Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
War on Want

Project Code: 118-680-005	Start Date: 01-Apr-93	End Date: 01-Mar-99
Commitment: £238,975	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
The Wanki Luhpia Integrated Development Programme is the third and final phase of a project which started in 1987 as an emergency response to refugees and displaced people in the North Atlantic Region of Nicaragua. Towards the mid 1980's the Sandanista government started peace negotiations within factions of the so-called Contra rebels. The first group to lay down their arms and incorporate themselves into civilian life were the Alzados en Armas in the North Atlantic, a strategic geo-political region due to the wealth of mining, fishing and forestry resources and the border with Honduras. The partial peace agreements led to a gradual return of refugees to their original villages and communities. The national and regional governments were in no position to respond to the needs of these returning people as it was still confronting a war of attrition and deepening economic crisis. Special appeals were made to humanitarian institutions to provide help. War on Want was approached by the regional government based at Puerto Cabezas, and agreed to consider emergency help for the Miskitos returning to their communities in the Wanki River (Rio Coco). War on Want presented an application to the EEC and a 2 year project started in November 1987. The original project was designed as an integrated emergency and reconstruction programme of agriculture, health and education. Priority was given to food production, basic health care and basic education. The project was co-ordinated in Nicaragua by the Project Counselling Service for Latin American Refugees, a team of Miskito technicians was appointed and offices established in Managua and Puerto Cabezas. During this first phase the project was very successful and helped more the 60,000 people in 45 communities. The fact that the project was so successful, and run by the Miskito people themselves, gained the project the confidence of the communities and a growing reputation as an effective initiative. Due to the success the EEC extended co-finance of the project for two more years and finally for an additional 7 months (August 1992). During this phase there were important changes in content and co-ordination. However, the main innovations were in the gradual abandonment of free provision of goods, ie seeds and medicines, and in a more active involvement of the people in finding solutions to their problems.

Project Objectives:
To improve the living conditions and develop the resources and abilities of the Miskito people living in communities along the banks of the Coco river geared towards autonomous development and self sufficiency.

Intended Outputs:
The intended project outputs are (1) AGRICULTURE Establishment of a model/demonstration farm the idea is to have a centre for demonstration of farming techniques. It will also serve as an experimentation farm for basic grains, fruits, vegetables and livestock. Seed Bank Wanki Luhpia will administer a seed bank for the production of beans, rice, maize, cacao, fruits and vegetables, and also fertilisers, insecticides, tools, etc. Livestock programme Cattle and pig farming were introduced quite successfully during the second phase of the former Rio Coco Project. The methods used will continue to be applied. Training There will be 5 courses each year for each of the aspects of the agricultural programme. (2)HEALTH The predominant feature of the health component during the 3 year programme will be preventive medicine and primary health care. Three new important aspects will be added traditional medicine, family planning and drugs prevention and education. Medicines will still be distributed but only in small quantities, not the massive amounts that were channelled through the local ministry of health (3) EDUCATION The education component will also have some changes/additions from the work done during the Rio Coco Project. Though construction of schools will continue, this will only happen if and when the corresponding communities are prepared to be actively involved. and make a substantial contribution.