Manual - Participatory rapid diagnosis and action ... - FAO.org

PRDA Manual 25• comparing recommendations made by the irrigation agency at thedesign stage and actual organizational practices;• finding explanations for irrigation organizational practices andconstraints in the organization of the local community;• exploring solutions adapted to the local community.More specific questions are:• What are the objectives and activities of the organizations?• How well do farmers perform the necessary activities to achieve itsobjectives?• What are the Organization by-laws and how are they enforced?• How is the unity or solidarity within the organization, especiallybetween people of different ethnicities, religions or villages?• How does the organization deal with conflicts between upstream/downstream water users?• What are the most common changes farmers make in O&M comparedto design and recommendation of the irrigation agencies?• What are the financial problems within the organization?• To what extent are women participating in the decision-makingprocess within the organization?Socio-economic environmentConcerning the socio-economic environment, it is important to knowwhether surrounding organizations and individuals support farmers’income?Policy: How supportive or restrictive is the policy environment for farmermanagedirrigated agricultural systems?Knowledge: Quality and quantity of extension services vis à vis farmersneeds.Inputs: Are modern agricultural inputs available (price, quality, timing) suchas improved seeds, chemical and fertilizers?Sales: Are farm-gate prices of crops high enough for farmers (to keep theirhouseholds above the poverty line)?• Are prices low in general in nearby cities or at the world market?• Are they lower than in nearby cities due to poor access to markets (e.g.