Project development with rural disadvantaged communities

1. Project development with rural disadvantaged communities Rural DACs are Double DACs Old Infrastructure limited means

2. Project Development is the Heart of IRWMP If you are not providing meaningful project development support to DACs, then you are not ‘doing’ IRWMP Rural DACs add travel distance, limited or no internet connectivity and aging infrastructure to the mix.

3. Basic principle #1 Go to them.

4. Basic principle #2 Anticipate limited capacity, but don't assume lack of expertise or knowledge- respect DAC's knowledge of their own needs and expertise of their system.

5. Basic principle #3 Do NOT make them do all the heavy lifting i.e. be prepared - use templates, forms and sequential project development – provide real support – take the time.

6. Basic principle #4 Be creative in integrating small projects Look for themes and develop projects across a region – based on those themes/types of projects

7. Basic principle #5 Build partnerships within DAC and be alert to local culture – Power Dynamics

8. Things to remember • Go to them • Be trustworthy – don’t promise and then renege • Accept limitations – be pragmatic & realistic • Be flexible • Be patient • Provide real assistance – provide value added • Present a clear work plan • Bring in reps from other places where you have worked successfully • Ask - don’t tell

9. pitfalls • Not outreaching early enough • Consultant arrogance - talking down • Underestimating the time investment needed • Assuming that if people don't show up, that they don’t care • Exhibiting poor listening • Thinking you know what they need • Focusing on deadlines over content • Ignoring local personality dynamics - power struggles