Parish Development Model – The Bigger Picture
Ugandan’s PDM
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is Uganda Government’s initiative to improve household incomes and shift citizens from subsistence farming to a money-based economy in an inclusive way. It focuses on decentralization, with parishes playing a key role in community development, planning, and accountability, addressing priorities like education, extension services, and financial access.
The 7 Pillars of the PDM are:
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- Production, Processing & Marketing
- Infrastructure & Economics
- Financial Inclusion
- Social Services
- Community Data
- Governance & Administration
- Mindset Change
Unfortunately, nearly all the leaders and the led alike have neglected the symbiotic nature of the PDM pillars and focused on only Pillar 3 which they call “PDM Money”. This has derailed the perception and implementation of the otherwise good initiative into a money dishing project. Had Government and local leaders implemented the PDM with harmonic attention to all the pillars, wealth creation for the low income would be vivid.
Examples from elsewhere
Parish development models aim at fostering localized, community-driven development in rural areas. These models typically emphasize grassroots participation, government support, and the mobilization/ management of local resources. Here’s an overview of some common elements and examples of grassroots development models for rural countries:
- Decentralization of Authority
Concept: Shifting decision-making power from central governments to local authorities (like parishes) to allow for more responsive and tailored development.
Example: Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM) described above, if only the implementers could run it as planned.
- Community Empowerment
Concept: Ensuring that local communities take ownership of development initiatives by involving them in planning, implementation, and management of resources.
Example: In rural Kenya, some parishes engage in community-driven development by setting up cooperative societies, which support farmers with inputs, credit, and markets, empowering them to improve their livelihoods, earn more and gain business skills.
- Agricultural Focus
Concept: Rural areas are often heavily reliant on agriculture, and a parish or village development model that supports this sector can lead to significant improvements.
Example: In Ethiopia, parish and district development models often include support for sustainable agriculture, irrigation systems, and market linkages, which are crucial for boosting the incomes of rural households.
- Infrastructure development
Concept: Development of essential infrastructure, such as roads, schools, healthcare centres, and clean water, is often the cornerstone of rural development.
Example: The Rwandan government has initiated parish-level development programs to build infrastructure that connects rural communities to markets and service centres, facilitating inclusive economic growth and access to healthcare and education.
- Financial Inclusion
Concept: Financial services such as savings, loans, and insurance are extended to rural populations, often through parish-level cooperatives or microfinance institutions.
Example: In Bangladesh, microfinance models based at the village or parish level help empower rural women by providing them access to capital for small businesses, transforming rural economies.
- Capacity Building and Training
Concept: Training programs of local leaders, farmers, and entrepreneurs is integral to the success of parish development models. These programs aim to enhance skills, improve governance, and boost productivity.
Example: In Sri Lanka, parish-level development projects often include training in modern agricultural techniques, disaster risk reduction, and leadership skills to improve local governance and resilience.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Concept: Engaging private entities to invest in rural infrastructure, agriculture, and social services can accelerate development in rural parishes.
Example: In India, PPPs have been used at the local (parish or village) level to build irrigation projects, improve transportation networks, and provide education and healthcare services.
- Social Services and Health
Concept: Strengthening community based social services, especially healthcare and education, is essential for holistic rural development.
Example: In Malawi, parish-level development plans often include community health programs, targeting maternal and child health, vaccinations, and sanitation improvements to raise the quality of life in rural areas.
- Environmental sustainability
Concept: Many rural areas are vulnerable to environmental degradation. Parish development models may include strategies to promote sustainable land use, reforestation, and climate change mitigation.
Example: In rural Brazil, parishes have implemented community-based natural resource management programs to protect forests and improve agricultural practices in environmentally fragile areas.
- Cooperation and Networking
Concept: Building networks between parishes, NGOs, and governmental agencies fosters collaboration and resource-sharing for rural development.
Example: The Philippines has developed parish-level clusters where communities work together to pool resources, share knowledge, and advocate for regional development projects.
In summary, parish development models foster real inclusive development if well planned and implemented. In Uganda’s case, it is well planned but very poorly implemented. Only one out of the seven pillars stands out, and this can on its own not bring any meaningful development. The authorities need to do a lot more.
Keren Obara.
Digital Marketing Associate.