2. Individual Organizational Analysis
2.1 Brufut Women's Tie And Dye Association
2.2 Brufut Women Gardeners Association
2.3 Brufut Women Bana Bana Association
2.4 Brufut Market Women Association
2.5 Brufut Women Fish Smokers And Driers 'Kangbeng' Kafo
2.6 Brufut Women Soap Makers Association
2.7 Gunjur Women Petty Traders Association
2.8 Gunjur Women Sesame Growers Association
2.9 Gunjur Women Gardeners Association
2.10 Gunjur Women's Fish Smokers And Driers Club
2.11 Gunjur Women Petty Traders Association
Introduction
This study aims at reviewing the factors that favour and/or impede the sustainability of women's organizations in Gunjur and Brufut Fishing Communities. Based on the findings, it also determined the objectives of the organizations and investigated and described them. The strength and organization of the groups has been reviewed through the following perspectives
• the different types of organizations,
• the relation between and problems within the groups,
• technical assistance needs,
• credit needs and the problems associated with the group credit schemes,
• access to equipment for their work and,
• utilization of revenue
FINDINGS
The organisations in this study can be classified in terms of activity into four broad industries. These are Artisanal Fishing, Horticulture, Cottage and Petty Trading. Less than half of the organisations in this study, that is, 31% are engaged in Artisanal fishing, about the same proportion 31% are engaged in Horticulture, and 16% are engaged in some form of Cottage industry whilst 22% are into Petty Trading.
Table 12: Classification of the organisations | ||
Type of Industry |
Counts |
Percentages |
Artisanal Fishing |
4 |
31 |
Horticulture |
4 |
31 |
Cottage |
2 |
16 |
Petty Trading |
3 |
22 |
Total |
13 |
100 |
BRUFUT AND GUNJUR
Six women's organizations/groups were identified to be in existence in Brufut while seven were identified in Gunjur. They are:
• Brufut Women's Tie and Dye Association
• Brufut Women Soap Makers Association
• Brufut Women Gardeners Association
• Brufut Women Fish Smokers and Driers Kafo(2)
• Brufut Market Women's Association
• Brufut Women's Bana Bana Association
• Gunjur Women Sesame Growers Association
• Gunjur Women Petty Traders Association
• Gunjur Women Gardeners Association
• Gunjur Women Gardeners Association (two)
• Gunjur Women Fish Smokers & Driers Association
• Gunjur women Petty Traders Association
• Gunjur Women Smokers & Fish Driers Club
The above organization has a membership of 200 women, and its structure is composed of a President, Vice President, and a Treasurer.
OBJECTIVE:
To facilitate the achievement of unity among women and to increase earnings as a group for a better living.
MEMBERSHIP
Must be a female, with D50-00 admission fee
ACTIVITY/(IES)
Involved in Tie and Dye all the year round, work as a group, and keep written records of activity
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• Lack of enough Dye and White Satin
• Poor quality equipments as pans
• Difficulty in replacing them
FINANCE
The organization is financed through membership subscription and entrance fees. It also had in kind Tie and Dye materials from CCF on request
ACCESS TO CREDIT
This association has no credit facilities but indicated the need for credit to increase production capacity and also to improve their condition. They expressed a need for 20,000 Dalasis as a loan fund for the group. The group attributed the problem of getting credit to lack of contact with the appropriate agencies.
This group has not been involved in any form of fund raising Instead the group is involved in savings with a Banking Institution, with the intention of ensuring timely purchase of material for Tie and Dye activities
This association has a membership of 175 women and its structure is composed of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General and a Social Secretary
MEMBERSHIP
Must be a female, with D50-00 admission fee
OBJECTIVE
To bring the women folk of the community together, and to promote unity as well as enhance high productivity and better management of their produce.
ACTIVITIES
Grow and market vegetables throughout the year in the community and greater Banjul area Also involved in group farming. Keep records of their activities and decision (eg. minutes).
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• Lack of enough equipment to work effectively
• Shortage of water in the gardens
• Marketing and storing
• Transportation
• Insufficient funds to acquire tools and materials
• Lack of the necessary contacts for securing loan
EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS
Watering Cans, Pans, Hose Pipes, Spades, Knives, Hoes, Buckets etc found suitable and purchased from shops.
FINANCE
The organization is financed through the effort of its members, from the sales of garden products and entrance fees
Group has some form of assistance in kind. Four wells and some barbed wires were provided by the Christian Children's Fund (CCF)
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no access to credit facilities, but interested in securing one for the organization to enable it increase its production capacity, ensure better marketing strategy and better co-ordinate its activities.
