Asia Farmer-to-Farmer Program
Cooperative Agreement Number: AID-OAA-13-00006
Winrock International Improving Lives and Livelihoods Worldwide
Annual Report
FY2014
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. Prepared by Winrock International. DISCLAIMER - The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources.
Asia Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program
Winrock International was awarded the five-year Asia F2F Program on September 27, 2013. This five-year program will generate rapid, sustainable, and broad-based food security and economic growth in the agricultural sector. The objectives are to introduce new technologies and innovations, and develop local capacity for more productive, profitable, sustainable, and equitable agricultural systems. A secondary goal is to increase the American public’s understanding of international development issues and programs and international understanding of the U.S. and U.S. development programs.
I. Summary of Experience with Program Implementation
During the first year of implementation (October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014), Asia F2F exceeded the planned volunteer target, completing 39 volunteer trips (compared to the original target of 37) and directly assisting more than 2,600 participants in Bangladesh, Burma, and Nepal. Volunteers supported 54 hosts, including public and private education institutions (22%), NGOs and private agribusinesses providing AET services or inputs to farmers and youth (22% and 20%, respectively), and farmers’ cooperatives/ associations (20%). As a result of a concerted effort to engage new networks and individuals, 37% of the fielded volunteers were new to the program.
F2F staff, volunteers, and hosts initiated numerous public outreach activities, engaging various media in host countries and in the US, and participating on social media networks, thus exposing more than 1.4 million individuals to information on the F2F program.
In this first year, F2F also completed start-up tasks, trained staff, and established relationships with new partners and hosts in each core country. F2F staff maintain strong relationships with USAID Missions and other key partners and ensure that planned SOWs align well with Mission priorities.
II. Summary of Implementation Experience, Major Impacts, and Accomplishments for Each Country F2F Project
A. BANGLADESH
With the start of the new Asia F2F program in October 2013, F2F Bangladesh shifted to a focus on two Country F2F Projects: 1) agriculture education and training and 2) youth entrepreneurship. F2F activities in Bangladesh support USAID/Bangladesh’s Development Objective 2 (Food Security Improved) and the Mission’s Feed the Future (FTF) focus on strengthening the country’s food security system (particularly by addressing the lack of skilled labor and introducing innovations in science and technology). F2F Bangladesh primarily supports hosts and activities in the southern region of the country (aligned with FTF geographic priorities), where poverty and malnutrition rates are highest, vulnerability to effects of climate change is extreme, and there is high potential to increase agricultural diversification.
In the first year of the program, F2F Bangladesh successfully fielded 15 trips, with volunteers completing 19 scopes of work working with 15 host organizations.
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING (AET)
In Year 1, F2F Bangladesh focused predominantly on the Agriculture Education and Training (AET) Country F2F Project, which strengthens the capacity of public and private AET institutions to provide relevant training, applied research, and service learning opportunities. Considering its growing population and high poverty rate, Bangladesh needs new and improved agricultural technologies, innovations, and research to support sustainable and broad-based food security and economic growth. With this in mind, F2F works with formal AET organizations to help develop professionals at universities, colleges, and other educational institutions with skills based on the high priority needs of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector. F2F also works with informal AET organizations (NGOs and private sector organizations) to help build their technical skills and capacity to effectively train and support farmers.
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During the reporting period, F2F completed 11 volunteer trips working with 11 hosts in the AET Country F2F Project. Through these efforts, volunteers provided training and assistance to 698 faculty, administrators, trainers, and students. Volunteer assignments primarily addressed high priority needs to improve teaching skills and develop new or revised curriculum in technical topics, particularly in the horticulture, livestock, and aquaculture subsectors, which play a crucial role in the livelihoods, food security, and nutrition of smallholder households.
F2F staff communicated with 15 universities and colleges, six USAID implementers, and three farmers’ associations/groups to assess needs and design demand-driven SOWs for F2F volunteer assistance. Specific assignments completed to date include: • Supporting the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) College of Agricultural Sciences to develop and improve academic curricula (e.g., for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree programs in fisheries and animal husbandry) and grant writing. • Conducting in-service training of trainers (TOT) for two socially responsible enterprises to improve seed supply and veterinary services provided to thousands of small-scale farmers. • Conducting in-service training for staff of three private sector hosts to develop effective private sector agricultural advisory services business models. • Collaborating with the USDA-funded Rural Enterprise for Alleviating Poverty II (REAP II) project to deliver in-service TOT on water quality management in aquaculture ponds for government and non- government aquaculture extension staff. • Providing in-service training and TOT to public and private laboratories on livestock disease diagnosis, to enable them to better serve farmers and other beneficiaries.
Impacts and accomplishments
Demonstrating commitment to the F2F Bangladesh AET strategy, hosts have disseminated F2F information to others. For example, IUBAT organized a workshop with senior faculty from other universities to share information about the four-year B.Sc Fisheries Program developed by a F2F volunteer. Likewise, BRAC Seed Enterprise staff conducted workshops for 23 seed dealers and 7,500 farmers using the knowledge gained from F2F training.
Other examples of spread effect and initial host accomplishments and impacts are noted below.
• After participating in F2F in-service training, 20 government fisheries officers and 27 NGO staff started sharing information and techniques with hundreds of beneficiary farmers. Participants are now using Secchi discs and water test kits (which they received from the REAP II project after the volunteer’s training) and are now advising farmers on the use of these materials. The host plans to conduct additional trainings for 4,500 farmers starting at “This training was really helpful for us. Now we advise the end of October 2014. Mr. M.M. Alamgir Kabir, farmers beyond traditional practices based on our Assistant Upazila Fisheries Officer, states, “After science-based knowledge learned in the training.” we shared the importance of water quality checking, farmers are coming to our office with --Mr. Shah Md. Enamul Hoque, Senior Upazila water samples every day to check the quality of Fisheries Officer their pond water. We check transparency, pH and DO and advise for improvement of water quality, feeding, and fertilization.” • 25 IUBAT faculty participated in training on grant proposal writing. Subsequently, the trainees prepared and submitted four proposals to different donors; one more proposal is under preparation. The University plans to replicate this training for other faculty (using the training manual developed by the volunteer) in the future.
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• One volunteer trained 29 Artificial Insemination (AI) staff and workers of BRAC AI Enterprise “To my knowledge, this F2F training is the first time in Bangladesh, and it on cattle, goat, and sheep helped us a lot to address the problems.” hooves care and disease management. With this training, --Mr. A.Q.M. Shafiqur Rouf, Deputy General Manager, BRAC AI Enterprise BRAC has addressed the hoof problem of the animals at its bull station. The volunteer also developed a training module, which the technicians will use to train 2,500 AI workers. The module is in the process of being translated into Bangla, and information has already been shared with four stations under the BRAC Dairy and Food Project; these stations will replicate the training at the field level in the near future. • One volunteer trained five staff at the Department of Livestock Services Central Disease Investigation Lab (CDIL) and four staff of a private poultry disease diagnosis lab to increase their knowledge of sample collection, necropsy, bacteria culture, histopathology, and diagnosis of diseases. Participants are now able to diagnose diseases in a fraction of time that it took them previously. After the training, one participant trained 26 poultry farm staff on proper methods to collect poultry samples for lab investigation. Mr. Fazle Rahim Khan, Managing Director, AFTAB Bahumukhi Farms Ltd., mentioned, “We have been doing a lot of trainings for capacity building of our staff. I am delighted to share that this training was unique in nature and helped us significantly. We are working diligently to support small and medium farmers so that they survive and ultimately the poultry industry grows sustainably.” After the assignment, CDIL purchased some chemicals and one incubator to conduct tests demonstrated by the volunteer. The host has stayed in regular contact with the volunteer to discuss activities and issues and to solicit his advice on how to proceed.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Both USAID/Bangladesh and the Bangladesh government’s development policies prioritize the empowerment of youth, as youth are the most energetic, risk-taking, and creative segment of the population, and about 80% of the population is less than 40 years of age. Aligned with these priorities, the Bangladesh Youth Entrepreneurship Country F2F Project builds the capacity of organizations that promote and support youth entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector. Volunteer assignments will equip service providers and youth with technical and business skills to increase income and employment opportunities.
Winrock submitted a plan for the Youth Entrepreneurship Country F2F Project during the second half of Year 1. Subsequently, F2F Bangladesh fielded two volunteers to build capacity of staff and beneficiaries of the Center for Mass Education in Science (CMES), a youth-serving organization. One volunteer completed two assignments on dairy cattle and goat rearing, providing training and TOT to 52 participants (including 47 youth). Another volunteer trained 28 teachers and 22 youth on poultry layer management. The volunteers developed training modules which the teachers will translate into Bangla and use to train other youth in the future.
FLEXIBLE ASSIGNMENTS
Two volunteers conducted flexible assignments with USAID Mission-funded projects. • One volunteer worked with the USAID Nobo Jibon Program to develop a booklet to showcase successes from project-supported livelihood development activities in southern Bangladesh. After the volunteer returned to the US, he printed the booklet with a high quality professional printer and shared it with the project. The host plans to produce additional copies of the booklet to share with development partners and relevant stakeholders, to enable replication of successes and lessons learned. One of the photos from this assignment won 2nd prize in the Volunteers for Economic Growth “DoingMore” photo contest. • The second volunteer completed an assignment to assess the immediate impacts of interventions under the USAID Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods (CREL) project’s livelihoods approach. CREL has already incorporated some of the volunteer recommendations in its 2015 workplan.
