M. MARY ASHALATHA*[1], K.TIRUPATHAIAH**[2]
Key Words: GMIS APRLP Watershed
ABSTRACT
Information supporting rural development has a strong geographical context, particularly since it deals with the natural resource base over extensive areas. Therefore it stands to reason that geographical information science (GIS) plays an important role in rural development, throughout the continuum of planning, governance and management. An efficient information system for Participatory sustainable rural livelihood (APRLP) through watershed and watershed plus initiatives emerges through piloting new approaches in rural data collection, analyzing constraints, and in encouraging participatory planning through comprehendible graphical and map based outputs. Geo-Graphical Management Information Systems aids in proper targeting of limited resources identify research and development and extension priorities. This allows local planning giving rise to local need based decisions, leading to capacity building, convergence, networking, empowerment and transparency.
1. Introduction
A question arises as to which information system would meet the needs of a Participatory Sustainable Rural Livelihood with objectives to reduce poverty and vulnerability to drought. The four major components of such programmes are 1. Watershed and watershed plus initiatives, 2. Capacity building for primary and secondary stakeholders, 3. Innovation to enhance the impact of watershed work 4. Lesson learning and policy influence. In this regard it is required to Pilot new approaches in rural data collection, in planning and in convergence. The information system should analyze constraints and opportunity facing vulnerable groups by encouraging grassroots organizations for development of participatory plans reflecting the needs of the rural poor. This means a drastic change in approach to Rural Development by Involvement of people (bottom-up). Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods Programme(APRLP) is a DFID funded poverty alleviation programme which joins the ongoing programme through land based (watershed) and People oriented (livelihood) activities at two geographic levels within a Revenue village 1. Micro water basin (physical area) and 2. Habitation (households).
In order to be effective and robust, the APRLP M&E system considers and balances various issues to ensure the compatibility and integration of different data (financial, performance and impact) to assist the analysis of effectiveness and efficiency of interventions. A comprehensive database and query system is designed to implement M & E of the project. Concurrent monitoring, coupled with input output and process monitoring, is dynamically linked using GIS based Management Information System (GMIS) with impact assessment both in terms of development of natural resources as well as socio-economic indicators. M&E management stresses on transparency of the process, and the need for wide discussion of its findings. Truly participatory approaches require sharing of all information among stakeholders; but experience suggests that primary stakeholders are often unaware of a lot of information about project activities…. APRLP is working towards ensuring good practice, by requiring Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) to put all project information in public domain, through public notices, etc. The District Capacity Building Centers (DCBCs)[3] will need to work with PIAs in managing this process.”
Because the poor tend to concentrate in areas commonly characterized by harsh living conditions, pro-poor development programs need better geographical targeting. The identification of geographical “hot spots” is particular relevant for determining where rural populations are most disadvantaged, where particular problems are in relation to agricultural, where areas are poorly serviced, to improve infrastructure, marketing, health, education and other services; and Where and to what extent natural resources are being overly exploited and degraded, to undertake prompt measures to minimize if not reverse the degradation. Therefore it stands to reason that geographical information science (GIS) plays an important role in rural development, throughout the continuum of planning, governance and management. Some of these Decision making tools have taken a more holistic approach in considering biophysical, socio-economic as well as policy factors, and also explicitly incorporated the spatial dimension by linking with GIS. Planners and decision-makers at Micro level have to depend upon spatial and non-spatial data for optimal interpretation (Ravindran A, Jaishankar. J)
2. Geo- Graphical Management Information systems (GMIS)
