The Amerindian Village of Kwebana in the North West District, Region One was the most recent to benefit from a grant of $6.8M under the KfW Small Grants Projects. This will be used to promote more sustainable citrus farming in the village and to reduce the rate of forest clearing for new farms since additional land clearing will not be required. There will be a primary focus on the cultivation of citrus crops including oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines. However cherries and avocado will also be cultivated on a smaller scale.

Mr.Troy Peters, Toshao of Kwebana Village and Mr. Doorga Persaud, ExecutiveDirector of the EPA at the signing of the Grant Agreement, September 19, 2008

Other Amerindian villages in the Northwest District, which benefited include Warapoka, Assakata and Wallaba, are also recipients of the KfW Grants. Warapoka received an $11.3M Grant which would be used to construct a multi-purpose building. Assakata and Wallaba received grants of $2.6M and $1.8M respectively for the purchase of farming tools and materials.
Approximately 50 acres of farmland will be developed through the citrus farming project and will directly support the livelihood of about one hundred households in the Northwest District.
This announcement was made today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).As part of the overall implementation of the KfW Project; the Agency ensures that the Grants are efficiently and effectively utilized to improve the livelihoods of the people living in and around protected areas.