Use of community-based organizations as a mechanism for sustainable development: the case of Kabkabiya Small Holder Charitable Society-Darfur, Sudan.

Use of community-based organizations as a mechanism for sustainable development: the case of Kabkabiya Small Holder Charitable Society-Darfur, Sudan. Abstract The article examines the role of community based organizations insustainable development Sustainable development is a socio-ecological process characterized by the fulfilment of human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment indefinitely. The linkage between environment and development was globally recognized in 1980, when the International Union . It presents the experience of Kabkibya SmallHolder Charitable Society (KSCS) in North Darfur Coordinates: North Darfur (Arabic: شمال دارفور; transliterated: Shamal Darfor) is one of the 26 wilayat or State The article isbased on survey conducted with six branches of KSCS in 2005 to assessthe capacity of the KSCS in promoting sustainability in terms of eightselected criteria, namely: a) Identity. b) Structure. c) System and procedure. d) Motivation and incentives. e) Gender dimension f) Environmental dimension. g) Economic dimension. h) Social dimension. Results have shown that all branches studied have strong identitybased on linage lin��agealso line��age ?n.1. The number of lines of printed or written material.2. Payment for written work at a specified amount per line.linageNoun1. geographical proximity of KSCS and common history. --The frequent changes in leadership within KSCS branches areconsidered an important indicator of democratic organization that canenhance sustainability. --Gender analysis is made at different levels, to determine thegaps in involvement of men and women and how they can be eliminated toensure effective community participation. --Equal representation, participation, access to project benefitsand decision making are cared for in all KSCS development programs. --Findings show that environmental sustainability is considered asone of the top priorities in KSCS strategies towards sustainabledevelopment. Evidence from KSCS shows that increased levels of participation andcommitment among its intended beneficiaries, coupled with thedevelopment of relatively strong leadership, led to good organizationalperformance [TEXT NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII ASCIIor American Standard Code for Information Interchange,a set of codes used to represent letters, numbers, a few symbols, and control characters. Originally designed for teletype operations, it has found wide application in computers. ] Introduction Kabkabiya Small- holder Charitable Society (KSCS) is a communitybased organization (CBO CBOSee: Collateralized Bond Obligation. ) created by local people in collaboration withOxfam Great Britain Great Britain,officially United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 60,441,000), 94,226 sq mi (244,044 sq km), on the British Isles, off W Europe. The country is often referred to simply as Britain. (OGB OGB OXFAM Great BritainOGB OnGuard Backup (Palm)OGB Open Gastric Bypass ) and registered as a local institution in 1990.Its aim is to improve the living standards living standardsnpl → nivel msg de vidaliving standardsliving npl → niveau m de vieliving standardsliving npl of its targetedbeneficiaries. Since 1994 when it ended its operational involvement,KSCS has taken over the operation and management of the project. OGBcontinued to support KSCS as one of its main partners for five yearsafter the handover n. 1. The act of relinquishing property or authority etc. to another; as, the handoverof occupied territory to the original posssessors; the handoverof power from the military back to the civilian authorities s>. of the project. Afterwards, KSCS became completelyindependent in seeking ways for getting resources from within and beyondthe Sudan to provide support to its beneficiaries (Strachan, 1997). This study is an attempt to examine using (KSCS) as a mechanism to achieve sustainable development in Kabkabiya and to assess the effectiveness of its various roles. Objectives of the study: To assess the capacity of the KSCS in promoting sustainability interms of eight selected criteria, namely: a) Identity. b) Structure. c) System and procedure. d) Motivation and incentives. e) Gender. f) Environmental dimension. g) Economic dimension. h) Social dimension. Methods of data collection The study has been undertaken in Kebkabiya locality 1. locality - In sequential architectures programs tend to access data that has been accessed recently (temporal locality) or that is at an address near recently referenced data (spatial locality). This is the basis for the speed-up obtained with a cache memory.2. in North DarfurState of Western Sudan. It covered parts of Kebkabiya and Jebel Silocalities where the village-level branches of the CBO under the study(KSCS) are located. Six Branches were selected as a sample for the study(Table 1). The Capacity of the CBO This section presents and discusses the results of the assessmentof the capacity of six branches of KSCS. Background information of thesix branches is presented in Table 1. Results of assessment