Report on Official Travel to Solomon Islands (10 – 30 June 2012) 1. Name: Workneh Ayalew, Action Coordinator, EU-ARD project 2. Itinerary Departed Lae on 10 June and continued to Honiara. Departed Honiara for Lae : on 30 June 2012. Travel costs covered the EU-ARD project (14 days) and the ACP S&T Program (7 days). 3. Purpose 1. Co-ordinate three community reporting back workshops and two stakeholder consultation meetings. 2. Deliver training workshop on ‘Assessment of constraints, opportunities and potentials of the livestock sector’ as planned by the ACP S &T program of NARI. 4. People 1. Mr. Frank Wickham, Permanent Secretary, MAL met/ visits 2. Mr. Jimi Saelea, Under Secretary – Technical, MAL 3. Mrs. Helen Tsatsia, Acting Director of Research, MAL 4. Mr. Barney Keqa, Director of Livestock, MAL 5. Mr. Michael Ho’ota, Director of Extension, MAL 6. Mr. Jules Damutalau, Acting project sub-coordinator in Solomon Islands 7. Mr. Clement Hadosaia, Program Manager, Kastom Gaden Association, Solomon Islands 8. Ms Delia Brad of BOKU. 9. Other staff of MAL at head quarters as well as Western and Malaita provinces. 5. Major 1. On 11 June 2012, a one day stakeholder consultation meeting in events Honiara took place, which reviewed highlight of findings of the baseline survey for each of the three project sites prepared for presentation at the community reporting back workshops at the three project sites (Aruligo, Hunda & Kena and Buma). A total of 30 participants attended the meeting provided input on the draft workshop presentations. See annex 1 for details. 2. The community reporting back workshop at Aruligo was facilitated on 12 and 13 June. A total of 21 women and 25 men farmers attended the two day workshop and contributed to the community feedback on the key findings and based on these to the assessment of potential remedial actions to address the prioritized list of key constraints. Together with the NARI team of sic (Norah, Peter, Elick, Michael, Rama and Dominik)a total of eight members of staff of partner and associate institutions took part in the workshop. Details are presented in Annex 2. 3. The community reporting workshop at Hunda & Kena took place on 15 and 16 June, with a total of 13 women and 26 men participating. Claudine, Ataban, Roy, Rex and Jules took the role of presenting the component workshop material. Chief of the provincial MAL office in Gizo attended the first day of the workshop. Details and in Annex 3. 4. The workshop at Buma on 19 and 20 June was attended by 13 women and 28 men. The local team included Jules, Rex, Michael, Mary, Armsterm, Augustine and Zevehaiah. Chielf of the Provincial MAL office in Auki, John, attended the workshop on both days. 5. The second stakeholder consultation held on 22 June in Honiara was attended by only 15 people. 6. As a follow up to previous communication on appointing a replacement MAL senior scientist for the project, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Frank Wickham, wrote an official letter confirming the appointment of Mr. Jimi Saelea, Under Secretary-Technical of MAL as the senior scientist. 7. MAL senior management, in particular PS Frank Wickham and Director of Livestock Barney Keqa have agreed for Kastom Gaden to be the custodians of the poultry egg incubator that the project will buy to support chicken and duck restocking work of the project in Solomon Islands. Subsequently the procurement procedure was initiated by the project, with an experienced manufacturer in Australia to supply the mini-incubator and ship it direct to Honiara. 8. I met Ms Delia Brad of BOKU together with Dominik to get an update on the progress of her project work. She will complete her work in Solomon Islands by mid-July. During the remaining period she will complete the dfield data collection work at Hunda & Kena and Aruligo sites. Dominik confirmed that he received her progress report. She expressed interest to return to Solomon Islands to continue her field research, and this will be discussed with MAL in due course. 9. The ACP S&T program training on assessment of constraints, opportunities and potentials of the livestock sector was facilitated for three days between 25 and 27 June in Honiara. A total of 17 participants – five from PNG, four from Vanuatu and eight from Solomon Islands – attended the training. An end-of-training assessment of participants on their level of understanding of the course content indicated that overall their receptivity and understanding of technical issues was very good, but all of the participants said the training period was too short.. Participant assessment of the course structure, depth and presentation also indicated very high rating. 10. The Livestock Division of MAL has agreed to our proposal to test the NARI broiler and layer concentrates with a few commercial farmers in Honiara. Accordingly, the Division through its director, Mr. Barney Keqa, will sort out quarantine requirements for the import of the concentrate from PNG to Solomon Islands and advise us on the essential procedures. 11. An excellent demonstration of the Sweet potato silage technology was staged on a small piggery farm in Honiara with facilitation from Kastom Gaden Association and the Livestock Division of MAL. A follow up visit by MAL and KSA officers will take place next week. 12. The lab equipment purchased for the MAL tissue culture lab is stranded in Auckland port due to workers’ strike, and this caused an additional NZ$238 of storage changes to us. Arrangements are now made for the money to be paid direct from the project account in Honiara. 6. Follow- 1. Pursue the procurement and shipment of mini-egg incubator from up actions Australia to Honiara. (Action: Workneh, Sasha, Monica) required 2. Draft a sub-contract document for Kastom Gaden Association of Solomon Islands to formalise their roles and responsibilities in the crop and livestock components of the project. (Action: Workneh, Jimi Saelea, Clement Hadosaia). 3. In light of experience we gained in Solomon Islands, make preparations for the community reporting back workshop in Vanuatu. (Action: Workneh, Norah, Joshua and the rest of the team). 4. Make preparations for the project steering committee meeting in Port Vila on 18 July 2012 from 3:00pm. (Action: Workneh, Ruben) 5. Organise the shipment of one ton of NARI broiler and layer concentrates to MAL in Solomon Islands as part of the livestock component of the project. (Action: Workneh, Michael). 6. The project vehicle with MAL needs to be services urgently, as it has not been services for over one year. The taco meter reading is over 13,300. (Action: Jules, Helen, Annie, Workneh). 7. Other The longer time than expected it took us to complete the report back Comments workshops not just in Solomon Islands but also in PNG and Vanuatu is delaying progress of work at the project sites. Some concern was expressed by communities and collaborating institutions. This needs to be taken in to account in finalising action plans per site and rolling out of the activities. File: Workneh-SI Mission Travel Report - June12

