Elias T. Moning

The challenge

For many years Flores Island has been recognised for its low-income farmers. Most of Flores is not suitable for common food crops because of the low annual rainfall in the region. To help alleviate this poverty, a comprehensive effort is needed to transform non-fertile land into productive land.

Business approach

CV Outreach has formed a partnership scheme with the local farmer cooperative to grow jatropha seeds. Under this scheme, Outreach provide jatropha seeds, while farmers provide land. Outreach then buy the products of the farmers' harvests and return 10% of its profits to the farmer cooperative from the sale of jatropha oil. This also enables farmers to grow teakwood and farm honeybees, helping them act as independent entrepreneurs.

Goals and objectives

Through an integrated farming strategy, the non-fertile land on Flores can sustain local farmers, increasing their income from multiple sources of income and gaining new skills in jatropha farming. Growth in the local economy will provide employment opportunities for young people and prevent migration to urban areas. CV Outreach will educate farmers on the objectives of social enterprise through field guidance and workshops.