Author: Udyog Subedi
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.RD-07-08
Year: 2007
Academic Program: Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2007
Examination Committee: Gopal B. Thapa (Chairperson); Jayant Kumar Routray, Mokbul Morshed Ahmad (Examination Committee Members)
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 leade
Scholarship Donor(s): Helvetas/SDC and Society Switzerland, Bhutan; AIT Fellowship
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Regional and Rural Development Planning
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