They draw up by-laws that are submitted to the district assemblies and they collect water levies for future repairs. Through the associations, members receive training in technical and organizational skills. By improving water resources and their use, this project allowed farmers to remain on and invest in the land, increasing local food security and reversing the cycle of neglect and land degradation that was ensuing. Issues Addressed Land resources management, sustainable agriculture, trade, economic growth, poverty, capacity building. Results Achieved Household food security was greatly increased without farmers being forced to migrate for work.
Farmers can now produce crops with a high market value and earn more.
The evaluation concluded that a number of project activities building on traditional mechanisms, community-based livestock services, and formation of water user groups have good potential for being replicated. This project was closed at the end of 1997. A second phase has been approved for implementation. It is seeking to increase and sustain the farm incomes of poor rural families through irrigation, improved technology and income generating activities. It will also develop social infrastructure with a view to improve their living conditions and environment.