Organization of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP), Zimbabwe

The Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP) was founded in 1981 by a small group of people in Matabeleland Province to discuss development options following the independence war which ended in 1980. ORAP has worked on the basis that rural people are underdeveloped because they have been disposed of their culture, traditional knowledge, language, way of life, and have no voice in the structures that control and determine their lives. For ORAP, development must work through the culture of the people. Overall, ORAP aims at creating employment and greater self reliance through promoting culturally relevant self-help activities. The organisation also aims at encouraging grassroots programme development and promoting economic and financial autonomy.

ORAP has a membership of 1.5 million people. The basic unit is the family. Between 10 and 25 family units form a group. Five or more groups form an umbrella which looks into common issues and experiences of the groups. The highest structure at district level is the association representing all umbrellas in the district. There are 16 such associations.

A core aspect of ORAP's methodology is mobilisation through singing, drama or discussion. This kind of spirit has been maintained throughout ORAP's process of growth and is reflected in all its activities. Since its inception in 1980, ORAP has mobilised rural communities through the basic principles of: Ziqoqe (self mobilisation), Zenzele (do it yourself), Zimele (self reliance), and Qogelela (collective saving).

The basis of village groups working together is a tradition of collective work called amalima whereby all the group members attend to each family's fields in rotation. Most jobs are done collectively. Rural communities are encouraged to identify and define their problems and, if possible, find solutions to them. This helps create self reliance among the rural poor. ORAP then tries to provide educational, technical and financial support sought from within and from donors.

The organisation is engaged in several developmental programmes under four divisions: programs, small businesses, technical services, and training and education services, which include Zenzele College, an international training centre for both local and foreign NGO`s.

ORAP has managed to fully impart the concept of mobilisation to the rural people. People now understand that they should participate in their own development process through contributing their own human and natural resources. ORAP is now moving towards articulated and planned change. The organisation is now going back to help people it works with plan, implement and monitor their projects.

ORAP has managed to create over 500 jobs and reduced hunger and to strengthen families by helping them meet their basic needs. The hygiene in rural homes has improved tremendously through the building of toilets and improving kitchens. The Mother and Child development programme has reduced infant mortality and has led to an increased number of nourished children.

ORAP is also developing village based economic activities. In the past, village income generating activities have been done without feasibility studies, training or adequate assistance. People in villages are taking income generating activities seriously. The economic activities they are engaged in are no longer isolated from them. They are now connected to the day-to- day activities and even the culture of the people, such as goat and cattle fattening projects.

Despite the lack of financial resources, drought and the negative impact of structural adjustment programs, ORAP continues to be successful. In the future, ORAP is looking at creating its own foundation, and strengthening its businesses so that they inject funds into some of the organisation's projects and cover administrative costs. ORAP will continue consolidating all its existing programmes for self sustenance.

ORAP was recognised by the Right Livelihood Awards in 1993.