3S community representatives voiced their concern about the speed at which a number of villages in Ratanakiri are shifting from traditional lifestyles to a more cash-based economy and the associated difficulties.  3SPN responded to community concerns and initiated the MIP program in March 2009 in order to support indigenous people to fairly access economic and market services. 3SPN believes that through the successful implementation of this project, livelihood conditions, knowledge and skills on trade, and food security of indigenous communities will likely improve through full and fair access to market services and economic opportunities.

During 2010, 3S community members had constructed a total of 14 market information boards in 14 villages in 5 districts with technical support provided by the 3SPN team.

Lumphat district           –           Samka, O’Karn, Phum Thmei

Andong Meas district –            Lom Leng, Kanat Touch, Talao

Vuen Sai district          –           Pakalan, Fang, Kachon, Paknam

Ta Veng district           –           Tum Pun Rieng Thom, Pov

Kon Mom district        –           Srepok Touch, Sre Song Kom

This amounts to a total of 26 information boards that have been constructed in 6 districts since the program was initiated in 2009.  These remote communities are now receiving weekly updates of local market prices.