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| March 23, 2003 - I learned this all week that 90% of Peace Corps sponsored "livelihood projects" fail. They are not sustainable without "peace corps intervention" (meaning volunteers buying the products!). One example: Northern Luzon is famous for its wonderful rice terraces. The communities there subsist mainly on farming. Making bags is one way to generate an income for them. Tourism to the area has dropped below peak levels of 10 years ago. A large part of the sales are conducted through a Peace Corps volunteer, selling to friends for their own use or gifts. This is not good. Is it ok? Yes, it gives them a way to earn cash income. Is it a rewarding job for a Peace Corps volunteer. Probably not. In 1991, it was estimated by UNICEF that 70% of Philippine households were unable to afford food that would meet minium recommended dietary requirements. In 1982 it was 67% and in 1987 69%. Why has this increased over the years? The Philippines has had development agencies attempting to help since WWII. Home Next |