VHL Master Programme Management of Development. Thesis abstracts MoD 2014 - 2015

Introduction

The Management of Development Programme (MoD) is one of the programmes of the department ‘Development Studies’ offered by Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences. The 12-months Master programme aims to educate rural development professionals in middle and higher management positions from across the world, to gain insight into the living conditions and survival strategies of those at risk and to translate this insight into organisational policies and strategies. The overall competences of the MoD programme are:

To explore complex problems in rural areas considering stakeholder and system perspectives.

To analyse the performance of rural development organizations in a dynamic context.

To design processes of change from an inclusive perspective. On the basis of experiences gained over the last 30 years, we know that teaching knowledge and skills is only part of a process inducing transformation; our ultimate aim is to support committed professionals who are convinced of their cause and are well prepared for their work on social change. Therefore, in the MoD programme we focus on composite learning outcomes. The learning environment introduces theories, models and skills while at the same time challenging the routine attitudes of students. The learning environment stretches the comfort zone of the adult learners, activates existing knowledge and makes their expertise at individual and collective level operational. The resulting international and intercultural classroom becomes a rich private and professional sphere where learning takes place with direct linkages to the professional situation in the respective home countries of our students. With this document we share with you the diversity of learning experiences of our students. The abstracts are summaries of a variety of research projects that have been undertaken by the students to complete their Masters Management of Development. While celebrating their graduation we are not closing the learning cycle, our students or graduates embark on a lifelong learning process.

By sharing this document we hope you will experience the richness of the knowledge of our students, we hope you will enjoy this as much as we do.

Dr. Annemarie Westendorp Coordinator Master Course Management of Development 1 October 2015

MOD - THESIS ABSTRACTS

Rural Development and Gender

(RDG)

IMPACT OF TRAINING PROVIDED BY RWAMREC ON PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Globally, domestic violence remains one of the most common forms of violence experienced by women. In Rwanda, study reports show that victims of domestic violence are mainly women. To tackle this problem, RWAMREC has started a series of trainings on domestic violence prevention targeting couples from local populations in Kamonyi District of the Southern Province of Rwanda. Since the beginning of this initiative, RWAMREC has not yet conducted any study on the impact of its trainings in Kamonyi District. The main objective of this research was to assess the impact of RWAMREC’s trainings on domestic violence prevention in Kamonyi District by looking gender equality as an indicator and to make recommendations to RWAMREC.

The study used case studies of women and men of Kamonyi District who have been trained by RWAMREC and used qualitative approaches to collect data from field. Data obtained were analysed in themes and presented in a descriptive way. In addition, information from primary sources (field) was supplemented with secondary sources information (desk study) to provide a theoretical perspective for data discussion and draw conclusions of the study.

The findings indicated that RWAMREC’s trainings have greatly contributed to the promotion of gender equality and the prevention of domestic violence in Kamonyi district as reflected by the respondents in the areas of decision-making at the household level, sharing roles and responsibilities between husbands and their wives. RWAMREC’s trainings have reshaped people’s mind-set by improving their understanding and way of behaving and acting inside their households and beyond to serve as role model for their environment. [email protected]

PASSION KILLING’ A FORM OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE: INSIGHTS FROM MEN AND WOMEN IN KHOMAS REGION, NAMIBIA

According to World Health Organisation, (2005) one of the most common forms of gender based violence (GBV) is that, committed by male husband or intimate partner. The intimate partner violence is not limited to violent acts or threats alone, but intimate partner homicides (IPH) comprise a subset of these violence.

The women normally die from heinous acts such as multiple knives stepping, shooting, hanging, slashing or beaten multiple times with various objects such as axe. The women are then left in a pool of blood to die (Exner & Thurston, 2009). This form of intimate partner homicide referred to as ‘passion killing’ and that is commonly perpetrated by the men towards the women in Namibia has an impact on the countries social system.

The study aimed at exploring the underlying socio-cultural and economic factors that contribute to passion killing in Khomas region. In an effort to understand the gender differences among passion killing victims, some research points to the

Valerie

Tjirimuje

Kagisha

Umutoni

roles and status of men versus women. For example, women’s traditional dependent role makes them more vulnerable to the abuse of men while higher status among women reduces the abuse (Gartner, Baker, & Pampel, 1990). Another issue that was raised by the respondents is that intimate relationships are characterised by power, control and jealousy. Both focus group discussion and traditional/community leaders clearly constructed passion killing as a problem that is deeply rooted in cultural attitudes that are characterised by male dominance and females not respecting their male counterparts.

[email protected]

Rural Development and HIV/AIDS (RDA)

ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF VILLAGE COMMUNITY BANKS (VICOBA) ON THE INCOME, FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL CAPITALS OF HIV AND AIDS AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN MAGU DISTRICT, TANZANIA

The study was conducted on the effect of Village Community Banks on household income, financial and social capitals for households affected by HIV and AIDS. The major research question focussed on social-economic impact of VICOBA on household affected by HIV and AIDS and the effect of VICOBA on both income and assets (Financial and social capitals) of AIDS affected household. To collect this information, in-depth interviews with both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries and focus group discussion along with observations through participation in VICOBA sessions.

The study found that VICOBA was used as a coping strategy for household affected by HIV and AIDS to raise their income and to respond to the immediate shocks from the epidemic. This was further revealed by comparing the households’ income of both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Through access to loans from their savings in VICOBA groups most of the beneficiaries were able to raise their income to support households’ needs.

Social capital was improved by increasing the mutual support among beneficiaries also increase trust and ability to work together which contributes to an increase of household safety nets. Impact on the financial capital was through building up of the household savings and increase in regular inflow of money through credits.

To improve VICOBA program, the study argues for new innovations such as strategies on recruiting youth and men in the program also to emphasize in new products such as orphans/children funds to be part of the VICOBA program.

[email protected]

Neema

Mlay

UNRAVELLING CAUSAL PATHWAYS OF INFORMAL TRANSACTIONAL SEX

AND HIV PREVALENCE: “LINKING HIV RESPONSES TO AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL YOUNG SINGLE MOTHERS IN RWIIMI SUB COUNTY, KABAROLE DISTRICT, WESTERN UGANDA” Over the past 9 years, Rwenzori Farmers Cooperative Union (RFCU) has been working with a growing number of both female and male farmers (currently 2000 farmers) in production of vanilla, coffee, cocoa intercropped with maize, bananas and rice, as a means of enabling farmers to generate income and improve their livelihoods. Despite the existing agricultural output from such crops, rural young single mothers continue to engage in informal transactional sex that increases their susceptibility to HIV infections. This thesis unravels causal pathways underlying informal transactional sex by understanding linkages between agricultural output, economic empowerment and HIV and AIDS. A qualitative design using case study interviews was conducted among 6 young rural single mothers (3 members of Rwiimi CBO and 3 non-members), four key informants, six relatives and six neighbours of the single mothers, two focus group discussions with 1) both categories of single mothers and 2) male interviewees.

The study compared results of the above categories of single mothers, and revealed that much as single mothers that were members of a CBO had more options to boost their agricultural output, both categories were often faced with high labour demands for both on farm and off farm activities. Inadequate household income, limited access to and control over resources as well as cultural traditions such as ‘a woman cannot say no to a man’s sexual favours, directly and indirectly increase women’s dependence on men hence exposing single mothers to informal transactional sex in search of food, cash, labour and other household needs (often with limited powers to negotiate for safe sex). This study documents systematic relationships and linkages between such factors that may affect resistance to HIV and resilience to the impact of AIDS.

[email protected]

CONTRIBUTION OF SMALL SCALE POULTRY FARMING TO THE LIVELIHOODS OF AIDS AFFECTED FEMALE HEADED HOUSEHOLDS IN JIMMA DISTRICT, SOUTHWEST OF ETHIOPIA

Poultry farming is one of the strategies used to reduce households’ vulnerability to the impact of AIDS and improve food security. The purpose of this study is to unravel the contribution of poultry farming to the income and assets of AIDS-affected FHHs and thus to the improvement of their livelihoods in Jimma District.

