Rosa's Story - Coady International Institute - St. Francis Xavier ...

Responding Rather than Driving
The relationships between Jambi Kiwa and external organizations can be broadly
characterized as partnerships, though each is unique. One of Jambi Kiwa’s longest
running partnerships is with the Diocese of Riobamba. The seeds for Jambi Kiwa
were planted in the days of Bishop Proaño, fertilized through the development of
the Chimborazo Rural Women’s Christian Movement, and nurtured through the
work of Rosa and her colleagues in the rural pastoral program. From its early support
of women’s groups to its provision of the church attic and subsequent loan of
the first warehouse, the diocese continues to help Jambi Kiwa flourish without controlling
the initiative or creating dependency.
Since 1998, the most important NGO partnership for Jambi Kiwa has been CECI,
through which Jambi Kiwa has made linkages with UNDP, the Sisters of Notre
Dame, CSI, CIDA and Comart. CECI has also placed five full-time cooperants with
Jambi Kiwa over eight years. In addition to providing technical assistance, cooperants
helped Jambi Kiwa develop relationships with customers, donors and technical
support organizations. Their approach allowed for the members to take charge,
since cooperants “led by stepping back” (T. Walsh, personal communication,
October 20, 2004). And members have taken command of developing new external
relationships now that there are no longer any CECI cooperants. For example,
Rosa recently successfully approached the Japanese Embassy in Quito for support
in the building of several solar dryers.
Another important partnership for Jambi Kiwa has been CORPEI. Through its program
with the Embassy of the Netherlands, CORPEI has connected Jambi Kiwa to
training opportunities in quality control and good agricultural practices. It has also
helped Jambi Kiwa staff attend international trade fairs, commissioned comparative
research into the quality of plants in Ecuador, Columbia, Bolivia and Peru, and supported
the formation of the RPPMMN. Through CORPEI, Jambi Kiwa has developed
further partnerships with the OAS, FOMRENA and EcoCiencia.
Its relationship with CORPEI has given Jambi Kiwa credibility with government ministries.
The association’s relationships with government are characterized by reciprocity
and trust, not bureaucratic wrangling. For example, Jambi Kiwa works
closely with the Ministry of Education in developing and delivering literacy training
for its members. As well, the Ministry now recognizes agricultural extension training
carried out by Jambi Kiwa’s agronomist and the trainers for EcoCiencia.
Certificates are given to Jambi Kiwa’s producers in recognition of this training, a
formal tribute to the value of indigenous knowledge.
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