DRAFT
THE REPORT ON THE STUDY ON GENDER AND SMALL GRANT PROGRAMME
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2018
This backside of the front page is intentionally left blank
The Report of the study on Gender and sixth cycle of Small Grant Programme of the Global Environment Facility and United Nation Development Programme, which was conducted during 2018, is prepared by a team of Independent Consultants, Dissanayake DMSB, PhD and Ranasignhe PR, as per the Terms of Reference of the assignment of the Small Grant Programme of the United Nations Development Programme.
ISBN : Year : 2018
The opinions expressed in this Report are those of the writers, and do not necessarily represent the views of the United Nations Development Programme.
© United Nations Development Programme
This page is intentionally left blank
ABBREVIATION
AGD Age, Gender and Diversity AGDM Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming DS Divisional Secretary DSD Divisional Secretariat Division EDO Economic Development Officer FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GEF Global Environment Facility GN Grama Niladhari GND Grama Niladari Division KM Knowledge Management NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan NSC National Steering Committee PWD Persons With Disabilities SGD Sustainable Development Goals SGP Small Grant Programme SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats TAG Technical Advisory Group UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNCBD Convention on Biodiversity UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
This page is intentionally left blank
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page The Content No. ABBREVIATION
1 01 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 GEF Small Grant Programme 2 1.2 Small Grant Programme in Sri Lanka 3 1.3 Age, Gender and Diversity and Gender Equality 5 1.4 The Study on the SGP and Gender Equality 6 1.5 The Methodology of the Study 8 1.6 Data Gathering Methods 9 1.7 Limitation of the Study 10 1.8 Presentation of the Study Findings
11 02 AGE, GENDER AND DIVERSITY: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 11 2.1 Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming 11 2.2 The SGP Design Document (ProDoc) 18 2.3 Landscape Management Strategies 22 2.4 Knowledge Management 24 2.5 Grantees and Projects 24 2.5.1 As Whom Community has been considered 33 2.5.2 Types of Community Groups Benefited 34 2.5.3 Community as a Strategy for Gender Equality 40 2.6 Community in Landscape
03 CONCLUDING REMARKS FOR CHANGE
04 PLAN OF ACTION
05 ANNEXURE Annexure ONE: Terms of Reference Annexure TWO: List of Documents Reviewed Annexure THREE: List of Key Informant Interviews/ Focus
Group Discussions Held
Annexure FOUR: Notes of KIIs and FGDs Annexure FIVE: Format of Details of Beneficiaries Annexure SIX: Format of details of Paddy farming and Home
Gardening Annexure Seven: Case Stories ix
THE LIST OF TABLES Page Table Description No. No. 7 1 Areas of Responsiveness on Gender and Social Inclusiveness 13 2 Gender Sensitivity of SGP Outputs, Targets and Activity 19 3 Gender Sensitivity of Knuckles Strategy 28 4 Allocation made for Monitoring and Evaluation by SLTCP
THE LIST OF DIAGRAMS Page Diagram Description No. No. 6 1 Gender Equality Normative Framework 7 2 Conceptual Framework for Community Engagement in SGP 39 3 Three interconnected ways to narrow the Gender Gap
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018 01. INTRODUCTION
1.1. GEF Small Grant Programme 1. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) which was established following the agenda of Rio Earth Summit to tackle most pressing environmental problems, is expected through the Small Grant Programme (SGP) to promote community based innovation, capacity development, and empowerment through sustainable development projects of local civil society organizations on biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, prevention of land degradation, etc., with special consideration for indigenous people, women and youth. 2. The Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) recognized that poverty is a major cause and effect of global environmental problems. The Support communities and civil society organizations to understand and practice sustainable development strategies that protect the global environment and learn from community level approaches that reduce threats to global environment are two of four objectives of, which are formed with the understanding of the critical linkages between the economic, environmental and social components of poverty and livelihoods. 3. In achieving of GEF 2020 vision, mobilizing local (and global) stakeholders as a key priority area, it is expected to focus on gender mainstreaming and women’s empowerment. The recognizes that failure to understand and address gender dimensions within environment projects risks wasted development resources and negative effects on household welfare, women’s equality and environment sustainability. Thus, gender is one of the mandatory cross-cutting requirements of SGP. As GEF sees that gender equality is equal treatment of women and men in laws and policies, and equal access to resources and services within families, communities, and society at large, it promotes a two – pronged approach of gender mainstreaming; the systemically analysing and addressing in all initiatives the needs of both women and men, and targeted interventions to enable women and men to participate in and benefit equally from development efforts. 4. The GEF Policy on Gender Mainstreaming 2012, while highlighting the relationship between gender equality and environmental sustainability, seek to mainstream gender in its policies, programmes and operations. In addition to that, the Policy emphasize the sensitivity of project monitoring with both quantitative and qualitative data on the gender relevance of the work. 5. SGP considers gender equality and empowerment as essential elements for achieving sustainable development and environmental benefits. Therefore, (1) promotion of gender mainstreaming at the earliest stages of the project cycle, (2) conducting needs assessment at the project development phase to define the roles of women and men
(3) document the contribution of women to project activities (e.g., biodiversity management, in situ conservation of agro-biodiversity, conservation of medicinal plants, etc.), (4) employ gender sensitive checklist and criteria by the National Steering Committees to assess and screen projects, and also to develop gender guidelines, (5) increases of receiving of proposals from women and marginalized groups, (6) encouraging of women stand-alone projects, (7) incorporate gender based indicators in monitoring and evaluation, (8) providing of gender focused training for grantees, 2 are some of the key features gender strategy of 1. 6. According to the Country Programme Action Plan, UNDP promotes the socio-economic capacities of vulnerable communities particularly in the lagging regions of the country, especially focusing on the inclusion of women, female-headed households, youth, and groups of persons with disabilities. Accordingly, integration2 of gender in all programmes has been identified as a primary objective. 7. The SGP is expected implement through integrating and adopting of approach of Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative (COMDEKS). The COMDEKS approach, by carrying the concept of community based landscape management for conservation of biodiversity as the core principle, is to empower communities by engaging them to enhance and sustain the ecological, economical and social resilience of the landscape and communities where they live and work3.
1.2. Small Grant Programme in Sri Lanka 8. The project is in implementation inn three landscapes, which have been selected by the National Steering Committee, namely the Knuckles Conservation Forest (KCF) and its buffer zone, the coastal region from Mannar Island up to Jaffna and the Urban Wetlands of Colombo. The Project has been designed based on an in-depth socioeconomic and environmental assessment and multi stakeholder consultation. The assessment and consultation has resulted to identify the biodiversity values as well as natural and anthropogenic threats available at three landscapes. 9. Later, three separate studies have been done by contracted subject matter experts and three landscape management strategies have been developed by showing the cause – impact relationship of degradation of biodiversity in selected areas of three landscapes, while recommending appropriate interventions. 10. As it is planned in the project document, three landscapes management committees have been established and now are in function. The National Steering Committee (NSC) is in function as the decision making body while the Technical Advisory Group is working responsible for providing of technical guidance for implementation of the Project. 11. The has obtained the services of three technically qualified Knowledge Management Firms, who had experiences in GEF in previous cycle as a Knowledge Management
1 https://sgp.undp.org, the official website of the Small Grant Project. 2 Activities like the assurance of resource allocations for gender equality, economic development and social protection assistance for women, and improving women’s involvement in all decision-making processes at all levels were expected to be implemented by the UNDP for gender equality. 3 Community based approach to landscape management, Selvemini. D, & Remple. N, 2014, pp 37.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Team or a grantee, to provide technical knowhow, landscape project managerial skills, coordinational support and to document and report on lessons learnt. 12. The has openly called for interest from the organizations, and over 150 applicant organizations had been given a two days orientation programme, and asked to submit the project proposals. After going through a desk and field screening and interview process, the has later granted projects for eight (8) grantees for Colombo Wetland, six (6) for Knuckles and five (5) for Mannar landscapes. Most of the grantees of all the 3 landscapes were grantees of SGP previous cycles, and therefore, they were not from the respective districts. Among the grantees in Mannar landscape, one of the grantee was the Knowledge Management Firm in SGP Previous cycle. Two of the grantees; one from Colombo and one from Mannar are relevant Departments or Institutions of the Universities in Sri Lanka.
1.3. Age, Gender and Diversity and Gender Equality 13. A ‘community’ is defined as a small or large social unit that has something in common, such as norms, values, identity or a goal, irrespective of sharing of a common place (communities of place)4. German sociologist Ferdinand Tönnies described two types of human association: Gemeinschaft (the community) and Gesellschaft (the society). Morris Ginsberg defines society as a collection of individuals united by certain relations or mode of behaviour which mark them off from others who do not enter into these relations or who differ from them in behaviour5. 14. Therefore, the study considered the age, gender and diversity aspects of community in the analysis. Gendered norms and practices get vary even in the same society based on other individual factors like age, disability6, civil status, education, personal history and similar diversities. Thus, it is essential to consider age, gender and diversity together as holistic. 15. Age refers to the different stages in one's lifecycle7 (children, youth, adult, and even as the girl children, young boys, and teens) and is a prerequisite to see age as a ‘concept’ which creates different contexts. People in their different life cycles have different capabilities, interests, aspirations, values and goals which could be changed over time with the changes of the life cycle of other socioeconomic factors. Age influences, and can enhance or diminish a person's capacity to exercise his or her rights. Gendered rural livelihoods are predominantly aligned with the age, as the reproductive roles principally manipulates with the lifecycle of persons. 16. According to the UNFPA, the term gender refers to the “Economic, social and cultural attributes and opportunities associated with being male or female”. Gender refers to
4 www.sociologyencyclopedia.com, the Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology, retrieved on 21st October, 2018 5 Introduction to Sociology, Said Salhi, University Mohamed Khider- Biskra, p.1 6 According to the Sri Lanka disability information sheet, Sri Lanka has a disability prevalence of 12.9, of which 42.3% are female. Further it states that, while both men and women with disability experience discrimination and disadvantage, women with disability typically face double discrimination on the grounds of both their gender and impairment and women with disabilities have lower rates of employment. 7 “Periods in a lifecycle are demographically, physically and culturally dependent and changes over time. There are overlaps between the different stages, and the stages may vary among individuals. Work needs to be seen in the context of a human lifecycle and how it changes in different stages of that cycle. In many cases it is not a question of choice; decisions triggered by cultural expectations or absence of appropriate support force people to be in different work situations’; United Nations Human Development Report, 2015, p.30.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
the socially assigned roles for women and men, that include roles8, status9 and power relations in any society or culture, which are often central to the way in which people define themselves and are defined by others. Gender roles are learned, changeable over time, and get changed within and between cultures. Gender while culturally valued and interprets persons’ biology, it socially and politically determines the role, status and power that persons should have. Gender politically defines and culturally justifies what men and women, girls and boys should do and should not do in their 4 private lives as well as in the socioeconomic lives, and also control the access to resources and opportunities which bring lifelong benefits. 17. Diversity refers to different values and beliefs, attitudes and cultural perspectives, ethnic or religious background, nationality or the place of birth, sexual orientation or gender identity, levels of disability10 and health conditions, socioeconomic status11, professional and occupational backgrounds and engagements, and other specific personal characteristics, civil status12, etc. While the age and gender dimensions are present in everyone, other characteristics vary from person to person in a given society. 18. Recognizing and valuing of age, gender and diversity dimensions of individuals and communities as an enriching element of any community, ensures risk reduction of all programmes and increase the effective engagement of all, which results in programme effectiveness and equality at large, as it promotes equal opportunities for people with different needs and abilities13. 19. Gender Equality refers to the fair treatment for both the assigned sexes - ‘male and female’, considering the different interests, needs, priorities and aspirations of men, women, girls and boys and the socio - cultural environment that affects each of them, so that they all can equally enjoy the benefits of development including equal access to and control of opportunities and resources. UNIFEM refers Gender Equality as the status of women and men have equal conditions for realizing their full human rights
8 There are sets of norms or culturally defined expectations, which define how men and women ought to behave. Gender roles are set of roles, activities, expectations and behaviours assigned to females and males by the society. 9 Status is a scale to measure the social standing of a person or a group of persons which can be elaborated as the social position or condition, or standing to which varying degrees of rights, entitlements, privileges, behaviours, obligations and duties that individuals or group of persons occupy or is expected and encouraged to perform. Social Status can ascertain in two ways; as achieved or ascribed status. 10 According to the Sri Lanka disability information sheet, Sri Lanka has a disability prevalence of 12.9, of which 42.3% are female. Further it state that While both men and women with disability experience discrimination and disadvantage, women with disability typically face double discrimination on the grounds of both their gender and impairment and women with disabilities have lower rates of employment. 11 ‘...... both the elderly and the disabled do not typically benefit from cash-for-work, since the task maybe too strenuous, or the elderly person maybe the sole caregiver of a number of grandchildren...... ’, Contextual analysis of women in conflict and post-conflict, UNDP p3. 12 Civil status basically asks whether a person is married. But, there are several sub categories of both singlehood and marriage and post marriage such which are essential to consider as separate and diverse groups as the problem they face are different to each other. Status of unmarried does not equal to never been married with the age factor as the problems face by middle or elderly single women face problems in security, economy and culture. Exploring the category of married is also vital as there are sub categories like single mother, divorced, separated. Widows are kept in lower social strata than the women with married husbands in the Northern culture and single mothers and separated or woman whose husband has left the wife have very low strata in the society. Most of the women whose husbands have left them still carry husband’ name and do not want to get the divorce as it affect socially for them (See case story 1,3). 13 Gender responsive programming, Dissanayake DMSB, 2013
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
and potential to contribute to national, political, economic, social and cultural development, and to benefit from the results. (UNIFEM, 2007). 20. Women are the backbone of rural livelihoods. Women's poverty is directly related to the absence of economic opportunities and autonomy, lack of access to economic resources, including credit, land ownership and inheritance, lack of access to education and support services and their minimal participation in the decision-making process. Poverty can also force women into situations in which they are vulnerable to sexual 5 exploitation (Article 53, Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action). 21. Gender equality needs to be seen both as a precondition for, and indicator of natural resource management. The Tri-part strategy can be considered an effective approach gender equality, which comprises with (a) gender mainstreaming, (b) women empowerment14, and (c) engaging men in accountable practices, at policy and operational level as well as in private and public spheres.
1.4. The Study on the SGP and Gender Equality Objective, Responsibilities and Expected Deliverables of the Consultancy 22. The objective of the study is to explain how the project will contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment, identify entry points for mainstreaming gender considerations in project components, and ensure that the project results framework and theory of change are gender responsive and to develop a gender action plan to advance women’s empowerment and promote gender equality15 (See Annexure 1: TOR). 23. Accordingly, it was expected the consultancy to carry out a participatory gender analysis to fully consider the different needs, roles, benefits, impacts, risks and access to/control over resources of women and men (including considerations of intersecting categories of identity such as age, social status, ethnicity, marital status, etc.) given a project’s context, assist in organizing (B1 of the TOR), carrying out gender responsive stakeholder consultation sessions in order to solicit inputs and ensure both male and female stakeholder involvement and buy-in to the project (B2) ensure that all aspects of the project documents are gender responsive (B3), develop a Gender Action Plan for the project with annual outputs to facilitate implementation of activities that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment (B4), provide inputs to the UNDP Social and Environmental Screening Procedure including assessing potential negative impacts of the project on gender equality and specific activities to mitigate and/or minimize them (B5), assist the project development team in identifying and developing partnerships with gender equality/women’s governmental institutions, local women’s NGOs/CSOs and relevant national stakeholders(B6) and assist with capacity building (B7).
14 Empowerment involves people in assuming control or mastery over their lives and is a social action process that promotes participation of people, organizations, and communities towards the goals of increased individual and community control, political efficacy, improved quality of community life and social justice. Women’s empowerment does not imply women taking over control of those previously held by men, but rather it is the need to transform the nature of power relations. Empowerment is sometimes described as being about the ability to make choices, but it must also involve being able to shape what choices are on offer. [Wallerstein, 1992]. 15 Terms Of Reference on Consultancy on Gender Analysis, SGP.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
24. In aligning with the objective of the consultancy, the consultancy is required to conduct and produce the gender analysis, mainstreaming gender into project documents- especially to the project result framework, Gender Action Plan and notes to the file.
1.5. The Methodology of the Study 6 25. Considering the appropriateness with the objective and expected deliverables of the consultancy, relevance with the nature of the project and implementation arrangements, and due to non-availability of relevant quantitative data, a qualitative methodology was selected. For this purpose, following normative framework was developed and applied. Diagram 1: Gender Equality Normative Framework
Socioeconomic Status of Community
Gender Equality
GEF/UNDP SGP Principles Objectives
26. In this, following principle questions were raised A. How and how much the ’ design is gender responsive, B. How and how much the implementation process and practices are gender responsive, C. And, finally, how and how much the SGP grantee’ projects are gender responsive. 27. GEF/UNDP goals including of the gender equality targets, objectives and expected outcome reported in the programme document, principles of the landscape approach of and developed three landscape strategies and the socioeconomic and socio- political culture of the community and community organizations that involve in the were studied and analysed. As per the preliminary study of the project documents and the project implementation, following conceptual framework was developed carryout the tasks of the consultancy.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Diagram 2: Conceptual Framework for Community Engagement in SGP
Community engagement with the biodiversity of landscape
COMMUNITY & their SGP Expectations, Biodiversity and Norms Three Landscape Strategies based Grantees Interventions in three driven 7 Landscapes Behaviour.
Services to the community including livelihood opportunities
28. Accordingly, community is one end and biodiversity is in other end, connected with community behaviour towards the biodiversity and ecosystems of three landscapes. This behaviour (relationship) will be vary from neutral to negative or positive, and will depends on the community expectations and norms, as well as the available and community known biodiversity and ecosystem services of the landscape. Impact of the community behaviour on biodiversity of the landscapes will be based on the community expectations that shaped with their norms, and level of knowledge that the community have on the biodiversity and ecosystem services. 29. The SGP aim to balance the interest of both the community and the conservation of biodiversity in landscapes, in transforming community to manage the landscape while enjoying socioeconomic and ecological services of the landscape. Three landscape strategies were expected assess the landscape; identify the available biodiversity values of the landscape, natural and anthropogenic threats, strategies for conservation of biodiversity, which includes increasing of effective community engagement in conservation, while increasing wise use of natural resources. 30. As the grantees are supposed take part of implementation of the management interventions identified by the landscape strategies, with effective community engagement, the following framework, which was developed for the purpose of assessing of gender responsiveness was used to explore, value and rate the gender responsiveness of the grantee’s projects. Table 1: Areas of Responsiveness on Gender and Social Inclusiveness Category Sub category Key Areas 1.1. As vulnerable (Ex. Social, economic, Communities. nvironmental, etc.) Vulnerability a. Accepted dependency (who 1. As whom 1.2. As a Cause of a Problem has dependency on community (Problem focused) biodiversity services, Ex, was (communities that water). considered directly or indirectly contribute to the b. Neutral (No harm / No biodiversity losses). Active). c. Unaccepted dependency (Ex.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Exploiters,). a. Undefined participation, 1.3. As a Source of b. Engagement in Planning, Solution (Solution Oriented) (as a c. Engagement in requirement / as a Implementation, strategy). d. Engagement in Monitoring 8 and Reviewing. a. Usual benefits for general community,
1.4. For Benefits shearing. b. Especially designed for targeted community.
(Ex. Children, Youths, Adults, 2.1. Age groups Elders). 2.2. Sex groups Male, Female. 2. Type of the Community (Persons with disabilities / Groups 2.3. Health Status families with POWs/ persons (Focused / having major sicknesses). Incorporated 2.4. Family/Civil Status (Ex. FHF). / Benefited). 2.5. Social Status Ex. Ethnicity/ Religion, Etc.). (Ex. Occupational/ Income 2.6. Economic Status levels, etc.).
3.1. Gender Mainstreaming. a. In problem analysis, 3.2. Women Empowerment. b. In Outcomes and indicators, c. In strategies, 3. As a strategy of Gender d. In budgets, Equality 3.3. Engaging men in e. In Policies, Laws and accountable practices. Regulations, Guidelines, National Action Plans, and Projects.
1.6. Date Gathering Methods. 31. Archival research was carried out to collect the secondary data. The GEF, UNDP and SGP literature on programme quality, gender equality and social justice were studied. The SGP programme document, Logframe, Result and Resource Framework, three landscape strategies, project proposals of the Mannar and Knuckles Knowledge Management Teams (KMT), approved Project Proposals of the Grantees, and other
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
relevant reports and records were also assessed. The list of reviewed documents are attached to the Report as Annexure 2. Grantees were requested, through SGP Colombo office and personally at the field, to share resource profiles of the Divisional Secretariat Division (DSD) or at least of the respective Grame Niladari Divisions (GND) and biodiversity profiles and the socioeconomic status reports of project sites. 32. The key method used to collect the primary data was the mix of structured and non-structured in-depth interviews, in two different forms; Key Informant Interviews 9 (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (See Annexure 3: List of Interviews), in both formal and informal manner. The KIIs and FGS were carried out with the officials of the SGP, KMTs, grantees, and relevant village level government officials such as Grama Niladari (GN), Agriculture Research Officers (ARPO), and the community members. Reasonable length of time was spent for each of the interview; and when there was a necessity for further clarification, the interviewees were approached once again for discussions. All the notes of KIIs and FGDs are attached to the report as Annexure 4. 33. Heads of the organizations and the focal points of the KMTs and Grantees were participated at the KIIs and FGDs and following structured fundamental questions were post on them. A. Understanding of the principles and approaches of the GEF, B. Understanding of the objectives, outcomes and strategies, C. Understanding of the Landscape strategy, its finding and recommendations, D. Locational biodiversity profile, significance and threats, E. Locational socioeconomic status, social behaviour and community threats and to and community driven opportunities to conservation of biodiversity, and F. The specific strategic intervention of the grantees project to address the specific issues identified by the landscape strategy or area biodiversity assessments. 34. Two formats (Annexure 5 and 6) were developed and circulated among all the grantees through SGP Colombo office to gather detailed information regarding the benefits and opportunity shearing. In addition to that, the documents referred by the grantees such as beneficiary selection procedures were requested for review. 35. Other than three grantees’ projects in Colombo wetland, the study was carried out in observation of implementation of grantees’ projects, and conducted unplanned interviews with the beneficiaries and non-beneficiary community members to get their opinions and observations. The projects of grantees were selected in two approaches. As the first approach, the grantees were given opportunity to name the projects to be observed based on two criteria, the most success project of the grantee and most challenged/ difficult project of the grantee. The second approach was random selection done by the study team.
1.7. Limitation of the Study. 36. It was observed that knowledge and the familiarization of the respondents of the KIIs conducted with the KMTs and grantees on the SGP logframe and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (M & E) or Result and Resource Framework (RRF) is significantly low. Same way, grantees were not aware of the sometimes availability and all the times the content of the three landscape strategies. This knowledge gap restricted the
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
discussions (KIIs) to ‘what grantees do’ and not the ‘why and why not grantees do’ in aligning with SGP. Even if the list of beneficiaries/befits were requested only four (4) grantees provided the information. Two grantees were not directly engage with the communities and had planned provide direct benefits. Meanwhile, no grantees provided the biodiversity profile or socioeconomic profile of data of the project site, and only one grantee provided the resource profile of the DSD. Lack of data blocked the neediness and opportunities of conducting of benefit sharing assessment or 10 gender audit of the SGP.
1.8. Presentation of Study Findings. 37. As per the conceptual framework noted above, the literature review was done to develop the normative framework of gender responsive programming in SGP and also to assess the programme goals and outcomes. The qualitative data was assessed and compared with SGP objectives, outcomes and indicators. 38. As the case studies generalize theories (analytic generalization) and do not enumerate frequencies (statistical generalization), the information gathered, and the outcome of the discussions in some areas were developed as case studies, which has been included in the analysis, and also have been enclosed to the Report as Annexure 7. 39. Section one of the report - the Introduction - is allocated to lay the foundation for the analysis by providing of background information of the SGP, gender equality and of the methodology of the assessment. The section two - the Analysis – discusses the render responsiveness of the programme document, project implementation process and of the grantees projects, by exploring of the concepts, context, challenges and opportunities in making a gender responsive SGP. As all the discussion points are significant, and as all the texts from these have not been incorporated into the analysis, but instead the analysis provides extra contextual insights about the age, gender and diversity factors, the notes of KIIs and FGDs, as well as the case stories developed based on the interviews, are annexed with full details. The section three is allocated to provide evidence based recommendations for short term and long term applications, and the section four – the Action Plan – provide practical ways and means in making the as a gender responsive programme.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
02. AGE, GENDER AND DIVERSITY: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
11
2.1. Age, Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming. 40. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action describe gender mainstreaming as a public policy concept of assessing different implication for men and women of policies, programmes and practices. Further, by its paragraph 202 and 204, it specifically emphasizes the necessity of mainstreaming gender affirming that ‘in addressing the inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels, Governments and other actors should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming ‘a gender perspective’ in all policies and programmes so that, before decisions are taken, an analysis is made of the effects of women and men respectively’. 41. Mainstreaming does not narrow down to integrating, including or increasing the numbers of different groups of persons or different subjects into development agendas which already is decided upon by others and for others. Mainstreaming is a strategy, an approach, and a means to achieve a goal, and thus not be just a project activity, is expected to create a transformative process16. Gender mainstreaming is a strategy for making women's as well as men's concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality17. 42. Mainstreaming of age, gender and diversity perspectives assures not only that diverse people are considered, but also the diversities of community - diverse values, goals and practices, become central to the entire Project. This sub section of the Report, in answering one of the principle question; how and how much the design is gender responsive (22.A), discuss how age, gender and other diversities are considered and mainstreamed to the and its possible impact on gender equality as well as the programme effectiveness.
