The AAILD approach.
THE AAILD (Association for the Support of Local Development Initiatives) is a non-profit making organisation in Burkina Faso, West Africa, with over 200 members. AAILD works to encourage and support local initiatives in development.
Their main objectives are…
- reinforcing united action in the provinces
- bringing awareness to the population about development problems
- helping projects to consider social, economic and cultural matters
- making sure that programmes include and encourage women and young people
- distributing magazines and development newspapers
- encouraging saving and credit schemes
- protecting the environment.
The association does not belong to any political or religious denomination. It works in close co-operation with village groups, development organisations, village committees and various non-government organisations in Burkina Faso. It also has links with various publishing groups through which it publishes and distributes newsletters.
Power to the farmers
The main point regarding the AAILD’s approach to development is its determination to make the farmers become master of their own development. It does this by carrying out awareness sessions and by training. It helps farmers to achieve results that bring increases in yield and improvements to their quality of life.
This approach is based on the understanding that the solutions lie with the farmers. Farmers are helped to understand their situation and their problems better. AAILD helps them to realise that ready-made solutions cannot be found anywhere else. Solutions will come through the work of their own hands. Farmers can and must change their situation in their own local environment. This is when responsible commitment starts, and this explains the success of AAILD.
Support where it counts
With their success in training and project support, membership of AAILD has increased. So too have the number of needs and wishes of the members. AAILD chooses where to place support, taking into account these factors…
The farmers themselves must first identify their problems. Only then will they be likely to work out their own solutions.
The success rate of similar activities already carried out by villagers with AAILD’s help is an indication of their ability to carry out future improvements and activities.
The mobilisation level of the villagers in past actions should be high.
Through providing training and supervision of the villagers through their leaders, good results are achieved at the level of village offices. To be convinced of the effectiveness of these methods, one has simply to be present at a meeting where preparations are planned for specific activities.
Partnership
AAILD is committed to partnership at all levels. The idea of partnership includes all political, economic or private relations. The AAILD is committed to building up partner links for the following actions…
- contact with many outside organisations (often through projects)
- involvement and participation at various meetings.
They would welcome hearing from other groups in Burkina Faso or neighbouring countries.
Awareness and training play an important part in the projects which AAILD works with. Their care about the farmers they work with is a key point for their success.
AAILD, 01 BP 3368, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso