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Strengthening of the middle level of MVIWATA
Jan 1, 2008-Dec 31, 2008
The project will focus on economic and lobbying and advocacy interventions of MVIWATA and support strengthening of organisational capacities of middle level networks, especially by providing partial support to Kagera, Morogoro and Dodoma middle level as well as the operations of national level. In general, the project in 2008 will continue to support the implementation of MVIWATA strategic plan of 2004 – 2008.
MVIWATA is organized into three levels, namely, grass root level, middle level, and national level. Middle level networks are composed of the regional and district farmers’ networks, while grassroots level is formed by village and ward networks. In 2007 MVIWATA made major constitutional amendments which aimed at enhancing governance and provide for more autonomy to middle level networks of MVIWATA. There are now 4 levels in the governance structure of MVIWATA;
1. The Annual General Meeting of members
2. The Council, which is formed by representatives of middle level networks and board members.
3. The Board of Directors, which is formed by nine elected members
4. The Management, headed by Executive Director
Income poverty is the major problem that smallholder farmers face. This problem is caused by many factors including low productivity, poor market access and inadequate access to financial services access, poor organisation of farmers and lack of adequate information on input-ouput markets and prices. This has direct relationship with increased food insecurity among the small holder farmers. This project attempts to address the above mentioned problems and some of their root causes, and create more awareness to farmers on the effects of HIV and AIDS towards improving the livelihood of small holder farmers.
The direct target beneficiaries are small farmers (including livestock-keepers). The project targets to benefit about 20,000 smallholder farmers of which about 40% women. The impact of the project is expected to reach wider communities in the areas the project is going to be implemented. The target beneficiaries will be encouraged to mobilize their own financial resources, particularly in terms of membership fees and subscription as well as undertaking income generating activities. Institutional sustainability will be achieved through building of strong networks of farmers at all level, starting at grassroots level. Overall, MVIWATA national office will play the mentoring role to the grassroots and regional level networks.
The project will encourage farmer-centered and participatory learning approaches. Most of project activities will allow farmers to share their knowledge and experience, learn from one another, and will be fully involved in monitoring and evaluation of project implementation progress, and hence ensuring sustainability. Participating farmers (especially women) will be empowered with knowledge and skills (training), which is a key of development towards establishment of their strong groups and networks.
A participatory monitoring and evaluation will be applied, involving all target beneficiaries and other stakeholders to assess the impact of project activities and allow for their refinement, and also beneficial impact on the beneficiaries economic status and livelihoods at the household level. This will be done through the village meetings and meetings of the networks and groups which comprise the beneficiaries. The Board of Directors will review the progress of the project in each quarter and the leaders of MVIWATA will review the project in Council meetings. Normally the audited report of the project is presented at the Annual General Meeting each year.
MVIWATA will prepare Quarterly and Annual reports (both technical and financial) for submission to Agriterra as required by the contract and for institutional use. There will be follow-up visits to project sites by MVIWATA leaders and management team to assess the project performance. In addition, semi-annual reflection meetings will be held.
