Case Studies: Africa
Africa, Implementing Africa's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action, 2006, UK Department for International Development.
The DFID is supporting the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Office of Science and Technology to support the design of institutional arrangements and strengthen capacity for implementing 'Africa's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action'. In early August 2005 the Bureau of the African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology instructed NEPAD Office of Science and Technology to start preparing background studies and initiate processes that will guide and ensure speedy implementation of the Plan. LTS in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh is supporting the process through a short-term advisor based in Pretoria responsible for preparing two high-level policy papers on instruments and institutions for financing research and development based on global trends in Asia; and conducting an international survey of donors funding science and technology in developing countries.
Africa, Assessment Study of the Vi Agroforestry Programme, 2000, SIDA
The programme seeks to improve the livelihoods of small-scale rural poor farmers in the Lake Victoria area. This is achieved through direct assistance - through tree planting and agroforestry to improve land management - to increase food and nutritional security, fuelwood availability and income. LTS was contracted by SIDA to undertake the 'assessment study' of the Vi programme, which has not seen an evaluation for four years. The team appraised the relevance and efficiency of activities, specifically Vi's technical progress, capacity and cost efficiency in relation to its goals and objectives. It looked at the socio-economic impact of the activities with regard to gender, income generation and improved livelihoods of the poor. It also examined the ecological impact and sustainability of activities, the degree of local participation, the efficiency and cost effectiveness of project management, the M&E system, and sources of financing.
Africa, Forest Governance Learning Group, 2003-2005, International Institute for Environment and Evelopment/UK Department for International Development
Forestry can contribute to the eradication of poverty and sustainability, but only with good forest governance. As a key founding member of the Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG) LTS continues to focus its efforts on improving national forest programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa (Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda), linking forestry's contribution in poverty reduction strategies, tackling the effects on livelihoods of illegal logging and corruption in forestry, and ensuring sustainability and equity in forest privatisation and decentralisation. LTS has contributed to the FGLG process through overseeing new policy research conducted on illegal/corrupt forestry and poor people, facilitation of learning between countries promoted in two regions - West and Southern Africa, and developing specific practical governance guidance materials and tools.
Africa, Fact-Finding and Identification Mission for Finnish Regional Forestry Programme, 2004, Department for International Development Cooperation (Finland)
Although broadly devolved from the Millennium Development Goals, Finland's Aid Resolution identifies a number of areas of particular relevance to forestry. In addition to the delivery of forest products and services, forestry, in which Finland's own economic development is strongly rooted, can have direct beneficial impact on poverty, livelihoods and food security. The Identification and Fact-Finding mission identified and analyzed the best alternatives for Finnish regional forestry cooperation in Horn of Africa. LTS fielded two experts to determine whether there was scope for a regional forestry initiative, lasting initially 3 to 4 years and with a budget of some € 3 million. It was found that such an initiative would have to be relevant to all the countries in the region (Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea) and make a contribution to improved regional cooperation as a step to securing conflict reduction.
Africa, Linking National Forest Programme to Poverty Reduction Strategies, 2005- 2007, Food and Agriculture Organisation
The multi-country study attempts to determine the extent to which national forest programmes (NFPs) and other sectoral processes in selected countries (Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi, Mali, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia) are linked to the development and implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSs) or similar national frameworks. It identifies best practices, challenges and opportunities with regard to establishing effective linkages, drawing on lessons learned from current NFPs and from other sectors such as agriculture, energy, health and education. Based on findings, ways will be proposed to enhance the presence and influence of forestry in wider planning instruments with a view to strengthening financial, institutional and policy support for forest-based poverty alleviation. LTS was contracted to elaborate the design and is now leading on the implementation of the study. A regional event to share experiences and outline priorities is also scheduled.