2.2. The Small Grant Programme Design Document (ProDoc) 43. The sixth operational phase of the GEF Small Grant Programme in Sri Lanka has been categorized under UNDP Gender Marker 2 and level of Social and Environmental Screening as low risk. The Project design is based on the socioeconomic and
16 Gender responsive programming, Dissanayake DMSB, 2013 17 United Nations Economic and Social Council, June 1997, Mainstreaming the gender perspective into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system, Report of the Secretary-General; available http://www.un.org/documents/ecosoc/docs/1997/e1997-66.htm
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
environmental situational analysis on the landscape which have identified causes of threats to the biodiversity, especially the anthropogenic causes including livelihood related activities. Meanwhile, the studies have been identified how women have lose their livelihoods due to degradation of biodiversity as well as due to the legal restrictions for access to resources. Even there is not extensive discussion on how men and women are affected differently and how gender norms and practices have been negatively contributed to the community that leads to bring adverse impact to the 12 biodiversity of three landscapes, the in the situational analysis for the Project document has taken steps to identify of the necessity of and consider opportunities and provide special attention for engagement of women in livelihoods activities18. 44. While the discuss the anthropogenic causes of degradation of biodiversity in three selected landscapes, it has not given much attention for immediate, intermediate and underline causes of anthropogenic causes, which could have explore how gender inequalities are connected to such causes. 45. The promises to integrate gender and social equality into the programme strategies and activities19, and state that it would be monitored and evaluated the integration and impact of integration of gender and social equity to the . 46. The section A.5 of the project document discuss the ‘proposed solutions’ that are generally considered in SGP in around the world. The point 56 states that the SGP will build on lessons and experiences of the previous operational phases. Over 375 projects have been implemented by the during its first five phases, but no documentary evidence was found to state that learning related involvement of women in conservation of biodiversity in previous projects have been documented or considered, as a whole or as individual grantees. The focal point who serve as the co- founder of one of the grantee organization in the 6th operational phase in Mannar landscape stated that even though the same organization served as the Knowledge Management Team in 5th phase, nothing was discuss and taken for the new project from previous phase. 47. The section A.6 identifies four barriers, such as limited capacity of the community based organizations (CBOs), ineffective stakeholder coordination, lack of financial resources of CBOs, and lack of environmental awareness, to achieving the solutions. All of them were mostly related institutional barriers and none of them were related community practices and status, including of the lack of socioeconomic empowerment of women. 48. The programme implementation strategy has fully depend on the COMDEKS, which has been developed with the core of effective community engagement in planning, executing and monitoring of landscape management. The COMDEKS do not have special measure to ensure gender responsiveness and social equity or any guideline or checklist to assure that women are consulted, engaged and benefited. Therefore, the Project rational and Proposed Alternative Scenario (B.1) of SGP strategy does not
18 ‘……If necessary, case by case commercial level livelihood improvement options will be assisted such as animal husbandry, floriculture and nursery management, mushroom cultivation, beekeeping, and handicraft preparation, where women can play a significant role’, (point 31), in Knuckles Conservation Forest, and ‘lack of opportunities for women based livelihood opportunities’ as one of the challenge in both the Mannnar and Colombo landscapes. 19 “….Projects are also designed to address gender and social equity by integrating them into Country Programme focal area strategies and activities. …” (Point 53)
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
especially consider strategic value of women engagement or gender equality as compulsory component of the project. 49. The objective of the SGP Sri Lanka is to enabling community organizations to take collective action for adoptive landscape management for socio-ecological resilience through design, implementation, and evaluation of grant projects for global environmental benefits and sustainable development in three ecological sensitive landscapes; Knuckles Consternation Forest and its buffer zone, the coastal region from 13 Mannar Island to Jaffna, and Colombo Wetlands20. 50. There are four outcomes of the Programme; Multi-stakeholder partnerships in three ecologically sensitive landscapes develop and execute management plans (1), Community based organizations in landscape level build their adaptive management capacities by implementing landscape management projects (2), Multi-stakeholder partnerships develop and implement strategic projects that catalyze the broader adoption of successful (3) and Multi-stakeholder landscape policy platforms discuss potential policy innovations based on analysis of project experience and lessons learned (4). None of the outcome is presented in change language with sensitivity on gender and social equity. This could happen in designing of outcomes in technical projects. Even if there could be one argument that gender and social equality is inbuilt in the outcomes especially in the word like muliti stakeholder, visibility of gender and social equity in words in outcome ensures having of more relevant indicators which make project implementers to deliver them intentionally. 51. However, according to the outcomes, it is expected establish and practice multi stakeholder forums and approach, engage community organizations in developing and managing of conservation projects, upscaling and finally developing of enabling environment for policy formation on landscape management. In this case, when the gender and social equity is not to be seen in outcomes wordings, and if the landscapes project do not especially implement gender social equity responsive projects, nothing will be there to learn and bring up to the policy level. 52. Under the four outcomes, the SGP have 14 outputs, 30 targets and 43 activities and none of them were AGD or equity sensitive or responsive. This situation is usual phenomena in technical programme, but because the landscape management is designed to implement with community engagement, AGD could have been taken into consideration in structurally. Table 2: Gender Sensitivity of SGP Outputs, Targets and Activity Output Targets Activity Outcome AGD AGD AGD No No. No. No. Sensitive Sensitive Sensitive 01 05 00 05 00 14 00 02 03 00 15 00 09 00 03 04 00 07 00 14 00 04 02 00 03 00 06 00 TOTAL 14 00 30 00 43 00
20 Programme Document, Small Grant Programme, Sri Lanka.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
53. The common and possible reason for above situation is vary from gender blindness to failure in seen strategic values of diversities in communities, in their values, assets, skills, expectations and behaviours. The programme design could be gender blind, gender neutral or gender sensitive, but if it is not gender responsive, the expected gender equality objectives cannot be reached out. 54. Even though the problem analysis of the SGP’ project document is gender sensitive, 14 there can be various levels of gender responses such as gender blind (Ignoring / failing to address the gender dimensions), gender neutral (Avoiding of distinguishing roles according to people's sex or gender in the policies and social institutions) and gender sensitive (the act of being sensitive to the way people think gendered and helps people to think more constructively on the role of men and women). 55. The situation arose with two reasons; one is the lack of AGD sensitivity in problem analysis, and other is the language of the project. Due to lack of gender sensitivity of the problem analysis, the outcome, outputs, targets and activities were not forced to show AGD sensitivity. As an example, when the problem analysis identify ‘lack of opportunities for women based livelihood opportunities’, while it considers certain livelihoods are for women with gendered lenses, it does not show how that issue is linked to the main problem – the degradation of biodiversity in the landscape. If that would have been explored, the programme design is forced to address such issues, under targets or activities. Further, it is observable that gender has been understood as women or issues face by women, therefore, the project document has limited to sex aggregated data instead of gender aggregated data. 56. The other factor is the language of the project outcomes, outputs and activities. There are two language that use in project designs; namely activity language and change language, and the SGP is in activity language which is not much explore the change expected by performing the activity or delivering the outputs or meeting the targets. As an example, the activity 1.4.2 is ‘multi-stakeholder consultations to formulate eligibility criteria for the community-level projects’ is in activity language. The activity is one of the most significant activity of the project as the project effectiveness, sustainability, equity and equality, social inclusion, gender responsiveness and all necessary programme and strategic features are to be brought by the ‘proposed criteria’. But, as it is in activity language, the indicator of the activity only will be a’ criteria developed’. But, if the same activity could have been in praised in change language such as ‘programme objective and sustainability oriented and AGD and equal opportunities assured eligibility criteria for the community level project is developed in multi stakeholder consultation’, it could have been observed whether AGD has been considered as a compulsory component in selection of community level project. 57. Further, the situation analysis examines the contemporary socioeconomic context of the Northern Province by highlighting the systemic disadvantages that the women and marginalized community groups experience. Considering the facts and figures from various assessments, the situation analysis explore the magnitude of the problems of women headed households (WHH) and women under poverty line in general. 58. It is well known factor that the prevailing gender inequality; mainly in access to economic opportunities and advantages due to lack of participation and representation of their interests and perspectives in agriculture-based livelihoods,
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
sexual exploitation and discrimination21 of women in conflict-affected communities and devaluing women’s potential and rights at family, societal and enterprise levels which limits their physical mobility, skills acquisition, decision-making ability, access to information and resources, and ownership of resources. 59. The section ‘C’ of the programme document provide the Project Result Framework. It shows that the Project is required to align with number of GEF outcomes including outcome 3.2 which is the ‘Integrated landscape management practices adopted by 15 local communities based on gender sensitive needs’. This outcome make a prerequisite condition for the country projects to be gender sensitive, but which has not been transferred to the projects. 60. Women face various forms of discrimination as economic actors. Whether self-employed or waged workers, whether working on-farm or off-farm. Such discrimination diminishes their economic autonomy and contributes to their weak bargaining position within the household (FAO; ADB, 2013). 61. Gender equity which is also known as the gender justice is the fair treatment of both the sexes, that take into account and address the different needs of the men, women, boys and girls, cultural barriers and the effects of (past) discrimination of the specific groups. Gender equity which seeks a reasonable portion to be equal is an approach for equality which is the equal rights and responsibilities, fair distribution of opportunities and benefits and equal valuation for women and men, girls and boys so that they can participate in, contribute to, and enjoy benefits of development on an equal footing. 62. Realizing the significance of addressing the socioeconomic problems of women, youth and marginalized community as the means of socioeconomic development in the area, the project design could have given more consideration of improving of effectiveness of women engagement in conservation of biodiversity though initiating of special measures which includes special quota for women especially in livelihoods development activities22, and pilot projects like women/youth driven conservation projects. 63. The carries several indicators; there is no indicator for the project objective, but 4 indicators for outcome ONE, 5 for outcome TWO, 1 for outcome THREE and 3 indicators for outcome FOUR are there and none of them are AGD and social equity responsive. Out of which, at least three indicators could have been sound as AGD and
21 According to the General Comments 18/1989 of the Human Rights Committee which is established according the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ‘discrimination’ is any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference which is based on any ground such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, and which has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all persons, on an equal footing, of all and freedoms. The ‘Convention on Elimination of All kinds of Discrimination Against Women’ by its article one defines ‘discrimination against women’ as any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. Gender discrimination is practicing of granting or denying of rights or privileges to a person based on their gender. 22 For ‘sustainability’, of the project has been recognized the significance of proving of alternative livelihood options for local community. ‘During discussions with community leaders during the development of the project, a common concern expressed was dissatisfaction regarding unsustainability of community-based projects that were previously implemented. During lengthy discussions with these communities, stakeholders emphasized that the only solution to further degradation of natural ecosystems in this region is through alternative livelihoods for these rural communities. This project will pursue several approaches to ensure outcomes achieved will be sustainable over the long term (point 129).
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
social equity responsive indicators. As an example if it was needed, it could have been added that ‘equitable opportunity assuring and’ to the existing indicator just after the word ‘…in three…..’ and just before the word ‘…ecological sensitive…’23. As the outcome TWO is for the designing, implementation and monitoring of community level projects, an AGD sensitive indicator such as ‘percentage of women/ youth/ indigenous community leading CBO are serving as grantees’ to ensure such community group own or driven organizations are getting opportunities in development of their capacities 16 and for conservation of biodiversity in landscapes. The Outcome THREE is for upscaling the community projects and as there is no indicator to measure the community aspect of the upscaling project, it could have been added another indicator or reword the existing indicator with sense with the sex/ age/status of the community such as women/youth/indigenous/ farmer/ fisheries/ researches, etc., and type of relationship such as managing or benefit receiving (Ex. Youth benefit receiving projects/ female farming community leading projects). 64. The section ‘C’ of the programme document carries the Project Result Framework, and the indicators of objective and outcomes that are mentioned under the section B.3 and B.4 (point no. 73 to 80) is differ from the indicators in the Project Result Framework. According to the Result Framework, there 3 indicators for OBJECTIVE, 4 indicators for Outcome ONE, 8 for Outcome TWO, 2 for Outcome THREE and 3 for Outcome FOUR, and none of the are AGD sensitive. 65. The project could have been included AGD sensitive indicators or make the existing indicators with sensitivity or responsiveness of AGD. As an example, the third indicator of the project objective is ‘number of stakeholders actively engaged in and benefitting from local project activities’ and the target is ‘at least 250 individuals in each of the three landscapes actively participating and benefitting from local field-based project activities’. Neither indicator nor the target does not require specific community groups such as women, female headed families, youths, young researchers, local traditional farmer communities, or any such age or social or occupational communities. In similar to that it does not describe the nature of participation and benefiting, therefore, it is observable that grantees has reported all participants of all awareness programmes, making 2629 percentage of over achievement of the target even before projects are in effective operations on October 2018. 66. In similar to that, one of the indicator of outcome one is ‘formal cooperative agreements between community organizations and other partners in each landscape to pursue the outcomes of each strategy through community and landscape level projects’ and it could have been detailed little more to accommodate a reasonable percentage of specific community organizations such as women or youth leading organizations’. One out of seven indicators of outcome two is ‘number of individuals in the communities that have benefited from new sustainable alternative livelihood options’. This indicator one of the key indicator should have been AGD sensitive, but not. 67. There are no performance indicators or process indicators related to the outputs or activities in the project design, which could have been developed even by the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer while in the process of developing the project logframe.
23 Multi-stakeholder partnerships in three equitable opportunity assuring and ecologically sensitive landscapes develop and execute management plans to enhance socio-ecological landscape resilience and global environmental benefits.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
68. Gender and Development looks at development in the perspective of the relationship between men and women, and do not narrow the discourse to the problem of women. It examines how relationships and structures at both household and community levels affect women and men differently, and in an unfair manner. As Gender is something socially constructed, and is therefore able to be socially de- constructed. Changing of existing gendered power structures, benefits both the men and the women in a fair manner. The percentage of indicators could have been 17 designed in many rationale ways; either as a ‘target’ which is based on the context or goals, or as the indicators of ‘accumulated change processes24 (Dissanayake, 2015). 69. In this context, the role of the evaluator moves from conventional management function, who engage in systematic determination of a subject's merit, worth and significance and using criteria governed by a set of standards, to definer of the programme/project results in a bigger picture. It is the role of the evaluator to define the project results against its contribution towards social change. As an example, when awareness a public road is constructed, while the conventional evaluation assess its outcome, under the new role, the definer is expected to define how all outcomes have impacted on people at all age, gender and diverse community, at all sectors, and going through all processes in their daily life. In other words, the definer is expected to discuss how this road brings social equality for people with different needs. 70. In relation to the empowerment of women through conservation of biodiversity in selected three landscapes as one of the indirect outcome of the AGP, it could have been considered three types of indicators, such as percentage of women/women organizations engage in landscape management, number of young or rural women built capacities as citizen scientists, and percentage of women/girls improved their monthly income through landscape biodiversity conservation related livelihood activities. 71. There are certain core policy and administrative measures are to be taken for gender equality, such as developing of gender equality minimum standards, gender budgeting25 and gender auditing26. According to the Programme Document (ProDoc) and especially the section ‘D’ of it, no special allocations has made for gender equality. 72. When the study was carried out, there was no monitoring and evaluation framework or monitoring guide in the project. Therefore, how gender equality is planned to capture by the monitoring and evaluation process is not visible. Even though, M & E framework is not there, the project was maintaining a document namely ‘outcome indicator reachout’ or the ‘TREE’, which is to monitor progress of list of indicators that are not listed as indicators under the programme document, against three landscapes, and under three outcomes, namely outcome 1 – conservation of biodiversity and
24 Accumulated change process indicators can be developed in balancing of the contextual reality and the expected change. As an example it could be considered of having women or youth in one particular organ or in a section of an organization or benefits in the following manner. [Ex. negligible range (Ex. 0-10%), prerequisite or compulsory or minimum range (Ex. 10-20%), considerable range (Ex. 20- 35%), acceptable range (Ex. 35- 50%), etc.] 25 Applying gender mainstreaming to the budgetary process. Gender budgeting involves examining budgetary outcomes, to see how budgetary allocations are made on gender. 26 Gender audits look at “structures”, “processes” and “results” from a gender perspective. The assessment of an organizations’ Gender Mainstreaming Policies and documents to establish the extent to which they are applied and if so, how well, and with what results, [and] with the aim of Promoting organizational ability to implement gender mainstreaming in policies, programmes and structures, & Assessing the extent to which policies have been institutionalized at [all] the level[s] of the organization, department and individual.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ecosystem services, outcome 2 - enhance productivity and sustainability of smallholder agro-ecosystems, and outcome 3 develop innovative alternative livelihood options and improve market access, which are also not visible in the programme document as outcomes. However, none of the outcome or indicators are AGD responsive.
2.3. Landscape Management Strategies. 18 73. Outcome ONE of the project is to develop and execute three landscape management plans to enhance socio-ecological landscape resilience and global environmental benefits and outputs expected conduct to produce a comprehensive socio-ecological baseline assessment (1.2), and to develop landscape strategies and plans (1.3). Accordingly, three separate organizations have been conducted such assessments and three landscapes strategies have been developed. 74. The SGP country programme has call for interest publically from the national or sub- national Non-Governmental Organizations or academic institutions to conduct baseline assessment and to 15 page landscape strategy following the template given. The section 2 of the Landscape Strategy Template (Annex 4 of the proposal calling) has been allocated for situation analysis and it is supposed to provide the information on the problem to be solved by the proposed strategy, and key stakeholders. The annex 5 of the same document, the proposed questionnaire, seek information relating to the gender, but only limited to participation of women in consultative process. 75. The Landscape Strategy for Building Social, Economic and Ecological Resilience in Colombo Wetlands (hereafter in this section ’the strategy’) while identifying high biodiversity values in the selected areas of wetland, identifies that pollutants diffusion via point and nonpoint sources, failures in solid waste disposal procedures across the region, and encroachment as some of the threats to the biodiversity. Meanwhile, the strategy has noted that female participation at the community consultation was low in preparation of the strategy, and also that the younger generations emerge increasingly alien to traditional practices and related Wetland based living which directly link with labour shortage. Even if the strategy gender analysis is not technically effective, the strategy recommends women socioeconomic related outcomes, indicators and possible interventions27. 76. The Landscape Baseline Assessment for the Knuckles Conservation Forest and Buffer Zone (hereafter in this section ’the Assessment’), which has been prepared in consultation of 306 community members and officials (37% Female), identifies several key issues, and most of them are anthropogenic issues, such as productivity fluctuation, illegal activities related to income and livelihoods, soil and water pollution due to high amount or agrochemicals, and etc., unsustainable land management, unsustainable extraction of forest products, and large influx of tourists. Further, it identifies that enhancing agricultural biodiversity and productivity through organic farms (p12) while recognizing the importance of integrating of women’s knowledge
27 The outcome ONE, which is ‘to improve and /or maintain ecosystem services by strengthening participatory land use planning and management practices, carries the indicator of ‘number of voluntary community membership, with gender breakdown, in each GS division. The OUTCOME 3 while proposing to improve the livelihoods of the people through ecofriendly community based enterprises that reduce impact on the ecosystem and scenic value of the landscape, it also proposed to ‘empower and encourage women farmers on organic home gardening’ as a possible intervention.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
into development work (p13). The Strategy also sees specialist knowledge of women and has noted that women participated in economic activities equitably (p17, 18) and no striking issues of gender or other forms of social marginalisation (p18). However, the strategy reveals that the inadequacy of local opportunities for young people in particular entail that residents are compelled to seek out wage labour or factory work elsewhere (P19). 77. The assessment proposes comprehensive set of interventions (3.3.1), outcomes, 19 interventions and impact indicators with well visibility of AGD sensitivity, but not much with basics of responsiveness. The strategy proposed to ensure gender equality and participation of women and youths at all stages of development and implementation of localised conservation plans and initiatives, and in livelihood efforts. There are 6 outcomes, 26 interventions and 22 impact indicators, out of which none of the outcomes are AGD sensitive even if the outcomes 4, 5 and 6 could have been praised with sensitivity of AGD and social equity. Among the 16 interventions six interventions, and among 22 indicators 4 are AGD sensitive. Table 3: Gender Sensitivity of Knuckles Strategy Outcome Intervention Indicators Total Total No Outcome AGD Sensitive AGD Sensitive No. No. Manage the (3)…Address Knuckles landscape community role, 1 4 5 through a “public – sustainability, mgt. private partnership responsibilities,… (4). 25 citizen scientist groups formed (gender (3) Mobilize and disaggregated)… Support train citizen (5). At least 20 2 conservation 5 scientists, 6 members of the interventions (4) Mobilize and local community train citizen groups actively involved … with equitable representation in terms of gender (3). Establish community forest management groups (disaggregated by Conserve and gender) increase forest 3 6 1 - cover in the buffer (4) Establish zone community - based natural resource committees (disaggregated by gender).
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
(3) At least 2 farmer - group enterprises Support sustainable equitably 4 agricultural 3 - 3 engaging both practices men and women linked with 20 corporate sector…... (4) Number (5) Mobilize, train, members in the Ecologically and establish community sustainable, community-based (gender 5 community - owned 6 4 (gender- disaggregated) revenue generating disaggregated) receiving direct schemes naturalist groups… benefit from these schemes. Increase knowledge and capacity of the local communities 6 and institutions to 2 - 3 - increase resilience of the overall landscape
78. The assessment also proposes criteria for project selection (3.5), criteria for CBO selection (3.6) with reasonable sensitivity of AGD and social inclusion. Among 8 project selection criteria, the assessment has given due concern for ‘benefit shearing among wider group rather than a few individuals and with do no harmony principles (5) which is needed to consider as the key principle in social justice through natural resource management, and the possibility of gearing of active community participation including women and youth (6). In selection of CBOs, the assessment proposes to consider the diverse membership reflecting the socioeconomic and cultural diversity of the local area along side of age and gender. 79. There is no specific attention given by the assessment on AGD or gender equality or women empowerment or social change in bigger pictures in it suggestions for Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. But, under the socioeconomic indicators, the assessment proposes to consider ‘number of new alternative livelihood activities, which are sustainable, implemented’ and ‘inclusivity of local community and authorities in conservation development within the targeted landscape’. Both of the proposed indicators could be transformed as AGD sensitivity indicators to ensure social justice and programme effectiveness. 80. The Landscape Strategy for Building Social, Economic and Ecological Resilience of Coastal Region from Mannar Island to Jaffna (hereafter the Strategy) identifies gender inequality is one out of ten problems in the landscape. Lack of participation of women at decision making levels especially in community activities; traditional conventions and beliefs fostered by religion and culture and lack of formal recognition of their
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
contribution to the economy which they play mainly through the informal sector is seen as the major causes of expression of gender inequality. Further, it discover that lack of land security is there for the women in the landscape. 81. The objective of the strategy is to “build the social, economic and ecological resilience of the landscape through community-based activities”. The strategy proposes 10 outcomes in align with the identified 10 problems and carries 41 indicators (1 – 5, 2 – 4, 3 -6, 4 – 4, 5 – 5, 6 – 3, 7 – 5, 8 – 3, 9 – 3, 10 – 3). Out of them, other than the 21 indicators or the Outcome TEN, which is the ‘Improved women participation on decision making activities and ensured equal access to resources’ do not carry single AGD sensitive indicators. Among the three indicators of the Outcome Ten; ‘Number of training programs conducted on capacity building on rights of men and women’, ‘Change of women participation on decision making and other important activities’, ‘Change of attitude of men in recognizing the rights of women’, the third indicator take the place of the one and only technically correct gender responsive indicator of all project documents, going beyond traditional women related indicators. 82. Two reasons can be seen as the cause for lack of AGD sensitivity in indicators; the major cause is that the subject of gender equality has been considered as separate subject instead of integration into the other nine problems, and the second cause is the failure in developing of indicators in completely measuring of outcomes. 83. Further, the strategy proposes to consider gender in community participation as one of the project evaluating criteria. 84. In the guidance provided by the programme document (ProDoc) in preparation of landscape strategy, it promotes partnerships and stakeholders, which specifically mention about the women, youths and minorities stating that ‘Women, ethnic minorities and youth will be invited to participate in the landscape planning and management processes as well as to submit project proposals for specific initiatives’ (point 145). Further, sub section B.12.b is allocated for consideration of traditional communities and indigenous people, while acknowledge that 50% of the community in Mannar landscape area is indigenous community (point 161). 85. The subsection B. 12.c. is allocated for gender and because of strengthening gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential elements to achieve sustainable development, it has given crystal clear direction that (a) a minimum of 20% of the grants to the most vulnerable groups, including women and indigenous groups, (b) no grant will be awarded to any entity that cannot effectively demonstrate its intention and capacity to ensure gender equity, (3) to collect gender-disaggregated data and indicators for each of its projects (point 163). 86. Further, it state that the ‘project will ensure that gender equity aspects are given strong consideration in all its work so that women and men participate and benefit from project activities equitably. Recognizing that women at project sites require particular care to build their self-confidence in order for them to take leadership roles and to participate in local level decision making processes, special attention will be given to capacity building and alliance building with other women’s groups. To address the risks of low involvement of women and other marginalized groups the participatory approach the project adopts will ensure that equitable number of women and men are involved in project activities and that women are not further marginalized by project actions (point 164).
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
87. Going beyond the traditional inclusion, the subsection B.12.d. by its point 165, the programme document guide the landscape strategy designers to consider the facts that youth migration from landscapes due to lack of employment opportunities in the three landscapes, providing of sustainable livelihood opportunities within the villages to prevent the youth from leaving for wage labor, and to make assure youth participation in landscape planning and management. 88. However, it was observed that the key concept of gender, gender equality and social 22 justice has not been very clearly touch upon from the point of problem analysis to gender equality in biodiversity. 89. According to the programme flow, the grantees’ project are supposed to be based on the problems and solutions identified by three landscape strategies. The SGP Colombo office has circulated three landscape strategies among the Knowledge Management Teams, but, while some grantees stated that they do not have any idea about such landscape management strategies, all grantees stated that they do not have any idea about the content of the strategies; the problem identified or solutions proposed. Further, it was observed that the Strategies are available only in English language, even if the SGP proposal guideline is very keen on language barriers.
2.4. Knowledge Management. 90. There are three organizations have been contracted by the SGP Sri Lanka with the objective of offering of a comprehensive package of knowledge management and capacity building for grantee partners working in the three ecologically sensitive landscapes and with the task of awareness raising and capacity building of NGOs, collect and collate all types of knowledge products, and to facilitate the project level activities. 91. The study team was able to meet the Focal Points of Knuckles and Mannar landscape KMTs, who are experts, with high academic and professional backgrounds in the core intervention in the respective landscapes28. In similar to that, according to the proposals submitted by the KMTs to Sri Lanka, the team consisting of various subject matter experts, including Gender and Social Inclusiveness29. Further, those organizations were very familiar with the SGP as they have worked with the either as grantee or KMT. 92. The point 214 of the Programme Document (ProDoc), which comes under the sub section of learning and knowledge shearing, is allocated for gender equality, and state that (a) the project will pay particular attention to tracking gender issues in accordance to GEF and UNDP guidance on gender mainstreaming and gender balance, (b) each workshop should also include an agenda item to discuss the substantive issues at hand from a gender perspective and reported in the meeting reports appropriately, with the recommendations tracked in the Quarterly Progress Reports and the annual Project Implementation Reviews, which are constructive measures to ensure gender sensitive decision making.
