Every year we face a new set of challenges. In 2008 the fabricator of our dehydrator made some major errors, preventing production for that year. (We now have new design that works much better.) In 2009 we researched, devised and applied new procedures to improve the texture of the final product. (Our product development efforts have succeeded in making a dried mango product that has a texture as good or better than every other similar product on the market.) In 2010 unexpected and frequent rains during the dry season hammered the mango tree flowers resulting in a 30% drop in mango production that year. (This year the expected harvest appears to be in the normal range.) In 2011 collective methods of work- i.e. equal payment for everyone, regardless of individual abilities- was showing signs of needing reform. The proficient workers correctly voiced concern that the system didn't reward them properly. So this year we embark on the necessary reforms, which represents another healthy step toward the goal of establishing a village enterprise, which is sustainable and efficient.
I guess I've become a mango manager. I guide our dried mango production in such a way that economic principles (like individual pay for individual work) find application in specific cultural contexts. I don't know exactly what the new system will look like yet. But ample discussion with the group leader, my local staff and the workers themselves, should result in a new way of working that will satisfy everyone. I try to make everyone happy - particularly the room full of women with knives! ;-)
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