Operation Research

AFARM with its vast network spread all over the State and the varied experience and expertise that was available within AFARM family prompted many to assign different surveys and preparation of reports on varied topics. AFARM was also asked to carryout pre-funding or mid-term evaluation of projects funded by the National Wastelands Development Board (NWDB) or CAPART etc. It was therefore, felt necessary that such work should be undertaken by a Cell formed within AFARM. Prior to the formation of the Cell in 1994, AFARM had undertaken survey of 'Status of hand pumps in Maharashtra' in 1984, this work was done for UNICEF, Mumbai.
In 1988, at the request of Rural Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, a status report on 'Rural water supply in Maharashtra State' was prepared for the VIIIth Planning Board of the State.
AFARM was also entrusted with ...

(a) Final evaluation of five years work of Verala Irrigation Development Project (VIDP), Sangli by EZE, West Germany

(b) Ten years area development work of Maharashtra Arogya Mandal, supported by Arbitar Olfert, Germany and

(c) Five years community development work through National Resource Development of Manavlok, Ambejogai supported by Action Aid, Bangalore.

Since inception, this Operational Research Cell was supported by Christian Aid, London and During first three years following surveys were undertaken :

1. Social Status of Tribal Women in the State of Maharashtra.
2. Child Labour in Rural Maharashtra.
3. Sustainable Agriculture - some experiments in Maharashtra.

The Report on tribal women is nearing completion, while the remaining two are in the process.
The Cell was also entrusted with a project by Minor Irrigation Department, Government of Maharashtra to study the pre-project and post-project impact of three minor irrigation structures with a view to formulate People's Committees or Co-operatives to take over management and maintenance of the project. On the basis of this study, reasonable grant is being negotiated for implementing similar projects for as many as 240 minor irrigation structures.
WWF and UNICEF had undertaken Case Study to evaluate "Access to Common Man to Freshwater in 21st Century." AFARM participated in this programme on behalf of UNICEF, New Delhi and prepared its report based on one year's study of four villages where single use of freshwater was heavily competing with others (e.g. industry depriving domestic and Agricultural supplies, agriculture ruling over all the other uses etc.)
AFARM's report is one of the seven case studies carried out in India and together forms the 'India Report' of UNICEF, New Delhi.

Future -
Operational Research Cell has a number of topics for research in mind but, intends to take up the following on priority, subject to availability of funds.

1. Education and Girl Child in Rural Maharashtra.
2. Political Awareness amongst elected Women Representatives - Local Self Government.
3. Homeless Maharashtrians.

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