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Two other volunteers completed flexible assignments with an agribusiness that plans to initiate a private sector model to provide training and support to smallholder farmers. The two assignments covered seed business improvement and grant writing for 44 staff, and in both cases, were conducted in conjunction with AET assignments with other hosts.
B. BURMA
Since the signing of the Asia F2F award, Winrock transitioned from a small pilot to a full F2F program in Burma. With a focus on rural development, income generation, and linkages for smallholder farmers and input and service providers, the program supports USAID/Burma’s Food Security and Agricultural Transition Framework to improve productivity and profitability of agriculture; increase private sector engagement in the agriculture sector; and introduce innovative technologies for rural economic development. In addition to building human and institutional capacity for sustainable agriculture sector growth, F2F assignments also equip beneficiaries to make improvements that enable quick gains. As such, the program plays an important role in supporting the government of Burma’s priorities for poverty alleviation and rural development, as well as demonstrating benefits of social and economic reforms.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Burma Rural Development Country F2F Project focuses on improving technical skills and service delivery of farmer groups, rural organizations, and private extension services in targeted high-poverty regions. By working with various types of rural institutions, Asia F2F enables a diverse group of field professionals to incorporate new knowledge and skills into their work with rural producers and processors.
During the reporting period, Asia F2F completed 10 volunteer trips focused on high priority subsectors and value chain activities. Volunteers directly assisted 18 hosts (smallholder farmers’ groups/associations, service providers, and input suppliers) and 954 individuals (19% women) in Ayeyarwaddy, Bago, Mandalay, Sagaing, and Yangon regions, as well as Southern Shan State. F2F Burma often hosts experience sharing sessions at the end of volunteer assignments, during which hosts and beneficiaries share examples and lessons from applying new knowledge, technologies, and practices introduced by F2F volunteers. Additional farmers, media, and other interested parties are invited to attend and learn from the information presented.
Specific assignments included: • Introduction of productivity and production-enhancing technologies and practices for smallholder farmers in the livestock and aquaculture subsectors, to increase incomes and improve availability of nutritious foods. “This was one of the best assignments in my volunteer work. I • Training and technical assistance for spent most of my time directly training and helping small- smallholder farmers and processors on value scale farmers for both fish and poultry in Sagaing and addition and post-harvest processing to improve quality and decrease post-harvest Mandalay regions of Myanmar. I was happy to see two losses. farmers are doing an excellent job of integrating fish and • Training on low-cost organic farming chicken farming, which can serve as example to other techniques for a farmers group and the farmers in reducing feed costs and increasing income, with Myanmar Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable the biggest impact on small-scale farmers. I plan to continue Producer and Exporter Association promoting this technology to other farmers of Myanmar to (MFFVPEA), which will share and replicate address sustainable rural development and food.” the training with its small- and medium-scale farmer members. --Volunteer Leonard Obaldo • Support to input suppliers (including feed mills, small-scale fish farmers/associations, and poultry farmers) to increase quality and availability of animal feed. One volunteer also introduced cost-saving techniques such as use of chicken manure to grow phytoplankton as fish feed. (see text box)
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• Training for Myanmar Fisheries Federation members and the Fishers Development “This is the right time for us to have knowledge on farming as a business. We Association (comprised of are just starting fish farming with the aid from NGOs and INGOs. Those more than 1500 small-scale organizations provide some inputs like fingerlings and feed. But without farmers) on farming as a knowledge of farming as a business, we will not be able to sustain our business and international standards (including HACCP business. This training is useful not only for fish farmers, but also for the requirements), to equip small- farmers growing rice and other crops.” and medium-scale fish farms to increase efficiency and --U Soe Win, Chairman, Fishers Development Association profitability. The aqua farming as a business training was the first time this type of training has been offered in Burma. MFF will disseminate information from the training to its 30,000 members, who are eager to make improvements to increase sales and exports. • Training of Food Security Working Group members on communications and marketing strategies, including hands-on assistance producing improved communications materials targeted for smallholder farmers.
F2F also fielded one longer-term (two month) volunteer to assist F2F field staff and hosts with monitoring and communications activities.
Impacts and accomplishments • When possible, F2F staff identified local experts to accompany volunteers on assignments, as an additional way to build local capacity and sustainability. For example, Dr. Myint Swe accompanied the F2F volunteer and served as an interpreter for an aquaculture assignment. After the training, Dr. Swe applied his newfound knowledge to train the staff on his fish farm. He notes, “My staff are now checking water quality of my ponds regularly and send reports to me, which allows me to decide when I can skip visiting the farm.” • Inspired from his assignment on organic farming, volunteer Charles Mitchell continued his assistance to MFFVPEA after returning to the US. Based on his suggestion, Winrock engaged two volunteers in the US to translate a document (from Spanish to English) on low-cost organic inputs that was developed by a F2F host organization in El Salvador, FUNDESYRAM (which Mitchell supported on a previous F2F assignment). Mitchell then helped edit and clarify the language so that MFFVPEA can translate the document into local language and use as a guide for its members. Mitchell and the US volunteers donated 31 hours of time to complete this task. FUNDESYRAM was pleased to share the information for use in Burma, thus serving as an excellent example of South-South exchange. • After participating in Dr. Hugh Thomforde’s training, farmers are now able to manage water quality in their ponds using Secchi discs. The farmers also began checking water quality weekly and making adjustments to fish feeding practices (following Dr. Thomforde’s recommendations) so that they can reduce feed costs.
C. NEPAL
F2F Nepal supports activities in two Country F2F Projects: 1) agriculture education and training, and 2) youth entrepreneurship, both of which contribute to USAID/Nepal’s economic growth and Feed the Future priorities to reduce extreme poverty; increase incomes and food security; increase agricultural production and productivity (including by providing training and technical support to change agents); and support the integration of vulnerable groups (including through promotion of female-friendly farming practices and provision of entrepreneurship training for youth). F2F assignments focus within USAID priority subsectors and Feed the Future geographic areas.
In the first year of the program, F2F Nepal successfully fielded 14 volunteers who directly assisted 927 individuals (28% women) within 15 host organizations.
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AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING (AET)
F2F Nepal prioritized Year 1 activities within the AET Country F2F Project.
Nepalese Agriculture is characterized by traditional and subsistence farming with an acute shortage of trained human resources, along with a shortage of technical and vocational education and training, outdated or inadequate curricula to meet current agricultural sector needs, research gaps, and a lack of coordination among research, extension, and educational institutions. The AET Country F2F Project aims to address these constraints by strengthening the capacity of public and private AET institutions to provide relevant training, applied research, and service learning opportunities.
During this first year, F2F Nepal focused volunteer technical assistance on AET faculty and trainers’ skills development, curricula development, and pedagogy, as well as introducing new and improved technologies suited for Nepal’s different agro climatic conditions, in high priority value chains (particularly horticulture and livestock). Another important focus was to build linkages and foster coordination between academic, extension, and research institutions.
Twelve F2F volunteers directly assisted 751 individuals (20% women) on AET “Dr. Scott Haskell holds in-depth knowledge in Pedagogy. His hands-on assignments, working with 14 AET trainings on pedagogy were well tailored and resourceful. During his organizations, including universities, assignment he also shared veterinary clinical techniques as per NPI vocational training institutes, public sector request, which further enhanced our skills. He is very encouraging and research and extension agencies, and one of the best trainers I have ever met.” local NGOs. Specific assignments included: Dr. Egendra Kumar Shrestha, Associate Director-NPI • Support to three schools/departments within the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) to develop new curriculum for graduate and undergraduate courses in apiculture, environmental sciences, and business. • In-service training for faculty of the Nepal Polytechnic Institute (NPI) and Madan Bhandari Memorial Academy, to improve pedagogy and teaching methods. • Training and technical assistance for faculty, researchers, and graduate students, to build technical skills and introduce new technologies on specialized topics including organic farming, livestock infertility management, biological pest management, mushroom spawn production, and biometrics. • In-service training and technical assistance for local NGO staff, to build their capacity to train and support seed enterprises and smallholder farmers.
Impacts and accomplishments
Most of the Nepal AET hosts continue to communicate with volunteers upon the volunteers’ return to the US. “The efforts of Dr. Harmut on developing agriculture These relationships have deepened the benefits from courses to establish the Nepal Apiculture Institute F2F training, and in some cases, have resulted in tangible improvements within the institutions. For (NAI) at the Agriculture and Forestry University example, (AFU) are highly valuable. I need this help to • Based on volunteer recommendations and with the establish and run NAI/AFU successfully.” volunteer’s ongoing support, AFU developed a proposal to establish a National Apiculture Institute -- Dr. Khem Raj Neupane, Head of Horticulture on the AFU campus and secured the endorsement of Department, AFU the University authority. The volunteer is now jointly working with AFU to explore how to obtain resources and further support. • After his assignment to help develop a new MBA program and curricula at AFU, volunteer Charles Reeves provided a sample teacher evaluation form, which has been integrated into the draft action plan
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for the University, currently in development. Reeves is also in discussions with AFU and Winrock to provide graduate student interns from Thunderbird University to conduct case studies and assist with Agri-MBA courses at AFU.
