YEAR 5 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT OCTOBER 1, 2018-SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 USAID’S AVANSA AGRIKULTURA PROJECT
November 4, 2019 This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno) for USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project, contract number AID-472- C-15-00001. USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project
YEAR 5 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT OCTOBER 1, 2018-SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 USAID’S AVANSA AGRIKULTURA PROJECT
Submitted by: Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd.
Submitted to: USAID/Timor-Leste
Contract No.: AID-472-C-15-00001
DISCLAIMER The author’s views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
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Table of Contents
ACRONYMS ...... II
HIGHLIGHTS: USAID’S AVANSA AGRIKULTURA PROJECT IS BOOSTING LIVELIHOODS ...... 4
1. BACKGROUND ...... 6 1.1. PROJECT GOALS AND VISION ...... 7
2. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES – OCTOBER 1, 2018 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 ...... 8 2.1. SUB-PURPOSE 1 – IMPROVED ABILITY OF TIMORESE CITIZENS TO ENGAGE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES ...... 8 2.2. SUB-PURPOSE 2 – INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY OF SELECTED HORTICULTURAL VALUE CHAINS ...... 16 2.3. EMBEDDED THEMES ...... 27 2.4. PROJECT LOCATIONS ...... 3 2
3. COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA OUTREACH ACTIVITIES ...... 33 3.1 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES ...... 34
4. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS ...... 39
5. PROJECT PRINCIPLES ...... 40 5.1. BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH LOCAL OWNERSHIP ...... 40 5...... 42 2. LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS ...... 42 5.3. COLLABORATION, LEARNING, AND ADAPTATION (CLA) ...... 44
6. PROJECT OPERATIONS AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT ...... 47 6.1. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ...... 47 6.2. CATALYTIC GRANTS ...... 47
7. PROJECT MONITORING PLAN ...... 50 7.1 ...... 50 ...... 50 PROGRESS VERSUS PMEP ...... 50
ANNEX 1: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT INDICATORS ...... 51
ANNEX 2: PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERS IN VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING AND FOOD PRESERVATION ...... 60
ANNEX 3: TRADITIONAL FOODS IN TIMOR-LESTE ...... 62
Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page i USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project ACRONYMS ADB Asian Development Bank ASEAN Association of South East Asian Nations ASHORTIL Horticulture Association of Timor-Leste BDS Business Development Services BSP Business Service Provider CBO Community-Based Organization CCA Climate Change Advisor CNEFP National Vocational Training Center of Tibar COP Chief of Party CRS Catholic Relief Services DAC Developing Agricultural Communities DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia) EMMP Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan ENDIGO Employability and Income Generating Opportunities for Marginalized People FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GIZ German Society for International Cooperation HHs Households HIAM Hamutuk Ita Ajuda Malu Health (Local Health NGO) HWG Horticulture Working Group IEE Initial Environmental Examination IOM International Organization for Migration INDMO National Institute for the Development of Skilled Labor IPM Integrated Pest Management JICA Japanese Government International Development and Aid Agency KJFL Knua Juventude Fila Liman KONSSANTIL National Council on Food Security, Sovereignty and Nutrition in Timor Leste LBM Laledu Berrymatak MAF Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries MA Market Access (Technical Access) MCIE Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment MDDW Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women MFI Micro Finance Institute MGA Millennium Green Agro
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MOH Ministry of Health MOE Ministry of Education MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NDCC National Directorate for Climate Change Adaptation NGO Non-Governmental Organization NRM Natural Resource Management NSA Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture NWG Nutrition Working Group PDHJ The Office of the Provider for Human Rights and Justice PMEP Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan RAEBIA Resilient Agriculture and Economy through Biodiversity in Action SEPFOPE Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment Projects S&L Savings and Loan SALT Sloping Agricultural Land Technology SPS Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Standards T&E Training and Extension TWG Technical Working Group UNDP United Nations Development Program USG United States Government ZOI Zone of Influence
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Horticulture farming in Timor-Leste has flourished this year, and the lives of farming households have improved significantly as a result. USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project has helped raise incomes, develop a thriving horticulture sector, and improve nutritional outcomes. This Year 5 Annual Project Progress Report highlights key project achievements over the past year.
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Year 5 Highlights Partner farming households earn on average $2,454 annually, compared to $235 a year in the baseline year. 8,695 households benefit from the project’s initiatives. Focusing on youth, the project has trained 6,591 young people in life skills including entrepreneurship, agricultural production, natural resource management, and nutrition. To date, there has been a 90% reduction in moderate to severe hunger. A thriving input supply sector is developing. Input supply sales have grown from annual sales of $200,000 to $770,293. Over 32,000 farmers applied new technologies that are steadily improving productivity. The project introduced technologies that promote improved climate risk reduction and/or natural resource management on 3,376 hectares, thereby markedly improving farmers’ ability to manage water shortages and erosion. Women of reproductive age are consuming healthier food, with 83% percent now including five or more nutritious food groups in their diets. Four years ago, diets only included two groups, so women and their babies lacked the essential level of micronutrients.
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International Women’s Day Workshop participants, Ainaro 1. BACKGROUND This is the fifth Annual Progress Report for USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project, a five and a half-year, $21.2 million program. Through this project, USAID is supporting increased economic activity and growth for Timorese citizens in targeted rural communities and municipalities. Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno) is implementing the project, together with subcontractors HIAM Health, The Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M University, and Resonance1. This annual report covers the period from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019, aligned with USAID’s fiscal year. The document begins with a brief narrative that describes the project and its components, and then details major activities, challenges encountered, adaptive management efforts, and results.
1 SSG Advisors changed their name to Resonance in 2018. They are a U.S. small business.
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1.1 PROJECT GOALS AND VISION USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is a horticulture value chain activity that addresses the key challenges of rural poverty, natural resource degradation, food insecurity, and under-nutrition. The value chain approach is applied to achieve increased productivity along key horticulture value chains that include vegetables, fruits and legumes. Through the promotion of sustainable production practices, increased functionality of farmer groups and associations, improved market linkages, and increased access to quality agricultural inputs, services and finance, the project is stimulating increased economic activity and growth in targeted rural communities and municipalities. Sustainability of these interventions is achieved as we work to maintain sound policies and a supportive enabling environment. Our efforts to increase resilience to climate change and improve farm-level natural resource management further builds the foundation for sustainability. The project supports the Development Objective of the USAID/Timor-Leste Mission: institutional and human capacity for development strengthened to improve the lives of Timor-Leste’s citizens. The overall purpose of USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. This will be achieved through two project Sub-Purposes and two Embedded Themes. Sub-Purpose 1 – Improved Ability of Timorese Citizens to Engage in Economic Activities Sub-Purpose 2 – Increase Productivity of Selected Horticultural Value Chains Embedded Themes - Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture and Incorporating Women and Youth
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 7 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project 2. SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES – OCTOBER 1, 2018 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2019 2.1 SUB-PURPOSE 1 – IMPROVED ABILITY OF TIMORESE CITIZENS TO ENGAGE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
The objective of this sub-purpose is to improve the individual and environmental conditions that constrain engagement in the horticulture commercial sector, expand access to market information and build entrepreneurial and business skills. To achieve the objective of this sub-purpose, the project implements one Output – Market Linkages Improved and Expanded across the Horticulture Value Chain.
Table 1 – Sub-Purpose 1 Year 5 Targets and Results
Indicator Planned Achievements Results
Ind 1.1a: Value of annual sales of farms/producers and firms receiving USG $4,000,000 $4,399,393 assistance $1,950,000 $3,087,325 Ind 2: Value of new USG commitments and private sector investment that the USG leverages to support food security and nutrition
Ind 2.1: Rural households benefiting directly from USG interventions 300 1,438
Ind 2.2: Prevalence of households with moderate to severe hunger 3.4 percent 1.4 percent
Output 1: Market Linkages Improved and Expanded Across the Horticulture Value Chain
Objectives: To transition from a subsistence-based horticulture sector to a commercial one, private sector participation in the market systems must increase. Linkages between farmers and final markets need to be established, and existing linkages between input suppliers and farmers must be strengthened. It also requires the development of new markets through value-added production and processing, and improving capacities of agribusiness service providers, including trainers, financial intermediaries and extension workers. Table 2 – Output 1 Year 5 Targets and Results
Indicator Planned Achievements Results
Ind 3: Number of MSMEs, including farmers, receiving business 300 894 development services from USG-assisted sources:
Ind 3.1: Percentage increase in sales for the targeted farmer groups 80 groups and 2,400 113 groups and
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and associations farmers, increase 900% 2,722 farmers, increase 944%
Ind 3.2: Youth participating in USG supported programs to transfer life 150 1,267 skills
Ind 3.3: Value of sales by agriculture supply companies $700,000 $770,293
Ind 3.4: Farmers, input suppliers, and agribusinesses trained in safe 426 585 chemical use and certified
Ind 3.5: Food security private enterprises (for profit), producers’ 45 112 organizations, water users’ association, women’s groups, trade and business associations and community-based organizations (CBOs) receiving USG assistance (RiA) (WOG)
Activity 1.1: Strengthen Market Linkages Timor-Leste farmers faced a number of daunting challenges. Prior to interventions from the project, there were few middlepersons/collectors capable of transporting goods to markets, and many subsistence farmers lacked their own forms of transport. Adding to the challenge, farms are widely dispersed, and roads are generally in poor condition. Supermarkets did not have sufficiently trained staff in the field that could maintain and expand farmer supplier networks. They continued to work primarily with the same farmer groups, which limited the quantities they could purchase. The input supply sector was underdeveloped. Seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides were inconsistently available and often of poor quality. Most farmers were subsistence farmers with little incentive to invest in relatively costly equipment. Yet, there is a strong market for domestically grown produce. Weekly demand for horticultural products from supermarkets and collectors supplying to local markets is over 35 tons2, according to partner supermarkets and collectors. At the beginning of Year 5 project farmers supplied an average of 25 products per week. While domestic supply has increased, Box 1 illustrates that there is still a gap between market demand and supply.
To help farmers seize on the opportunities, USAID’s Box 1: Avansa Agrikultura Project: Market Demand versus Supply from Project Farmers Facilitates connections between producer groups Vegetable Weekly Mkt Supplied by Project and supermarkets, including supporting the demand farmers expansion of a new collector business model Bitter Gourd 1.3 tons 1.1 tons Improves technical skills of retail market staff Broccoli 1.0 tons 0.3 tons Increases access to inputs by building the Cabbage 0.6 tons 0.4 tons capacity of input suppliers and strengthening the distribution network; and Builds farmers’ skills to increase yields while applying new inputs to meet supermarket standards The project utilizes a three-step process:
2 This is a conservative estimate of demand and does not capture all local market demand.
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Step 1: Establish Farmer Groups The prevalence of small land plots among farmers in Timor means that buyers need to purchase from a larger number of farms to obtain the quantities they need. However, collecting from each farmer increases buyers’ transport costs. To overcome this barrier, the project supports the formation of farmer groups. These groups can arrange for products to be collected from one central point, rather than individual farms. Farmer groups can also help reduce individual production costs as they offer joint or shared access to and use of inputs. Farmer groups also share machinery, equipment, and in some cases, equipment costs. In Year 5, the project supported 47 new farmer groups. The project provided training in proven agricultural practices (further discussed under Activity 2.1), business group formation training, and financial management training. Farmers learn the principles of financial bookkeeping, understanding price formation, and the tools to access markets. In Year 5, the project delivered seven Business and Financial Management modules to more than 430 farmers in all five municipalities, exceeding the Year 5 target of 400. Project staff also introduced production books for farmers to record daily sales to supermarkets and local markets. This not only helped the project obtain more accurate sales results, but farmers report that maintaining these records helped them track their incomes. Step 2: Build Stronger Linkages to Input Supply Markets USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project works with private sector companies to demonstrate to producers the benefits of new technologies like drip irrigation and machinery, and increase the availability of quality inputs outside of Dili. We facilitated connections between suppliers and farmer groups. We provided a combination of grants and financing options to purchase equipment to encourage uptake and demonstrate the benefit. Since the launch of this initiative in 2016, annual revenues from the sale of input supplies increased significantly - from $200,000 to $770,293. In the following section, we describe project initiatives that strengthen the input supply sector (i) Agricultural Machinery, Drip Irrigation, and Tunnels, and (ii) Access to Inputs (non-mechanical).
(I) Access to Agricultural Machinery, Drip Irrigation and Tunnels To bolster sustainability, we are building input suppliers’ capacity to provide informed extension advice as part of the embedded services they offer to farmers. Most agricultural input suppliers in Timor-Leste are not specialists. They primarily sell household goods and other items in addition to agricultural inputs. Their staff typically lack the technical knowledge to explain how inputs are best applied. To address this, we developed and distributed an agriculture input supply booklet that outlines recommended seeds, pesticides, and basic agricultural equipment needed by farmers. We developed standard procedures for equipment maintenance and facilitated targeted training. For example, SENAI Training Center conducted basic water pump maintenance training for 120 individuals under a project purchase order. The training included pump installation, safety, mechanical checks, assembly and disassembly. The project also contracted an input supply shop, Agi Agrikultura, to conduct trainings for farmers and rural input agents/suppliers on safe chemical usage. Trainings were held in 10 villages (known as sucos in Timor-Leste), with 468 individuals participating. These activities provided new skills to farmers. However, equally as important, they also built the suppliers’ expertise and experience in the technical topics, and showed them the potential benefit of working directly with farmers. With increasing sales, Timor-Leste needed more experts who are able to maintain agricultural equipment. In Year 4, we partnered with QUICK, an Indonesian company that supplies hand tillers in Timor-Leste. In a successful example of private sector collaboration and leverage, QUICK came to Timor-Leste to train input suppliers and farmers in tiller maintenance. Recognizing the value of QUICK’s engagement, in Year
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5, input supplier Vinod Patel facilitated another training from QUICK technicians on hand tractors. When a private sector company takes an initiative such as this, it helps promote sustainability. In Year 3, the project launched an activity to co-invest with farmers to purchase drip irrigation, tillers, and production tunnels. The project initially funded 50% of the costs for these inputs. In Year 5, we reduced our co-investment to 40% for certain equipment, like hand tractors. To further help the farmers pay for their share of equipment, in Year 4 the project worked with input suppliers to test a supply chain finance model. Input suppliers advanced equipment to farmers after the project paid our co-investment. While all loans were eventually repaid, some farmers did not repay the loan in a timely manner. As a result, input suppliers wanted to receive full payment at the time of purchase in Year 5. Adapting our approach and in collaboration with small business partner, Resonance, we facilitated an agreement between farmers, input suppliers, and a leading microfinance organization, Kaebauk. Already invested in hiring new agri-loan officers and having received training from the project, Kaebauk was eager to collaborate. Vinod Patel, Kmanek Agrikultura, Kaebauk, and the project conduct information sessions to explain the cost-share program to interested farmers. Kaebauk offers farmers loans to purchase agriculture equipment packages. The loans cover a 12-month period. Farmers with existing funds are encouraged to pay their share directly to the supplier at the time of purchase and only obtain a loan if necessary. By the end of Year 5, Kaebauk provided $22,137 in loans to project farmers to purchase irrigation equipment, tillers, and hand-tractors. They report a 97% successful repayment rate. We will scale up this activity in Year 6, with reduced project facilitation now that the model has proven to be successful. Table 3 shows the combined project and farmer investment to date for each cost-share equipment purchase since the launch of the cost-share initiative.
Table 3 –Equipment Co-Investments by Municipality
Municipality Drip Production Tillers Hand Total by Irrigation Tunnels Tractors Location
Dili $9,978 $2,519 $1,800 $5,300 $19,597 Bobonaro $62,694 $458 $36,000 $45,050 $144,202 Aileu $11,887 $24,961 $18,135 $37,100 $92,083 Ainaro $11,143 $ 2,061 $26,505 $5,300 $45,009 Ermera $37,512 $1,145 $9,513 $13,250 $61,420 Total by $133,214 $31,144 $91,953 $106,000 $362,311 Product
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(II) Access to Inputs (non-mechanical) Seeds in Timor-Leste are imported and often unavailable, especially in rural areas. This Laledu Berrymatak shortage increases the price of seeds. International seed Strawberries have drastically changed the Ululefa Valley. Starting with two companies have considered the brothers and their families, today over 22 sub-groups are producing strawberries for national consumption. These growers have 74% higher Timorese market too small to household income versus growers of other horticulture products. establish local distributors, and therefore bulk import of seeds This success story began with the dedication of Manuel Mendonca who, with has not been available. Project project support, saw the opportunity to capitalize on this high profit crop. He partner and Fijian-based became a businessman and soon saw an opening to launch a collection business. Laledu Berrymatak (LBM) opened its doors in June 2018, providing hardware store, Vinod Patel, was jobs for youth and a reliable market for farmers. importing agriculture machinery and equipment for several Today, the company’s profits from strawberry sales are being used to build project-facilitated initiatives. an office, with room for small-scale cold storage facilities. It is 80% When non-project farmers also completed. started patronizing the store, Manuel’s dream is to increase economic opportunities in his area, to keep Vinod Patel recognized a young people employed and horticulture production on-going for years to demand for other agriculture come. inputs and asked for project assistance in establishing connections with seed manufacturers in order to expand its product range. The project helped Vinod Patel attend the first Malaysian Organic Conference in Kuala Lumpur, where company staff met with seed distributors. Vinod Patel connected to Baba Malaysia, a large seed company, and ordered a small batch of seeds for testing on one of our farmer’s sites to determine the seeds suitability for Timor-Leste’s soil and climate. The trial was successful, and Vinod imported 6,000 packs of twenty different seed varieties. These seeds were distributed to small shops (known as lojas in Timor-Leste). However, farmers were reluctant to purchase the packets due to their lower weight and size. They were accustomed to buying seeds in larger packets. Noting customer feedback, Vinod Patel, is now in business negotiations with an Indonesian supplier to purchase a repackaging machine and sell seeds in bulk with distribution and sales to start in 2020. The project is monitoring these feedback loops and helping Vinod Patel adapt its approach. As with seeds, access to other chemicals, both organic and inorganic, is limited outside of Dili. With Vinod Patel expanding its product range and importing additional agriculture inputs, the company is well positioned to serve as a wholesale supplier to small locally-run stores and agents. The project also facilitated a link between Manbari Catuq and Gloham, making Manbari Catuq the primary bat manure distributor to buyers in Dili. To date, all compost delivered to Leader and Vinod Patel has been sold. At the end of Year 5, Manbari Catuq had purchased 1,610 kilograms of compost from Gloham and resold to Vinod Patel, Leader Supermarket, Kmanek Agrikultura, and Agi Agrikultura.
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Step 3: Access to Markets As vegetable quantities increase due to improved production practices, farmers are able to expand into new markets and buyers. In Year 5, the project continued to work closely with farmers to help them access markets in Dili and in rural areas. By the end of year 5, the project connected over 700 farmers to fourteen supermarkets and fifteen traders/collectors. We strengthen these critical buyer-seller relationships by facilitating positive collaboration between the parties. We organize meetings to discuss terms and requirements, and mentor farmer groups on business negotiations, when necessary. To ensure that both farmers and retailers clearly understand the conditions, multiple meetings are often required. To further increase access to markets for farmers, we are strengthening the middle person/collector service, which has been historically underdeveloped in Timor-Leste. Of the relatively few agents that were operating in country, many lacked their own vehicles. They were using public transportation to deliver vegetables to Dili. To address this challenge, the project issued a grant activity to stimulate advancement of the collector network. Once selected, the project provides training on financial and business management, support with business registration if necessary, and co-invests in vehicles such as mini-trucks, motorized bikes, and cool trucks. The grants also go to additional equipment such as crates and scales for improved post-harvest handling and transport. In Year 5, the project signed contracts with four new collectors from Ainaro and Bobonaro. Bobonaro previously did not have any local collectors with adequate transportation resulting in many farmers struggling to reach wider markers. The eleven project supported collectors have earned $220,723 in sales since their engagement with the project began. With this emerging market of collectors, market options for farmers has increased. Fifteen collectors currently source from project farmers and provide produce to various restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and institutions. In Year 5, the project linked two collectors to two Dili based hotels and the local military police. Additional collectors have semi-permanent agreements (based on product availability) with smaller institutions including Science of Life, an international English language training center with over 1,000 students. The Ministry of Agriculture’s new farmer market initiative also received products from various project collectors and individual farmers. At times, project support also means helping buyers and farmers work through communication challenges that arise in these nascent buyer-seller relationships. For example, supermarkets still reject a number of products after they arrive in Dili that do not meet their standards for quality. Supermarkets then deduct the rejected produce from the farmers’ payment. Buyers' field staff have also directed farmers to harvest all their crop, but then collect only a portion. As a result of these types of interactions, many farmers do not trust the supermarkets’ field staff. However, despite some disagreements, supermarkets in Dili remain the priority end market for horticulture sales in Timor-Leste. In Year 6, we will continue to build trust between the market actors, and help to streamline information and communication channels. We will also support the newly formed collector networks to become additional trusted sources of market information. Meanwhile, the growing number of supermarkets in country and increased access to markets through the collector network will expand farmers’s options. More buyer and transport options means that farmers can choose not to enter into formalized agreements with any one individual buyer, but sell to multiple buyers simultaneously. Farmers have more flexibility to make decisions based on the best price and/or reliable service. Increased competition for domestically grown products creates incentives for retailers to improve their relationships with supplier farmers so that they can compete for desirable locally grown products. We will continue to work with the supermarkets and collectors to understand that supplier care and trust are important in maintaining farmer relationships, and with the farmers to understand their responsibilities in the partnership. Importantly, in this effort we will also continue to strengthen the parties’ ability to communicate well with each other about these sensitive topics to ensure the future sustainability of these interactions.
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Activity 1.2: Support Development of Agribusiness and Agri-Support Service Providers In addition to supporting the development of input supplier and collector agribusinesses, USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is also supporting businesses that process horticulture products. In Year 3, the project began supporting agribusinesses engaged in small-scale production and processing through grants enabling them to purchase production equipment. Many new processors lack the basic knowledge required to successfully operate a business. Therefore, the project regularly holds one-on-one business mentorship meetings with new business owners. These meetings are particularly helpful in improving their asset and inventory management skills, building their capacity to identify business opportunities, helping develop business plans and increase understanding of markets and essential business concepts such as marketing, pricing, income, and profitability. See Annex 2 for a list of our private sector partners in food processing and preservation. In addition to small-scale processing, the project is also working closely with agri-support providers to improve the availability of information and training for commercial farmers. Based on lessons learned from the trial cost-share and launch of the full program, the project realized that farmers would benefit from additional training on finances and credit risk management. In collaboration with Kaebauk, we conducted a credit risk management assessment of over 100 farmers to determine their level of understanding and ability to manage lines of credit. As a result, in Year 6 the project will facilitate additional trainings. A training manual was already developed at the end of Year 5. The training will be held in Year 6 with the participation of Kaebauk agri-loan officers. This type of collaboration is key to building local capacity to continue knowledge transfer once the project finishes. Activity 1.3: Regulatory and Trade Policy Improvements USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project has assisted the government in creating mechanisms for public- private dialogue opportunities and evidence-based policy reforms. Forming municipal associations: As the number of individual farmers increases across the country and the sector commercializes, issues of cooperation become more relevant. Formal farmer associations can ease communication and promote cooperation among farmer groups. They are also critical in bringing farmers and private sector entities together to achieve shared goals. The project has been working with farmers to test the feasibility and demand for municipal level associations. In Year 5, the project tested the association model in Aileu, Dili, Ermera, and Bobonaro. The objectives for the associations are: 1) to strengthen cooperation among farmers at the national and municipal level; and 2) to collaborate on issues relevant to the horticulture value chain and affecting policies. As a result of project-facilitated efforts, the Ermera Horticulture Association is now officially registered with the Ministry of Justice, and Aileu has organized a horticulture working group meeting. Members of the Dili and Ermera associations participated in IRI’s roundtable discussions and raised relevant policy issues to Members of Parliaments. But associations in Bobonaro and Ainaro have not progressed significantly, due to an apparent lack of interest and over-reliance on project staff to drive the process. Based on lessons learned from these experiences, the project is reviewing whether or not there is sufficient interest and ownership in this concept and will revisit our approach in Year 6. Policies and Regulations: Due to political sensitivities in Year 4, project support to the policy and enabling environment was largely put on hold after consultation with USAID. However, we resumed activities around discreet policy reforms in Year 5. Our support was in targeted areas, in response to specific demands and requests from the Government:
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In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the project delivered a workshop on the draft pesticide law. Participants included relevant ministries, notably the Ministries of Agriculture and Fisheries, Health, and Environment, as well as civil societies, international agencies, and the private sector. At the close of Year 5, the draft law is under review at MAF. It is expected that the law will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for discussion and approval in Year 6. The project will continue to monitor its advancement in a supporting role. Upon request, the project also agreed to help MAF develop a horticulture action plan. Through a regionally- based consultant, we conducted research and submitted a Horticulture Sector Assessment outlining key considerations that should factor into the horticulture action plan. As part of our research, we met with numerous stakeholders in the public and private sector. The plan was finalized and submitted to the Director General. However, MAF decided instead to first tackle a broader Agriculture Policy. At MAF’s request, the project translated MAF’s draft Agribusiness Policy Paper into English, and prepared comments on the policy with support from the Borlaug Institute. These comments will be shared with the Government in Year 6. While the government will drive next steps, the project has offered to provide support in undertaking public-private dialogue around the policy, including helping to facilitate a workshop. The Fertilizer Assessment that the project conducted with support from the International Fertilizer Development Centre’s (IFDC) was also circulated to relevant MAF directorates and the Office of the Minister. However, further work on the recommendations was put on hold due to other priorities within MAF, including an internal restructuring. The project continues to monitor the development of legislative frameworks related to SPS. The World Bank and the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) supported the Government in finalizing a legal framework for SPS, two decree laws, and two ministerial diplomas. The project participated in MAF’s and Asian Development Bank’s joint ASEAN SPS regulations meeting. It should be noted that two decree laws on animal health and plant health are now at the office of the Ministry for its legal team’s review. The Minister and Director General also discussed SPS in Beijing with China’s customs team, in addition to seeking development support from them for this initiative. The SPS roadmap, that the project had developed earlier, was shared with the Asian Development Bank’s SPS consultant.
Pesticide Law in Action
Without proper regulations, harmful pesticides may enter the country and be sold and used improperly. USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project has been working in partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste and FAO to develop a new pesticide policy. According to the National Director for Horticulture and Extension, Amaro Ximenes: “[this] pesticide law is very important to control the circulation of pesticides within the country and prevent [their] negative impacts”. Finalization and approval of such a landmark law will underscore the government’s support of the agriculture sector in Timor-Leste. For Mana Domingas (pictured), the law means having guidelines to run and build her input supply business.
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Summary of Output 1 Tasks:
Identify new farmers and establish up to 25 new farmer groups - Established 25 new groups. Support ongoing.
Deliver business credit risk to farmer groups – Adapted. Activity will now be done in partnership with microfinance institution, Kaebauk, with implementation in Year 6.
Support Vinod to expand the availability of seeds and other inputs to rural shops - ONGOING
Provide access to inputs to farmers including tractors through cost-share mechanisms in partnership with input suppliers - ONGOING
Support youth entrepreneurs to develop their businesses - ONGOING
Develop a latent market for products recently introduced in Timor-Leste through a televised cooking show – Adapted. Rather than a televised cooking show, the project produced seven videos that will be distributed in Year 6.
Work with MAF to draft Horticulture Value Chain Action Plan - Adapted. After foundational work was completed, MAF determined that they preferred to develop an agricultural policy. The project is engaged and supporting.
2.2 SUB-PURPOSE 2 – INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY OF SELECTED HORTICULTURAL VALUE CHAINS The objective of this Sub-purpose is to improve both access to technical knowledge and inputs, and management of natural resources. To achieve this sub-purpose’s objective, the project is implementing one Output – Sustainable Horticulture Productivity Improved at the Farm Level.
Table 4 – Sub-Purpose 2 Year 5 Targets and Results
Indicator Planned Achievements Results
Ind 4: Farmers who have applied improved technologies or management 6,500 / 50% female 8,226 / 52.8% practices as a result of USG assistance female
Ind 4.1: Hectares to which improved technologies have been applied 400 455
Output 2: Sustainable Horticulture Productivity Improved at the Farm Level Objectives: To transition from subsistence to commercial farming in Timor-Leste, farmers need to improve production. This requires significant uptake of new technologies, including new seed varieties, plastic mulch, compost, agricultural equipment, and drip irrigation. In addition, since Timor-Leste’s climate of droughts and heavy rainy seasons may disrupt horticulture production, it is essential that farmers acquire natural resource management skills to ensure that production continues year-round, despite weather issues.
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Table 5 – Sub-Purpose 2 Year 5 Targets and Results
Indicator Planned Results Achievements
Ind 5: Individuals received short-term training 357 1,581
Ind 5.1: Hectares under improved management practices or technologies that 150 333 promote improved climate risk reduction and/or natural resources management with USG assistance
Ind 5.2: Members of producer organizations receiving USG assistance 900 / 50% female / 1,424 / 50.1% 7% non-producers female / 21.7% non- producers
Ind.5.3: Number of people using climate information or implementing risk- 300 1,573 reduction practices/actions to improve resilience to climate change as supported by USG assistance
Ind 5.4: Increase in household savings and/or investments in productive assets, 315 percent 379 percent cumulative
Activity 2.1: Conduct Tailored Trainings to Improve Productivity Technical Extension Advice Increasing productivity typically requires the introduction of new technologies plus improved seed or plant varieties. In Timor-Leste, the project is building the capacity of local partners and input suppliers so they can work closely and effectively with farmers through embedded services. Field staff implement a training schedule adapted to the needs of each farmer group. For example, prior to the project, most horticulture farming was based in Aileu and some in Maubessi and Gleno. These farmers were more experienced and did not require repeat training on nursery establishment or seedbeds. However, they still required support in pest and disease management and in growing new varieties of products, such as broccoli and bell peppers. Other areas where USAID or other donor projects had not worked before, needed more assistance. Project supported training plans are based on the topics in Table 6 below:
Table 6 – Topics Underpinning Project-Supported Training Plans
# Training Session Modules for each session
1 Business Group Formation, Finance and Marketing Group formation Financial literacy Bookkeeping records Business management Financial management Sales and price development 2 Nursery Establishment Nursery management Nursery sterilization
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Seeds distribution Seedling production (seeds selection, germination, trans-block and transplant) 3 Land Preparation Mechanization Seed beds, plant spacing and drainage 4 Watering In-ground tank/mini dam Drip irrigation/sprinkler 5 Crop Maintenance IPM Plant nutrition Solid and liquid compost Organic pesticides 6 Extending Production Season: Production Tunnels Low tunnel Medium tunnel High tunnel Jos tunnel Mulching 7 Safe Chemical Use Handling pesticides Applying pesticides 8 Harvesting Pre-harvesting handling Harvest Post-harvest handling 9 Special Crops Training Specific training on crops depending on the elevation of farms 10 NRM Training SALT and others depending on conditions on farmers’ land 11 Input Supply Maintenance of inputs 12 Nutrition Cooking demonstrations Sanitation
Table 7 shows the number of trainings held by topic area.
Table 7 – Production Trainings
Table 7: Production Trainings
60 50 40 30 20 10 0
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The project engaged two NGOs, Maharu and Maledoi, to support an additional two hundred seventy-one farmers of which one hundred forty-four were youth. In addition, the NGOs also provided technical assistance and introduced new technologies to farmers to help improve their production. These included terracing systems, nurseries for seedling production, compost construction, tunnels and a raised beds system. Given the relatively few trained extension workers in Timor-Leste, USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project team members represent some of the most skilled technical experts in country. We have conducted Training of Trainers (TOTs) to improve staff knowledge and skill, and select staff participated in the following trainings: A three-week intensive IPM training for pests and diseases that attack eggplant, chili, mustard, and tomato plants. Two Indonesian experts, Hagus Tarno and Luqman Quarta Aini, led the training, which consisted of one week of theory, and two weeks of field study. The group visited the following sites: Atabae and Miguir in Bobonaro, Hatu-Udo and Maubisse in Ainaro, Dailsoli (strawberry site) and Ailulihun in Aileu, and Fostal and DIT farm in Dili. The trainers also identified disease symptoms and explained biotic or abiotic factors impacting plants. MAF’s research results workshop, which covered 31 different topics. International and national organizations, MAF’s national directors, and MAF’s municipal and regional representatives also participated. The workshop reviewed progress across a number of horticulture products including the following: cauliflower, Irish potato, onion, mung bean, soybean, tangerine, staple food crops (including rice), maize, sweet potatoes, as well as soil, climate, and geographic information systems (GIS). A three-day training on disaster line database in Ermera, organized under the auspices of the National Directorate of Risk and Disaster Management.
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New Technologies In Year 5, the project continued to facilitate the introduction of new farming technologies, essential for increasing production. The project supported farmers as they learned to prepare seedlings using methods that reduce seed wastage, build raised beds to limit water run-off and improve soil nutrition to increase yields. In addition, the project’s risk-reduction cost-share scheme in Year 4 helped increase the number of farmers using drip irrigation, production tunnels, and in-ground tanks. Increased Production Results: Our production data books, introduced to farmers this year, provide more accurate results for products grown and sold. With average farmer and agri-business incomes now at $2,454, we are also able to identify those products that garner the highest sales.
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Activity 2.2: Integrate NRM Training with Farmer Groups The project’s approach to improving natural resource management practices includes introducing technologies that can help to better manage production land during the dry and wet seasons. These technologies include drip irrigation, in-ground tanks, and production tunnels. Timor-Leste’s NRM practices improved when the project provided farmers with seedlings to plant on sloped areas, transforming previously uncultivated land into useful production sites. The project continued supporting seven community nurseries that have produced 2,385 seedlings. The seedlings were distributed as follows:
Table 8 – Seedling Distribution to Farmers
Place When Group's Name Type of seedlings # of Source of seedlings seedlings Aileu Municipality Seloi Kraik, Nov-18 Seloi Kraik Casuarina 100 Santalum Aileu Villa Ainaro Municipality Fohoilku, Hatu Dec-18 Malbau Papaya (papaya) 30 Group Nursery Udo Fohoilku, Hatu Rambutan 75 Group Nursery Udo Bobonaro Municipality Malilait Dec-18 Haburas Malilait Cenkeh (cloves) 80 Group Nursery Merica (black 200 Group Nursery pepper) Vanila (vanilla) 15 Group Nursery Sabraka (orange) 160 Group Nursery Teka Super (teak) 40 Group Nursery Rambutan 186 Group Nursery Advokat (avocado) 5 Group Nursery Aidila (papaya) 60 Group Nursery Lourba Dec-18 Moris Foun Sabraka (orange) 150 Group Nursery (Lourba) Ai Kameli 72 Group Nursery (santalum) Teka lokal (teak) 54 Group Nursery Mahoni (mahogany) 150 Group Nursery Marobo Dec-18 Acuegas Teka lokal (teak) 74 Group Nursery (Marobo) Teka Super (teak) 500 Group Nursery Rambutan 30 Group Nursery Sabraka (orange) 150 Group Nursery Cenkeh (cloves) 100 Group Nursery Merica (black 13 Group Nursery pepper) Aidila (papaya) 21 Group Nursery
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Cailaco Dec-18 Hametin (Cailaco) Aidila (papaya) 35 Group Nursery Dec-18 Raemlarun Aidila (papaya) 20 Group Nursery Dec-18 Anakau Luhan Aidila (papaya) 65 Group Nursery
Planting Seedlings USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project continued to work with Forestry Department in MAF to help distribute seedlings for project beneficiaries. Village chiefs would ask that their communities be selected for seedling distribution. The selection criteria consider land degradation or erosion areas, those located in water basins, and areas that are water insecure during the dry season, or impacted by strong winds. Before seedlings are distributed, the communities receive training on seedling spacing, planting on sloping areas, and seedling maintenance. Each month, project staff are sent to monitor the progress of the seedlings, to ensure that the communities are properly maintaining them. In total, the project has facilitated the production and/or distribution of 46,401 seedlings from fourteen project-supported nurseries. See Table 9 for distribution:
Table 9 – Seedling Distribution to Nurseries Municipality When Name of the Type of # of Source Spacing HA Total place seedlings seedlings of (m2) covered Beneficiary seedlings (HHs) Aileu Jan Village Namalesu Casuarina 240 MAF 9 0.216 76 10, - Aldeia Lacabou, Ai portugal 100 MAF 6.25 0.0625 2019 Aldeia Maucuruma, Ai Saria 237 MAF 25 0.5925 Aldeia Sarema Ai Neem 160 MAF 144 2.304 and Aldeia Aitoin Mahoni 390 MAF 16 0.624 Ermera Jan Village Railaco, Kakeu 180 MAF 9 0.162 27 17, Aldeia Tahubate 2019 Ai Saria 177 MAF 25 0.4425 Ai Neem 595 MAF 144 8.568 Casuarina 218 MAF 9 0.1962 Ainaro Jan Village Ainaro Mahoni 811 MAF 16 1.2976 35 30, Villa, Aldeia 2019 Builico Ai Saria 348 MAF 25 0.87 Bobonaro Jan Village Saborai, Teka 618 MAF 25 1.545 41 24, Aldeia Tas 2019 Mahoni 412 MAF 16 0.6592 Ai Portugal 100 MAF 6.25 0.0625 Casuarina 412 MAF 9 0.3708 Total 4998 17.9728 179
The project continues to monitor and provide support to the seedling nurseries following the completion of their grants, as follows: Milinium Green Agro (MGA) (Dili): With project assistance, MGA finalized its garden center at Vinod Patel. The center now has twenty-two species of flowers on display and nine fruit trees. MGA
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has also received a contract from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) to provide 100,000 sandalwood seedlings for its new project Ai ba Futuru (Trees for the Future). MGA has also won contracts from the government to provide ornamental trees for the new roadwork in Dili. At the close of Y5, MGA had sold over $160,000 worth of tree seedlings, ornamental trees, and flowers to a wide-range of buyers. They also purchase seedlings from small companies to supplement their own production. Tokenela (Ainaro) has sold 10,000 cocoa seedlings to Coperativa Café Timor (CCT) at a price of USD$0.10 per seedling and 3,200 mango and orange seedlings to Milinium Green Agro (MGA) at a price of USD$0.25 per seedling. Faramfat (Ermera): The project conducted a final monitoring visit to Faramfat to discuss the final report submission with its director. Under the grant agreement, Faramfat had to produce 200,000 seedlings of rambutan, oranges, petai, and black pepper. Most of the seedlings were sold to MGA, local farmers, and other visitors. Through Faramfat’s activities, three additional community nurseries have opened in Railaco, Poerema, and Raitara. The nurseries have produced 36,875 seedlings of rambutan, tangerine, albizia, and dragon fruit for sale within their local communities. MGA purchased 3,000 rambutan seedlings in January, totaling $3,750. At the end of Year 5, Faramfat sold $3,950 worth of seedlings.
