My question is of general nature to those researchers who are engaged in implementing projects of societal benefits, in our case seaweed cultivation. I am sure, convincing locals (beneficiaries) is challenging task, in initial stage. How researchers in different sectors have overcome this hurdle? Are their any reports and experiences which some of you can share, so that, I can take forward, commercial seaweed farming in newer areas along Indian coast.
A strategy to guide such projects is the use of the approach of sustainable livelihoods and community capitals; where people understand, value and empowers capital: natural, political, physical, economic, social and built.
A good question indeed. A few technical questions need to be addressed before embarking such a societal programme.
1) The culture infrastructure need to with stand the tidal amplitude of the area of operation. It has to be stationed in a somewhat sheltered area, strongly tethered in the place, otherwise it will not only disappear, but could pose a threat to navigating vessels,especially during night hours. I had such a problem & by the grace of local fishermen, could retrieve it.
2) The turbidity has to be minimal,otherwise the weeds will be covered with silt & mud, lowering the growth potential.
3) Gulf of Cambay - the place where you may intend for operations, has a very high tidal amplitude, & hence water movement one hour before & one hour after beginning of a tide will have the least movement & the work on the infrastructure may be limited to such a small time, & hence safety at such coastal installations assumes prime importance.
Non-technical aspects.
4) The operation would have to have financial benefits, so that the beneficiaries would inculcate an interest. Roping in the local fishermen co-operative society could be a better option, so that the responsibilities can be given to each of the members. Involve each of them,so as to bring in a sense of belonging.
5) The beneficiaries would ask as to how much help could the govt. chip in the project - how much is the subsidy component & when could the banks fund such a programme.Hence the programme has to take the minimum time for the turn over & ensure profits.
5) Discuss the detailed road map to the beneficiaries & tie up the loose ends. Discuss with them as to why they need to undertake the work, how much beneficial to them, how they can use the natural resources, how much is the local component & the outside one & when & how much returns can they get. How would the cycle of operations pan out - what exactly are expected of them & how much the organisation would lend a helping hand.
Once all these are clear and enough confidence is infused in them, they would likely involve in the operations, and ensure success.
Drs. Trivedi and Platero,
Many thanks for your replies.
As far as discussion put up by Dr. Trivedi the technical issues are not the problem. The seaweed cultivation is mature technology and has been successfully implemented by CSMCRI in India along the Southeastern cost. We are now concentrating on Gujarat.
We are facing problem because beneficiaries expect the quick result (in terms of payment) and they are happy doing on daily wage basis, than to wait till end of 45 days growth cycle. Although paying every day is fine would not be sustainable in long run where ownership needs to be defined. This kind of project is essentially perceived as diversification of livelihood and beneficiaries can still continue with their main livelihood. The seaweed cultivation can augment their income and help them to improve their livelihood.
In continuation of your above information, a better way to propel such a project would be to enthuse the village head to take up the programme in the first instance. That person would usually be better off & he can garner all the void resources for the success of the project. In this case he wouldn't mind if the returns available are spanned over higher time intervals.
On the other hand, some of the better off villagers can be segregated & their inputs pooled & proceed along the programme. They together would not mind if the returns got are over a longer period of time.
In our experience, at few instances, better off villagers practice subcontracting - there by engaging paid labourers. This leads on failures because sense of responsibility and feeling of ownership is lacking among labourers, they are more concerned about their wages.
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