Traits of an ADI project
Participatory Appraisal of Local Needs
With all ADI projects, a participatory approach will be used. Each component of this project will be initiated with an appraisal of local needs as defined by local stakeholders. The appraisal will involve discussions with stakeholders regarding the primary needs in their community, their ideas about solutions, and the history of successes and failures of efforts in the community.
Whenever
possible, a Farmer Field School (FFS) approach will be utilized. With the
FFS approach, development workers travel to farmers' fields and conduct
on-site training . This is a learning process, which lasts the entire length
of the season for annual crops. For other situations, such as with perennial
crops, adjustments are made so that farmers are trained during the most
appropriate time(s) of the year. The FFS approach will be used to train
farmers about planting, cultivation, fertilization, integrated pest
management (IPM), harvesting, and overall agro-ecosystem management.
Community Development
ADI supports a
variety of interventions that address broader needs in communities tied to
agriculture. In areas of absolute economic poverty, ADI supports broad based
measures that promote application and generation of improved technology,
economic policy reform, trade liberalization, land reform, improvement of
health and education services, infrastructure development, provision of
adequate safety nets, and empowerment of local producers. Efforts to address
these wider concerns may include assessment of water resources and
management, nutrition and health service education, promotion of home
gardens, and literacy support programs.
Entrepreneurship Development
ADI will
encourage entrepreneurship among community members. ADI will follow a trust
bank strategy involving six to ten community members who have formed an
accountability group. ADI will extend a small loan ($25 to $50) to one group
member selected by the group to purchase items needed to launch a small
business idea. Typical projects might include buying animals, seed,
carpentry tools, art supplies, or sewing machines. As the new business
prospers, the small loan will be repaid over the next six months. Failure to
repay a loan disqualifies all trust bank members from future participation
in the loan program.
Impact Evaluation - Measuring the Success of Our Programs
Impact
Evaluation surveys will measure the success of programs. ADI will conduct a
pre-test survey for a significant number of households and individuals
participating in ADI programs to determine a starting level of well-being.
Upon the completion of a program (or at least once every 5 years) ADI will
conduct post-test surveys to measure the impact of development programs. The
success of ADI projects must be demonstrated by enhancing the well-being of
those who participate in program initiatives. ADI is committed to the
efficient use of all donations and resources.
Partnership Development -
Linking Developed Nations with
ADI links North
American farmers, youth, and community organizations with subsistence farms,
farmer groups, and local entrepreneurs in communities where under-nutrition
is a daily reality. ADI provides opportunities for privileged households who
are interested in building relationships to come alongside hardworking
families who labor long hours and often come up short. For information on
visiting a project site please call or send a note.