NGO "ANOTHER WAY" (STICHTING BAKENS VERZET), NETHERLANDS, SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED SELF-FINANCING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES

Integrated development projects take the form of a project index, which is, in fact, the model programme. The index applies to both rural and urban areas, both in developing and industrialised countries. Of course, the material must always be adapted to local conditions as required. The Model assumes there are no existing structures at all in project areas. If there are structures present, they should be taken into account.

The index is divided into several sections. All of the sections, when duly completed, together form the detailed documentation for each project.

In principle, the different sections of the programme can be drafted in any order, at the author’s convenience.

In principle, the files in each section be drafted in any order, at the author’s convenience.

The project index gives a global vision of all project files and documents. The files are inter-linked to simplify navigation from one document to another. Anyone can at any point of time open any single file.

Once use of the index has been understood, each file in the index has to be completed using information which has been typically adapted for use in integrated development projects under the Model. In principle, the better the initial information, the easier it is to draft the full project documentation.

However, no integrated development project is identical to others. There will always be important variables, such as :

1. the requirements expressed by the populations.

2. the geophysical features of the project area in question.

3. the concentration and degree of urbanisation of the populations.

4. environmental issues specific to the project area

5. (eventual) plurality of languages, peoples, and cultures.

6. the goods and services already available to the inhabitants.

The Model assumes there are no existing structures. That means, the more «developed » a project area is, the greater the need to adapt the project documentation to take existing structures into account.

The project index can always be modified according to the local needs and the personal preferences of the individual project coordinators. It is intended as a guide (a Model), and not as an imposition.

Since all integrated development projects are by definition local development projects changes are not expected to cause extra problems for project execution. The planned structures can «absorb » all imaginable variations which might be introduced.

As set out in the first part of section 9 policy implications in block 5 how fourth block structures solves specific problems, application of the Model cannot be expected to solve all of the problems developing countries have to face. Individual project structures cannot be seen as substitutes for the formal obligations of governments. Some sectors, such as defence, security, and large-scale public works, do not form part of local development. They do not therefore, come under local integrated development projects under the Model.

The results to be achieved by integrated development projects are characterised by the social, financial, productive, and service structures created. The structures in turn will enable the populations to organise permanent, cooperate, on-going management of their activities. The nature and quantity of these activities are in principle without limitations, and can be quite different from one project area to another, according to the choices made by the populations themselves.

This approach is quite different from traditional industrial development strategies (see the poverty industry and its in depth analysis in section 1 analysis of the causes of poverty of the first block poverty and quality of life). Development under the Model is not about transactions for the sale of goods and services, or «business » development. For instance, it is not about supplying micro-credits to the populations against payment of interests and costs. It is about the creation of structures enabling the populations to collect their own means and manage them cooperatively themselves so that their money can be recycled forever at local level. Both the funds and control over the operations are run by the people themselves. Exploitation by external interests, whether declared or not, is excluded.

1. Research.

On one page, prepare a simple manifesto for the populations in your area with a description of the planned structures as goals for the integrated development of your chosen area.

Discuss your manifesto with a) the traditional chiefs and b) women’s groups in your area.

2. Research.

On two pages, make a report on the reactions of the two groups. Begin with a very short introduction. Follow up with a description of the method followed for the meetings, with places and dates and participation. Follow that up with a description of the reaction of the traditional chiefs and the questions they raised. Continue with a description of the reaction of the women’s groups and they question they raised. Close you report with your conclusions.

3. Opinion.

«The Model, the index proposed ,is just a departure point». Give a one-page opinion on this statement.

4. Opinion.

In the preceding section method part 1 : the first steps, five basic conditions for the execution of an integrated development project in your chosen area were discussed. On one page, try to reconcile the existence of the five basic conditions and the freedom of choice set out above.

◄ ►

◄ Sixth block : Section 1: Method.

◄ Sixth block : The Model.

◄ Main index for the Diploma in Integrated Development (Dip. Int. Dev.)

◄ List of key words.

◄ List of references.

◄ Course chart.

◄ Technical aspects.

◄ Courses available.

◄ Homepage Bakens Verzet

"Money is not the key that opens the gates of the market but the bolt that bars them."

Gesell, Silvio, The Natural Economic Order, revised English edition, Peter Owen, London 1958, page 228.

“Poverty is created scarcity”

Wahu Kaara, point 8 of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, 58^th annual NGO Conference, United Nations, New York 7^th September 2005.

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