Rationale

Although there are efforts to disseminate promising technologies going on in many places the capacities to expand these efforts are limited. The reason is not the technologies and their use, but the need for complementary interventions of a range of players with different competencies, and the competence and experience needed to facilitate market creation and supply chain development processes. Development initiatives that want to enable their partners and clients to make use of the potentials of low-cost smallholder irrigation technologies, may not have all the skills, know-how and resources to engage in such long-term processes. Thus, they need to link up with people and organisations who can take on complementary roles in the supply chain development process and with relevant know-how and experience. As a response to these challenges SIMI (Smallholder Irrigation Market Initiative) network has been initiated.

Objectives

• Fostering the spread of smallholder irrigation technologies to the many people for whom they offer an opportunity for better livelihoods.
• Fostering the spread of irrigation technologies that allow more efficient use of irrigation water.

Domains of work

Support to platform building for collaborative action

Although there are efforts to disseminate promising technologies going on in many places the capacities to expand these efforts are limited. The reason is not the technologies and their use, but the need for complementary interventions of a range of players with different competencies, and the competence and experience needed to facilitate market creation and supply chain.

Know-how management

Efficient dissemination of technologies and approaches requires that remarkable knowledge and experiences are made available and shared. Thus SIMI network wants to engage in a know-how management system that collects, produces or compiles and disseminates useful knowledge and experience related to smallholder irrigation technologies, as well as on supply chain building and market creation.

Community of practice

Direct interaction between practitioners is one of the most effective ways for developing competence and learning from experience. Thus the SIMI network wants to facilitate a community of practice of individuals and organisations involved and interested in small-holder irrigation and market creation.

Competence building

Know-how cannot be effectively transferred on paper or through the internet, but needs to be learned practically. The SIMI network thus wants to link persons and organisations who would like to engage in smallholder irrigation and market creation with people who can provide support for competence building and skill development.

 

Structure of SIMI network

Current status

Currently SIMI network is completely informal. Funding is very limited, though many organisations show interest. Thus the activities that the network can undertake at this point in time are also limited.

Oversight

It is envisaged to form a steering committee for the network which will oversee and guide network operations. The members of this committee will represent technical know-how, market creation experience, socio-economic understanding, and diverse institutions - implementing organisations, research institutions, private sector, national and multi-national donor agencies, and various regions (Latin America, South Asia, West Africa, East and Southern Africa).

Institutional form

The question of the most adequate institutional form of SIMI network is under discussion. Should it be an independent body (e.g. a foundation) or should it be hosted by a suitable existing organisation? Or should it possibly remain informal and operate purely on whatever the associated organisations are willing to undertake and fund?

© SIMINetwork - 2003, c/o Swiss Center for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (LBL),
Dept. for International Cooperation, Eschikon 28, CH-8315 Lindau, Switzerland
phone: +41-52-354 97 00, fax: +41-52-354 97 97
mail: eza@lbl.ch