Several volunteer assignments established new linkages between different AET organizations. For example: • One volunteer initiated connections between the Directorate of Industrial Entomology Development (DOIED) and private sector spawn producers, as well as between DOIED and the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) mushroom research program. Since his return to the US, the volunteer has been in communication with DOIED to encourage the development of a public-private partnership between these entities, with clearly assigned tasks for line agencies and private mushroom spawn producers. • Given the high level of interest in and need for training on livestock infertility management, participants from AFU, NARC, NPI, the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science at Tribhuvan University, and private sector feed companies participated together in F2F training on the topic. During the training, these diverse participants were able to jointly discuss concerns and explore solutions. The volunteer emphasized the importance of coordination among stakeholders to further livestock production in the country. The participating institutions plan to continue sharing ongoing issues and potential solutions with each other.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The objective of the Nepal Youth Entrepreneurship Country F2F Project is to sustainably increase incomes and employment of young adults by strengthening the effectiveness of local youth-serving organizations. This Country Project responds to the growing trend of youth migration and unemployment in Nepal. Today’s Nepalese youth are often uninterested in agriculture, due to negative perceptions of professions along the value chain and the belief that agriculture is not profitable. F2F training and technical assistance to youth- serving institutions will equip and inspire youth entrepreneurs by introducing agriculture technologies and innovations for income generation, and supporting the incubation of microenterprises in the agriculture sector.
Winrock submitted a plan for the Youth Entrepreneurship Country F2F Project during the second half of Year 1. In September 2014, F2F Nepal completed one volunteer assignment with the National Youth Federation of Nepal (NYFN), an apex body of youth-serving organizations. The volunteer provided TOT to build the capacity of NYFN staff to effectively lead and facilitate youth development activities. Prior to the training, the volunteer visited the Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Planning Commission, and Youth Self Employment Fund to gather information and priorities to incorporate into the training curriculum. These connections will help F2F Nepal to develop partnerships with other youth-related government and non- government organizations to support youth entrepreneurship volunteer activities in the future.
FLEXIBLE ASSIGNMENTS
During the reporting period, F2F Nepal completed one flexible assignment with a local NGO and the USAID Knowledge-Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN) program, to assess smallholder farmers’ adoption rates of improved agricultural technologies introduced by the program and to identify challenges affecting adoption of such technologies. The volunteer’s recommendations will help KISAN to better support farmers in the future.
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D. OUTREACH
Winrock staff initiated several outreach activities to spread awareness about the new Asia F2F Program. This included: • Postings on social media, such as the Winrock Volunteers and Winrock International Facebook pages and Twitter. During the reporting period, Winrock staff wrote 46 posts related to Asia F2F and 36 posts about F2F in general on these sites, receiving more than 19,300 direct views. • 29 blog entries for Asia F2F. During the reporting period, the Winrock Volunteers blog had 6,772 page views. • Monthly links and frequent articles in Winrock’s Innovations newsletter, which reaches more than 3,500 subscribers.
Winrock also participated in the Devex “DoingMore” campaign, through shared Facebook, Twitter, and blog posts highlighting Asia F2F volunteers. In addition, Devex published an article written by Winrock staff, featuring interviews with multiple Winrock volunteers, F2F founder Doug Bereuter, and USAID. The article was featured online and in Devex’s Doing Good newsletter, with a circulation of 330,000.
Also part of the “DoingMore” campaign, Winrock submitted a photo of Bangladesh volunteer Barry Evans for the Volunteers for Economic Growth (VEGA) photo contest; this photo was featured on VEGA’s website, publicized on VEGA and Winrock’s social media, and received 2nd place in votes.
As part of general awareness and recruitment efforts, Winrock staff conducted visits with ten U.S. colleges and universities –including minority serving institutions (MSIs) such as New Mexico and Arizona State Universities, and shared F2F information at events hosted by the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development (AIARD), Global Youth Innovation Network, Alliance to End Hunger, and Horticulture Innovation Lab. Recruiters also shared F2F information with networks such as the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine, Global Aquaculture Alliance, American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, National Women in Agriculture, Women Food and Agriculture Network, and Women’s National Farm and Garden Association.
In Bangladesh, F2F staff and volunteers conducted informational presentations at a workshop organized by IUBAT and at two universities in Khulna and Jessore. In addition, the Agro Based SME Cluster and Value Chain Development Project (jointly funded by European Union and Government of Bangladesh) produced a short video documentary featuring brief messages from the Asia F2F Regional Director and F2F volunteer Dr. Yugendar Reddy. This project organized an inception workshop in Dhaka on September 24, 2014 and displayed the video for representatives from different national and international organizations. Within one month, they will release this video for public sharing through their website and electronic media.
In Burma, over 1 million people received articles in 15 newspapers and journals, highlighting USAID F2F activities. For example, Brian Flanagan’s assignment on mango handling and processing was featured in The Farmer Journal, Yadanar Pone, and the Mandalay Daily. The Farmer Journal alone, with a circulation of 30,000, published 14 articles on F2F assignments.
MRTV and Radio City FM stations aired information from Robert Spencer and Hugh Thomforde’s assignments. In addition, MFF arranged for SkyNet’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Forestry Channel to broadcast volunteer Matthew Parker’s training on Aquafarming as a Business. Twelve episodes are still in preparation and will air in the future. SkyNet also plans to broadcast episode(s) from Leonard Obaldo’s training.
In Nepal, F2F volunteers were interviewed on Radio Bhoteodar and on Radio Triveni, reaching an estimated audience of 17,000. In addition, The Nepali Voice featured information on two volunteer assignments.
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Volunteers were also actively involved in outreach. For example: • In addition to articles in USA Today, The Burlington Free Press, Coffee Talk magazine, and Daily Coffee News (previously reported in the Asia F2F FY14 Semi-annual Report), Rick Peyser worked with Roast Magazine to publish an article on his assignment with coffee producers in Burma. • An article on Robert Spencer’s assignment was published in the Elk Valley Times. Spencer also submitted articles to Alabama Farm News and Alabama Cooperative Extension. • The Utah State University newsletter featured an article on Dale ZoBell’s assignment in Bangladesh. (http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=53984) • Andres Sanchez spoke about F2F at a Rotary Club meeting and wrote four personal blog entries and 100 Facebook posts about his assignment in Nepal. • Victoria Solbert wrote 10 entries on her personal blog site while she was on assignment in Bangladesh; likewise, Chantel Welch chronicled her longer-term assignment in Myanmar via 12 entries on her personal blog site. • Multiple volunteers posted F2F information on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
III. Discussion of any Major Implementation Problems and/or Deviations from Expectations for Performance Indicators
Asia F2F did not experience any major implementation problems or deviations during the reporting period.
IV. Summary of Status of Sub-Award Projects
NA
V. Planned Activities for the Next Six Months
The table below contains a current list of approved SOWs for FY2015. Some volunteers will complete multiple SOWs in one trip. During the next six months, Bangladesh and Nepal F2F will finalize SOWs for AET and Youth Entrepreneurship hosts. Burma F2F will develop new SOWs to support USAID/Burma’s recently awarded agriculture projects. In Year 1, 19% of F2F participants were women. In Year 2, all three core country programs will define strategies to increase participation and benefits for women, including identifying hosts and university departments that effectively serve women. F2F volunteers will continue to promote women’s participation with their hosts.
