3.

0 Project Analysis from the perspective of RPM

Responsible Project Management (RPM) represents a paradigm shift in traditional
project management methodologies, emphasizing the integration of ethical, social, and
environmental considerations into every facet of project planning and execution. In
Masaka District, the proposed project will examine ethical considerations of its activities
to ensure that their adherence to ethical farming practices, recognizing the cultural and
traditional values of the community. This will also include thorough examination of fair
labor standards, ensuring that the project provides equitable opportunities and
treatment for local farmers. Additionally, ethical considerations extend to the
preservation of Masaka's unique biodiversity and ecosystem, requiring the project to
adopt responsible land-use practices.

3.1 Purpose
The project demonstrates a clear purpose in enhancing coffee cultivation practices in
Masaka District using the OVOP approach derived from the success model of
Nyamagabe Coffee Intensification project in Rwanda. The purpose aligns with the
economic development goals of Masaka District Local Government, aiming to achieve
sustainable socio-economic development by improving household income for the
smallholder coffee farmers.

3.2 Awareness
The project exhibits awareness by acknowledging potential environmental impacts and
unintended consequences associated with intensive agriculture. This awareness is vital
in the context of Masaka's diverse ecosystems and hilly terrain, as the project manager
should be mindful of the potential impacts on soil erosion, water quality, and
biodiversity. Additionally, the Project planners will take awareness of the local social-
cultural sensitivity dynamics of Masaka district throughout the project lifecycle to ensure
that the project does not disrupt community cohesion, fostering positive relationships.

3.3 Engagement
The project emphasizes stakeholder engagement, involving local communities, farmers,
and Masaka District Local Government from the initiation stage to collectively participate
in and benefit from the coffee intensification efforts hence promoting shared decision-
making, resource pooling, and equitable distribution of project outcomes. This aligns
with the principle of promoting common interests and ensuring that the project considers
the needs and perspectives of various project stakeholders in Masaka District.

3.4 Curiosity:

While the project acknowledges the importance of addressing ethical complexity,

potential conflicts, and hidden impacts in a culturally diverse and dynamic area like
Masaka district, there may be room for improvement in actively fostering curiosity. This
principle encourages being inquisitive and actively uncovering nuanced issues that may
not be immediately apparent. As a responsible project manager, I will implement
mechanisms for ongoing ethical inquiry and conflict resolution forums for stakeholders
to raise questions and concerns, promoting a culture of curiosity that actively seeks to
understand and address any emerging ethical challenges.

3.5 Uncertainty
Given the cultural diversity and varying levels of agricultural expertise among Masaka’s
local communities on the soil and weather patterns in the different regions within the
district may have unique characteristics, leading to knowledge gaps in understanding
local variations. Facilitating information sharing between project planners, agricultural
experts, and the local coffee farmers will be crucial in bridging that uncertainty gap to
effectively manage this agricultural project.

3.6 Anticipation:
In an agricultural project that will span over 100 acres of land in Masaka, anticipation
will be a key RPM principle to understand and prepare for a range of uncertainties in
Masaka’s agricultural context that may impact the projected coffee yields. As
responsible project manager, I will take on a proactive approach of scenario planning to
anticipate and prepare for a range of potential changes, including those related to
climate variability, market dynamics, and community needs.
3.7 Creativity:
Masaka, with its diverse agricultural landscape, provides an opportunity for creative and
innovative approaches to income generation while ensuring long-term sustainability of
the project. The proposed livestock rearing complements coffee cultivation, offering a
diversified income stream for local farmers to stabilize the fluctuations of coffee market
prices. Livestock can contribute to sustainable farming practices, such as using animal
manure for natural fertilization, fostering a closed-loop agricultural system. Creativity
can be applied in the implementation of agroforestry practices of integrating native tree
species alongside coffee crops which enhances biodiversity and prevents soil erosion in
the hilly terrains of Masaka.

3.8 Transparency:
Clear and open communications with key stakeholders (local coffee farmers and
Masaka local government) about the project's objectives, expected outcomes, and
potential challenges is crucial in building trust in the project. Regular updates on budget
allocation, including subsidies to the MCC cooperative farmers demonstrate
accountability and can foster long-term partnerships with the project sponsors.

9. Stewardship:
Stewardship extends to the ethical treatment of human resources and throughout this
project’s cycle, it will embark on emphasizing fair labor practices, ensuring that farmers
involved in coffee cultivation are treated ethically with fair wages, safe working
conditions, and opportunities to improve their coffee growing skills.

10. Balance:
Seeking harmony between the needs of people, the planet, and profit is a key guiding
principle for managing this project so as to align with the diverse economic, social, and
environmental factors of setting up a sustainable coffee intensification project in Masaka
District using the OVOP approach.