CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Background In developing as well as the developed countries the role of NGO is being recognized tremendously. The NGOs play a vital role in the development of a country. Without these efforts which are made at micro level any country cannot proceed on the way to sustainable development whether it is at local level or social and cultural development. From early childhood I was very much keen to know that how these NGOs work in the area of social-economic development. I feel myself lucky that I got a chance to work in national rural support program (NRSP) a nonprofit organization working in the rural areas of Pakistan. After working in NRSP in Rawalakot region Azad Kashmir, I experienced how things actually happen at various levels. The rules followed by NRSP, the administrative procedure, the nature of organization, coordination among different departments, 1
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background
In developing as well as the developed countries the role of NGO is being
recognized tremendously. The NGOs play a vital role in the development of a
country. Without these efforts which are made at micro level any country cannot
proceed on the way to sustainable development whether it is at local level or social
and cultural development. From early childhood I was very much keen to know that
how these NGOs work in the area of social-economic development. I feel myself
lucky that I got a chance to work in national rural support program (NRSP) a
nonprofit organization working in the rural areas of Pakistan. After working in
NRSP in Rawalakot region Azad Kashmir, I experienced how things actually
happen at various levels. The rules followed by NRSP, the administrative procedure,
the nature of organization, coordination among different departments, the working
environment,, relationship with local community, study of credit utilization of
Livestock Development and the rehabilitation of earth quake affected areas.
History Of NRSP
The NRSP was established in 1991 to replicate Agha Khan Rural Support
Project (AKRSP) at a small scale in the villages within Islamabad. In August 1992,
the government of Pakistan decided to start an institution building program,
replicating the experience of the AKRSP. The govt. announced a sum of one billion
rupees (US$ 40 million) for the first year of this program, and promised to give 6
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similar payments in the coming years. The NRSP sponsored by the government as
public company, initially started its programs in sixteen districts located in five
regions in the first year. Work has already started in 32-district including four
district of AJK and was expected to expand in another eight districts. AKRSP’s
methodology was based on intensive mobilization in the field. In order to allow the
intensive mobilization in the field NRSP has adopted a decentralization of
management. NRSP has established five regional offices for managing the districts
in its region. Each Regional office has operational authority. The unique thing about
the NRSP is that the government has provided the entire funding from its resources.
Through NRSP the government of Pakistan has released the first installment.
Operational plans have made regarding various areas, field activities launched with
experienced staff members and training programs started in order to train new staff.
NRSP participates in rural development by using community participation approach.
Legal Status Of NRSP
The NRSP is a public company limited by guarantee registered under section 42
of the company ordinance on November 2, 1991.NRSP was established to replicate
the successful experience of AKRSP in other areas of Pakistan.
NRSP works in accordance with a decentralization system of regional offices. Each
regional office has to manage a maximum of three to four districts. NRSP head
office is situated at Islamabad.
How NRSP Practices
NRSP is largest social organization of Pakistan. NRSP provides sustainable
solutions to the problems of the community through its operations at region and 2
district level. The activities of NRSP mostly take place at the local community level
and on small scale. Aim of NRSP is community development by improving the
condition of poor people in villages.
In the process of poverty alleviation and rural development there is
establishment of linkages with the government department for serving the rural
community. So that human, economic and technological resources should be
accessible to the rural poor.
NRSP works in a process of decentralization. Regions have complete authority
to run programs according to the local needs of the community.
Rawalakot Zone
Introduction.
Rawalakot region of NRSP is currently working in three districts of Azad
Jammu and Kashmir i.e. Poonch, Sudhnoti, and Kotli. According to planning and
Development Department of AJK, the number of members of total rural households
in the programme area is about 171,571. In most of the region territory is hilly with
a population spread over the hills. Life in the region is not too much difficult due to
hard geography of the area.
In district Rawalakot daily activities are interrupted during winter season due to
extreme cold, as villages are cut off from nearby cities due to snowfall and
landslides. Whereas in district Kotli hot weather prevails and rainfall in the region is
between 1,300-1,500mm.
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All these three districts of the programme area are located in different zones.