Country Title of Scope of Work Host(s) Status (Country F2F (vol name - Project/Focus proposed dates) Area) Bangladesh Training of Trainers on Good Practices BRAC Dairy Enterprise Volunteer identified (AET) in Dairy Cattle Rearing, Management (Kasim Ingawa- and Disease Control Measures 10/14/14-11/04/14) Bangladesh Improved Dairy Cattle Management Solidaridad Network Asia Volunteer identified (AET) Techniques* (Sandra Costello 11/28/14-12/20/14) Bangladesh Improving Dairy Cattle Health Heifer International Bangladesh Volunteer identified (AET) Management* (Terry Wollen- 11/29/14-12/20/14) Bangladesh Improved Bee Products (pollen and PROSHIKA Apiculture Program, Volunteer identified (AET) royal jelly) Development with PROSHIKA Manobik Unnayan (Michael Embrey Advanced Beekeeping Methods Kendra 1/04/15-1/22/15) Bangladesh Improved Forage Production, Land O’ Lakes (BDEP) Volunteer Identified (AET) Processing, Storage and Utilization for (Juan Guerrero Increased Livestock Production* 1/10/15-1/30/15) Bangladesh Development of Techniques for the Khulna University, Fisheries and Recruiting (AET) Analysis of Population Genetic Marine Resources Technology Diversity of Mud Crab Discipline
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Country Title of Scope of Work Host(s) Status (Country F2F (vol name - Project/Focus proposed dates) Area) Bangladesh Techniques for Diagnosis and Control Khulna University, Fisheries and Recruiting (AET) of Emerging Viral and Bacterial Marine Resources Technology Pathogens in Shrimp Discipline Bangladesh Improvement of Agricultural College of Agricultural Sciences, Recruiting (AET) Communication Course Curriculum of International University of BSAg Program Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) Bangladesh Training of Trainers on Using University of Chittagong, Recruiting (AET) Research Results to Inform Policy Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences Bangladesh Training of Trainers on Post-Harvest Natore Agro Limited Recruiting (AET) Management of Spices and Fruits Bangladesh Improved Nutrition Management for Strengthening Dairy Value Recruiting (AET) Profitable Dairy Rearing* Chain (SDVC) Project Bangladesh Youth Facilitation and Center for Mass Education in Recruiting (Youth Entrepreneurship Development Science, Adolescent Girls Entrepreneurship) Program Burma Avocado Variety Selection, Plant Southern Shan State Fruit, Volunteer identified (Rural Propagation, and Plantation Flower, and Vegetable Producer (Jonathan Crane- Development) Management and Exporter Association- 9/13/14-10/3/14) Avocado Cluster Burma Project Monitoring, Analysis and Winrock International Farmer-to- Volunteer identified (Rural Outreach Activities for Farmer-to- Farmer Program (Leah English- Development) Farmer Volunteer Assignments 9/24/14-11/26/14) Burma Avocado Pest and Disease Control Southern Shan State Fruit, Volunteer identified (Rural Flower, and Vegetable Producer (Randy Ploetz- Development) and Exporter Association- 9/27/14-10/14/14) Avocado Cluster Burma Upgrading Small Ruminant Farm Goat Farmers Group Volunteer identified (Rural Operations (Yenangyaung) (Robert Spencer- Development) 10/11/14-10/18/14) Burma Goat Milk Soap Making Twintaw Village Goat Farmers Volunteer identified (Rural Group, Butalin Township; Goat (Robert Spencer- Development) Farmers Group (Yenangyaung) 10/19/14-10/25/14) Burma Livestock Business Management Mandalay Livestock Volunteer identified (Rural Development Co. Ltd. (Robert Spencer- Development) 10/26/14-10/29/14) Burma Improved Small Ruminant Farming Thadar Consortium Volunteer identified (Rural Practices (Daniel Miller 11/2/14- Development) 11/12/14) Burma Introducing Nucleus Goat Farming Thadar Consortium Volunteer identified (Rural Practices to Ayeyarwaddy Delta (Daniel Miller Development) 11/13/14-11/23/14) Burma Improved Techniques and Myanmar Apiculture Association Volunteer identified (Rural Development of Niger Flower-based (Stephen Petersen Development) Honey Production, Products, and 11/19/14-12/14/14) Pollination Burma Coffee Marketing and Market Linkages Shwe Pu Zun Coffee Farm and Volunteer identified (Rural Production Plant (Al Liu 12/6/14- Development) 12/21/14) Burma Using Mycorrhizal Fungi in Improving Myanmar Fruit, Flower, and Volunteer identified (Rural Soil Nutrients and Reducing Soil-borne Vegetable Producer and (Wendy Taheri Development) Diseases Exporter Association 12/15/14-1/3/15) Burma Improving Soil Nutrients with Organic Community Development Volunteer identified (Rural Farming Practices Training Center in Aungban (John Hayden Development) 12/30/14-1/14/15)
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Country Title of Scope of Work Host(s) Status (Country F2F (vol name - Project/Focus proposed dates) Area) Burma Organic Farming Practices by Making Kabar Thit Organic Agriculture Volunteer identified (Rural Organic Fertilizer Group (Charles Mitchell Development) 1/2/15-1/23/15) Burma Vegetable Seed Production and Golden Brothers Volunteer identified (Rural Processing (Ricky Bates 1/29/14- Development) 2/19/15) Burma Strategic Planning for Fishery Sector Myanmar Fisheries Federation Recruiting (Flexible) Development Nepal Action Plan and Monitoring and Agriculture and Forestry Volunteer identified (AET) Evaluation Methods for Agriculture University (AFU)-Directorate of (David Eding 10/4/14- University Planning 10/31/14) Nepal Microbial Management of White Grub Nepal Agriculture Research Volunteer identified (AET) Council (NARC)-Entomology (Gadi Reddy Division 10/25/14-11/13/14) Nepal Training of Trainers on IPM Facilitation District Integrated Pest Volunteer identified (AET) Management (IPM) Farmers' (Thomas Shanower Association 1/2/15-1/24/15) Nepal Strengthening Pedagogical Skills of Tribhuvan University (TU)- Volunteers identified (AET) Young Faculty of the Institute of Institute of Agriculture and (Mary and Richard Agriculture and Animal Science Animal Science (IAAS), Central Edwards; dates TBD) Campus Nepal Strengthening Pedagogical Skills of Agriculture and Forestry Volunteers identified (AET) Young Faculty of Agriculture and University (AFU)-Continuing (Mary and Richard Forestry University Education Center Edwards; dates TBD) Nepal Technical writing skills enhancement Himalayan College of Volunteer identified (AET) to Academic Faculties and Graduating Agricultural Sciences and (Susan Pavlin; dates students of Agriculture Technology (HICAST) TBD) Nepal Conducting Training of Trainers to Tribhuvan University (TU)- Volunteer identified (AET) Enhance Technical Writing Skills in Institute of Agriculture and (Susan Pavlin; dates Agriculture Animal Science (IAAS), Central TBD) Campus Nepal Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Fisheries Research Division, Recruiting (AET) Methodology Standardization Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) Nepal Strengthening Business Incubator for Kings College Recruiting volunteers (Youth Youth Entrepreneurship from Thunderbird Entrepreneurship) University Nepal 15 Year Roadmap Development of Youth and Small Enterprise Recruiting (Youth Youth and Small Entrepreneur Self- Self-employment Fund (YSEF) Entrepreneurship) employment Secretariat, Ministry of Finance Nepal Establishment of an Effective Field Youth and Small Enterprise Recruiting (Youth Monitoring System for Youth Programs Self-employment Fund (YSEF) Entrepreneurship) Secretariat, Ministry of Finance *Informal AET assignments requested by USAID/Bangladesh
For additional details, see the FY2014 Workplan.
IV. Standard F2F Performance and Impact Indicator Data Tables
Indicator data tables covering the reporting period can be found in Annex 1.
V. Summary of Volunteer Assignments
A summary of completed volunteer assignments during the reporting period can be found in Annex 2. Additional information on assignments can be found in Annex 3 – PERSUAP Reporting (for applicable assignments only).
FY2014 Semi-Annual Report| March 2014 Page 11
Annex 2. Volunteer Assignment Summary
A. BANGLADESH
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Daniel Miller, 3/5/2014-3/19/2014, Mymensingh Host organization: BRAC Artificial Insemination (AI) Enterprise The assignment objectives were to increase technical capacity of BRAC technical staff, para-vets, and AI workers who provide direct services and training to smallholder farmers, and to develop new training modules and extension materials on cattle, goat, and sheep care and disease management. Dr. Miller trained 29 participants on these topics through presentations, group discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. During the training, the BRAC personnel quickly grasped the techniques involved in hoof trimming and understood how to get the best results. They are already using this knowledge to train thousands of AI workers and smallholder clients.
Gurbinder Gill, 4/20/2014-5/10/2014, Bogra Host organization: BRAC Seed Enterprise The assignment objectives were to develop new training courses and extension materials and build the capacity of BRAC staff to train seed enterprises on entrepreneurship, marketing, and branding. Mr. Gill trained 66 participants using a participatory approach, in which the teams discussed global competition and the importance of strategic planning and customer satisfaction. With knowledge gained from the training, BRAC staff can now better support and build the capacity of its suppliers (local dealers and small- and medium-sized seed enterprises). Mr. Gill also carried out a second assignment while in Bangladesh with ACI Seed Business.
Dale ZoBell, 5/29/2014-6/15/2014, Dhaka Host organization: International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), College of Agriculture Science The assignment objectives were to improve Animal Science, Poultry Production, and Dairy Production course curricula and improve teaching materials and skills of teaching staff. Dr. ZoBell worked with four faculties at IUBAT to recommend required core courses, improve existing curricula for six current courses, and develop new curriculum for a Veterinary Science (DVM) degree. He also met with the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute to discuss research needs and connections between relevant stakeholders.
Harvey Pine, 6/5/2014-6/22/2014, Dhaka “I always learn from developing curricula, Host organization: IUBAT, College of Agriculture Science and there is no exception here. I really The assignment objectives were to improve Fishery Science felt most productive and professionally course curriculum, training materials, and teaching skills. Dr. fulfilled during the seminar. The seminar Pine worked with faculty to evaluate and provide feedback on allowed me some important interaction the current course in Fisheries Science and helped develop a with important individuals in the fisheries four-year curriculum leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in sector. I intend to keep in contact with Fisheries Science. The proposed curriculum was well- those working to further this curriculum.” received by the faculty and has been designed for students --volunteer Harvey Pine seeking employment in the fisheries sector as well as for students intending to pursue graduate studies.
