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Minorities get boost from gov't, UNDP

By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-11-28 13:38

The project is also expected to train 400 officials throughout China 90 from the provincial level and 310 from the local level in the latest poverty-reduction techniques.

"It is crucial for policymakers at the local-government level to learn advanced management measures to reduce poverty," said Zhou Meixiang, a programme manager at the UNDP International Poverty Reduction Centre in China.

Beyond offering management courses and advice to officials, the programme will also encourage individuals and communities to strengthen their capacity to fight against poverty.

More than 10 villages will be selected to take part in community-development projects. For example, minority farmers will set up grassroots organizations to address the challenges they face collectively.

"This project will focus on scaling up efforts to better organize individuals through associations of product producers and service providers," Malik said.

"They will learn decision-making processes based on their own needs and how to search for home-grown solutions to fight against poverty."

Zhou said the goal was to educate villagers about movements in the marketplace and help them foresee changes in supply and demand.