provision, roads, land reform and capacity building.”We are looking for labour-intensive activities,” he said.Tjikuzu said community involvement was important, and women especially would be encouraged to take part in the programme.”Our target is mainly women.Government has realised that if women are involved in projects and programmes, the reward they get, does not matter whether in terms of money or food, women feed households with that reward.”The EU donated N$424 million to the programme, which will run for four years.- Nampa