Group DevelopmentFunctional farmer groups as a vehicle for effective

extension to achieve household and community development by practically pursuing shared visions and objectives.

T. MUKUYUIndependent Consultant for S.A.T

mukuyutalk@comone.co.zw

DEFINITION4 – 30 people

living in the same community

with the same/similar

ideology carrying out

planned/similar activities to

improve livelihood

The activities are;◦ Born out of

common vision◦ Agreed on◦ Planned◦ Using resources

common to all◦ Given timeframe

and measureable targets

WHY FORM GROUPSTo fulfil some basic security needs To gain new knowledge and skills To share experiences between

membersTo overcome problems that are common

to allTo satisfy farming needsLobbying - To obtain recognition and

enable their priorities and concerns to be addressed by service providers and decision makers.

ESTABLISHING GROUPSThe following

steps are important but not exhaustive.

Step 1Identify the need

for group formation

Need must be common

ESTABLISHING GROUPSStep 2Identify criteria

and category of membership◦ Spelt out

obligations◦ Defined values for

the group

ESTABLISHING GROUPSStep 3Local and

traditional leadership must be informed

Step 4Identify existing

structures within the community that may be focused on the same objectives

ESTABLISHING GROUPSStep 5Group must not be

too largeLarge groups

usually subdivide into camps

Natural group metamorphosis will occur as individuals self-introspect capabilities and weaknesses

ESTABLISHING GROUPSStep 6

Define or clarify group objectives, purpose and how the business of the group will be run

ESTABLISHING GROUPSStep 7

Group must elect leadership

In extension groups there may be need to have a lead farmer and a chairperson