4. THE VARIOUS SHEDS :

The watershed concept that emerges from various models is that of another "administrative area" like a Taluk or Block. It would be useful to compare a watershed with other "Sheds". We have milk sheds, credit sheds and for that matter cattle sheds. What is common is the word which denotes an area. What differs are the factors which give the shed an identity namely - water, milk, credit, cattle.

But there is a significant difference between how the watershed is identified and the other sheds. In the latter case the "shed" is created by an administrative decision governed by economics, politics or just convenience. In the case of water it is defined by "topography". This gives the watershed a specific character which cannot be changed by a decision; it imposes several constraints but also provides a clear and stable infrastructure for a programme.

There is a feature common to the water, credit and milk sheds : a dynamic element - whether water, credit or milk - flows out of the shed. This outward direction is in itself not to the shed's disadvantage provided it is managed properly.

Credit in the sheds can flow outwards as with the case of Banks in rural areas which transfer resources towards the city. Unless this flow is checked by creating investment opportunities in the shed it will be an exploiting flow. There is another danger - possible flow within the shed towards pockets of power resulting in a bias towards the rich. Again this requires management by the people of the Credit source.

We have models to manage this credit. The Cooperatives have rules and regulations, the Banks are socialised or nationalised and have to give priority to the weaker sections - but - but - but - the people especially the poor cannot understand these models because they are too large and complex hence, they cannot influence or control them. Consequently, even if the rules provide for representation of the weaker sections, it makes little difference. This is why MYRADA is today planning to set up a parallel rural credit system organised and managed by our target groups. Let us however not elaborate further but make just this point. The credit shed has a management pattern but it is not controlled by the people especially the poor and therefore does not achieve its objective unless an outside motivator like an enlightened Government or Bank official takes special interest to ensure that it does, and even in this situation the impact may be temporary.

The milk shed also has a management pattern - the AMUL Model - but in this case it works far better than the credit system. Why it does so would take a long essay but it could be summarised as follows :-

• daily collections, therefore, daily contact.

• interests of rich and poor coincide; they are therefore, supportiveof one another

• established marketing system with clear rules governing quality and price. - larger participation of women.

• equal value to a unit; price does not depend on quantity nor on power(i.e. who the milk producer is)

Of course, inspite of all this, the flow of resources could be outwards - if the people sell all their milk and decide to purchase "Glucose Biscuits" to nourish their children.

The Watershed, however does not have a management pattern - we have tried to delineate the size of the area and the features of integration, participation and decentralisation which must be the guiding principles of this model but we still have a long way to go.

Let us however, take the plunge and try to describe the basic features of PIDOW's model. This model is the conclusion of a two day workshop with the staff of PIDOW.

"WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IS A FRAMEWORK FOR AN INTEGRATED VIABLE AND DECENTRALISED PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING IN A DEGRADED AREA WHERE WATER IS A SCARCE AND MIS-MANAGED RESOURCE AND WHERE EXPLOITATION OF RESOURCES AND PEOPLE HAVE RESULTED IN OVERALL DEGRADATION LEADING TO GROWING POVERTY, INEQUALITY AND INABILITY TO COPE WITH STRESS."

5. MANAGING WATER IN A SHED :

We have already made a distinction between programmes geared to managing water in a shed and watershed management. Once the staff appreciated this distinction they set about to draw up a strategy of action to manage water in a mini-shed which had been identified. This strategy turned out to be one that could begin to be implemented with the resources available in the organisation without searching for outside experts. This strategy was broken down into various steps/components; it was not only understood by the staff but they were able to explain them to the people. The components of this strategy are the following :-

Programme Strategy To Manage Water In A Watershed

The PIDOW staff have identified a mini-watershed in Dongergaon. After breaking down the strategy into component parts, the staff realised that they had (or could call upon from MYRADA) adequate expertise to start "making water walk" - instead of waiting for a "comprehensive plan" of the whole watershed project to develop before making a start. Mr.Somaiah and Mr.Prabhu left for Gulbarga to join Mr.Kumar on May 6, 1986. The second objective "hold water in site" required the recruitment of an agricultural graduate and expertise in dryland farming techniques. Dr.Sanghi of CRIDA will be in Dongergaon on May 17 and 18. Mr.Raghavendra Rao (Agri) joined on May 8, 1987; he will be directed by Dr.Sanghi. The second objective will not be totally achieved but a good beginning will be made this year. The community organisers are confident of organising the people as several entry point actions have been taken.

6. WATERSHED MANAGEMENT :

We have already described what PIDOW implies when it reflects on its focus - "Watershed Management". There was insufficient time to analyse in further detail the strategy to implement the objectives of a Watershed Management programme, or go beyond water and look at other aspects (e.g. soils, biomass, etc.) This will be done in the next session.

What emerged, however, was a far more integrated  concept. An effort was made by the staff to depict the essential components of a system for watershed management; this figure will be filled out as our concepts deepen and acquire further substance.