Amount needed by the group is D30,000-00 and they intend to pay back the loan as a group. The group indicated that contact with the appropriate bodies to secure loans was a problem. Other traditional methods the group employ to generate funds are, organizing traditional dances, 'Kora' shows and Concerts at least, once a year. It realizes D800-00 from such activities which it ploughs back to the organization's activities such as digging more wells, and maintenance of garden fences for the group
The organization is involved in savings with a Banking Institution (BICI). The money saved is seen as a security for emergencies
HOW ORGANIZATION CAN BE STRENGTHENED
The group suggested that it can only be empowered if enough funds to provide more wells are made available to them inorder to increase production in their garden.
Has a membership of 20 women and the structure consists of only a President and Vice President.
OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this organization is to generate income by providing fish for the inhabitants of the surrounding villages.
To improve standard of living of their individual families
MEMBERSHIP
Membership to this organization is based on the individual being physically and mentally able and willing to undertake the task
No membership fee is paid, but you must be a female.
ACTIVITIES
Sale of fish in the market of Brufut and the environs all the year round This activity is undertaken individually, and they do not keep records of activity or decisions
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• Lack of Transportation
• No sheds for these women to place and display and sell fish along the road side where public transports stop to allow passengers buy fish from them
• Facilities for preservation are inadequate and where available is controlled by men who tend to marginalise them
• Storage and marketing facilities are major constraints
• Some of the materials used are unsuitable for the type of activities they are involved in
• The group felt neglected by authorities and does not have the appropriate contacts to secure loans
EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS
The group utilizes materials like Pans, Baskets, Buckets, Plates and Trap of different sizes
The group felt that some of the materials they used such as plates are not suitable, and they are purchased, and usually materials are not sufficient.
FINANCE
The group is financed from membership subscriptions from time to time No form of financial assistance provided but indicated the need for credit for the organization to increase the purchase of their commodities such as fish and for self enhancement.
The amount requested is D12,000-00 as a group and they intend to pay the money back. The major problem outlined by this group in securing loans are related to negligence by the authorities and lack of means of contact. This group is involved in savings in the form of Osusu, which is utilized as soft loans to members of the organization.
WAYS TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE ORGANIZATION
The group felt that if enough fund is provided with good roads and vehicles and appropriate materials for the task they undertake, it will help to empower them.
Has a membership of 30 women with a structure consisting of only the President and Vice President
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this group is to generate income for themselves and increase standard of living and to foster unity among themselves
MEMBERSHIP
No subscriptions are paid, but a criteria is set for membership i.e. "A female of exemplary Character", and membership is open only to women
ACTIVITIES
This group is involved in trading of agricultural commodities, such as retailing of vegetable to the community. This activity is undertaken by these women all the year round, and they undertake this activity individually but employ a strategy in purchasing these commodities as a group which is shared among its members.
No written records of activities and decisions are made, and they do encounter problems in the organization.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Market is not spacious leading to :
• lack of space to accommodate all the members,
• lack of tables or sheds to display goods,
• lack of finance for the necessary working capital,
• temporary sheds which are not cost effective
EQUIPMENTS/MATERlAL
Pans, Empty Sacks, Baskets, Strings etc
The group felt that some of the materials they use are suitable, such as pans, baskets, strings but felt that the sacks and wooden platforms (Bentengo) were not sustainable and durable
FINANCE
The group is financed from membership subscriptions
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no credit facilities but expressed the need for an increase in the size of their market, and to diversify its commodities It needs D20,000 which they are willing to accept as a group loan Unfortunately, they have no source of external financing The group is not involved in any form of fund raising activity or in savings
HOW ORGANIZATION CAN BE STRENGTHENED
The organization suggested that if the market structure is improved and money is available for the purchase of items in demand their group will be strengthened
Has a membership of 36 women smokers and driers with a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary General
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this group is to bring unity among the women of Brufut and to coordinate their efforts as a group for better marketing of their goods
MEMBERSHIP
D100-00 entrance fee and must be a female.
ACTIVITIES
Individually involved in fish smoking and drying at the Brufut Beach all the year round.
Written records of activities and decisions are kept and they do encounter problems in the organization.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
The problems the organization encounters are
• lack of sufficient materials for drying and smoking
• lack of money to purchase materials.
• a unique problem for fish driers is encountered during the rainy season when prolonged wet and rainy days make drying difficult or impossible
• inadequate storage facilities and easily perishable goods
EQUIPMENT
The group utilises Knives, Pans, Wood, Salt. The equipment is suitable but always in short supplies.
