The programme builds on the success of the Hills Leasehold Forestry and Forage Development Project (HLFFDP) in helping set up leasehold forestry groups that will eventually become village finance associations.

The programme covers the middle hills area where a large percentage of the population is poor. It targets poor families in the 22 districts not covered by the ongoing Western Uplands Poverty Alleviation Project, with particular attention to those living in areas adjacent to degraded forest who cannot secure enough food for their families year round. 44,300 households are benefitting from the programme.