Smallholder Dairy Farmers' Group Development in Bhutan: Strengthening Rural Communities through Group Mobilization

Authors

  • Thubten Sonam Graduate School of Khon Kaen University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Extension, KKU.
  • Niwat Martwanna Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Bhutan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7719/jpair.v8i1.167

Keywords:

service delivery, collective action, smallholder dairy farmers' group, mobilization and integrated crop-livestock-forestry farming systems

Abstract

This paper describes the mobilization processes of Smallholder Dairy Farmers' Groups (SDFG) and its relevance to the process of community development in an integrated crop livestock forestry farming system in Bhutan. The group approach aims to ensure effective delivery of dairy services for strengthening collective self-help capacity, promoting self-reliance, group cooperation and solidarity of poor rural farmers through collective action. Data for the study were generated through focused group interviews and workshop organized among the relevant stakeholders involved in formation and development of dairy farmers' groups. The study found that the group mobilization processes demanded new competences in managing the different stages of group formation and development processes with professional support backed by new knowledge and skills. While the government encourages and supports the mobilization of dairy groups, the process of forming a group is still difficult due to a wide range of technical, socio-cultural, organizational, and physical challenges. However, despite the challenges and difficulties, SDFGs are slowly contributing to the enhancement of smallholder dairy farmers' skills, achievement of economies-of-scale and improving their bargaining power. The SDFGs are helping to build trust among members, instill positive changes in attitude and commitment to achieve group's success motivated by accrued financial benefits and easy access to other services. The formation and development of dairy groups needs to be supported by well-trained competent group mobilizers who are able to manage and facilitate group processes effectively.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

ADB (1998) Project performance audit report on the highland Livestock Development Project in Bhutan, Asian Development Bank, PPA: BHU 19168

Downloads

Published

2012-03-03

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Smallholder Dairy Farmers’ Group Development in Bhutan: Strengthening Rural Communities through Group Mobilization. (2012). JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, 8(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.7719/jpair.v8i1.167

Similar Articles

1-10 of 231

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.