JOCA Malawi Project...JOCA is an organisation that is composed chiefly of former members of Japan...

Japan Overseas Cooperative Association

for Farmers’ Self-Reliance towards Community Empowerment

in Mzimba 2005~2012

Table of Contents P1 Description of JOCA P2 Comments P3 Project Outline P4-8 Achievements P9-10 Summary of Achievements P11 Activity Photos P12 Challenges & Recommendations, Future Direction

JOCA Malawi Project

～Project inspired by the experiences of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers～

」

Description of JOCA

Established in 1983, Number of Councillors: 75, Number of Staff: 196 in Japan, 130 overseas (As of August 31, 2012)

1. About JOCA

JOCA is an organisation that is composed chiefly of former members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) which is operated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Volunteers utilise their skills and experience to promote the welfare of people living mainly in developing countries. To enable others to share in the volunteering experience, JOCA seeks to play a leading, constructive role in the field of international exchange and cooperation for the benefit of a global civil society, while maintaining its roots in local communities.

2. The Three Pillars of our Activities

(1) Expanding the Scale of JICA Volunteer Programmes ● Volunteer Navigator Sessions covering all 47 prefectures in Japan ● Consulting service provided according to occupation type ● Online JOCV courses ● JOCA Net Community (online community for former members of JOCV and its supporters)

(2) Establishing the National Cooperation Volunteer Programme in Japan ● Dispatch of National Cooperation Volunteers (NCV) to disaster-stricken areas in Miyagi and

Iwate prefectures. In total, 37 volunteers and coordinators are in operation and 375 volunteers have been sent to the affected area (as of August, 31, 2012).

● Implementation of the Model Project for Community Revitalization and Reconstruction in Tono city, Iwate prefecture.

(3) Supporting the Establishment of Volunteer Programmes in Developing Countries ● Feasibility study on the establishment of volunteer programmes in developing countries ● Mutual exchange of volunteers

3. Other Activities

(1) Supporting Internationalisation of Local Governments in Japan Managing facilities in Urayasu city (Chiba prefecture), Kagoshima prefecture, and Kanagawa prefecture.

(2) Experiencing Living around the World Promotion of international understanding and development education by lending out educational materials.

(3) Laos Project The “JOCA-Lao Youth Union Cleanup Activity in Schools” Project for the promotion of environmental education through waste management in 57 junior/high schools in the capital city Vientiane.

And more…

4. Malawi Project “The Project for Farmers' Self-Reliance towards Community Empowerment in Mzimba” was

launched in 2005, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the country and systematically nurturing an attitude of self-help among the farmers. In 2009, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan agreed to fund the project for a period of three years. The project does not involve the construction of facilities or provision of materials.

Read on to learn more about the Malawi Project!!

JOCA Malawi Project page1

COMMENTS FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

JOCA Malawi Project page 2

The Government of Malawi and JOCA have

implemented the Project together since 2005. The

commonly shared perception throughout the Project

period is that the keys for sustainable development of

the country are empowerment and improved livelihoods

of smallholder farmers, who account for 85% of the

Malawian population.

In terms of farmer empowerment, the Project’s

unique approach has proven effective in the successes it

has achieved. In addition, the high potential of garlic

production that quickly spread in and around the

Project area as a promising new cash crop is clearly impressive. Further introduction of other promising

crops is highly expected.

Now nearing the end of the Project, I commend the farmers in Mzimba on their level of self-reliance,

and I appeal to all extension workers to utilise the Facilitation Manual and its Guidelines effectively to

achieve further progress in their work.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security - Hon. Prof. Peter N. Mwanza, MP

I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude

to everyone involved in the Project as, after successfully

accomplishing its objectives, it is handed over to the

Government of Malawi. When I look back over the past few

years, the Project was originally started by JOCA in 2005 and

has been supported financially by the Government of Japan

for the last 3 years since 2009.

A number of positive changes have been seen among the

farmers of Mzimba such as enhanced self-reliance, increased

agricultural productivity, and improved livelihoods. These

changes have been realised by our methods which place

emphasis on the acquisition, utilisation and sharing of

technology and knowledge rather than on the provision of financial/in-kind assistance. Furthermore, we

have managed to build a structure that allows for continued expansion of the activities initiated by the

farmers themselves. I do hope that the Malawian people, with the support of the Malawian Government,

further expand the achievements they can see today. I fervently hope that Mzimba becomes a centre of

the farmers’ empowerment in the country.

President of JOCA – Mr. Yozo Kaneko

PROJECT OUTLINE FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

page 3 JOCA Malawi Project

Objective

To improve the livelihoods of farmers in the targeted areas through their own initiative to introduce appropriate farming methods that make use of locally available resources and to enhance communal activities.

