A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1986

Popular participation is now recognized as an essential aspect of rural development. This study is an impact evaluation of the Galgamuwa small farmer development programme which was inaugurated in 1980 as a poverty alleviating action project . It is seen that project assumed that group formation would benefit the small farmers. Even though the group approach to solve small farmer problems can be a more effective strategy to support the most vulnerable groups among rural poor, the GSFDP has not benefitted to them. By comparing the group members with non-members the study reveal that there was no significant difference between them with regard to most agricultural practices marketing, productivity, marketable surplus and farm income. This was due to the failure to identify the needs and problems of target groups and as a consequence of low participation of them. Only with regard to water management more members significantly better. For other inputs and services the conditions prevailing in the area enabled individual farmers to take care of their needs. Thus it is clear that group action is less effective in a situation where farmers can solve their problems individually . To achieve a success of poverty alleviating action programme, the need and problems of target groups must be identified not by a few people who designed the project on their own but with the participation of the target beneficiaries. It is also necessary for beneficiaries to share the concept of group activity through understanding its benefits which should be tangible .