The results of the study showed that poultry farming plays a significant role in poverty alleviation and improvement of family food security and income for FHHs who have sufficient labour. Accordingly, FHHs with older active orphans had success story in poultry farming. On the contrary, FHHs who take care of chronically ill individuals and FHHs with younger orphans face labour constraint and cannot generate enough income from poultry farming for their living and covering school requisites. These FHHs spend more money to purchase food but hardly spend on education and agricultural inputs. Small-scale poultry farming alone did not preserve the household asset of both categories of the households continued to degrade their assets. FHHs that take care of young orphans and chronically ill individuals have remained vulnerable to the impact of AIDS. In addition, the limited income of the household showed that the households further continued losing assets worsening their situation, a manifestation of vicious circle.

The recommendation is that poultry farming is an option to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on the income of all FHHs provided there is adequate labour in the family. Identifying and adapting labour-saving technologies as an impact mitigation strategy is worth considering.

Patience

Kyomugisha

Tariku

Lencho

[email protected]

UNRAVELING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF DRIP IRRIGATION KIT TECHNOLOGY AMONG FEMALE HEADED HIV AND AIDS AFFECTED HOUSEHOLDS IN KIBWEZI SUB-COUNTY, MAKUEINI COUNTY, KENYA

This study focused on the factors that facilitate and/or limit adoption of the drip irrigation kit among female headed HIV and AIDS affected households and the impacts of household assets on adoption of the drip irrigation kit. An analysis of 12 female headed HIV and AIDS affected households involving 6 adopters and 6 non-adopters was conducted in Kibwezi sub-County, Makueni County, Kenya. Non-involvement of the stakeholders in the design of the drip irrigation projects, limited access to sustainable water supply, benefits accrued to the use of the low-cost kit, water use conflicts, donor dependency syndrome and blockage of the drip irrigation pipes were identified as some of the key factors influencing adoption of the drip irrigation kit among HIV and AIDS affected households. Involvement of all stakeholders at the project design stage was considered more critical compared to the communication methods and channels; top-down viz a viz participatory approaches. The farmers confirmed that the technology was less labour demanding with several benefits including households’ food and nutrition security, income generation, improved agricultural knowledge, information and skills and social status. Further investigations are recommended to unravel the main reasons behind the limited access to irrigation water and water use conflict in the Kibwezi irrigation cluster and capacity building for the farmers on proper use and management of the drip irrigation kit.

[email protected]

Violet

Gathaara

Rural Development and Communication

(RDC)

THE LEVEL OF COMPETENCES OF AGRO-CHEMICAL INPUT VENDORS TO RENDER ADVISORY SERVICES TO FARMERS

The liberalization of the agro-chemicals market in Ghana has seen many people engage in the sale of pesticides and fertilizers. The distribution of agro-chemicals is done by a network of wholesalers and vendors who operate their individual shops. These vendors sell both pesticides and fertilizers directly to farmers and these farmers rely on them for information and knowledge on the use of agro-chemicals as a result of the declining public extension services delivery. So a question remains as to whether agro-chemical input vendors have the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude to render advisory services to farmers as innovation intermediaries.

The research was conducted in Nkoranza municipality. Primary data were taken through interviews and observations. Secondary data were taken from the internet from reports; journals etc. through a desk study. A total of twenty-four individual interviews comprising ten agro-chemicals vendors, ten vegetable farmers and four key informants were made.

The findings showed that all the vendors interviewed had some form of formal education and training on basic agro-chemicals handlings and use. Vendors however still had difficulties interpreting the labels of agro-chemicals because the language was technical. The low level of education coupled with the lack of technical knowledge of the vendors affected the quality of advisory services rendered since they had limited knowledge on the very chemicals they sell. It is recommended that agro-chemical input vendors should be given technical training on competences of agro-chemicals so as to put them in a better position to render advisory services to farmers as they do their business since they have the first contact with farmers at the point of sale.

[email protected]; [email protected]

THE PERCEPTION OF FRAGILE HOUSEHOLDS ON PREPAYMENT METER USE IN INDONESIA

The research is about the perception of fragile households on prepayment meter use as an innovation in Indonesia. It was conducted in Brebes Subdistrict. This research aimed to explore and provide insight of fragile households’ perception towards prepayment meter by analysing the influence of prepayment meter use on fragile household resilience. The research strategy is qualitative with case study which used desk study and field work.

The findings suggest that prepayment meter is well perceived by fragile households in the term of relative advantages which are the ability to adjust the electricity expenditure with financial situation and safe feeling. Fragile households can manage their expenditure for electricity. They can buy voucher that can be adjusted with their financial capabilities. Prepayment meter also gives safe feeling to its consumers. There is no shocking bills or officer that comes to consumers’ house to charge the electricity bills. However, fragile households still have issues with the complexity. Most of them cannot recharge the prepayment meter even though they said it is easy to them and that they can relate it with mobile phone.

Anggita Hairani

Abdul

Rahaman

Abdulai

It is also concluded that prepayment meter influences and helps fragile households in short term budgeting that could lead to availability of more capital and make the fragile households become more resilience.

The researcher recommends PLN to pay more attention for technical side of prepayment meter particularly for fragile households with low level education background. PLN also needs to consider communication approach to explain PLN’s programmes or information for fragile households.

[email protected]

WHEN FARMERS BUY ADVICE: AN ILLUMINATIVE EVALUATION OF THE SOIL TESTING SERVICE OFFERED BY SOILCARES COMPANY TO EXPLORE THE PRIVATISED ADVISORY SERVICE SYSTEM

As the public sector involvement in the provision of services declines, the private sector expands, offering and opportunity for the smallholder farmers to access the advisory services which were either limited provided by governments or did not exist. On the other hand, the move to privatisation of advisory services is still dynamic. It is most likely that private companies will face challenges in agricultural advisory service delivery, especially when farmers' needs are not addressed as expected or when farmers fail to take the role of ‘clients’. The SoilCares company through its SoilCares initiative provides a case to evaluate various aspects that influence the provision of privatised advisory service provision. The study adopted the illuminative evaluation to explore the factors that affect the delivery the Soil testing advisory services. Smallholder farmers from seven counties of Kenya were involved of which 21 were face-to-face interviewed and 102 were interviewed through phone calls. It was found out that smallholder farmer seemed to accept and/or being able to take the ‘client’ role. The service proved to have a potential to improve crop yields, and to those who used the service the future was promising. In spite of the above, there are many interrelated technical, social-organizational and agro-ecological factors that affected the service provision Limited availability of recommended inputs was the main obstacle in utilizing the service. The partnership between private companies and existing organizations was found to be challenging as lack of accountability in some of the partners affected technical report delivery processes.

[email protected]

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VISUAL PROBLEM APPRAISAL AS A DISCURSIVE SPACE IN COCOA EXTENSION: A CASE OF AMANSIE WEST DISTRICT, GHANA

The study sought to contribute to the enhancement of information exchange between extension agents, farmers and other stakeholders in the cocoa extension programme in Ghana through a strategy, the Visual Problem Appraisal (VPA). A one day workshop was organised for field staff of the Antoakurom Cocoa District and other stakeholders involved in cocoa extension to introduce the VPA strategy to them. Post workshop interviews were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and the learning impact of the VPA. Farmers and other stakeholders were also interviewed to find out their views and concerns about the programme. Additionally farm and home visits were made together with the community extension agents (CEAs) to observe the level of interaction between them and farmers. Field diaries of all CEAs in the district were also collected and reviewed. The content of the VPA FCC was also analysed and summarised. The findings indicated that extension services are highly accessible by large scale farmers compared to small scale farmers. Similarly only FBO farmers are covered by the current extension programme. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of the VPA in creating a discursive space that triggers learning. The best indicators of the strength of the VPA were found to be time saving and elimination of logistical constraints whiles the major setbacks of the strategy was the

Gabriel Malima

Isaac Twumasi

absence of immediate feedback and requirement of technical expertise for its production. The study concluded that the VPA has the potential in contributing to the enhancement of information exchange between stakeholders in the cocoa extension programme.

[email protected]

LET’S GATHER AND LISTEN: RADIO LISTENING GROUPS FOR RURAL INNOVATION IN TODAY’S MEDIA LANDSCAPE: THE CASE OF “THE ZAMBIA RADIO FARM FORUM”

This research investigated the operational status of the ‘Zambia Radio Farm

Forum”, a radio listening group concept in Zambia. The RFF is a radio based

communication for innovation platform through which the Ministry of Agriculture in

Zambia shares agricultural information with the farming community. The study

further explored the place less interactive radio programming occupies in today’s

media landscape among farmers in Chibombo district of Zambia.