Annex 1: List of participant who attend the NARI – EU ARD Stakeholder Consultation Meeting Monday 11th June 2012

No Name Institution 1 Claudine Watoto Kastom Garden Association 2 Mari G MAL Research 3 Clement Hadosaia Kastom Garden Association 4 Mary Timothy Kastom Garden Association 5 Olga Chanpagi Voice blong Mere S.I 6 Armstem Lotoani MAL Research 7 Helen Tsatsia MAL Research (Acting Director ) 8 Michael Qwanafia Kastom Garden Association 9 Jules Damutalau MAL Research (sub –coordinate) 10 Mark Johnston RDP Adviser 11 Gordon Napinau MAL Extension officer 12 Josephine Teakeni Voice blong Mere S.I 13 Frank Wickham PS, MAL PS 14 Gegriel Hiele RDP officer 15 Michael Ho’ota MAL Extension (Director ) 16 Peter Trena MAL chief information officer 17 Elisabeth Goetsch EU Delegation in SI 18 Festus Ahikau MECDM Rep 19 Iseal Lekddu MMERE Rep 20 Jeremiah Tabana World vision Rep 21 Casper Supe MAL/PACC Project 22 JImi Saelea US-T, MAL 23 Rex Filia MAL Research 24 Dr Peter Gendua NARI-PNG 25 Elick Guaf NARI-PNG 26 Michael Dom NARI-PNG 27 Dr Norah Omot NARI-PNG 28 Dr Workneh Ayalew NARI-PNG 29 Dr Dominik Ruffeis NARI-PNG 30 Dr Ramakrishna NARI-PNG List of participant who attend the NARI – EU ARD Stakeholder Consultation Meeting Friday 22nd June 2012

No Name Institution 1 Claudine Watoto Kastom Garden Association 2 Clement Hadosais Kastom Garden Association 3 Mary Timothy Kastom Garden Association 4 Armstem Lotoani MAL Research 5 Helen Tsatsia MAL Research (Acting Director ) 6 Michael Qwanfaia Kastom Garden Association 7 Jules Damutalau MAL Research (sub –coordinate) 8 Mark Johnston RDP Adviser 9 Aron Kama SICHE (Head of SNR) 10 Olga Chanpagi Voice blong Mere S.I 11 Dr Peter Gendua NARI-PNG 12 Elick Guaf NARI-PNG 13 Michael Dom NARI-PNG 14 Dr Norah Omot NARI-PNG 15 Dr Workneh Ayalew NARI-PNG

