Organizational Development Plan for Labigan Farmers Association

Abstract

The Labigan Farmers Association is composed of newly installed Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in Sara, Iloilo, covering 222 hectares and involving 96 beneficiaries. Although the property was awarded in 1995, the farmers gained actual possession only in September 2016. The association was organized to respond to members’ limited knowledge of the Agrarian Reform Program, difficulty in accessing credit and financial assistance, and limited access to government programs and projects. This study presents an organizational development plan designed to strengthen the association and support its transition toward a cooperative. A case-based organizational development planning approach was used, drawing on the organization’s situational analysis, SWOT matrix, project logframe, strategic direction, and implementation and risk management plan. The assessment identified strong membership support, supportive officers, a large agrarian reform area, willingness to convert into a cooperative, an office, and an existing capital build-up as important strengths. Key weaknesses included insufficient production funds, limited knowledge, lack of capability-building opportunities, low member income, weak access to credit, and the absence of business and service activities. The proposed plan focuses on legal personality, membership, leadership, policies and procedures, capital build-up, savings mobilization, business enterprises, books of accounts, and networking and linkaging. The plan provides measurable targets and an implementation framework intended to promote effective management, sustainable enterprise development, stronger access to financial assistance, and improved member welfare.