Literature was reviewed and interviews conducted with 40 farmers who are

members of the Radio Farm Forum Listening Groups in Chibombo district and 10

Radio production staff for the RFF program. It has been established in this

research that Radio Farm Forum listening groups were no longer actively

involved in listening to the RFF program as groups. One of the main reasons for

this state of affairs was that the RFF program was not interactive. The RFF

program had become a one way platform for radio producers to broadcast

agricultural news and technical information without any input from the farming

community. The feedback mechanism that was designed to allow farmers to

remain in contact and interact with RFF program producers had collapsed as no

reports were being received by the radio producers any more. This research has

established that ICTs such as cell phones would create an appropriate feedback

mechanism for the RFF program and make it more interactive. Incorporating ICTs

such as cell phones and the internet would also provide an appropriate system

for the RFF radio producers to rise above the challenge of producing top-down

radio programs and move on to farmer demand driven radio programming.

[email protected]

THE CONTRIBUTION OF DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

SERVICES IN MATCHING KNOWLEDGE DEMAND AND SUPPLY IN SMALLHOLDER FISH FARMING IN THE WEST NILE REGION OF UGANDA

This study expects to contribute to improved access to agricultural knowledge and technology of the farmers by providing insights into the contribution of District Agricultural Extension Services as innovation intermediaries in smallholder fish farming in the West Nile region. Using the demand-led research and articulation of experiential knowledge as key aspects for analysis, the findings from the study show that although extension workers use farm visits as their main strategy for reaching out to the fish farmers, these visits are erratic and are hampered by resource constraints as extension staff depend on government funds which are often insufficient. The findings also show that the linkage between district extension and NARO is weak. Few extension workers have an eye on researchable issues in the fisheries sector and reporting of the issues to NARO for further research too is weak. Coupled with this is the lack of technical expertise in the area of fish farming, given there are only five extension officers assigned to handle extension in fish farming in the entire district. The findings also show that farmer’s do not regard the district extension as the first source of knowledge on fish farming. Other findings in relation to Indigenous Knowledge (IK) indicate that no conscious efforts have been made by extension workers to

Judith Mupeta

Kefa Atibuni

identify IK of the fish farmers and therefore such knowledge has not been documented.

[email protected]

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE COMMUNITY LED OTAL SANITATION APPROACH: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO COMMUNITIES IN GHANA In Ghana, 87% of the population do not have access to improved sanitation and 19% practise open defecation. It is against this background that Community Water and Sanitation Agency adopted the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to improve the rural sanitation coverage in Ghana. Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) has been proven to be a revolutionary approach to scaling up sanitation in rural communities. However, some communities slip back to open defecation within a year or two after implementation of CLTS. This research sought to undertake a comparative study of two communities to find out factors enabling one to sustain the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and factors hindering the other from sustaining the ODF status.

A desk study was undertaken and data collection from the field from 30 households in Abodom and Aklomam communities in Ghana. Three key informants were also interviewed. The research employed a case study to explore factors contributing to change in behaviour of the two communities based on their attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. The research also explored the communication strategies employed in implementing the CLTS approach in the two communities.

The subjective norm of the residents in both communities was found to be the most prevailing factor contributing to the sustenance of the ODF status or slipping from the ODF status. It is therefore important that post project monitoring activities are enforced in order to get the feedback to be able to make decision towards sustaining the CLTS approach.

[email protected]

Pastory Mrosso

Linda

Amponsah

THE ROLE OF CONTRACT FARMING ORGANIZATIONS AS INTERMEDIARIES IN INNOVATION PROCESS MANAGEMENT LINKING FARMERS AND PRIVATE SERVICES: A CASE STUDY OF EAST AFRICAN SEED COMPANY LTD IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA

In Northern Tanzania large numbers of smallholder farmers they grow and produce crops like coffee, maize, and vegetables on agreement for contract farming organizations. These organizations link smallholder farmers with new innovations and other stakeholders who are suppliers of chemicals and fertilizers. These intermediaries played their roles in many aspects but still smallholder farmers’ lack access to new innovations. Among the new innovations is from the privatised service provider SoilCares Ltd established in Nairobi Kenya with advanced soil testing technology which may extend its services to northern Tanzania. This initiative focuses mainly on soil fertility and plant research to increase crop yields through soil fertility and health management.

The objective of this research is to assess the potential of contract farming organizations on facilitating access to privatised advisory services for smallholder farmers.

The primary data was collected through interviews with selected senior officers of the contract farming organizations, casual people and in depth discussion with individual smallholder farmers and observations of their farms for effective qualitative research.

Research revealed unavailability of essential services like the privatised soil testing advisory services, the reluctance by smallholder farmers in testing their soils and continues to use the public blanket recommendations for fertilizer and lack of advices in soil health management advisory services in extension advisory services from contract farming organizations.

[email protected]

THE KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TOWARDS SOIL FERTILITY, SOIL TESTING AND ADVISORY SERVICES

The main objective of this research was to explore the knowledge, perception and attitude of smallholder farmers towards soil fertility, soil testing and advisory services in Ada’a district, Ethiopia. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted and data was collected from 16 individual interview respondents and from three focus group discussions. For triangulation purpose, 5 development agents and one expert were interviewed. Data was analysed qualitatively. The study revealed that, majority of the smallholder farmers’ use their indigenous knowledge to determine the fertility status of their soil. The most important indicators to assess their soil fertility were crop yield and soil type/colour. In the district, farmers have their own local names to differentiate soil types. The majority of the farmers in the district stated that the production capacity of their land has decreased and the main reason for crop production decrease was related to soil fertility. The farmers indicated that their indigenous knowledge to assess their soil fertility status was not enough and clearly showed as they were willing to adopt new technology that will help them to improve their soil fertility. As mentioned earlier, the majority of farmers were very well aware of the decline of their soil fertility and because of this problem; the farmers mentioned that they were willing to buy soil testing and advisory service. Farmers understanding level on the sample report was assessed and found out that majority of the farmers understood the message on the report.

[email protected]

Saba A. Ashetie

FLAVOURS OF THE GREEN GOLD: AN EXPLORATION OF THE PERCEPTIONS OF YOUNG SMALLHOLDER CASSAVA FARMERS

Cassava is a crop described as the green gold as well as Africa’s ‘best kept secret’. Its ‘flavours’ or value is very much of economic importance. This research explores the perceptions of young smallholder cassava farmers in Mkpani, Yakurr Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River state, Nigeria, on cassava-based products processing.

The study employed case study as a research strategy. In-depth interviews, group discussion, participant observation and participatory rural appraisal tools were applied during the study. The analysis of data was done based on producers’ evaluative frame of reference, perceived self-efficacy and perceived effectiveness of social environment.

The study reveals that producers process garri from cassava for consumption and cash benefits. Not only are producers acquainted with garri processing, they perceive it has become part of their culture. Aside low awareness and knowledge levels, lack of modern cassava processing skills, unfavourable market conditions, high risks involvement, lack of cassava processing facilities and poor social infrastructure, producers perceive that the local taboo of bringing unpeeled cassava tubers into the community hampers innovative ways of cassava-based products processing. However, most producers perceive that the primary and secondary products from cassava are profitable and they could be involved in such agribusinesses in future.

Consequently, communication for innovation interventions focusing on attitudinal change, enhancing socio-economic characteristics of producers, raising awareness, increasing knowledge, building skills, mobilizing all stakeholders as well as establishing market linkages are of utmost importance. These interventions would probably contribute to a reduction in unemployment rates among youths in Nigeria.

