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
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
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