Recife, November 20,2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of the World Bank, James Wolfenson, visited yesterday Mochila, a rural development project area of 140 hectares, in the municipal of Garanhuns, Pernambuco. The poverty combat project has been in existence for two years and is financed by the World Bank and the Brazilian government.

The 130 inhabitants, with a grant of R$200,000 (US$56,800), have planted coffee and begun raising cattle, besides setting up a laboratory which provides the local health network with remedies used by some 800 families.

Wolfenson visited an exhibition of local handicrafts as well. (AB)