9 Conditions for the success of operations Erosion control will have the best chance of success if the underlying causes are removed. Unfortunately this is not always within reach of the farmer concerned or the well-intentioned development worker either. | 9 Conditions for the success of operations Erosion control will have the best chance of success if the underlying causes are removed. Unfortunately this is not always within reach of the farmer concerned or the well-intentioned development worker either. Sometimes the causes can only be tackled by political influence among the people themselves a process in which you as a development worker can exert very little influence. This does not mean that nothing can be done. It indicates the direction we should look when deciding on measures to be taken not only considering the effects the plan will have on the soil but just as much if not more the consequences for the people. However often the lack of technical know-how and information is not the most important hurdle for controlling erosion. The fact that a certain requisite for the success of an operation is not satisfied is more important. A few of these will be mentioned. Obviously you must decide for yourself the factors that should be taken into account in your area. Trust The first condition is that one is accepted by the inhabitants. A touching example of farmers accepting the advice for water conservation measures comes from a village San Lucas in Peru. A man on a donkey was allowed to travel through the area and talk to the people about water conservation. The man made himself known as San Lucas. For the people in the village this man was a living legend and they took his suggestions to heart. The advantage of this was that the effects of water conservation were soon noticed in the increased crop yields. The demonstration effect should not be underestimated. Conditions for the success of operations 75 Awareness Only if people appreciate the usefulness of the operations to be carried out will they be inclined to take them up themselves. They should be aware of exactly what is going on in their neighbourhood. Farmers are often well aware of the drawbacks of their methods but carry on in the same way .