ofsustainability of the branches of KSCS in terms of the selected eightcriteria are presented below: Identity: Many organizations have the same stated purpose, but differ interms of identity. Data obtained from the field survey show that the Staff, members and beneficiaries of KSCS are: --Living in close geographical area proximity. --Sharing common interest, values and strong social cohesion. --Social control is mutually exercised by committee members. From the results of field intervention it can be said that allbranches of KSCS have strong identity based on linage geographicalproximity of KSCS and common history. Structure: --Leadership is legitimately selected and controlled by KSCS branchmembers. --Tasks are defined constantly with the purpose and according to according toprep.1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.2. In keeping with: according to instructions.3. the skills of the participating members. --The structure tends to serve the interest of all members ratherthan that of individuals. --The frequent changes in leadership within KSCS branches areconsidered an important indicator of democratic organization that canenhance sustainability. --It is implied that every member of the community who has capacitycan compete and gain experience, which is essential for long-termsustainability of KSCS. System and Procedure: Regarding system and procedure the six branches studied have provencapability to: --Setting its priorities effectively. The branch committee membershave received intensive capacity building/ training includingParticipatory Rapid Appraisal techniques which enabled them to sit withtheir community targeted groups at the grass-roots level and provide forcommunity involvement in the setting of priorities due to theirperception of existing problems. --Consequently, a space for dialogue is created, communities'voices were heard and they gained power of knowledge and information andresources. More importantly they discovered the power already they hadwithin themselves. --Motivation and Incentives: The study of the six branches identified the following factors thatmotivate people to participate effectively at different levels: --Continuation of the benefits flows to people after projectstermination and the practicing of independent management. --Continuation of local action stimulated by the project. --Generation of successful services of delivery initiatives as aresult of building capacity among the project beneficiaries. --Most of the members' expectations have been fulfilledthroughout the organizational performance towards achieving KSCS goals.As one of the member said during the study in the discussion recently'all organization achievements are representing our needs andpriorities, we are motivated by seeing our objectives achieved. Manydesirable changes in our life have resulted from our membership in KSCS,and the whole community, is motivated to contribute fully to theorganization's activities, managerially as well asfinancially". Gender: Concerning gender the results of analysis for six branchesindicated that, --Gender analysis is made at different levels, to determine thegaps an involvement of men and women and how they can be eliminated toensure effective community participation. --Equal representation, participation, access to project benefitsand decision- making are cared for in all KSCS development programs. --Remarkable women empowerment have been achieved through; --Enhancing income generation activities (individual credit onrevolving fund revolving fundn.A fund established for a certain purpose, such as making loans, with the stipulation that repayments to the fund may be used anew for the same purpose.Noun 1. base, women canteens (1), food processing Food processing is the set of methods and techniques used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption by humans or animals. The food processing industry utilises these processes. , goatrestocking and soap making). --Capacity building programs, women skills up- grading, and womenleader trainings are more common in all of these branches as well asefforts for developing new marketing techniques. The appearance of womentraders is also common. Literacy classes and women extension haveresulted in positive community attitudes towards women position, girlseducation and women participation in decision making. --Even the technologies used by KSCS aiming to reduce the work loadon women (donkey donkey:see ass. donkeyor burroDescendant of the African wild ass that has been used as a beast of burden since 4000 BC. The average donkey stands about 40 in. (100 cm) high at the shoulder, but breeds range from 24 to 66 in. drawn-plough, and donkey cart as the means of ruraltransport) have resulted into increased women productive power. Alltogether they have contributed effectively in maximizing women access toand control over resources which ensure long-lasting benefits andempowerment. Environment: The study results show that environmental sustainability isconsidered as one of the top priorities in KSCS strategies towardssustainable development. Therefore, many activities have been carriedout to achieve environmental conservation as follows: --The comprehensive