IMC greenhouse project helps Ingushetia’s economy grow

The village of Plievo has been home to 3,600 internally displaced people from North Ossetia and Chechnya for more than 10 years. The unemployment rate is high, and prior to International Medical Corps’ community-based greenhouse project, few financial opportunities existed.

PHOTO: IMC/Sara Terry A woman prepares to plant cucumbers as part of an IMC livelihood project.

IMC helped villagers establish a community action group that identified the area’s needs and economic problems. They wrote a business proposal, prepared a plan and showed IMC what they would contribute to the proposed greenhouse project to improve their community’s economy.

IMC purchased a greenhouse frame, laid its foundation and purchased seeds, gardening tools and equipment for the villagers. Five members of the IMC-established project planted and harvested a crop of cucumbers, 10 percent of which was distributed to the most vulnerable members of the community. The rest was taken to market and sold to generate income and to purchase seeds for the next planting season. This has created a new level of responsibility and sustainability for the members of the community.

“At first I was concerned because this is such a big project, and I had never done it before,” said Aslan Lyanov, IMC community mobilizer. “I was responsible for it. Plants need a lot of attention; people must love them. IMC made the right choice to implement this project. These people have a good greenhouse, a good product and income which they didn’t have before.”

Plievo’s economy has grown since IMC started the project in October 2005. The first crop of nearly 4,000 pounds of cucumbers brought in close to $3,000. Each member kept approximately $550 and put the remaining $185 towards the next crop yield. The average monthly income in Ingushetia is $60.

Participants are now able to earn money to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on aid from the government and humanitarian organizations. The success of the greenhouse project has inspired them to diversify their crops and grow flowers. One participant with a pharmaceutical background plans to grow medicinal plants.