Training in Natural Resource Management (NRM) Techniques Apart from training on water usage (drip irrigation, in-ground tunnels), other NRM training involved teaching farmers about climate change impacts and introducing Sloped Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) techniques. Project staff employ a variety of climate change materials, including diagrammatic illustrations and short films, posters, and various brochures, to teach farmer groups effective methods to combat negative climate change impacts. These materials are used in the field during information awareness training sessions with farmer groups. SALT is a methodology that involves building terraces on sloped land. It allows for cultivation of horticulture plants in the terraced areas and controls the flow of water during heavy rains. In Year 5, the project trained 30 farmers on SALT, with 129 household’s adopting the technology. Table 10 indicates locations where we introduced SALT technology in Year 5. Our farmer groups in these areas have land on hills or slopes but found it too difficult to cultivate. This land was also prone to erosion and landslides.
Table 10 – Locations of SALT Technology
Activity Areas Admin Post Village Planting in the Terracing
Aileu Aileu Vila Maurusa Boc choy, cauliflower, and broccoli Aileu Aileu Vila Seloi Malaere Boc choy, cauliflower, and broccoli Aileu Aileu Vila Seloi Kraik Sweet potato Dili Cristo Rei Balibar Boc choy, bayan, mustard, lettuce, and sweet potato Dili Cristo Rei Ailok Boc choy, bayan, mustard, lettuce, and sweet potato Ermera Ermera Mertutu Strawberry and sweet potato
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To share our experience with the wider community in Timor-Leste, the project participates in the Climate Change Working Group and the Forestry Watershed Working Group. Our staff also participated in a number of meetings and workshops in relation to climate change adaptation and natural resource management. These included: South East Asian National Human Rights Institution public hearing on the impact of climate change on human rights as presented by the Philippines Commissioner on Human Rights. The Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) hosted the event. It is the first of its kind that a national human rights institution in the field of climate justice has conducted in Timor-Leste. The National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSA) validation workshop, led by the Secretary State of Environment with support from UNDP. Workshop attendees included representatives from MAF Research Department, MAF Forestry Department, local NGOs, CRS, COTI, and the project. The workshop’s purpose was to consolidate and review information that key stakeholders had provided during focus group discussions. The Secretary of State for Environment’s (SSE) information sharing workshop, regarding the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 24) conference in Poland. GOTL representatives presented updates from the conference and their plans for Timor-Leste regarding climate change adaptation. Plans include submitting the second Kyoto Protocol to the Council of Ministers for ratification and developing country specific activities aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Secretary of State for Environment’s workshop on the feasibility study of renewable energy in Timor-Leste. A private consortium of companies conducted the study: China XD, THT SARANA, and CEDC Energy China.
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Summary of Output 2 Tasks:
Deliver training and monitoring to existing and new farmer groups – ONGOING
Develop training plans for new farmer groups and implement training – ONGOING
Deliver NRM training for farmer groups – ONGOING
Train a cadre of staff and input suppliers as specialists for pest and disease management – ONGOING
Support establishment of fruit seedling plantation – COMPLETED
Develop instructional booklet for pests and disease control - COMPLETED
2.3 EMBEDDED THEMES Improving nutrition remains a challenge in Timor-Leste, due primarily to a lack of understanding as to its importance for physical and mental development. Targeted nutrition trainings are aimed at building knowledge and increased understanding.
Table 11 – Sub-Purpose 2 Year 5 Targets
Indicator Planned Achievements Results
Ind 6: Children 6-23 months receiving a minimum acceptable diet 65 percent 49 percent Ind 6.1 Women of reproductive age are consuming a minimum (at least 98 percent 83 percent five out of ten food groups) dietary diversity
Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture Delivered nutritional trainings to farmers groups. During the project’s first three years, nutrition activities ran in parallel to farmer training and agribusiness support. After conducting socialization activities to understand communities’ needs and interest, we established community groups specifically around nutrition and sanitation topics. We supported these groups in a variety of activities, including the establishment of nutrition gardens to help increase household consumption of vegetables and fruits. In Year 4, we adapted our approach in consultation with USAID to improve sustainability. We now provide nutrition training to all of our farmer groups, and more explicitly encourage them to retain some produce for their own consumption. In Year 5 the project continued to deliver refresher training to over 500 households, and the full eight module training to new farmer groups. Project subcontractor Hiam Health developed and delivered the nutrition trainings in past years. (Hiam Health is one of the leading NGOs focused on improving nutrition in Timor-Leste.) However, for sustainability purposes, we sought to expand the base of institutions in Timor-Leste with the capacity to provide similar training. In Year 5, we identified two additional local NGOs, Malaedoi and Sharis Haburas Komunidade (SHC), who continued to deliver the project’s eight-week nutrition training, under Hiam Health’s guidance. They trained three hundred and ninety-one new beneficiaries. Hiam Health conducted a TOT with the NGOs, using project-developed training materials. They then rolled out the trainings, which covered nutrition, malnutrition, food safety, breastfeeding, hygiene and sanitation, worms, and a cooking demonstration. In implementing the modules over a prolonged period combined with refresher training, we have been able to reinforce key messages to farmers about the importance of eating nutritious food. The
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 27 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project benefits of this action are indicated in the further reduction of hunger in the project’s zone of influence, from 15% during the baseline to 1.4% at the end of Year 5. The project also developed and utilized additional resources that include nutrition posters on stunting, food balance, incorporation of traditional foods, and healthy lifestyle tips. Almost 550 households had received copies of these posters by the end of Year 5, and viewed the First 1,000 Days breastfeeding film. Finalization of seven cooking videos: In addition to helping farmers to improve production practices, the project is also working to introduce new varieties of nutritious vegetables throughout our targeted areas. While farmers are keen to grow vegetables that have broader market demand, they are often hesitant to try new foods themselves as they are unsure how to prepare them. Cooking practices are limited in rural areas so foods are often over-cooked, losing their nutritional content and distorting their texture. To promote healthier cooking practices, the project produced a seven-series cooking show on the following recipes: Broccoli soup served with bread Cauliflower salad served with chicken Mixed vegetable salad Sweet corn and pumpkin soup Mixed vegetable coconut curry Broccoli stir-fry with fish and brown rice Purple sweet potato soup served with bread The cooking shows will be presented during refresher trainings and as part of the local NGOs’ cooking demonstrations. Developed a cookbook - “The Food of Timor-Leste: Traditional and Modern Receipts” to promote increased nutritional value in traditional recipes. In Year 5, the project also produced a cookbook consisting of ten recipes. We first conducted a local food assessment to identify traditional foods across all five municipalities. Traditional foods include taro, cassava, and kumbili. We then created “modern” recipes that improve the nutritional content of favorite local recipes. The recipes are more nutritionally balanced and incorporate the produce that project farmers are growing. See Annex 3 for more information on traditional foods and the cookbook table of contents. Participated in working groups and other public forums: The project also participated in various working groups, workshops, and other government meetings regarding nutrition. Key events in Year 5 included participating in the Social and Behavior Change Communication Symposium that the Ministry of Health hosted with support from the World Food Program; the Nutrition Working Group, overseen by the Ministry of Health; and the World Health Organization’s food security workshop.
Summary of Tasks for Cross-Cutting Themes: Nutrition
Deliver eight-module nutrition training to new farmer groups - ONGOING
Repeat nutrition messaging to existing farmer groups - ONGOING
Design and deliver nutrition posters to farmers – ONGOING
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Incorporating Women and Youth Women and youth continue to play a vital role in the agricultural sector in Timor-Leste, both as small-scale commercial farmers and as agribusiness entrepreneurs, including as collectors and processors. Women USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project prioritizes women’s economic empowerment. In addition to ensuring that women are active participants in farmers groups, the project also supports women-run businesses through trainings, start-up grants and financial management and resources. In Year 5, the project approved applications from six women-led companies for start-up equipment, which was jointly purchased and delivered in December. The project provided both business and technical advice, and each company received a copy of the food preservation recipe book that was finalized in early 2019. The book’s recipe for pickled vegetables was successfully trialed. Companies were able to sell several batches of the product. The project is also helping two former grantees, PUTLEO and LOFASAUS, both women-led companies based in Ermera, establish linkages with a distributer. PUTLEO, a cassava and banana chip producer, currently distributes to buyers in Dili, including Centro, Jaco, and Jacinto supermarkets. The project is helping the company to expand to Pateo and Timor Plaza. LOFASAUS, a tomato sauce producer, is now actively producing and selling in Ermera and in Dili. Since banking options are limited in rural areas, the project started “women only” savings and lending clubs. However, as they grew in popularity, men also wanted to join, as they recognized the clubs’ financial benefits. To support the groups, an additional three savings and loan club field agents were hired to provide the initial training and conduct weekly monitoring. The project currently has twenty-three active groups in Ermera, Bobonaro (Atabae), Dili, and Aileu. The two largest groups in Atabae - Habat, and Mata- enable other members to take out loans to invest in hand-tractors, water pumps, plastic mulch, and to rent land. Youth Engaging youth in the commercial horticulture sector can be a challenge. They are often unaware that opportunities exist to build their own off-farm agribusinesses, do not see the income opportunities, and view the sector as one that requires hard manual labor. To address these needs, the project is engaging in Soft Skill Development, Vocational School Support, and Business Development Support. These activities are aimed at supporting youth and encouraging them to participate in the agriculture value-chain.
Soft Skill Development Activities A key hindrance to young people entering the workforce is that many finish school without the technical and soft skills3 that employers require. As a result, employers are frustrated since they are unable to find the skilled workers they need. To address this challenge, the project conducted life skills training, and initiated a work internship program to allow students to obtain three to six months of agribusinesses experience. By the end of the third quarter of Year 5 the project significantly surpassed the training target, training 6,390 (43.3% female) young people in relevant life skills. The internship program was rolled out in collaboration with three universities, employers, and Knua Juventude Fila Liman (KJFL), a UNDP-organized entrepreneurship center. In Year 5, a total of 121
A USAID’s Positive Youth Development defines soft skills as “a broad set of skills, behaviors and personal qualities that enable people to effectively navigate their environment, relate well with others, perform well, and achieve their goals.” See the following link for more information: https://www.youthpower.org/soft-skills-positive-youth- development
USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 29 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project individuals applied for 23 internship placements. Interns were placed with MGA, DiliMart, Fundasaun Hader, Fundasaun Malaedoi, Buka Silvabumo, HIAM Health, and PERMATIL Timor-Leste. Intership activities included seedling production and grafting, food preservation, moringa production, land and pest management, market assessment, and business management. The project facilitated a pre-internship training for 23 youth interested in the KJFL internship program. KJFL provided potential interns with an understanding of professional requirements in the workplace. Topics include: principles of customer service, effective communication, problem solving, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, dealing with difficult people or situations, goal setting, time management, meeting etiquette, teams and team work, workplace ethics, and leadership and management. The project also facilitated training for staff at placement sites to ensure that companies properly utilize their interns and have a structured program for them to learn and experience all aspects of the company. During each internship cycle, the project organizes mid-placement site visits for university representatives, project staff, and KJFL representatives. The project also invited the National Institute for the Development of Skilled Labor (INDMO) - to participate in the mid-placement visit and to learn more about the program, with the goal of linking it to INDMO’s and the Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment’s (SEFOPE) youth program. In order to recognize and respond to the unique needs of young people, the project mentored the interns. We discussed with them their placements, issues, challenges, and ways in which the program can be adapted to better suit their needs. Interns gained skills in resumé development and job interview tips. At the end of Year 5, one KJFL-led training took place, launching the next cycle of internships. This latest cadre of interns has now moved on to various career development paths. Three traveled to Israel as part of MAF’s international internship program with the Israeli government, MGA hired one intern to run its garden center at Vinod Patel, two interns started their own business, with one producing seedlings to sell to MGA and one starting a fresh chicken business with business support from KJFL. Three interns received jobs as data collectors for the upcoming agriculture census. In addition to the internship program, the project began working with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The goal was to implement a soft skill program in 2019 as a follow-on from their 2017 Employability and Income Generating Opportunities for Marginalized People (ENDIGO) project with SEFOPE). The project shared our internship concept note and pre-internship training outlines with GIZ. Additionally, the project is collaborating with GIZ to create job profiles for its agribusiness industry to include in their training sessions.
