Performance of farmers' associations in Bumthang District of Bhutan | |
| Author | Subedi, Udyog |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-07-08 |
| Subject(s) | Farmers--Bhutan--Social conditions Agricultural societies--Bhutan |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Regional and Rural Development Planning |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Promotion and support to the development of farmers' groups, associations and cooperatives is a standing policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Promotion of such groups in rural areas is done through support in form of awareness, guidance, trainings, credit facilities, study tours, and supply of equipment and machineries and other technical inputs. Despite technical, material and financial support provided, the experiences of farmers' groups in Bhutan have been mixed and confusing and little was known about the organizational and functional aspects of such associations. Taking two farmers associations from Bumthang district [Beekeepers Association of Bhutan (BEEKAB) and Chhoekor Livestock Development Association (CGGCT)], a study was carried out with the main objective to assess their organizational structures and the functional systems to arrive at the impacts of their performances on the members' households. A total of 50 households (30 from CGGCT and whole population of 20 from BEEKAB) were surveyed using structured questionnaire. In addition focused group discussion with members and interviews with key informant were conducted. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis was used for the study. Both the associations were institutionalized after a long period of joint RGoB-Helvetas support project with main objective to increase production thereby to enhance income to members' household. The small size of the membership, the fair cohesive nature of the members, high income to members, low participation of members for planning and decision-making and enhanced technical skills were the main commonalities found in both the associations. There were many significant differences found among the functional capabilities of two associations, making BEEKAB's performance far better than that of CGGCT's. In case of BEEK.AB, the functional arrangements were institutionalized according to their rules and regulations. With sound marketing management, transparent accounting, and regular meetings conducted by the leaders of BEEKAB, the members' satisfaction on the functional arrangements and its performance was found to be high. This has generated sense of fairness and confidence of the members towards the association, which has reached closer to effectual cooperative standard. The functional arrangements of CGGCT were not institutionalized according to their rules and regulations and only the Chairperson was active for regular operation of the association. With lack of regular meetings, lack of regular presentation of accounts to members, inability to market dairy products during peak seasons (summer), and inactive roles of the other executive board members, the members' satisfaction on the functional arrangements and its performance was moderate. There have been substantial impacts in terms of high income generated by the members and enhancement of technical capabilities of the member households. Increased participation of members for planning and decision making is recommended to motivate members towards commitment of its objectives and to resist threats and conflicts, and further to allow members gain better understanding on the problems facing the associations and accordingly plan their line of activities. A strong intervention by the supporting agencies as mediator to re-institutionalize the functional systems of CGGCT according to their constitution is recommended to avoid further loss of confidence from the members. It is recommended that capacity building concerned with collective functions, which is the major shortfall within the organizational capabilities, is required for proper institutionalization of such associations. The main focus has to be leadership development, financial management, and marketing management. |
| Year | 2007 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thapa, Gopal B.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Routray, Jayant K.;Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Helvetas/SDC and Society Switzerland, Bhutan;AIT Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |