PROCESS
FEDICE follows a strategic planning process, carried out for more than 20 years, to build projects that strengthen and give value to indigenous and marginalized communities in Ecuador through tools that enable the social and economic development of the people who make up these communities.
4 //Implementation (Refundable Fund Projects)
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Distribution of funds and signing of contracts : The association in the community signs a contract and receives its reimbursable funds at a festive event. These community credits are used to purchase animals, seeds, inputs or merchandise depending on the project design. If the project requires more than $8,000 in reimbursable funds, FEDICE requests a guarantee of equal value to the community project (typically the title to some property of one of the association leaders or a beneficiary). In addition to jointly financing the projects and providing technical experts, FEDICE promotes a culture of savings at the individual and community level as a crucial aspect of self-sufficiency and long-term prosperity. When creating an association, we require that they form a type of savings and credit union that distributes funds to the participants.
1 // Link with a Community
The first step in establishing an agreement with a community is to make contact. Interested community leaders or associations typically send a letter to FEDICE expressing their interest in working with us, providing references, and requesting a meeting. At the first meeting, the scope of the project and overall goals are discussed, and our processes and policies are explained. If both sides feel that the project is appropriate, and the community agrees to abide by our policies and processes, then we proceed to the next stage of planning.
2 // Situational Analysis
In this step, we obtain fundamental data for planning purposes and to ensure the success of the project. We examine climatic conditions, the number of inhabitants in the community, typical family size, access to basic services, main industries and labor market conditions in the area, current occupations and skills, and other socio-economic indicators. At this stage in new associations, we also help establish a board consisting of a president, treasurer, and secretary. These people serve as points of contact with FEDICE, and coordinate meetings, trainings, etc.
3 // Project Design
Planning is a fully inclusive and collaborative process between FEDICE and partner communities. We base our planning on four fundamental principles:
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Relevance : We plan projects to fit community needs, recognizing and addressing current socio-economic conditions, prevailing cultural norms, and the life experiences of participants.
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Effectiveness : We work to make maximum use of the human, material and economic resources available in the community, with the goal of achieving maximum results at minimum cost.
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Sustainability : Our goal is to strengthen communities with the tools, resources, confidence and knowledge, so that over time they develop a high level of self-sufficiency.
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Lasting Impact : We seek to drive the kinds of systemic economic and social changes that establish an integral development cycle and lay the foundation for a more equal and just future.
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Obligations : Both sides agree to the following expectations for contributions to be a success for the project:
FEDICE's Obligations
- Finance approximately 60% of the project in reimbursable funds
- Provide training, expertise, and support to partner communities throughout the project
- Cover a percentage of the cost for technical assistance and training
Community Obligations
- Use reimbursable funds responsibly and for direct project costs
- Form an association for acquisitions and organizational purposes
- Contribute a percentage of money and in-kind/material contributions (agreed upon prior to receiving funds) to ensure the success of the project
- Receive periodic reimbursement funds among participating families
- Contribute to the community fund every month
- Responsible handling of animals, vegetables or materials for your specific project
- Regularly attend training and meetings throughout the project
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Project Implementation : Project activities begin with the purchase of animals, seeds, inputs, or merchandise. At this stage, the main challenges—typically the prices and/or quality of animals, seeds, or merchandise—are analyzed and resolved. At this stage, we also begin training on socioeconomic, organizational, agricultural, health, or sustainability topics. Topics are chosen through collaboration between FEDICE (based on our analysis and recommendations from specialists) and the community in partnership (based on their sense of relevance and need).
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Follow-up : There are monthly meetings between the communities and FEDICE to evaluate progress, provide training and resolve problems. This includes individual visits to homes and group meetings to discuss difficulties and seek solutions.
5// Evaluation
We begin the final stage with an event to recover the repayable funds that were loaned to the communities. After this, we evaluate success based on several factors: Did the group repay the funds? Did they reach their stated goals? Did they attend trainings? And did they follow through on their commitments to the Project? If the answers are yes, then we generally continue working with this community on projects until they reach a level of development where they no longer need our assistance. If the answers are no, then we consider whether the problems and challenges are correctable, or whether we should end work with this partnership.