Farmer's Associations

With around 90% of the population in the project operational area involved in agriculture, and related activities, the formation of Farmers Associations is an important step towards improving the economic status of the individual and of the community. DEEDS provides training to these associations in modern agricultural techniques, as well as in useful traditional methods no longer practiced by the farmers. Many of these concentrate on increasing yields and productivity using locally sourced materials while reducing unnecessary expenditure. Examples of these methods and techniques are discussed in the Agricultural Development section

There are currently four Farmer's Associations operating within the villages and there are plans to increase this number in the near future. At present two of the Associations are registered legally with the local Government. Micro-finance systems have been set up and are successfully granting loans to individual farmers and savings accounts have been opened at a local national bank. There are hopes that the associations will soon function as Co-operative societies when selling their produce once market linkages have been established and training given.

Individual members of a Farmer's Association can apply to the Credit Union for loans to help with the purchase of agricultural equipment and seeds. The loans have low, or often no, interest rates and have been very successful as a part of the sustainable development of communities. Typically, farmers will either buy a dairy cow, a buffalo or a goat. The milk from the dairy cow can be sold and also used to supplement the family's diet, the buffalo used for fieldwork and hired out to other farmers and the goats can be sold for meat. The animals are often breed, resulting in a sustainable increase in potential income over a few years.

Contributed by ex-DEEDS volunteer, Paul Gunstensen.