28 While the focal point of the KMT Mannar was the Former Director General of the NARA and the Focal point of the knuckles is the serving at the Climate Secretariat at Ministry of Environment. 29 Please See Colombo KMT Proposal.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
93. According to the Terms Of Reference (TOR) of Knowledge Management team does not require to ensure compatibility of the grantee’ projects with the respective landscape strategy or gender equality or social justice in the implementation of those projects. But, under the facilitation of project level activities, one of the activity that the KMT is required to perform is ‘advice communities on topics of gender balance, participation of youth and people with disabilities in project activities’. It is not clear whether the KMT is working directly with the communities. 23 94. However, the study did not find any training session conducted by the KMT for grantees or single guiding note or check list given on integration of gender and social inclusion into the grantees projects. In similar to that, even if the KMT were supposed to guide the grantees in developing of project proposals and logframes with relevant and strategically sound outputs and indicators, in assessing of grantees project proposals and logframes, it is not possible to state that AGD sensitive outputs and indicators are there in the grantees proposals. 95. Even if the KMTs are tasked to ‘assess the project impact using an environmental and socioeconomic impact assessment format to capture the project contribution to the GEF’s overall goals using the stated global indicators for GEF Focal Areas and baseline information’, the TOR does not show that it is the responsibility of guiding for conducting of biodiversity profile and the socioeconomic assessment at grantee’ project sites. But, it was told by the KMTs as well as the grantees that KMTs supported to develop baseline survey formats. However, it was observed that none of the survey formats used by the grantees can be used to gather AGD sensitive data. 96. There are various conventions, protocols and national action plans such as Framework Convention on Climate Change, Convention on Biodiversity on and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) provide conceptual framework including of equitable shearing of benefits, gender equality, conservation of traditional knowledge, and wise use, and are directly connected to the landscape management and grantee’ projects. 97. The preamble of the Convention of Biodiversity recognizes the vital role that women play in the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and affirming the need for the full participation of women at all levels of policy-making and implementation for biological diversity conservation. Further, in 2000, in the COP 5, under the Decision V/16: Article 8(j) and related provisions states, it was emphasized that greater attention should be given to strengthening of the role and the participation of women of indigenous and local communities in the program of work. The Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines for the Sustainable use of Biodiversity, 2004, in its Principles recognizes the right to governing (2), management and governance (9), and equitable distribution of benefits shearing (12). Aichi Biodiversity Targets, 2011 – 2020 considers people and community groups including women, local communities and indigenous people, poor and vulnerable in two levels; as a ‘target’ and ‘indicators’ of targets. In 2014, by the COP 12, Gender Plan of Action 2015-2020 was adopted in align with the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The Plan of action identifies four Strategic Objectives; Integrate a Gender Perspectives, Promote Gender Equality, Demonstrate the Benefits of Integrating of Gender and Increase the Effectiveness of Implementation Efforts. 98. As Women commonly face higher risks and greater burdens from the impacts of climate change in situations of poverty and Women’s unequal participation in
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
decision-making processes, labour markets, and climate-related planning, policy- making and implementation, by the decision 3.CP/23 in 2017 adopted the Gender Action Plan with five priority areas namely (a) capacity building, knowledge shearing and communication, (b) gender balance, participation and women’s leadership, (c) coherence, (d) gender responsive implementation and means of implementation, and €monitoring and reporting. 99. While goal no. 5 of Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 aim to ‘achieve gender 24 equality and empower all women and girls’, all most all the SGDs sounds with gender sensitive targets and indicators. However, Goal 1 (End Poverty), 2 (End hunger and achieve food security), 6 (water and sanitation for all), 11 (resilient and sustainable cities), and 13 (action for climate change) are connected with inclusion of gender and communities. 100. This clearly indicates that it is an obligation to align all the projects according to the gender equality provisions of SGP related international conventions, Sustainable Development Goals and National Action Plans. According to the officials of the KMTs, it is expected to align the grantee’ projects with such conventions and plan of actions. However, it was not possible to find such contributions made by the KMTs.
2.5. Grantees and Projects. 101. The central part of the concept as well as of the implementation of Small Grant Project is grantees. Grantees are supposed to be community based and work with the community in addressing the issues identified and solutions recommended by the landscape management strategies. 102. Gender is one of the mandatory cross cutting requirements incorporated into the Small Grant. COMDEKS is relies on a participatory planning process that strengthens local organizational capacities and ownership and depends on the network of organizations and relationships across that are fundamental to resilience and sustainable development. 103. At the time of the assessment, Sri Lanka SGP Programme had selected eight (8) grantees for Colombo Wetland, six (6) for Knuckles and five (5) for Mannar landscapes. The assessment considered the categories, subcategories and key areas marked in the above figure 3 to explore and assess how grantee’s projects are gender sensitive and responsive.
2.5.1. As whom Community has been considered A. Socioeconomic and Environmental Vulnerability of Communities. 104. Different communities in three selected landscapes may be vulnerable to several socioeconomic and environmental factors and forces and the vulnerability may have negative or positive connection with, including of an impact on, the landscape’ biodiversity30. The socioeconomic assessments are essential to assess the
30 It was stated by the community members in Knuckles that the major threat to the agriculture is animal like monkeys, peacock, wild boar, deer, etc. in the Knuckles range and they have come to the maximum levels of tolerance. It was found that almost all the households in Mannar and Knuckles use firewood and community stated that they do not have money to buy gas cookers and gas and also they used to get firewood from Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
socioeconomic status of the related community in the landscape, that explore the status, causes and impact and also the relationship that they have with the targeted landscape biodiversity. Such assessment only discover the gendered relationships in the landscape. 105. The study team was not able to find out that such assessments has resulted to design the examined project proposals of the grantees, and no evidence was found to state that the grantee’s proposals have been captured the issues discussed in the three 25 landscape strategies. At the discussions held with the grantees, it was stated by some grantees that such socioeconomic assessments have been done through a survey while some grantees were planning to do socioeconomic surveys. According to the survey questionnaire had with grantees, which have been developed to provide some sort of livelihood assistance, no questionnaire was AGD sensitive. Some of the grantees stated that they are in the process of either finalizing the questionnaire or conducting the survey while other stated that they are in the process of analysing the data. Therefore, the study requested the finalized questionnaires and the reports for the gender analysis, but none of the grantees have send as it was agreed upon.
B. Community as Cause of a Problem. 106. Landscape surrounding communities or visiting communities and their behaviours can be a cause of a degradation of biodiversity in the selected landscapes that need to reverse or stop or mitigate to conserve the biodiversity. Such behaviours may occurred due to accepted (level) or unaccepted socio - economic and cultural dependencies over the natural resources, ecosystem services and biodiversity. While extraction of natural resources and ecosystem services such as water, medicinal plants, fruits and food, none-harmful ecotourism can be seen as accepted dependencies extraction of soil and ornamental plants, and poorly managed ecotourism are considered as the unaccepted dependencies. As age, gender and other diversities of surrounding or visiting communities make different impact on the biodiversity in the area, it is necessary to consider AGD as one part of threat analysis in the project rational or in the socioeconomic analysis. 107. Three landscape strategies have been identified several such community behaviours such as dumping of waste, poorly managed ecotourism, extraction of plants, over usage of agrochemicals and illegal encroachments as a causes of degradation of biodiversity in the area. And, similar to that few proposals of grantees also has mention such issues. Community members whom were met by the study team informed that due to their gendered roles, they are forced to find easy ways to find resources like firewood, food, medicinal plants, fodder for cattle from the nearby forest or watershed and do not have time to consider whether it is an over extraction. Neither the strategy nor grantee’s proposals have identified landscape biodiversity related gender roles, power nor gendered relationships as a causes of degradation of biodiversity, therefore, none of the projects are gender responsive.
nearby forest. Further, according to the community members, no household in their villages use energy efficient firewood stoves. Economic and technological vulnerability of communities can form as a threat to biodiversity in the area.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
C. Community as Source of a Solution. 108. Article 1 of the Declaration on the Rights to Development recognizes that “every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized”. The concept of rights to development clearly specifies that participation is not the end, and people do have rights as well as obligation to “contribute” towards socioeconomic development. 26 109. There is a twin-tracks result of integrating gender perspectives in development programmes; one is optimizing the impact of the project (return on investment) through active participation and contribution of all relevant individuals and communities - all men and women, and through use of their resources and potentials. Furthermore, this approach makes everyone responsible for the sustainability of the programme. The second track result is that it minimizes the possible failures and conflicts by considering every individual’s – men’s and women’s needs and aspirations. Hence, gender equality becomes results oriented31. 110. The SGP is expected to empower women. The empowerment involves people in assuming control or mastery over their lives and is a social action process that promotes participation of people, organizations, and communities towards the goals of increased individual and community control, political efficacy, improved quality of community life and social justice. Women’s empowerment does not imply women taking over control of those previously held by men, but rather it is the need to transform the nature of power relations. Empowerment is sometimes described as being about the ability to make choices, but it must also involve being able to shape what choices are on offer. [Wallerstein, 1992]. 111. Participation is defined as ‘to take or have a part or share, as with others’. One can participate without engagement. Participation is generally measured with ‘numbers’ and considered as ‘taking action’. The International Association for Public Participation, a leading international organization in advancing the practices of public participation defines ‘public participation’ as means to involve those who are affected by a decision in the decision-making process. It promotes sustainable decisions by providing participants with the information they needed, to be involved in a meaningful way, and it communicates to participants how their inputs affect the decision. 112. Agarwal while discuss about the typology of participation in community forestry, writes that “central to the idea of people's participation in development, is however diverse and contested its definition and scope, is inclusiveness - the inclusion in decision making of those most affected by the proposed intervention. There is also an emerging consensus that effective participation requires people's involvement not just as individuals but as a collectively, such as a village community. Indeed, in the context of natural resource management (be it forests or water), devolving greater power to village communities is now widely accepted as an institutional imperative by governments. Even though the several literature and guiding notes discuss about the participation, in development sector as well as in community forestry, it is prime time
31 Dissanayake DMSB, Gender and Agro-business, 2017
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
to question whether the ‘changes’ happens due to ‘community participation’ or ‘community engagement”32. 113. The basic idea of engagement is ‘to occupy the attention or efforts of’ which step beyond participation, and is usually measured by ‘results’. Engagement is an investment. There may be various levels of engagements as in the participation, and participation is also one level of engagement. This paper intends to explore the “community engagement” rather than ‘community participation’ in CFP, as an 27 improved and effective community engagement in natural resources management, is the ultimate goal of the community forestry programmes. 114. The International Association for Community Development argues that ‘Community engagement is a set of practices and methods that focus on harnessing the innate abilities and potentials that exists in all human communities to become active agents in their own development and to organize them to address key issues and concerns that they share’. Community engagement in SGP could be therefore understood as a take-part in decision making in planning, implementing, and reviewing of landscape management activities by the communities, with the conscience and commitment, and enjoy the socio economic and environmental benefits and in equitable and justifiable manner. In this, equity is understood as the equity among the present community and with the future generation. 115. The three landscapes has shown evidence of participatory planning of three landscapes strategies and also has been recommended to consider the accessibility to and capacity of mobilizing community [Ex. Capacity to implement and previous experience in community mobilisation with a social and/or environmental focus (Knuckles), number/level/diversity in community participation (Mannar)] as one of the selection criteria grantees and their projects. 116. As no grantees from the respective landscapes, all grantees have stated in the project proposal that they implement the project with landscape based community organizations, but none of them were AGD related CBOs such as women organizations or youth organizations or women farmers society. However, it was observe that the while many grantees closely work with selected few individuals under the names of CBOs but without much awareness of CBOs, some work with landscapes based CBOs as a nominal counterparts. Wanasarana Thurulatha Swechcha Society (WTSS) has identified that around 30 hectares of paddy lands in Walpitiya in Homagama has abounded for decades and thus invasive plants have been thickly grown in the area, and also highland have degraded due to soil erosion as a result of farming practices. The WTSS has done social mapping with villagers including women and Agriculture Research and Promotion Assistant (ARPA) of the area and have identified the problem and proposed solutions. The WTSS has committed to work with Walpitiya Farmer Organization and Women Society. Further, the WTSS has allocated five member committee for monitoring of the project with the composition of 2 community members and officials.
32 Bina Agarwal, Participatory exclusions, community forestry, and gender: and analysis for South Asia and a conceptual framework, World Development Volume 29, No. 1, pp 1623 -1648, published at http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTENERGY/Resources/backgroundmaterial1.pdf
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
According to the project proposal of the Mihimaw Science Foundation (MSF), it has been planned to cultivate 50 hectares of private paddy lands in Homagama division, with the participation of a none-detailed farmer organization and the Organization for protection of traditional seeds and farmers rights. No evidence was found that the proposal was developed based on the community consultations done and also do not carry any specific interventions targeting of specific community groups. The project 28 does not see how different communities are significant in landscape management, thus, the project has focused only on paddy farmers, without any plans for sustainability. Key activity of the Zoological Student’s Association (ZSA) of University of Jaffna is planting 50 hectares of mangroves in Kavutharimunai in Poonryn. The project does not indicate whether the proposal was developed based on the community consultations. However, it was found that house to house visits had been done by the student for a survey and public awareness over the project. Even if the project considered people and families in most of the project activities, no specific community group have been identified. The project proposal for 15 months project of the ‘Enhancing wise use of marine and coastal habitats by coastal communities through education and incentives in Vidataltivu, Mannar’ of Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project (SLTCP) proposes to have monthly monitoring and evaluation meeting with the participation of community members and government officers to monitor progress of the project. Community participation in project monitoring decreases cost of monitoring, increases good governance and contribute to sustainability of the project. However, it would have been transparent and effective if composition of the community had been described. The average budgetary allocation for the monitoring is shown below. Table 4: Allocation made for Monitoring and Evaluation by SLTCP
Output Total Allocation LKR % for Output No. For Output For M & E M & E An Eco tourism programme established as a livelihood for the community (15 persons) to reduce 1 1,635,800.00 530,000.00 32 the over exploitation of marine and coastal resources (8 months), but 15 monthly M & E Meetings A community sewing programme will be established as a livelihood for the community (10 persons) to reduce the over exploitation of 2 1,180,000.00 530,000.00 45 marine and coastal resources (3 months training and post training production and marketing support with 15 monthly M & E meetings) A community Ornamental fish breeding programme will be 3 established as a livelihood for the 1,180,000.00 530,000.00 45 community (5 persons) to reduce the over exploitation of marine and
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
coastal resources. (6 months activity and 15 months M & E) Community awareness enhanced on natural resource management and capacity developed to reduce 4 the over exploitation of marine and coastal resources and to increase community participation in 1,100,000.00 - 0 29 conservation actions Publicity generated for the project 5 and all concerned parties informed about the project activities Administration 325,000.00 - 5,420,800.00 1,590,000.00 29
Socio Economic Development Association (SEDA) in Mannar landscape has planned to plants 2000 trees in 5 Schools in Manthaiwest and Nannattan DSDs as it is difficult to engage in education activities due to high heat inside School buildings. The study found that some selected Schools have large amount of land have high level strength of opportunities, as the grantee’s tree planting activities can be implemented in align with the Circular No. 2009/11 of Ministry of Education, that all Schools are requested to have environmental committees with annual medal awarding programme for Children. But, the study reveals that it could have been more effective and even participation of children could be gain in tree planting and maintaining, if children and teachers were consulted in selecting of trees as children like fruit trees33 than teak that has been selected. 117. Community participation in project management is also as considered as an avenue for reduction of management cost to increase investment to achieve project’ main goal. But, above table indicate that M & E cost is relationally high than the investment. The output three of the project, which is aimed to train and facilitate 5 community members to have two ornamental fish breeding tanks of 1500 fairs of fish, while invest 55% for implementation of the activity, allocates 45% for the activity monitoring. As the allocation for each family is around LKR 40,000.00, the project could have provided benefits for at least another 10 families including of female headed families from the M & E budget. 118. Community engagement in environment sector can take place in various ways and means; in general but not limited to, monitoring, documentation and reporting including of community based research, community voicing and advocacy34, protection and conservation, and management of natural resources. There is high possibility of
33 The study observe that selected Schools are under resources and do not have economically rich supportive mechanism like old students associations. Therefore, short term fruit trees while meeting the SGP objectives bring income to the Schools. It is planned to plant at least 400 trees in each School. According to the Department of Agriculture, average income of mango three of age of five years is around LKR 20,000.00. 34 People to People Organization working in Colombo Wetland, in its background information of the project proposal, state that surrounding community of Thalangama tank have encroached the tank reservation which affect environment as well as the community around the tank and visiting community, and discuss the neediness of taking action against such encroachments. But, no activity has planned to implement including organizing community voicing and advocacy.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
and potential for women engagement in all most all of such activities, but no such opportunities are created by any project designs. 119. Considering community as a source of solution in community related projects is the key factor of sustainability. When the respective communities are committed, competent and courage with realization of the value of the project for their life, community take the responsibility of the sustainability35. When considering the community, it is significant to understand the variations of communities. 30 120. Engagement of women in decision making36 in implementing and reviewing of community related activities is not significant in the aspect discrimination or in terms of women’s rights. But, it is a social justice, as well as the optimum utilization of human capital. Under-representation or low-representation of women, is not only a democratic issue in the system or in the practices of the community, but also is perceived as a poor management practice. 121. In this context, it could have been taken few approaches to ensure women and youth in landscapes management. Allocating of reasonable amount of potion of grantees from women and youth driven organizations is one option. However, there can be circumstance where no such organization has been applied or qualified to receive grant. In this case, the SGP could have imposed conditions for grantees to have women and youth in key positions in reasonable manner in grantee organizations and CBOs at the landscapes. 122. Paucity of gender aggregated data on participation in, contribution to, and enjoyment of the benefits in landscape management makes the picture dark and not in a position to state how gender plays a role in landscape management, that leading to the under- value of women’s contributions as well as the undervaluing of contribution of the grantee’s projects on women empowerment.
D. Community as Beneficiaries. 123. Landscape management activities are expected bring socioeconomic and environmental benefits to the community, country and to the globe, directly or indirectly. Different communities receive socioeconomic and environmental benefits as a result of implementation of project activities in generally and due to especially designed activities to bring benefits to specially targeted communities. As any project is expected to bring benefits to the community, society and to the environment in possible ways, this section considers only the benefits of specially designed activities (known as affirmative actions or special measures) to bring special benefits as a strategy of achieving of the ultimate goal of the projects such as capacity building of CBOs, livelihood development supports to increase active engagement of communities (but not as a mental bribery), alternative livelihoods/ materials/machines/methods to
35 It was stated by the ecotourism guides in Knuckles that their livelihood is totally depends on the biodiversity in the area, therefore, they will conserve the biodiversity in the area. 36 Agarwal argues that women's greater participation in ‘rule-making’ could reduce tendencies to ‘rule-breaking’, by allowing them to formulate rules that are not only fairer but also perceived by them to be so. Bina Agarwal, Participatory exclusions, community forestry, and gender: and analysis for South Asia and a conceptual framework, World Development Volume 29, No. 1, pp 1623 -1648, published at http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTENERGY/Resources/backgroundmaterial1.pdf
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
deviate community from harmful economic practices to the biodiversity, and for conservation of biodiversity. 124. Therefore, in assessing of how and for what SGP grantees have considered communities as beneficiaries is measured through [1] the levels of access to, and control over the landscape resources and opportunities, and [2] the levels of importance given for and have the capacity to influence by women in landscape management activities, and [3] what socio-economic benefits men and women get in 31 forest goods and services, as the results of different levels of access to, and control, and including the level of importance given to, and have influenced men and women. 125. As ‘nondiscrimination’ is not equal to ‘equality’, the landscape conservation cannot only be reached through non-discrimination policies or practices. There should be affirmative action to bring different social and economic classes, or communities to an equal line (level) in getting access to, control over and enjoy the benefits of biodiversity in the landscapes. 126. Livelihoods comprise the capabilities, assets (including both material and social resources) and activities that are required for the means of living. A livelihood is sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stress and shocks and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the future, which contributes net benefits to other livelihoods at the local and global levels, and in the short and long- term, while not undermining the natural resources base. (Chambers & Conway, 1991). Gendered livelihoods are seen as “encompassing the material realities and ideological processes that shape and are shaped by economic strategies in diverse geographical locations” (Oberhauser et al, 2007). 127. Capabilities, assets and activities are referred to as a series of interlinked ‘capitals’ and they are the human capital, natural capital, physical capital, social capital and financial capital37. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) views livelihoods as systems which consist of (a) the assets people draw upon, (b) the strategies that they develop to make a living, (c) the context within which a livelihoods is developed, and (d) factors that make a livelihoods more or less vulnerable to shocks and stresses (The Department for International Development (DFID) of UK, 2001). 128. The livelihoods assets drawn upon people are the various capitals that people get easy access to. According to Babington (1999), assets are “those that give the capability to be and act. Assets should not be understood only as things that allow survival, adaptation and poverty alleviation; they are also the basis of power to act and to
37 While human capital is the competencies required for labour and the environment including the health conditions, which enable people to engage in different livelihoods strategies and achieve their livelihoods objectives, the Natural capital is the intangible (atmosphere) and tangible (Ex. biodiversity to divisible assets used directly for production) natural resources flows and services available for livelihoods. The physical capital comprises the basic infrastructure (which is not limited to building, roads, transport, and energy, but also it includes livelihoods related information) and goods required for livelihoods. Infrastructure is considered as the physical environment that is required to meet basic needs to be more productive, the producer goods consists of the tools and equipment that need to be more productive and the Social capital is the social norms, institutions and practices that enable livelihoods. According to the World Bank, social capital refers to the institutions, relationships and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society’s social interactions. Social capital is not just the sum of the institutions that underpin a society; it is the glue that holds them together. Whereas physical capital refers to physical objects and human capital refers to the properties of individuals, social capital refers to connections among individuals, social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them” (Definition of basic concepts and terminologies in governance and public administration, E/C.16/2006/4, United Nations Economic and Social Council, 2006). The financial capital includes the financial resources (the availability of cash or equivalent that enables people to adopt different empowerment strategies) both the available and in regular inflows, to achieve livelihoods objectives.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
reproduce, challenge or change the rules that govern the control, use and transformation of resources”. Livelihoods strategies mean how people get physically, economically and socially access, individually or collectively, to those assets within the social, economic, political and environmental contexts that they live in38. 129. Livelihoods context donates the social, economic and political context, which includes the social norms, policies, laws, institutions, procedures and practices that create livelihoods obstacles or opportunities. Gender relations are one such livelihoods 32 context. The factors that make livelihoods less vulnerable, which is the last component of the sustainable livelihood framework, are the internal and external conditions that keep livelihoods sustained. 130. Landscape’ biodiversity provide all form of services; which include provisioning services such as food, water, timber, and fibre; regulating services such as the regulation of climate, floods, disease and water quality; cultural services such as recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and spiritual fulfilment; and supporting services such as soil formation, photosynthesis, and nutrient cycling39, which improve the human well-being40. The communities irrespective of the sex category or age or other diversities should have equitable access to such services. The study found that most of the projects have planned or implemented at least one income generation activity. Even if the proposal does not shown any links with the threat to the biodiversity in the area, it has been suggested livelihood development activities such as home gardening, flower pot gardening, pan weaving, envelop making for women, youth (3000kg compost preparation), widows and persons with disabilities. Meanwhile, out of four outputs of the project one output (OP 3) has allocated for empower (25) women, youth and persons with disabilities (15 Women + 6 Youth + 4 PWDs) through livelihood development activities. Further, it has been selected youths for composting projects that is directly link to one of the identified problem (over usage of agrochemical) in the proposal as well as the landscape strategy. However, the KIIs and the grantee’s data revels that selected community members have given LKR 5000 per each irrespective of their livelihood activity and without any business plan or training. The study also revealed that WTSS some of the receivers of monetary assistance is not much relevance to their economic engagement and economic stability which include savings and it does not give much gear to what women already engage in (Pl read Case Story 1,2, and 3 of annexure 7). The People to People grantee in Colombo wetland’ records indicate that a home gardening project for 10 persons, gardening in ‘ovita’ land for 12 persons value addition for dairy farmers for 2 persons, developing marking facilities for 20 organic producers. Out of which some are female
38 “Aththam” is one of such strategy that rural farmers use, to find the required labour. 39 Women in forest resource management, University of Pokhara, 2011 40 Human well-being is today defined as all people have a role in shaping decisions that affect their ability to meet their needs, safeguard their livelihood and realize their full potential. Fisher, Dechaineux and Keonuchan (1996) describe the elements of human well-being as economic benefits in the form of access to material goods (assets, capital, labour availability, credit and availability of cash); quality of life (health, education, culture and access to services), equity (how fairly well-being is distributed to different individuals and groups) and risk and power relations.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
beneficiaries, but no data was found to see how youths have been benefited out of the project. 131. Selection of beneficiaries needs to be strategic. The Project designers essential to consider projects are not charities and it is an investment, thus need to ensure return of investment. Therefore, project designers are required to decide whether investing people for people or investing on people for people. Investing people for people41 is highly gender sensitive strategy while investing on people for people is gender 33 responsive. Livelihood development activities in biodiversity conservation need to be seen as investing on people for people. In other words, such livelihood supports are aimed to deviate them from existing practices that threat to the biodiversity or increase their engagement in conservation of biodiversity. Whatever the approach, it need to align with the principle of equity. 132. The study observed few concerns in providing of direct benefits/livelihood supports to the communities, which are directly and negatively impact on gender equality. Lack of relevance of the livelihood support with the identified threats to the biodiversity42, poorly43 or narrowly44 designed livelihood activities, and inequality in distribution of resources, such as either same person or same family had more access to livelihood supports given by some grantees45. The study did not found formal beneficiary selection criteria and procedure in single grantee. This emphasise the requirement of benefit sharing policy in the SGP as a country programme.
2.5.2. Types of Community Groups Were Focused/Incorporated 133. Different people have different values, competencies and aspirations. Therefore, in landscape management. It is essential to consider different age groups (Ex. Children, Youths, Adults, Elders, etc.), sex categories (male, female, etc.), health status (Persons with disabilities / families with PWDs/ persons having major sicknesses), family /civil status (Ex. FHF), social status (Ex. Ethnicity/ Religion, etc.) and economic status (Ex. Occupational/ Income levels, etc.) of communities connected landscape management. Further, as it is necessary to consider sustainability of the projects, grantees need to consider local landscape based organizations such as youth clubs, children societies,
41 The Arunalu has planned to facilitate 10 male persons for ecotourism where there are educated and unemployed young women were willing to engage in the same. 42 Marine pollution, damaging to mangroves, dynamiting corals are some of the major threats identified by the SLTCP for their project. However, providing of tailoring training and breading ornamental fishing are the alternative livelihood development activities that has been introduced by the grantee. It is observable that people in cause are not in the list of beneficiaries and the income gaining form new livelihood are not enough to deviate from the activities that they or their family members engaged. 43 Envelop making in WTSS is one example that show unplanned livelihood activities of some grantees. Even though, a Development Officer of the respective village is serving as a Board Member and Executive Committee of Arunalu (and another SGP grantee operates in the same location), no livelihood activities have been connected with any government programmes or with other grantee that he serve. 44 Ex. Expansion of grantees business as a livelihood activities by SLTCP (ornamental fish) and MCRCF (Aloe vera) in Mannar landscape. 45 Mr. M. Saranapala Perera (0112760585) and M. Jayawardana, Avarihena, Hokandara (0112156371) who are well- established cattle farmers, while having a access to LKR 100,000.00 value chain facility from the project, receives facilities from the developing marketing facility for organic products, and assistance for ‘Ovita’ gardening which is worth around LKR 29,000.00. The same situation is seen in some other Project like Arunalu in Knuckles, where both the husband and wife benefited as husband has become the access point of the grantee in the village.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
women societies as a carrying mechanism and young active individuals to keep projects long time. 134. However, it was observed that tailor-made persons have been selected for tailor-made projects. One of the stereotype idea that the society carries is women are good for home gardening as they are at home, therefore when home gardening activities have been focused on women. As beautiful locations are there in the landscape, ecotourism is has become another activity with giving set of equipment to male persons 34 irrespective of neediness46, even if women also can engage in tour guide within the safer areas. The other side of the selection of beneficiaries is blindness of service seekers of the villagers. As an example, in ecotourism, having female tour guide with or without a male tour guide provide extra protection and feeling of convertibility for female visitors. Addressing of different needs of different persons is a key to gender equality.