Vocational School Support Vocational agriculture programs can create a dynamic technical workforce through active and engaged learning opportunities. Recognizing the importance of schools such as these for the country’s development, the project assessed the availability and suitability of agriculture programs. However, at this point in time, the few operating vocational and technical schools in Timor-Leste are understaffed and under resourced. Comprehensive assessments were completed with the National Vocational Training Center of Tibar (CNEFP) as well as at vocational schools in Aileu, Hatu-Udo, Maubisse, and Maliana. These assessments focused on the agriculture-training curriculum, the level of staff capacities, school facilities, and their willingness to participate in an activity to develop short-term training for horticulture production. Based on this information, Borlaug developed a specialized short-term training curriculum for horticulture, drawing largely from the project’s training manuals. A week-long TOT training was held with 20 trainers and teachers from five vocational schools and two training providers. The purpose of the training was to provide learning materials and skills to teach short horticulture modules that help improve and expand current curricula to teachers with an agricultural background. Modules included horticulture safety, good agriculture practices, employability skills, and value-chain development and marketing.
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Following completion of the training, the project began working with the schools on ways to incorporate the new curricula into their current training programs and if necessary, provide extension support on constructing their outdoor learning centers. The modules were combined into one training manual and will be distributed in Year 6. This curriculum has the opportunity to supplement the practicum activities in Timorese vocational schools through engaging students in hands-on learning. To move towards the development of a standardized agriculture training curricula, the project met with the Instituto Nacional Desenvolvimento Mão da Obra (INDMO - National Institute for the Development of Skilled Labor) to discuss accreditation. This will be further explored in Year 6.
Business Development Support The project developed a grants activity to support youth entrepreneurs in developing their own agribusinesses. As of the end of Year 5, we are supporting seven youth led businesses, including those engaged in mushroom, tofu, tempeh, banana and cassava chip production, and floristry.
Summary of Tasks for Cross-Cutting Themes: Women and Youth
Continue supporting women entrepreneurs to develop their food preservation businesses - ONGOING
Continue supporting youth agribusinesses - ONGOING
Monitor results from the youth internship program - ONGOING
Partner with a vocational school to develop curricula for short course horticulture training - ONGOING
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2.4. PROJECT LOCATIONS
At the end of Year 5, USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is actively working in 68 villages: Table 12 – Project Locations
Municipality Adm. Post Village Aldeia Aileu Aileu Saboria Saboria Aileu Aileu Seloi Kraik Faulara Aileu Aileu Seloi Malere Tartihi Aileu Aileu_villa Liquitura Liquitura Aileu Aileu Liurai Bandeira-Hun Aileu Aileu Lahae Lahae Aileu Aileu Fatubosa Fatubosa Ainaro Ainaro Villa Cassa Mausuka Ainaro Maubisse Maubisse Hautado Ainaro Maubisse Horai-Quic Cartolo Bobonaro Balibo Batugade Batugade Bobonaro Balibo Batugade Batugade Bobonaro Cailaco Manapa Tapo Meak Bobonaro Bobonaro Carabau Utedai Bobonaro Bobonaro Atubean Talite Dili Cristo-rei Hera Mota Quic Dili Cristo-rei Becora Au-Hun Dili Cristo-rei Balibar Tankae Dili Cristo-rei Balibar Tankae Dili Cristo_rei Ailok Maliboro Dili Cristo-rei Balibar Tankae Dili Dom Aleixo Manleu-ana Faka Ermera Ermera Lauala Sari Ermera Ermera Talimoro Nunusua Ermera Ermera Talimoro Nunusua Ermera Ermera Lauala Sari Ermera Ermera Leguimea Hatuleta Ermera Ermera Mertutu Hotino Ermera Ermera Riheu Gomhei
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The Year 5 Communications and Knowledge Management Plan’s central objective is to promote USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project as successfully accelerating inclusive and sustainable economic growth through increased productivity and profitability of the horticulture value chain. Our efforts positioned, promoted, and communicated activities throughout the year to our targeted audiences: the host country government, the Timorese public, civil society organizations, media, the private sector, multilateral agencies, and bilateral donors.
Diametro de Carvalho, Secretary of State for Environment visits project booth at 3rd Climate Change Conference
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3.1 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES Print Media In support of the project’s continued focus on capacity development for rural farmers, communications efforts concentrated on supporting technical teams through developing the requisite educational material. Attractive and accessible materials were developed for beneficiaries to improve their knowledge and understanding across topics in the agriculture value chain. Technical teams use these materials during training and at promotional events. Building on Year 4 initiatives, we ensured that materials produced were presented in an easy-to-understand style as many beneficiaries have lower levels of education and literacy. In addition, the project also began developing technical manuals for input suppliers and extension providers, to help them in further assisting farmers who are transitioning to a more commercialized form of agriculture. Materials are also provided to project partners and other donors and embassies. In particular, copies of films produced in Year 4: Youth in Agriculture, Bitersa Saves the Harvest, and the 1000 Day Nutrition film were provided to the Australian Embassy, at its request. USAID has also uploaded the films to its YouTube page, making them more widely accessible beyond the project’s zone of influence. Brochures A crop rotation brochure in English and Tetun was finalized and distributed. One hundred copies were printed and distributed.
Infographic and Newsletters Quarterly newsletters were developed and provided to stakeholders and beneficiaries in both printed and e- copy format. These newsletters present project activities from a beneficiary point of view, including first- hand experience interviews relating to all project activities, such as training, cost-share initiatives, access to inputs, and business development. These first-person stories provide examples that may encourage otherwise hesitant individuals to adopt new technologies, launch a small business, or become engaged with the project’s various activities. A project infographic was completed in English and Tetun, documenting progress through Year 4, and provided to key stakeholders and project partners. Training Manuals The Pest and Disease manual was finalized in Tetun and provided to staff, following the Indonesian experts’ IPM training. A detailed IPM guide covering PERSUAP, Biological Control, and Non-PERSUAP
Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 34 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project regulations was finalized and provided to input suppliers, input agents, and select farmer groups. Ten crop specific guides were finalized. English and translation to Tetun will be completed early in Year 6 for distribution during the second quarter. They cover the following crops: Chinese cabbage, brassica oleracea, shallots, sweet potato, watermelon, rock melon, outdoor and indoor tomatoes, outdoor and indoor capsicum (bell peppers). Posters A four-part series of nutrition posters was finalized for distribution in Year 6. All project-supported households will be given a set. The posters cover Stunting, Food Balance, Traditional Food, and Healthy Living Tips. Nine hundred copies were printed, distribution is on-going. Product Brand Development Assistance to project-supported grantee product branding is offered to interested companies. The following companies requested logos and packaging design:
Flowers
Mushroom
Pickling
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Press Releases A press release detailing the collectors’ cost-share grant for tractors and motor tricycles was published in the Timor Post, the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network newsletter (ETAN), and on USAID’s official website. 2019 Calendar The project’s 2019 horticulture calendar was approved and distributed to all households. Each month features a different theme such as planting guidelines, sanitation and hygiene. The calendar is in cartoon format and utilizes more pictures than words for ease of understanding. Eleven thousand one hundred copies were distributed. Input Supply Booklet To help input suppliers increase their knowledge and skills so that they may better assist farmers, the project developed a booklet on seeds, fertilizer, basic equipment, and service delivery as a follow-on from Agi Agrikultura’s input supplier training. Over fifty booklets were distributed. Recipe Books Following the training on food preservation, a vegetable pickling recipe book was developed and provided to training attendees and the six pickling companies that the project currently supports. One hundred and fifty copies were distributed. Subsequent to the traditional food assessment initiative, the nutrition team developed a traditional recipe cookbook that includes original traditional recipes and their updated, more nutritious versions. One thousand copies were printed, distribution is on-going. Articles The project’s Communications Manager, Katherine Smith published an article in Agrilinks entitled “Catalyzing Entrepreneurship to Address Market Gaps in Timor-Leste.” It was further circulated on Agrilinks listserv in June. Nutrition Videos To help build a library of behavior change materials supporting improved nutrition habits, the project filmed seven cooking videos in-house. The films will be incorporated into Year 6 nutrition training activities. Events PERMATIL Camp The project provided funds and sponsored 33 youth to attend PERMATIL’s fifth Perma Youth Camp, held in Maubisse, Ainaro. The camp’s theme this year was ‘Natural Resources and Local Knowledge as the Foundation for Life’ and aimed to increase young peoples’ interest in learning about permaculture, local food, and local customs. Daily workshops were held on topics such as local cooking, water source conservation, animal health and husbandry, agriculture techniques, NRM activities, bio-engineering and erosion control, and coffee management. In addition to hosting an information booth, the project also held a panel talk, featuring youth-led businesses that have received project grants. Copies of the Youth in Agriculture, Bitersa Saves the Harvest, and the 1,000 Day Nutrition film were provided to the organizers.
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The United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Care International, CCFD, YASONA, and The Asia Foundation also provided funds to operate the camp. Hand Tractor Handover Ceremony To celebrate the success of the project’s previous cost-share schemes, a hand tractor hand-over event was held in Atabae, Bobonaro. Local government authorities, input supply partners (Vinod Patel, Agi Agrikultura, and Kmanek Agriculture), and micro-finance partner Kaebuak Financial Institution attended. Seven local journalists also participated and two articles appeared in the Timor Post and Business Timor. International Women’s Day, March 8 In celebration of International Women’s Day, the project hosted a series of training workshops on ‘What is Business?’. Approximately 160 women attended across Ainaro Villa, Aileu Villa, Gleno, and Maliana. The workshops built awareness of ways in which business can respond to and support community needs. Participants discussed their social obligations and options for meeting them that do not interfere with work. A common theme was how to be creative in business and ensure personal enthusiasm for that work. Each workshop included a panel with three-to-five area business women, discussing the challenges of starting and maintaining their businesses, and the tools or techniques they used to overcome those challenges.
International Rural Women’s Day, October 15 In celebration of International Rural Women’s Day, the project hosted radio talk shows in Dili, Aileu, Maubisse, Ainaro Villa, Gleno, and Bobonaro. During a one-hour segment, project beneficiaries were invited to share their views on development, rural development, and the role of women. The Association of Community Radio hosted the show, with twenty-three women participating. The women were eager to discuss ways in which they are contributing to the economic development of the country. Climate Change Conference As a member of the Climate Change Working Group, the project has supported and participated in the biennial Climate Change Conference, organized by the Climate Change Working Group under the National Directorate for Climate Change and Adaptation. This year, the conference theme was Reduce Impact, Increase Resilience. The project delivered two presentations on Climate Smart Agriculture and the Economics of Natural Resource Management. The project’s information booth attracted much interest among the 520 plus participants who attended the two-day event.
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Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 38 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project 4. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS In Year 5, USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project continued to monitor activities to ensure environmental compliance by conducting twenty-two environmental reviews for new activities, as shown in Table 13. Beneficiaries and farmers were new to the concept of an environmental monitoring and mitigation plan (EMMP). Prior to signing the grants, project staff took time to explain to potential grantees the concept of environmental reviews, and the steps and procedures to expect. If an activity was determined to be of moderate or unknown risk, appropriate mitigation measures were formalized. During implementation, compliance site visits found no significant adverse impact from the project. Screenings showed that no activities were categorized as high risk. As a result, implementation of grant activities could continue as planned in the grant agreements.
Table 13 – Environmental Reviews Conducted in Year 5 Name Activity RFA#008 Juventude Buka Esperiénsia Chip Production Estudante Buka Espriénsia Tofu and Tempeh Production Youth Modernizing Local product (YMLP) White Mushroom Production RFA#009 Agkret, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation Silva-Bukamo, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation Natasmal, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation Agrihadimo, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation Silva Fefima, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation Dotil, Enin Pickling, Food Preservation APS#002 NAHAE CAL, ENIN Increase production of fresh flowers in Dare, Dili Zelia de Araujo Pereira Promote flowers in Atabae and sell them across Timor through the markets in Dili Adriano da Cruz Increase market access for farmer groups in Bobonaro Alfredo Mali Bere Support the existing collectors of horticultural products in the municipality of Bobonaro Ana Paula Pinto Grupu KETAS Production of California Papaya on 1 ha land in Dili Sabino Joao Grupu Joao Farm Promote Production of California in Ritabou Bobonaro Henrique dos Santos Grupu Juventude Promote Organic Pineapple in Fatuquero, Ermera Promove Agrikultura ETCI (JEPAE) Jacinto Santos Oliveira Samalete Kuda Improve and increase rambutan production in Samalete Rambutan (SAKURA) Alexandre Bianco Banana Planting in Cassa, Ainaro PICOLESTE, LDA Frozen Fruit Pops HBO, LDA Herbal Tea Processing Fundasaun Malaedoi Nutrition Training SHC Nutrition Training
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Table 14 – Progress Toward Sustainability
Activity Areas Sustainable End Goal Partners
Enabling Environment: (1) Government Government staff capable of implementing policies to develop the Developing and improving Horticulture sector policy that will remain in place Association Improved policies that support an enabling environment for once the project ends. (2) agriculture Creating mechanisms for public- Government with a better understanding of evidence-based policy private dialogue through the reform that includes private sector input. horticultural working group and horticultural association, and (3) During Year 5: The project supported discreet policy initiatives, Modeling evidence-based and including MAF’s initial interest in a horticulture policy, and then the transparent policy reform agricultural policy development. In addition, the project has been processes (e.g., pesticides, piloting municipal level associations, as an alternative to the fertilizer, SPS) national association, which did not gain significant traction. The project worked in partnership with the FAO to advance the new (4) Supporting field-tested pesticide law. The project also helped to model dialogue and approaches and knowledge in consultation in this process. agricultural/agribusiness education As part of the support to youth involvement in agriculture and agribusiness, the project worked with vocational schools and accredited training centers to initiate the process of including practice-oriented materials in their work and ongoing curricula review process. It will include discussion with the line ministries (education, agriculture) and institutions (SEPFOPE, INDMO), as well as with the VET schools and training centers (through possible additional support in building outdoor learning centers in schools). At the Farm Level (1) Build farmer NGOs, input Input suppliers provide extension advice to farmers. Local NGOs, knowledge of good agricultural suppliers, under contract with international donors, are skilled in latest practices and climate-smart extension horticulture techniques. agriculture. workers, During Year 5: The project extended its farmer groups, number of (2) Improve quality and reliability farmers and even a new municipality in Year 5, expanding to of production through extension Liquica at the end of Year 5. We worked to build skills through a services, and (3) Ensure that combination of direct project facilitated training and promoting the farmers and households idea that private sector extension be embedded in input suppliers increase understanding of models, including at the local level. The project also continued to nutrition and nutrition-smart provide nutrition training to all farmer groups in partnership with agriculture. Hiam Health, and nutrition-oriented NGOs. We conducted our Annual Household survey. Findings will be used to further address the nutrition aspects, especially among the new farmer groups (joining the project in Y5 and final year). Tthe project
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produced a series of strategic communications outputs on nutrition themes, including seven videos that will be rolled out in Year 6. Climate risk-reduction practices continued to be implemented among the farmers, and were further strengthened through the activities conducted in cooperation with MAF on seedling distribution and training of farmers. Finally, we also continued to build staff’ and input suppliers’ specialized skills for pest and disease management. Linkages to Markets: (1) Collectors, Producer groups have increased access to markets and are now Strengthen market linkages supermarkets, commanding fair prices for products. through the creation of farmer input Buyers and input suppliers are providing extension advice to groups around specific market suppliers farmers on seed selection, input selection, production techniques, opportunities as codified in etc. buyer agreements (2) Improve During Year 5: Continued support to collectors and supermarkets access and quality of input in building linkages to farmers through both farmer group supplies through strengthening organization and facilitating agreements with farmer groups. We the private sector-based input also supported analysis of farmer production patterns against supply system. demand. Based on this analysis, we advised farmers on which crops to grow and helped to organize production so that there was not an oversupply of certain crops. Improved information on market demand allowed farmers to better plan and diversify their production and decrease the risk of wasted products. We will work to institutionalize this flow of market information through the collector networks in Year 6. We are helping to build up the network of middle people/collectors to act as alternative sources of access to markets and information. We continued activities that increase access to more affordable seeds and other inputs, supported both through the project facilitated co-investment scheme, and facilitating linkages between interested farmers and a microfinance institution. We also supported micro companies (primarily collectors), some of which used loans to finance cost-share purchase of tracks with the project. Non-Agricultural Services: (1) Training Capacities of service providers are improved to deliver training or Strengthening data collection, providers, conduct activities. (2) Providing business and universities During Year 5: Following the completion of subcontracts with local financial literacy training. NGOs on support for data collection, project staff took on data collection for new farmer groups. Additionally, initial data were collected for farmers from Liquica. This data will enable the project to measure the effects of assistance provided to these farming households, and to compare it with the results of the farmers from original ZOI municipalities that received support for longer periods. Besides the Annual Household Survey implemented during August, the project completed a Firm-level survey with 96 MSMEs, collecting data on sales, ownership, employment, investment etc. This data is used to confirm whether project interventions are having their intended effects to drive increased investment into the sector and utilization of new and improved service. We can adjust activities accordingly. Data also indicates the growth of the companies and the potential to scale up activities and increase leverage. Regular data collection is also performed for technology adoption and climate risk reduction aspects. Project staff participated in refresher training for the household survey.
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In cooperation with WFP and other donors and USAID projects, the project was part of the “Fill the nutrient gap” survey and analysis conducted in six municipalities (three of which are part of project’s ZOI) We worked with local training providers to offer training to farmers in finance and credit management. With input from our subcontractor, Resonance, the Project partners with TRM to provide more systematic effort to improve literacy on credit risk management among the farmers. Microfinance loans are one of the most affordable and accessible sources of financing in Timor-Leste. In order to assist new grantees with the successful launch of their activities, the project organized an initial business training for successful grantees. In addition to an introduction to implementation and reporting rules, participants receive business- related advice, tailored to their area of work (collector, processors, and nurseries/seedling producers). Capacities of the VET schools and accredited training centers in agriculture/agribusiness areas are strengthened through organized ToT. As part of ToT, field-tested training materials were presented to teachers as possible practice-oriented complementary learning materials (to be introduced following the discussions with ministries and institutions in charge). 5.2. LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project actively partners with numerous stakeholders in the public and private sectors to help improve results, and to support other ongoing and complementary activities. Leverage ranges from financial (e.g. number of dollars leveraged) to social capital and knowledge aspects (e.g. leveraging resources, expertise, and networks). The following outlines examples of our proven ability to leverage partnerships that are helping to achieve greater and more sustainable outcomes: Private Sector Engagement: We undertook enterprise-driven development to catalyze a nascent private sector-based input supply system and stronger market linkages. The project has been actively piloting activities to stimulate private sector response and build actors capacity to fill essential gaps in the market system. For example, as outlined in the activity section above, there were few private sector-based input supply systems in Timor-Leste prior to the project. Through a combination of grants used to encourage new behaviors and practices, to technical assistance, we are successfully building the capacity of existing private sector entities in Timor-Leste, catalysing new entrants, including food processors and aggregators/collectors, and enticing more established businesses to adopt new services that the growing group of commercial horticulturalists require. All grants have a co-investment requirement from the grantee, the amount of which is determined based on the size of the grant and the partner’s ability to pay. Our work in this area aligns with USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy key concept of enterprise-driven development. This “means aligning with the private sector as co-creators of market- oriented solutions. Together, this drives shared interests and shared risk, while working toward results that create shared value.” In addition, we have significantly strengthened the base of local input suppliers and businesses that are supporting the project through their activities, while further honing their skills to continue similar work in other capacities in the future. For example, the project helped the store Vinod Patel recognize the potential to operate as a consistent input supplier, providing more consistent input supplies and equipment. Vinod Patel now operates actively across several project activities, sharing its experience
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and networks. As one example of uptake of new behaviours and the establishment of new private sector based linkages, the project had previously partnered with the Indonesian input supplier, QUICK, to co- fund tractor maintenance training. As a supplier, QUICK provided its own trainers, with minimal project facilitation in terms of travel. But in Year 5, input supplier Vinod Patel arranged directly for QUICK technicians to conduct training on hand tractor maintenance. This small but significant development is an encouraging indicator of the potential for lasting business-to-business relationships that will continue as demand for this equipment scales up. As the project expanded and intensified its work with broader agribusinesses through the inclusion of new collectors, other horticulturists (nurseries, seedling and flower producers), input suppliers, supermarkets, loans providers and processors, private sector partner firms reported over USD$6 million in investments. This included new long-term capital investments and new operating capital investments, as per Feed the Future reporting guidance. Different rates were used to attribute the project’s leverage of these firms’ investments, depending on their particular relationship (grantee/financially assisted or value-chain participants). In our firm-level survey, ninety-six of the project’s value-chain MSMEs (not including farmers) reported sales value of almost USD$2 million. Other horticulturists (including nurseries, seedling and flower producers) are excellent examples of opportunities and diversification in the horticultural sector. Thirteen surveyed MSMEs reported sales of a combined $195,165. Fourteen small scale processors, predominately women- or youth- owned, reported annual sales of a combined $13,236 (average $945, median $767) , an encouraging result for Timor-Leste as some were just starting up in Year 5. This data shows the growing potential and prospects for the overall agribusiness sector, as well as increasing private sector investment and diversification in Timor-Leste. In addition to strengthening and leveraging agribusinesses, we have also successfully partnered with the microfinance institution Kaebauk to provide loans for farmers to access input supplies. As reported earlier, the project originally requested that the input suppliers themselves advance the equipment to the farmers to meet the farmer co-investment requirement. The farmer would repay the input suppliers over time. However, the farmers were often late with their payments. Kaebauk has now agreed to provide the loans directly to those farmers that the input supplier and the project first select and partially screen, In year 5, the number of actual loans from Kaebauk to meet the farmer co-investment requirement is relatively small. However, we anticipate strong growth as the model is proven successful and scaled up. Kaebauk’s agri loans (in and out of the project’s ZOI) and saving and loans groups that the project helped establish show that $45,983 in loans was distributed, with 37% of the value distributed by S&L groups. We undertook this activity with Resonance. Partnering to support internship programs: As discussed above, the project facilitated a highly popular internship program in which we helped to build the capacity of interns through pre-internship training via Timorese training provider Knua Juventude Fila Liman. Training topics included employability skills, and value-chain development and marketing. Interns were then placed across a variety of private sector and NGO partners, including Milinium Green Agro (MGA), PERMATIL, Silva Burkamo, Enin (pickling business), and Hiam Health. In the process of training and facilitating placement of the competitively selected interns, the project is also building the connections between these critical players to strengthen the linkages between agricultural training providers and the private and CSO sector in the field. Coordination with Government and other Donors: Participation in Government-led working groups: In order to gain traction and remain current regarding key activities in project related areas, we regularly attend government facilitated working group meetings including those focused on horticulture, nutrition, climate awareness, and forestry. The level of our active participation depends on the ongoing activities, and their relevance to project activities. For example, the nutrition working group contributed to our efforts when we were preparing
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the first 1,000 days video with the Ministry of Health. As part of our work on the climate awareness working group, we helped organize and sponsor the 3rd annual Climate Change Conference, in close collaboration with numerous other organizations working in this space. One of the primary mechanisms for coordination across donors with projects working in the agricultural sector development space is the Development Partner Coordination Group. These meetings take place on an approximately quarterly basis. All represented projects outline their key activities and note those areas where they would benefit from additional support or input from complementary projects. In the earlier narrative, we also provided examples of the numerous conferences, round tables, and other forums in which we participate, , always ensuring that we share lessons learned, tailor our programs to complement other ongoing initiatives, and effectively leverage partnerships. We partnered with the FAO to develop support MAF develop the new Pesticide Law. USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project supported the development of the new Pesticide Law, partially financing the work of an FAO legal consultant who drafted the law based on international best practice. To collect feedback, we also supported a related workshop in country. 5.3. COLLABORATION, LEARNING, AND ADAPTATION (CLA) Our proven CLA approach incorporates the view that to be effective, assistance must be cognizant of the institutional political, environmental, and social landscape. The project’s technical solutions are always implemented in this context (“best fit” rather than “best practice”). We focus on three key segments: collaboration, systemic change and sustainability. Collaboration and systemic change actions at the national level include work with MAF, other public institutions, and other donors. Maintaining the core principles of the Doing Development Differently consensus4, we aim to preserve the balance between long-term project strategic objectives (e.g. building structures and systems to support a market orientated, yet resilient agricultural sector) and fast response adaptive actions (such as responding to new market opportunities and sudden challenges). Resilient agricultural sector structures imply both diversification of the subsectors and building functional partnerships through various initiatives, and collaboration with public and private sector partners. This reinforces the necessity to help empower local reform champions (private or public), and to develop Political Economy Analysis (PEA)-aware and adaptively-managed contingency plans. Our PMEP system collects data for each activity. Every quarter, through several different mechanisms, including grants and subcontracts, plus staff reviews, and coordination meetings, we evaluate that data and our activities to determine whether or not they are making significant progress against objectives. If they are not achieving the results we need, we adjust accordingly, in consultation with USAID. We do so, after interviewing selected beneficiaries (farmers, and farmer groups), and implementing or reviewing youth surveys, plus assessments of agriculture vocational school programs to identify why an approach did or did not work. It is an adaptive process that continues during our regular staff meetings, and feeds into discussions at our annual planning retreat. CLA-related practices are aimed at creating multiple feedback loops, and encouraging farmers, implementing partners, government counterparts and other stakeholders to participate in the activities’ review and adaption. Our general framework for our CLA practice is presented below:
4 The Doing Development Differently (DDD) Consensus from Harvard, which includes political economy analysis, appreciation and response to local context, and flexibility and adaptability in assistance design and implementation
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Table 15 – CLA Framework
CLA topic and Learning and Adaptation and Project’s Collaborating partners discussion focus Technology adoption, incl. - Learning from co-investment scheme barriers (for example, delayed repayment to input suppliers), financial schemes/incentives we adapted the process through collaborative efforts, and arranged for a microfinance institution to provide agricultural loans. This resulted in increased access to financing for farmers at the most favorable market interest rate and increased timely repayments. Extent of technology adoption; - Piloting cost-share schemes initially at 50/50, and then transitioning to 40/60 schemes set up the Evaluation of success of the revised practice among other donors. This led to increased uptake of new technologies as well as financial schemes and increased accountability of the farmers relative to the use and maintenance of the equipment. Through incentives; wider use of the technologies (tillers, tractors, irrigation) coupled with traditional exchange and borrowing practices, overall resilience of the communities has increased and continues to expand. Effects of financial incentives to farming households; - Equipment purchase led to farming income diversification, as it sparked the interest of some farmers to start working as micro service providers, through renting their equipment to others. - Co-investment grant schemes were piloted to support nascent collectors’ businesses, thus relieving them of cash flow issues and with favorable repayment schedules, allowing them to focus on their business activities. - Co-investment schemes sparked the formation of new businesses or diversified work of the existing maintenance and service providers (fixing equipment, local production of frames for tunnels etc.), which help to decrease rural communities’ dependence on Dili-based maintenance shops. Collaborating Partners: Farmers adopting technologies; Input suppliers (Kmanek, Vinod Patel); MFI Kaebauk Business training impact - As part of the findings related to farmers’ knowledge of financial management, especially loan management, the project initiated discussions with Tuba Rai Metin to jointly address the issue of low levels of financial literacy among farmers. This lack of knowledge often results in farmers’ Skills uptake as result of training indebtedness to lenders (i.e. family and neighbors) due to the demands of non-discretionary family and its use in daily practice; needs and cultural ceremony requirements. The project and Kaebauk will sign an MoU that stipulates the continued use of our learning materials in microfinances future work. Improvements needed (incl. additional topics) Collaborating Partners: Farmer groups, Buyers (supermarkets), Collectors, TRM – Tuba Rai Metin; Youth involvement in - After analyzing the growing youth segment of Timor-Leste’s population now joining the labor market, agriculture and agribusiness the project sought out and supported opportunities for youth to become entrepreneurs, both in farming and through forming companies in other, related value chain segments (food processing and preservation, collecting, input supplies, services, sales.). As a result, several youth-led businesses Reasons for youth involvement flourished and now provide additional opportunities for their founders, with continuing assistance in or lack thereof in agriculture; developing access to markets and technical advice. Review of incentives provided to - Through the project-facilitated internship training and placement with companies, youth now have youth; opportunities to experience first-hand business practices in companies of various sizes and activities. Assessment of motivation to - Focusing on the sustainability of these interventions, the project collaborated with VET schools and become a youth Agri accredited training centers to improve the quality of the educational and training process. One entrepreneur; mechanism will be to incorporate the project’s experiences and practices in manuals, as part of the official VET and certification programs. Training of Trainers (teachers) from VET schools and training centers confirm these needs. Continued efforts in this area will involve the line ministries (education, agriculture, SEPFOPE, INDMO) and donors (GIZ), to build on already established cooperation arrangements with VET schools and training centers working in the project’s ZOI. Field-tested approaches and knowledge should eventually complement existing curricula and will cover all the agricultural value chain phases (“from field to fork”). Collaborating Partners: Farmer groups’ youth farmers; Youth startups, MAF. Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, SEPFOPE, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, VET schools and training centers, KJFL. Nutrition practices - Based on results of earlier activities (i.e. MDD for WRA and Minimal Acceptable Diet for children 6- improvement at the societal 24 months old), we heightened our focus on nutrition and feeding practices through training, an level increase in the number of crops produced and their harvest consumed, and an increase in food preservation and processing practices. Asses the existing hygiene practices; - We participated in the World Food Program’s (WFP) initiative “Fill the Nutrient Gap”, aimed at
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assessing the level of access to nutritious diets among different Timorese population groups in diverse Assess the consumption geographic areas, gaps in nutrient intake, and costs required for possible national interventions for patterns; Identify the most improving the target groups’ nutritional status. effective messaging channels on nutrition; Collaborating Partners: NGOs working on nutrition issues, Farmer groups’ representatives, MAF, Ministry of Health, World Food Program. Discuss possible partnerships to improve Timor-Leste’s nutrition situation Accessing the markets for - We conducted regular assessments of supermarkets’ (buyers’) needs and advised farmers on local products production of requisite/desirable crops in order to avoid possible product oversupply and waste. Assess reasons for success or - We provided support for products’ brand definition, packaging design and marketing efforts. failure to position local products in supermarkets; - Learning from successful launch and experiences of project-supported startups (nurseries), we replicated that learning in providing support to flower and fruit seedling producers and facilitating their Define possible ways to improve access to markets, thus helping to build Timor-Leste’s agro-entrepreneurial initiative visibility and promote local origin of products; Collaborating Partners: Buyers (supermarkets), Farmer groups, Collectors, MAF, Media representatives. Discuss and plan prospective partnerships to strengthen presence and sales of local products;
Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 46 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project 6. PROJECT OPERATIONS AND GRANTS MANAGEMENT 6.1. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is committed to building the skills of Timorese staff as agricultural technical experts and development experts. While the project’s main focus is to develop the farmers’ skills, Cardno believes it is also essential to build a cadre of technical staff who will be able to support the continuing development of the horticulture sector.in the future. Our proven approach to building staff capacities involves: Placing senior staff in management roles: Apart from the Chief of Party, Timorese staff members hold all key positions, and oversee field operations implementation. Developing training manuals and videos: These were developed for staff to use as reference materials when working with farmers. Providing general skills training: Staff received training in Excel to improve their ability to develop business plans, production plans for farmers and record collection of sales data. Offering specific topic training: When short-term experts arrive in the country, one of their deliverables is to develop a training manual and train field staff. This year, several staff were trained on Integrated Pesticide Management and crop-specific training for bell pepper and melons. Other related activities included project management training for Dili staff, time management for field managers, and Excel training for staff responsible for indicators and those supporting small businesses in developing business plans. Operations staff was trained on First Aid and firefighting. All staff received training in Anti Bribery, Fraud Awareness, Global Orientation, Workplace Behavior, and Sexual Harassment Awareness. The project now employs 88 people. The project also engages various short-term technical assistants (STTAs). 6.2. CATALYTIC GRANTS USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project is committed to supporting Timorese organizations and companies in applying for grants. In Year 5, the project supported twenty-seven new grants. Three were grants to local NGOs to conduct training on behalf of the project on production and nutrition. The remaining twenty-four were provided to medium to small-scale agribusiness. The project expended a total of $152,244 through grants in Year 5. Among the RFAs issued in Year 5, one was designed to encourage youth in agribusiness. The project promoted the RFA widely, and twenty-three concept notes were submitted. Ten applicants were invited to submit full grants, and three were ultimately selected for funding. The project provides these youth entrepreneurs with funding, but also technical assistance and advice. One of these agribusinesses involved a group of youths who wanted to increase white mushroom production in Ermera. Since signing the grant in January, they have already made excellent progress. They finalized their extended production center and now average 20 kilograms per quarter. They have also been active in promoting their products and supply to four supermarkets (Centro, Kmanek, Jaco, and Loja Agrikultura). USAID documented their success in
Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 47 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project a short film released on YouTube5. The Project is also supporting six women entrepreneurs who launched food preservation micro-enterprises. The grant fund is used to help purchase processing equipment for the grantees, and the project is providing training and mentorship. The project has issued a broad APS to solicit ideas from agribusinesses that meet the needs of the market systems. Project grants tend to be small, ranging from $2,500 to $22,300. The grants have gone to activities such as strengthening agricultural support services that help establish a network of collectors, support to developing local capacities for fertilizer production, and co-financing agricultural input supplies. Table 15 indicates the grant fund’s status at the end of Year 5.
Table 15 – Grants budget availability (Y1 – Y5)
Total Grant Pool (original contract) $640,000.00 Additional fund (extension) $60,000.00 Total Grant Pool (original contract + extension) $700,000.00 Total committed to date $588,979.08 Total paid $456,336.87 Total remaining to be paid $132,639.21 Total uncommitted $111,020.92
5 USAID Timor-Leste, Fresh Mushrooms from Ermera, https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/videos/fresh- mushrooms-ermera. Published October 30, 2019
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USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project Office Organigram
Unofficial Draft: USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Annual Project Progress Report, Year 5 October 1, 2018 -September 30, 2019 Page 49 USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project 7. PROJECT MONITORING PLAN 7.1. PROGRESS VERSUS PMEP Indicator data is collected through three main sources: Secondary data from government reports (production data to estimate GDP) Information collected through project activities (training events, farmer production books) Information obtained through surveys (Annual Households Survey, Annual Firm-level survey) Performance Management Indicators (PMIs) USAID’s Avansa Agrikultura Project-approved PMEP stipulates tracking of 24 PMIs. Annex 1 presents all PMIs and their status as of the end of Year 5. In summary, the project achieved or surpassed 22 indicators. Two indicators were not entirely satisfied: Ind 6. Prevalence of children 6-23 months receiving a minimum acceptable diet (percent): Target was 65%. We achieved 49%. Ind. 6.1. MDDW, Minimum Dietary Indicator for Women of reproductive age: Target was 98% women consuming five or more food groups. We achieved 83%. Both indicators stem from the results of the household survey that was implemented during the month of August 2019. The survey was conducted during a period of numerous communal cultural ceremonies, which may have influenced diets (for example, increased consumption of meat). Additionally, these indicators’ measurements are based on recall and thus, susceptible to deviations.
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ANNEX 1: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT INDICATORS
Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE DO level: Human and Institutional Capacity for Development September September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, March 23, Sep 30, Strengthened to Improve the Lives 2016 30, 2020 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019
of Timor-Leste’s Citizens 1 Percent change in agriculture GDP $1,191,007 30% n/a n/a 30% 30.8% Achieved
Difference n/a 0.8% From SI Value of smallholder incremental baseline – 1.1 sales generated with USG median crop $2,200 n/a n/a $2,000 $2,454 Achieved assistance sales value of <$235/farmer
Difference n/a $454 (+22.7%) Based on producers’ (farmers) production data, farmers averaged $2,149 in Y5. Combined with the success of smallholder firms (as defined in the PIRS) the overall value of smallholder incremental sales increased to $2,454. Inclusion and results
Deviations explained of new collectors, other horticulturists and input suppliers throughout the value chain contributed to these positive results as the project supported sector wide market expansion. As access to local fresh produce improved, larger supermarkets have begun reducing their produce imports and instead are purchasing locally sourced produce thereby increasing smallholders’ income.
$4,000,000 $4,399,393 1.1a (Producers- (Producers- farms farms N/A Value of annual sales of producers $2,500,000; $3,090,262; and firms receiving USG (introduced $12,500,000 $8,000,000 $8,348,885 SME-firms SME-firms Achieved E.G.3.2.- assistance (IM-level) in Y5) $1,100,000; $846,082; 26 Microenterprises Microenterprises – firms – firms $400,000) $463,049) Difference $348,885 (4.36%) $399,393 (9.98%)
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE
Prevalence of HHs with moderate 15% (825 1.2 3.30% n/a n/a 3.40% 1.40% Achieved to severe hunger HHs)
Difference n/a 2.00% The increase of HHs incomes contributed to these positive results as confirmed in the HH Survey. HHs have reported
Deviations explained purchasing additional food products including chickens for consumption and sale, dairy, and non-meat protein sources. Additionally, HHs are now earning steady income year round and thus are becoming more resilient during the hunger season months of Dec – Mar. Sub-Purpose 1: Improved Ability of
Timorese Citizens to Engage in Economic Activities
2 Value of new USG commitments
and private sector investment leveraged by the USG to support 0 $8,000,000 $6,066,800 $7,204,123 $1,950,000 $3,087,325 Achieved E.G.3.1.- food security and nutrition (IM- 14 level)
Difference $1,137,323 (+18.7%) $1,137,325 (+58.3%) Much better than anticipated results due to rapid uptake, utilization and popularity of support and investments from both producers and firms contributed to surpassing the target. Average value of farming HHs’ agriculture investment was $843. As the project expanded and intensified its work with firms through the inclusion of new collectors, other horticulturists (nurseries, and seedling and flower producers), input suppliers, supermarkets, loans providers, and processors, their investments contributed to the overall increase in investments. Different calculation rates were used to attribute the project’s contribution to a firm’s investments, depending its relationship with the project (grantees investments were calculated higher
Deviations explained than input suppliers for example). The cost-share and small grant schemes greatly influenced producers and firms to increase investments. Targeted intervention to support input suppliers resulted in an increase of quantity and variety of agriculture inputs (mechanical and otherwise (i.e. seeds)) that are available and easily accessible for project beneficiaries. Input suppliers have also noted an increase in non-project beneficiaries or partners sourcing products from them (Note: this is not formally tracked and is dependent on verbal confirmation from partnering suppliers). The project’s multifaceted strategy has motivated large and small input suppliers to order more stock and expand their reach. New input supply stores are also opening as other businesspersons not initially targeted by the project see the sector as profitable. According to PIRS and FTF definitions, this amount includes value of USG commitment ($331,779).
