BY-LAWS OF THE HILL TOP MIXED FARMING / AGROFORESTRY PROJECT

Article 1:      DEFINITION AND IMPORTANCE OF BY-LAWS

    The compound word, "BY-LAWS", can be defined as a set of rules adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and the regulation of its affairs.

Article 2:      THE MOTTO:

    This group shall be based on the philosophy of hard work, honesty, sincerity, commitment and community centeredness (not selfishness).  No one shall be discriminated against on the basis of sex, creed, religion or tribal affiliation.

Article 3:      FORMATION AND NAME

    The name of the group shall be called "THE HILL TOP MIXED FARMING/AGROFORESTRY PROJECT and the area of jurisdiction shall be ALONGSE Nkwen Rural.

Article 4:      ITS OBJECTIVES:

    1.  To promote the production of livestock, fodder crops, food crops, and Agroforestry trees      planting.

    2.  To promote and sustain the health of its members and their families by providing an opportunity to produce and consume high quality animal and plant protein.

    3.  To promote the economic interest of its members, by organizing the production, collection, transportation, storage processing and marketing of agricultural and livestock products of its members.

    4.  To promote cultivation of both livestock food crops/agroforestry.

    5.  To promote savings and the formation of capital amongst its members.

Article 5:      LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION:

    All communications or discussions among the members shall be carried out in Pidgin or English as the need may arise in specific cases.  However, English will be used in all official communication or correspondences.

Article 6:      MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS:

    Any person of permanent residence within the area of operation and who is actively engaged in agricultural livestock activities and Agroforestry, can be admitted as a member if he/she agrees to follow the rules and regulations of the group and if the group so decides.

Article 7:      MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS:

    1.  Must possess at least 2 1/2 hectares of well managed improved breed of livestock

    2.  Must practice good farming methods as spelt out by the extension agents of Agriculture, Livestock and Environment.

    3.  Must be able to meet up all production and marketing targets as specified by the group.

    4.  Under no circumstances, shall a member sell his/her produce outside of the group without the knowledge and approval of the group.

    5.  Must show commitment and loyalty to the group's objectives as stated in Article Four above.

Article 8:      MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION:

    1.  Anyone wishing to join the group must apply for membership to the group's Secretary or President in writing through the proper group's address.

    2.  Shall be subjected to a trial period of three (3) months, before duly registered as a bona fide member of the group.

    3.  On admission shall pay a non-refundable amount of 2,500 frs registration fee.  However the group can amend the amount anytime that it so decides.

    4.  Shall sign a document accepting to abide by this group's by-laws.

Article 9:      TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP:

    Membership may be terminated in the following cases:
    1.  Inability to continue crops, livestock, and Agroforestry production.
    2.  Ceasing to reside in the group's area of operation.

Article 10:      ORGANS/LEADERSHIP OF THE GROUP:
                              FUNCTIONS AND QUALITIES:

    The leaders of the group shall be a President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief-Whip.

Article 11:      FUNCTIONS OF THE LEADERS:

    A)    THE PRESIDENT:

                1.  Preside over meetings and ceremonies.
                2.  Coordinates the activities of the group.
                3.  Is signatory of the group's savings account.
                4.  Sees into the execution of the decisions taken in the group.
                5.  Defends the interest of the group at all levels.

    B)    THE SECRETARY:

                1.  Shall be present at all meetings, accurately record and read the Minutes from the previous meetings.
                2.  Shall be in charge of all correspondences as directed by the President.
                3.  Shall be one of the signatories of the groups savings account.
                4.  Should be highly involved in selling the groups practice.
                5.  Draws up agendas for all meetings after consulting with the President and Executive members.

    C)    THE TREASURER:

                1.  Shall keep very safely all moneys of the group.
                2.  Shall be one of the signatories of the savings account and shall keep the Pass book.
                3.  Shall be expected to submit statements or accounts at the end of the financial year or as need arises.

    D)    THE CHIEF-WHIP:

                1.  Shall maintain absolute peace and order during meetings and all other gatherings of the group.
                2.  Shall take note of late comers, those who retard the progress of meetings and work, defaulters on loans, called fines as stated in the by-laws.
                3.  Shall also facilitate the flow of information in the group.
                4.  Shall take down all attendance's and shall keep the register.

Article 12:      QUALITIES REQUIRED OF LEADERS:

    1.  Must be trustworthy, polite, and dedicated to the activities of the group.
    2.  Must not have a conviction record.
    3.  Must be physically, mentally, and morally fit.
    4.  Should be of permanent residence in the area in which the group operates.
    5.  Should be dynamic, promote participatory development and be able to sacrifice for the interest of the group at all levels.

Article 13:      GROUP FUNDS:

    The group funds shall come from the following sources:
    1.  Registration
    2.  Sales of both livestock and food crops.
    3.  Fines
    4.  Contributions and gifts
    5.  Loans
    6.  Interest from loans
    7.  Hiring of some group equipment
    8.  Sale of some Agroforestry products.

Article 14:      SALES OF FARM PRODUCE:

    Farm produce belonging to the group shall be sold in the local market at the prevailing market prices and part of the produce shall be consumed by group members.  The group shall also sell their produce to desired cooperative societies.  This shall be determined during the general meeting.

Article 15:          MEETING DAYS AND WORKING DAYS:

    The group shall meet for her deliberations twice a month and shall work as a team once a month.

Article 16:          SANCTIONS:

    1.  Lateness during meetings shall entail a fine of 100 frs.
    2.  Absence from both Executive and General meetings shall pay a fine of 150 frs.
    3.  Absence of group work without permission shall pay a fine of 1,000 frs and shall be amended in a General meeting.
    4.  Disturbances during meetings shall pay a fine of 50 frs.
    5.  Fighting within members of the group shall pay a fine of 5,000 frs or face dismissal.

N.B/  THE ABOVE BY-LAWS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO AMENDMENTS WHEREVER AND WHENEVER NEED ARISE.

DONE AT ALONGSE, NKWEN RURAL, THIS DAY OF 10TH FEBRUARY NINETEEN HUNDRED AND NINETY.
 
 

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