2.5.3. As a Strategy for Gender Equality. 135. Gender Equality refers to the fair treatment for both the assigned sexes; ‘male and female’, considering the different interests, needs, priorities and aspirations of men, women, girls and boys and the socio - cultural environment that affects each of them, so that they all can equality enjoy the benefits of development, as a results of equal access to and control of opportunities and resources. 136. Gender equality is a proven successful approach in development, social change, as well as in the management. Gender equality is results oriented, change oriented and need variations oriented. There is a twin-tracks result of integrating gender perspectives in development programmes; one is optimizing the impact of the project (return on investment) through active participation and contribution of all relevant individuals and communities - all men and women, and through use of their resources and potentials. Furthermore, this approach makes everyone responsible for the sustainability of the programme. The second track result is that it minimizes the possible failures and conflicts by considering every individual’s – men’s and women’s needs and aspirations. Hence, gender equality becomes results oriented47. 137. In the discussion of gender equality, the most significant feature is the ‘equality’. Equality is an outcome of several designed measures including of ‘equity’, ‘affirmative actions or special measure’, and non-discrimination. The concept of ‘gender equity’ seek fair treatment of both sexes that take into account and address the different needs of the men, women, boys and girls, cultural barriers and the effects of (past) discrimination of the specific group. In this case, the ‘treatment’ needs to be fair in two ways; with in the same and against the requirement. While ‘within in the same’
46 Mr. Gamini Rajakaruna was a farmer and presently serve as a tour guide while he rent his paddy land for camping site for tourists for years. He charge LKR 3000.00 per day for any tour. According to the grantee, it is planned to provide set of equipment that consist of rain coat and torch, to 10 tour guides in the village including of Gamini, irrespective of his affordability. Further, it was found that there was two year UNDP project with had a component of ecotourism that provided training, formed an ecotourism guide society and provided larger set of equipment, in Vedithlathivue in Mannar. The Society runs their office in a room belongs to the village fisheries society, where one room is used as the stores for the given equipment. The President of the society, who attended the organized by the SLTCP with the study team, stated that no tourists are coming and they do not get any income out of ecotourism. However, while SLTCP is using the same building for their meetings, it is planned to purchase another set of equipment as it is stated in the grantee’ SGP project proposal. 47 Gender responsive programming, Dissanayake DMSB, 2013
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
discusses about the fairness for same group under similar context/condition (ex. Allocating of same amount for farmers if the land and other conditions are same), the concept of ‘against the requirement’ discusses the required treatment to be equal, including through affirmative actions (ex. providing of special/ additional trainings to perform equally). In this different grantees have taken different measures. The WTSS while selecting the beneficiaries the way they represent each part of the project 35 area (the beneficiary location map is available), it has been considered the amount of grant based on the size of the paddy land as below48.
Land Size (Acre) No. of farmers (lands) Amount
0.25 04 7,500.00* 0.30 04 9,600.00 0.50 08 13,500.00 0.75 05 17,500.00 1.0 02 23,500.00 *one farmer has given LKR 9,600.00 The People to People grantee while allocating LKR 50,000.00 for 10 home gardens and LKR 350,000.00 for 12 ‘Ovita’ garden, LKR 100,000.00 has been allocated for the benefits of two person value addition of their dairy products.
138. Mainstreaming is a public policy concept that assesses the different implications of the policies, programmes and practices on different people (Eg. Women, Youths, Persons with disabilities, civil status, etc.) or on subjects (Eg. agriculture, environment, gender, conflict management). Mainstreaming does not narrow down to integrating, including or increasing the numbers of different groups of persons or different subjects into development agendas which already is decided upon by others and for others. Mainstreaming is a strategy, an approach, and a means to achieve a goal, and thus not be just a project activity, is expected to create a transformative process. 139. While the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action refers “gender mainstreaming” as a public policy concept of assessing different implication for men and women of policies, programmes and practices, by its paragraph 202 and 204, it emphasizes that the necessity of “mainstreaming gender”, affirming that “in addressing the inequality between men and women in the sharing of power and decision-making at all levels, Governments and other actors should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming ‘a gender perspective’ in all policies and programmes so that, before decisions are taken, an analysis is made of the effects of women and men respectively’’. 140. Gender mainstreaming is a strategy for making women's as well as men's concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and
48 For the home gardening, the WTSS has granted LKR 5000.00 for 0.5 acre, 8,000.00 for 0.75 acre and 10,000.00 for one acre.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres, so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality49. Mainstreaming of age, gender and diversity perspectives assures not only that diverse people are considered, but also the diversities of community - diverse values, goals and practices, become central to the entire Project. 141. Gender mainstreaming needs to take place in policies, project and practice (3P). In 36 landscape management, especially for landscape level project management, having a Policy or code of principles or at least a guiding manual on gender equality (and in benefits sharing) which discuss the needs, rights, strategic values and approaches in ensuring gender equality is an advantage to meet the SGP goals effectively. Following the AGD mainstreaming expect the projects to ensure addressing of practical and strategic needs of related communities. For that, the grantees are required to consider AGD in problem analysis, in Outcomes and indicators, in strategies and in actions including of budgetary allocations. 142. It was observe that reasonable number of project had considered men and women, youths, and PWDs as well as farming communities in problem analysis, and some of the proposals, as discussed above, have considered different community groups in outputs, activities and indicators, while most of the proposals are AGD blind. Gender budgeting is one of the key elements in gender mainstreaming and the WTSS has allocated 7% for the activities that directly targeted women, youth and PWDs, while it is hard to find such direct allocations in other proposals. 143. Women economic empowerment is a pathway to gender equality. ‘Empowerment’ involves people in assuming control or mastery over their lives (Rappoaport, 1987) and empowerment is not only the ability to make choices, but it includes the ability to shape as to what choices are on offer. Empowering in one context, may not be in another. 144. Central to the concept, ‘women’s empowerment’ is an understanding of power by itself. Women’s empowerment does not imply women taking over control of those that were previously held by men, but is a process of transforming gender power relations in a constructive manner, through building the capacity of women to change the unfair power relations into a fair one. The women empowerment is expected to address the causes of gender subordination. The ultimate goal of women’s empowerment is for women themselves to be the active agents of change in transforming gender relations (DFID, 2000). 145. There are five components of women empowerment, and they are (1) women’s sense of self-worth; (2) their right to have and determine choices; (3) their right to have access to opportunities and resources; (4) their right to have the power to control their own lives, both within and outside the home; and (5) their ability to influence the direction of social change to create a more just social and economic order, nationally and internationally50.
49 United Nations Economic and Social Council, June 1997, Mainstreaming the gender perspective into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system, Report of the Secretary-General; available http://www.un.org/documents/ecosoc/docs/1997/e1997-66.htm 50 http://www.un.org/popin/unfpa/taskforce/guide/iatfwemp.gdl.html
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
146. Economic empowerment which does not discuss the economic stability, stands for enlarging the ‘choosing and bargaining power’ due to the changing of economic status of the individual and the community. An economic activity of women to manage the care role in her household and a productive life may not bring an increased income or an ‘economic stability’ for her, but will give her the ‘economic status’ through access to credit facilities, social reputations, etc. 147. The study observed that most of the grantees have strived to include livelihood 37 activities in their projects irrespective of the idea of relevance to the threats to the landscape’ biodiversity and economic gain of the livelihood activity. Most of the women whom are given or selected for benefits were not able to see or say possible income increase due to their new livelihood activity even if they know that they have a new role and a responsibility. Women who were undergoing a tailoring training during the study stated that still they do not have an idea about the business or market, but at least can fulfil home sewing requirement if they have a sewing machine. What women can do and for what women are branded to do are two different concepts that project designers are supposed to consider in economic empowerment of women. In some occasions, increasing employment opportunities and access to livelihoods opportunities for women, put additional burdens on their lives, as women are supposed to engage in any paid work, when at the same they are obligated to perform the household chores without failure, and also get involved in community management work. 148. Social empowerment also discusses the level of self-confidence to be a social being and the level of acceptance by the society (social inclusion). Power is a relational concept that operates at the personal, intra-household and community levels. Feminist theorists have identified four dimensions of power, ‘power from within’, ‘power to’, ‘power with’ and ‘power over’ (Wong, 2003). 149. Power ‘within’ refers to personal psychological power, and empowerment is the process whereby someone develops a sense of self-confidence and self-respect that had been lacking previously. ‘Power to’ is the capacity to make decisions and take actions to change one’s circumstances. They are into having the feeling of ‘we can do something in this society’. Giving of access to resources and opportunities for people generates power, and that power usually is invested in reversing past discrimination. Power with’ focuses on collective action, and the ability to solve problems and claim citizenship rights through co-operation and networks. 150. Convention on Bio Diversity and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Strategic Plan (NBSAP), Framework Convention on Climate Change and other several international and national documents seek policy makers and programme implementers to ensure empowerment of women through sectoral activities. It is question whether, how much these project have given consideration for social empowerment of women, as a young researchers and environmentalists – at least tour guide, biodiversity monitors or writers, landscape conservation activists and managers, and finally change makers. 151. No grantee was able to show that nature of interest or plans within their projects. This situation become worsen as all most all the projects are men driven, but little visibility of young girls in Zoological Student Association in Mannar landscape and Emotional Intelligence and Life Skills Training Team (Gte) Ltd in Colombo wetland. But the study sees high possibilities and opportunities for academic and research based organizations, ZOA of University of Jaffna, Ecological Association of Sri Lanka in
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Mannar Landscape, Centre for Sustainability of University of Sri Jayawardanapura51 and Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFL) in Knuckles landscape. The study team had a lengthy, but very effective discussion with Mr. Mendis, of Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka, who strongly believe that his project does not have any connection with community and also with gender, as his project activities are implemented in the forest. But the study team is in a view of that HFL is one of the most important and the grantee who can 38 influence in gender equality in many ways. The project proposal of the SGP as well as the HFL identify that human – animal conflict, especially snake bites are remarkably reported in the landscape. Accordingly there is neediness of making aware adjoin village communities in both the ways in getting precautionary measures and giving first aid at the initial stages. Women and children would be the best knowledge carries. Meanwhile, women used to go to nearby forest for fetching of water and collect firewood, food, fruits, medicinal plants, etc., and while they are more exposure to snake bites, women can be trained as local experts in identifying, recording and for conservation52.
152. Women hold more responsibilities, burdens family care, and into the routine of working for more than average hours compared to men; but the work of women often go unrecognised, undervalued and unpaid. Women are overburdened with the gendered roles, low power and low status and with gender based violence which perpetuates gender inequality and injustice which is a cause of poverty. Injustices are in different natures and in various forms. 153. When women hold gendered roles - reproductive, community management and productive53, which assigned by men and women for their socio, cultural and political benefits, and when women become victims of those roles, men are accountable in reversing or mitigating of the gender inequalities instituted due to the assigned roles for women. 154. Therefore, United Nations explores three interconnected ways to narrow the gender gaps as in the following diagram54.
51 The Study team could not meet the officials of the centre in personally, but studied the proposal. 52 It is acceptable that it is hard for women to engage in researching during night time. But, the field is not operating only during the night. It was also observed that the wife and both the small children also engage in Mr. Mendis’ research and photography activity. This assure that the issue is not with the sex category and it is with the willingness, opportunity and security during the night times. 53 Moser argues that the productive role of women is also to meet practical gender needs. It particularly promotes small - scale income generating projects. According to Moser, the anti-poverty approach hopes to enhance women’s productivity, and it views women’s poverty as a matter of under development. (Moser 1993: 67) 54 Leave no one behind, A call to action for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, report of the UN Secretary General’s high level panel on women’s economic empowerment, p. 46
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Diagram 3: Three interconnected ways to narrow the gender gap
Recognize Measure and recognize the value of unpaid work
39
Reduce Reduce the overall time spent by both men and Redistribute women on unpaid work Redistribute the share of unpaid work done by women
Source: Report of the UNSG’s high level panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment
155. According to the diagram, it is a prerequisite for men to play constructive roles in three spheres; at home, at the society and at the work place. For this, it is needed to consider the avenues for sensitizing and raising awareness of men and engage men in accountable practices. The grantees could play a major role in improving of engagement of men in accountable practices in their work related to impact on the landscape management, which includes recognizing and respecting socioeconomic and environmental concerns and contribution of women irrespective of their sex category. The recognition means the recognition of practical and strategic needs of women, their skills and assets, and also the right of women, which the study has discuss before. In redistribution of roles of women in landscape management includes, but not limited to, roles in decision making and in management activities in the projects. It was told by women in Attanwela Knuckles landscape55 and Vidathalaithivue in Mannar that they all are using traditional firewood cook stoves (TCS) which are directly linked with greenhouse gas (GHG). The project proposal of the SLTCP also stated that mangroves are taken as firewood. The World Health Organization estimated that the number of deaths attributable to Indoor Air Pollution (IAP) in Sri Lanka in 2004 was 4300, and even if the data is not available, the majority should be women. The three grantees could have taken into the available threat to the environment and health risk of women due to TCSs, and at least transform the TCSs as energy efficient cookers with introducing of a simple technology as reduce of burden of women for gender equality.
55 And also according to the resource profile of the Divisional Secretariat in project locations of CIIKs
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
2.6. Community in Landscape. 156. Social status, human condition and enabling environment of three socioeconomic and environmentally diverse landscapes are totally different. Therefore, the dependency that three communities have over the landscape biodiversity is different. While community are out of the knuckles conservation area, people are living in the landscape in Colombo and Mannar landscapes. Therefore, anthropogenic threats in Mannar and Colombo is averagely high. As gender and biodiversity has a visible 40 relationship with anthropogenic threats to biodiversity, different strategic approaches are to be taken. 157. Most of the community in Mannar landscape, who experienced the brutal war more than two decades, suffer with their poverty, disability, 24% widow community and under development with lack natural resources. The generational age gap is high in North Province, and most of the mid age male population is either disabled, unskilled, and are not economically stable. This context requires women to play breadwinner roles in the family. Youth in Knuckles are internally migrating due to lack income opportunities and infrastructure facilities, while women are engaging in traditional care and subordinate role in home and society, while experiencing pay gaps in productive role. Women in Colombo wetland lives in vast range of social class and sub classes with various engagements in biodiversity or related economic sector. The intersectionality of gender is vary from one landscape to another. These differences, while showing different opportunities, request for different approaches for gender equality in three landscapes.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
03. CONCLUDING REMARKS FOR CHANGE
41
158. The GEF Small Grant Programme that aimed to conservation of biodiversity through community engagement recognizes that gender plays a significant role in effectiveness of SGP interventions. Gender equality is not a just objective of SGP and is a prerequisite to achieve SGP biodiversity related goals. Therefore, the SGP requires the Country Programme to ensure gender equality is taken into consideration at all levels of the programme, as a strategy and an objective for effectiveness and sustainability. 159. Social equality is a state of affairs in which all people within a given society have the same status: same respects, same rights, and equal access to social goods and services. Gender equality is required to see as a part of social equality. The SGP is supposed to go beyond the gender sensitivity and required to be gender responsive. 160. The Programme design document of SGO is not technically structured in the way gender equality measures are taken by landscape management and all actions related to that. Therefore, it is advisable to take clear and straight strategic based policy and administrative interventions to ensure gender responsiveness of the SGP. For that, 160.1. Revisit the logframe of the SGP and include relevant AGD responsive indicators, so that the way grantees are supposed to deliver and report the performance and results, 160.2. Incorporate gender responsive indicators into the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework of the SGP, 160.3. Develop a social equality and social safe guard policy or a guideline for the SGP, that covers human rights aspects of SGP, gender equality and benefit sharing minimum standards and approaches, 160.4. Allocate minimum gender equality targets for each Grantee that ensures gender equality is captured in landscape management. 161. The study observe that the grantees’ views and understanding on gender, which has limited to participation of women, does not support to meet the SGP objectives in gender equality in landscape management. 161.1. Therefore, it is proposed to train grantees on transforming their existing projects to gender responsive projects while achieving of their committed targets. 161.2. Further, it is essential knowledge management teams to utilize their resources to facilitate grantees to ensure community engagement and livelihood development activities are effective, as it directly link with the empowerment of women and girls. Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
162. Consider to allocate minimum quota system for women and youths in management activities and in socio-economic opportunities in landscape management. 163. Pilot a well design and innovative women movement approach in landscape management. 164. Sustainability has at least in three aspects; sustainability of the projects and the implementation mechanism created, sustainability of the livelihood created through the project, and most importantly the sustainability of the SGP concepts in landscape 42 management. And, learning does not limit to the learning of the project, but it means the ‘created learning culture’ among the project stakeholders through realization of the learning. 164.1. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that all the grantees are aware the bigger picture of the SGP, what is their accountability and how their projects are supposed to contribute to the SGP’ ultimate goals and all outcomes. The study observe that no grantee have a clear idea about the SGP’ four outcomes and landscape strategies as they have only SGP targets as outcomes of the SGP. 164.2. Improve effective monitoring, data gathering, documentation and reporting practice at grantees level and from the grantees level in horizontally and vertically. 164.3. Improve and facilitate for a learning culture wit knowledge and resource shearing among the grantees. 164.4. Allocate at least one gender equality case study under different themes for each grantee to ensure that all grantees are accountable for piloting and upscaling of gender equality measures in landscape management.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
04. GENDER EQUALITY PLAN OF ACTION
43
165. The Socio-political agendas of the societies that covered with the word of ‘culture’, visionary and economical poverty of the society, the social and technological vulnerability of the people, family structure and traditional gender based division of labour that determine women’s role and status has directly influence to maintain gender inequality in the society at large, so it has been reflected in the landscape management. 166. Therefore, the gender equality plan of action in landscape management carries two interdependent and interrelated strategic approaches; gender equality for increasing of effectiveness of landscape management, and landscape management activities as opportunity for gender equality, in two aspects (AGD in landscape management and in receiving of socioeconomic opportunities) with three layer of interventions; namely ensuring of enabling environment, increasing accountability and competencies, and providing of affirmative actions.
The Matrix of Action Plan Level and Intervention Targets and Indicators Accountability Timeline No. Precondition 01: Enabling environment for gender equality is assured. SGP NCS take relevant and The approved list of required policy decisions Gender equality 1.1 NCS with measurable targets for targets circulated gender equality in SGP among all actors. Percentage of grantees Gender equality and social communicated 1.2 safeguard policy/ guideline about the changes is adhered. in their activity according to the policy/guideline Monitoring and Evaluation Gender responsive 1.3 framework is amended in M & E framework align with the new targets
Precondition 2: Relevant actors are accountable and competent in transforming
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
and monitoring of existing projects as gender response projects Facilitate SGP Officials, KMs and Grantees to Percentage of strategically transform grantee’s projects 2.1 existing projects to gender transformed as responsive projects with gender responsive awareness and 44 commitment. Monitoring of changes in 2.2 programme effectiveness and gender responsiveness.
Precondition 3: Providing of Affirmative Actions (Special measures) No. of women Allocating minimum of one centred/ driven women centred and driven 3.1 landscape landscape project per management landscape projects. Introduce a Increased precondition/targets for all percentage of grantees to increase 3.2 women in women/youths in project management of management at grantee’s grantees projects. end. Introduce a Increased precondition/targets for all percentage of grantees to increase 3.3 women landscape women/youths in project in management of management at community CBOs/projects. level. Nos. of women and youth are ready to take over management of Provide special competency landscape (this can development opportunities have sub categories 3.4 for landscape as research, women/youths on monitoring and landscape management. documentation, as local scientist, etc. based on NSC guidance)
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 1: Terms of Reference
45
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 2: List of Reviewed Documents
1. The Small Grant Porgramme design document (ProDoc) 2. SGP Outcome Indicator Document (TREE) 46 3. SGP TOR for Landscape Strategy Development 4. SGP three landscape strategies, 5. SGP TOR for Knowledge Management, 6. Mannar and Knuckles KM Proposals, 7. SGP NGO Concept Format, 8. SGP NGO Proposal Format, 9. Proposals of all grantees, 10. And, GEF SGP guidelines.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 3: List of Key Informant Interviews/ Focus Group Discussions
Colombo Wetlands Mehimaw Science 1 Mr. Sampath Ariyasena August 22,2018 Foundation 47 Kautawana women’s August 22,2018 society(2) AI for Katuwana August 22,2018 Mr. Gurusinghe(Traditional August 22,2018 rice society- President) M.D. Piyasena(Traditional August 22,2018 Rice society -Secretary 2 Mr.Piyathissa Wanasrana August 22,2018 Community meeting( 11 August 22,2018 women and 10 males) Chamila Samanthi August 22,2018 Sujeewa Wickramarchchi August 22,2018 Sagarika Damayanthi August 22,2018 W. Trangani August 22,2018 K.P.D. Pushpa chandralatha August 22,2018 Mr Sarath August 22,2018 M.D. Sirisena (President of August 22,2018 Govi samthithiya Case Story 01 – Chamila August 24,2018 Smanathi( Paduuka/Walpita) CASE STORY 2- Sujeewa Wickramarchchi(paddukka/w August 24,2018 alpita) Case Story 3 – Sagarika Damayanthi(Padukka/Walpita August 24,2018 ) 3 Project manager Public Interest Law foundation August 23,2018 G.A. Indrapala(Mattegoda wetland protection society – August 23,2018 President) Pushpa Liyanage (Mattegoda wetland protection society – August 23,2018 Secretary)
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
(Mattegoda wetland August 23,2018 protection society – Treasure) President of the Govi society
at Mattegoda 4 People to People August 23,2018 Famers society members 48 Youth society Emotional Intelligence life Skills 5 Prasad Jayasingha August 24,2018 Training Reshani Hettige August 24,2018
Knuckles 1. Mendise Wickramasinghe Herpetological Sept18,2018 Foundation Nethu Wickramasinghe 2. Mr. (president) CIIK Sept 22,2018 Chandana Kumara 3. D.W.Gunaseekara NEUF Sept 23,2018 Thinina Madushan Amila Krishanthi B.B. Wimalawathi R.E.G. Eromika Thilakarathna Nimal Dharmasiri A.G.P. Premarathne D.M.Vijitha Lakshine W.D.G. Padmini Hemachandra Viraj 4. Lionel Perea Arunalu Sept 24,2018 H.M.U.D. Indika Prabatha Gamini Rajakaruna Nimal Kanaheraarchchi(President) Dumbara Mithuro Sept 25,2018 5. Jagath Kanaherarachchi, Neiel Meewatrane(coordinator), Shirideshika Piyadrshani( Villager), Ananada WijekonBandara( Villager)
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Mannar to Jaffna
Knowledge Management Dr. Champa Amarasiri October 12, 2018 1 Team- Mannar 49 Professor K.Ranawana 2 SEDA October 12, 2018 Mr.Sarath Ekanayake Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation 3 Mr.Thushan Kapurusinghe October 12, 2018 Project Diniya (Dressmaking course) Jena (Dressmaking course) 4 October 13, 2018 J.J.Sunitha(Ornamental Fish) Surain(Eco-tourisum guide)
Arthiyan Sivasingham Zoology Student Association October 14, 2018 5 Prof. Norbart Surainan at University of Jaffna 6 EASL October 15, 2018 Principle: Mr.G.Gunasekaram and teachers Mankalaie GTMS,principle: October 15, 2018 C.G. Anthony
Thevanpiday RC.T.M.V Principle: Mr. Danistant
Marine and Coastal Resource October 16, 2018 7 Mr. Lasantha Conservation Foundation
Mr. Syame(Community October 16, 2018
organizer)
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 4: Notes of KIIs and FGDs
Discussion Notes Organization: Knowledge Management Team for Knuckles 50 Venue: Kegalle KMT Office Date: November 06, 2018 Time: 10.50 am
The organization has started as a Sri Lankan Environmental Exploration Society/ SRi lankan Parisara Gaweshana Ayathanaya. Started in 1992, March 28. Mr Ruwan, joined Young Zoologist Association in 1988 and later became very interactive with Kagalle Kurulu forest area and started Polgahawela Youth and Kegall Kurulu kalley Scoiety. In 1993, they have organized Enviornmental related Exxibition. Newsleter- "gaweshana" and provided articles to "Widusara" news papaer. 1994, they have get an opportunity to joined GEF Pilot program. With other agencies support they were able to protect the Kurullu kalley forest area, which was subjected to deforestation. 1994 - 1995 - they have conducted school programs to raise awareness on environment and actively involved to protect Horton plains from wildfire activities. 1997 they have received Outstanding Youth environmentalist award. 2003 - Hold position in GEF National Steering Committee and conducted it for 3 years. GEF 5 and 6th cycles- worked as a KM team. As an organization they dedicated and have been working mainly focused on Kegalle forest conservation and environmental related issues. Later shifted to Biodiversity related work as per request from GEF. In comparison, their research and publication has gone down, awareness program on environment also declined, but knowledge management and conservation aspects have been improved. Why selected Knuckles for GEF 6 Sinhraja and other major forest lands been under go many research and conservation programs, when comparison to Knuckles. Sinharaja and Horton Plains are always received more priority than knuckles, even Knuckles has higher and enrich Biodiversity and the impotence as others. Knuckles are has many environmental issues including land degradation, encroachment, and many common issues other forests are going through. But lack of interest on the Knuckles range, carderman and other agricultural practices impact on the area. The fores reserve is highly impotent as a watershed area, high biodiversity, native plants and animal species etc. at the present, mass tourism in the area, also impacted negativity on the sustainability of the forestland. How much SPG has captured the Knuckles issues
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
He believes that EFL/ the organization who conducted the importance and treats to the Knuckles area had not reach to the core areas or not deeply address the real issues impacted on biodiversity and other environmental issues in the Knuckles forest reserve. According to his knowledge, EFL only conducted some workshops in the buffer zone villages. As such opportunity to identify and understand real causes and impact to forest received has been missed. On the other hand, EFL may not clearly identified the real issues in the villages in the buffer zone. 51 No responsibilities for any entities after establishing strategies, not captured real problems or captured real problems at the ground level. As an example for Cause and effect for deforestation. Community There is very minimal threat to the Knuckles region by the community, when comparing to the outsiders impact. If really concern, real issues which villagers are facing can be address. Many community members have no awareness or importance of biodiversity in the surrounding forest, as such they have less value on the forest. Uncontrolled tourism and forest fires are also greatly impacted on the region. High fertilization usage for agricultural crops is another issue in the area. Home stay concept may or may not benefited to the area, as it can bring such disease like AIDS to the community. And also has impacted on Sri Lankan culture. Watershed pollution and disturbance due to anthropogenic activities is another major issue in the area.