Target areas

Kazomba EPA and Chikangawa sub-EPA, MZIMBA (2009~2012)

5 sections, 17 villages (2009~2012) Mvakule Wozi Kajolwe

Kasangazi Kamwiro (5 sections)

2 sections, 14 villages (2011~2012) Bokola Katowo (2 sections)

Total 7 sections, 31 villages

(as of October, 2012)

Beneficiaries

Primary beneficiaries →586 households

2,930 family members in 31 villages

Secondary beneficiaries →1,830 households


Tertiary beneficiaries →4,083 households


⇒Total beneficiaries: 6,499 households (32,495 family members) in 113 villages

BOKOLA

KATOWO

KAMWIRO

KASANGAZI

KAJOLWE

WOZI

MVAKULE

KAZOMBA EPA

CHIKANGAWA sub- EPA

ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


1.32 1.35 1.40 1.54

0.89

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2009 2010 2011 2012 2012 Outside project

(ton/ha) Upland maize yield

*NOTE: average per household

Average yield of maize increased by 10% from 2011 to 2012

Reasons: Farmers purchased chemical fertiliser for

upland maize, not merely waiting for/relying on the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme, but by utilising cash income from farm diversification (e.g. garlic, goats).

Farming methods learnt through training (e.g. application of manure and planting) were effective.

*Non-target farmers are assumed to represent the target farmers as if they were not involved in the Project.

UPLAND MAIZE PRODUCTION and YIELD (Average per household)

NEW CROP (Garlic)

20t

7t

0

5

10

15

20

25

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(ton)

Total Production

Total Production in Non target groups

Production estimate 20,000kg

Sales estimate

MK 13,000,000

Initial input 6.32kg

Garlic production

36.35 43.53

52.69 56.69

20

40

60

2009 2010 2011 2012

(ton) Upland maize production

During the proceeding period (2005-2009), the Project provided 6.32 kg of garlic seeds to 9 groups of farmers. Since then, garlic production has expanded to groups and individual farmers within as well as outside the Project area.

Farmers have found new market channels by employing improved marketing skills gained through marketing training.

435

209

0

100

200

300

400

500

No. of growers

Total No. of Growers

Total No. of Farm in Non target groups

Garlic growers

*NOTE: Both graphs reflect quantitative data for the

years 2006, 2011, and 2012. Data for the period 2007

to 2010 is taken from subjective observations of

Project staff.

Total No. of growers

farm

Total production in non-target groups

Total No. of growers in non-target groups Total production

2012 non-target

farmer

2012



0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

No. of goat

Initial input 91 Goats

Capital value MK 36,400

Currently 618 goats

Capital value

MK 5,871,000

No. of goat The number of recipient households has increased from 29 to 97 households.

Initial input was 91 goats in 2007, and the number has increased to 618 as of August 2012.

Capital value of the 618 goats is MKa5,871,000 (capital value of the initial goats was MK 36,400).

* After JOCA started the Goat Pass-on Programme, the Programme has been entirely managed by the “Livestock Executive Committee”, formed by recipient farmers in the programme.

GOAT PASS-ON PROGRAMME

↑Form of goat pen recommended by the Project

Procedure of the Pass on Programme 1. Confirm the number of goats ready to be

passed on 2. Select candidate recipient groups 3. Conduct group dynamics training 4. Conduct goat rearing training 5. Elect group livestock committee 6. Inspect goat pen constructed by the

recipient household 7. Recipient group signs a Memorandum of

Understanding 8. Recipient group receives the goats

Important Points for Effective Management Select initial groups that are well

organised and will ensure the pass-on of goats and continuation of the programme.

3 female goats should be injected into the first household in the recipient group.

First recipient household will pass on 3 female goats to the second recipient household and 1 goat to the group bank.

The pit is recommended to be located near the goat pen as this makes it easier for farmers to utilise the goat dung for manure making.

Dung

Goats Pen

1~1.5m High

Pit Manure



Farmer Farmer Farmer

Mutually supportive, unified efforts ACTING TOGETHER

Bigger achievements

Project

FACILITATION

Farmer

Farmer Farmer

ACTING INDIVIDUALLY Possessive, exclusive in sharing knowledge / technology, etc.

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

Project

FACILITATION

Relying on external intervention or assistance

Mentally: Passive, conservative

Farmer

Farmer

Decide Act

Think

Initially, many farmers were against sharing gained information and did not realise the benefits of sharing skills and knowledge.