extension programs implemented by KSCS in thesix branches are environmentally sound at different levels. Peopleperceive that the use of environmental technology, and adopting therelated extension messages, had led to better utilization of theirnatural resources base. --Water and environmental sanitation sanitation:see plumbing; sanitary science. activities that were conductedas emergency program in response to recently Darfur crisis/war, havepositive effects on Internal Displaced displacedsee displacement. persons (IDPs) in kabkabiya. Economic: --In term of economic progress, the study results show that, thereare many interventions which led to the promotion of small scaleproductivity in KSCS area within different branches, and even in allover Kebkabiya governorate. --Adoption of irrigated fanning technique has proved to be moreeconomically viable than use of the traditional rain- fed cultivationmethods. Social: The study showed that the impact of KSCS on the social dimensionrepresents the uniqueness of KSCS when compared to many of the Sudanesevoluntary" organizations. This is reflected in that: --Development of the cooperative spirit among members is expressed. --There is a remarkable change in peoples attitudes represented in: -General awareness among both men and women in project area, abouttheir roles in the organization. -Cooperative sprit to attain self- management, and self-financing.. --Evidence from KSCS prove that there is a considerable change inthe position of the disadvantaged groups as follows: * Their living condition improved. * Not only their voices were heard, but they exercised directinvolvement in the planning of action programmes * The remarkable change in people's attitudes both amongcommunity and the leaders, represent an important wheel driving thesociety towards sustainability of its development activities. Conclusion: Evidence from KSCS shows that increased levels of participation andcommitment among its intended beneficiaries, coupled with thedevelopment of relatively strong leadership, led to good organizationalperformance. The concentration of the KSCS management board on the building of acommunity organization based on self-reliance and self-financing hasbeen an effective way of ensuring long lasting benefits. Furthermore, the process of enabling the poorest of the poor to getbenefit to improve their quality of life and at the same time empowerthem to influence policies and decisions, has also been considered areal breakthrough leading to society strength and sustainability. However, the remoteness of many KSCS villages, and the effect ofdrought and conflicts, have affected its project implementation andcould jeopardize jeop��ard��ize?tr.v. jeop��ard��ized, jeop��ard��iz��ing, jeop��ard��izesTo expose to loss or injury; imperil. See Synonyms at endanger. the efforts of the organization to attain its desiredobjectives and the realization of its long term strategy. Many donors and NGOs have the objective of contributing tostructural alleviation of poverty through sustainable developmentprocesses in which institutional building and empowerment of the pooroccupies a central role. Such an objective can not be realised if NGOsand donor agencies are not committed to long term project interventionplans grounded in people centred development approaches and capacitybuilding programs. This implies increased local resources mobilization mobilizationOrganization of a nation's armed forces for active military service in time of war or other national emergency. It includes recruiting and training, building military bases and training camps, and procuring and distributing weapons, ammunition, uniforms, to move people towards self-reliance and autonomy. Accordingly, the KSCSin terms of its organizational set-up, financing and hand-overexperience and the independent performance capacities following thehandover has become a model benefiting other community-basedorganizations. There are further elements, which determine organizational successand sustainability at the community level, such as desirable authoritystructures of the organization and its rules, roles and policyframework. Strong local organizations can not flourish in the absence ofa policy framework that gives them requires recognitions. Thus,community responsibility backed by legitimate authority and effectivecontrol of local resources could lead to local capacity building. It can be said that the democratic structure of KSCS has led to thesuccess of the organization. Also it is found that from the experienceof KSCS the deprived people can make great change where there is equity,power-sharing and confidence. It is worth mentioning that the KSCS successful experience inempowering disadvantage groups may lead to long lasting development inthe targeted. Finally, it can be said that the community based organizationsdeveloped by KSCS have proved to constitute an effective mechanism forachieving sustainable development through community participation.Recommendations: In order for any community to achieve sustainable changes andeffective community- based development, there are certain factors whichhave to be maintained: Use of Community-Based Organizations as a Mechanism