DEVELOPMENT OF FARMER ORGANIZATIONS 3.3

WHY? Management is key to balanced water distribution, adequate maintenance and hence to high productivity Strong farmer management ensures sustainability of the system

STEPS 1.Assessment and familiarization 2.Awareness raising 3.Pre-meeting 4.Election 5.Statutes and registration 6.Financial and organization plan 7.Training

1. Assessment and familiarization

Live on site – familiarize Basic information collection –Existing organization/ bottlenecks –Main system/ subsystems –Water distribution Undertake stakeholders assessment –Who are key persons –What role do they play –What are main issues Understanding of spate system –Undertake ‘transect’ walk – systematically cover entire area, stop at fixed places

2. Awareness building

Introduce the program among key stakeholders Introduce the program among large group – use larger meetings Use posters, brochures – so everyone can check, gain confidence

3. Pre-Meeting

Ensure full understanding on nature and scope of farmer organization prior to election Agreement on nature of organization – role of geographic subsections, responsibilities, etc..

4. Election

Elections: Where there is much conflict, secret ballots will help avoid that the election is dominated by powerful people

5. Registration and statutes

Official registration Important to enter into contracts and have bank guarantees Best is for membership of the Farmer Organization to be compulsory – not voluntary, because decisions are binding

Contents of ‘statutes’ – an example Name association/ address/ legal registration Objectives and purpose Membership/ membership duties/ membership fee and contribution Finances/ financial year/ sources of income/ uses of income/ financial records/ bank details/ signature holders/ audit arrangements Meetings/ Annual General Meetings/ Executive Committee Meetings/ Notice of Meetings/ Quorum/Order of Meetings Election procedures/vacancies/ General assembly/ role and responsibilities/ link to Local Adminstration Executive committee/role and responsibilities of different persons/ subsections and role and responsibilities Rules and regulations/ water management/ fee setting and collection/ penalties/rules on damages/ rules on maintenance of main system and field systems Miscellaneous: Resolution of conflicts/ Dissolution of Association/Amendment of constitution Name association/ address/ legal registration Objectives and purpose Membership/ membership duties/ membership fee and contribution Finances/ financial year/ sources of income/ uses of income/ financial records/ bank details/ signature holders/ audit arrangements Meetings/ Annual General Meetings/ Executive Committee Meetings/ Notice of Meetings/ Quorum/Order of Meetings Election procedures/vacancies/ General assembly/ role and responsibilities/ link to Local Adminstration Executive committee/role and responsibilities of different persons/ subsections and role and responsibilities Rules and regulations/ water management/ fee setting and collection/ penalties/rules on damages/ rules on maintenance of main system and field systems Miscellaneous: Resolution of conflicts/ Dissolution of Association/Amendment of constitution

6. Financial and organizational plan

6. Financial and organisational plan Financial Plan Source of income (fees/ charges/ penalties/ services/ subsidies) Activity budget and long-term investment/ replacement Cost saving measures Calculation of fees Organizational Plan Organization of services Staff/ costs/ training –Gate operators –Water masters –Bulldozer operators –Administrative staff Expansion and improvement of services

7. Training

Training for committee members and staff: –Organizational management –Financial management –Fee collection –Maintenance and operation of structures –Wadi level water management (incl groundwater) –Operation of equipment –Computer skills –Special services General training for water users/ members: –Introduction to farmer organization –Basic operation of the system –Specific topics, including improved agronomy and field water management

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: -Take Best from Traditional Organization – But Do Not Assume Traditional Organization is Perfect -Involve Farmer Organization in Water Management in Wadi Level -If Large Enough, Make Distinction Between Main Systems and Sections -Link Closely to Local Government

Acknowledgement; With thanks to Chrisje van Schoot.