Michael Frinsko, 7/8/2014-7/29/2014, Khulna and Mymensingh Host organization: Rural Enterprise for Alleviating Poverty (REAP) II The assignment objectives were to develop the technical capacity of trainers, develop an advanced training module and extension materials, and increase farmers’ knowledge of water quality management in aquaculture. Using hands-on demonstrations, Mr. Frinkso trained extension staff and freshwater prawn hatchery managers and owners on water quality, fish health, environmental conditions, and strategies to
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manage water quality in ponds and during transport. The participants have already begun to replicate the trainings with smallholder farmer beneficiaries.
Andrea Burniske, 8/16/2014-8/25/2014, Dhaka Host organization: IUBAT, College of Agriculture Sciences The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge and skills of faculty and staff in grant proposal writing and to develop a training module on grant proposal writing and grant project management, important topics to help IUBAT secure funding for sustainability and improvements. Ms. Burniske developed a training module to fit the needs of IUBAT and used a participatory approach including group work on proposal development and analyzing examples from previous grant proposals. Ms. Burniske noted that through the pre-/post- assessment and their presentations, the participants showed considerable improvement and now better understand the concepts and better align their proposal ideas to donor strategies and priorities. IUBAT has already applied what it learned from the training to submit multiple proposals for funding, and plans to replicate the training with other faculty. Ms. Burniske also conducted a similar assignment with another host (see below).
Jack Boles, 8/15/2014-9/1/2014, Dhaka Host organization: ACI Agribusiness The assignment objectives were to develop a business model to establish an Advanced Agricultural Advisory Services Center (AAASC) and to increase technical knowledge on AET and extension. Mr. Boles conducted in-service training for 20 employees from ACI Agribusiness, collected needs assessment data on AET and extension services, and developed modules for the AAASC business model and AAASC extension recruitment and training. The ACI Agribusiness Executive Director accepted the proposed AAASC business model, which will allow ACI to transfer efficient training and extension services to farmers across the country.
Yugendar Bommineni, 8/29/2014- 9/6/2014, Bajitpur, Kishoreganj Host organization: Aftab Bahumukhi Farms Ltd. --Poultry Program The assignment objectives were to increase the skills of the host’s staff regarding laboratory management and microbiological techniques, and to improve the services of the lab through improved disease diagnosis techniques, as well as ensuring a supply of healthy Day-Old-Chicks (DOCs) for smallholder farmers. Mr. Bommineni developed Volunteer Yugendar Bommineni, along with Aftab Bahumkhi Farms protocols and training materials for Aftab staff, examine a chicken for potential diseases. staff and provided in-service training on necropsy and gross diagnosis of common poultry diseases. Aftab staff trainers are now able to systematically diagnosis diseases and will be able to train and support small- and medium-scale poultry farmers using the materials developed by the volunteer. Mr. Bommineni also conducted a second assignment with another host (see below).
Yanming Lo, 9/4/2014-9/21/2014, Natore Host organization: PRAN Agro Limited (PAL) The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of PAL staff in good manufacturing practices (GMP) for food safety, to increase quality and standards of products, and to disseminate this new knowledge to other staff, clients and suppliers. Dr. Lo provided in-service training to participants using lectures, videos, and group activities, whereby participants were assigned to analyze production lines based on their new GMP and Sanitation and Standard Operating Procedure knowledge. Mr. Lo also developed a training module, including guidelines, resources, and recommendations to increase product quality and safety standards. The goal is for the host to use this module to establish a training program for
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all levels of personnel involved in food handling, processing, and packaging, as well as for PAL suppliers (which include 70,000 contract farmers).
John Rushing, 9/4/2014-9/22/2014, Ghorashal, Narshingdi Host organization: PRAN Dairy Limited The assignment objectives were to increase the knowledge and skills of PRAN Dairy Limited staff in dairy food safety and quality assurance, to develop a training module on HACCP for food safety principles, and to increase the quality and standards of dairy products. Dr. Rushing conducted hands-on training on dairy food safety and quality assurance, HACCP principles, and FDA requirements for management and production staff, focusing on five product lines. Training participants were eager to learn about HACCP for food safety, and are committed to developing and modifying their HACCP plans for their respective product lines. Dr. Rushing provided the participants with training materials to disseminate Volunteer Dr. John E. Rushing inspects PRAN Dairy this newly acquired knowledge to other staff and Limited equipment in Ghorashal suppliers (which include 20,000 farmers).
Yugendar Bommineni, 9/7/2014-9/20/2014, Dhaka Host organization: Central Disease Investigation Laboratory (CDIL) under the Department of Livestock Services The assignment objectives were to increase technical knowledge and skills of CDIL staff and ultimately improve the service of the lab through improved disease diagnosis techniques. Dr. Bommineni developed 24 protocols for CDIL staff and provided in-service training to staff and veterinarians in disease diagnosis techniques. He also met with IUBAT to discuss the development of a four-year BSc veterinary program to increase the pool of qualified professionals in the field. During the training, participants practiced using culture media and performing biochemical tests. CDIL will disseminate the information to other labs under the Department of Livestock Services, and will integrate the new knowledge to provide improved services to other government and private labs, as well as to livestock farmers. (One participant has already replicated the training with farmers).
Robert Cordery-Cotter, 9/11/2014-9/27/2014, Dhaka, Khulna and Jessore Host organization: ACI Animal Health Division The assignment objectives were to improve advisory services for the dairy farmers, build the capacity of trainers on dairy cattle rearing, and develop a training module on improved dairy cattle rearing to increase farmer’s productivity. Dr. Cordery-Cotter conducted in-service training on common cattle diseases and bio-security management, including hands-on activities to practice conducting physical exams, using an ultra sound machine to determine pregnancy, measuring body weight, and diagnosing and treating diseases. The participants are eager to practice their newly acquired skills, which they will put into practice as they train smallholder farmer clients using the volunteer’s training modules.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Daniel Miller, 8/22/2014-9/2/2014, Tangail Host organization: Center for Mass Education in Science (CMES), Adolescent Girls Program (AGP) The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of CMES teachers and youth graduates on improved dairy cattle rearing, and to develop training modules and extension materials on dairy cattle rearing techniques, which will lead to increased milk production. Dr. Miller conducted classroom training on digestion, nutrition, feeding, diseases, hoof care, record keeping and forage storage, and conducted on-farm demonstrations so that participants could practice physical exams of cattle, hoof care, and proper injection techniques. CMES’s technical teachers and graduate students will use the training and
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extension materials to train adolescent girls and other beneficiaries of AGP programs. Dr. Miller also conducted a similar assignment with this host on goat rearing (see below).
Daniel Miller, 9/3/2014-9/13/2014, Tangail Host organization: CMES AGP program The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of CMES teachers and youth graduates on improved goat rearing management and to develop training modules and extension materials to increase productivity and improve quality of meat production. Dr. Miller conducted training on all aspects of animal husbandry, as well as record keeping and forage storage. During the training, participants took part in on- farm demonstrations to practice physical exams of goats, hoof care, and proper injection techniques. The training and extension materials will equip CMES’s technical teachers and graduate students to train adolescent girls and other participants of the AGP Programs on proper goat rearing management.
Jonathan Moyle, 9/4/2014-9/20/2014, Chilmari, Kurigram and Tangail Host organization: CMES Poultry Program The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of poultry layer rearing and to develop a training module and extension materials on improved poultry layer production techniques. Dr. Moyle assessed the farms in the training area, conducted classroom and on-farm training on improved layer production and biosecurity, and demonstrated how to construct nest boxes and rodent bait stations. During their visits to the farms in the area, CMES teachers and youth had the ability to assess the farms and evaluate their practices and were able to provide suggestions to other farmers for how they could improve the issues they observed. Participants will use this knowledge and the new extension materials to train other farmers in the area on improved poultry layer rearing and biosecurity.
FLEXIBLE ASSIGNMENTS
Phillip Barry Evans 2/20/2014-3/22/2014, Barisal, Patuakhalia and Borguna Host organization: USAID/Bangladesh Nobo Jibon Program The assignment objectives were to evaluate the impacts of different livelihood interventions under the Food for Works for Livelihood Resilience Activities (FFW-LRA) of the Nobo Jibon Program. This assignment was conducted at the request of USAID/Bangladesh. Mr. Evans visited programs sites to collect data and information to create a booklet showcasing the success of the FFW program as well as to produce revised FFW guidelines in English on the FFW-LRA experience. The booklet and guidelines are a tool to replicate Volunteer Barry Evans forms bonds with Nobo Jibon program successes. beneficiaries
Gurbinder Gill, 5/11/2014-5/18/2014, Dhaka Host organization: ACI Seed Business The assignment objectives were to improve management practices of seed enterprises and build the skills of ACI management staff in strategic development and organizational strengthening. Mr. Gill carried out two training workshops on these topics. This training will equip the staff to develop effective strategic marketing plans to increase seed dealers’ competitiveness. As ACI is also working on initiating a private sector AET model to provide training and support to smallholder farmers, the information gained during this training can be disseminated to clients in the future.