Cameroon, Mount Cameroon Project (Phase 2 & Exit), 1999-2002, UK Department for International Development
The project developed mechanisms for resource use and conservation in the high conservation value forests of Mount Cameroon. Partnerships for forest management were formed with a range of stakeholders, including village users, national institutions and a major agro-business plantation corporation. The capacity of resource users and other stakeholders to implement a participatory strategy for sustainable use and conservation of forest resources in the Mount Cameroon region was developed and demonstrated by measurable impacts on livelihoods by forest user groups. Key forest resource information was factored into innovative forest management planning methods for use by Forest Officers and community forest managers. The project was based in the Limbe Botanic Garden, which was transformed into a semi-autonomous and viable research, training and information management institution providing services in participatory biodiversity conservation. In the exit phase, the technical assistance managed by LTS put emphasis on strengthening institutional capacity to take on vital roles and services.
Ghana, Protected Areas Development Programme (PADP), 2006-2009, European Commission
The prime objective of the EC-financed PADP (Phase II), is to enhance the conservation of biodiversity heritage in Ankasa and Bia Conservation Areas, as well as the Krokosua Hill Forest Reserve which is a designated Globally Significant Biodiversity Area. PADP II (2006-2009) will consolidate and extend the on- and off-reserve achievements of its first phase, in particular securing long-term management prospects for the focal protected areas. LTS will help achieve this through further improving the conservation and management capacity of the Wildlife Division of the Ghana Forestry Commission, and by complementing park infrastructures for administration and tourism. Phase II is primarily an institutional strengthening intervention, with emphasis on building the capacity of existing local institutions and personnel, and enhancing the effectiveness of existing infrastructure. This approach requires LTS to play a catalytic role to enable the Wildlife Division and other sectoral stakeholders to build sustainable management through the provision of technical and mangement support.
Ghana, Research and Advocacy Programme, 2004-2007, UK Department for International Development
LTS is currently providing programme management services under the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (GRAP) - a pooled donor funding mechanism for supporting the institutional development of Research and Advocacy Organisations (RAOs) in Ghana. GRAP offers multi-annual grants to a group of the most established RAOs, selected on a competitive basis. The purpose of GRAP is to enhance the capacity of RAOs to carry out evidence-based research on economic, social, political and security issues, and to make an autonomous contribution to the policy process through dissemination of research, advocacy and coalition building (see application form). LTS manages the grant application procedure and brokerage of Partnership and Institutional Grant Arrangements, monitoring and assessment of RAO compliance with grant provisions, and audit services.
Kenya, Arabuko Sokoke Project, 2000-2001, BirdLife International/European Commission
Arabuko Sokoke Forest is the largest remaining block of natural forest on the East African Coast. The forest is a remarkable biodiversity resource and is regarded as a key forest for bird conservation in mainland Africa, with a high proportion of endemic species unique to the forest or coastal area. A five-year management plan for the reserve was required, as well as a strategic twenty-year plan. LTS provided the services of a forest management planning specialist to focus on actions required for effective forest management, concentrating on natural forest, and to facilitate the development of a forest management plan. Recent international forest management experience and the evolving Kenyan operating environment in terms of forest and protected area policies, strategies and stakeholders, were all taken into account.
Kenya, Forestry Transaction Advisor, 2007-2008, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank
The USAID-funded Forest Rehabilitation and Environmental Management Strengthening (FORREMS) Programme is a six-year initiative (2003-2008) that strengthens government natural resource management institutions, assists local community groups in improving forest and environmental management, aids the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and improves rural livelihoods with sustainable nature-based enterprises. Together with the World Bank-funded Natural Resources Management Project, FORREMS has worked with the Forest Department (FD) and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) in improving the enabling framework for sustainable forest management by advancing reforms in Forest Act, draft Forest Policy and Kenya Forest Service (KFS) - a state corporation that will replace the FD in 2007. The Forestry Transaction Advisor acts as the Principal Advisor to the Permanent Secretary, De-Linking Committee, Forest Reform Secretariat and Board on the transition of FD to the KFS. In this regard, the advisor brings to KFS expertise public sector reform such as strategic planning, corporate governance, organisational structuring, budget and finance, human resources management, recruitment and performance contracting.