SPG Knowledge Management Requirements Conservation of landscape Policy influences Technological support and influences Global concepts (Helping, using, capacity building) Knowledge exploration and replicate knowledge as pilot program in other areas and use that knowledge toward the site Plant conservation (locally and internationally KM has no power to change the proposals or activities to modified according align the outcomes of SGP. Only NSC has that power. As such, even KM team has identified, loops and gaps in the proposal cannot change much. But as much as possible trying to do it but giving advice. But not all are listen and happy to change. They are providing their expertise on the grantees, if need support in every aspects without the boundaries of KM.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Organization: Knowledge Management Team for Manner Name of the Interviewee: Dr. Champa Amarasiri Date and Time: October 12, 2018 : 9.30pm Venue: KM Office at Mannar, Pesalai 52
Organization Dr. Champa Amarasiri, has conducted similar work of Knowledge Management in previous SGP cycles also. She has a pool of experts in her team and she believes her team is an assets. She had hold the top ranked position in NARA and ended service there in 2010. After that, she has worked in FAO, as a project manager for 3 years on SCAMP founded project. She also offers lectures at the Oceanic University in Sri Lanka. She prepared project proposals, presentation and tool and other required documents for SGP meetings and other relevant events. Also provides support to the grantees as well. She is not responsible for monitoring of projects according to the requirements of SGP, but she is trying all possible ways to give her expertise to these projects to make these projects successful. She is aware of all the projects well. She works closely/under with Mannar Eco Friends, Registered NGO, who is the KM team for Mannar. Their project vision is Establishment of community driven surveillance mechanism to ensure sustainable management of Vikaklei coastal resources. Dr. Champa is work as a resource person to them, while holing KM. She believes that sustainability of the projects are still high and linked with the National plan and some project can selected as pilot projects. The area is getting good projects after the 30 years of civil unrest, but community awareness is very low, most of the people are not much educated in field of Biodiversity, Climate Change etc. If the people are financially benefitted only, they join to the project and project activities. They have least concern on Biodiversity of the area, and not aware of the importance of the BD to area or benefit to them. Community participation is very low, may be less than 10%. Through this programs, some projects trying to improve knowledge on BD, most of them are not aware truly with biodiversity, but focused on money. Most of the Grantees also not followed eco-friendly activities, unless they are interest on that particular field. Her main concerns on some projects; Jaffna Uni ZSA - It’s a good idea, but land acquisitioning will be an issue. Also they are group of students, so may be knowledge is there, they are lack of working with the system. Academics can’t support all the time Aloe vera/ EASL – project supposed to work closely with community and male and females. SEDA – Planting trees in schools, where no trees for shades. Waste management, urban gardening and working with students are there. TCP-Awareness and training will be provided. 10 ladies will get sewing machines and 4 on ornamental fishing. Project site is within DWC protected area. Eco- tourism concern is there. The organization is reluctant to listen any suggestion she made, or do relevant changes to the program, as the project it out of scope or the out of SGP outcomes.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Prof. Ranawana- Map out the area from Malwathu oya to Poonarin. Suggested to change the topic with conservation involvement. Other organizations will also get the benefit out of this mapping. This will helps on identify land use patterns of the area. SGP 06 Cycle She believes it is different from previous SGP cycles. This cycle follows Landscape 53 Management strategies, which is relatively new to Sri Lanka and the country is readiness is an issue. It will be better to have background study on it and she is trying her best to offer her contribution on Landscape development in Sri Lanka. Projects are not focusing much on biodiversity or Climate change, but mainly focusing on livelihood activities is an issue, as such the main outcome of the Cycle may derivate. The KM team and the projects grantees has still has different/old version of TOC and outcome related documents. Some outcome are slightly different from the latest version and they have not received them in at least electronic copies. Gender Inclusiveness During SGP workshops, including gender and social inclusiveness to the programs were highlighted. Mainly people understand gender as woman participation, but not the actual idea on gender. Woman and BD Less participation of women in BD conservation, they have limited knowledge on BD and not value the biodiversity significance in the area. Government should widely address the biodiversity conservation in the area, especially the area is really a great bird watching area. Other conservation issues included but not limited to overfishing, dynamite fishing in the area Functions of KM No monitoring of the projects are allowed, but she trying her best to know what is going on with the projects. She is visiting projects once a month and offer technical assistance. She draft letters and other documents on the project grantees upon request. She has requested baseline surveys (ecology and community related) and conducted workshops for grantees. As Km has no authority to monitor or guidance, only can suggest to SGP based on field observations. Community Participation Organizations talk with 3, 4 people and talked about BD. Women participation in Community based meeting are very less. Mainly males are involve high. Once females get friendly, they started to come out with their issues. Fisheries societies play major role in selecting people. If women are empowered, higher possibility to conservation of BD, but in the reality this not much achievable in the area. Community participation on eco- tourism should be promoted and community should receive the ownership of the projects and should receive fair amount of benefits out of this projects, while achieving SGP goals.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
NOTES OF IN PERSON - INTERVIEWS LANDSCAPE STRATEGY FOR BUILDING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE COLOMBO WETLANDS REGION, SRI LANKA UNDP-SGP OPERATIONAL PHASE 06
54
1. Mehimaw Science Foundation KII NO. 01 Date and Time 2018 08 22: 9.00am Mr. Sampath Ariyasena Mehimaw Science Foundation (MSF) Detail 10T,Horathuduwa, Wata Mawatha, Polgasovita 071-06997111
NOTES: Mr. Sampath Ariyasena, the President of the MSF, who was previously served at ‘Movement for Agriculture and Land (MONLA)’ and such campaign like ‘Youth for the better world’ etc., established MSF in 2004, with the vision of ‘Protect everybody of all of us’ (Siyallan wenuwen siyallan Raka ganima) and the mission of ‘implement a platform to share environmental knowledge’. The organization focused island wide environmental issues. Organization consists of members, and once a year holds the general meetings and executive committee member meetings. The committee members are: 3 youth (2 male and 1 female), 8 Adults (5 male and 3 female). Among the youth, one girl is a university student, 1 volunteer (male) and organic farmer (Male). Adult female leaders are in the women community also in the organization. Currently, organization is run by three workers; accountant, president and the driver. The Organization provided servicers such as 1-1/2 lectures, trained other NGO’s and environmental related publications. Since 2007 they are working with SGP projects. Such projects includes: Forestry in Koslanda in 2007 and implementing 7km Elephant fences in 2007, Rainwater harvesting program in 2012 and organic farming at Sevanagala etc. With SPG OP5- the organization supported Community management and OP6 with the Country plan. Meanwhile, MSF do have a 5 acre organic farm inn Sevanagala. Mr sampatha stated that he was no much clear about the SGP outcome, as the SGP logframe or the project document is not available with him. And, also stated that the MSF proposal was linked with SGP outcome 1. Colombo strategy report was not given to them, but one day workshop was held and informed about the issues in paddy lands in Colombo district. Lack of guidance on project proposal implementation and proper guidance from the donor organization (UNDP_SGP) was mentioned. Knowledge management team, who associates with the donor organization, held the meeting in June 2018, even after proposal was
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
accepted by the donner agency. MSF not yet received the baseline assessment of Colombo wetlands conducted by the University of Colombo. However, he has joined to the workshop at UOC on December 2017.
MSF Project for SGP O6 - Homagama landscape MSF has identified 50 hectare paddy lands in four places within Homagama DS Division 55 where wetland plants like Godapara, Kaduru, Attikka tress are present and Wel-atha trees specie is available as invasive plant. The project is planned to spend LKR 40,000 per acre.
Size of Paddy land (Ha) Number Female Paddy land location Available of Started (Ha) farmers (Ha) Farmers Maha Katuwana land in Maha 37 17.5 9 katuwana GN, on leasing Panagoda army camp land, taken 19 15 12 1 under a lease, Habarakade GN Habarakada/Mawathgama, by 12 8 5 2 owners Kapurugoda, by owners 11 4 2
Total 79 44.5 24 3
Reasons for selection: Some wildlife like otters, Porcupine, Fish varieties present Traditional agricultural lands Traditional rice cultivation is going on in the area, further encouragement was needed for traditional framing among selected farmers and abounded paddy land should be cultivated. Mr. Ariyasena is the advisor to “Paramparika Govi Urumaya Surakimey Sanwidanaya/ Conservation of Traditional framing heritage society”. With join collaboration with them and Traditional rice distributor- Mr. Gurusinghe, proposed, planed, implemented and over sees the ongoing project. The project was designed in February 2018. Proposed land area from the selected project is 50 hectares. According to Mr. Ariyasena, Biodiversity importance in the area had not been identified Threats to the Biodiversity in the area not identified Actors cause Biodiversity depletion not indented According to MSF, Project is focused on eco-system improvement, given value to traditional knowledge in framing, improve paddy lands, conservation. As no fertilizers or other chemicals are being used for traditional rice verities, he thinks that it’s a good practice for conversation of the environment. But there were no specific identification for interventions through this project.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Current issues in the project sites included
KII NO. 01 Date and Time 2018 09 23, 10.00am Mr. S. Jayasuriya (president) and Mr. Chandana Kumara (Project Coordinator), Traditional Knowledge conservation center 56 Detail Project Site: Harepak land, Kobonella and Kandegama Interview Conducted at : Knuckles forest information center by FD at Hare Park estate No cultivation – no solution provided form the government Lack of labour and but wages are very high Developments take placed very closed to the paddy Paddy lands consider as the waste land by nearby development projects
Besides the paddy lands, 11 owita areas to be focused on koratu agriculture and 3 ponds well be constructed in the Panagoda site for fish verities. Home gardening is also another concern. They have selected 100 home gardens within the Katuwana area. Hope to focus on organic agriculture, herbs and vegetable verities. Those home garden owners receive Rs 3000/- for improve their gardens. 100 females among 100 families were selected for home gardening project. As Smapath says project is in success. Farmers select traditional verities of rice they wanted to cultivated and seeds are getting from the traditional rice distribution centre in Katuwana (Gurusinghe’s Place), where they used to buy seeds. Famers buy traditional rice seed usually Rs 150/- per I kg. Organic fertilizers also provided and if needed organic based pesticides also be available at the rice distribution centre. Market plan is needed and place for selling home gardening products is the main issue. MSF wants to implement a market place for these farmers.
KIIs with Grantees – Knuckles
Background of the Organization Mr. S. Jayasuriya is a sociology graduate from the University of Peradeniya (2001) and conducted his thesis on traditional, indigenous techniques and methods in Sri Lankan villages. Afterward, he worked in organization called “Seventha”, on Poverty and waste management based projects. He joined the organization as Research officer for urban poverty, and later he became the project manager for a program, which focused on urban poverty in Colombo district, then project coordinator on urban agriculture projects at Badulla, Baduraliya and Moratuwa area. Compost bin distribution project, GIS mapping
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
project with Colombo Municipal office after the other related projects. He has joined the government in 2005, and currently working as a Probationary officer at Gannewela DSD, Kandy district. In 2007 the organization started and registered at the “Samagam Madura” as a non for profit organization. At the beginning, the organization conducted projects volunteer based at Laggala focusing on children. They had received first fund from the World vision organization (2009) to conduct another project in the same area. For years, the organization 57 has not done any projects as a recipient of grants/funds until SGP. But, have carried out volunteer work on waste management and waste management bin distribution. Has some association with SPG cycle 4 (2010) project at Negambo, while he was at Sevenatha. Currently, the organization is mainly focused on Children. Children society establishment, awareness programs for children, environmental related work and microfinancing are the main focusing areas of the Organization. Microfinance entity established at Gannewela area, offer loan for people at 6% APR. 222 members, 175 are women Revolting fund is about RS 1,100,000/- and recycling and annually recycling RS 600,000. Kanatha Bala mandalaya at The AG office has direct connection with the microfinancing entity in the organization. Currently organization is focused on Laggala DS- pallewela, Willgamuwa DS, Gannewela, this project Organization’s Office is located at Ganewela, Wahakottey. No rent is paid for the office. 4 members are in the team. 1. Prabath Kumara( Director) 2. I.G.S. Jayasuriya ( president) 3. Ruwan Sampath –( treasure) 4. Nandana Priyanaga
Vision of the organization Traditional and indigenous myths, methods and practices conservation and mixing up with the present generation and conservation of it for the future generation. Knowledge should be given to children, as those practices can be conserve and transformed to next generation. Knowledge transformation is focuses. Thalaguney/Ududumbara weaving system caught their interest as it’s an ingenious weaving in Sri Lanka, as the tradition is already not in practice. However, the organization had attempt to trained other people with the hope of once they trained, trained people were able to do self-employments. Dumbara Rata on Weaving is not in practice and organization trying to re-established, as it has good market. In traditionally the area is famous of waving Pan for matts, baskets ect. But currently, people is the area working in handloom industry only for wall hanging etc. No clear idea on Pan Industry in Sri Lanka. Uniqueness on Dumbara pan rata or difference among Pan rata in other areas has no clear idea. He has repeatedly mentioned no pan weaving in the Dumbara area presently. But they want to conservation through the project. None of other indigenous traditions had been conserved through this organization yet. Eleven years of organization has no expertise, unique knowledge on any traditional indigenous patterns. He has some knowledge in waste management system, including 3R.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The organization is currently focused on children and work with children, but he doesn’t want organization to be recognized by the society as it only focused on the children. They prepare care planning for children, and he believes that people’s perception is benefited for the organization. As people do anything for their children, adults keenly support for the aims of the organization and projects had been conducted by the organization. If the organization did not have received the SPG, may not change their focused on what they are doing now. As a result of the grant, organization is focused on environment such 58 activities included but not limited to Tree planting activities, working with people Biodiversity importance of the area The organization has selected Knuckles for their project site only because of given options of SGP cycle 06 and close proximity to the office. They have mentioned some familiarity of the area of Knuckles than Colombo wetland or Manner coastal conservation. No clear idea on Biodiversity in the area, both are unable to mention any flora and fauna species, native species to Knuckles or to the country and biodiversity significance of Knuckles or importance of the Knuckles forest reserve. They have mentioned that they are not aware or lack of knowledge in local Biodiversity or species identification. No Biodiversity profile or no literature review of Biodiversity on the project area or the Knuckles forest reserve had been conducted until yet. Temporal Climatic changes of the area and spatial climatic variations among the knuckles Forest reserve has been mentioned. The Project has planned on replantation with partnership with Forest Department. Location to be tree planted and selected species and purpose of Tree planting importance toward Biodiversity need to be focused. Tree saplings will received from the Forest Department nursery in the Knuckles area. Focused on Water shed conservation within the selected area. Due to climatic change many water springs are drying out during the dry season, but some are stay alive year along. As such, 5 water springs are focused to conserve this project. The mechanism to conserve water springs and locations are still unclear. Identified main threats to the Biodiversity of the area includes; forest fires in Pathana and other grassy lands, especially during the dry season. Strong wind consider as a catalyst to forest fires. Misuses of forest areas by the tourist, forest fires, polythene usage, and contamination of water springs by various methods had been mentioned. Knowledge on selected Project sites/ Villagers and their relationship to Knuckles forest is at the minimum level. As mentioned villages are coming to the forest for collect herbal, fire woods etc. Livelihood development Among mentioned three project sites (Kandegama, Koboanilla and Hare park estate) on the Project proposal, now it’s limited to two sites. Kandegama site has been restricted. Harepark estate- Division 16 GN Division: Kobonella 110 families live in the area, 25 families within the area has been selected for home gardening. They all area estate workers, some are already involved with home gardening. These people are only working 3 to 4 days at the estate, other days men are involve with daily salary based labor work at the Forest Department or the village .Per day labor cost is about Rs 700/- , Forest department pays Rs 1000/- . They are worked in ESCAMP project
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
and constructing fire belts. some are working as masons and helpers at construction sites in Colombo and urban areas. Most of the women are staying in the home and some are working in the garment at Hunnasgiriya. Kids’ shows less school attendance as they act as care takers of younger siblings, when parents are going to work. No proper health service is provided, only one doctor is present for the entire area. Water facilities are enough for the people in the area. Public transportation is at minimal level. Postal services are at minimum. Lack of 59 telecommunication is the main issue in the area. The estate has semi-governmental ownership. Gender and Demographics No analysis on Women headed families. Questioner not included that question and therefore no information on women headed families. Number of elders mentioned was 8.Not identified disabled or significantly sick people in the community through the questioner. Questioner only focused on the home gardens, no social accept of people had been focused or analyzed. Kandeygama Community consists of 108 families, population is 280, Male 141, Female 139. Most of the villages are senior citizens. Young generation is moving out of the village upon their education for better employment. However, Kandeygama project site has been currently suspended. SGP They have identified the SPG program as giving grants to improve ecosystems and therefore improve biodiversity, reduce land degradation and chemicals adding into the soil. Mentioned scope of SPG OP 06 is 10,000 ha environmental area improvement, Biodiversity improvement and Eco tourism. Not received documents from the knowledge management team or Knuckles Landscape strategic plane document. The Project BD conservation on 170 ha by implementing fire belts, 6 watershed conservation, stream bank conservation and home gardening. 8000 trees will be planted according to the project. 3000 trees are Kithul and Puwak. Kithul trees offer livelihood development among the villagers. Puwak trees are uses as soil conservation of stream banks. 5000 trees to be planted within the Knuckles forest, where the forest degradation occurred. Trees are planned to plant as a barrier to strong sustain wind occurred during May to August and the organization believes that having trees on the top of the areas and as a barrier to “Sulan kappolla”, will control the wind and vulnerability to the community will reduced. The identified community/ houses, projected areas to be planted trees are far away and independent to each other. Planting trees can’t be control such climatic and weather pattern like strong wind. The area is covered by the range of mountains and at the identified windgate/ sullang kappola is a major tourist attraction and geological feature, impossible to implement wind barriers and planting trees to control the wind at the area will not be effective at all. Hanna plants will be planted along the fire belt as a precautionary and fire control method. Organization will pays Rs 1000/- per person per day. Hana plant nursery to be
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
constructed, Han Plants may gathered from the back yards and front yards of villages. Organization planned to place those plants removed from the area and placed in pots at a one site and thereafter planting along the fire belt. Fire belt establishment is already under going in certain areas and over sees by the Forest Department. Workers are also getting paid by the Forest department. This project is focused and allocated money for the similar activities. Forest department is also planting trees in the degraded area, through this program, they buy tree saplings from the forest Department 60 and Planted within Forest Department own lands. Major disturbance to Kithul industry is the nuisance from primates (Relaw/monkey sp). Villages are collet Kithul Sap(raa) only at night time to early morning. Some people uses traditions method such as placing wild plants with thorns close to the canopy of the tree. As an intervention, the organization proposed to place a net/ barrier at where Kithul sap is extracting. Kumbuk plants are supply by a person (Auyrvadic doctor) from Kandegama village. He used Kumbuk seeds form the forest to have Kumbuk saplings, for this project. From Seed to appropriate size of a sapling to be planted, will take about 2 months and the organization buy it for Rs 50/- per plant. No clear idea on where to buy Kithul and Puwak saplings. Fruit trees will be distribute among the villagers to plant within their private lands. Each person owns about 1.2 ac. For soil conservation aspects nethi kanuwa and stone bets are supposed to build on public lands/forest lands. Nethi kanu will dig in the private owned lands.
Community aspect Estate people and Village people are focused. Fifteen selected people from the community will receive two, one day training on environment related information. Criteria of selection of people based on the leadership qualities and interest. Youth, and all aged as well as male and female will be in the group. Working closely with Kandeygama paddy farmers Association. Mentioned that they have not focused or interest on Eco tourism development in Meemuree area He has mentioned that No clear idea on how the project will impacted on biodiversity improvement in the area and believes that Planting trees and implementation of fire belts may support this target. Direct economic benefits from the project will improve the livelihood of community and better income generation, income will be increased by Rs 3000/- ,as such poaching in the forest, collecting firewood and deforestation will be reduced. Community engagement for forest conservation also focused.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
KII No 02 Date 2018 11 24 at 10.00 am Details Community Members at Rathna Ella Village, 61 Rathna Ella Eco-tourism Project- Hasalaka
Community Interview 10 villagers were present at the Meeting. Eight female and 2 males. Except 3 ladies, who came to Rathna Ella after their marriages, all are born and raised in the village. First settlement to was approximately in 1968, people came to the area for Chena Cultivation and settlement were started. The Minipe stream development project had offered irrigation water and people were re-settle in the area due to the project. Today, the village has 78 families, 200+ people. In further classification, 20 Women headed families, 7 families with disabled people, 5 families with special decease. Each family used to have about 2 archers of land, as it divided among generations, now further fragmented to small size land parcels. Not all villagers own paddy lands. Major Rice varieties are 352, 94-1 and Mahasen given by the Agricultural Department. Both Maha (November to March) and Yala (April to August) seasons are under go rice cultivating in the area. Such intermediate crops like grains, Corn and vegetables cultivate during August to November. Currently, no traditional rice verities been cultivated. Both traditional and technological equipment are used for paddy land preparation. When tractor can’t reach in certain areas, traditional methods are still in practice. Fertilizers and chemicals (pesticides and weed controls) are widely used for paddy cultivation. Especially last season, weeds had been grown highly, as a result farmers used chemicals. Only compost mechanism applied in the area is placed dahaiya in the paddy and burn, before the cultivation take place. Upon request from villagers, some advices from the agriculture department receive time to time. Cultivation of traditional rice verities are reduced in the area due to modified rice verities are widely available through Agriculture Department. Further, traditional verities are expensive and need close monitoring, therefore more man power is required and not easy to cultivate in comparison to other verities and harvest is comparatively less also. Puwak, Cinnamon, Guava, Nelli, Veralu, Jack and many fruits and cash crops are given by the Agriculture Department and villages have planted front and backyards of houses. Within the forestry areas, certain fruit verities can be seen .Lack of transportation to the market, animal human conflicts (Monkeys/Relawa) and no market remain as the main the major issues. Eg. Nelli/ Indian gooseberry is widely available in the area, but no market. Scenario for Cotton and Gal siyabala/ Pebble Temarind also the same. All villagers are Buddhist, but recently a few Muslim families were settled very close to village boundary. Gem was widely found in the area a few years back, still gem mining and occasionally gem findings can be seen. But villages were not educated or aware of actual valves of gem, they have mislead and outsiders being widely benefited from gem. During past 7-10 years climate has been changed. Previously no rain occur in August to September and remain as a drought period, but previous year heavy rain occurred during
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
those months. During the drought season weather is very hot. Before the Minipe stream development, the area was mainly focused on Chen cultivation due to lack of irrigation, but after wards villages were able to continue paddy cultivation. Villages are thrilled to drink water comes from the Rathan ella. They believe it’s the best water source in the country, most of them has identified that it has a better test, they have never experienced in other areas. Two major schools within the village vicinity: 1. Premadasa Primray School, 2. Hasalaka 62 Vidayalaya. 5 university students and 4 national College of Education/Vedyapeta students are in the area. 5% of the villages working in the government sector and majority working in private sector or self-employment. Lack of public transport is the major issue in the village. Electricity has given to all houses in the village. Out of total number (73) families, 52 families receive Samhurdhi benefits. Community is not worked as a team, rather they worked or doing a business alone. Recently they have organized and established a society-“Soba Mithuro Sanwidanaya”. Samurdhi society, is among a very few community organizations established in the village. Previously, held a weekly market place for the villagers, but since the drought in last year the market place was not functioning. As such villages having difficulties in selling their harvest, due to lack of private or public transportation in the area, isolation can be seen. Currently, locally grown produce sell at the small store at the proposed entrance to the Rathana Ella. People have their own self business and sell at their promissory. Major target group is tourists coming to the Rathna ella and fellow villagers. Village is selected for development project by the Agriculture Department (“Gama pulul keremay Wayapruthiya”) and villages are supposed to pay a tax to Aggri. Dep for the land (“Accara badu”). The tax for water (Diya Badu), roughly about Rs 50/- is paying. Biodiversity Significance in the area Village located in the buffer zone of Knuckles and 500 ac. forest is next to the village. As such many flora and fauna can be seen in the forestry area. Giant Squirrel, Peacock, Jungle fowl/Walikukula, Spot-deer, Wild boars, Barking deer/Weli muwa, Pangolin/Kaballawa, Civet/Urulawa can be easily seen in the area. Birds specifically Keedatha, Kobeiya, Geykurulla and many birds are present. Villagers can identify many flora and fauna species, but not aware of endemic, native species to the area. Known reptiles to the area include viper species (Thoalawissa, Kunakatuwa), Habaru, Cobra, Python etc. Due to peacock population increase, reptiles and molluscan population have been reduced. Wild boar population is also reduced, but villagers are not killing them. Freshwater fishes include Pethiya,Koralai, Bandula pethiya etc. Researches are widely conduct on Bandula Pethiya. Tree species in the area include – Karuwala, Milla, Burutha, Daba, Kalu kala,Mora, Kone, gal siayabla, Himbutu, Atamba, Higuru, Dalihota(wild passionfruit), Mottu etc Villages are growing Gotukolla, Thora, aththora, Luniwila, kirihanda, Aguna, Mukunuwanna and other greens. Villages has mentioned that the surrounding environment is important due to it provides Clean air, clean water, Trees are absorbed all bad energy and offer good energy- trees have ability to cure many diseases etc. The area is not known to natural disasters. Villages are thrilled with quality of water and according to them they have not found same water test and quality in any area of the country. As they like quality of water, they wanted to protect the forest lands and environment and want to protect from the tourists. Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Tourism in the area Major attraction to the area is Rathna Ella within Knuckles Forest range,6 km from the Hasalak town. The water fall is 113m height and 76 m n width, created by the Hasalaka Oya, 9th largest waterfall in the country. Its 3km walk from the Rathna ella village along the water, drive water from the waterfall. Kaluwa peni ella waterfall is not popular as much, due to its hidden in the forest without a walking path. Famous I8 bends in the kandy- Mahiyangana road can be seen at the village. 63 Usually about 20 tourists are visit to the area per week to see the waterfall. The numbers are increased in weekends and holidays. Tourist arrival stays at its peak during the Mahiyanagana perahera season. Parking facilities for incoming traffic during holidays and offer adequate sanitary facilities are the main issues. A new parking lot with sanitary facilities are under construction by a villager and it became an income generation. Only 2 stores are currently in the village, run by villagers. One side of the store provides lunch and tea for tourist. It the only point of access to any grocery items or food items before reach to the forestry area and Rathna ella hike. Villages want to prohibit polyethyn and plastic usage of tourist at the point of entry to the water fall, near the grocery store. But, lack of recognition and authority to given to villagers, they become victimized of tourist or tourist not pay attention to the request. Home grown vegetables and mushrooms are available for local tourist at the grocery store. If the tourists ask, tour guidance is provided by a villagers. No proper mechanism on traveling, education on biodiversity or species identification, is provided. To protect the environment and also improve tourism in the area, is important that villages has identified the potential economic and livelihood development in the area. However, they want to strictly control polythene usage in tourism activities and villages collect waste, glass and plastic bottles as much as they can. Socio- cultural and Religious believes All villages are Buddhists. God of Saman, Good of Gambara, Waniya bandara and kadanhena god and Mahaloku maniyo godnees are highly believed by the villagers. As a part of a SPG project, Villages has established “Friends of nature organization (“Swaba Mithuru Sanwidayanwa”) in early 2018 with 30 members. The organizational members meet every last Sunday of the month from 9 am onwards. Amila krishanth is the president (071 15 54304) and D.G. Mallika Gunawaradhena is the secretary ( 071- 9874 786). As a part of this organization, offer loans and necessary equipment to majorly ladies in the village to empower them through self-business. Most of the benefit recipients are already been in the business and the organization offer necessary equipment to update the business
STOREIS 1: B.B. Wimalawathi, Married B.B. Wimalawathi is a rural small holder farmer and in the local dairy production by dairy cows. Previously she sold milk produced dairy cow to the MILKO. But upon the organization establishment, she sell dairy to the local grocery store and villagers, usually 3-4 bottles per a day. Sometimes, daily production in dairy industry is not sufficient enough to fulfill the demand and villages. She has received clay pots for cure production and training for her business
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
STOREIS 2 Name: R.E.G. Eromika Sakunthala Thilakwardhene Civil Status: Married She has newly started the business of packaging and selling spices. The nature friends organization had offered RS 59,000L worth machinery equipment. She has to pay that money back after 3 months, partially to the organization. As a rule of the organization, the 64 loan recipient should started to pay back to the organization after 3 months and 2% of the income should be given to the organization. Kurakkan grinding and sell packets. Her future hopes are to expand her business and getting in to coconut oil production.