Currently, many farmers are enjoying benefits from “Group activities” and are now more capable of accomplishing bigger achievements than before. * e.g. Teaching / Sharing farming and marketing skills; organising joint selling activities No. of groups conducting market research and finding new market channels: 11

FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT 2 (Group Level)

FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT 1 (Individual Level)

At the initial stage of the Project, the farmers’ mindset was, in general, passive and conservative. Most farmers depended on assistance provided by extension workers, NGOs, and other external organisations.

Currently, the farmers’ mindset has become more proactive and innovative. Some farmers have started actively sharing farming skills and knowledge with other farmers.

* e.g. No. of farmers making production calendar to improve marketing skills: 32 farmers



COMMITTEE, etc.

GROUP

GROUP GROUP

Formation of:

Key Farmers’ Committee Key Farmers’ Zone Committee Livestock Executive Committee

These organisations were formed by farmers’

initiatives to promote inter-group activities and

strengthen the relationships between farmers.

Group―group relationship

Committee―group relationship

FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT 3 (Committee Level)

Key Farmers' Committee Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Total

No. of meetings 15 10 8 33 No. of activities 13 4 6 23

Total (phase) 28 14 14 56 No. of groups attended 13 19 19 -

No. of participants 75 67 47 -

Key Farmers' Zone Committee Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Total




Livestock Executive Committee Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Total




*NOTE1: Compiled from records for the period Aug. 2008 to May 2012

*NOTE2: Records in Phase3 are compiled for about 9 months from Nov. 2011

Key Farmers’ Committee (2008) Coverage (Scope): 8 sections Covered a wider area, more

information gathered from various sources. However, transport is required by distant groups.

Key Farmers’ Zone Committee Coverage(Scope): 1 section Covered in walkable area

where similar conditions and challenges could exist, which promotes closer interactions in the area.

3 Zone Committees:

− Kajolwe Zone Co. (2009) − Mvakule Zone Co. (2009) − Bokola Zone Co. (2012)

The Committees were organised

to ensure sustainability of

farmers’ activities in each section. Livestock Executive Committee *Activities of the Livestock Executive Committee are described on page 5.

Results of Committee Activities



10 km

FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT 4 (Chain of Expansion)

Expansion of Groups by Farmers

A number of groups have been formed in

areas without direct intervention from

the Project. Influential factors are:

Performance of existing groups

Intervention/assistance by Key

Farmers

Achievements of Farmer-to-Farmer Extension

Proportion of training sessions

conducted by Key Farmers: 87%

No. of newly formed groups resulting

from Key Farmers’ activities: 25

Farmer-to-Farmer extension is mainly

conducted by Key Farmers to ensure

sustainability and continuous expansion

of the activities.

Immediate Outcomes Official acknowledgement that

Mzimba district has an “Increased

number of extension workers who

have acquired JOCA facilitation skills”

appears in the district strategic plan.

Publications by the Project

- “JOCA Manual for Passing on

Technologies to Farmers”

- “Facilitators’ Guidelines for

Community Empowerment”

These publications are distributed to all

EPAs in Mzimba and interested parties.

54

77 66

116

76

48% 61%

67%

78%

87%

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

(%) (No.)

Trainings conducted by Farmers (No.)

Trainings conducted by Farmers (%)

Expansion of Groups

Map of Chikangawa Area

Training conducted by Key Farmers

Mother group

Child group

Grandchild group

Great-grandchild group

Training conducted (No.)

Training conducted by farmers (%)

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


Practice traditional methods Difficult to maintain livelihood by farming alone

↓ Acquire basic farming techniques Become self-sufficient in food (HARVEST increased - COST reduced)

↓ Start producing GARLIC (new crop)

↓

Obtain first income from garlic sales after the first 3 years of production Acquire garlic production techniques and extend production scale

↓

Find new market for garlic and other crops Increase profits from crops selling Try to find other new crops and start their production (e.g. strawberry, cucumber, ginger)

↓ Fail on first attempt to grow a new crop, but identify the cause and try again Garlic has become one of the reliable cash crops for farmers

(VERY NEGATIVE) No capital → Little hope,

gives up on self-development

SELF-RELIANT

(RELATIVELY NEGATIVE) Becomes confident about farming

(LESS NEGATIVE) Shows more interest in new things

(RELATIVELY POSITIVE) Becomes more innovative in thoughts and actions

(NEGATIVE → POSITIVE) Gains confidence in garlic production

(VERY POSITIVE) Tough enough to learn from failures

Confident to improve life by themselves

Preceding Project Current Project

Training on basic farming techniques

Introduction of garlic & technical follow up

Training on business management

CHANGE of MINDSET

Support farmers’ initiatives

Training on farming & management

Project

intervention

MINDSET

FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT

Farmers have become confident in being able to improve their livelihoods on their own, through the intervention of the Project such as receiving training sessions on farming using comparison methods and marketing as well as participating in field tours and Goat Pass-on Programme. The Project intervened not only in technology transfer, but also changing the farmers’ mindset. Various interventions were made depending on the farmers’ level of understanding. Even after they came to make significant cash income from garlic, farmers keep diversifying their farm production to make their income even more stable.

