Development Ratings

Illegal land grabbing by national park and conservation organisations has been resisted, using LUPs and GPS to confirm territory. The Pastoralist and Hunter-Gatherer Programme in Tanzania is benefiting over 120,000 people via LUPs and the negotiation of community-based conservation. One community now receives income each year from eco-tourism. The community jointly decides how best to use the revenue. Land use rights have brought increased responsibility for school buildings and village council offices. Increased accountability saw the sacking of an MP and a district education officer. There has been increased community involvement in the management of water sources, forests and charcoal production facilities in 13 villages. Livestock deaths due to drought were reduced by 42% in one area. 10 dispensaries, 15 primary schools, 2 health insurance schemes, and 10 women’s income projects have been set up or developed. This is all a direct result of increased knowledge of rights and the development of a sense of control and ownership. 2 women now sit on district councils and 6 on village councils. Maasai women have their own rights to access grazing land and water for the first time. The women are developing small-scale gardening, a credit programme, livestock-raising, and have built 50 low cost houses. 16 savings and credit groups have been started with 400 women participants. There is a 99% repayment rate. Small business ideas have been developed such as the joint purchase of a grinding mill. Women are herding their own cows, sheep, and goats. Maasai women are now represented at the village, regional and national councils and forums level, for the first time in Maasai history. There is anecdotal evidence of discussions beginning between pastoralist men and women on forced marriages, girls’ education, domestic violence and birth control. Partner staff have received physical threats and been temporarily gaoled at times, however, as there is opposition to some of the work.

Under the Breaking Barriers pilot in Tanzania, over 1,000 children now attend nursery and pre-primary classes, impacting early literacy. 54 young women have been supported through secondary school. Over 700 people now participate in adult education classes, almost 75% being women.  Partner cooperation with a tour operator has resulted in ecotourism receipts of £4000 in total to support 4 primary schools with 763 children enrolled. Partner management of a secondary school since 2005 has now resulted in the highest national examination results in the district as well as repairs, dormitory building works, and teacher salary arrears payments.

Under the Sustainable Livelihoods programme in Ghana, some 30,000 farmers have increased yields and revenue through farmer field schools, training sessions and practical support. Improved produce storage, yield and farmer credit, and reduced costs of chemical additives, has increased farmer income (300% in some cases). Training of other NGO staff in 10 organisations in farmers’ rights and representation will help reach up to 500,000 farmers over 5 years. Under the Women’s Rights programme, 300 women are in a credit scheme, 6 women were elected to district assemblies, and 200 people have been trained in the law on domestic violence and awareness raising. There has been an anecdotal reduction in FGM in one target community from 90% to around 15% over the last four years. Miscarriages have decreased by 5%. FGM practitioners in credit schemes have decreased the economic incentive to perform the procedure.

Results are being achieved cost-efficiently, although the beneficiary numbers include indirectly benefited people in the target areas. Until such time as the charity’s viability is resumed sufficiently, local monitoring will be undertaken by volunteers the charity has known for some time.