CASE STOREIS 3 Name: K.A. Enoka Shamali Civil Status: Married Electric sawing machine had been offered by the organization as a replacement to her old machine. She is making bags, pillow cases, Matts and works as the dressmaker to the village. She sold her clothing products at the store at her house and Samurdhi fare. She believes that cloth bags will be a good alternative for ploythien usage in Rathna ella.
CASE STOREIS 4 Name: Nimal Dharshana Civil Status: Married He has received a net, concert beams and equipment for his plant necessary from the organization, to improve his self-employment.
CASE STORIES 5 Name: A.G. P. premarathne Civil Status: Married He has owned a Mushroom cultivation. He has received Agricultural Dep. advice through the organization and now used wood dust mainly mango wood dust with other verities. He has 500 mushroom cultiva5tion packages and daily he repaired 10 packages of 200 g mushrooms. The grocery store at the villagers is his regular market place.
CASE STOREIS 6 Name: W.D.G. Padmini Hemamalni Civil Status: Married She is preparing paper bags, since last year. Through this program she has received bulk of white papers to make paper bags. She is planning to expand her business and as a next step exercise book preparation.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
CASE STOREIS 8 Name: E.M.U. Nanadani Ekanayake Civil Status: Married She want to provide Home stay facilities to tourists who come to visit Rathna ella. She is adding an extension to her home. She is planning to offer B& B. Currently, her front yard is 65 consider as a parking lot for Tree-wheels and other vehicles, while tourists are trekking to the waterfall.
CASE STORIES 9 Name Viraj Civil status: Married He owned Arana Rathn ella resturant at the on the way to Rathna ella water falls. He has prepared meals for the tourists at his restaurant made of mud and hay on the roof. It offers place to rest after 3km trekking to the water fall and a place to have scenic view of the area. He also work as a tour guide, has fine knowledge on the area and wild life.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
KII NO. 03 Date and Time 2018 11 23, 12.45pm B.W. Gunasekera (President), M.G. Thilina Madushan (Project Coordinator) Detail 66 National Ethnic Unity Foundation Project Site: Rathna Ella Eco-tourism Project- Hasalaka, Kandy
The organization The organization established in 1996, started as a group of students in the University of Colombo, Sociology major, 90-94 batch. Mr. Gunesekera has opinion that all citizens should live harmony, respect to multinationalism. As a result, with support of a group of university students, the organization has established. Upon graduation he has joined the Navy, and 1998 he became a teacher. The goal of the organization is protect everybody’s rights. The organization had registered in Ampara DS in 1999 and with NGO secretarial in 2018. Five members in the organization including President, Vice president, Secretary and treasurer. Thirty members have been engaged with the organization, who holds same interest on equal right and multinationals. Number of staff is 6. Previous projects; Community first- cycle 3 GEF Cycle 3 – Nelli kelly Conservation project Post tsunami projects GEF- Ebbanwella –Elephant corridor establishment Projects with department of National Reconciliation Biodiversity significance in the landscape According to Mr. Gunesekera, the project will benefit to 250 ha of the forestry area and biodiversity within 344 ha will be improved. He was unable to mention any flora or fauna species to the area. No research or baseline survey on Biodiversity had been conducted to the selected project site at Rathna Ella Protected Area. Near Extinction or threaten plant species has mentioned- Binkohomba. No Biodiversity profile, liter review on BD had been done to the project site. Lack or null on biodiversity significance on Knuckles forest reserve, endemic or native, endangered species to Sri Lanka has been identified. Lack of knowledge on biodiverse in general and biodiversity significance of the selected eco system or biodiversity conservation, mechanism to improve biodiversity within the project site has been identified. Water quality assessment has not been done.
The project
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The area is within Rathna Ella GND. 34 ha Rathna Ella eco system has been listed and protected as Rathna Ella Protected area since 1964. He want to focus more on capacity building of the community in Rathna Ella Village through the Rathna Ella biodiversity conservation or Eco tourism Project development. The project is focusing on 34 ha of selected area within Knuckles forest Range of Rathna Ella eco system. Villages are already involved with tourism in unorganized manner and engaged with different self- employments related to tourism in the area. 67 People go to Rathna Ella for tourism or other illegal activities in the protected area due to lack of monitoring. Such Illegal activities included gem mining and invaluable mining, poaching of wildlife etc. In that back ground, he proposed, eco-tourism in the area should be more organized and local community should be more responsible and strong. Through the project he is planning to have a ticket both at the village with partnership the Forest Department, where 60% of income to the villages and 40 % to the Forest Department. Offer necessary equipment for tour guides and improve the livelihood of villagers by allowing them to start or improve self-employments. Only 7% of the total budget is allocated for administrative purposes, Rs 210,000 allocated for income generation and livelihood development, such as loan scheme, lease on equipment and material distribution. SPG and the project Project target is conservation of the Rathna Ella and Eco-tourism in the area, by increasing awareness of the community and improve livelihood of the Rathna Ella villagers. They are planning to achieve this target by traditional paddy farming, and therefore minimize the impact to the protect area, improve eco- tourism and increase community participation. As such, no outside organizations are need if the community, and individuals are strong enough to taking care of the eco system. By improving eco-tourism in the area, the community will receive the economic benefits of it and will protect the PA. Within eco-tourism only livelihood improvement of locals has been address, responsible traveling and low impact to eco system by tourists and environmental education and increase awareness of tourists entering into the site need to be addressed. Major component of eco-tourism, conservation of the eco system is not address at all. Eco tourism should have the ecological interest, observe wildlife and educational awareness. SPG He has attended to the workshop conducted by the Knowledge Management team at Kurunagala, concept paper was given, presented his proposal at Mathle and Negambo workshops. Knowledge management team has done changes to the previous project proposal. Gender role within the projects According to him, it’s easy to work with women and long term commitment to the assigned task can be seen in women rather than men. Also, women have more spare time at the house. Women engagement to this project is high. As the project is funded by SP,G for 2 years and Mr. Guneseker’s team is directly involve to the project within only this time period, he wanted the community, especially women to take responsibility and increase awareness to maintain the sustainability of this project. Higher percentage of “Soba Mithuro Sanwidanaya” members are women and women are holding management roles as well.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
He believes that Investment on women is important as their management skills, quality work and high tolerance. Sustainability of the project After two years, villagers should have better income, holding more responsibility and the community will working with forest department and other government organizations. 68
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
KII NO. 04 Date and Time 2018 11 25, 10.00am Mr. Lionel Perara 69 Detail Project Site: Attampawela Interview Conducted at : Atampawala Village
The organization started in 1999, with a group of people, leading by Mr.Lionel Perera. Presently, he works at the Mathale DS office as a development officer. He was working with ADIC (Drug control program), about 180 participants were in the program. Great support was received by local government agencies including DS office, Police Department toward the program. With the support from officials, on October 03, 1999 they started Arunalu organization. Districts Secretary was retired, Police officials got transferred, and then he and a few group of members continued the organization. Ranwendra senarathna recives funds. Staff is haired when needed for the project. Him, Wijitha Bandara, Ranvindra Herath takes the main responsibilities of the project. Since the organization started in 1999, funds had been received for drug control, environmental conservation and livelihood development. In 1999, the organization registered at The DS Office and registered as a NGO at the social services office in 2000. They have done youth camps with the support from police and other government organization. Afterward, received support from the FOR ROOT organization from 1999-2001 for youth development. Adic was supported to drug control. In 2003 SGP OP2 grant was received for Nalanda conservation project in Mathale. Under that project, within 8 GNDs, Yattawaththa lake banks conservation was reconstructed, actions were taken to control sand mining. After that, as a second part of the project, programs had been done within 11 GND in Pallepola. In 2004-2005, the organization was involved with the WHO and World Bank project for HIV control in Dambulla youth, especially people working at Economic Center at Dambulla. 2002-2004 funds from IDEA received for efficient stoves distribution among people in rural areas of Kandy. After tsunami, in 2006, many grants were received by UNDP-GEF, for restoration of effected community and distributed home goods for the people who had been affected by the tsunami. SGP OP4 (2008) grant received for Invasive pant removal- Giant Nidikumba at the Bowathanna Reservoir. 2008 received grant extension for Naladwa biodiversity conservation and Lake Bank improvements. 2007 GEF/SGP- in control of invasive plants in Mathale district. 25 ha of Giant Nidikumba was removed, 5 ha area had been used as a model for invasive plant removal. Removed invasive plant species includes Hmbu pan, Giant Nidikumba, Salvenia,Japan jabara .and After removal of Giant Nidikumba and replanted the area with Kumbuk plants. 2014- Invasive japan Jabara removal at Wahakottey wewa (CAE-BD) 2015- GEF-SPG - Bamboo craft, Bambo tree planting and Nalanda Lake bank conservation and restoration 2015-2016 –IDEA - conducted a environmental project 2015- 2017-FAO - Glresedia plantation in Gahaitiyagama- Maiyngamuwa village Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
2016-Galahitiyagama, Hapugasvawa and Dalupoth gama- soil conservation, home gardening, 2017- Ambakka villagae, Laggaala DS divistion- gelrisidea plantation 2018 June – SPG OP 6 project as started in. Vision- Happiness, prosperity and health of people. 70 BD profile As the project proposal supposed to focus on Thelgamuwa Oya, he has not done any Biodiversity assessment on freshwater fauna or flora. And not have identify or aware any native or endemic fresh water fishes to the Thelgamuwa Oya. He mentioned that another grant recipient is doing Biodiversity related work in Knuckles, but know idea on that the other grant recipient is only focusing only on frogs and reptiles. Lionel has said he has no idea on any BD, fresh water fish species, or tetrapod’s or any animal. He had not have any conversation or information reserved from the villagers regarding BD significance in the area. He mentioned that Wijitha Herath is the one who talking to the villages as Development office to the Laggala DS office and also as the project coordinator to this project, may have better idea. SL endemic animals are mentioned as Walikukula/Jungle fowl, butterfly species, some fish species etc. According to him, bee honey production in this season ( by September) was less as a result of Eukkeshia trees being planted in the Knuckles forest, is the main reason for reduction in Bee honey production. However, Ekashia plants were planted almost 15 years ago and flowering had been taken place before Project was given minimum attention to BD in the Knuckles forestry area or buffer zone, except for focused on soil conservation and traditional agriculture in the village. He considered Tourism as a major threat to BD in knuckles. Due to large number of Tourists to the area during weekends and holidays, and villagers are not able to provide enough sanitary facilities to them. According to him approximately, 2000 tourists are coming for a month. Tourist add plastics and glass bottles to the lake eco system. He thinks through the Training program for tour guides can control the impact to environment. His concern is water contamination by lack of sanitary facilities, so tour guides can be given proper instruction and also they can increase awareness on ecosystem importance of the forest through this project he is planning to train tour guides for Knuckles, and Forest Department has not trained any tour guides in the area. He has mentioned that people only focus on agriculture during the maha season, and focused more on tourism. According to him, no any other cultivation taking throughout the year. Most of the people offer their house as homestay. Even though, irrigation is enough for two season, he mentioned that people are not interested on agriculture. He believes if sanitary facilities given for tourists, water quality in the lake will be improve. Minimum to NO sense of surrounding eco system or environmental importance have been identified. Unable to mention the area is closed to the Knuckles forest range. No any flora and fauna species mentioned, which are native, endemic, endangered to Knuckles or to Sri Lanka. Lack of knowledge in species identification or environmental sensitivity have been identified. Unable to explain, how this project will help to biodiversity conservation or soil
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
conservation in the area. No clear idea on real issues of livelihood, agricultural patterns or tourism in the village. Lack of sanitary facilities to tourists and fertilizer usage has mentioned for water quality degradation and water pollution. No biodiversity baseline survey or at least literate review on Biodiversity significant to area had not been done. 3. Info on village 71 Main income generation is agriculture, but lately 80% is involving with tourism. Vegetables are not much familiar in their meal, dal and soya remain as the main curries due to availability on the only market in the village Currently, no to less home gardening. No vegetable market nearby, so villages are depend on the dry food. Villages has no access to quality seeds for cultivation No social- economic assessment has been done, no data on women headed families. Only 1 disability in the village. Such communicable and non-communicable decease are not common in the village. Oldest person in the village is about 95 age. Closes Scholl is in Mahalakotuwa, students can learn 1-13 grades, and it’s about 3-4 km from the village. Midwife is coming to the village, postal service is good. Closest Hospital is Ikkulkumbura, 6-7 km away from the village, main hospitals are Laggala-Pallegama or Raththota, a both are more than 20 km away from Attanwala village. Duwile ella is the main attraction- 16 km from the Atampitiya village, and the village is border at the Thelgamuwa oya. Tourists are come for hiking and going in the forest. Climbing on Mahigala roack is also famous activity. Walpolamulla traditional village- now abundant. Only 3 families were in the village, but all are displaced due to lack of facilities. Importance of the forest, Due to the negative impact on ecologically sensitive area within Knuckles, the Forest department has prohibited cardamom cultivation within the reserve since 1999. Kurakkan, errigu and other vegetables had been cultivated in the forested area also. SGP OP 06 No clear idea on the main idea, goal of SPG. SGP Outcomes: 6 outcomes has define- eco system service improvement, Biodiversity improvement, lively hood improvement, invasive plant removal, climate change control, water quality Project proposal and goals. Presented at workshop in March 2018. It has clearly defines the outcome. Outputs Outcome- improve eco system servicers Indicator- need the ha coverage, livelihood improvement and number of families 2000 ha consider for this project.
SGP has done a study on knuckles forest reserve in 2017. He has received document on identified issues in knuckles, importance etc., It only a one page document on issues in
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Knuckles, including overgrazing, fertilizer usage, eco-tourism etc. It has proposed to- use grasslands bounded with fences, activities to improve watershed areas etc The project This project covers two sites; Rathhinda and attamwella. Thelgamu Oya, consider as the border for two villages. In Attanawala,180 acr- land and 154 ha – paddy lands are subjected to BD Conservation, and also includes Rathanawala 72 ac lands. 72 When writing proposal, Sampath pathikada has been incorporated. The project designed by Lionel, Indika and and wijitha Herath. Training has given to write the proposal. Guidelines has given. Dr. Mohotti has given advisements on the proposal. Thee workshops conducted at the DS office with officers and presented with powerpoint. Project proposal has change according to DS officers and send back to UN. Afterward knowledge management had conduct a workshop at Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian center. Instruction on Technical writing, indicators, reporting, was given. Knowledge management team had not changed the activities, only gave the ideas to improve the activities. Project vision is to improve ecosystem services in Attanwala and Rathhida villages. Service - services required for tourism will be improved Improve agro eco system and quality improvement Outcome- 1. Improve agro ecosystem productivity 2. Improve tourism facilities 3. Theligamu oya biodiversity conservation Output 1. 200ac Soil conservation 2. Community participation, 75 home gardens 3. Tradition rice cultivation 2 ha 4. Home g4000 trees planning- Kumbuk, Ataba Water quality improvement 5. Home gardening 25 arc – improve agri productivity ( 75)
2. Tourism 1. Will provide equipment and facilities to 10 tour guides and offer training 2. Some families will be give cooking sets 3. Cafeteria for tourists to be built 4. Construct toilets and cloth changing place near Theligamu oya. Should control the impact from tourist to the eco system
SGP and the project
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Biodiversity All 79 families in both villages’ receives benefits 1. Equipment for farming- scoop 2, seed set(6) 2. Watakolu/Ridge Gourd, Okra, beet, kale, eggplant, Rabu,Beens , 5 sera plants per house 3. 5 house each give liquid organic fertilizer 73 4. People who prepare food will get training and cooking set 5. Tourist equipment set 10
CASE STORY 1- H.M.U.G. Indika Prabath District: Mathle Division: Laggala Location: Attanwela Date Interviewed: September 25, 2018 Civil Status: Married Indika Prabath is born and raised in Attanwela, Mathle, and working as a farmer during the farming season and a tour guide throughout the year. According to him Soico-cultural back ground and biodiversity significance in the area as follows. The villagers had engaged with chena cultivation in the Knuckles forestry area and buffer zones for many years, until it prohibited by the Forest department in 1996. They have cultivated Kurakkan, Irrigu, and such vegetables like Pumpkin and grains like Kaupi in Chena. At the end of the paddy season, cultivate vegetables in paddy lands as an intermediate crop. Tomatoes remain as the major intermediate crop/vegetable varieties, other than that Beans, Cabbage and Turnip (Rabu) etc. were grown. However, carrots and Beets are not among the preferable vegetables to cultivate in the area. Currently, due to anicut construction (5) at the Telgamuwa Oya, irrigation for agriculture has been controlled. As a result, vegetable cultivation in past a few years has been strictly controlled. Sever wind patterns in the area (3 months to 6 months) is the major climatic factor controlling such cultivation including vegetables. “Yakkadamaran”, a traditional white rice verity is the common for paddy cultivation in the area, but small quanity of “Suwadel, Pachchperumal, Kaluhinati are also cultivated in selected parts of paddy lands. Due to high winds, insect impact to the paddy and other crops are significantly less. But high quantity of fertilizers are needed as they believe low soil quality/nourishments. Paddy cultivation season (Maha) is longer than other part of the counter due to climatic and weather factors and low fertilized soil, but this longer growing season is common for paddy lands in the buffer zone of the Knuckles Forest Range. Harvested vegetables are directly supply to the Dambulla Economic center and traders come to the village and collect the harvest, farmers not receive reasonable price for their harvest, they have to accept whatever the amount given by traders. Farmers not used any preservative for harvest, thus considerable quantity of vegetables became a waste, and harvest transportation remain as the major issues due to lack transportation method and road infrastructure. No to minimum technical support received by the agricultural office issues related to the village (Laggala DS Division). Commonly, 2 1/2archers or equal to 5 “Bussal” owned by each farmer. Land ownership strict to males in the family, as ladies supposed to leave the home upon their marriage. No Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
land ownership given to ladies in the village. He has mentioned that villagers including himself, don’t want have urban life style, where everything is valued by sake of money. Even under lack of facilities, villagers are having satisfied and happy lifestyle. Villagers from” Walpolamulla”, the smallest village in the country and the world had been moved to Attanwala as a consequences of elephant attacks to the villages and lack of facilities. Number of elephant attacks have been increased within last 5 years to the surrounding villages, and he believes that the Morgahakanda multipurpose irrigation system 74 has modified the natural elephant routing paths to forests in the nearby area, including Wasgamuwa national park. Thelgamuwa oya is the major irrigation system for the Attanwela agriculture. However, drinking water is provided through water collected from water springs in the upper catchment/water shed area to the Thelgamuwa oya. All villages pay for drinking and domestic water usage. During last 6 years, tourism sector has been improved. The area has been famous among local and international tourists who wish to explore the natural beauty of the area. Most of the tourist are focusing on Reverston, and others are coming to Atanwala to gain remote, village experience and such adventure experiences like camping, hiking, mountain hiking and nature exploration and waterfall exploration. Major tourist attractions in the area includes, but not limited to Duweli ella, Pitawala pattana etc. Selected villages are working as tour guides to local and international tourists, but most of the time tours are organized by the outside agencies in Colombo and visit with a tour guide. As a result, village tour guides are not paid highly by the tourists. Home stay in village houses become more popular now. Lack of sanitary facilities remain as the major issue, when it comes to home stay at village houses. Language barriers with international tourists and such manner to be followed also become a concern. Other than scenic seeing of the Knuckles and the village, the area facilitates local and international university students and researchers to conduct many researches year around. The village consist of 35 families and all are Buddhist. Village members are relatives to each other and marriages are mostly limited to the community. Closest town to the village is Raththota. There is no well-established public transport system to the village. Only one bus leaves at 7.00 am from the village to Mathle and it returns from the Mathle at 3.00pm. The bus leaves at 7am from Mathle to Attanwela return back from the village at 2.30pm.Due to Lack of transportation, villages are including school children walking long distance. Closest hospital is in Illukkumbura and no other medical facilities nearby. Villages are depends on traditional medicine given by the “wedamahathya” in the village. Folk songs and other traditional songs are still widely use. Bee honey harvesting and Kithul industry remain as part-time livelihood activities.
Growing season at a glance; January to June- Paddy cultivation. Started after rainy season in January and have extended growing period due to rough climatic conditions and low soil quality May to August- Heavy wind June- July – elephants are invade the village just before and after harvesting season
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
August-September – Traditional ceremony for gods for offering appreciation on protecting their harvest and family members. They called it as “Adukku” and it’s consider as newly rice ceremony for gods, after offering the Buddha puja. After September full moon- Rainy season starts September- November- Vegetable or intermediate crop season November to December – Heavy rain 75 Late December- January- Soil preparation for paddy Biodiversity He is well knowledge in Biodiversity of the area. Many native species to the Knuckles and Island wide had mentioned. Trees species can be seen in Knuckles includes Heenkola, Atamba, Mora, Welan, Kaluwara, Milla, Kahata. Heenbovitiya and small bamboo species mentioned as native to Knuckles. Fresh water fishes like “Dumbara mal pethiya” and “Galpandiya” are native to Knuckles. Dumbara mal pethiya is in endangered category, can see in different areas of the Thelgamuwa oya , just below the “Wedda Peni ella” waterfall. He is suggest to catch Dumbara mal pethiya from the downstream and release them at the upstream,above the waterfall of the Thegamuwa oya, as it expands the habitat to the fish and conservation can be possible. He mentioned that Bee honey extraction is much success during the chena cultivation season as it has flowering trees. He think that less flowering trees in the Knuckles region may have impact on comparatively low bee honey production, Bee honey extraction starts after the Mahiyangana final Perahera. More than 500 tourists are coming and staying in the village. Many students are coming to conduct research. The Rajarata university is doing research on Damba tree species, soil, Mollusca, black monkey, butterfly species. Snakes, nocturnal species etc. Foreign tourist are much like to rock climbing and come to the area for Leach therapy in the specific area within Knuckles forest range and fish therapy( Galpandiya) at Thelgamuwa Oya, and to meditate at the Pittawala pathna. Mostly come for education purposes. Army training also done in the area. Carnivores plant species like Kadulessa, Nilmonarales, Wattassa can be seen in Knuckles area- Pitawala Pathana. Also other threaten species are Binohomba, orchids, knuckles horn lizard. Local tourist mainly focused on, scenery seen and fun. No caring on the environment. Want to do Camping on Maingala areas or Pitawala pathana, where sensitive ecosystems are presnt and prohibited by the Forest Department. Due to a few forest Officers are in the area, people trying trespass the area. As an alternative, Villages want to have camping in paddy field. During the rainy season form Jana-March, many tourist are visiting to the area for waterfall tourism. It’s the best season for that. Also during April- school vacation and weekend many people visit to the area.