Victoria Solbert, 5/25/2014-8/10/2014, Dhaka Host organization: USAID/Bangladesh Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods (CREL) Project The assignment objectives were to assess the technology adoption rate in different demonstration sites, identify gaps and challenges in adoption rates under different demonstration techniques, analyze different
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market factors influencing livelihoods of CREL beneficiaries, and provide recommendations to improve technology adoption. Ms. Solbert developed and conducted qualitative interviews with 183 project beneficiaries and conducted field surveys in all four project regions. She presented her findings to CREL staff, highlighting strengths, weakness, areas of improvement for the four target groups, and recommendations to address the weaknesses. CREL staff have incorporated her recommendations in their Year 3 workplan.
Andrea Burniske, 8/8/2014-8/15/2014, Dhaka Host organization: ACI Agribusiness The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge and skills of ACI staff in grant proposal writing. Ms. Burniske provided training on all aspects of grant proposals and grant writing, identification of funding opportunities, grant management, and donor relations. ACI will use the improved skills in grant writing to secure funding for continued investments in agricultural research, technology development, technology transfer, and support for smallholder farmers.
B. BURMA
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Chantel Welch, 5/21/2014-7/06/2014; 7/12-7/24/2014, Yangon, Ayeyarwaddy, Magwe, and Mandalay Regions Host organization: Winrock International Farmer-to-Farmer Program The assignment objectives were to assist in documenting and analyzing results and impacts from completed Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignments. Ms. Welch met with 18 local hosts to collect data on their post-training progress, conducted knowledge sharing sessions on monitoring and evaluation for F2F staff, and also assisted with outreach activities. Her assignment and ongoing assistance helped staff become more skilled in conducting surveys and collecting baseline and follow-up data. Ms. Welch also carried out a second assignment with FSWG (see below).
Hugh Thomforde, 5/25/2014-6/18/2014, Twantay and Kayan Townships in Yangon Region, Nyaungdon Township in Ayeyarwaddy Region, and Pyay Township in Bago Region Host organization: Twantay Township Fish Farmer Association; Grand Win Fish Farm; Pyay District Fisheries Federation; Kayan Fish Farmers Association The assignment objectives were to increase fish farmers’ production, incomes, and knowledge on improved practices in aquaculture and managing water quality in fish ponds. Dr. Thomforde provided training to four fish farmer groups on fish pond management, and worked with farmers to make Secchi disks and record data, which enables them to adjust fertilizer and feed inputs according to bloom densities. By the end of the training, participants were able to make pH, total alkalinity, and Secchi disk measurements and exhibited improved understanding of how water quality is Dr. Hugh Thomforde demonstrates the proper use of testing affected by different feeds. strips to monitor pH levels in ponds
Daniel Miller, 5/30/2014-6/6/2014, Shwebo Township, Sagaing Region Host organization: Pyi Shwe Bo Multi-Development Public Co. Ltd The assignment objectives were to improve knowledge of small ruminant production management and increase farmers’ incomes. Adapting his training based on field visits, Dr. Miller trained participants on small ruminant nutrition, health, record keeping, breeding, genetic selection, forage storage, and parasite
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control. This training is expected to improve the genetic quality of animals over a 4-5 year period through improved selection, record keeping, and weaning practices as well as increase the survival rate and milk production through improved nutrition practices. Dr. Miller also carried out another assignment regarding dairy management (see below).
Youn Ha, 6/05/2014-6/19/2014, Kyonpyaw Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region Host organization: Cassava Association The assignment objectives were to improve small-scale farmers’ and millers’ knowledge of cassava post- harvest practices, and ultimately reduce post-harvest losses and increase small-scale farmers’ and millers’ income. Dr. Ha trained cassava farmers and millers on selecting the appropriate variety, harvest times and prices, water quality for production, drying methods, and producing high-value and quality cassava products. Participants were particularly interested in learning about harvest and processing times and varying prices, diversification of their cassava products, and use of cassava leaves for other markets.
Daniel Miller, 6/7/2014-6/17/2014, Pyigyitakhon Township, Mandalay Region Host organization: Mandalay Livestock Development Co., Ltd. The assignment objectives were to improve dairy farmers’ knowledge of improved dairy farming, increase production and quality of milk and dairy products, and increase small- and medium-scale dairy farmers’ incomes. Dr. Miller trained participants in calf care, cattle management, disease prevention, hoof care, nutrition and feeding practices, and record keeping. Applying information from the training, dairy farmers will be able to improve the nutrition and health of both the lactating cow and calf, which will increase milk production and reduce mortality.
Charles Mitchell, 6/18/2014-7/04/2014, Nyaungdon Host organization: Shwe Ayeyar Organic Agriculture Group; Myanmar Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Producer and Exporter Association The assignment objectives were to increase small-scale farmers’ knowledge of integrated organic farming practices and increase small-scale organic farmers’ incomes. Mr. Mitchell trained 240 participants on soil fertility, plant nutrition, pest management, marketing, and organic certification, and also conducted demonstrations on how to make organic inputs. The trainings and demonstrations gave farmers the skills to produce organic, low-cost, on-farm fertilizers and bio-insecticides, which will help them lower production costs and increase profit margins.
Brian Flanagan, 6/27/2014-7/13/2014, Mi Chaung Tat village, Amarapura and Sae village, Sintgaing Townships, Mandalay Region Host organization: Mandalay Mango Farmer Group “With some work on improving and The assignment objectives were to improve farmers’ post- maintaining mango fruit quality, along harvest handling and processing practices to reduce mango with marketing, there is a lot of potential. losses and damage, to increase the number of value-added I have no doubt that with the quality mango products farmers are able to produce, and to people I meet working on production, increase farmers’ incomes through sales of increased quality processing, and exporting,the industry and quantity of mangos. Mr. Flanagan trained the Mandalay will continue to grow both locally and Mango Farmer Group on pre- and post-harvest practices, internationally in the years to come. I hope I have an opportunity to come back fruit quality, fruit production and processing, pest and to see how the industry continues to disease control, and food safety. Participants were progress.” particularly interested in learning about maturity indices, --volunteer Brian Flanagan evaporative cooling systems for storing fruit and vegetables, solar dryers, and various methods of processing mangos. This training will enable farmers to start practicing control methods to prevent mango malformations and improve the quality of their products. The participants intend to replicate the training with other farmers.
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Chantel Welch, 07/07/2014-07/11/2014, Yangon Host organization: Food Security Working Group (FSWG) The assignment objectives were to improve local NGOs’ abilities to produce effective communications materials. Ms. Welch provided training on effective information, education, and communications (IEC) messaging, conducting focus groups, identifying target audiences, and use of photography and illustrations. During the sessions, participants held mini-focus groups for practice, critiqued others’ storyboards, practiced photography suggestions, and worked in small groups to create and revise IEC materials, which were presented to the group on the final day. Participants of volunteer Chantel Welch’s training practice After this training, participants will be able to take critiquing IEC materials an active role in IEC material development, train other staff and member organizations, and disseminate their messages more effectively to small-scale farmers.
Luis Manrique, 7/12/2014-7/24/2014, Kyonpyaw Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region Host organization: Ahtaung Sub-township Cassava Farmers Group The assignment objectives were to improve small-scale farmers’ knowledge of cassava farming practices, increase cassava yields and quality, and increase farmers’ incomes. Dr. Manrique conducted technical training with cassava farmers in the Ahtaung Sub-township on improved production practices. Farmers that attended the training expressed strong interest in and commitment to using the management practices reviewed in the training to tackle current problems related to weed control, planting systems, planting methods, fertilization, and crop management.
Daniel Herman, 7/27/2014-8/11/2014, Twantay Township Host organization: Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF) The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of international standards in aquaculture, improve farming practices and quality of fishery products, and increase exports of and income from high-quality fishery products. Mr. Herman visited many enterprises within the aquaculture industry and conducted a series of seminars and workshops on certified Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), FDA HACCP training curriculum, US seafood markets, and the importance of meeting international aquaculture certification standards. This training has prepared fish farmers and supporting partners to upgrade their techniques and systems to supply a safer, higher quality of fish products into local and domestic markets, as well as to supply products into international export markets.
Matt Parker, 8/8/2014-8/17/2014, Pyapon Township Host organization: Fisher Development Association (FDA) The assignment objectives were to provide knowledge on farming as a business and increase efficiency in aquaculture operations through economic analysis. Mr. Parker conducted training to FDA members covering the business aspects of aquaculture, how to organize and interpret financial data from aquaculture farms, and how to develop a business plan. The training materials have been translated and will be used by FDA to distribute to their members. After this training, participants realized the need to assign a monetary value to unpaid labor costs and to consider delivery and service charges as a cost to their business. Trainees plan to start taking better records to assess how well their business is performing. Mr. Parker also conducted a similar training with the Myanmar Fisheries Federation (see below).
