Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
activities, no previous attempt had been made in Jachie to get the women
together. Therefore, to form the group, women who were articulate, with good
communication skills and were willing to accept the responsibility of organ-
izing group activities were selected to provide the initial support. These
women were identified as potential members and leaders, and were assigned
the role of educating and soliciting the participation of the other women in the
village. To prevent the development of a dependency situation, the women
were given the opportunity to show how they could contribute to the success
of the group.
One individual who was instrumental in the formation of the Jachie women's
farmer group is Madam Cecelia Osei (Plate 6). She was part of the leadership
which provided the link between the researchers and the women. It has been
through her tireless efforts and commitment that the group has managed to make
an impact in Jachie.
Through the efforts of Madam Osei and her executive members, the association
of PLEC women farmers was inaugurated in the community in 1992. The leaders
were given training in organization and communication skills. The women leaders
on their part conducted village-level meetings to increase women's awareness of
project activities. An important outcome of the establishment of the PLEC Women
Farmers' Association was the recognition of the women as important stakeholders
in the management of the natural resources. In this programme, diversity was the
critical issue in using scarce resources efficiently.
One of the initial measures that was instituted to help avoid further deforestation
and to restore degraded areas was to control and sustain the current level of fuel-
wood production. Trees were planted to improve crop yields through soil fertility
enhancement. As the project management gained working experience, innovative
measures were introduced. These were specifically designed to increase agricul-
tural diversity and participation by more women. The approach has been to work
together with the women farmers' group to establish model outreach experimental
farms that can meet most of the food requirements of a family with scarce capital
and land resources.
Achievements
Overview
Through their own efforts and with support from PLEC researchers, the women
of Jachie have accomplished a lot in terms of social and economic benefits. They
report that the group has helped them in various ways to acquire skills in nursery
management and livestock production. Through their activities they now under-
stand the value of biodiversity. The women have also acquired some knowledge