As against the original system Hierarchy of watershed land based programme top to bottom monitoring (CRD---PD---MDT---PIA/WDT---WSA/WSC[4]), APRLP envisages a land and people based bottom up/Intra stakeholder monitoring approach through coordination/facilitation, capacity building and implementation, between the primary and secondary stakeholders. Therefore there is need for operational tools at field level in other words management tools. The tools should be used by villagers (WSA / WSC / SHG / VO) and should be Simple, Visual, Based on village culture not urban culture, the outputs are either Graphic reports or Maps. Visualisation of spatial patterns supports change analysis which is important to monitor social indicators (Zaffar sadiq et.al ) These Graphical and Geographical management information systems (GMIS) aid in
v Sharing of all information among stakeholders- Graphic Output
v Participatory approaches-From Village level to District
v Transparency of the process-Using scientific translation of data into pictures
v Analysis of effectiveness and efficiency of interventions-Building a professional database with Input/Output monitoring (MIS)
v Integration of different data (financial, performance and impact)
v Compatibility-Integrated with GIS
3. Objective of the tool
The major objective is to ease the work by generating the reports automatically from a database, which saves time for all staff where WDT / PIA collect the data and MDT / PD for compilation. Graphic outputs help in Decision making and participation through democratic discussions, Understand the situation( Communication) , Set goals by comparing with Mandal / District, Prepare participatory micro-plans, Follow up implementation through Transparent processes
4. Major Applications of GMIS
Geographical representation of data through Geographic Management Information System (GMIS) is used to make data easily comprehensible and policy directed. Some of the major applications of GMIS and methodology is discussed as follows:
4.1 Location mapping of watersheds and mapping institutions
Develop formats for procuring basic details Design database, Procure basic information details from PIA/watersheds. Preparation of Base maps- showing transport network and drainage, settlements. Map all Administrative boundaries- Mandal boundaries, Assembly, Map institutions- PIA, MDT, DLRC/CLRC[5] (Figure 1), Mandals and headquarters, Map Watersheds as points on Base maps, prepare thematic maps on Status of watersheds completed and ongoing watersheds, Scheme wise, Batch wise (Figure 2), Overlay watershed boundaries(Source-APSRAC)- Basin/catchments, subcatchment, Watersheds, sub-watershed, Macro, mini, and Micro watershed delineation.
4.2 GMIS Based Selection criteria Analysis for new watersheds (NRM and multiple deprivation typologies)- Integrating Social Preference in GIS-Aided Planning
Based on Typological Information (CDSA)[6] watershed villages with Multiple deprivation (income, accessibility deprivation, and social deprivations- in conjunction to Remote sensing based Natural Resources Priority- APSRAC[7] Priority(VERY HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, VERY LOW), and 100 Marks selection criteria, and Ridge to Valley approach (Poor concentrated on ridge) New Watershed villages selected. Mandal Saturation—macro watershed approach and Contiguity for better effectiveness was also considered. (Figure 3)
4.3 Selection criteria Analysis of IWDP watersheds based on APSRAC Priority and Wasteland map (NRSA)
Wasteland maps provide valuable inputs to the Integrated Wastelands Development Project, which has been under implementation since 1989–90. (Srivastava SK, Dutt CBS, Nagaraja R et.al, 2004) Selection criteria analysis of IWDP watersheds involves preparation of database on Land use Pattern, Village geo area, Treated Area, Socio- economic data. Integrate census, BPL data, APSRAC Priority, Drought Mandals data, to identify the most privileged villages. DPAP/Non DPAP blocks are mapped, Mapping of existing Watersheds- No. as well as Scheme and Batch of watersheds. Geo-process the data to obtain Village wise wasteland statistics using NRSA[8] wasteland thematic map (Nagaraja, R ). Perform Analysis on contiguity to existing IWDP watersheds, Non-DPAP Blocks, SC/ST population, POP etc. List out and map the priority watershed villages
4.4 GMIS of PSA and baseline data
A baseline study was attempted for 2500 watersheds for APRLP Districts[9], A baseline package with a graphical interface was developed. Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA)[10] was conducted with major themes-Watershed Committees, SHGs, agriculture, migration, CPRs, drinking water. The baseline data in combination with Participatory Situational Analysis (PSA) and watershed-level data graphs were produced on each to assess the situation and see the progress.
