Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) is a program that deals with development issues: Poverty in rural areas is very rampant due to the fact that the agriculture on which the majority of rural people depend remained subsistence agriculture.
Therefore, the emphasis will be put on agriculture so as to make it very productive by increasing and improving agricultural productivity through the introduction of technology and improved seeds in such manner that famers have improved living standards. Besides IRDP will seek to build local knowledge and ensure that it remains within the local community for their benefits.
Through IRDP, ISRCD will strive to build improved standards of living as through:
• Enhancing modern agriculture and livestock
• Food security through crop & livestock diversification and intensification
• Construction of rural infrastructure
• Training and coaching to farmers/farmer groups
• Value -chain development and market linkages.
Provide community outreach and trainings in farming, crop rotation, livestock rearing, food production, and vocational skills. By working with local organizations that provide training and economic opportunity to communities that lack sufficient resources, ISRCD Working through RISF intends to engage programs that:
- Supply capacity-building sessions to address budgeting, accounting, microfinance, management, and other small business subjects. These initiatives aim at supporting information sharing and networking between microenterprise leaders and those looking to develop small business skills.
- Establish effective microfinance models that allow local clients to obtain loans for startup businesses, develop business plans, incorporate savings strategies, and invest in long-term enterprise growth in agriculture.
- Form strategic alliances between organizations that research and implement best practices for farmer’s microenterprise development. This program will aim at optimally distributing small business expertise and microfinance opportunities to rural famers.
- Develop microcredit opportunities and provide vocational and/or life skills training for young entrepreneurs in the sector of agriculture. This initiative aims at empowering young entrepreneurs with the tools needed to engage in the local economy.
- Link small-scale producers and micro-service providers with larger organizations to access financial services and business expertise.