China Program Report 2003
Environmental Action Program (EAP):
Impact Assessment
Facilitators Reflection Meeting
The impact of the EAP and its sustainability in various rural villages in China depends, to a large degree, on broadening its base of local facilitators. Therefore, this year’s focus was to increase their ranks. Exploring this led to our intensifying the number of EAP facilitator training courses, guided training for local facilitators and facilitator reflection meetings. During the last quarter of 2003, a total of 44 local facilitators, working in small groups, taught the EAP Level 1 course to 58 participants.
Looking now at the impact the EAP is having on individual and community life, we have begun to see improvements in the agricultural system, in environmental awareness, the degree and quality of consultation among villagers, and family relationships, as well as an increase in the level of cooperation. We also see a reduction in the use of pesticides, better rubbish management, the composting of crop residue instead of setting it on fire, and an increased use of organic fertilizer.
While many of these impacts are not easily quantified, we have received letters from and/or conducted interviews with villagers, community leaders and program participants in which they expressed their appreciation for the program. In their letters or interviews they informed us of their challenges and of their victories. The following is a sampling of what they told us.