However, poor farmers face many agriculture problems like small land-holding,
around eight canals per household; scarcity of water; scattered population on hills
etc. In Rawalakot region majority of people belongs to non-agricultural community
and earns livelihood by serving in governmental departments, enterprises,
businesses and mostly working abroad. No feudal system exists in the region and
99% of the community owns land and house.
The Rawalakot Region.
Rawalakot zone is operating in AJK. It covers district Poonch, Pallandri and
Kotli. In the region three field units are working, in Rawalakot, Hajira and Pallandri.
One field unit has formed in the district of kotli. Number of community organization
formed in the Rawalakot Region till June, 2008 is 1048 with 617 male 277 female &
154 mixed organizations.
The number of community organizations is quickly increasing. This region
covers area of 1424 square kilometers with population expected around 6510000 for
2008. The number of Union Councils in this region is 27.
Projects Of NRSP
Communication Schemes.
To link the rural areas with Rawalakot city there were 58 communication
schemes. The cost was 12,984,998. The contribution of Cos was 2,756,097 and the
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donor’s contribution was 10,228,901. All these schemes have also been completed
by November 2005. Total number of beneficiaries in rural areas was 2,650.
Water Supply Schemes.
There were about 97 NRSP water supply schemes. The cost of these schemes
was 8, 826, 7887/-, out of which contribution of COs was 2,541,134 and
contribution of donors was 6,285,621. All these projects have been completed by
November 2008. From these schemes the total number of beneficiaries was 1997.
Agriculture Schemes.
There were about thirty one (31) different agriculture schemes organized by
NRSP in Rawalakot. These schemes in different areas of vRawalakot support
farmers. The cost was 990,244. In these schemes the contribution of Cos was
231,740 and contribution of donor was 458,504. The number of beneficiaries was
1116.
Future Planning Of NRSP
For the coming years, the targeted population (poor population) of the area will
be served by way of the following tactics:
Recognition of honest and dedicated activists.
Focus on target groups i-e the poor with willingness to work in COs.
Development of creative sector.
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Recognition of progressive farmers for manifestation of agricultural
technologies.
Increasing linkages of COs with agencies, and NGOs.
Watchful credit judgment, disbursement and supervision.
Reduction in the compensation phase of credit.
Bigger focal point on HRD, NRM, PITD, and SSS actions
Working Environment of NRSP
NRSP provides two kinds of environment for its workers:
Office Environment
Field Environment
Office Environment.
It deals with the environment of office. NRSP district office Rawalakot provides
a very pleasant working environment. The office environment is very comfortable
and mostly workers are seen working at late hours. Different sections in office of
Rawalakot Region are related .workers are very co-operative and help each other.
Every worker is keen to fulfill his or her responsibility. Female employees are
respected a lot. Workers work in accordance with the formula of optimum
utilization of time. The main features inside the office environment are:
Autonomy Of Work
Employees working in NRSP are free for their work. They all work
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independently as they know their duties and responsibilities. There is no
pressure on workers.They are free to take initiatives.
Decentralization Of Authority
In administration there are two kinds of authorities. One is centralized authority
in which the whole authority belongs to one single head, while in decentrialization;
authority splits form top level to subordinates. In NRSP there is decentralization of
authority, as everyone is free to make decision according to the requirement of the
work.
Flexibility In Procedure
Programme procedure of NRSP is very flexible. Rules and regulations are
simple and flexible. This flexible procedure can absorb any organizational change,
so whenever and wherever, change is required it is easily accommodated due to this
flexibility of procedure.
Cooperation Of The Staff
In NRSP there is high level of cooperation among the staff and DPO. DPO
fulfills the needs and requirements of his staff and in return staff gives full
cooperation in accomplishment of the tasks and the objectives of organization. Due
to cooperation and good working atmosphere NRSP is progressing day by day and
gaining excellent reputation in the region.
Field Environment.
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It is related to the environment of the field. Besides the office environment it is
very important o have a pleasant field environment. In rural areas during the process
of community organization (CO) formation for rural development, it is necessary to
have a good relation between the community members and NRSP staff. Continuous
interaction amongst the social workers of NRSP and people is very much necessary
to build the element of trust.
