RLP applies a pro-poor approach and focuses on the poorest Gewogs in Zhemgang and Sarpang Dzongkhags in Central and Southern Bhutan. The new road access and an upcoming hydropower project offer opportunities
for the rural population in these remote Gewogs. The main intervention strategy of RLP Phase II is to support the farmers to make best
use of the new market opportunities through a market chain facilitation approach. The project engages to link the primary producers to markets, traders, large consumers and processors and to establish fair relationships
among the market-chain actors. RLP works through Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) and concentrates on capacity building of the market
chain actors. It is committed to social inclusiveness (including gender).
Development Goal of the project is to contribute to an improved livelihood of rural poor in Bhutan through holistic, community-driven and participatory approaches. While the specific objectives are to alleviate poverty in selected Gewogs of Zhemgang and Sarpang Dzongkhags through market chain facilitation skills, capacity building and promotion of good governance through local decision-making. Led by the MoAF, the project partners Gewog and Chiwog leaders,
Extensionists, Dzongkhag leaders, Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), Rural Development Training Centre (RDTC), Regional Livestock Development Centre (RLDC), Renewable Natural Resource Research and Development Centre (RNR-RDC), National Seed Centre (NSC), Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) & Business Development Services (BDS). Funded by the HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation (HSI), the project has a budget of 2 M CHF (RGoB: 200’000 CHF; 1.8 M CHF). The project period is 4 years (2012-2015) & extended by 6 months till June 2016 to align to the RGoB fiscal year.