Kenya and Tanzania, Review of Microfinance Initiatives in Protected Area and Environmental Contexts in East Africa, 2007, World Wildlife Fund and CARE International
As part of a multi-county lesson learning exercise LTS was contracted to review six microfinance schemes that have been established over the last eight years in the context of protected areas and ecosystem conservation projects with the objective of assessing their performance against environmental, social and financial criteria. LTS identified the need for and designed a review of selected savings and loan schemes that have been established in the context of protected area or natural resource management projects. LTS worked in partnership with WWF and CARE Tanzania to secure the funding and personnel to carry out the review. Using participatory social approaches to evaluate schemes, LTS led the field review of six project sites. LTS examined the short and long-term financial viability of the schemes, their environmental sustainability and socio-cultural acceptability. The results and lessons were compiled analysed and presented for consideration by the LTS, WWF and CARE partnership.
Kenya, Uganda & Sri Lanka, Business Planning for Forestry, 2003-2004, Private
This private sector client has extensive estate areas with potential for commercial plantations set within a local mosaic of forest resources providing environmental and social benefits. The owner of the estate sought advice from LTS to develop a forestry plan consistent with the estates' commercial aims and commitments to sustainable development. The client has timber plantations in excess of its fuelwood needs and wanted to assess the viability and opportunity to develop commercial timber production. LTS provided a team of experts to evaluate the state of the plantations, the prevailing market and the political and institutional environment in which the client is operating in the 3 countries. From these assessments we have developed a suite of strategic options for the client to consider and guidance on which is likely to satisfy their long-term objectives of a sustainable business that supports local economies.
Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Programme on Capacity Building for National Forest Programmes, 2001-2002, African Academy of Science/European Commission
The AAS project aims to build capacity across Africa (currently working in 16 countries) for the formulation and implementation of NFPs. In 2001, LTS was contracted to carry out a mid-term review of the project, and we provided relevant policy and training expertise from our staff consultants. Three countries (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) were visited for the review, and consultations were made with participants involved in the wider AAS programme as well as other relevant stakeholders. More recently, LTS in association with AAS, have undertaken a qualitative assessment of NFPs in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda and Ghana and are planning further collaborative activities in this area.
Malawi, Improved Forest Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Programme (IFMSLP), 2006-2009, European Commission
LTS has been associated with Malawi for many years - we managed both the Social Forestry Training and Extension Project and the Forestry College Development Project from 1997-2005 and LTS staff experience in the country stretches back over 30 years. This successful track record continues with the implementation of the EC-financed IFMSLP (2006-2009) which LTS manages in association with Agrisystems. The overall objective of the programme is to increase household income and improve food security through more sustainable management of natural resources. The IFMSLP is working in 12 districts of the country with the Forestry Department and District Governments. LTS will support decentralised service provision, small enterprise development and collaborative management through the provision of 8 technical advisors to the 3-year programme as well as comprehensive project management services.
Malawi, Privatisation of Commercial Forest Plantations, 2001, UK Department for International Development
The privatisation of Malawi's commercial forest plantations continues to be a hot topic in the National Forest Programme (NFP) process. As a fundamental part of the reform, and highlighted in the ongoing NFP process, DFID has supported privatisation since the late nineties. The Malawi Forestry Department had prepared an outline of a project to privatise its commercial forestry plantations, to augment resources committed and to integrate Finnish assistance. LTS has been crucial in the detailed preparation of DFID support, including aspects of feasibility and financing in order to transfer the management of commercial forest plantations from the public to private sector in a transparent, accountable and effective process addressing poverty, sustainability and equity issues.
Malawi, Social Forestry Training and Extension Project, 1997-2003, European Commission
This highly successful pilot project was designed to develop the capacity of the Malawi Forestry Department to interpret and implement national forest policy with an emphasis on encouraging participatory social forestry. This was achieved through training of Forestry Department staff in extension planning and implementation, developing extension frameworks to reflect district and national strategies, and improving forestry education to include community-based issues. LTS was responsible for overall project management and administration including the recruitment and administration of staff, and provision of all technical support. This involved planning and implementing a comprehensive programme of in-service training to strengthen the extension planning and implementation capacity of the Forest Department focussing on headquarters and the five districts. LTS developed national and district level frameworks for forestry extension to reflect the strategies and priorities of the emerging National Forest Programme.