Matt Parker, 8/18/2014-8/24/2014, Twantay Township Host organization: Myanmar Fisheries Federation (MFF) Similar to his assignment with FDA, Mr. Parker provided training on farming as a business to members of MFF. The training included a hands-on session in which participants created their own income statements
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from fictional aquaculture farm data. The training materials have been translated and will be used by MFF to distribute to additional members. By the end of the training, participants indicated that they could all improve their recordkeeping practices and will be able to better evaluate their business in the future.
Leonard Obaldo, 9/5/2014-9/12/2014, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions Host organization: GMA Feedmill and San Pya Feedmill The assignment objectives were to increase feed production and quality and improve management practices and efficiency of feed mills supplying inputs to smallholder farmers. Dr. Obaldo first assessed the needs of the feed mills and adapted his training materials which included information on fish nutrition, fish nutrient requirements, feed ingredients and sources, feed formulation and preparation, and feed Volunteer Leonard Obaldo demonstrates how to calculate poultry quality and safety. After demonstrations of feed formulations using an Excel sheet. floating feed vs. pellet feed, participants showed a strong interest in using floating feeds as a means of reducing feed waste and feed costs and improving production.
Leonard Obaldo, 9/18/2014-9/23/2014, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions Host organization: Shwebo District Fisheries Association and Madaya Township Fisheries Association The assignment objectives were to improve small-scale fish farmers’ knowledge of fish and feed nutrition, improve farm-made fish feed quality, and increase small-scale fish farmers’ production and incomes. Dr. Obaldo developed and delivered tailored training on fish nutrition; feed ingredients, formulation and preparation; feed safety & quality; feed storage; and feeding strategies. He also presented numerical data for alternative feeding strategies such as skip-a-day feeding and green water technology. Participants showed interest in using skip feeding and green water technology as a means to reduce feed costs and sustainably increase fish production.
Leonard Obaldo, 9/24/2014-9/27/2014, Mandalay and Madaya Host organization: Mandalay Livestock Development Company Limited The assignment objectives were to improve poultry farmers’ knowledge of poultry nutrition, increase production and quality of poultry products, and increase poultry farmers’ income. Dr. Obaldo provided training on poultry digestion, nutritional requirements, and nutritional value of locally available feed ingredients. He also led hands-on demonstrations on how to calculate poultry feed formulations manually and using an Excel sheet. Poultry farmers showed an interest in running Dr. Obaldo’s formulation software to calculate nutritionally balanced food for their fish. Feed dealers showed an interest in expanding their business to include farm-made poultry feeds using this software training.
C. NEPAL
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Gurbinder Gill, 5/25/2014-6/7/2014, Sanepa, Lalitpur Host organization: Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED) This assignment supported CEAPRED’s work with the USAID/Nepal Knowledge-based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN) program to develop new training courses and extension materials to build the capacity of farmers in seed enterprise development. After conducting an assessment of the seed sector, Mr. Gill identified possible interventions and stakeholders that can
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implement these recommendations. This analysis will be used by KISAN and others to address issues and implement suggested capacity building initiatives with farmers.
Hartmut Doebel, 6/19/2014-7/04/2014, Rampur, Chitwan “My experiences in Nepal appear Host organization: Agriculture & Forestry University (AFU), to be of the once-in-a-lifetime kind. Department of Horticulture Certainly, I can see myself coming back on a sabbatical and The assignment objectives were to develop new apiculture collaborate with my host on a curriculum for a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program, couple of research projects.” recommend measures for improving the present laboratory and --volunteer Hartmut Doebel field conditions, and strengthen the capacity of faculty members. Dr. Doebel worked with the faculty to design seven apiculture courses for BSc and MSc programs, encouraged the hiring of talented faculty, especially female, to teach the new courses, and provided advice on steps needed to start an apiculture institute. AFU aims to use this assignment to help create the two apiculture programs within a future department of apiculture. AFU leadership has already approved the creation of a National Apiculture Institute on the campus, based on the volunteer’s recommendations.
William Zimmerman, 6/20/2014-7/15/2014, Rampur, Chitwan Host organization: AFU, Department of Environmental Science The assignment objectives were to improve the environmental science course curriculum for the MSc Ag program, recommend measures for improving the present laboratory and field conditions, and strengthen the capacity of faculty members. Dr. Zimmerman presented information on the curriculum development process, the essential elements of courses and curriculum, and worked with AFU to develop syllabi for nine environmental science courses. Based on the volunteer recommendations, the faculties aim to incorporate practical exams into the course curriculum and hope to approve the curriculum additions and enroll students next semester.
Scott Haskell, 6/29/2014-7/15/2014, Bhojad, Chitwan Host organization: Nepal Polytechnic Institute (NPI), Agricultural Science Department The assignment objectives were to build the teaching capacity (pedagogy) of agricultural and livestock teachers, and to develop effective teaching tools and methodologies. Dr. Haskell used a variety of interactive group discussions and homework assignments with the faculties of NPI and AFU. The college administrators and staff participants were eager to implement the instructional improvements and plan to create a “Train-the-Trainer” series at NPI to improve faculty training modules.
Charles Reeves, 7/11/2014-7/27/2014, Rampur, Chitwan Host organization: AFU, Department of Agricultural Economics The assignment objectives were to develop a new MBA course curriculum and strengthen knowledge and capacity of faculty members in business management. Mr. Reeves worked with AFU to draft an AFU MBA curriculum, developed course syllabi for MBA courses, and made recommendations for establishing and developing qualified faculty to support the MBA program. Mr. Reeves also helped AFU develop the “capstone” concept as an alternative to a thesis. The host has already started to develop partnerships with private businesses, as a first step to implementing the volunteer’s recommendations.
Anil Shrestha, 7/11/2014-8/6/2014, Lamjung and Paklihawa Campus Host organization: Tribhuvan University - Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Lamjung Campus The assignment objectives were to improve the knowledge and skills of young faculty and researchers in biometric techniques used in agriculture, in teaching and training these techniques, and in using these techniques in research. Mr. Shrestha conducted in-service training including hands-on exercises on biometric examples in MS Excel and SPSS software to provide faculty, researchers, and students with a working knowledge of statistics. The participants were eager to learn about the data analysis capabilities of MS Excel, and by the end of the training, everyone was able to perform all the exercises provided and learned how to make proper inferences from the output data. After this training, several faculty members reanalyzed their thesis data for accuracy.
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Kelly Pruitt, 8/1/2014-8/21/2014, Kalanki, Kathmandu “The people I have worked with have Host organization: Himalayan College of Agricultural captured my heart. We don’t even speak Sciences and Technology (HICAST) the same language, yet we manage to The assignment objectives were to develop standard communicate. I know that because of operating procedures (SOPs) for operating laboratory this experience I have decided I am and equipment, to improve knowledge of faculty and lab will be an advocate for HICAST and technicians in proper application and maintenance of Nepal as well. Even though my specialty laboratory equipment, and to improve safety and compliance is strictly histology I will seek of the laboratory. Ms. Pruitt developed five SOPs on tissue opportunities wherever I am to bring help to them.” processing, microtome sectioning, straining and solution --volunteer Kelly Pruitt preparation, and conducted in-service training and demonstrations for faculty and laboratory staff. Before this training, the lab technicians relied on tissue slides from other colleges and vet laboratories for practical exams, but after this training, they will be able to prepare their own tissue slides.
Henry Van Cotter, 8/8/2014-8/28/2014 Host organization: Nepal Directorate of Industrial Entomology Development (DOIED) The assignment objectives were to improve technical knowledge on production of shiitake mushroom spawn and to establish a standard laboratory to maximize efficiency and increase the quality of spawn production. Dr. Cotter conducted hands-on in-service training to DOIED staff and private spawn producers on spawn production, nutrient content, quality control, and setting up lab equipment. Dr. Cotter also visited four private sector spawn producers and discussed how to troubleshoot production problems. After this training, the technical expertise of host staff is now much improved, the basic setup of the lab is complete, and the equipment are functioning and ready to use. The ideas presented during the trainings were received enthusiastically and participants immediately started to implement and test the procedures.
Luisa Cabrera, 8/10/2014-8/30/2014, Rampur, Chitwan Host organization: AFU - Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics The assignment objectives were to build the capacity of young faculty, scientists, and officers from various agencies and institutions on infertility management in dairy animals; establish linkages, coordination, and collaborative relationships between various stakeholders involved in livestock teaching, research, and development; and to assist in developing a road map for the university to better provide AET and extension services to the farming community. Ms. Cabrera met with different stakeholders involved in livestock development to map and suggest future cooperation and alliances and conducted in- service training on dairy infertility management. During the training and discussions, the participants demonstrated increased knowledge of infertility management concepts.
Dilip Nandwani 8/22/2014-9/13/2014, Lamjung, Gandaki Zone Host organization: Tribhuvan University (TU) - Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Lamjung Campus-Horticulture Department The assignment objectives were to strengthen knowledge regarding organic farming technologies for novice faculty, to develop effective teaching tools and methodologies on organic farming; and to strengthen capacity to develop and deliver training materials on the topic. Dr. Nandwani visited organic farms, suggested improvements to IAAS’ current organic farming syllabus, and conducted in-service training for faculty, students, and the campus chief. After the training and based on the quality of the participants’ questions, it was clear that the participants understood many of the requirements of organic certification and practices and could identify the critical areas where they needed to make changes.