[email protected]

EXPLORING POSSIBLE INNOVATIVE INTERVENTIONS BY MEMBER BASE

ORGANISATIONS IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA This study presents an explorative case study that looked at the possible

innovative interventions employed by a Member Base Organisation (MBO) – Guinea Fowl Farmers Association (GUIFFA) within the Upper East Region of Ghana. The objective of the research was to help improve the understanding of the MBO (GUIFFA) on how the advisory services to the farmers could be more effective. The findings showed that, the main intention of the MBO is to work with farmers who see guinea fowl rearing as an enterprise to alleviate the pervasive poverty in the Northern part of Ghana. By providing intervention services such as trainings and capacity building to boost farmer’s production, increase access to information, increase access to market linkages, collaborate with partners for support. And to also empower farmers to advocate and lobby for issues concerning their welfare. Productivity of members seems to have increased with help from external organisations and members. The help have been in the form of provision of loans, trainings on best poultry production practices, and farm inputs. The organization had challenges in transportation issues and high illiteracy rates of members. GUIFFA have not really performed its role as an MBO. The research therefore recommends that for GUIFFA to be a real MBO there is the need to involve the members more in their intervention activities and use the ‘best fit’ advisory service approach such as considering training in both formal and informal aspects.

[email protected]

Sunday Omori

Sylvan Dauda

Danaa

ROLE OF VIDATHA IN DEVELOPING RURAL ENTREPRENEURS IN SRI LANKA: IDENTIFYING FACTORS INFLUENCING PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN VIDATHA ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Transferring technology to promote rural small enterprises/industries is a major objective of Vidatha Program in Sri Lanka. The government expects livelihood security and rural economic development through rural small industries as a diversification strategy. Although Vidatha entrepreneurship development program initiated in 2004, people’s participation for the program has been poor and rural entrepreneurs have not been generated as expected. This research aims to gain insights of the factors influencing participation of rural people for the entrepreneurship development program of Vidatha. Case study facilitated by in depth interviews and focus group discussion was used for information collection. It was revealed that potential entrepreneurs expect to develop all livelihood assets through Vidatha although Vidatha assists them to develop human and social capital through technological training and Vidatha society meetings. Low self efficacy of rural people on entrepreneurship and technology coupled with illiteracy has been discouraging factor for their participation in the program. Insufficient intervention on market facilitation, weak communication channel to approach rural community has also been influenced participation. Significant women participation was observed in the program as women have been ‘pulled’ to diversify livelihood activities through small industries using simple technologies. The innovation intermediary role of the Science and Technology Officer of Vidatha program, his mandate and resource base of the Vidatha centre must be strengthened in close relation with the demands of the potential rural entrepreneurs through negotiation. Non-formal education can be integrated with entrepreneurial skills development training to deal with illiteracy and low self efficacy in rural areas. Public participation can be legalized for designing programs like Vidatha entrepreneurship development program and its components (equipments) so that people can influence and share control over the program and decision making.

[email protected]

Wenusha

Pallawala

Rural Development and Food Security

(RDF)

ENHANCING RURAL HOUSEHOLDS RESILIENCE THROUGH SMALL RUMINANTS PRODUCTION IN THE WA WEST DISTRICT OF GHANA

This study was inspired by the report of WFP Ghana, which indicated higher percentages of households being food insecure. An explorative study was then aimed at finding out the potentials and prospects of small ruminants’ production as a viable coping option to rural households. The study was conducted in four communities (Losse, Bongbere, Varempreh and Diesie) in the Wa West District of Ghana.

The study used survey methods in collecting data to gain better understanding of the issues around the households. The data collection involved three levels, individual households’ data, key informants and focus group discussion for triangulation. Participatory rural appraisals tool were considered in the focus groups discussion.

Three main categorized livelihoods strategies were found to be engaged in by the households. These were crop production, livestock production and other others which related to women income generation activities. The female incomes generating activities were Shea butter processing, “Dawadawa” processing, “Pito” brewing and fire/charcoal burning.

The findings indicated households to earn more income from small ruminants’ production than crop farming. Small ruminant was found to contribute over 65% income to the household as compared to crop farming.

The study concluded on the bases of the results obtained that most of household were found vulnerable and an intervention would be developed using small ruminants to contribute to alleviating the poverty and food insecurity of the rural households in the district. [email protected]

THE IMPACT OF LAND CONSOLIDATION ON SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S DIETARY BALANCE WITHIN HOUSEHOLD: CASE STUDY “EAST OF NILE-CONGO CRETE, NYAMAGABE DISTRICT, UWINDEKEZI” This study evaluates the dietary balance caused by the food consumption and food habit triggered by income, the change in land use and perception of smallholder farmer’s household. Mainly 45 women in household were interviewed and completed by discussing with other household member group. In order to analyse the information different tools were used such as food consumption score, dietary reference intakes as a guideline and diamond acceptability. 82% of the farmers agree that by introducing the land consolidation approach, the production was increased though it is not enough to ensure the household dietary requirement. The farmer’s household need other sources and the study shows that other income contributes to the different type of farm with an average of 40% for farmers who cultivate on land non-consolidation,38% for farmers who cultivate on both land and 20% who cultivate on consolidated land. The change in land-use lead to increase of the production of priority crop but it also affects the availability of some crop like sweet potatoes used as staple food and also plays a role in ensuring the food security at household level. The farmer’s perceptions were examined. The adoption of a program depends on the level of ownership,

Alexandre

Niyonshima

Abdul-Salaam

Alhassan

type of extension services in place. Some factors like the insufficient information in communication or the capacity of deliverable can be responded to by learning in practice. The study concludes by pointing out that the sustainability of the land consolidation program should also include the increasing of the availability of local staple food for the household.

[email protected]

THE IMPACT OF TOBACCO PRODUCTION ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY: A CASE STUDY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN TABORA DISTRICT, TANZANIA This thesis is about the impact of tobacco production on household food availability and accessibility. The research was conducted in Tabora district, western part of Tanzania and the study targeted smallholder farmers.

The main debate is on how to strike a balance to a controversial and alien tobacco crop as its contributions on food security remains questionable. However tobacco production, deliberately promoted by the government in Tabora district as to improve households’ income and create food purchase power, yet the majority of smallholder farmers’ households (SHF) remains food insecure and prone to poverty. There is no doubt; food insecurity continues to be a major problem and a recurrent phenomenon in Tabora district.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of tobacco production on smallholder farmer (SHF) households’ food availability and accessibility so as to provide information and insights to local government that will be helpful to intervene the situation. In order to address food insecurity in the context, the efforts should be directed on farm crop intensifications, affordable human labour saving technologies, women targeted interventions that are gender sensitive, and new ventures on livelihoods diversifications.

We might know that, no single intervention is enough to address the food insecurity in rural areas, as evidence shows that smallholder farmers are prone to many complex problems among those others are wicked problems, thus in order to effect the everlasting and sustainable development to smallholder farmers, we must promote and improve production to all important crops after thorough evaluation of crop profitability that are cultivated in the study area.

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THE IMPACTS OF KITCHEN GARDENING ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY: THE CASE OF SMALLHOLDER HOUSEHOLDS IN SOROTI DISTRICT, UGANDA

With the world population expected to reach over 9 billion by 2050, poor countries especially those in Sub Saharan Africa were food insecurity and malnutrition are still widespread must make extra efforts to end hunger and food insecurity.

In Uganda, many development agencies have joined the struggle and are implementing interventions aimed at achieving MDG 1 (reducing hunger) by 2015. A lot of efforts have focused on intensifying food production and nutrition enhancing interventions targeting people in rural areas. Rural Transformation and Development Initiative (RTDI), is one among such organisations that has adopted Kitchen Gardening as a strategy to achieve improved food and nutrition security in rural areas.

This study has researched the impact of kitchen garden programmes in addressing household food and nutrition security in two villages in the north-eastern district of Soroti in Uganda. Two main categories of households took part in the study i.e. those that practiced kitchen gardening and those that did not.

Amani Shalua

Daniel Ocom

The study has indicated that households with kitchen gardens had better access to essential food crops than when they did not have kitchen gardens. It showed that having kitchen gardens resulted in the wellbeing of women and children in terms of improved nutrition, health. Households reported having experienced reduced conflicts and incidence of domestic violence in families.

Despite the criticism, this study has shown that kitchen gardening is still one of the viable strategies for addressing micro nutrient deficiencies in rural areas. It has shown that households can have access to a diversity of rich foods and increased income from sale of surplus gardens products.