Nigeria, Evaluation of the Living Earth Community Forestry Project in Cross River State, 2004, Living Earth UK
LTS provided the Team Leader to undertake an end of project evaluation of the EU-funded and Living Earth implemented community forestry programme based in Cross River State, Nigeria.
South Africa, NFP Support Services to the South Africa Forestry Programme, 2003-2005, UK Department for International Development
DFID supports the forest sector in South Africa, as an integrated part of a wider sustainable livelihoods programme. There are three key areas of activity of LTS support include completing the restructuring / privatisation process for the plantation resource; consolidation and progressing the organisational changes within the Chief Directorate of Forests; and identification and establishment of the enabling environment and modalities for an enterprise based approach to achieving improved rural livelihoods from forestry. Our work aims to enhance the commercial opportunities and capabilities of previously disadvantaged people. The LTS NFP support team have provided guidance to the Policy & Strategy team on best practices for formulation and implementation of the National Forest Programme (NFP) that is bringing together forestry stakeholders in South Africa and boost Chief Directorate of Forests' perceived role as a key player in forestry and local economic development.
South Africa, Eastern Cape Community Forestry Pilot Project, Rural Development Forestry Education and Training Project & DFID Forest Sector Assistance Strategy, 2000, UK Department for International Development
LTS provided a Team Leader and forestry specialist to assess two DFID forestry projects and the DFID forest sector assistance strategy. DFID's assistance to the South African forest sector began in mid 1995, which resulted in the preparation of a strategy for assistance to the forest sector. This strategy - prepared through a participatory process involving a wide range of stakeholders from public, and corporate sectors and civil society - was formally agreed with the Minster responsible for Forests in March 1996. Part of this strategy was the establishment of two forestry projects initially identified within the Strategy - the Rural Development Forestry Education and Training project and the Eastern Cape Community Forestry Pilot Project.
South Africa, Restructuring of Commercial Forests, 2001-2002, UK Department for International Development
The South African government announced that the state-owned
timber plantations company SAFCOL, would be privatized. LTS's support to South Africa's restructuring initiative was a key component of the wider ranging Restructuring Forests in Former Homelands Project, under which DFID supported programmes aimed to alleviate poverty and redress inequality in the former homelands by effectively restructuring the former homelands forests so that they achieve government's policy objectives. The company owns 332,000 hectares of commercial tree plantations and other assets valued at between 1 and 1.5 billion Rand (some $USD 160-250 million). From 2001-2002 LTS provided high-level privatisation and forestry expertise to review options and assist Department of Public Enterprises to un-block and push through to completion the stalled privatisation of SAFCOL and disposal of the remaining commercial forests.
South Africa, Water and Forestry Support Programme (WFSP), 2003-2005, UK Department for International Development
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) is responsible for managing South Africa's water and forestry resources, and for reversing historic patterns of management detrimental to the interests of the poor. As an integrated part of a wider sustainable livelihoods programme, DFID has supported the forest sector in South Africa for over a decade. LTS's recent support (2003-2005) to the WFSP covers four key areas of activity - completion of the restructuring / privatisation process for the plantation resource, consolidation of organisational changes within the Chief Directorate of Forests, identification and establishment of the enabling environment and modalities for an enterprise based approach to achieving improved rural livelihoods from forestry, and review and re-design of an NFP process. Our work aims to enhance the commercial opportunities and capabilities of previously disadvantaged people.
St Helena, Access Project - Environmental Assessment and Management Support Consultancy, 2006-2007, UK Department for International Development
The volcanic island of St Helena rises from the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa. The development of an airport is being considered. Following feasibility studies, the DFID recruited LTS in association with Fabuer Mansuell to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposals and produce an Environmental Assessment Report. In addition, we are now preparing an Environmental Management Plan and Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan in advance of the appointment of a Design, Build and Operate contractor. These documents will inform the tendering process for the operator and provide a basis for the design, construction and operation of the airport in manner that ensures that the highest possible standards of environmental management are met.
