Rural Community Development

Martin Flatley1st February 2007

Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU.

&

A Targeted Intervention:

The Smallholder Initiative

Overview of:

Content SummaryRural Community Development (RCD)

RCD ? Changing ‘Rural’ Context Rural Dwellers – who? what? (future) RCD Drivers & Principles Smallholder Households – their future? The Smallholder Initiative - LDSIP

[Local Development Social Inclusion Programme]

RCD ?

RD, IRD, CD, Rural & Community Dev. Rural: Agr. / Farming related. Community: All inhabitants of a ‘place’ Development: Change – progress! RCD = Devopment of all the people in a

rural space RD – multifunctional role of farmers/land

Farming !

“Is like ironing underpants

– a pointless exercise” !!

Negative, pessimistic, despondent; Unviable, falling incomes, part-time/supplement; New ‘rural’ economic order emerging; Decoupled payments: social / environment focus; Less farmers - more ‘rural’ dwellers = CHANGE

Sociological Perspectives

Impact / effects: World prices - Globalisation – down to local

economic, cultural, political On farmers?, others? the Irish countryside? Competing interests – unprecedented scale Idyllic haven if rich; stress/ poverty if not Different ‘zones’ & uses emerging = change What is RCD? What can / should RCD do??

‘New Order’ Challenges

Tensions: wider scope of ‘Rural Development’ Diversity of interests, needs, spatial spread Multifunctionality of rural space & roles Capacity: individuals, sectors, communities - social

capital ‘Bottom up’ - the connections Community / voluntary sector, volunteerism Partnership: Leader, Area Partnerships, CDBs, etc Collaboration – joined up thinking - Cohesion

RCD Guiding Principles

Wider inclusive scope / approach Acknowledge diversity: spatial, sectoral Capacity build: individuals, sectors, comms Explore and build on indigenous; Greater Connectivity; Collaboration - diff levels Specific targeted interventions - NB Build, support networks - influence Policy Social Inclusion Proof: plans/strategies/actions

The ‘Smallholder Initiative’

A Targeted Intervention: Implemented by Area/Comm. Partnerships Funded by Local Development Social Inclusion

Programme (LDSIP) Approx 25 local Initiatives Majority have full-time dedicated workers Focus – Low Income Smallholder households Fills gaps/complements/adds existing services

What is Smallholder Initiative?

Tailored supports and guidance to Targeted low income farm households; Delivered through local Partnerships; Co-ordinated by local dedicated worker (RDO); Managed by local RD WORK GROUP; TO INCREASE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Why Smallholder Initiative?

Falling Farm Incomes Not drawing entitlements Limited resources, opportunities No/limited relevant advice / information Isolation, pride, fear, confidence etc Special needs target group – ‘underemployed’ Education, training limitations, isolation,

Approach / Principles

Most disadvantaged farm families (LDSIP obj.) Economic and Social dimensions Household focus – (not only farm / farmer) Tailored responses, (ind. / sector needs) On / off farm solutions (viable income) Explore options, agree, implement plans Other service providers / agencies - referrals Focus on progress – follow up

Who the TG?, Where, What ?

Profile / statistical analysis of area; Categorise different types of farm household; Explore causes of disadvantage; What present gaps / opportunities; What needs to be done? What can the local Partnership do?

- For who? How? Policy Influence?

Establishing a Local Initiative

Organisational Management Commitment & resources - priority TG: Local RD Work Group and Worker A local Strategic Plan: (TGs & interventions) Buy-in of local Serice Providers: Farm orgs,

Teagasc, FAS, VEC, DSFA etc Clear eligibility criteria – Operational Manual Monitor, Track, Review, Evaluate,

Interventions

Find most disadvantaged and engage them Explore /agree options, oppotunites, desires One to one and/or group Obj. - more informed, inclusive decisions Formal referrals to existing service providers Specific upskilling, training, education needs Client database – follow up - progression

Specific Interventions

Entitlements Alternative on-farm enterprise? Off-farm options (full-time, part-time?) Specific up-skilling (latent / new) Spouse / other family member–train, use skill; Pre-development/taster course, specialist Outreach: childcare, transport, finance etc

Targeted Interventions

Different categories of ‘smallholder household’ Different needs, recruitment, outcomes

– young farmers, spouses, heirs– isolated bachelors– full time, part time (eg time management)– health issues– lack information, services, facilities, company etc About identifying and filling gaps

Impact / Indicators2002 – Sept 2006

Totals Male Female Caseload: 8364 6,000 2,300 Job placements 828 599 229 Educ / training 870 623 247 Enterprise(pre-start) 445 317 128 New Enterprise 302 214 88 Referred (to other) 2971 2270 701

Monitor / Review

Client data base Agreed progression route Record inputs, outcomes, progress Referrals; follow up, keep contact; Local PR; involve local stakeholders

Summary

Necessity of specific targeted Interventiions Most disadvantaged smallholder households; Complements, adds value, fills gaps; Obj. informed decisions / increased income; Tailored to needs / ‘where at’ of households; Works closely with all local stakeholders; Progress monitored – value for money.

Rural Community Development

Martin Flatley1st February 2007

Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU.

&

A Targeted Intervention:

The Smallholder Initiative

Overview of: