A mid-term review mission from JICA India visited Wokha on May 14, 2025, to assess ongoing projects under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The team, including Ishikawa Saya, JICA India Representative, and Sushma Sen Adarshi, JICA India Development Specialist, was accompanied by Temjen Yabang, Chief Conservator of Forests and Project Director (AFP), Nagaland, along with project consultants and officials.
At the Divisional Forest Office, Wokha, the team interacted with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, and forest officials. Representatives from SHGs in New Changsu, Yikhum, Longsa, Wokha, New Wokha, and Phiro Villages shared how the project had improved their livelihoods through income-generating activities (IGA), skill development, and capacity-building efforts. They also addressed challenges and expressed gratitude to NFMP, JICA for supporting their communities.
JICA officials advised SHGs to adopt cluster-based IGAs to improve their productivity and market reach. Project Management Consultants (PMC) emphasized the importance of banking and market linkages, institutional strengthening, and capacity-building.
A special highlight of the visit was an inspection of the “Tssentsü Nature Outlet”, showcasing products from 42 SHGs across 14 villages. The outlet, the first of its kind in Nagaland under NFMP, JICA, drew particular interest from the visiting team.
The review mission concluded with a ceremonial sapling plantation at the Divisional Forest Premises, Wokha, symbolizing commitment to sustainable forest management. Officials expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts of SHGs and forest management units and encouraged them to continue their work.