Sudan, Forestry Policy and Strategy Development, 2006, US Department of Agriculture
Southern Sudan has a diverse and extensive forestry resource base. After more than 20 years of civil war, this has become degraded and the new government is having to rebuild its structures from effectively a zero base. Following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement the situation in Southern Sudan is in a state of considerable flux. In 2006 LTS was hired by the US Department of Agriculture to assist the new Southern Sudanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry develop a forestry policy and strategy. Relevant policy statements for the presidential address given at the first Southern Sudan parliament were elaborated based on an analysis of a strategic review of the strengths and limitations of the forestry sector and proposed programme of critical interventions. An overall strategy is suggested followed by more detailed treatment of commercial scale plantations and forest industries, natural forests and woodlands and trees in support of agriculture.
Tanzania, Development of a National Participatory Forest Management Monitoring System, 2003, DANIDA Denmark
The Government of Tanzania supports participatory forest management (PFM) as part of its strategy to achieve sustainable forest management by encouraging the management or co-management of forest and woodland resources by communities living closest to the resources. In addition, benefits to communities arising from PFM contribute towards reducing poverty. Faced with the challenge of acquiring information at local and national level to assess efficiency, effectiveness and impact of PFM towards achieving both National Forest Programme (NFP) and National Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) targets, the Government of Tanzania and DANIDA selected LTS to elaborate a PFM monitoring system. LTS mobilised a three person team to work with Forest and Beekeeping Division staff of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to review and assess existing PFM relevant monitoring systems currently in use, develop a national PFM monitoring system that builds on existing and emerging monitoring processes at local, district and national levels, and propose PFM monitoring indicators that are relevant and integrated within the National Poverty Reduction Monitoring Plan.
Tanzania, Jozani-Chwaka Bay Conservation Project , Phase III, Final Project Review, 2003, CARE International
The Jozani-Chwaka Bay Conservation Project is an integrated conservation and development project that was established by the Zanzibar Department of Commercial Crops, Fruit and Forestry (DCCFF) and CARE Tanzania, in 1995. The project objective is to conserve the unique biodiversity of the forest reserves and associated buffer zone known as the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Conservation Area while enhancing the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. Phase III has focused on developing a sustainable institutional landscape and addressing the issues of people's livelihoods. This has been done by using a participatory approach towards building a stronger civil society, and using a strategy that linked income generation to tourism. The GEF component of the project has provided support aimed at securing the long term biodiversity conservation status of the area. In particular GEF has provided support to the DCCFF to complete the process of National Park gazettement for Jozani as well as promoting community involvement in the conservation and management of the Conservation Area.
Tanzania, Development and Institutionalization of a National Forest Programme Monitoring Facility and Database, 2006-2007, World Bank
Tanzania's National Forest Programme (NFP) represents a ten-year strategic plan for the implementation of the Forestry Policy and Forestry Act. It is cross sectoral in scope and covers a range of activities, being implemented by players within national government, local government, local communities, civil society and the private sector. During 2006-2007, LTS will support the Forestry and Beekeeping Division and Tanzania Forest Management and Conservation Project financed by the World Bank develop a phased approach to the development of the information system to support the NFP. The primary objective of this assignment is to design, develop, establish, and institutionalize a functioning forest monitoring facility and database that draws on information generated at different levels and from different sectors, including local government. The forest information system will take into regard current information needs and future foreseen needs and integration with other national systems, and global forest information systems.
Tanzania, Mahale Ecosystem Management Project - Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, 2006 Frankfurt Zoological Society
The Mahale ecosystem bordering Lake Tanganyika is globally important for its tropical forest biodiversity as well as for supporting the local livelihoods. In recent years, there has been major disturbance to these communities and large refugee in-migration from regional conflicts. This upheaval has increased poverty and severely impacted on the ecosystem's natural resource base. LTS was contracted to lead the design and development of the monitoring and evaluation plan for the Mahale Ecosystem Management Project which was co-financed by the European Commission and implemented by Frankfurt Zoological Society in partnership with Tanzania National Parks. LTS trained project staff in logical framework based monitoring and evaluation, and facilitated the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan for the project. The task was also expanded to assist the project team to develop a similar monitoring and evaluation plan for the Mahale Mountains National Park Management Plan.