v At PIA and Watershed level the graphic table generated helps to visualize all the watersheds and immediately see what type of action is needed. For understanding the performance of Watershed committees(WSC) , The poster information on WSC is used to generate a graph to SEE that weak points are work allocation, monitoring, payment and maintenance; transparency and records maintenance. (Figure 4). From the Baseline, information on Irrigation Sources and Area covered by each crop is taken to analyze whether Area under water consuming crops indicating the Over Exploitation leading to scarcity of water. Decision making by understanding the distribution of Agricultural Para workers in Irrigation and Ground Water Status, status of common lands and their degradation status (Figure 5, 6) Distribution of Livestock Pressure & Para workers. At higher levels synthetic graphs to compare PIAs progress, and Maps to visualize the geographical distribution of actions are prepared
V. GMIS of Physical and Financial progress monitoring against action plans-Quarterly Progress Report(QPR) data to identify gaps and plan corrective actions (Graphical and geographical)
A participatory action plan on activities and financial expenditure is made for each watershed annually. The progress against each activity is tracked every quarter through a QPR. The major objective is to monitor target (quarter wise action plan) vs achievement on each activity in each quarter – both physical and financial progress (Figure 7).
The GMIS tool allows Fund position tracking- watershed wise, PIA, MDT[11] wise, Component wise/Subcomponent wise expenditure actual or in terms of Per Unit cost , Percentage w.r.t total and track beneficiaries category wise. The tool allows monitoring watershed wise expenditure on natural resource management (NRM) works carried out, To identify the pockets of cost effective Structures, To identify availability of Balance Funds. Correlation of expenditure vs impact- eg.. To monitor gender equity among trainings, among stakeholders, Para workers, Wage days for men and women. Monitoring Watershed development fund, whether Contribution collected is commensurate with expenditure made, In community organisation and Institution building -Status of poor households, and percentage of poor mobilized and % SHGs functioning, so as to make decisions as to where and which pockets of the district, capacity building and skill upgradation is required and also give direction to identify why SHGs are not functioning and what can be done to improve their performance.
The MIS Report Captures information on Capacity building through trainings to Primary stakeholders (UG/SHG/LG/VO-EC-WSC/GP[12]) and Secondary stakeholders (WDT/PIA/ PRI/MDT/Line departments). Theme wise planning of CB activities and achievement. The graphical presentation facilitates identification of gaps in the trainings, project cycle based training calendar and help make decisions to plan for left over stakeholders and also give a complete picture on the overall status of this crucial software component in each district. Eg. In Peddavadaguru mandal PIA of Ananthapur district, 0% training was organized for GP members of all Watersheds except for Virupapuram. In Virupaparum only 50% of the GP members actually attended training. There is a need to organize more training to GP members of other Watersheds, except 1-2 watershed 90%achievement in trainings is seen for SHG members, there was no training given to UG members of Lakshmapalli Watershed. Most of the exposure visits were organized for VO/WSC members and no. of members attending exposure visits constituted only of VO/WSC members of nearly 9/12 watersheds (Figure 8).
One of the major contributions to the watershed programme is productivity enhancement by introducing Soil fertility management, Micro-nutrient management, and Seed production / seed banks, Para workers in Agriculture & Livestock, Integrated Pest Management, and Livestock Production Activities such as doorstep health and Artificial Insemination services, Fodder Development. The graph shown as Figure 9 indicates watersheds wise quarter wise and activity wise achievement against target of planned activities of Productivity enhancement. The graph makes it possible to view which activities were not taken up at all especially those which are dependent on the season, and if planned why they were not done. There are three graphs under each activity each graph for each quarter. The grey part of each graph is left over planned and the dark blue filled area is the progress made.
One can visualize that breeding bulls were not introduced seed production area is nil and adoptive trials under livestock are very few. There is no data on men positioned as Paraworkers. Similar graphics generated for all core areas would help in decision making as to which Watershed/PIA/MDT is performing well or lagging behind.
VI. GMIS of ABC Evaluation
Watersheds are evaluated annually based on qualitative and quantitative parameters[13] and ranked as A, B, C based on their performance. Using GMIS, on ABC data in conjunction with secondary data such as ground water it is possible to correlate the impact of the watershed programme as to whether it had a positive or negative or no results. It is very important to plan activities as per the land water requirement during implementation an example has be shown in Figure 10)
VII. GIS Based selection of PIAs and Resource organizations
Map operational areas of existing PIAs, Link PIA profile to the existing PIAs (No. of watersheds, No. of groups mobilised, RF mobilised, RD experience, available balance, ABC of watersheds) and Categorise PIAs , Identify new watersheds, Perform network and buffer analysis to select PIA using GIS.