Annex 2: Proceedings of the community reporting back workshop - Aruligo

Scores of the prioritization exercise Ariligho Issues Women Men Both 1. Improve production of cassava and sweet potato 13 20 33 2. Protect the soil of my plot from erosion for sustained Rank food production 7 16 23 key 3. Diversify my livestock holdings for food and income 3 0 3 First 4. Introduce varieties of crops and staples or other crops 1 5 6 Second 5. Improve the fertility of my soil for higher productivity 10 3 13 Third 6. Improve utilization of staple crops through processing for food and feed 7 0 7 Fourth 7. Manage and protect my water sources 4 6 10 8. Manage and protectmy crops during times of drought 8 4 12 9. Improve feeding systems for chicken and pigs 4 21 25 10. Protect my crops from too much water and hot sun 6 0 6 Total 63 75 21 25 42

Selected issues suggested discussion points 1. Improve production of cassava and (identify the known constraints to cassava and SP production; how sweet potato important are cash crops to food security (pine apple, mango, water melon); check seasonality of harvests; check how gaps in staple food supply can be bridged) 9. Improve feeding systems for chicken (confirm chicken and pigs as the priority species for improved mgmt; and pigs identify the constraints now of feeding chicken and pigs; check how and when these contribute to improved food security; confirm the list of staple crops used to feed livestock; identify crop parts used for feed. 2. improve soil fertility for higher (check their perception of soil fertility; which crops are mainly affected by productivity & protect the soil from soil fertility decline; check location of the affected plots; how long do they erosion for sustained food production cultivate plots before fallow; what types of soils are affected by erosion; check the location of plots most affected by erosion; identify soil types and their location; check intensity of cropping on same plot)

Debriefing notes - Day 1  issue of land use intensity not picked up by the survey data  problem with wild pigs causing damage to crops also not picked up  How long have they been on the land - since 1977, during the earthquack at Weather Coast  Do not have fishing grounds near the reefs so they need to buy from market rather than fish from the sea  they focus on crops and do not have time for fishing  Traditionally crop farmers at Weather Coast  Scale of pine apple and water melon production not picked up by survey data; too busy to raise livestock  Can the introduction of the components should be brief, no need to give too much information before the booth  The SWOT presentation was well received, attentively

Debriefing notes - Day 2  process went well for the livestock group; the response was very useful, with good interaction  No strong voices discouraging others from participating  the water and soil group saw only one senior woman making most of the contribution  taking names of those who turned up may send wrong messages to those who were unable to come.  continuity of the process may be affected if different local staff are involved in each site (e.g. Mary not going to Hunda)  Local staff did not have major difficulties with the assigned tasks  Need to be careful not to be seen like too much associated with Olga's family; other might feel excluded.  Stress the point that the project will not give hand outs; they should invest their own resources as well.  Synergies between components are not coming out clear at the wrap up session; what the project can deliver together as a team.  James says the experience was very useful to help prepare for Vanuatu; the meetings went very well. Annex 3: Proceedings of the reporting back workshop at Hunda & Kena Scores of the prioritization exercise Ariligho Issues Men Women Both 1. Improve fertility of my soil for high production 15 12 27 2. Improve production of sweet potato and cassava 5 12 17 Rank 3. Diversify my livestock holdings for food and income 7 5 12 key 4. Protect my crop from too much water in the soil 1 0 1 First 5. Introduce different varieties of current staples and those of other crops 8 7 15 Second 6. Improving feeding of pigs and chicken 13 3 16 Third 7. Protect soils of my plot from erosion for sustained food crop production 6 0 6 Fourth 8. Improve utilization of staple crops through processing for food and feed 5 0 5 Total 60 39 20 13 33

Selected issues suggested discussion points 1. Improve fertility of my soil (check their perception of soil fertility; which crops are mainly for high production affected by soil fertility decline; check location of the affected plots; how long do they cultivate plots before fallow; identify soil types and their location; check intensity of cropping on same plot) 2. Improve production of (identify the known constraints to sweet potato and cassava sweet potato and cassava; production; check seasonality of harvests; check how gaps in staple together with introducing food supply can be bridged; check if there are known preferred different varieties of staple varieties of sweet potato and cassava; identify other preferred crops and those of other crops varieties of SP and cassava; identify current constraints of acquiring these varieties; check seasonality of harvests and how they contribute to improved food security) 6. Improving feeding of pigs (confirm chicken and pigs as the priority species for improved and chicken; together with mgmt; identify the constraints now of feeding chicken and pigs; diversification of livestock check how and when these contribute to improved food security; holdings confirm the list of staple crops used to feed livestock; identify crop parts used for feed; confirm the list of preferred livestock species for diversification)