Tanzania, Serengeti-North Luangwa Ecosystem Project, 2006-2007, Frankfurt Zoological Society
The Serengeti-North Luangwa Ecosystem Management Project is a 5-year integrated conservation, development and landscape management initiative being jointly implemented by Frankfurt Zoological Society, with co-financing from the European Commission. Project activities focus on the practical application of the Approach's five operational guidelines: establishing inter-sectoral ecosystem cooperation mechanisms; improving understanding of ecosystem processes and functions; decentralising management to local institutions; improving benefits and incentives for local stakeholders; and introducing adaptive management systems. LTS is providing process support to the project in terms of technical direction, strategic and operational planning, and monitoring and evaluation. The action will help strengthen policy and practice that builds a central role for local communities in ecosystem management and, ultimately, will help ensure that key African ecosystems provide lasting conservation and livelihood benefits.
Uganda, Forest Sector Policy and Strategy Project, Ministry of Water, Lands & Environment, 1999-2004, UK Department for International Development
This project represents a coordinated sector-wide, multi-donor programme which has achieved ambitious and complex forestry reform. The purpose of the project was to create a positive, effective and sustainable policy and institutional environment for the Ugandan forestry sector. Major outputs of the project include: Uganda Forestry Policy (2001), the National Forest Plan (2002), new National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003). In 2004 the Forestry Department was divested into the Forestry Inspection Division (FID) under the Ministry of Water, Lands and Environment (MWLE) and the new National Forestry Authority (NFA) was launched. LTS was responsible for overall project management and administration including the recruitment and administration of staff, and provision of all technical support for the duration of the project. In achieving these major outputs the project established poverty and forestry linkages through a National Forest Programme and budget support mechanisms and successfully brokered process of negotiation between central and local government, business planning and new financing and legal arrangements, as well as incentive frameworks to balance commercial activities and public service obligations. Finally, it has supported decentralised governance through forestry livelihood and carbon sequestration pilots that will feed into a real time learning mechanisms among the pilots, the planning for the Modernisation of Agriculture and the National Agricultural Advisory Services.
Uganda, Forest Resources and Conservation Management Programme (FRMCP), 2002-2006, European Commission
The long-standing programme aims to build upon the initial EC support to forestry, taking forward conservation and sustainable forest management and support the establishment of compensatory timber plantations by the private sector. In addition to support to the predecessor Natural Forest Management Project in the mid-nineties and the detailed design of FRMCP in 1999, LTS has provided various inputs over the last 4 years (2002-2006), including: site assessment and species recommendations for Uganda, tree improvement for timber plantations, yield studies for Uganda's main plantation species, non-wood forest product assessment methods, assessment of technology for boundary survey work. In 2005, LTS advised the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme on helping Uganda establish a viable fiscal framework for plantation investment by using existing economic models, and assessing the impact of different scenarios that included varying levels of grant payment and different taxation systems.
Uganda, Plan Vivo System, 2003-2005, UK Department for International Development
LTS and ECCM initiated a successful Plan Vivo system in Uganda in 2003, already resulting in significant ancillary benefits beyond offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon sequestration offers a significant boost in income to farmers engaged in natural forest management, which will be administered in five instalments over 10 years. Revenue generated through initial sales of carbon has offset start up costs for small scale forestry activities in Uganda, thus enabling rural communities to invest in sustainable resource management using income from environmental services. Participants have also gained access to local and national markets for timber, pole wood and fuel wood, fruit and fodder. Nursery establishment and production of seedlings provides additional income to rural communities. In addition, the project will build local and regional capacity and develop generic carbon management systems that may be replicated in other communities throughout the country. Farmers receive $8 per tonne of carbon. On average, farmers will sequester about 60 tonnes of carbon per hectare, resulting in $480 per hectare. This is paid in instalments, subject to meeting monitoring targets (i.e., growth, survival). Since its inception in late 2003, Plan Vivo has generated over $80,000 for rural communities.