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE Number of rural households
2.1 benefiting directly from USG 0 7,700 7,557 8,695 300 1,438 Achieved interventions
Difference 1,138 (+15.1%) 1,138 (+379%) HHs are primarily counted based on production group members. Additional counting is done through training attendance, thus including households that had significant project assistance. The adjusted target was set primarily based on inclusion of new groups; work with existing groups (and other participants through training) remained intensive. New production and
Deviations explained S&L groups were formed earlier in Year 5 and providing training to those and existing groups early on contributed to our exceeding the target. With the addition of Liquica municipality in the project’s ZOI, HH numbers continued to rise through the end of Y5. Participation of HHs in groups remains fluid as HHs become active and inactive throughout the year based on other priorities and activities. This fluidity directly influences the total number of active HHs throughout project implementation. 2.2. 43,542 Number of individuals (baseline - participating in USG food security 46,200 45,342 46,264 1,800 2,722 Achieved introduced E.G.3-2 programs (IM-level) in Y5) Difference 922 (+2%) 922 (+51.2%) This indicator was increased to accommodate FtF requirements and was not covered in the previous year. The Year 5 target was based on an estimated Y5 baseline of 43,542. The Year 5 target was reached and exceeded due to establishment and training of new groups, plus additional participants in trainings. With the addition of Liquica municipality in the project’s ZOI, Deviations explained HH numbers continued to rise through the end of Y5. The project also anticipated a number of farmer drop-outs during implementation and therefore aimed to train more. expecting that the overall number would average out. However, the eagerness and commitment of so many additional individuals were not anticipated. The project committed to these additional individuals as well as those who initially participated, and they continued to benefit from the trainings. Output 1: Market Linkages Improved and Expanded Across the Horticultural Value Chain Number of MSMEs, including farmers, receiving business dev’t 3 0 5,489 5,389 5,983 300 894 Achieved services from USG-assisted sources (BDS = planning,
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE procurement, TA in production techniques, quality control and marketing, loans, etc.)
Difference 594 (+11%) 594 (+198%) The end of Y5 results include microenterprises identified as farmers, producers, savings and loans, as well as the new food
Deviations explained processors, supermarkets, input suppliers, and collectors,plus their staff and owners, as defined by the PIRS. The target was set to include mainly new farmers in Liquica; however, it was exceeded due to increased interest of farmers and companies to work with the Project. From SI 80 groups and 113 groups and Percentage increase in sales for baseline – 2400 farmers, 2,722 farmers, 3.1 the targeted farmer groups and median crop 1000% n/a n/a Achieved increase by increase by associations sales value of <$235/farmer 900% 944% Difference n/a $103.5 (+4.4%) Number of youth participating in 0 5,500 6,591 1,267 Achieved 3.2 USG-supported programs 5,500 150 designed to transfer life skills Difference 1,091 (+19.8%) 1,117 (+744.6%) The target under this indicator was exceeded largely due to the large number of new farmer groups and high participation of
Deviations explained youth in training activities. The project also scaled up its youth engagement approach, primarily through support to the 5 Agriculture Technical Vocational Schools across 3 municipalities, the Youth Internship Program and Youth in Agribusiness grants.
Value of sales by agricultural input $200,000 3.3 from existing $2,500,000 $1,924,440 $1,994,732 $700,000 $770,293 Achieved supply companies suppliers Difference $70,292 (3.7%) $70,293 (10%)
The project pioneered a new co-investment scheme whereby farmers paid 50% or more of the total cost of select agriculture Deviations explained inputs to catalyze new investments in input supplies. This helped us exceed our target through reduction in financial risk. In expanding access for farmers, input suppliers were able to expand their client base
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE Number of farmers, input
3.4 suppliers, and agribusiness 0 1,100 1,000 1,159 426 585 Achieved trained in safe chemical use Difference 159 (+15.9%) 159 (+37.3%) This number was exceeded because the project conducted a TOT on safe chemical use that enabled more field staff to provide training to farmer groups in their respected areas. We were therefore able to conduct more trainings than originally
Deviations explained anticipated. Demand for training was also higher than originally expected as farmers are becoming more aware of commercialized horticulture farming and the potential profits from meeting market standards. Both are driving their interest in increasing their knowledge and building the requisite skill sets. Farmers were keen to understand the health impacts of improper use of synthetic chemicals. Number of private enterprises, producers’ groups, NRM groups, nutrition groups, savings and 3.5 0 385 283 350 45 112 Achieved loans groups receiving USG food security-related organizational development assistance Difference 67 (+23.7%) 67 (149%) The end of Y5 results include microenterprises that comprise new production and savings & loans groups, as well as the new food processors, collectors and input suppliers. This number increased at a slower pace during the second half of Y5
Deviations explained as activities were mainly implemented with existing producer groups and private enterprises. However, as this indicator requires groups to be currently active, the total fluctuated throughout the year. As the project expanded and intensified its work with the firms, increase in deviation from planned number occurred as more firms maintained an active vs.inactive status as the end of Year 5. Sub-Purpose 2: Increased productivity of Selected Horticultural Value Chains 4 Number of individuals in the
agricultural system who have 6,500 / 50% 8,226 / 52.8% applied improved management 0 27,680 32,243 Achieved E.G.3.2.- 29,000 female female 24 practices or techniques with USG assistance (IM-level)
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE Difference 4,563 (+16.5%) 1,726 (26.6%) In line with FtF and PIRS, individuals are counted based on the number of different management practices and technology types used in a reporting year. Due to widespread use of applied practices and techniques among old and new groups, the Deviations explained results surpassed the target. Usage is increasing as more farmers are employing the technologies with improved yields. As a result neighboring framers are encouraged to invest and are also adopting new management practices and technologies that the project advanced . 4.1 Number of hectares to which E.G.3.2.- improved technologies have been 0 4,700 4,200 4,311 400 455 Achieved 25 applied Difference 111 (+2.65%) 55 (+13.8%) Due to continuous multiple application of improved technologies in subsequent years the target was exceeded. The project
Deviations explained reports on the cumulative total as part of its PMEP. The reporting to FtF will follow the instruction that the results cannot be summed across years. Widely promoted technologies in the previous year (Y4) are excluded from calculation (FtF instruction). Output 2: Sustainable Horticulture Productivity and Natural Resource
Management Improved at the Farm Level Number of individuals who have received USG-supported short- 5 term agricultural sector 0 11,300 11,180 12,404 357 1,581 Achieved productivity or food security training Difference 1,224 (+10.9%) 1,224 (+343%) Target was set to include mainly new farmers in Liquica; however, it was exceeded largely due to the high number of new
Deviations explained farmer groups and high participation of youth in training activities. Increased attention to youth stemmed from the project’s work with 5 Agriculture Technical Vocational Schools across 3 municipalities, the Youth Internship Program and Youth in Agribusiness grants.
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE 5.1 Number of hectares under improved management practices
or technologies that promote 0 3,500 3,282 3,376 150 333 Achieved improved climate risk reduction E.G.3.2.- and/or natural resources 28 management with USG assistance Difference 94 (+2.9%) 183 (+122%)
Deviations explained Collaboration with MAF made it possible to increase availability of seedlings to reach more communities prone to soil erosion. This increased the number of hectares considerably. Sum includes only unique hectares, as prescribed by FtF. Number of members of producer 900 / 50% 1,424 / 50.1% organizations & community-based 5.2 0 5,400 5,360 5,958 female / 7% female / 21.7% Achieved organizations receiving USG non-producers non-producers assistance Difference 598 (+11.2%) 524 (+58.2%)
Deviations explained Due to inclusion of new groups, processors and input suppliers, annual target was surpassed, while maintaining the adequate gender balance. Number of people using climate information or implementing risk- reduction practices/actions to 5.3 21,100 9,770 11,043 300 1,573 Achieved improve resilience to climate 10,000 change as supported by USG assistance Difference 1,273 (+13.0%) 1,273 (+424%) Sum includes number of individuals who have used the climate risk reduction practices/technologies/actions and are counted only once regardless of the number of risk reduction practices/actions they implement. The number of the household working Deviations explained members (working total: 1,573) is calculated under the Climate Risk Reduction categories. As with increased numbers of farmers implementing new technologies, the same is for those implementing risk-reduction practices. As farmers are seeing benefits from neighbouring farmers they are keen to learn and adopt new practices.
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE
Percent increase in household Assume median HH 315% 5.4 savings and/or investment in n/a n/a 315% increase 379% Achieved assets of increase productive assets (150%) $163.15 Difference n/a $114 (15.4%)
HH Survey established that household savings are at $856, thus reaching the target. It may be concluded that increased Deviations explained income from production and sales contributed to increased HH savings.
Cross-cutting Themes: Improved Nutritional Practices and Behavior Change Prevalence of children 6-23 Not 6 months receiving a minimum 68% n/a n/a 65% 49% achieved acceptable diet (Percent) Difference n/a (-26%) Indicator results stem from the results of the HH survey conducted in August 2019. Different eating patterns at community
Deviations explained ceremonies may influence the diet. Additionally, data collection and measurements are based on recall and thus susceptible to deviations. The project will assess the possible influence of the agri-labour increase in reducing the time available for cooking, which may be one reason the target was not achieved. 99% MDDW, Minimum Dietary Diversity women 98% women 83% women Not 6.1 Indicator for Women of consuming n/a n/a consuming 5 or consuming 5 or achieved reproductive age 5 or more more groups more groups groups Difference n/a (-15%) This indicator outcome stems from the results of the HH survey that was conducted in August 2019. Community cultural events are most frequent in August.. This may influence the diet due to increased consumption of meat and lower Deviations explained consumption of other food groups. Additionally, data collection and measurements are based on recall and thus susceptible to deviations. Results indicate a slight decrease from 92% in Y4 to 83% in Y5, which is still an increase from Y3’s 70%. One reason may be the inclusion of new group members in the survey who have not yet received nutritional training.
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Targets Results LOP Targets Results (FY19) Achieve Indicator Baseline Year 5 (FY19) Year 5 (FY19) Indicator with Unit of Measure Targets Year 5 (FY19) CUMULATIVE ments ID Condition (Year 5 & LOP Non- Non- CUMULATIVE Year 5 Revised Progress) CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE
Percent of individuals supported 40% n/a n/a 40% 44% Achieved GNDR-2 are women Difference n/a (+4%)
Deviations explained This target was exceeded due to increased activities targeting women (i.e., grants and business expansion support) and focused training activities (i.e. Women’s Day events) contributed to the increase in women participation in project activities.
Percent of individuals supported are youth (defined as 14-35 years 30% n/a 30% 68.4% n/a Achieved old)
Difference n/a +38.4% The target under this indicator was exceeded, largely due to the large number of new farmer groups and significant
Deviations explained participation of youth in training activities. Increased youth engagement stemmed from the projects youth-focused work with 5 Agriculture Technical Vocational Schools across 3 municipalities, the Youth Internship Program and Youth in Agribusiness
grants.
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Silva Fefima – Pickling; Dili Dotil – Pickling; Ermera
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From this, we developed a recipe book with recipes that increased the nutritional value of the traditional foods. TRADITIONAL MODERN 01 Akar Kadaka Tunu ho Nu Koir 02 Paun Akar falun ho Mantolun Palm Powder Bread with Desiccated Coconut Palm Powder Tortillas with Scrambled Eggs 03 Batar Da’an 04 Batar nurak ho fore rai falun ho batar kulit Boiling Corn Desiccated corn peanuts powder 05 Marotok Batar Tuku 06 Sopa Batar Nurak Mashed Corn Porridge Milled Corn Soup 07 Maek Tunu 08 Bolinyus Maek Fried Elephant Foot Yam Baked Elephant Foot Yam 09 Tukir Naan (use bamboo) 10 Tukir naan ho Etu Meat Tukir (use bamboo) Meat Tukir with Local Rice 11 Batar ho hudi 12 Pudim Batar nurak
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Grated Corn with Banana Young Corn Pudding 13 Fehuk Midar Daan 14 Fehuk Midar Kabuar kukus Boiled Sweet Potato Steamed Sweet Potato Dots 15 Talas ho Lakeru daan 16 Bolus Lakeru Boiled Taro and Pumpkin Pumpkin Cake 17 Aifarina daan ho Nu’u 18 Bolus Aifarina kahur ho Talas Cassava with coconut Cassava mix with taro cake 19 Lakeru Daan 20 Keripik Lakeru Boiled Pumpkin Pumpkin Chips
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