Objective:
To ensure that the membership structure of the microproject interest group MEETS the requirements of the different microproject types and that members share the same group objectives.
Method:
1. Following the CAP Workshops one of the first activities of each microproject group representative will be to call a microproject interest group meeting. The activity of “conducting this meeting” could be included as the first activity mentioned in the microproject activity plan as developed during the CAP Workshop.
2. In this meeting both the group size and the different interests of the individuals within the group are discussed to explore whether the current group as formed during the CAP workshop is adequate or whether some kind of group restructuring is necessary. The microproject representatives elected during the CAP Workshop would usually facilitate this group discussion and take into account the considerations listed below regarding the different group formation aspects which are specific for the different microproject types.
a. Community microprojects needing lots of physical labour should involve all households that will benefit from the newly created assets such as the water harvesting, fuel wood plot, improved health facility, community rubbish disposal pit, etc. A public meeting may be needed in the location concerned to involve everybody and choose an organising committee of two or three people. This committee must be acceptable to everyone involved and it is advisable to include influential local people or at least work very closely with them.
b. Microprojects addressing problems such as health, sanitation and fuel shortage, which will include grant support for the most vulnerable households, need to establish a group structure that includes representatives of the vulnerable households themselves and other respected people in the community, particularly local leaders from the church and other social groups might be important. This group will need to elect an organising committee to mobilise resources and people and arrange community meetings to seek agreement on the proposed activities.
c. Microprojects involving income-generation need groups which have a shared interest in certain enterprises or improving business skills. These groups are likely to be quite small and organised jointly by friends or neighbours. Since group learning using farmer field school approaches are likely to be important, it will be most convenient if group members live fairly near each other. This is also true if a small group of people decide to run an enterprise together. Ideally no more than six people would engage in a joint business activity (see CAP tool 24).
d. It may be very important for people wanting to develop their income generation to form a savings and credit group. In this way they can build up resources to purchase needed inputs and improve their ability to cope with shocks when they arise. Such a group may build on existing savings arrangements in the community or can be developed from scratch. An ideal size of group is 25 - 30 people but it is possible to start much smaller. It is important for such a venture that the members know and trust each other and are prepared to build up their savings for several months before starting to engage in credit.
3. Following the discussions, some members of the group might decide to organise meetings near their homes either to inform additional community members about this microproject to see if others would like to join in the initiative or to encourage other vulnerable community members to establish new microproject interest groups. For savings and credit groups or group enterprises, a group member may decide to develop the proposal with relatives, friends or neighbours and would arrange to meet with them to plan the microproject. If individual members are going to initiate new microproject discussions, the group leader, or facilitator if present, should make a note of their names and advise the DA.
4. Other group members may be perfectly happy to stay working with the group formed at the CAP workshop and can continue with the finalisation of the Microproject Activity Plan.
5. Whatever the decisions are taken about how to proceed with group formation for microproject planning and implementation, the following general features of a successful microproject interest group should be remembered:
Ö Members have a common interest in the microproject goal.
Ö Members agree on some basic rules for their group and agree to obey them.
Ö Members elect their leaders and representatives.
Ö Members are motivated to actively participate in meetings and other activities.