Techniques and Products

SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


19,460 24,886 23,580

16,922 17,178

5,566 4,144 4,434

4,738 713

4,582 3,778 4,488

5,315 2,686

800 1,615 6,804

53,489

2,196

5,000

15,000

25,000

35,000

45,000

55,000

65,000

75,000

85,000

2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2011-2012 Non-Target Farmer

(MK)

Other crops Sweet potato Maize Garlic

Income from crops

TERTIARY BENEFICIARIES 4,083 HH x MK 57,700＝ MK 235,589,100

SECONDARY BENEFICIARIES 1,830 HH x MK 57,700＝ MK 105,591,000

PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES 586 HH x MK 57,700＝ MK 33,812,200

* HH : households

Income from farming Garlic is obviously a significant cash crop and income from it represents, on average, 66.5 % of

the target farmers’ total income. This year, target farmers gained 3.5 times more income from farming than that of the non-target farmers.

The target farmers gained 1.3 times more income than the non-target farmers from conventional farm production. (*Excluding newly introduced garlic production) Improved farming techniques and marketing skills gained through receiving training were major factors for these results. Furthermore, garlic production is a good example of the importance of introducing new cash crops and shows the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The difference in income between the target and non-target farmers represents the economic effects for the primary beneficiaries as a result of the Project. The effects have further expanded to secondary beneficiaries and then to tertiary beneficiaries, before expanding to an even wider area owing to positive influences by existing active groups and Key Farmers.

PROJECT’S ECONOMIC EFFECTS

Project’s Economic Ripple Effects

non-target farmer

ACTIVITY PHOTOs FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


Trainer(right) teaching on record keeping

Trainer(right) discussing on effects of Tomato tunnel nursery and ordinal method

KEY FARMER COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES “Methods for GROUP DYNAMICS TRAINING”

LIVESTOCK EX. COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES “Utilising livestock for farming activities”

KEY FARMER ACTIVITIES 2 “Demonstration conducted by comparing”

Trainer (right) discussing the effects of a tomato tunnel nursery and ordinal method

GROUP DEMONSTRATION GARDEN “Let’s find a better method by learning and sharing”

KEY FARMER ACTIVITIES 1 “Training farmers on record keeping”

Trainer (right) teaching record keeping

COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES AMONG GROUPS “Sharing market and production information”

CHALLENGES FOR FARMERS’ SELF-RELIANCE TOWARDS COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT


CHALLENGES ① Far-sighted approaches that place emphasis on farmers’ self reliance tend to be

superseded by short-sighted approaches that attach weight to the provision of financial/in-kind assistance.

② For the management of committees, logical and efficient operation is still not easy for farmers despite being necessary to receive continuous benefits.

③ As agricultural production in the uplands and dimba is intensified, importance for collective plan-making and communal activities increases.

④ The low literacy rate among farmers hinders the planning and recording of agricultural activities needed for effective management.

RECOMMENDATIONS

① Wide application of sustainable JOCA methods of human resource development and technology transfer in the agricultural extension system by the government.

② Use of the Project’s two publications, “Manual for Passing on Technologies for Farmers” and “Facilitators’ Guidelines for Community Empowerment”, on the extension worker training course.

③ Holding a training course on JOCA Methods in Mzimba for their further expansion within the district and beyond its borders.

④ Timely and appropriate intervention by the government for efficient collective activities by farmers.

⑤ Appropriate technical assistance from the government to overcome predicted negative impacts caused by continuous cultivation and pests.

⑥ Literacy education for adult farmers as well as practical support for the planning and recording of agricultural activities.

⑦ In case of in-kind assistance: - Inputs to be injected by a project should be for selected aspects that are able

to be recycled, propagated, or passed on to other farmers - Existing mature groups/individuals should be used rather than new groups

formed

- Decisions on inputs (e.g. recipient groups/individuals, timing) should be based on preliminary studies and observations

FUTURE DIRECTION

To improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers all over the country primarily through the farmers’ own initiatives, by utilising JOCA methods of human resource development and technology transfer.

Japan Overseas Cooperative Association

～Project inspired by the experiences of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers～

JOCA Malawi Project...JOCA is an organisation that is composed chiefly of former members of Japan...

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