Socio-economic upliftment of the community around Dambulu-Oya reservoir by applying pri model

Abstract

Community around Dambulu-oya reservoir lives in three villages. viz Pohoranwewa, Ibbankatuwa and Tennekoonpura. Main livelihood activities in this area are fishing and farming. By identifying Fisheries Co-operative Society as a nucleus, a socio-economic upliftment programme for the sustainable development and management of common pool resources of this community was developed with the assistance of the Regional Economic Advancement Project (REAP), Matale. This programme was implemented by selecting 403 families whose monthly legal income was lower than Rs 6000.00. Using a pre-tested questionnaire, basic data were collected in 2002 (at the inception of the project) and at the end of 2004. Data were analyzed using SPSS package. There is a high contribution from Socio-Economic Upliftment Project for the individual development through training programmes, loans, assisting children's education and motivation and guidance. Identified problems related with farming are market price fluctuation, high cost of agro-chemicals and fertilizers, pests and diseases, financial problems and less availability of lands. In fishing, unavailability of fishing crafts and nets, low fish production and illegal fishing were the major problems. In livestock rearing, diseases, low feed availability, low milk yield and non-availability of suitable animals were the major constraints. The holistic approach of the Participatory Rapid Implementation Model (PRI) developed by Aquatic Resources.Development Project (ADP) has shown to be a success. PRT model is to be applied for socio-economic development of communities in developing countries. This model could be implemented within three months after an initial survey. PRT utilizes all resources in the area by common agreement with all the stakeholders. It tries to utilize different resources of the farmers simultaneously which reduces the risk of failure due to the influence of complementary activities. Socio- economic conditions are at a satisfactory level in this community. As a result of this programme monthly income, percentages of integrated farmers and motivation towards the education of children have improved. Alcoholism has significantly reduced. Co- operative society functions as a bank, and caters to the financial needs of the members.