Dennis Eaton, 8/31/2014-9/20/2014, Mangalbare, Morang Host organization: Agricultural Campus, Madan Bhandari Memorial Academy Nepal The assignment objectives were to strengthen the pedagogical capacity of academic faculties, develop effective teaching tools and methodologies, and develop techniques to evaluate faculty and student performance. Dr. Eaton conducted a workshop on effective lecturing, teaching methods, laboratory teaching techniques, program development, course planning, use of instructional media, and lesson planning. After this training, participants are better equipped to create more effective lesson plans, create and use syllabi for each course, and implement classroom management techniques.
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Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues, 9/9/2011- 9/28/2014, Baletaksar, Gulmi Host organization: Coffee Research Program, National Agriculture Research Council The assignment objectives were to increase knowledge of white stem borer (WSB) management practices, strengthen the capacity of scientists in research on WSB management, and provide guidelines for applied research methodologies of white stem borer in coffee plants. Dr. Rodrigues conducted in-service training for plant protection officers, scientists, and technical officers, offering opportunities for participants to collect and analyze data from their field visits. He also worked on coffee education, research, and Volunteer Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues conducts training on pests and symptoms related to plant infestations extension strategies, and prepared guidelines for research and management of coffee WSB. After the training, all of the participants were able to recognize the pest and the symptoms related to the infestation.
YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Kirk Astroth, 8/22/2014-9/13/2014, Anamnagar, Kathmandu Host organization: National Youth Federation Nepal (NYFN) The assignment objectives were to increase the knowledge and skills of NYFN trainers on facilitation of youth development activities, so that they can effectively train youth at the national and regional levels. Through experiential learning methods and a “learning- by-doing” methodology, Dr. Astroth trained NYFN leaders and youth development professionals affiliated with NYFN, based on eight essential elements of positive youth development. Dr. Astroth provided many resource materials for future trainings, and the host has committed to replicate this training to Volunteer Kirk Astroth demonstrates interactive training other facilitators of youth development methodologies for youth trainers activities.
FLEXIBLE ASSIGNMENTS
Vanessa Taylor, 6/16/2014-7/26/2014, mid-west and far west region of Nepal Host organization: CEAPRED The assignment objectives were to assess the agriculture technology adoption rates in different demonstration sites of the USAID/Nepal KISAN program, identify gaps and challenges in technology adoption rates under different demonstration techniques, and provide recommendations toward technology adoption improvement. Ms. Taylor visited 13 Village Development Committees in three districts to observe demonstration sties and conduct interviews and focus group discussions with farmers and farmers’ groups, and then analyzed the various factors influencing adoption rates. The CEAPRED and KISAN staff were receptive to Ms. Taylor’s recommendations and plan to incorporate them into the future KISAN trainings.
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Annex 3. PERSUAP REPORTING
I. PERSUAP Implementation Experience – F2F Assignments
Over the period covered by this report, the project has had the following experience in implementing the F2F PERSUAP:
A. Assignments with Pesticides: The following Type 1 or 2 (or relevant Type 4) volunteer SOW were completed during the reporting period.
1. Dale ZoBell for Type 2 Assignment “Improvement of Animal Husbandry Curricula for BSAg Program” • The volunteer did not end up covering any pesticide issues during the assignment. • No key findings and recommendations on limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP. The volunteer did not receive the PERSUAP. • No recommendations to F2F for additional support needed to improve pest and pesticide management practices. 2. Harvey Pine for Type 2 Assignment “Improvement of Fishery Science Course Curriculum of BSAg Program” • The volunteer did not end up covering any pesticide issues during the assignment. • No key findings and recommendations on limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP. The volunteer did not receive the PERSUAP. • No recommendations to F2F for additional support needed to improve pest and pesticide management practices. 3. Victoria Solbert for Type 4 Assignment “Assessment of Immediate Impacts of Interventions under CREL’s Livelihood Approach” • During the assessment interviews with local service providers (LSPs), Ms. Solbert noted that the most widely adopted improved practices in three out of the four regions was the use of compost and non-chemical pest management practices. • No key findings or recommendations on limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP. • Found that LSPs wanted more information about pests and diseases to convey to farmers and that producers who adopt organic compost and non-chemical pest- management strategies can immediately benefit from promoting their produce as low in chemicals. 4. Charles Mitchell for Type 2 Assignment “Integrated Organic Farming” • Provided information on organic farming practices including the demonstration of use and production of on-farm organic pesticides. • The PERSUAP guidance only addresses synthetic pesticide use and this assignment only addressed organic pesticide use. • Recommended incorporating more organic farming F2F assignments without the use of synthetic pesticides for small-scale farmers. 5. Luis Manrique for Type 2 Assignment “Improved Cassava Farming for Small Scale Farmers” • Provided training to small-scale farmers in Ahtaung Sub-township and some information on pesticide use was included in the training materials. • No key findings and recommendations on limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP. • No recommendations to F2F for additional support needed to improve pest and pesticide management practices.
B. Assignments with SOWs in IPM and pesticide safer use: The following volunteer SOWs in IPM and pesticide safer use were undertaken for the F2F regional program, country program, or country project area as a whole. These differ from the individual assignments addressing pesticide use with specific hosts, which should be included in the table below. These will be relatively limited.
None
1
C. Needs for a PERSUAP amendment: The following needs for a PERSUAP amendment to add pesticides were identified during the reporting period.
None
D. F2F PERSUAP Assignment Data Table:1
–
– –
funded - funded
Country F2F ission ission
Assignment (Trip) (Trip) Assignment Number Volunteer Name Country Project PERSUAP Type Assignment Work Directly with USAID Mission or Mission 4) (Type Project Yes for Check Syllabus Training AOR/ F2F to Sent M Environmental 1) (Type Officer Yes for Check Attended Training by USAID (Type 1) Yes for Check W-A-5 Dale ZoBell Bangladesh AET 2 N/A N/A N/A W-A-9 Harvey Pine Bangladesh AET 2 N/A N/A N/A W-A-11 Victoria Solbert Bangladesh Flexible 4 N/A N/A W-A-12 Charles Mitchell Burma Rural 2 N/A N/A N/A Development W-A-18 Luis Manrique Burma Rural 2 N/A N/A N/A Development Counts: 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
II. Certifications of assignment and office compliance with PERSUAP guidelines:
A. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Assignments
Winrock International certifies that all volunteers have received the F2F Environmental Brochure. For all PERSUAP Type 1, 2 and relevant Type 4 SOWs, Winrock further certifies that the following have been provided to and developed by the relevant volunteers, with the exception of two Bangladesh volunteers (ZoBell and Pine):
Type 1 SOWs2 Type 2 SOWs2 Provided to • F2F PERSUAP with Attachments A - H • F2F PERSUAP with Volunteer • SUAP briefing with F2F field staff Attachments B, C, F, H • Implementing Partner F2F PERSUAP Questionnaire • SUAP briefing with F2F field • List of any IPM practices and any tools, forms, staff protocols, plans from previous volunteers • Implementing Partner F2F • Host country list of approved pesticides3 PERSUAP Questionnaire • Approved pesticide list from any other applicable • List of IPM practices from PERSUAPs previous volunteers Developed/ • Syllabus for training event • Limitations/successes of Provided by • Material Safety Data Sheets (filed in field office) F2F PERSUAP Volunteer • Any pesticides that the F2F program should be able • Recommendations for to recommend/use which are included on an additional support on approved list pesticide management • Limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP practices • Recommendations for additional support on • Recommendations/feedback
1 Required only for PERSUAP Type 1 & 2 SOWs, and for Type 4 SOWs that follow Type 1 & 2 requirements 2 If governed by F2F PERSUAP, Type 4 SOWs should follow requirements for Type 1, 2, or 3 SOWs, as most relevant 3 Or, letter from host country government stating that there is no list of government-approved pesticides and noting any specific measures that should be taken when F2F volunteers recommend pesticides 2
pesticide management practices on local IPM practices • Recommendations/feedback on local IPM practices • Highly Toxic Pesticides (Attachment E)/poor pesticide practices witnessed • Tools, forms, protocols, plans for implementation of pesticide-related recommendations
B. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Offices
Winrock International certifies that all F2F staff have reviewed the F2F Environmental Brochure for staff this fiscal year and that the following have been updated and kept on file:
Home Office Field Office Documents • F2F Environmental • F2F Environmental Brochure for staff Updated Brochure for staff • PERSUAP with Attachments A-I4 and on File • PERSUAP with • USAID Mission- or sector-wide PERSUAP(s) for relevant Attachments A-I country/sector • Any USAID Mission- • Host country list of approved pesticides3 or sector-wide • Implementing partner F2F PERSUAP Questionnaire, with any PERSUAP(s) for volunteer additions relevant • Material Safety Data Sheets for relevant pesticides4 country/sector • Tools, forms, protocols, plans developed by volunteers
4 It is recommended that these documents be translated into local languages for distribution to relevant hosts and partners. Please note if they have been translated (in whole or in part), and if not, why. 3