Wildlife Conservation International (trading as Forests for People)

Harvesting Hope: Talang Mamak Cooperative Food Store Initiative

Harvesting Hope: Talang Mamak Cooperative Food Store Initiative

Wildlife Conservation International (WCI), along with partners, established PT Alam Bukit Tigapuluh (PT ABT), an Indonesian Ecosystem Restoration Company, that manages a 38,665-hectare Forest Utilisation Concession in Central Sumatra’s Bukit Tigapuluh (BTP) Ecosystem, home to the Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutan, elephant, and tiger. Liveling solely in BTP are the Talang Mamak people, an indigenous group ...

GOAL

$8,550

International
07/01/2024 > 30/06/2025

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development

Target Population

  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
  • Not applicable
Wildlife Conservation International (trading as Forests for People) Wildlife Conservation International (trading as Forests for People)

Forests for People (F4P) is a project of Wildlife Conservation International (WCI), a registered charity in Australia. F4P is a sister project to The Orangutan Project, International Elephant Project and International Tiger Project.

We believe that empowering indigenous communities is key to protecting rainforests and the wildlife that live there. F4P therefore supports programs directed at enhancing the welfare of indigenous forest communities across South-East Asia to create a sustainable economic future through education and sustainable livelihoods.

Our Vision: All indigenous rainforest communities live and prosper within sustainable rainforest ecosystems.

Our Mission: To ensure rainforest communities prosper in harmony with the flora and fauna.

Programs supported by F4P address the UN Sustainable Development Goals that aspire to end poverty, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve rainforests and their biodiversity.

Project Summary

Wildlife Conservation International (WCI), along with partners, established PT Alam Bukit Tigapuluh (PT ABT), an Indonesian Ecosystem Restoration Company, that manages a 38,665-hectare Forest Utilisation Concession in Central Sumatra’s Bukit Tigapuluh (BTP) Ecosystem, home to the Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutan, elephant, and tiger. Liveling solely in BTP are the Talang Mamak people, an indigenous group of around 8,000 people. Within PT ABT’s concession block is Simeranthlan Hamlet, housing 203 individuals (55 households).

The Talang Mamak practice slash-and-burn farming. This small-scale and low technology form of agriculture typically returns low yields, making it highly unsustainable. Due to low income, some members participate in poaching and illegal logging which threatens long-term sustainability and contributes to deforestation.

To supplement their low agricultural yields, villagers are required to journey to the nearest food store in Suo Suo Village, a journey of 26 kms along a direct road – the only access into Simerantihan Hamlet. The road is often impassable due to damage from heavy rain and the journey involves two river crossings. In addition to walking and motorbikes commonly used by residents, the road can only be travelled using a four-wheel drive.

Poor soil quality, low yields and limited access to the nearest food store has resulted in villagers becoming malnourished. Providing improved access to locally grown and culturally appropriate food is therefore a direct path to improving nutrition and overall living standards of the Simerantihan community.

Project Outcomes

The primary goal of establishing a food cooperative store in Simerantihan Hamlet is to improve food security, enhance nutrition, and raise overall living standards within the Talang Mamak community. By providing convenient access to a variety of food items locally, we aim to reduce the community's dependency on distant markets and empower them to meet their dietary needs more effectively.

This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. SDG 2, Zero Hunger, is targeted by improving food security in Simerantihan Village through access to nutritious food options, reducing vulnerability to shortages. SDG 3, Good Health & Well-being, is promoted by offering diverse food choices, enhancing dietary variety, and overall health outcomes. SDG 8, Decent Work & Economic Growth, is addressed by creating economic opportunities through cooperative management and local sourcing, fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance. SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, is tackled by prioritising affordability and direct sourcing from local producers, benefiting indigenous communities. Finally, SDG 15, Life on Land, is supported by promoting sustainable farming practices and local sourcing, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stewardship within the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem.

The establishment of a food cooperative store in Simerantihan Village represents a proactive and sustainable solution to address the food insecurity and livelihood challenges faced by this local Talang Mamak community. By fostering local resilience, empowering community members, and promoting socio-economic development, this initiative has the potential to catalyse positive change and improve the overall quality of life for generations to come.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $8,550
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Funding gap (unconfirmed) $8,550
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Store construction (3m x 4m) $1,937
Construction workers $242
Meeting expenses with KTH Bukit Terang Mandiri (Talang Mamak) to establish community cooperative $97
Initial investment - food supplies $6,274

Support Wildlife Conservation International (trading as Forests for People)

Got a question about this organisation or ready to contribute? Contact us.

Add your organisation to the Funding Platform

Is your not-for-profit organisation seeking funding? Add your organisation to the Funding Platform or upload your funding needs for a project.

Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.