In Sri Lanka, the entire North-East Province and border villages of adjoining provinces are affected by the long-standing conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Until the war erupted in the 1980s, the region’s agricultural production compared favorable with that of other parts of the country, specifically rice, vegetables, fruit, and other cash crops. During the last two decades, however, farmers’ organizations have collapsed, irrigation systems been damaged, and displaced populations have experienced severe barriers to market. As a result, the people of Sri Lanka in this part of the country have suffered a substantial decline in agricultural production and living standards. Because of the long-running conflict, however, donors were hesitant to launch large-scale rehabilitation programs.
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