FINANCE
Some activities are financed through membership fees. Some assistance was obtained from E.E.C. to the tune of D10,000-00. This was requested by the group, but the request was given only partly The group has no access to credit facilities but indicated the need for one to enable it buy enough working materials and enhance the marketing of goods. The total amount needed is D25,000-00 to be given preferably to individuals which they intend to pay back. The group's problem is not having the appropriate bodies that could render them such assistance
The group organises Kora Shows as a traditional method of generating funds.
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
Since the group is involved in fund raising activities such as Kora Shows, Concerts and traditional drumming, it realizes D500-00 per year The revenue realized from such activities is used to provide more materials for the group and also improve the smoking and drying sites
The group is also involved in savings with the BICI. The money realized from its savings is intended from time to time to support the organizations activities
HOW ORGANIZATION CAN BE STRENGTHENED AND IMPROVED
Through financial Assistance that will enable the group to purchase enough equipment/materials for its activities. The group also requested for training in the latest technology to prevent pests from attacking the smoked and dried fish.
Consists of 175 women, with President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary General and Assistant Secretary General
OBJECTIVE
To:
• help themselves as a group
• improve way of living
• sustain continued support for their families as breadwinners
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is upon payment of entrance fee of D50-00. Members must be women of exemplary character
ACTIVITY
The group is involved in Soap Making all the year round, and it keeps records of activities and decisions The group does encounter problems
PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED
• Lack of essential working materials, such as plastics, metal pans, soap material, empty drums necessary for the manufacture of soap
• Lack of working capital
EQUIPMENT
The equipments purchased and used is suitable.
FINANCE
The organization is financed through membership subscriptions, and assistance is also sought from NGOs The group did have some form of financial assistance from C.C.F. e.g. D3,000-00
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no credit facilities, but indicate the desire to take credit to improve production capacity and marketing products effectively. The group needs D16,000 but has difficulty to access the appropriate sources.
REVENUE
Although the group is not involved in fund raising activities it has a savings account with the BICI. This money is utilized for emergencies as well as purchasing more materials for their operations. The group observed that the revenue that accrues to them is grossly inadequate thus need some financial assistance to work effectively.
HOW CAN THIS ORGANIZATION BE STRENGTHENED AND IMPROVED
The organization can be strengthened and improved through the provision of financial assistance and enough materials to intensify their activities
Membership of 500 women with a complete structure consisting of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General, Social Secretary and an Assistant social Secretary Members of the organization are involved in both the production and marketing of vegetables.
OBJECTIVE
To:
• forster unity among the women of Gunjur
• assist one another
• increase production capacity
• enhance the marketing of their produce
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to women of exemplary character on payment of D5. 00 membership fee
ACTIVITIES
Involved in:
• retailing of vegetables in the community
• supplying these items to the Greater Banjul Area, including the hotels
The group is involved in this activity all the year round. Written records of the activities and decisions are kept and they do encounter problems.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Lack of:
• capital to increase production base
• facilities to facilitate marketing of produce
• adequate storage and preservation facilities to minimize or avert spoilage of fresh vegetables and financial loses
EQUIPMENT
Utilize Pans, Buckets, Seeds, Ropes, Sacks, and vehicles, and are found to be suitable
FINANCE
Membership subscription and entrance fees The group has not had any financial assistance from and does not have any credit facility But they expressed the need to have credit for the organization Credit is needed to "help increase the production base and facilitate the means of transporting goods" The group needs 2 5 million dalasis as a loan This amount sounds unrealistic given the weakness of the organization in terms of not keeping records of its activities and non involvement in any savings Perhaps D50. 000 will be a more realistic amount which can be managed The problem the group is encountering is having access to the relevant sources for such assistance
The group is involved in traditional methods of generating funds such as traditional dances. Kora and Concerts
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
Yearly revenue realized from fund raising is D500-00 and it is utilized in purchasing working materials for group members The group is not involved in savings, but is aware of the fact that the organization can be strengthened and improved through additional funding
This organization has 87 members with only a President and Vice President
OBJECTIVE
Their main objective is to generate income and to sustain their families
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is based on being mentally and physically able, being a woman, and being not more than 60 years of age.
ACTIVITY
Sesame growing and its distribution in the market circle. Involved in this activity all the year round and as a group
The group encounters problems.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• The organization is faced with poor fences which do not provide security for the crops from animals
• The Organization incurs heavy expenses on its own for the digging of wells with no assistance
• The wells don't have the capacity to serve the increasing demands of watering in the gardens due to the low water level
• The materials used for their activities are expensive and not durable
EQUIPMENT
Utilize hoes, seeds, pesticides, fence, machines, and containers Materials are available and suitable They are expensive and do not last long The few available cannot sustain work effectively
FINANCE
Through levies from time to time. The group had some form of financial assistance from the Women's Bureau but did not specify in what form.
