IRP -  income generation

Productive activities are one of the major outcomes of the RAPS project. Through the successful implementation of the project, inhabitants of Padre Cocha and Indiana will be able to engage into activities that will generate income to pay for the tariffs, which will ensure the sustainability of the electric service and to provide jobs and increased income. These in turn will allow people to overcome their socioeconomic situation and poverty.

Since 2002, IRP has been fostering the creation of productive activities among community members. Some of the activities included a contest sponsored by IRP that took place in both Padre Cocha and Indiana in an effort to identify potential activities that will benefit with the available supply of energy .

Results of the contest shown a great interest by men and women to manufacture products that include ceramics, ocal hadncrafting, as well as to develop other productive activities and services associated to Ecotourism.

For a comprehensive study on productive uses, see "Promotion of Income Generation Activities" (in Spanish - PDF format - Oct. 2002)

IRP proposed to the Community Committee of Padre Cocha the creation of an Ecotourism Cluster Program, which would be implemented by the Community Association ECOTURPACO, made up entirely by entreprenuers of Padre Cocha. The Communtiy Association approved this proposal and since 2002 the Committee is identifying, training, and promoting entreprenuers in activities directly or indirectly related to Ecotourism.

The electric and socioeconomic census carried out on a yearly basis since 2003 show that points of sale of cold drinks, eateries, ice creams and alike have increased from one store --before the beginning of the project-- to more than 80 restaurants and other similar services.

The summary diagram of the Ecotourism Cluster Program in Padre Cocha is shown below.

For more information on productive activities or income generation issues, you can contact IRP directly.