Friendly Interaction
It is the duty of the social organizer to organize the community. So social
organizers have a very close interaction with the people. This friendly interaction
helps in identifying the real needs of the people. People give very positive response
towards rural development because they want to move with the modern progressive
society.
Opportunity Of Learning
Definition of learning is “knowledge gained by study”. In NRSP there is huge
opportunity of learning. NRSP provides a chance to learn about the organizations as
well as about the communities like knowledge of the field work, prevailing
recourses in the village. There is great exposure of a variety of situations,
environments and personalities.
Role Of Community
The basic purpose of the NRSP is to work with the rural
community .Community is basic partner of NRSP in rural development; this
partnership follows the principles of rights and obligations. Community has to
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perform assigned responsibilities collectively. As the goal of NRSP is development
of rural community so it needs the involvement of community.
Linkages Of NRSP With Development Agencies
NRSP is a kind of support organization. An organization to support rural
community and facilitates development through mobilization of resources. Such
resources are available from govt. departments, donor agencies and other
developmental sectors. NRSP has the following partners:
Community Organizations.
The COs provides human, financial and other resources for all
development activities.
Government And Line Agencies.
These include for example agencies for barren area development, Punjab Small
Industries for vocational training and First Women Bank etc.
International And Local Donor Agencies.
A lot of local and international agencies are working for the rural development.
As the agriculture growth component of the Swabi Scarab Project was initiated by
the financial support of the Swiss Development Corporation and The Asian
Development Bank.
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Goal Of NRSP
The goal of the program is lessening of poverty and upgrading in the life style of
rural people.
Objective of NRSP
The major aim of NRSP is to promote nationwide network of organizations
which would facilitate local communities towards development.
Its aim is to aid development through local resource mobilization.
The mobilization of local resources through a saving and credit program.
Mechanical aid to expand agricultural production.
Commercialization of the rural financial system.
Specification of credit.
Reduction of poverty.
Financial support of affected people.
Linking people to different departments.
Strategy
To connect community’s potential to assist them.
Tactic
For the purpose of this potential, the people require social direction to:
Categorize themselves into multi-purpose broad-based community organizations
in order to band resources, cut down on expenses, attain economies of scale, etc.
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and help in identifying true and authentic activists in the community. It is only
these individuals who can harness the actions people are willing to undertake in
terms of opportunities and needs.
Determine the feasibility of identified needs and opportunities, in terms of
people, s capacity, readiness, equality, sustainable and required resources that may
be accessible with in the area or can be accessed from outside.
Arrange, protected and make possible flow of required resources to the
community.
Monitor, entrance hall and establish linkages between communities and other
development agencies, such as government departments, Area Council, Union
Committee, NGOs and donors.
Exclusive Features
The programme is indicting, i.e., core financial support had been provided by
the GOP.
In spite of Government sponsor ship, there is no meddling from the Government
and the programme manages to maintain its autonomy and apolitical status.The
programme has made itself sustainable by running its operations from the returns on
an endowment fund.
It flow a modular approach with an inbuilt instrument, which enables it to easily
expend to extra/location.The expansion approach adopted by NRSP is holistic rather
than single sector oriented, aiming at covering the whole program districts.
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Credit and IIRD have been utilized as successful investments in organization where
investments in Productive Physical Infrastructure schemes (PPIs) were not
approaching.
NRSP started Health Project for Earthquake affected areas Datote, Hussainkot
and main Rawalakot city.NRSP started Education Project for 6 months in
Earthquake affected areas and reconstruction of 38 schools.
NRSP also worked as Relief of tent villages, food items, CGI sheets, winter kits
for school children and reconstruction of houses in five union councils of Poonch
AJK.Trained people like carpenter, mason, electrician and plumber for
Reconstruction of Houses in affected areas.
Outline Of NRSP:
Till March, 2008 NRSP is functioning in 900 union councils, out of the total 750
union councils belong to the program region. Since 1993, 1865 community
organizations with the membership of more than 51339 members have been formed.