VIII. Use of Census and Secondary data (Met data Ground water, PIP Data)
Use of Census data to identify poverty related issues and plan actions by preparation of thematic maps such as highest concentration of agricultural labourers, sex ratio to see women concentration- Pattern, highest concentration of backward communities- SC/ST/BC, female literacy and girl child school drop outs, Ground water overdeveloped zones, Map Mandals with greater concentration of POP/Poor and all BPL households, (Jayaraman V. Sanjay K Srivastava) irrigation intensity (Figure 11) and agricultural productivity, Landholdings- Marginal, Small, large and landless farmers., Migrant HHs % -Village wise, Female and male workers, Land use pattern-Net cultivated area, Gross cultivated area, Livestock population %-Bovine, Milch animals, Poultry, Mandal wise cropping pattern ,major crops and yield. GIS is used to identify the villages with severe water problem by maping rainfall pattern Mandal-wise for the past 15 years, irrigation status- Open well, bore well, Tube wells, Drip irrigation systems % in each village to focus efforts.
IX Conclusion
In order to be effective and robust, the APRLP M&E system considers and balances various issues to ensure the compatibility and integration of different data (financial, performance and impact) to assist the analysis of effectiveness and efficiency of interventions. Geographical and graphical representation of data through Geographic Management Information System (GMIS) is used to make data easily comprehensible and policy directed. There can only be effective use of the tool if the people who are to benefit get a better insight , the target users come from all levels of institutional and social hierarchy, from government and from civil society. GIS, as a facet of ICT, is potentially an enabling technology for social empowerment. It is not only a vehicle for accumulating and disseminating knowledge, but it can also be used as a communication, decision making and negotiation tool.
X. Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to all the Project Directors, DWMA and GMIS Managers of APRLP Districts for their facilitation in using the tool. We also acknowledge the efforts put in by MS.Anne chappius, Consultant in training the GMIS Managers. We acknowledge the valuable suggestions of Commissioner Rural Development, Deputy Project Manager, M&E Specialist and all Assistant Project Coordinators, Project Management Unit, Office of Commissioner Rural development
XI. References:
[1] Working as Assistant Project Coordinator GIS, in the Project Management Unit, Commissioner Rural Development
[2] An IFS Officer Working as Special Commissioner Development, O/o Commissioner Rural development,
[3] District Capacity Building centers are set of professionals specialized in NRM, Gender, Capacity Building Productivity enhancement, Geographical Information Systems, Enterprise promotion and social mobilization at the district level.
[4] CRD- Commissioner Rural Development- top most authority followed PD- Project director at the district level, MDT- Multi disciplinary team at the Mandal level, PIA- WDT- Project implementation agency with Watershed development team facilitating the implementation of 4-5 watersheds
[5] DLRC/CLRC- District livelihood Resource centre and Cluster level livelihood resource centre are Capacity Building service providers for the programs aiming at promoting livelihoods and strengthening the social capital developed by various programs in the Districts.
[6] Centre for development studies, Pune, had Developed typologies based on socio economic deprivations for all villages of 5 APRLP Districts of Ananthapur, Mahabubnagar, Prakasam, Nalgonda and Kurnool
[7] A.P.State Remote sensing Applications Centre a State Govt Institution providing GIS and Remote Sensing application Services to all State Govt Bodies/Departments
[8] National Remote Sensing agency the (NRSA), Department of Space carried out a nationwide wasteland mapping which contains details on different types of wasteland,
[9] Ananthapur, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Kurnool and Prakasam
[10] Participatory Situational Analysis- (PSA) is a self monitoring tool to generate involvement and awareness among target communities and to facilitiate the subsequent formulation of microplans by using pictorial charts(Posters).
[11] PIA- Project Implementation Agency, MDT- Multi disciplinary team
[12] UG-User Groups, SHG-Self help Groups, LG-Labour groups, VO-Village Organisation, WSC-Watershed Committee, GP-Gram Panchayat
[13] Quantitative parameters such as Bore wells dug, Increase in water level, additional area brought under cultivation etc., Qualitative parameters such as Regularity of meetings attended by SHGs, Record maintenance. etc.