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Group Development. Functional farmer groups as a vehicle for effective extension to achieve household and community development by practically pursuing shared visions and objectives. T. MUKUYU Independent Consultant for S.A.T mukuyutalk@comone.co.zw. DEFINITION.
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Group Development • Functional farmer groups as a vehicle for effective extension to achieve household and community development by practically pursuing shared visions and objectives. T. MUKUYU Independent Consultant for S.A.T mukuyutalk@comone.co.zw
DEFINITION • 4 – 30 people living in the same community with the same/similar ideology carrying out planned/similar activities to improve livelihood • The activities are; • Born out of common vision • Agreed on • Planned • Using resources common to all • Given timeframe and measureable targets
WHY FORM GROUPS • To fulfil some basic security needs • To gain new knowledge and skills • To share experiences between members • To overcome problems that are common to all • To satisfy farming needs • Lobbying - To obtain recognition and enable their priorities and concerns to be addressed by service providers and decision makers.
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • The following steps are important but not exhaustive. • Step 1 • Identify the need for group formation • Need must be common
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • Step 2 • Identify criteria and category of membership • Spelt out obligations • Defined values for the group
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • Step 3 • Local and traditional leadership must be informed • Step 4 • Identify existing structures within the community that may be focused on the same objectives
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • Step 5 • Group must not be too large • Large groups usually subdivide into camps • Natural group metamorphosis will occur as individuals self-introspect capabilities and weaknesses
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • Step 6 • Define or clarify group objectives, purpose and how the business of the group will be run
ESTABLISHING GROUPS • Step 7 • Group must elect leadership • In extension groups there may be need to have a lead farmer and a chairperson