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IMPACT OF THE COMMUNITY BASE ORGANIZATION ON THE HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF SMALLHOLDER MILK PRODUCERS The National Directorate of livestock and fisheries extension aims at providing efficient and effective services which complement and reinforce each other. It is for this purpose this research evaluated the services the Nile Community Development Organization (NICODO) is delivering to milk producers in the Peri-urban of Juba County of Central Equatoria, South Sudan. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of services provided by NICODO on the household income of smallholder milk producers that contribute to the improvement of services provided by NICODO and income of the milk producers.

Primary data were collected through 28 semi structured questionnaire administered to milk producers, staff of NICODO and to Directorates of Livestock and fisheries extension, veterinary and animal production at both national and state level in addition to FAO in Juba.

The data was analysed and the research concluded that, milk production services provided by NICODO, only animal health service is sufficiently provided. Milk production is not effectively contributing to the producer’s income. Milk market access was provided sufficiently. The effect of the services on the household income has no effective contribution on the household income for all producers.

The research recommended the National Directorate to provide NICODO and milk producers in short term with standard milk cans, technical assistance on breeding and conduct training for producer on milk handling and hygiene.

In long term the Directorate in partnerships with other stakeholders to help in operationalization of breeding farm of NICODO and provide all the technical and logistical material for NICODO to perform integrated farming system. In long term NICODO should practice fodder cultivation besides keeping of breeding cattle.

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THE POTENTIAL OF BEEKEEPING AS A CONTRIBUTOR TOWARDS

HOUSEHOLD FOOD AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS: A CASE STUDY OF BUMBA HONEY BEEKEEPERS IN CHIMANIMANI

Food insecurity is still a big challenge affecting many households in most dry areas of Bumba, in Chimanimani. Many households experience food shortages between September and December every year. In addition, smallholder farmers tend to modern beekeeping to help survive through this period of food shortages. Honey production in Bumba is a source of food and surplus is sold for household income for ensuring food accessibility. However, honey production is faced with challenges that affect household food availability and food accessibility in Bumba. It is against this background that this study sought to assess the potential of

Eva Ceaser

Ohide

Fadzai Chari

beekeeping as a contributor towards household food availability and accessibility for Bumba beekeepers in Chimanimani.

Generally, findings of the study show that some of the households have realized a sizeable addition to cash income generated from beekeeping and honey as food in difficult periods. However, for most of them it is certainly not enough and they are still in poverty. Income is used for food, investments in farming and education for their children. Beekeeping has improved self-esteem in most women. It created a platform for women to discuss issues, making decisions and having access to the market.

However, income generated from honey sells is starting to be jointly managed – by husbands and wives – with the men playing the roles of “head of the family” and widows.

It is recommended that, beekeeping households should work together to set up woodlots on farm land to protect their hives. Environment Africa should increase start-up hives from 3 to 6 per person and raise farmer’s contributions.

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF SOYA BEAN PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY: THE CASE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN OYAM DISTRICT, UGANDA Oyam district has been known for high levels of malnutrition, low pace in development and generally food insecurity. As a result of the fight against malnutrition, N2Africa organization came up with an initiative of soya bean production as a way of enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. In 2013, N2Africa established soya bean project to improve food and nutrition security status of the people in Oyam. Recognising the role of soya beans as cheap and nutritious protein legumes among others, the project trained farmers to produce and to process soya beans so as to encourage them to consume it more often. This study was conducted with an objective of assessing the impact of soya bean production and processing on household nutrition status of farmers. To achieve this objective, comparisons were made between trained households and non trained households on soya bean production, processing and utilisation. A survey was conducted in 7 villages of Oyam district and involved 60 smallholder farmers. Findings show that farmers who trained had started using soya and most of them were cultivating it after they had been trained. Trained respondents are also including it in their diet and consume it more often than those who were not trained. Farmers are also taking extra initiative of using local methods to process the soya beans into soya milk and the paste. However consumption of soya bean is still challenged as a number of farmers indicated that they avoid cooking it because it takes long hours yet it’s not palatable and can consume only if processed into other products. The study recommends more refresher trainings to equip farmers with better skills and train more farmers but also support them with mechanised processing machinery in order to encourage them to eat more often and improve their nutritional status.

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY CEREAL BANKS IN IMPROVING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY: THE CASE OF ODA CEREAL BANK IN THE LUME DISTRICT OF THE OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Fainusa Kagoya

The study was conducted to assess the contribution of the cereal bank in improving household food security of the smallholder farmers in the Lume district. Specifically, the study looked into the contribution of the cereal bank to household food availability and accessibility by assessing its contribution to food available for household consumption during the lean period and to household income mainly through its market access service. To this end, both primary and secondary data was collected using in-depth interview, focus group discussion and literature review. The data was then analysed using simple descriptive statistics.

The result of the study indicated that the cereal bank had a positive impact on food available for household consumption mainly through its lean period food supply service. It also had positive impact on the income of some farmers with marketable surplus as a result of its service as an alternative market outlet during the harvest time offering better sale value as compared to the local market. However, only small proportion (less than half) of the annual agricultural sale of these farmers goes to cereal bank and it had very little contribution to household income of the member farmers.

The study also identified various challenges constraining the potential contribution of the cereal bank to household food availability and household income/food accessibility. These challenges include weak technical support, limited financial capacity, absence of market network, and low awareness of the members. These challenges are jeopardising the sustainability of the cereal bank and its service unless appropriate measures are taken by relevant stakeholders.

[email protected] CASH COMPENSATION, ITS LONG TERM EFFECT ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY Ethiopia is promoting large scale land transfers from small holder farmers and pastoralists to attract both foreign and local investors. In the past years this has been issues of debate over its implication on local food security, human right and property right etc. This study focused on how cash compensation affected agricultural production capacity of land dispossessed farmers in long term in Woliso district through analyzing the re-investment of the compensated cash on agriculture and how effective cash compensation to insure food security and meet the intended goal of the compensation. Detailed interview with 24 land dispossessed households, focus group discussions and key informants interview were employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Result indicated that role of agriculture in household income is reduced and about 8% of the respondents abandoned agriculture due to loss of whole part of their arable land. Compared to the 53% and 34% spending of the compensated cash for immediate need expenses which are non income generating in nature and house construction, respectively, the 13% re-invested on agric culture is not significant to bring improvement in agricultural production. Short term benefits of cash compensation could not cover long term effect of land dispossession that caused disruption in livelihood, reduction in income and deteriorating food security at household level. Inclusion of land to land compensation scheme, at least for farmers that are left with uneconomic land holding and completely dispossessed their arable land, provision of other back up support can make the intended goal of cash compensation, continuing farming, more effective.

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ANALYSIS OF THE ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY INNOVATIONS BY

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MUTOKO DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

Agroforestry innovations have been extensively promoted and introduced to smallholder farmers in Mutoko district, for over 5 years. Despite the promotion

Gashaye

Takuamework

Isaac Hokonya

Fekadu Dima

and extension effort over this period, not many farmers have adopted these innovations. A case study was conducted to determine why agroforestry innovations are not being taken up by examining factors that influence the adoption process.

In Mutoko district, crop yields are so low such that it is challenging to sustain the smallholder farmers’ food security requirements. Low yields have been a consequence of poor soil fertility, exacerbated by the marginal sandy soils predominantly cultivated by smallholder farmers. This research has shown that agroforestry innovations such as the fertilizer tree system and fruit trees fit into the farming system and farmers derived yield and income benefits. However, such innovations need to be promoted for wider adoption to more farmers, however various factors such as socio–economic, cultural and institutional factors influence the adoption and diffusion of agroforestry innovations. This research concluded that an increase in household size, land size and income in the study area had positive association with adoption of agroforestry innovations. Key challenges for adoption highlighted by farmers include; poor extension support by AGRITEX department, lack of awareness and knowledge and lack of inputs.

These results have a number of implications for strategies to promote agroforestry among farmers in Mutoko district. Policy-makers need reliable information on the likely effects of various socio-economic variables on the adoption or rejection of an innovation. AGRITEX extension efforts should take these factors into consideration to target agroforestry innovations more efficiently within smallholder farmer communities.

