The hill tribes of Thailand make up 2% of the population. These people have for generations lived and cultivated crops in the upland areas, growing upland rice and other subsistence crops. However, in these areas, more and more land is being officially designated as forest reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Government policies are forcing many hill tribes to use alternative methods of farming and/or move to other designated areas that are not well suited for traditional agriculture. Because of these policies, lack of citizenship, and other external pressures, hill tribes often do not have the same opportunities as other Thai nationals, therefore making it difficult for hill tribes to alleviate themselves from poverty. ITDF is seeking to address these issues and empower these people by operating micro-enterprise funds in various villages. This is a revolving fund that is used for credit and will enable the villagers to establish some form of income generation. US$100 will be given to a family and they will pay this back with interest. As the initial loans are repaid the fund will be made available to more people. Examples of businesses include livestock, fishponds, cash crops such as coffee, macadamia nuts, fruit trees and cereals, handicrafts and village stores. Practical skills associated with growing crops, managing livestock, running a store are taught.