Total saving of communities has crossed the figure of Rs. 45.34 million with an
average saving of Rs. 9265 per community organization. The increasing tendency in
saving shows the movement of community organizations toward self-reliance.
NRSP is working with following regions:
1. Rawalakot
2. Rawalpindi
3. Khushab
4. Mardan
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5. Turbat
6. Badin/Mirpur Khas
Management of NRSP
A board of Directors who is responsible for policy decisions governs NRSP; while a
core management team implements the program, compromising of a full time chief
Executive Officer (CEO) & program Managers in the following fields.
Human Resource Development
Rural Credit & Enterprise Development
Natural Resources Management
Physical Infrastructure & Technology Development
Social Sector Services
Monitoring Assessment & Planning
Finance & Accounts
Field operations of NRSP are managed through six regional offices where the above
sectors are represented at a senior level and run by a regional program officer (PRO)
who is part of NRSP management team; each region has four to five field units.
Each field unit has two social organizers, one male & one female field assistant and
an internal organizer from part of the field unit team.
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Board of Directors
Shoaib Sultan Khan Chairman
Dr. Arshad Zaman Director
Tariq Masud Director
Dr.Zafar Altaf Director
Syed Badar Ali Director
Mohd. Azam Khan Director
Cdr.A.A.Nasim Director
Bashir Ahmed Director
Pervaz Masood Director
Safdar Hussain Kazmi Director
Abdullah J.Memoon Director
Ijaz A.Naik Director
Fazal Ullah Qureshi Director
Kishwar Nahid Director
Sikandar Hiyat Jamali Director
Humayoon Khan Director
Dr.Nazar Memoon Director
Dr.Rashid Bajwa Chief Executive
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Organization Network
Network of NRSP
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Head Office Islamabad
Regional
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16
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Sectors of NRSP in AJK
NRSP is divided into different sectors as;
1. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
2. NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM)
3. SOCIAL SECTOR SERVICES (SSS)
4. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
(PITD)
5. RURAL CREDIT AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (RCED)
6. MONITORING ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING (MAP)
7. FINANCE AND ACCOUNTS (F & A)
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Human resource development
Human Resource Development occupies a major position in the development of a
country. The circumstances across the globe shows the fact that the nations that
have invested more in their human assets have gained strong positions among
others. Countries like Japan are exceptional examples, where the human capital
contributes 85% towards the national wealth.
The Human Resource Development section of the National Rural Support
Programme was established in 1992 to enhance the skills of the work force. With
the gradual expansion in its area of operations, Human Resource Development has
become a highly apparent independent institute.
Management
We can say that “skill improvement is one of the chief factors in obtaining best rural
development”. A “skilled nation is inevitable protected into the prediction of being a
developed one”.
Objectives of HRM
To expand the management and guidance for both men and women development.
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To Initiate appropriate means to enhance consumption of local resources.
Reinforce and cheer the village based skills to fasten efficiency.
Promote village specialists in different fields.
Extend resource personnel in NRSP
Purpose of HRM
The purpose of human resource development program activities is to promote the
mechanical and supervisory skills of development professionals, activists and
community organizations.
Natural resource management (NRM)
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Introduction
Natural Resource Management plays a vital role in the economic development of
rural areas. In AJK agriculture is not only the dominant source of earning for rural
families but also a means of livelihoods for many people who depend on farming
and its related activities. The average size of farm holding is around 15 acres; with
fragmentation through inheritance farm size is decreasing.
In AJK, unlike Pakistan, there are a very high proportion of owner-operated farms,
and around 85% of the rural population owns their land. This proportion is even
greater at high altitudes. The prevailing cropping system is maize in summer
(kharif) and wheat in winter (rabbi). Average grain yields are around 1,200kg/ha for
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maize and 1,000kg/ha for wheat.
