SMA PROGRAMS: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Diagnostics And Planning Workshops

Each year, SMA, in collaboration with EcoLogic Development Fund and Consejo EcoRegional Sierra Tarahumara A.C., supports a series of diagnostic and planning processes in between six and twelve Tarahumara and Tepehuan rancherías and ejidos. These processes consist of a series of workshops designed to enable the people to define and prioritize their problems, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses. Men, women, and children participate in various exercises to reach concensus on priority objectives for the communities.

In nearly all of the rancherías we have worked in, watershed restoration was considered the number one issue, with agricultural problems and grazing second and third in most places. In Pino Gordo, where the watershed is in better condition, education was the priority. Coloradas de la Virgen ranked preservation of traditional medicinal practices as a high priority. Improving health services, rural stores for basic supplies, improved housing (light, heating, better roofing), and clothing were also priorities.

SMA and our associates have developed a series of proposals to fund training and implementation of local objectives. A regional watershed restoration and development proposal is being presented to the Secretary of Agriculture and private foundations. A training program has begun for Tarahumara and Tepehuan promoters, who also learn media skills, indigenous rights, and digital witnessing techniques. A model school and curriculum are being planned in Pino Gordo and resources have been found to begin two cultural restoration projects.