CASE STORY 2- Gamini Rajakaruna Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
District: Mathle Division: Laggala Location: Rathnawela Date Interviewed: Sept 25, 2018 Civil Status: Married 76 Gamini Rajakaruna is Rathnawela native, lifelong farmer. He was engaged with paddy cultivation and vegetables. More than 7 years he cultivated tomatoes and cabbage. 1 ½ paddy and 1 ½ home lands are owned by Gamini. Most common rice verities used to cultivate were Kālu kumara and Pachapermumal. Now he has stepping in to tourism sector majorly. He was been asked to offer his paddy land to placed camps for 11 tourists one night and errand Rs 1100/- at the first time. Since then he rent out a section of his paddy lands for camping time to time, and later it became a famous camping site in the area. Unfortunately, he only receives Rs 3000/- per night as a rent and outsider collect money from tourists/ Camping people. If the group is high he received Rs 10,000 per night. Upon request from the tourists, he offers meals for them Rs 400/- per person per day. Camping site has sanitary facilities. Besides renting out his lands for camping, he also work as a tour guide. He charges Rs 3000/- per day as a tour guide and sometimes he conduct 2-3 days hiking in Knuckle as tourists requests. According to him, major tourist attraction in the area is Duwilli ella, which is 3 day hiking. Biodiversity He has some limited knowledge in species identification, he knows major tree species in the area and native and common fauna species like Knuckles horn lizards etc. He offers his knowledge in tree and animal identification, if the tourist asked. In some cases he has explain the local biodiversity importance to tourists and pay keen attention on waste disposal and plastic usage while conducting tours. Bush fires, unacceptable waste disposal by the tourists, pouching and damage trees, overgrazing by animals especially domestic cows consider as major threats to the Biodiversity in the area. He mentioned that, tourism has brought new revenue generation to the community. Both male and females are benefited of it, but majorly males are benefited as they are working as tour guides. Females earn money from food preparation to tourists. Beside that females are involved with mushroom business, Pan weaving etc.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
KII NO. 05 Date and Time 2018 11 26, 10.00am Organization: Dumbara Mithuro Contact Person: Nimal Kanaheraarchchi(President 77 Project Site: Ranamuree/ Knuckles Buffer Zone Detail Participated: Nimal Kanaheraarchchi(President),Jagath Kanaherarachchi, Neiel Meewatrane(coordinator),Shirideshika Piyadrshani( Villager), Ananada WijekonBandara( Villager) Interview Conducted at : Atampawala Village
Organization While Mr. Nimal Kanaherarachchi was a journalism teacher at the Naula Srinada National School, in 1998, he has established an Environmental organization within the school to increase awareness and offer education on nature and environment. He started with 10 selected students (Girls & Boys) and came to Knuckles as a educational field visit. The name of the student organization first called “Parisara Mithuro”, later the name change to “Dumbara Mithuro” with great interest to the Knuckles forest range. Later the organization, involved with media, including all Tv channels in the country to promote environment, nature, janakavi, culture and customs of the people in the area. The organization has published many newspaper articles, books and other publications related to Knuckles forest range and ecological importance and biodiversity since 1998. In 2000- “Sarisara” environmental focused, educational program was telecasted in the national TV channel, and supported to the program for three years without charge. As the program got success, the“ Sarsara” exhibition was held at BMICH ,and the “Dumbara Mithuro” stole was able to draw greater attention of exhibitioners. Janakavi and other traditional folk songs, history of the area, traditional equipment was exhibited at the event. The organization become famous and was able to have close relationship with the Forest Department and the Central Environmental Authority. With collaboration with “Parisara Padanama”, the organization conducted 1-3 workshops for ecological importance and tourism. Currently, the organization has trained 400-500 people island wide and given lifetime membership to the organization. In 2001 he has joined to CEA and come back to educational field as a principle at the Naula Srinatha National School in 2009. The ESCAMP project had been invited to conduct educational programs in Knuckles range. Educational programs and training was continued until 2015 without any grants, used their own money, some other organization and personal donations were received towards the organization. In 2015, with the support of Foreigner, an international tour guide, started an environmental center at Attanwala as an educational center. They have applied to SPG before, but not have been selected. SPG –O6 is the first grant received by the organization. Organization also focuses on history of king Ranawana, cultures, traditions and customs related to the area. Also worked with Photographical society for programs at the Lakegala and Manigala area.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Vision of Dumbara Mithuro A group who focused on ecological and environmental importance, rural lifestyle, culture and customs with the logo of “Protect natural heritage forever”. The organization has established as a NGO. Provide Advocacy, Education and work as a pressure group on environmental issues. They have been worked as pressure group for Knuckles forest range, such cases included encroachment and illegal land modification for Cardamom/Enasal within restricted areas. 78 Others see the organization as they are environmentalist. Biodiversity Pitiwala Pthana within the Knuckels forest Reserve and villages within Knuckles buffer zone, Ranamuree area were selected (two villages are Narangamuwa and Lakegala) to improve biodiversity. Pitawala Pathana is important as it provide habitats for native and endemic species to Knuckles such as “Kalu galpara madia”. Flora species endemic to Pathan are “Pthana Yamms, Binnara , such carnivorous fauna species like Kadulassa, Nilmonarassa and wattassa. Futher he mentioned, native and endemic and endangered species at the Pitawala Pathan are at high risk due to tourist activities, such as poaching of planet species from the eco system. At the Pathana, there are numerous water springs with rocky areas, those areas offer habitat to Kalu Gal Para Tode, but tourist are not aware of it and they walk on water bodies and rocky areas rather than constructed walking paths. As such activities are significantly impacted on biodiversity depletion in the area. Presently, The FD is strictly control tourist entering to the site, but still some tourists are going to the site without tours guides. Tours guides have minimum knowledge of species identification or importance of the species. Dumbara Mithuro has taken the initiative to build a barrier to automobile entering to the pathana, along with the Forest Department. Usually, area is under go 6 months of dry period. Strong wind May to August can be experienced. Such climatic conditions like rain fall pattern changes/ reduction in number of rainy days to the area, impacted on the Pitawala pathan eco system, as it get exposed to longer dry season. When water bodies dried out, it impact on the endemic species. Wild fires at the Pathna are another major issue for BD. Tourist activities leads to wild fires in the area. He believes that 20% of Knuckles region is still untouched by humans, therefore so many species to be identified in that area. More elephants are seen in the forest area and surround village after Moragaha Kanda project. Knuckles Horn lizard also can be seen with the area. Last time they have seen the “Sudu Gona”, an alii species of Moose was in late 1980’s. Fresh water fish like Dumbara Mal pethiya and other fauna species were mentioned. Listed animals to the area included elephant, leopard,Barking deer, spotted deer and many other. They have published many literate of Biodiversity in the Knuckles area. Paddy cultivation
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
January to early April - Maha kannaya May to September – Yala Kanaya (right after maha kananaya , yala startrs) September to December- Beans. Chemicals are spray every 3 days and 500g of fertilizers added to one Bean wine for a month. All these chemical are added in to the surrounding water bodies and it impact on the Fresh water species and other species depend on the water. 79 For a better harvest, higher usages of Fertilizers are must for Beans. To avoid such agricultural practices, the project is proposed to used traditional and indigenous farming techniques like Nakath balima, oraganic fertilizers usage etc. People in the area incorporated these traditional indigenous agricultural practices for a long time and get used to fertilizer and other chemicals within last decade Rice cultivation- majorly used 3 ½ month rice varieties given by the agriculture Department. kalukumara, Yakada-wee and Samba verities are widely used. Proposed major watershed and water bodies are : Ranamuree Gal pilla, Gawara Vila ulpatha, Narangamuwa lake, Walithuduwa and community water shed. People are encroaching water shed areas a expanding of farm lands. Therefore, such boundary demarcation will take place. watershed are belongs to DS division, as the DS Office is unable to oversee and protect water sheds, the organization had been asked to conduct such activities to protect the water springs and water shed area. Tree plantation in the Upper catchment area, incense knowledge and raise awareness on BD also focused. Water quality test will be conducted by the Water Supply and Drainage board at Kattugasthota in the second week of October, Soil erosion in the area is high. The Morgahakanda Dam is at the footsteps of the village, and village is just below the Knuckles forest range. As such protecting forest reserve is highly recommended by the Expertise, in order to protect the dam being clogged by soil/ mud. The organization has strong knowledge on species identification and Biodiversity conservation. They are planning to conserve Biodiversity in the area by increase awareness, share knowledge, advocacy and media. High concentration, and frequent usage of fertilizer and chemicals to Bean farms, impact on water quality and biodiversity in the area. As less usage in Glycoset within last couple of years, more important insects like bees, butterflies and dragonfly population has increased. Gender Knowledge management team has offered instructions to the project proposals, areas to concern and indicators and emphasis on gender, community participation, instruction to select community members etc. Went to the Knowledge management team workshop at Kurunagala No acceptable support was given to the project writing by anybody, even they needed. They have been asked from many people, but not given the proper instruction to write. Nimal was writing it with Jagath as much as they can think of to be a good proposal, including their expertise of the area and gaps to be filled in the area through this project. No Social Map has been done, data collected. Maps for the project site was submitted and have keen knowledge on the project area.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Biodiversity and gender According to him, people has not much appreciate, have no clear understanding of significance of the nature, not much valued the nature. Women and people in general, not much appreciate the environment. Recycling is less. Women are somewhat involved with tourism sector. School children are in “Kids society” as such kids and parents are easily be advocated. If women awareness increases, it will positively benefited to biodiversity. Women consider as an asset and a strategy to improve Biodiversity. Through the home 80 gardening, she can earn extra money, and can consider extra income generation source. At the same time land degradation deceases, as they are involve with organic agriculture. They can plant vegetables in home garden, and offer chemical free vegetables to children and the family. Once they receive more income, they will more engaged with home gardening, sustainability of the project remain. Community The villagers were subjected to evacuate due to close proximity to the Morgahakanada- Kalu gaga Irrigation project. Somehow, later, Ranamuree village and Narampanawa villages had not been evacuated, but other surrounding villages had been evacuated already. Majorly Middle to low income families live in the village. Though Cardamom/Enasal cultivation within Knuckles forest Reserve (Kalupanaha area), villages had earned well, but when it prohibited by the FD, their major income generation was collapsed. Villagers are very active, not waste time, trying to earn money through agriculture. Even though people have equal resources, their income levels are different; majorly they are suffer with social poverty than the economic poverty. Most of the villages have happy, simple and satisfied lives. Villages are solely vegetarian as a tradition; this may impact on children as they may not receive enough nutrients through the meals. Livelihood of the majority is Beans cultivation. After Cardamom, this became the gold to them. Usually people own 1- 5 ac of Beans farming. The area is famous of Beans during the unique season, and it is the off season for other areas in the country, therefore they have a good market at the Dambulla Economic center. Merchants are offer seed, and fertilizers at the early stage of the farming and later reduced that money from the harvest. SGP The organization has worked within the Knuckles area for 15 years, by educating people and but haven’t done any projects for villages in the sensitive area within the buffer zone of Knuckles. So they take this SPG project as an opportunity for that. They have identified the SPG’s main components as Biodiversity conservation, Livelihood development, Eco system improvement, eco- tourism and agro forestry and the focus for this SPG OP 6 – Biodiversity improvement of 10, 000 ha. Indicators have been checked for Gender balance and youth participation, community participation etc. Not have received landscape strategic plan for Knuckles.
The Project
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The project site was selected as it’s located in the buffer zone of Knuckles and Village. People in the village need proper guidance on biodiversity conservation and he is interested to help the people in the area. Project has two major components. 1. Biodiversity Conservation a) Pitiwala Pathna Biodiversity conservation 81 b) As request from the Forest Department, conservation activities take place. Certain areas are stickily prohibited to tourists. With partnership with FD, Dumbara sumithuro and Dumbara Mithro will construct stone beds in the area as soil conservation technique. The Project will starts on Oct 31, 2018. Fd is planning to establishes a ticket counter at the Pathana and trained tur guide to the area is needed. c) Six water-shed conservation d) Replantation in the area e) Construct Stone beds
2. Livelihood improvement a) Home Gardening Organic farming for soil conservation. 30 homes were selected for home gardening, among low to middle income families have given priority b) Eco- tourism 10 people from the village and Pitawala Pathan area to be trained as tour guides, Id will be given. Selected people are already doing some tourism activities in the area, they will be more knowledgeable and aware of the environmental and tourism related activities. Tour guides will gain an ID from the Central District Tourism Department. Women can offer food and beverages to tourist, when her husband conducts the tour. Majority of tour guides are males, as women may not physically strong enough to conduct tours in isolated and rough landscapes in inner forestry area, and long distance trekking may not easy for them.
According to him, the project address the main outcomes of SPG. Two major focusing components are Biodiversity conservation (70%) and Livelihood Development (30%). Within livelihood development activities, such as home gardening and tourism related activities indirectly and directly impact on biodiversity conservation. Workshop for selected 30 people with in the area had been conducted in last September at Mathale. Participants were exposed to different agricultural techniques Changes of this project made to the village They consider the project as an investment. Pitwala Pathana and community will be benefited. Women will be empowered, their income will be increased. They get familiar with Organic farming and usage of fewer fertilizers will impact on long term and short term heath.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
When income increases, social statues also updated. Higher self- satisfaction will receive. At least, during two years of the project, women may be able to save money as a result of Home gardening. The program is encouraging people to practice saving money they earn from the home gardening. Also, they can share the harvest among other villages, if needed. Food security will be increased. However, some benefits may not see within 2 years or right after 2 years of the project 82 timescale, but long term benefits to the Knuckles Forest Reserve and Community will be anticipated. Challenges and treats to women Currently, women are strictly engaged with Beans cultivations. They work long hours in the farmland, maybe not enough time to maintain home gardens during the bean harvesting season. Barriers to women in agriculture is comparatively less with the other areas of the country. Ladies can join any activities related to paddy cultivation from seeding to harvesting as long as they are capable enough to do it, no restrictions. Mostly they are with the Bean cultivation, as fertilizers are being used every three days, women are at high risk of many long term diseases. Usually they get paid Rs 900/- with meal per day. For Paddy labor for men is Rs 1500/- per day with meal. Sometimes women are getting paid less, approximately RS 600/- depend on the work they do. However, women are restricted to enter Betel farms. Kurakkan and traditional rice cultivation is at minimum. Kurakkan cultivation in the area is differ from other areas, as they plant saplings rather than spread out seeds. Such traditional rice verities like “Kaluhenati”, and colored rice varieties has less market in the area and not popular among the villagers. They prefer white rice. Suwadel is a good option, but sustain wind during May- August negatively impact in Suwadel rice cultivation. Challenges to the project There were many NGOs worked in the area, but villagers have no trust on them. Beans industry may impact on home gardening as women are highly involve with large scale Beans agriculture and no time for home gardening. The organization is based in Naula, frequent travels to the site is an issue, so they want villagers to take responsibilities and sustainability of this project As Morgahakanda-Kalau gaga project, forest land ownership has changed, and currently under demarcation of land between the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife. Under this condition, the project is having some difficulties in selecting places for tree planting. NBRO has identified the area as landslide vulnerable area and some disaster risk is associates within the area. Soil conservation is highly important as such condition. Tree planting will reduced landslide vulnerability due to control soil erosion by root system and interception of tree leaves. Due to climate change, some area in the Pitawala Pathna is drying out and water springs are disappearing.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
By 2020-2025, due to this project, income of the community will increased by 50%, eco – tourism will be taking place in the village, number of home stay facilities increased , organic farming will be increased.5 women will be trained to be a knowledge hub of the area.
83 Grantee KII/FGDs – Mannar KII NO. 01 Date and Time 2018 10 12, 2.10 pm Professor K.Ranawana & Mr.Sarath Ekanayake Detail Marine & Coastal At Seaeclogy at Vedithalathive
The project, supposed to map out the Mannar region using a drone technology 300m above the ground. The organization has nor is prior grant received from SGP and this their first time working with SGP. The Organization consist with three experts in Ecological conservation, including marine ecology. The organization established in 1999 as to address need of organization like this and educational purposes. Students and other interesting people, especially from students of University of Peradeniya were involving with conservation activities conducted through the organization. Also conducted the workshops related to the field. The organization had not received any grants and registered under CEA. Majority of the organization were volunteers, and community members, president, vice president, secretary were there. Landscape approach and SGP His idea is any project, should interconnect with people, people, the country should be benefited. Otherwise, not work. Mannar Landscape undergo specific threats: Within Mannar district, no protected area. No proper land ownership of the land is an issue. Many lands are owned by privately now. The state should owned the some lands in the area to protect BD. Livelihood is depend on sea and near shore or land based .Sand dunes are in the area and also consider as a major livelyhood method. The area was famous for rice cultivation in the past, but now most of the rice lands are abundant or become salt marshes. During dry season/droughts not enough water to cultivation and water quality also an issue. There are more than 3000 cattles in the area and used for dairy production. As high number of herbivores in the area overgrazing is a major issue to natural vegetation in the area. During dry season, this conditions get verse. Based on the Cattle survey conducted, grasslands are severely impacted. Protect grass lands from Overgrazing of domestic or privately owned cattle are and issue. SPG
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The organization have submitted the concept paper, EOI, Concept notes and followed the required/ invited workshops conducted by SPG. At first, this organization being asked to only map the Kala wewa reservoir basin and the park, but now extended the boundaries to Malwathu Oya from south to Poonarine from the North, the area coverage is 274 Km2 and length of the coastal belt is 140 Km. Community The area community value mangrove. Seaecology mangrove institution offer more support 84 on conservation of Mangrove and increase awareness of people on importance of wetland, economical benefits and mangrove related Biodiversity conservation. The community is majorly by Fisherman and farmers. Main food source of the community is rice, Kurrakkan and soya. People need to be more aware of conservation. Management of salt marshes are important. Males see it as opportunity to improve their livelihood, as salt marsh and mangrove areas important as breeding sites of fish and prawns. Female has different view, thy use mangroves and protect mangroves for product making and assisting the processing of fish. It is highly important to both men and female participation. People looking for financial benefits out of these project and actual interest on the nature in general and biodiversity conservation is problematic. Gender The project main scope of mapping of the area has not much involve with the community participation or gender inclusiveness. They assumed that completion of this project, may benefited to the government, local government and the community, due to it will offer opportunity to demarcate boundaries, improve the selected, specific areas such as classification of sandy areas, wetlands, mangrove, areas for agriculture and development and areas for nature conservation etc.
KII NO. 02 Date and Time 2018 10 13, 12 noon Mr. Thushan Kapurusinghe Detail Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project Vedithalathive
Mr. Thushan Kapurusinghe is the president of the Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project. The organization starts in 1993 with an n UK person. 1st project was in Thangalle-Rekawa area to protect turtles from killing by people. In 1996, first in-situ turtle project was conducted, “In-situ nest protecting program”, after 2 years of monitoring in the area. The organization had registered. He was a member of Young Zoologist Society Sri Lankan, and participated on March for Conservation. He also conducted training programs on how to protect turtles, turtle hatching in Kosgoda, Rakewa, Bundalla and Negambo and gathered bio-metric data
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
and published researches. He has won national awards and international recognitions of his work. Later he started “Nature Friends for Rakewa” project and now running by the community in the area. In 2015, he received grants for long term project in Vedathalathivi.
SGP 06 85 He has worked with SGP OP 03 at Kosgoda and has previous expenses working with SGP projects. However, he is not happy with the OP 6 process. He has no answer of three major outcomes of SGP OP 06 or main purpose of offering grants for this time. He has participated Workshops conducted by SGP, including Kurunagala in 2016 and submitted full proposal and made edits later on the project proposal and presented in Wikalei. SGP & the project Main focus of the project is eco-tourism in the area, livelihood development and enhance Biodiversity. In order to achieve those outcomes, his project offer sewing training program for, 3 women, ornamental fish breading tanks for 4 people in the community and conduct awareness programs. Ornamental fish- he gives funding for made 2, 60 gallon tanks in each selected people and at the first time he gives 1500 fish fries per each person. Afterward, he gets 15% discount. Fish verities are platies and zebras. Through the project he provide funding for fish food and shading net. And he will buy the fishes after 3to 4 months. Selection of the grantees from community The process was not transparent. But he was mentioning that he made an announcement at the Roman Catholic Church in the area and through fishermen society in Vedathalthive. First time they have selected 10 people from 15 people applied. The church is only for Roman Catholics and some community members are not a part of fishermen society. Such, some people in the community has not received the equal opportunity of receiving benefits out of this project. And later they have selected another 6 people from the community, no application process has followed, and just the word of mouth of Surain, who used to be the active member of the community and worked with Thushan. Eco tourism The area is now under go Mangroves conservation though previously conducted program through GEF and European Union. The eco-tourism site he wanted to promote, where near by the coral reef in Vedathlathive is 5 nautical miles away from the sea shore. Increase awareness on Mangroves as it important for breeding sites of prawns and other fish verities. The proposed area for the Eco tourism is closed monitoring by DWC as a protected area, therefore, training of eco tour guides and other proposed program through this project has to align and better coordination with relevant authorities Gender Inclusiveness Only a few selected females in the community (3) received sewing machine and tailoring course. Tailoring courses is only 10 sessions. Other than that, no recognizable gender inclusiveness or women participation of the project.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
He has no clear idea on the project how to reach SGP OP06 outcomes through his project and project activities are not aligned with the SGP outputs or indictors. And not turtle protection or and coastal or shoreline fauna species protection is included to the project. It seems like he is focusing on ornamental fish production in the area, where he has his own business. The area is funded by SGP and European Union to conduct Mangrove conservation and livelihood development a few years ago also and this project also focusing on the same area. 86 When considering the funding provided for the project by the SGP, expected outcome is at minimal level due to limited activities through the project and derivate from the SGP goals.
KII NO. 03 Date and Time 2018 10 13, 9.50 am Community Members/ Beneficiaries (Male -3, Female 4) Detail Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Project Vedithalathive
Village and the Community Mainly fisherman (75%). 400 families, and 2000 people in the Vedathlathive. Within 75% of fisherman’s, 30% are also famers and 30 % are government officers. Some fisherman are also occupy as famers and government officers. Some people do labor work. While some are established as businessmen. Within Vedithlathive DS division consist of Vidathlathiw North, East, South and west. Freshwater is widely available in Rainy season. Elephants are come close to the area during this time. Biodiversity rich area. Indian trailers comes to the area. The area has a long history, ran to the Protégées era. Land ownership is 10, 15, 20 perches per person by today. Most of the people came to the area through marriage (10%) and others are coming back to the area after decades long civil conflicts. Livelihood Most of the time, agriculture is being taken place in both seasons. No / less vegetable growing in the area. Mainly fish, dry fish, rice and crabs are going out of the village to the market. Many people during war season, in 2000 moved to Mannar, Jaffna or out of the country. Some people had very hard time during this time as they do not have enough basic needs. In 2010, most of them were return back to the village again, but they have lost their houses and all asserts. In 2014 government was provided houses for these people, including utility facilities such as electricity and water. Water is an issue in the area, sometimes they have travel 2km to get drinking water, but in 2016 the area received water from the water board. Education
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
There are 300- 500 school kids, and school has classes up to grade 13.The closes and famous Scholl in the area is Joseph Was. Some students go to schools in Mannar. At least 10 people are selected to go to university each year, currently 15- 30 students from the area receive higher education at universities. The area is famous and have good school, good teachers and better educational system comparing to surrounding areas. Students are smart and intelligent as a results many students get an opportunity to attend to universities. Mothers are forcing their kids towards higher education. Some of them are spending RS 60, 87 000- 65, 000 per year for their kids’ education, this included boarding fees for kids and other requirements. If kids go to village school, per annual educational coast is about RS 5000. Midwife services in the area is at optimum level. She visited needed houses and Thriposha also given for babies who are under developed/low weight Food and meals Rice with fish curry is the main dish. Bread, rottiee with curry also common. Dinner is rice and fish curry. Less meat availability in the area was mentioned, especially for chicken. People mostly eat beef. Wild boar meat is also available. Vegetables, greens and grain consumption is very low. Famous people from the area SL Parliament Sabanayake is from this area. Well established doctors and lawyers are from the village. They still used to come to the village and meet the community and relatives, especially for weddings and church festival. Main income generation is from farming. Approximately about RS 10 000 per day. Even before the war season people had good life and good income. No to less bank service in the area Samurdhi bank has started recently. Otherwise, for banking purposes they go to Mannar. Some people has received samurdhi loans/One to two people receive RS 3000 per month from Samurdhi. Usually people apply from loan for fishing net (RS 40,000) and paid them back as soon as possible. There were, many changes from 2000-2015 in the area includes more fishing harvest, use high techniques. In Climatic condition changes included less rain and high heat. Other farmers/farmers from other area do dynamite fishing in the area, damaged the coral reef and its eco system in the area. In 2010 when they are back, healthy mangrove were seen. Area is good for sea grass and as a result many marine species can be seen. Sea grass and see cucumber are common in the lagoon areas. Many people has luck of awareness on biodiversity. Fishing society is trying and focusing on conservation of mangroves and the coastal areas. They have identified three major season as rainy season, wind season and high heat /hot season. Government has offered them houses. Houses are relatively big and spacey. Development is under go in the area. Structural infrastructure is high. Even though, it seems somewhat isolated village, Younger generation is greatly depend on the new technology. They want IPhone and high tech equipment. Usually one person owns many phones. Personal experiences: As they have very limited water facilities, one person’s father brought a bullock cart and sold water throughout the village.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
In the past, women participation on fishery is very less, but today many ladies help their husbands fishing industry. Women are now responsible for cleaning fishing nets and cleaning of fish lards. In the past women brought their husbands lunch to the area, but after built of new harbor building, women used to work after their husbands came from the sea and husband goes to home for lunch. Some people go for only fishing but some do fishing on fish and crabs and prawns too or Crabs only. 88 Men or female, regardless of the age, receives contract based salary and equally distributed among number of participant for the given task. Direct exporting of fish is easy now, they directly send to Negambo or Colombo. Land value has gone up in the area due to infrastructure. In 1989 – I perch – RS 9000/-, 2010 - 25 000/- And by 2017 its 36 000/-. The price is even high with a house Changes in the Environment Mangroves in the area has grown well due to conservation programs. Coral reef is growing. More birds can be seen, especially migratory birds including sea eagles and flamingos. See grass are grow well in the area. Many participant mentioned that they didn’t have any education on biodiversity or conservation through their parents. But they have valued the mangroves and coral reef as those provides habitats for fish and prawn species. Mothers in this generation,, take their kids to the mangrove area and explain the importance of them and plant mangroves with their kids. And raise the importance of not acting of fish in developing stages. Eco tourism Last two years UNDP was worked in the area. Through an eco-tourism program, fifteen (15) people were registered with DWC and DS office for the program and received equipment needed and training on boat operating at the Oceanic University (2-3 weeks). Out of 15members, 3 were female and 12 were boys. The building were conducted he meeting with us on October 13, 2018 was built as a part of the eco-tourism project to keep the equipment safe. Per tourist for sea tour charge Rs 5000/- per visit. It included mangroves area, bird watching, and sea grass area. People come to the area for research purposes and tour guides are helping them. A selected group is working with DWC for a one year project in the area. Dress making course Participate female: Jeena & Diniya The program started 4 months ago, and it’s a six month course. 2 times per months 4 class hours. They believe it a good source of income and they can save money they are giving out to the tailor. Trainer coming from Puttlam, and attendees learn dress making, child wear and scare blouses. Fish breeding program J.J.Sunitha
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
5 people were selected to the program and 3 people only received training. Tanks were constructed by himself with help of meson. Two tanks per person. Size 5’ X 10’ X 18’. Training was given by DWC, 6 month training 2 times per months, 4 hours per day. Subject conducted: marine fish verities, fish food, fish diseases and medication, maintenance, transport method etc.
89
04 KII NO. Date and Time 2018 10 14, 9.00 am Zoology Student Association at University of Jaffna Detail Department of Zoology, University of Jaffna
Organization The organization was established in 2013 under Professor Norbert Surainan’s encouragement. Automatically, all students from Zoology department, Ist year to 4th year, receive membership. Student membership is Rs 50/- , lifetime membership (Staff) is Rs 500/- and Permanent membership is Rs 200/- per year. Currently, there are 300 student memberships, 30 lifetime memberships and 20-30 permanent memberships. The organization hold annual meeting and select officials, president, vice president, treasure, and Secretary and junior treasure. Ms. Kokilai was the first president of the organization. Within last two years, in 2017 they have participated in North Province agriculture exhibition with home garden with the concept of increasing pollinators and other useful animals in the farmyard. Bee keeping program was conducted with support from UNDP in the area. Climate change impacted on the agricultural activities in the area is high. In Madu area, where driest area of the country, ground water level is very deep, they have rain water harvesting systems implemented as an alternative water source. But, lack of water availability directly impacted on agriculture projects.