Walnut is the major crop, followed by apple, apricot and pears. Some produce is
sold, and more quantity is stored for winter. Livestock especially buffalos represent
a vital component of livelihoods. On average there is more than one buffalo per
household, but many households have 2 or 3.Cattles are also kept (average 1.5 per
household). Bullocks are kept for draught. It is ensured that sufficient stocks of
animal fodder are stored for the winter period. They also ensure that sufficient dried
fodder is stored.
Out of the total land area of AJK almost 40 per cent is covered by forests. But
deforestation that has led to heavy soil erosion. People rely heavily on forest to
sustain their livelihoods, and there are over 30 species which provide people timber
for construction, fuel wood and for making tools. In addition, there are many non-
wood forest products widely used for purpose of animal fodder, animal litter, resins,
and fruits and berries for human consumption.
Objectives of NRM
Following are the objectives of NRM:
Preventing loss of natural resources
Enhancement of Productivity
Rehabilitation of Environment
Aim of NRM:
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The goal of the NRM is to enhance ability at the local level for more creative and
sustainable management of natural resources.
Focus of NRM
The focus of NRM section is on increasing the efficiency of food and cash crops, as
well as livestock husbandry and agric-forestry.
Approach
Following are the approaches of NRM: -
Agriculture
Increase in access of farmers to improve agricultural inputs, such as seeds,
fertilizers, feticides, pesticides, etc.
Making use of sub-fertile lands.
Better water management to reduce over and under irrigation.
Forestry
Orchard management & development of fruit nursery.
Plantation and establishment of forest nurseries.
Development of sericulture.
Livestock
Improvement in animal feed & fodder.
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Preventing losses through vaccination & better management of animals &
poultry birds.
Replacement with better breed animals.
General Activities
Training in livestock & preventive measures will form a regular NRM activity
for CO members primarily involved inline stock development.
Improved varieties of fodder will be introduced in areas rearing in livestock.
Vegetable farming will be taken to scale.
Farmers will be provided support in adopting improved seeds & cultivation
practices through guidance.
COs across the NRSP region will be motivated to start a forestation
campaign. NRSP shall assist them in terms of long term credit. i.e. for 5 years.
Since its Programme Inception, NRSP has keenly observed the needs of the
communities regarding the crop production, orchard management and animal
husbandry.
Social sector services (SSS)
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Introduction
NRSP’s aim is to reduce poverty by supporting the community based organizations
which were organized on the principle of self help. NRSP’s Social Sector Services
section supports poor communities in meeting their needs in the areas of primary
education, basic health, sanitation and drinking water.
Objectives:
1. To provide linkage between organized communities and Government/Non-
Government Institutions;
2. To ensure participation of community in various projects being designed and
implemented at various levels, especially those focusing on children and women;
3. To facilitate the government in implementation of its social sector programs;
4. To help poor communities to access basic education and basic health facilities.
Social Mobilization (SM)
Rural Support Programme (RSPs) defines Social Mobilization as a tool that enables
people to organize for collective action, by pooling resources and work together in
order to lessen poverty and work towards development. It is a process that
empowers women and men to organize their own community organizations which
enable them to initiate and control their personal development. The basic purpose of
the process of Social Mobilization is encouraging men and women to form a group,
typically consisting of 20-25members, known as a Community Organization (CO)
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Education
Most of the education programmes that NRSP has managed focused on school
management and improvement through the participation of community.NRSP builds
the local institutions (e.g. School Councils / School Management Committees /
Village Education Committees). It also trains teachers. This helps in increasing the
rate of literacy and in improving the quality of education especially in primary
schools. NRSP has been invited to manage similar programmes in education by
government and various non-governmental organizations.following is the approach
of NRSP’s approach in this regard:
Organize and sensitize local communities to give proper education to their
children.
Build organized communities and guide them to effectively mobilize and
manage their resources.
Build the capacities of the teachers through efficient teaching.
Linkage of community members with the schools and relevant government
departments or with other funding institutions.
Focusing on individual households to address the problem of dropouts or
children who never enrolled in school.
Support communities in preparing and implementing school-based action plans.
To facilitate government education institutions in having more access to
community members.
Implementing school improvement programmes.
To facilitate illiterate adults in joining functional education centers.