Sub Project Activities in DPIP How Near, How Far from Good Practices

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Sub Project Activities in DPIP How Near, How Far from Good Practices Introduction The District Poverty Initiatives project (DPIP) has been in place for the past 2 ½ years. The Common Interest Groups (CIGs) formed within the project have moved from their infancy to a mature stage. A total of 3247 groups have been formed upto January 2004 in the 7 districts where the project is being implemented. Among other activities CIGs have to plan and undertake Sub Project activities (SPA) according to their needs and priorities. The SPAs are expected to yield direct or indirect economic benefit to the members of the CIGs. A large number of different SPAs have been supported in DPIP. The diversity in the nature of activities points to the potential of the rural economy to absorb these interventions. Box 1. shows the different kinds of SPA designed in the project. Box.1: SPAs designed in DPIP Nature of activities Land-based activities Income generation activities (Microenterprises), Community Infrastructure Development projects Social services Sub Project Activities Vegetable production, irrigation wells/tube wells, vermicompost, land improvement, horticulture, med bandi, anicuts, kund, social forestry, nursery, wasteland development and pasture development. Carpet weaving, gem stone beading , livestock, dairy, munjbaan, tent house, Band, poultry, readymade garments, leather works, Tanks, anicut, school rooms, health sub-centre, gravel roads/khuranja, Community hall, Toilets, drinking water The present report reviews some SPAs in DPIP with a view to learn from these examples. While several factors seem to have played a critical role in determining the outcomes of these initiatives, the report also attempts to identify some key ingredients for success of a SPA. The IDSJ team made an effort to identify some completed or nearly completed SPAs, which had started yielding economic returns. The district teams - DPMUs and the affiliated NGO partners helped in identifying these cases. On the basis of our field-work, we distinguish the SPAs by the following: a. Characteristic design led either by environmental factors, some innovations or input use efficiency; b. Deep market penetration through wide reach of services and creating demand; c. Unique manufacturing process using appropriate technology and organisation; and d. Building on existing skills through augmentation of equipment. In each of the above categories, we shall discuss the relevance of the SPA to the poor, the nature of economic returns and the sustainability of interventions. In this manner, we also attempt to locate how far and how near SPAs are from good practice.
I. Characteristic Designs of SPAs In this section, we discuss some designs of land-based and livestock rearing activities in different districts of the DPIP. The land based activities include "Integrated Agriculture Development Project (IADP)", "Land leveling" and "Goat rearing". We shall discuss each of these in some detail. Integrated Agriculture Development Project (IADP) Integrated Agriculture Development Project (IADP) is a farm-planning project based on available resources to the farmers. The objective is to diversify the crop composition, make rational use of water and maximise the returns to water and other inputs. The main components of the scheme are the following: (i) Irrigation systems: diesel engines and accessories are provided for the group of farmers. (ii) Sprinkler sets and delivery pipes: While those not having irrigation facilities so far join the lot of irrigated farmers along with sprinkler sets, others economise use of water using sprinklers. (iii) Cropping pattern: Farmers are encouraged to grow vegetables, long term plantations and a green fodder plan for the entire year along with grains, pulses and oilseeds. They are also encouraged to grow munj on the farm boundaries. (iv) Vermi compost: The available cow dung is processed to produce Vermi compost. A shed is constructed for which a provision of Rs 11,000 is made. Vermi compost reduces the cost of cultivation, decreases the incidence of pests and insects, increases productivity in the long run ensuring sustainable agriculture. (v) Storage of foodgrain: Brass tankies are provided for storing foodgrain as the (vi) capacities of the poor farmers to store their own produce is poor. Other components: Machines such as those used for spraying and ferron traps are also provided. The total project cost of the IADP ranges between Rs 150,000 and Rs 450,000. Land leveling Project have mostly been undertaken in the Rajsamand district, which is characterised by undulating mountainous terrain. The initial step in the Project is to level the land manually, and clear the land of the larger boulders. The stones so obtained are used to construct the medbandi/boundary wall, which conserves soil and water. Subsequently, fruit trees may be planted and inter-tree cropping encouraged. The land can also be used for other agriculture purposes. Livestock rearing SPAs have been promoted in almost all districts. The main feature is construction of a shed, which helps to keep wild animals at bay, and provide shelter from excessive heat, cold and rain. Livestock get space to lie down and their hoofs are also protected from worms and insects, as sanitation is taken care of. Feed and fodder are also not wasted as provisions are made for their storage and thaan.
Page 1: Sub Project Activities in DPIP How
Page 5 and 6: manner, we find that new markets ha
Page 7 and 8: Inability of some to pool their ris
Page 9 and 10: primarily engaged in agriculture la

Sub Project Activities in DPIP How Near, How Far from Good Practices

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?