Main threat to BD in the area Identified hotspots in the area included, but not limited to Punnarin, Mannar, Thricanaeshvaram kovil/temple area, Keeramalley etc. Some hot spots are highly important as migratory bird roosting sites. Tourism in Jaffna With guidance of academics and the experts in the field, they have done a project at Thondaman Arru area in 2015. Project called “Mangroves for future”. In that program, they have trained 20 members as tour guides. Selection was based on the economical statues of the community from the lagoon dependent community. They have given priorities on women headed families in the area. Licenses were given to the tour guides through DS
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
office. Tour guidance are temporally/part time based and tours area arranged through the organization or other entities to bird watch. Many Jaffna people live in internationally, so when they return back, regularly they used to visit those areas. So the improving of area is needed as tourist destination. The area hold high BD importance as salient water in the lagoon offers habitats to many fish varieties, early development stages of marine fauna verities and hotspot for migratory birds as well as native birds. There were 23 species of migratory birds were identified in the area. 90 Due to that, area is highly populated as a tourist destination. There are many tourist in the area, without tour guides and therefor high demand and neediness for tour guides. People who have migrate from Jaffna used to visit those sites when they are back in Sri Lanka. But local community has poor knowledge on migratory birds in the area and they hunt birds. Some famers believes migratory birds as a threat. Through the program, farmers were informed and educated as migratory and other birds are important as pest removal rather than harming the farm ads then it was success full. There are many threats to the lagoon and lagoon ecosystem. Mangrove conservation is needed. Famers needs freshwater for agriculture, blackish water is an issue. Conservation of the area They have conducted workshops from school children to explain environmental importance. There are selected days for celebrations, such as the Environmental day, migratory birds’ day etc. and simultaneously ecological related workshops and programs being conducted. ZSA believes that conservation related activities and awareness should be start at school age, when they grow up, they have more attachment to the environment and protecting and conservation of environment rather than polluting. Also, many lagoon eco systems in the north were still in good condition and have been conserved due to war and evacuation of people from the area, as nobody was there to damage. During post war era, due to people’s activities those eco systems are now under pressure and contaminated and polluted. Plastics can be seen in the lagoon eco systems commonly. Public is not aware of local flora and fauna species, biodiversity or importance of biodiversity. When comparing with local to foreign tourist, it has been identified that foreigners are more concern on environment and protect the area, but not by local people. Local government also pay very little attention on the conservation or Biodiversity. Government officials are only here for 3 years and then they transfer. So no long term planning or mechanism being under taken or on going to protect the environment. Future of Jaffna Will be semi industrial and tourism focused area. The issue is industries are not follow the regulations or standers. No one to monitor it. Hotels just dump sanitary water to local systems and that create public health problems in the area. Tube wells are commonly use and there will be a ground water issue. Jaffna hospital waste water also directs towards the lagoon area directly and now they have a program to control and monitor it. Activities through the program Bee keeping program to be establish. They have conducted similar program earlier and done a photographic exhibition of flowering plant in home gardens. There is a Bee keeping village in Northern Province and Bee keeping village in Kondavill. They harvest 3.5 l per bee box.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Students has conducted a presentation of their project. Focusing area: Kavutarimunai . Its agriculture and fishing consider as the main livelihood of the area Two DS divisions are 1.Kauvtarimunai (Fisherman, agriculture and business), 2. Paramankiravai( Palmira. Sewing and agriculture). The Project started in August 2018. 91 In order to receive baseline information, socio economic baseline survey was conducted and analyzing on data is under progress. They were staying in the village and data had been collected from 5.30 am to 5.30 pm. mainly targeting Women’s society. People in the area suffer with sever water issue and heat. In order to improve livelihood through Palmira production, training will be given. Selection of beneficiaries seems to be using a fair mechanism. Conducted a biodiversity assessment of landscape where going to plant mangrove trees. The plot is 2.5km long and 100 m wide. They have done visual mapping and seasonality mapping. Home gardening - 20 families were selected. Palmira production/ handicraft – 15 families Cooking of traditional food for the market Landscaping and mangrove planting – 150 ac. Mangroves will be received by Sea ecology Society, Vedithalathive, for free.
KII NO. 05 Date and Time 2018 10 15, 9.00 am Detail EASL
The organization starts in 20106.At the beginning there was 10 members including former DS officer. Main focused of the organization is environment. From 2006 to 2009, not much projects were under go due to the war in the area and less infrastructure facilities. In 2009, palm seeds and saplings were distributed among community through a program. During last 5 years mot much large scale projects were under taken, SGP is the largest project they have involve with. The organization has president, secretary, treasure and coordinator. They all works toward the projects, most of the time funds were not received through program. And members works as volunteers. Members worked in the DS office, so information receives regarding upcoming programs.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Tree planting was selected because, the tree cover in the Mannar is very low. So the organization proposes to conduct a project related to tree planting. They do not have much working with schools, this I the first time they working with school. Some projects are associate with integrated faming method in the area. Started with 5 archer coconut land with 50 cattle. Other than the organization, those members has different jobs/ methods of earning. He has his own fishing business, besides working for the organization. When they have free time 92 they work for the organization.
*************************************************************************** Time: 10.25pm School 1: Name of the Principle: Mr.G.Gunasekaram and teachers The school has total student of 167, grade 1 to 11, mixed school Girls (80) and males (87). Total number of teachers 15, including the principle, 13 of them are female and 2 male. They have agricultural teacher in the school and also has an environmental club, since 2016. Through that club, waste management and tree planting activities have been conducted. Total number of members are 11. The club members meets twice a month, first and last week of Wednesday, after school for 90 minutes. They discussed on environmental issues in the school and for best participant students the school offers gold and silver medals. In 2017, for primary classes, bird medal was given to the student who took care the most birds. Students also receive certificates based on their achievements. At the present no trees are planting, no composting bins or no records were maintained. School doesn’t has a fence. Coconut and manage tree were planted. Parents of the school supporting to tree planting events. Also helping with watering, making fences, feeding for bids including migratory birds. Migratory birds are coming to the school promissory during the season. School owns a ½ archer paddy lands and its harvesting regularly. The area is famous for venomous snakes, including cobra, viper species and other snakes. Water quality in the area is not drinkable. They do have wells, but can’t drink water. Teachers in the school have identified Mango, coconuts, lime, lemon jambu as common fruits in the area. Kids have opportunity to suggest best trees for the area.
*************************************************************************** School 2 Name of the school: Mankalaie GTMS Name of the Principle: Ms. C.G. Anthony Time: 12.25pm This is a primary school, only 15 students including 8 males and 7 females. Only 3 teachers and the principle for the school. No male teachers. Principle stated on Feb 2018.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The school has more students and numbers are low now due to displacement during the war time and some are resettled in different areas. School has 8 archers. During the rainy season school get flooded. Throughout the years, the weather is extremely hot, especially in April, so the school community was looking forward for the tree planting. Coconuts and fruit trees will be planted in the area. Never planted fruit trees in the school area. The fence was broken ad through this project, they are establishing a fence around the school. Fences are made 93 withTeake logs and wire lines. The principle has spoken to Samurdhi office regarding the project. The forest department is providing free trees for the project, but the organization by itself built the fence. They received help with Samurdhi recipient and SL forces as man power. 214 AL Army Bridage will offer assistance to implement fences. Drip irrigation will be provided for trees planted, pipe born water has provided to the school.
*************************************************************************** School 3 Name of the school; Thevanpiday RC.T.M.V Principle: Mr. Danistant Time: 1.10pm The school has 68 male students and 77 girls. Total number of teacher s are 16, 10 are female. The school started in 1950. School has classes up to 6 to 13 grade, only A/L Art stream School has an agriculture teacher. Current principle start working in 2016. The school has an environmental club. Some farming practices are going on. During school vacation, no watering. School get water through water main. Other than environmental club, Girls scout program , cultural society, Math and science society, religious societies has been establish and programs are carrying on. Environmental society started to give environmental awareness and sensitively students, grade 7 on ward can joined the club. And they have color code/ batch system to identify the contribution to environment. School fence will be constructed by Samurdhi recipient. The fence is needed for protect the land area by Cattles.
KII NO. 06
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Date and Time 2018 10 16, 10.30 am Mr. Lasantha, President of the Organization Detail Mr. Syame, Community organizer Marine and Coastal Resource Conservation Foundation
94 The current president of the Marine and Coastal Resource Conservation Foundation, Mr. Lasnatha engage with the program under the Fisheries Department, Sri Lanka in early 2000s. After Tsunami in 2004, the department receives, ADP founded 8 large projects to rebuild back the damaged areas due to Tsunami. He was involving with one of these project/organization. Under this program they were trained to do co- financing. He was with that program during 2004- 20007. Completion of the program, he was back with the Fisheries Department, but he wanted to get out from government jobs. As a result, in 2007 March he established MCRCF at Kalpitiya, with 10 of his colleagues. At the beginning they used their personal funds towards the organization and registered at DS Division of Kalitiya. In Early 2008, they received their first project, RS 150,000/-. Upalai who is the other Colleague of the Organization, leaded that project and focused on Sea weed cultivation. And their second project related to non-traditional livelihood promotion. In 2007- 2008, they have involve with EIAs for projects, project of sea weed growing, and started to grow Aloe- vara .First he given the Aloe order to cosmetic agencies called “Jannet”. Then he received IUCN project, one year program on Aloe-vera. In that program 15 families, received 525 plants per houses. And the organization conducted same project in different areas within Kalpitiya region. In 2009, The International Coral reef Association (ICRA) given the large funds for the program. The Coastal And marine Conservation Foundation has joined with SGP in OP 3. Similar project that improve the fishing community livelihood. The organization’s has 5 board members Including Lasantha, Dr. Indra Ranasinghe, Upali, Suganth and Nishantha Community member). Mr. Lasanatha is the Committee chair and Mr. Upali act as the Co- chair. Each member of the organization, leeds different projects upon their interest. They apply to grants/ project as Marine and Coastal resource Conservation foundation, but work as individually for projects. Mr. Upali mallawarachchi was engaged with Railway Expansion project as an Environmental Project Manager. Mr. Lasanath’s Social enterprise entity is introducing Aloe- Vera drink, Aloe-Vera jam and sup. In 2012 he worked in FAO project for 18 months. During that time, The Marine and Coastal Conservation foundation had internal disputes and some people left the organization. But later again with Dr Indra Ranasinghe’s direction the organization was re structured and conducted some projects. Dr. Indra Ranasinghe was a KM team previously. SGP Project For SGP 06 proposal submitted by the MCRCF has no direct affiliation with DR Indra Ranasinghe. But the submitted proposal has been written by outsider. Community
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
The area is in Naththan DS division. GN divisions are Wankali North, South, east and west. The project covers 4 GN decisions. 1500 families will be benefited from this project. The whole community is Roman Catholics and have register with the Church. The village is re settled area, completely evacuated during the war season. People are now own 20 perches per family, before that had 1 acres or more as land ad ½ ar to 5 ar as paddy. Common rice verities are red and white samba and some local verities. Maha season is the major season, everybody in the area do cultivation on paddy abut due to Yala is somewhat 95 reduced as the water issue. But irrigation provides water for cultivation. Goat farming is common in the area. Main livelihood included farming, fishing, farming and fishing both. Some are seasonal fisheries, and involve with prawns fishing or dry fish industry. There are many people involve with Sea cucumber harvesting as it has a good market these days. Fishing methods included netting, or near reef fishing. Ornamental fishing and Scuba diving trainings also can be seen in the area. There are 10 families with disable people a 150women headed families. Biodiversity Coastal BD included in Mangroves, Coral reef of Wankale (10 km long, 2km wide), Baird sanctuary. The program is proposed to plan Mangroves and Aloe-vera in the area Lagoon area conservation Paddy field/Agricultural area can be seen in the area too. Migratory birds are high. Sea eagles can be seen. Dugongs can be seen rarely. Sea grass breads are good in the area. Issues in the community, threaten to BD included Dynamite fishing and mangrove removal. Area Selection The area had been selected for this program due to the area focused by SGp and the Mr. Lasanatha wanted to help war affected area. Dr. Champa also suggested this area. He knows did Champa, while working in the FAO. Enough land area for Aloe-vera planting and conservation on mangroves. But he believes this area is best for echo tourism. Of biodiversity conserves, are will benefited more. SGP SGP log farm has not received. NO clear idea on the outcome of SGP project. SGP has not given advisement or guidance to improve the project and requirements to be filled. ALoe-vera is good income source for people in this community. The area also has optimum conditions for Aloe-Vera plant grow. In his personal business of Aloe-Vera he has provided more than 5 tons of Aloe-Vera per month or more. Last two months he has provided 20 tons. During best optimum weather condition 100-110 ton of Aloe-Vera can be provided to the market per year.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
He has 5 Ac land for Aloe-Vera – largest Aloe farm he owned. Other than that, 300 or more families are already involving in Aloe-Vera in large scale, middle scale and domestic level. For SGP project 50 Families were focused, but 70 families may a join. No cost analysis, economic analysis or baseline survey was not done. He believe, if he works Closely working with the community and community will received the benefit out of this project. 96 He will share the most up to date technology with the people in their area, and if they are doing well he will register those people as a company. Sayam who is assisting him in the project, will mainly oversea the project. Among selected for Aloe Vera planting, 10 people will select for eco- tourism also and will offer training. The area has high potential of eco-tourism. Training will be offer to those people. Eco tourist guides will provide reef conservation also. Other group will be doing surveillance support. Data gathering etc. Forest Department, DWC, Navy already working closely in the area. SL Navy is already stationed in the area. Fisherman also may involve as gathering data. Mangrove will be planted. About 1500 trees, (Avicenna species only). Navy also provide plants and monitoring of the project. Demonstration will be provided to community and school kids to how to grow and conserve mangroves. BD enrichment through program Mangrove Park will be established within 2 years in the area, so BD will increase. During next Madu season more tourists are expected. Mangroves will be planted and protect Reef dynamite will be reduced Invasive plants will be removed. Socio- economic Income of the community will increases Up to 200 Aloe-vera plans will be distributed among community. 1 grow leaf of Aloe Vera is about I kg. So harvesting will be 100 kg- 150 kg per month. Women involvement. Women will be involving for Aloevera project. Women will earn money by themselves through those programs. That Money can be used for various purposes.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 5: Format for details of Beneficiaries
Details of Beneficiaries: Livelihood Assessment of Gender Social Inclusiveness 27 Small Grant Project, UNDP
1. General: 1.1. District: 1.2. Implementing Agency Name: 1.3. Project Name: 1.4. DS Division: 2. Details of the Project Activities (All forms of Livelihood other than paddy farming and home gardening) 2.8. 2.9. Date Amount of support 2.3. Granted / given Related 2.4. Location 2.5. Name of the 2.7. 2.2. Description of 2.6. Description of the livelihood activity or value No. output (GN Division/ Beneficiary with Amount the Project Activity of the beneficiary of the of the IA Village) contact details allocated material proposal support given
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
IA- Implementing Agency ANNEXURE 6: Format for Paddy Farming and Home Gardening
Details of Beneficiaries: Paddy Farming and Home Gardening Assessment of Gender Social Inclusiveness 28 Small Grant Project, UNDP
3. General: 1.5. District: 1.6. Implementing Agency Name: 1.7. Project Name: 1.8. DS Division: 4. Details of the Project Activities (Paddy and Home gardening) 2.7. 2.4. Location 2.8. Name of 2.3. 2.6. Name of Size (GN the 2.9. Name of Related 2.5. Total the Land of 2.10. 2.11. Type/ 2.2. Description of Division/ Agreement the Farmer No. output No. of Owner with the Amount Amount Verity of the Project Activity Village/ Holder with with contact of the IA beneficiaries contact Land allocated Granted farming Paddy field contact details proposal details in Name) details Acres Ex. Home
gardening
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
IA- Implementing Agency
29
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
ANNEXURE 7: Case Stories
CASE STORY 1 - Sagarika Damayanthi 29 District: Colombo Division: Homagama Date Interviewed: August 24th, 2018
Name: Sagarika Damayanthi (071xxxxxxx) Age: 40 years Civil Status: Married
Sagarika born and raised in Polonnaruwa district and since her marriage she resides in Walpita, Homagama, Colombo. She has 3 kids: 14 years Daughter, 10 year Son and 8 year daughter receive secondary and primary education in Hanwella central and Lenawala Central College. Her husband lost three figures in his hand due to a machinery work at a factory at Jalthara. Due that injury, both of them went through a rough time at the beginning of their marriage, their house wasn’t built at that time. He was searching for jobs everywhere and finally started his own bicycle repairing place and distributed incense in nearby villages. Now he is back to wiring and installation work. According to her, they both work very hard and able to overcome many financial problems and was able to build a house, and now have a happy family life. Due the construction of houose, her family being discontinued on receiving Samhurdhi a few years ago. However, currently she is the President of Samhurdhi society at village. She started Rice Kenda production, 2 years ago, in June 2016 based on the idea of Sumhurdhi officer at her village. She used 7 traditional verities of rice including Suwadal and Pachaperumal. Some verities of rice ordered from Anuradhapura by the Samurdhi officer behalf of her. She also adding verities of greens, which has some medical nutrient values, in to her rice kanda product. Greens/ herbs are gathering from the surrounding lands and she been asked by the Samhurdhi officer that she should go for “Karapincha” planting project simultaneously as it can be used for her kanda product. She started the business of Rice kada production with 3 kg of Suwdell and Madathwali rice verities and prepared only 10 packages. She had taken those samples to Sethripaya, but product was rejected due to issues in the packaging. So Samhurdhi officer offered advice and better packaging materials for her product. She sells a one Kanda packet for LKR. 80 since she started the business until today, and that price she has not included her time, utility cost or labour cost. She said that the production cost of one package is LKR 50-60, so she is happy with the selling price and didn’t increased over the time. Now she is making around 130 packet per months and based on the demand the numbers are increased. She sell those products at selected local government offices, Homagama DS office and Ayurveda doctor’s places she selected and also through a delivery men come to take her products. She Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
hopes that she will receive a place to sell her kenda at the new cafeteria of a school in the neighbourhood. In 2017 June, she had received a vocational training on Business related documentation at the Homagama DS Office. She is facing difficulties in finding traditional verities of rice, which she is being used for her product and also she like to buy all rice verities from one place as it is much convenience for her. Money she earns from the business saved in a different saving account and she has about 30 LKR 8000/- in her business related saving account. She has brought baskets, sealer, cups and other necessary equipment for the business from the money she earned. She spent LKR 2.50 for per sticker as labelling cost. She hopes through the selected SGP project in her area, offer her easy access to traditional rice verities and market will be improved. Her next 5 year target is improved her business and go for a large market. She received LKR 5000/- from SGP project, but she has no clear idea on the project going to be taken place in her village.
CASE STORY 2- Sujeewa Wickramarchchi District: Colombo Division: Homagama Date Interviewed: August 24th, 2018
Name: Sujeewa Wickramarachchi (Wife of Sarath, Treasure of the Farmer Organization, 070xxxxx) Age: 44 years Civil Status: Married
Sujeewa Wickramarachi, born and raised in Hadapangoda, in Kaluthara District, near the boarded of Colombo and Kaluthara districts. Her family depended on the agricultural based livelihood. She had sat for Commerce stream, subjects including accounts, economic, logic in G.C.E. A/L 1993 and passed with 1C and 3S. In 1995 she got married with the person who fallen love during her school age. Now she has 3 children: 15 year daughter, 12 year son (slow growing) and 9 year son who are attending to schools. She had tough subject matters for her daughter’ s Grade 5 scholarship exam and now she is happy with her grades and having a better school for her daughter’s higher studies. Her husband, Sarath worked as a welder in various private companies and at the last company he had received LKR 18, 000 per month. After many years of working as a welder and other jobs, finally he quite those monthly salary based jobs and returned back to full time farming, where his family used do it for ages. During the harvesting season he earns
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
LKR 20,000- 40,000 accumulatively, but if it considered per month, he said it lower than what he had earn at the private companies. She spent most of time of her daily schedule for farming, among all her duties as a mother and a wife. Her main agricultural crops are Paddy, vegetables. Paddy cultivation continued in both seasons in ¾ acre land that he owned and 5 years ago they had brought another paddy land. He has given the legal ownership of newly owned land from his brother/family to his wife. She over-takes many tasks related to paddy cultivation, such activities are not 31 usually done by women, including seed dispersal, weed removal, irrigation management except land preparation and pesticide spraying. Traditional rice verities being used over the time and willing to continue that practice. She started farming in she was 3 years ago and now in her home garden, Egg plants, Snake gourd, Okra, cucumber, bitter gourd, Beans, Ridge gourd, Cassava/Manioc, ginger, such greens including Gotukola and Kathurumurunga are cultivated for home used and extra produce sell to the market at Meegoda. She seeks labours for digging and land preparation, etc, but afterward she used to do other tasks by herself. As a practice, she uses no to minimum pesticide and chemical fertilizers in to vegetables and paddy. Unless the cultivated land is subjected to severe damage by insects or other parasite infections, she never uses pesticides thinking that those chemicals are harmful and she doesn’t want anybody to eat chemicals with vegetables. She enjoys offering somewhat organic food to her kids and family, and others as well. She believes there is not much differences in harvest, whether usage of chemicals, even though it’s little less in harvest, she enjoys that she is not using chemicals to her vegetable garden. Beside paddy and home gardening, she also involves with Rubber extraction and tea plucking in her own lands. Lowland tea were covered in her front and backyard, beyond that Rubber plantation takes place. She is tried to save money from framing in the bank, but continues saving is very less due to damage to her farmlands by flooding during rainy season every year. She is not a Samhurdhi recipient. Due to unstable financial situation, she has taken loans from Samhurdhi (LKR 100,000), Sarvodaya (LKR 15,000) and from National Housing Development Authority (LKR 70,000) for construction of the house and pays on monthly bases. The SGP project also have donated LKR 5,000 in August 2018. She is an active member of female farmer society and other societies in the village. Average time line of daily routine 3.30am getting up and cooking 5.00am Wake up and prepare children for schooling 5.45am Leaving for Rubber plot and extraction of rubber sat (¾ acre) (husband take children to school) 8.00am Having a tea, and leaving for 2nd rubber plot and start extraction of rubber sat (¾ acre) 9.30am Return from the 2nd rubber plot and back to the 1st rubber plot to collect 10.30am Come back to home, and collect and prepare rubber for the process 11.30am Go to the vegetable farm 12.00noon Collect rubber from 2nd plot and bringing home
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
1.00pm Lunch 3.00pm Rubber processing 4.00pm Working in the vegetable farm 4.30pm Prepare of dinner 5.30am education activities of children 32 9 .00pm Dinner Watch TV, only news 11.00pm End of the day
CASE STORY 3 - Chamila Samanthi District: Colombo DS Division: Homagama Date Interviewed: August 24th, 2018
Name: Chamila Samanthi (Facebook: jagathpadukka, Phone no. 071xxxxxxx) Age: 39 years Civil Status: Married
Chamila Smanathi born and raised in Monaragala, after studying till G.C.E. O/L, she completed dressmaking course and worked at a garment factory at Horana. Chamila got married in 2002 and living with husband who is working in Lanka Waltiles in Walpita village, Homagama. They have 2 daughters: 15 years and 11 years both study at Lenegala Vidyalaya. Chamila joined to village Shamurdhi society in 2003, but in 2004 she was unable to continue when her kids were small, and later she re-joined the society. Since 2015 onwards she hold the treasure position. She also a member of Women Farmer’s Society and does framing including paddy cultivation. As an alternative source of income, and with the result of encouragement of Samhurdhi officer, she started her Lime pickle business, in July 2016 with 2kg of lime from the Homagama weekly fair. Before she stared her business, she collected samples of other lime pickle products in the area and studied on packaging, labelling, and taste of the product, etc. After pilot production, Chamila sheared lime pickle samples with her family and friends, and sold all lime picket packets at nearby store. Then she made lime pickles with 50Kg of lime and, 50g and 20g packages were placed in selected stores and places under a common name. Her husband, greatly supports her business in many ways specially distributing the product in Padukka, Hanwella, and stores in Walpita. At the very early stage of business, she spend around LKR 6000 and received LKR 10, 000 as a profit. Among the profit, LKR 6000 were deposited as servings and balance were spend for education of children.
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018
Large stock of lime is ordered form Monaragala, where her home village as limes are cheap and widely available in the area. Transportation is not an issue as her relatives who travel back and forth help her getting enough limes when she needed. In 2016 November, she produced her second batch with 150 kg and sold all through the same channel and also provided for a delivery cycle. Meanwhile, Samurdhi Development Authority has donated LKR 48,000 worth food container, and baskets and some cookware to start her business. 33 For improvement of the business, she is obtained a loan worth of LKR 100,000 on 12.5 % intrest, from Samurdhi bank in January 2017. In 2017, 300 kg Lime pickle produced and started to pickle in glass bottles, beside 20g, 50g packets. New labelling with new name, “HelaRasa Nishpadana” also introduced in 2017. Lime pickle glass jars are mainly targets the “HelaBojun”- Agriculture Department owned selling venue. However, there were less selling of pickle jars than small packages. So she introduced small size pickle jars. 20 lime packages (100g) per month sells among co-workers of her husband. In 2018, beside Lime pickle, banana-bloosam/kehel muwa moju product is the latest addition to her home business. As banana blossoms are widely available and coast is low, she thought it also be a good product to introduce to the market. Changing colour/ declaration to black of lime pickle, after a few days of preparing is her main concern. She has tried many different techniques, different spices and methods to overcome this issue, but according to her she still experience discoloration of lime pickle. There is no outside labours working in her business until now, every task is carrying out by her with support of her husband, in-laws and some other family members. Lack of knowledge in relevant government and semi government agencies, which can provide technical, financial and quality controls to improve her business is another major issue. She is happy with her business, and feels financial stability than before. She was having LKR 104,000 in her servings, and bear the children’s class fees, cover day to day expenses at home, spend money for family trip, once paid LKR 15,000 as car lease, and had given LKR 10,000 for payment of the car loan, and spend LKR 10,000 for parent’s visit to India. Self-satisfaction, extra money for day-today life and she has money for children’s future are the benefits, that she enjoys from her business. Also Social-recognition, provide servicers for others, create contacts among others, and encourage others for start-ups are also in her list as a successful businesswomen and as a treasure in the Samhurdhi society. By 2025, she hopes she will be a successful businesswomen. Her daily schedule 5.00am Weak up’ and get ready kids for school 8.30am She is free as kids are going to school and husband goes to work. So, she spent her leisure time on her business. Breakfast for the family is prepared by the mother in low who is living close by. 11.30am Prepare lunch 2.30pm Stay with kids –kids homework, class, etc. 6.00pm Prepare dinner for her family and mother in low/father in low. 8.00pm Dinner
Report on the Study on Gender and Small Grant Programme UNDP - 2018