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ENGAGING THE RURAL UNEMPLOYED YOUTH FOR A YOUTH IN

AGRICULTURE PROGRAMME: A CASE OF TONTRO IN EAST AKIM MUNICIPAL, EASTERN REGION-GHANA East Akim Municipal in the Eastern Region of Ghana is among selected districts and municipalities in Ghana which has been participating in a Government of Ghana initiative termed Youth in Agriculture programme (YIAP). It is an avenue for employment generation for the rural unemployed youth as well as ensuring food and nutritional security in the municipality. Since its inception in 2010, YIAP has experienced low participation by the rural unemployed youth with average yearly participation of ten (10) representing 20% of the targeted rural unemployed youth.

Based on a behavioural study of the rural unemployed youth towards YIAP to contribute strategies for engaging them; a rural community was selected. Thirty (30) rural unemployed youth were selected as the main focus of the study with a case study employed as a research strategy. Based on the study, a weaker attitude, subjective norm and a greater perceived behavioural control were established from the rural unemployed youth. The key strategy identified is to address late supply of inputs which has a relation to low yield and income and utilize the available land and skills possessed by the rural unemployed youth in agriculture for YIAP participation.

The study also established that the rural unemployed views agriculture as key for their livelihood. Their preference is towards an agricultural enterprise which assures a better income prospect.

[email protected] THE ROLE OF CASSAVA CULTIVATION IN REDUCING DEPENDENCY ON FOOD AID AMONG RESETTLERS: A CASE STUDY FROM KARAMOJA, UGANDA

Isaac Mann

Cassava as food security crop in Lokiteded resettlement now plays an important role in household food and income security in Karamoja, Uganda. Between years 2007-2013, the region had been experiencing varying rainfall pattern, recurring drought and unreliable rainfall. This situation created frequent household food insecurity and dependency on food aid. For the past 10 years Karamoja had been receiving food aid from World Food Program, Emergency Operations and Protracted Relief and Recovery Operations benefiting an estimated 700,000 beneficiaries. Most population (70% of households) moved voluntarily from the dry pastoral belt to the resettlement in an attempt to re-engage in farming, specifically cassava cultivation. This study seeks to research the role of cassava cultivation in reducing dependency on food aid among resettlers. The research applied a case study as a broad research strategy to address the research objective. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. The study revealed that food aid targeting extremely vulnerable households included 200 grams of cereals per person per day (g/p/d), pulses 30g/p/d, vegetable oil 10g/p/d but was not sustainable. In addition cassava products were consumed as food and sold in various forms as a source of household income. The results suggest that the utilization of cassava as a food security and income crop is likely to increase household food security and reduce dependency on food aid among resettlers. To increase cassava cultivation uptake, the study recommends creating awareness on the roles of cassava cultivation and finally invest in sensitization of the community on preparation of cassava to avoid risks associated with bitter cyanogenic compounds of cassava

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John

Lodungokol

IMPACT OF COMMUNITY GRAIN STORAGE ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD

SECURITY: CASE STUDY OF COCOON GRAIN STORAGE IN BUGESERA DISTRICT

The research explores the effect of community grains storage on household food security. The objective of the study is to gain insight and knowledge for the Ministry of Agriculture on the effect of community grain storage on access and availability of food within the households. The main question underpinned in the research was “What has been the impact of cocoon grain storage on food security at the household level for small scale farmers in Bugesera District?” The research combines desk study and field work as methodology and has been designed as a case study of community grain storage of Mayange sector, Bugesera. A small sample of households was selected for discussions and organized interviews. Tools like Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Month of Inadequate Household Food Provision (MIHFP) was used to analyse household food security status. The comparison between the households with access to storage and those with none helped in assessing the impact of community grain storage to the households’ food security. The results show that community grain storage has benefited households as members get better access to food and hence enjoy a better diet. This is achieved by selling their grains when price goes up or extending their production through leasing land and hiring labours by paying in kind or cash. By observation of households who store and who do not store grains, they appear to be similar, but the research shows that they are different especially in their diets and income.

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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MAIZE POOR POST-HARVEST HANDLING: CASE OF IMPUHWE COOPERATIVE IN RWANDA

Rwanda has developed several agriculture policies such as land consolidation policy, crop regionalization, policy, etc. The intentions are to improve the crop yield for food security. The implementation of these policies and strategies incited rapid Economic growth during last decade. The increased agriculture production has met poor production processing skills and infrastructure since it was relatively new. Thus, the agriculture production and post-harvest has brought more attention for researchers to evaluate their impact on crop yield and processing especially maize. The general objective of this study, therefore, was to assess the impact of poor post-harvest handling on maize production in Rwanda. The specific objectives were to outline ways in which the farmers’ organization supports their members to overcome the post-harvest challenges and identify measures undertaken to reduce maize loss. The research design was achieved through a case study of Impuhwe Cooperative, a farmer’s organization located in Kicukiro district of Rwanda. The study adopted the quantitative and qualitative research methods to get comprehensive information through questionnaires administration, interview, and focus group discussion complemented by field observations. Statistical methods and software were used to organize and to execute the exploratory data analysis (EDA). The research revealed that inadequate facilities like storages, drying ground and drying shed, low knowledge and skills on post-harvest handling practices, low post-harvest skills in maize processing technologies and extension services were the major contributors to the current level of post-harvest losses of maize between 10-30% which in turn affect household income and food security. Inappropriate infrastructure/ facilities, insufficient knowledge and poor post- harvest skills on the part of the farmers, effect of climate change. Ensuring availability of storage facilities(local silo), strengthening extension services and capacity building of the cooperative organization for technical back up are were suggested to alleviate the post-harvest problems in Kicukiro district.

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Josiane

Kalisoni

Josine

Umuhire

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC SCHOOL MILK PROGRAM

The public school milk program started in 2013 in Rwabutazi watershed aiming at fighting malnutrition among school children. Its implementation is based on the milk donated by local farmers without depending on government support, but it doesn’t work well because farmers did not donate enough milk to the program as expected.

The main objective of this study is to find out what would be needed to motivate more farmers to donate enough milk and hence to make it more sustainable because the total number of farmers contributing in the program is insufficient. To get information on the program and its strategies to ensure its sustainability; a case study is used during this study involving all stakeholders for the program including 40 local farmers, local authorities, farmers’ cooperative representatives, head teachers and community health workers. Desk study, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and workshops were used to collect data for the study. The results show that local farmers appreciated the program due to its objective but some bottlenecks have been discovered namely insufficient sensitization meetings to communicate more farmers to join the program, long distance from farmers’ home place to milk collection sites, insufficient milk collection sites, missing someone to pick milk from the farmers to the sites as well as low milk production for some farmers should have been considered to make this program more sustainable without government support, Community Innovations Centre should focus on these for motivating more farmers to donate enough milk and make this program more sustainable.

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FROM POST-HAIYAN AID TO DEVELOPMENT: EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARM WORKERS’ ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS AS A STEP TOWARDS RESILIENCE AND LASTING FOOD SECURITY IN THE PHILIPPINE VILLAGE OF DUYOC Lives of farm workers in the Philippine village of Duyoc illustrate the impacts of unequal distribution of resources in a country where extreme weather events like Typhoon Haiyan are becoming the norm. Being among the country’s poorest, farm workers have limited assets, limited education and limited power to participate in the society. They have been contractual workers for decades under the same landlord who is also among the most powerful in the province. Their livelihoods – which are made fragile by underlying problems like poverty, corruption and rural neglect – make them vulnerable to disasters.

That is why when Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines in November 2013, they are among the most affected. Most left out, too, when foreign aid poured in and agricultural rehabilitation became a priority.

The study explores the opportunities available for farm workers to build alternative livelihoods in order to ensure short and medium-term food security as they set up sustainable foundations for food security. Farm workers need support to shift from merely coping towards risk spreading to minimize their vulnerability. Without diversification, it is likely that they will become more vulnerable as they will be left with no options for survival aside from exploitative jobs and multiple high-interest loans.

The results suggest that community organizing is relevant not only in achieving cohesiveness and advocating pathways for sustainable livelihoods such as access to land, but also - for building alternative livelihoods - in strengthening their capacity for claim-taking from the government as well as for linking with the civil society and the private sector for support services, entrepreneurial capacities, technology and microfinance, among others.

