RURAL DEV INVEST

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The objectives of the Rural Development Investment Program project (RDIP) are to: (a) increase the income of about 280,000 poor farmers and fishermen in approximately 9,000 rural communities; (b) improve living standards; (c) protect and develop watershed areas; (d) promote grassroots involvement; (e) strengthen the Integrated Rural Development Fund (DRI) capabilities. The RDIP finances projects in: (a) agricultural production and environment protection (technology adaptation and extension, watershed management and environmental protection, fisheries and marketing); (b) training and community organization (support to: (i) organize rural communities to participate in identifying projects; (ii) form associations of rural women to promote cottage enterprises and better health care and education; and (iii) train extension agents, municipal mayors and technicians in environmental management aspects of projects); (c) infrastructure (rural roads and water supply and sanitation); and (d) strengthening of DRI and the municipalities (technical assistance, training, vehicles, equipment and preinvestment studies for the preparation of projects.) The RDIP assists 9,000 communities in three major geographic areas: the Andean region; the coastal area; and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.