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no credit facilities but expressed the desire to have one to enable it meet production target and to facilitate marketing of produce The amount indicated by Group is D40,000-00 The group attributed its difficulty to get a loan to a lack of Secretary to enable it establish links with relevant authorities for assistance. The group is not involved in fund raising activities, but has a savings account with BICI
WAYS TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE ORGANIZATION
Funding the organization
Has a membership of 56 women with only a President and Vice President
OBJECTIVE
To generate income and sustain the family To improve standard of living
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all women upon payment of D5-00 membership fee
ACTIVITIES
The group is involved in gardening and selling vegetables locally and within the greater Banjul Area
The group is involved in these activities seasonally (dry season) It does not keep written records of its activities and decisions and encounters problems.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• Unavailability of wells
• Existence of pests and disease in the gardens
• Lack of money to buy working materials
EQUIPMENT
Rakes, traditional hoes, buckets, spades, watering cans and hose pipes. These materials are purchased
FINANCE
The organization is financed through membership fees and periodic subscriptions The group has had some assistance from the Department of Community Development in the form of three wells dug for the group on request
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no credit facility but indicate interest in getting credit for the organization to enable it increase the group's production base and further enhance the marketing of its products. The organisation also needed credit to:
• enable it fence the entire garden area
• purchase fertilizer and pesticides and
• dig wells
The group expressed a need for D350,000 loan to function better
Two reasons were put forward by this group for the difficulties they encounter in getting credit, namely, "It has never been easy to identify the sources". "Management does not have the necessary skills for such contacts."
Although the group has not been involved in any form of traditional income generating methods, it is involved in savings, referred to as "Osusu"
The organization uses the money saved for maintenance work in the garden such as fencing and payment of services.
HOW ORGANIZATION CAN BE STRENGTHENED AND IMPROVED
Provision of pest control measures
Fence the garden to prevent animals from entering and eating up all the plants
Membership of 500 women with only a President and a Vice President
OBJECTIVE
To:
• help unite the women and facilitate their marketing strategy
• Increase Income
• promote and increase traditional methods and adopt appropriate modern techniques
MEMBERSHIP
Open to women of exemplary character on payment of membership fee of D5-00 .
ACTIVITIES
Fish Smoking and Drying at Gunjur Beach Produce are sold to the community and sometimes exported.
The organization is involved in this activity all the year round and it does encounter problems
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• inadequate working capital
• lack means of transport for goods
• lack of recourses to acquire enough materials/equipments
EQUIPMENT
Knives, Iron, Platforms, Empty Sacks, Cartons, Firewood These are available but need to be purchased
FINANCE
The organization is financed through membership fees and levies from time to time
The organization has not benefited from any form of assistance. It has no access to credit but expressed interest in securing loan for the group to augment the insufficient capital it has to perform better. It needed a D30,000-00 loan, but has difficulty in establishing the appropriate contact for such assistance.
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
The group generates some revenue yearly from Concerts, Traditional Drumming, and Kora Shows. The money realized on average D 1,000, is spent on equipments to facilitate its activities The group is not involved in any form of savings and expressed a need for more funds to empower their group.
This organization has a membership of 100 women, with a structure of only one person as President.
OBJECTIVE
To:
• forster unity among the women of Gunjur as well as encourage group work
• Facilitate increased production and selling of our goods
MEMBERSHIP
Sound mind and D5-00.
ACTIVITIES
Fish smoking, drying and retailing both in the community and Greater Banjul Area. The group is involved all the year round It does not keep any written records of its activity or decisions and does encounter problems
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• Management problems and lack of Co-ordination
• Lack of enough capital for the activity.
• Insufficient water supply at the garden
• No enough purchasing power
ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT
The group has access to watering cans, pans buckets, hose pipes, spades etc and found them to be suitable for the type of activity it does. Because these materials are bought the low purchasing power hinders a more effective contribution
FINANCE
Entrance fees and membership subscriptions The group had neither financial assistance nor credit facilities. It indicated the need for credit for the following reasons:
• to further strengthen its economic base
• to facilitate the purchase of gardening tools and means of transport It needs about D20,000 to function properly The problem is now a lack of access to the relevant sources to assist them.
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
The group is involved in generating funds and realizes only about D700-00 per annum from this activity which it utilizes for maintenance of garden wells and purchase of garden tools.
ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT
The group has access to materials such as transport, baskets, knives, iron platforms firewoods and sacks which are purchased and suitable but face a lot of problem in acquiring them and insufficient to work effectively
FINANCE
Members' subscription, entrance fees, and local fund raising programme. The organization receives no financial assistance
ACCESS TO CREDIT
The group has no credit facilities, but needs credit for the organisation to buy more materials to improve work, increase production and selling activities It needs D60,000-00 The group's problem is establishing the appropriate contact for such assistance, but it is involved in raising funds through traditional channels and realises D500-00 per year which it utilizes on getting more materials, and transportation of goods
The group is not involved m savings, but suggested that the group can be improved through:
• skills development in modern techniques, fund mobilization, and improved delivery systems
50 Members with only a President and Vice President.
OBJECTIVE
To:
• bring about unity among themselves
• enable us interact with similar organization
• improve their standard of living
MEMBERSHIP
Adult female with good character upon payment of entrance fee of D5.00.
ACTIVITY
Fish smoking and Drying at Gunjur Beach. The products are sold to the Community and Serrekunda Market all the year round.
The group does not keep written records of its activities and decisions, but encounter problems in the organization
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Management and Finance problems.
ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT
The group the following materials knives, firewood, iron grills and salt, sacks, pans and ropes and vehicle
The group indicated that the materials are suitable but have to be purchased and the problem faced in acquiring these equipments is insufficient capital.
FINANCE
Subscriptions and membership fees.
No financial assistance and does not have any credit facility. It does indicate the need to have credit for the organization to improve its management and earnings The amount needed is D40,000-00 as a loan to the group
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
The group generates funds from fund raising activities, and realise an average of D700-00 per annum which is used to buy more materials for the organization It is not involved in savings but suggested that another group be empowered through training proper co-ordination and more financial assistance
Improved production and easy transportation.
This association has a membership of 500 women with a structure consisting of a President Vice President, Secretary General and Social Secretary
OBJECTIVE
To
• assist one another in our own little way
• bring about unity in the community
• enhance the marketing of garden produce
MEMBERSHIP
Is open to females of good character upon payment of D5-00.
ACTIVITY
All the year round growing and selling of vegetable in both the local community and greater Banjul Area The group does keep written records of decisions and encounters problems in the organization.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
• lack of sufficient materials
• insufficient water supply at the garden
• insufficient purchasing power
ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT
The group has access to watering cans, pans, buckets, hose pipes, spades etc and found them to be suitable for the type of activity it does. These equipment are bought The problem is lack of purchasing power
FINANCE
Entrance fees and membership subscriptions. The group has had no financial assistance and no credit facilities It indicated the need for credit for the following reasons:
• to further strengthen its economic base
• to facilitate the purchase of gardening tools and means of transport. It needs D20,000-00 as capital Their problem is a lack of access to the relevant sources of assistance.
UTILIZATION OF REVENUE
The group is involved in generating funds and realizes only D700-00 per annum from this activity which it utilizes for maintenance of garden wells and purchase of garden tools.
The group is not involved in savings, but suggested that the group can be empowered through funding and better awareness
CONCLUSION
The purpose of an organization's structure is to establish a formal system of roles that people can perform so that they may best work together to achieve common objectives. The study has also shown how organization structures and their levels are due to the limitations of the span of management The exact number of people a manager can effectively supervise depends on a number of underlying variables and situations The larger groups do not save collectively and their membership to the organization is loose Entrepreneuring and intrapreneuring seem to be the common objective of groups' cohesiveness. The study has demonstrated the logic of organizing into groups and relationship to group objective as an empowering structure. These organizations also serve as socialising outlets in working groups greatly handicapped by the low literacy rates of these women, and therefore the achievements of these organizations seem quite limited
The study also revealed the fragmentation of similar organizations with the same objectives and activities, but difference in size and scope. The reasons given for the existence of similar organizations working parallel in the same community can be attributed to political and class based factors, which on further probing was considered sensitive. However, the loose organizational structure is a good beginning for emerging rural women organizations as they learn to engage in team-work to achieve their objectives. The study seems to prove that people will work together most effectively if they cooperate and know the part they are to play in any team operation
All the organizations studied have manifested gender sensitivity in terms of women organising themselves to address their common problems despite the problems they encounter in the whole process. This in itself is empowering.
These women organizations in the communities have a clear idea of the major duties or activities they are involved in, understood areas of discretion or authority and what they can do to accomplish goals. Their success emanates from the fact that they are able to organize themselves to address their vulnerabilities.
However to make a role work out effectively, provision should be made for supplying needed information and other tools necessary for performance in that toil
A Programme should be designed to make sure that activities fit together, so that these organizations work smoothly, effectively, and efficiently in groups and as individuals in their respective communities The structure must furnish an environment in which individual performance, both present and future, contributes most effectively to group goals.