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Karen Tuason

Jost Uwase

THE IMPACT OF RURAL-URBAN LINKAGES ON FOOD SECURITY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES NEAR EMERGING MAJOR TOWNS: A CASE STUDY OF RAJAF VILLAGE IN JUBA COUNTY, CENTRAL EQOUTORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN This study aims to provide insights for policy and programme (including extension agents) staff in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on appropriate intervention strategies.

The findings showed that food insecurity situation in the village have been affected by the unprecedented growth of nearby Juba town as well as by the ongoing conflict which broke in late 2013. The climatic change in 2014 has seriously affected the staple crop harvests which will lead to poor harvest for both rural and rural urban households in the village. Household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) average scores for rural and rural-urban households has shown 0.8 for rural households and 0.5 for rural urban households respectively. This indicates that food insecurity access is high among rural households compared to rural urban households.

The Influx of IDPS in the area has shown negative effect on the food security status of both rural and rural urban households.

[email protected] TO OVERCOME MARKET CONSTRAINTS FACING SMALL HOLDER BROILER FARMERS IN BINDURA DISTRICT SOUTH, ZIMBABWE The purpose of the study was to analyse the market constraints faced by smallholder broiler farmers in Bindura district south and the strategies that can be employed to improve their incomes and household food security.

Research findings were obtained from the desk study, two focus group discussions with farmers from Bindura district south using a participatory approach , a survey of 30 male and female farmers in broiler production, a case study with checklist questions to interview the chairman of Zimbabwe Poultry Association, the Chief Provincial Livestock Specialist for Mashonaland Central Province working for the Livestock Production and Development department, managers from chain supermarkets such as Thomas Miekles and Ok Zimbabwe, Bindura branches and broiler traders to triangulate and validate data collected from the farmers.

The study concluded that Strategies found to overcome their market constraints in order to improve their incomes and household food security were to develop a market oriented approach that would guide them throughout the production and selling process. More training in broiler production, farmer co-operation and creation of more farmer groups was found necessary for them as it would cause a synergistic effect, farmers would have one voice and they would benefit as they enjoy the economies of scale.

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ASSESSING FUNCTIONALITY OF THE FARMER GROUP CONCEPT AMONG SMALLHOLDER BROILER FARMERS IN UZUMBA MARAMBA PFUNGWE (UMP) Smallholder farmers face severe resource constraints, experience poor production and are faced with food insecurity challenges. Farmer groups have been identified as an escape route for these farmers in their quest for food and nutrition security and poverty. However the continued functionality of these farmers groups is under threat. A research to investigate on the causes of failed continued functionality of the farmer groups was done in Nhakiwa village, UMP, Mashonaland East in Zimbabwe. This entailed one on one semi structured interviews with 13 female and 12 male smallholder broiler farmers and focus

Marc Boytah

Musaemura

Manyenyeka

Moreblessings

Chiwawa

group discussions with the female farmers and then with the male farmers. Research findings showed that poor broiler market was the major contributor to failed broiler farmer groups continued functionality in Nhakiwa among other causes. Differences on the effects of the identified causes on male and female farmers were noted. Some causes were more relevant to one gender than to another. The farmer group concept proved to be appropriate for the broiler farmers in Nhakiwa as it assist the farmers in attaining an improved sustainable livelihood. There is need however to make marketing an integral part of the farmer group concept so as to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers in marketing their broilers. Capacity building of the farmers on business and organisational skills, and leadership skills will improve farmers’ effectiveness in running their groups. This will ensure continued benefits to the farmers and continuance of the groups.

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EXPLORING FOOD CONSUMPTION AMONG ELDERLY-HEADED HOUSEHOLDS IN DROUGHT PRONE RURAL AREAS: A CASE OF MUROMO WARD, MUTARE DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

The food upkeep of the elderly-headed households is increasingly becoming a cause for concern in the Zimbabwean society due to their high level of food and income poverty. The objective of the research was to unravel what the elderly-headed households consume and the reasons why they consume food in such a manner .The research sought to answer, the following questions; what is the level of household dietary diversity among elderly-headed households, what are the food preferences among elderly-headed households, what is the influence of the social environment on elderly people’s consumption, what are the strategies employed by elderly-headed households to meet their food requirements.

The data for the case study was collected through desk study , household interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. The results showed that 20% of the households have low dietary diversity and there is low consumption of animal products . The study shows that the elderly access agricultural extension services and government support for farm inputs. Diseases hamper livestock production and households prefer maize and meat products. Home gardens are important source of food though water supply is unreliable. The study concluded that the low dietary diversity and food consumption were caused by low crop and livestock production. Recommendations are that; there be training and equipping of village-based para-veterinarians who can treat and control livestock diseases by Agritex. Agritex should promote roof water harvesting and storage for home gardens. Households be trained in healthy food and nutrition practices. There should be wider consultation and information dissemination to communities for better participation. Department of Irrigation should mobilise funds for irrigation facility development for this community to address the challenge posed by recurrent droughts.

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BENCH TERRACES FOR FOOD AVAILABILITY IN A VULNERABLE COMMUNITY

Bench terraces are considered by the Government of Rwanda as one of the ways to improve food availability and decrease vulnerability among rural communities by mitigating soil degradation incurred by high population pressure, scarce and fragmented land and soil erosion. It is in this regards that Local Economic Development Agency (LODA) under Vision Umurenge Program (VUP) funded a project of bench terraces in Nyarusovu and Munege Village/ in Kibeho sector. However food insecurity among beneficiaries remains an issue. This study was therefore undertaken to contribute to exploring the factors; related to make best use of bench terraces; that hinder the livelihoods improvement and food

Pascal Gahire

Musariri Diza

availability in Nyarusovu and Munege villages. The research findings revealed the following factors:

The process of making terraces caused food insecurity among project beneficiaries and livelihood shocks as a result of stopping farming activities before terracing. A new monocropping system is difficult for a vulnerable community to adapt, limited means for agricultural inputs provision, replacement of the crops like sweet potato, cassava, sorghum by maize, beans and Irish potato and risks associated with climate change hazards.

Limited knowledge of farmers about the post-harvest handling techniques of new selected crops and lacking of storage and processing facilities in the locality were among other factors that contributed to hamper the success of the project. Passive participation of farmers in both the process of making terraces and continued use of these infrastructures also affected the success of the project.

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SOCIAL EXCLUSION OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN THE IMPROVED

BANANA VALUE CHAIN IN RUSITU VALLEY, ZIMBABWE

Social exclusion is a major problem in most developmental projects. Whilst the aim of most developmental projects is poverty alleviation, some members of the communities where such projects are implemented still live in poverty as they are excluded from the projects several reasons. This research sought to get insights on causes and effects of social exclusion of some smallholder banana farmers in the improved Rusitu Valley banana value chain in Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe. The study is based on the realisation that, there are farmers who are continuously ‘left out’ or excluded from the improved value chain, agricultural support programmes and services. Primary data was collected through focus group discussions, expert interviews and interviews of those smallholder banana farmers excluded from the improved banana value chains. Limited access to improved product markets, production resources (land and water); quality standards set by formal markets, poor quality of bananas produced and availability of labour are various dimensions and effects of exclusion evident in Rusitu Valley smallholder banana production. Poor family support for disadvantaged groups as women, especially widows and divorcees, coupled with lack of external support from development agencies apparently constrain relationships in this region. The interconnectedness of causes of exclusion results in a condition of severe deprivation leading to poverty. It can therefore be concluded that social exclusion is a complex, multidimensional cycle of deprivation that needs development agents to be aware of and consciously address to break the cycle. In Rusitu Valley, restoring the functionality of Rusitu Valley Fruit Growers and Marketing Trust or establish another farmer organisation will be an option.

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Raphael Kembo

Rita Mumuni

THE BLOCK FARMS PROGRAMME AND MAIZE FARMERS IN WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) implemented the block farms programme (BFP) in 2009 under the Youth in Agricultural Programme. It gives beneficiaries fertilisers and improved seeds on credit and extension training. The credit is expected to be paid at harvest with produce or in cash. The objective of BFP is to increase food security, create employment for the youth and to increase farmers’ productivity. The study selected Wa Municipality because maize is an important crop grown for food security. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the BFP on improving maize production for household food security.