for SustainableDevelopment: The Case of Kabkabiya Small Holder Charitable Society-Darfur, Sudan. * Development should be for the people, by people and with thepeople (people involvement in all stages of development fromplanning--up to evaluation). * Equity and justice should be maintained for both rural and urbanpeople. * Communities should think increasingly in terms of developingself-reliance. * Decision-making processes need to reach beyond tribal leaders andvillage elite to include all community members. Establishment of relevant institutions to enable the target groupsto participate in their process of development at grass-roots level. References --Abusin, A. (1997). KSCS Program Evaluation Program evaluation is a formalized approach to studying and assessing projects, policies and program and determining if they 'work'. Program evaluation is used in government and the private sector and it's taught in numerous universities. Report, Kabkabya. --Chambers, 1992. Rural Development, Putting the Last First. --Chambers, R (1997). Whose Reality Counts, IntermediateTechnology, London. --Clarence, King (1955). Working with People in Community Action.New York--School of Social Work--Colombia United Nations. --Eade, D. (1997). Capacity Building an Approach to People --Centred Development. Oxfam, Oxford. --Easman, M and Upholf, N (1984). Local OrganizationsIntermediaries in Rural Development. Cornell University Cornell University,mainly at Ithaca, N.Y.; with land-grant, state, and private support; coeducational; chartered 1865, opened 1868. It was named for Ezra Cornell, who donated $500,000 and a tract of land. With the help of state senator Andrew D. Press, Ithaca,New York This article is about the City of Ithaca and the region. For the legally distinct town which itself is a part of the Ithaca metropolitan area, see Ithaca (town), New York.For other places or objects named Ithaca, see Ithaca (disambiguation). . --Gregory E. Kersten, (1999). Decision Support System forSustainable Development. Klvwer Academic Publishers. Boston, Dorderchi,London.. --KSCS (1996). Strategic Review meeting report, Kabkabya. --KSCS (2000). Community Training and Capacity Building Proposal.Kabkabya. --KSCS (2000a). Agricultural Development Proposal, Elfasher, Sudan. --KSCS (2000b), Community Training Capacity Building Proposal,Kabkabya. --KSCS (2000c). Strategic Review Meeting Report, Kabkabya. --KSCS (2001). Project Proposal for 2000/01--2001/02, Kabkabya ... Use of Community-Based Organizations as a Mechanism for SustainableDevelopment: The Case of Kabkabiya Small Holder Charitable Society-Darfur, Sudan. --Nimat Adam Humedan (2005) Community- Based Organizations asMechanism for Sustainable Rural Development .The Case of KabkabiyaSmallholders Charitable Society --(KSCS) in Western Sudan, Dissertation submitted impartialfulfilment for the Award of M.SC, in Sustainable Rural Development AhfadUniversity for Women Ahfad University for Women is a private women's university in Omdurman, Sudan,and was originaly founded as a girls school by babiker badri in 1905 and was awarded the status of university in 1966. . --Osman, A. M (1993). Sudan and the Lost Development periods. SudanStudies Centre, Cairo, Egypt. --Oxfam (1996). Strategic Plan for Sudan, 1996-2001. --Oxfam (2000). Six Monthly Report of CAA CaaSee CCC. Funded Project to KSCS,Elfasher. --Rick James, (1994). NGOs and Development Workshop. PaperUniversity of Manchester The University of Manchester is a university located in Manchester, England. With over 40,000 students studying 500 academic programmes, more than 10,000 staff and an annual income of nearly ��600 million it is the largest single-site University in the United Kingdom and receives . INTRAC Oxford. UK. --Robert, L.; Pettite, J; Eade, D. (2003). Development and theLearning Organization, Oxfam GB, Publication Oxford, UK. --UN Habitat (2001). Community- Based Organization (CBO), UrbanGovernance Toolkit Series, Copy rightwesid. UNFPA UNFPA United Nations Population Fund (formerly United Nations Fund for Population Activities)UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities (now United Nations Population Fund)(1997). Program of the Government of Sudan, Program SupportDocuments, Area Development Scheme, Phase III Noun 1. phase III - a large clinical trial of a treatment or drug that in phase I and phase II has been shown to be efficacious with tolerable side effects; after successful conclusion of these clinical trials it will receive formal approval from the FDA , Khartoum, Sudan. Dr. Shadia AbdelRahim and Niemat Adam--(Ahfad University for Women)Table 1: Background Information on Branches of KSCS in North DarfurStateName of the Location in North Distance From No. of villageBranch Darfure State Kabkabiya councils (VCs)Keraker North east 15 km 6 VcsGadara North 25 km 9 VcsKamonga East 30 km 7 VCsFuldong South 36 km 8 VCsShoba South east 10 km 5 VCsUmbilsaiso West 7 km 5 VCs Composition of branch committee by genderName of the Number of Number ofBranch population households Male Female TotalKeraker 600 124 6 6 12Gadara 6300 1050 9 9 18Kamonga 3050 390 7 7 14Fuldong 2536 494 8 8 16Shoba 2025 310 5 5 10Umbilsaiso 1500 200 5 5 10Source: Field Study 200