SNV works in the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector in Laos, which provides livelihoods for 80% of the poor. SNV focuses on bamboo, paper mulberry, and rattan value chains to improve incomes. Its goals are to directly benefit 10,000 households and create 3,600 jobs by 2010 through more efficient value chains. SNV also aims to build the capacity of 250 people working in the value chains and support sustainable production and value-adding to products. It works with government agencies, businesses, and organizations to strengthen NTFP systems, stimulate service providers, and develop interventions along the value chains.

1. Overview of SNV’s work in
the NTFP Sector
SNV Lao PDR Strategy Launch
13 June 2008

2. SNV’s strategic sector focus in Lao PDR
• Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) provide a key coping
strategy for some 80% of the poor to secure food
 local use: USD 200 million/year (53 USD/person/year)
 local sales: USD 56 million/year
 export value: USD 5.9 million (2005)
• NTFPs prominent on government and development agendas
• Large potential for value adding in NTFP value chains
potentially benefiting poor and other actors
• To focus interventions SNV’s value chain choices are: bamboo,
paper mulberry and rattan shoots
SNV Strategy Launch 13 June 2008 2

3. Impact target 2010 for SNV Lao
• Income gains for poor NTFP collectors targeting directly
10,000 households living under/on the poverty line and
increase employment with 3,600 new jobs, by:
 more efficient value chains = raising production, income
and employment = increasing prices + volumes of NTFP
trade (bamboo prices are predicted to increase 100%
within 1-2 years)
 sustainable production from managed forests and
domestication, improved quality, timely delivery, adding
value through product processing.
SNV Strategy Launch 13 June 2008 3

4. Impact target 2010 for SNV Lao
• Improved capacity and leadership of 250 people working for
and in the value chains, by:
 more transparent quota and registering systems giving a
better overview of NTFP trade flows and increased tax
revenue for government = better service delivery.
 community participation in forest management
(empowerment)
 wider range of business service providers and capacity
builders available to the NTFP sub-sector.
SNV Strategy Launch 13 June 2008 4

5. Sector objectives
• To contribute towards alleviation of
poverty, and help ensure environmental
sustainability
• To empower local gatherers and their
communities
• To build capacity at national and provincial
level to create an effective enabling
environment for the sector
• To support local capacity building
organisations at all levels throughout the
sector
• To provide NTFP knowledge services
across the Asia region
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6. How we work
SNV
• Provides capacity building and access to
knowledge support
• Strengthens government administrative
support systems
• Stimulates a wide range of business
service providers and capacity builders
• Develops value chain interventions
• Provides specific services supported by
cross-cutting advisors (governance, access
to finance, business development) and
SNV’s worldwide network
SNV Strategy Launch 13 June 2008 6

7. Our products and services
• Organise multi stakeholder workshops with local government
department, associations and private sector to identify,
prioritise, agree and plan value chain interventions
(Houaphanh, Sangthong)
• Raise awareness (China, Vietnam) and develop participatory
strategic plans with Houaphanh province departments and
private sector to develop the bamboo sub-sector
• Facilitate workshops and field learning for Luang Prabang DOIC
to improve understanding on the importance of developing
effective services for the paper mulberry value chain
• Organise events for Sangthong district communities to
exchange knowledge with peers in Vientiane province
• Work together with local capacity builders to build such skills!
SNV Strategy Launch 13 June 2008 7

8. Our clients and partners
Clients:
• Clients which promote positive change in selected value chains
• At province and district level:
 Public sector (government): DPI, DOIC, PAFO, DAFO
 Private sector: Souphaphone Bamboo factory
 Civil society organisations & local capacity builders: Gender
Development Group, Normai, Lao Development Network,
Enterprise Development Consultants
• At national level: MAF, DOF; MOIC, SMEPDO
Partners:
• Partners with (large scale) impact on poverty alleviation: WWF
and Prosperity Initiative
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9. Thank you