Semi- structured interviews were held with 24 respondents; 12 beneficiaries and 12 non beneficiaries. Key informants were interviewed. Data collected was analysed qualitatively through the comparison between beneficiaries and non- beneficiaries in maize production before 2009 and now. The research findings indicate that the BFP has increased beneficiaries maize production. It has increased; yields, average quantities sold and the use of modern technologies. In spite of the success, the programme experience low repayment of credit. On the other hand, most beneficiaries faced unfavourable market for their produce due to the low capacity of the company established by the government to assist mob up excess produce.

It is therefore recommended that for the sustainability of the programme, MoFA should establish measures that could be used to sanction defaulters. The beneficiaries should be linked to appropriate markets to increase the demand, income and profit of maize.

[email protected]

ACCESS TO NUTRITION INFORMATION & USAGE: A STRATEGY FOR

PLWHA IN REMOTE KIHIIHI TOWN, KANUNGU, UGANDA

Objective of the study was to explore types and available nutritional trainings, support services, dietary advices, methods of information dissemination offered by health care service providers to people living with HIV and AIDS and how such acquired knowledge and resources are used by the intended beneficiaries for food choices, dietary habits and healthier life.

4 weeks of field work was conducted at Kihiihi Town council- Kanungu District -Western Uganda. Participants in the study were 26 PLWHA currently on ARV medication, 3 health workers, 5 affected persons and 3 key informants. Interview aided with checklist were conducted for these different categories of respondents. 3 sets of observations were conducted at the Kihiihi health centre 4, Homes of PLWHA and at the local market at Kihiihi town market.

Results showed that there were no diverse means of disseminating nutrition information to PLWHA except health talks on clinic appointment days. All 26 PLWHA respondents interviewed access nutrition information from oral (human) sources far more than print or media sources information such as internet, videos, scientific magazines or medical Journals.

The organization of nutrition related seminars, practical workshops, cooking demonstrations, food handling techniques, food safety and good sanitary practice for PLWAH on a regular basis can provide better opportunity to PLWHA to learn about relevant nutrition, improve necessary knowledge of food intake that can complement their antiretroviral drug treatment. [email protected]

Samson Afolabi

Samson Keleta

PROMOTING FIRM-FARM RELATIONSHIP IN HORTICULTURE

PRODUCTION IN ZAMBIA: A CASE STUDY OF ZENITH BUSINESS SOLUTIONS AND HORTICULTURE PRODUCERS IN KASENGA SETTLEMENT AREA IN CHONGWE DISTRICT, LUSAKA PROVINCE

Horticulture production is branch of agriculture that deals with growing plants that are used as source of food and income generation from selling products. In this study Zenith Business Solutions (ZBS) is a commodity trading company which wants to start a new business relationship with Horticulture Producers in Kasenga Settlement Area (HPKSA) of Chongwe district through their association (CHOPPA).

The objective of this research is to develop strategies for better business relationship between HPKSA incorporated in CHOPPA and ZBS through analysis of the F-F (firm-farm) relationships in Chongwe District, Lusaka province of Zambia.

To assure the objective was accomplished, during the desk study different literature-reviews was reviewed. And field work was started by farm, firm and relevant stakeholder visits in order to gain a general idea of the horticulture sector in the area, then primary data collection was done using 2-2 tango tool. Focus group discussion and a questionnaire survey were used for collecting primary data.

The data from survey were processed using the pre-designed of Excel Microsoft workbook, which generates a table and two graphs by taking a range scale of 0-3 of each challenge area. Focus group discussion and debriefing meeting was held with the presence of F-F representatives and relevant stakeholders in order to understand the case from different perspectives.

From the open discussions and interviews, business case description, self-assessment results and debriefing report; the F-F relation between ZBS and HPKSA in Chongwe district is positive (which is equivalent to overall median score 2).

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF STREET FOOD VENDING IN MAKING FOOD ACCESSIBLE FOR VENDING HOUSEHOLDS: A CASE STUDY OF STREET FOOD VENDORS IN ASHAIMAN MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY This research studies the contribution of street food vending in making food accessible for vending households in Ashaiman Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Street food vending serves as employment opportunity especially for women. They serve their customers with meals advantage points like road sides and market centres. Nonetheless, street food vendors have challenges in contributing food for their households because they do not earn enough income from their businesses. It is against this background that the research objective seeks to gain insights into how street food vending contributes to food access in vending households.

The research adapted a case study as a strategy. A total of thirty nine (39) respondents were interviewed for the study. Participatory rural appraisal tool (Income and expenditure tree) and household dietary diversity score tool were used to collect data.

The study revealed that, street food vendors from an association (NESTAG Tea Sellers Association) and non-members of any food association contribute food to feed themselves and their household. Their dependency on the local market for food stuffs poses a high risk of food insecurity for food vendors due to increase in food prices and shortages of food. Also, inadequate suitable permanent structures and food associations not officially known by Ashaiman Municipal

Victoria Tuffour

Samson Keleta

Assembly affect’s business of food vending thereby affecting household food access. The study recommended non-members of any food association to join NESTAG or any food association to have a common voice to channel grievances to the right authorities or stakeholders so as to facilitate their collective empowerment and be food secured.

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UNDERSTANDING THE REASONS BEHIND RURAL YOUTH MOVEMENT FROM RICE FARMING TO MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS “BODA BODA”: MAUGO IRRIGATION SCHEME, HOMA BAY SUB-COUNTY, KENYA Over the past years, Kenya have experience an increased migration of rural youth from their farm settlement to the urban centres. In Maugo area, most youth move from rice farming to motorcycle business ‘boda boda’ in towns. This leaves the rural farm with inadequate work force as most energetic youth move to urban centres. This study therefore tries to find out the reason behind this movement through a case study done on rural youth between 15-35 years in Maugo irrigation scheme in Homabay sub-county. Analysis was done on the data on already existing literature retrieved, discussion of the 2 focus groups and from 32 respondents’ interview: 16 from rice farmers and 16 from boda boda operators. The study found out that over 90% of youth move due to low returns in agriculture and also lured by quick returns and brotherhood spirit in boda boda business. They also lamented on the challenges that they face in farming such as lack of credit, certified seeds, fertilizers, pest and diseases as the reason for their movement. The study also discovered that higher percentage of women attend to rice farms. Rice fields are also prone to human diseases such as malaria, typhoid and bilharzia and this discourage youths from farming. The study concludes that there should be a proper need assessment of the rural youth to understand their specific aspirations and challenges. Economic empowerment and capacity building should be done to improve earnings from the farms and the brotherhood spirit be instituted in the farms.

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THE INFLUENCE OF THE SHIFT FROM MAIZE TO TOBACCO PRODUCTION AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY: A CASE OF MARONDERA DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

Smallholder agriculture is a very important livelihood strategy for most of Zimbabwe’s rural population. Over the past decade, there has been a gradual switch by smallholder farmers from producing maize to the more lucrative tobacco. Tobacco however, is a labour intensive crop requiring close care for long periods of time leaving farmers with little or no time to grow maize and other traditional food crops. This raises a question of whether the income generated from tobacco is adequate to compensate for the less available food produced. This study investigates the influence of the shift from maize to tobacco production on household food security. To achieve this, a survey was carried out in Marondera district, Zimbabwe. The results showed that tobacco has been established alongside maize and other food crops among communal farmers. This was not the case among A1 farmers who had tobacco as a sole enterprise and hence their only source of income. Men tend to prioritise tobacco and leave women to produce food crops alone resulting in low food production. Furthermore, control of household income was mainly done by men who sometimes had different priorities from women. Despite contributing to household income, tobacco production did not necessarily make up for lost home production of food crops and thus resulted in reduced food availability. Farmers were recommended to at least grow maize and other food crops for home consumption and tobacco for extra income in a formulated work plan.

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Wycliffe

Ondoro

Yeukai

Chikukwa

More information:

Master Programme Management of Development

Rural Development and Gender:

Dr. A. Westendorp [email protected]

Rural Development and Communication:

Dr. L. Witteveen [email protected]

Rural Development and Food Security:

Dr. S. Nederlof [email protected]

Rural Development and AIDS:

Ms. K. Kingma [email protected]

http://www.vhluniversity.com/management-of-development.aspx

Application information:

http://www.vhluniversity.com/enrolment/non-european-students/admittance-procedure.aspx