Here in DR we have a lot do. You know central government is
everything...people fight to get there...the last government hs been
in office for 17 out of the last 22 years (around). International
finance organizations give money to ONG's and public organizations to
help development, but, somehow little money gets to where it should.
Sustainable development can not happen unless local people assume
responsibility for specific projects that will benefit their are of
influence and have the power to get in debt for the money that is
used...with some degree of subsidy...because these are very poor
communities and use poor natural resources. Organic farming is a
natural fenomena of the poor...they can not afford fertilizers and
pesticides...the few rich who account for about 50% of the better
lands do use expensive inputs and of course they polute inmensily
because they even use pesticides that are forbidden in the US.
Well...all this story to ask you for advice about anybody with
experience in local government development for rural communities,
irrigation districts, water districts and so on, if possible with
command of the spanish language....local government here are rural
associations of poor farmer that get together to complaint about the
aid they don't get. Sustainabilty on the other hand requires
empowerment of local government that is much needed here. Well. See
what can you do. Any help will be appreciated.
Manuel Paulet, IICA
Soil Conservationist
Box 711, Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic
Tel 809 532 9752
FAX 809 532 5312
e-mail: mpaulet@aacr.net