Debriefing notes - Day 1  Claudine did an excellent leading of the discussions as facilitator, and keeping the time  Local staff did very well in the discussions - Arthur for livestock, Roy and Rex for crop, and Jules for soils & water  Voting was very quick for men, but the women took more time to decide and vote  Number of farmers was 33, with 13 women  MAL prov chief expresses appreciation for the whole idea of reporting back  The illustrations were very good to help communities better understand the message  Good that the community will be involved in deciding on the preferred activities Annex 4 Proceedings of the reporting back workshop at Buma Scores of the prioritization exercise

Issues Women Men Both 1. Improving fertility of my soil for high productivity 8 20 28 2. Improving production of sweet potato and Rank cassava 6 4 10 key 3. diversifying my livestock holdings for food and income 4 11 15 First 4. Protecting the soils of my plot from erosion 0 6 6 Second 5. Introducing varieties of current staples and other crops 6 8 14 Third 6. Protecting my crops from too much water in the soil 1 14 15 Fourth 7. Improving utilization of staples through processing food and income 0 0 0 8. Improved feeding of chicken and pigs 11 12 23 9. Managing my food crops and garden from high tide 3 9 12 Total 39 84 123 13 28 41

Selected issues for discussion suggested discussion points 1. Improving fertility of my soil for high (check their perception of soil fertility; which crops productivity AND protecting my crops from are mainly affected by soil fertility decline; check too much water in the soil location of the affected plots if these are also affected by water logging; identify soil types and their location; check intensity of cropping on same plot; check indigenous practices to manage water logging; discuss also practices they may have to manage high seasonal sea tides) 8. Improved feeding of chicken and pigs AND (confirm chicken and pigs as the priority species for diversifying my livestock holdings improved mgmt; identify the constraints now of feeding chicken and pigs; check how and when these contribute to improved food security; confirm the list of staple crops used to feed livestock; identify crop parts used for feed; confirm the priority list of species for diversification; check the constraints now of acquiring these species) 5. Introducing varieties of current staples (identify the known constraints to Kumara (SP) and and those of other crops AND improving cassava production; explore the varieties of staple production of staples crops that the community may be interested in; check the major sources of cash from crops that contribute to food security; check seasonality of harvests; check how gaps in staple food supply can be bridged) Discussion notes - Day 1 introductory briefing before workshop Members of the team  Jules  Chief of Provincial MAL - John  Norah  Michael  Auguistine - extension, central region, 10 wards  Peter Gendua  Armsterm - MAL, Honiara - crops  Elick Guaf  Michael - KGA- livestock  Mary Timothy - KGA - crops  Rex Filia, MAL - Research, Auki - Soil & water  Zevenaiha - MAL, Auki, Insects, honey bees

Observations  Catholic missionaries stayed here for 100 years, and attracted locals to come down and settle here  Most of the community are settlers  Some of this land was alienated in 1978 to the the Government  Every settler has the right to use the land, cut trees etc.  But much of the suitable land is already occuplied  Much of the land is in swamps, hence Kakake is the staple  Settlers were attracted by the Church and its services  Some settlers make gardens in the old plots  An estimated 100 households may be living in this low lying area

Debriefing – Day 1  Women took a lot more time to decide to vote; said that all the issues are very important to them  one woman was illitrate and took longer to decide to vote  Soil fertility appears to be the most immediate challenge along with mgmt of water logging  Chief pf PMAL surprised by the divergent views on issues between women and men

Debriefing Day 2  Dala Training centre - not functional at the moment; buildings in bad condition and need rehabilitation; a field worker (Harold) is also based there; he attended the ACP  40 ha of land; provincial land, suitable for cultivation, some tree crops these but not well managed; damaged during the tension.  Currently only one livestock officer based on the centre - Rex Ramou, only doing training bee keepers in other areas, but he stays there.  If the project can stay to maintain facilities and take tasks on the centre  The centre can be used to bulk up plant materials  Earlier the trials on Taro were conducted at the centre  height and size of the mounds is larger to manage the high water table and water logging

 Mounds for cassava as well

 crop component should work closely with soil and water component  large numbers of cuttings planted per mound  swamp taro is there as food security crop; have limitation for land  Some people do not have access to land on the mountains, so not everybody can try yam  Rice was tried before, but abandoned later, opting to pay for the rice from shop

 taro and sweet potato were the staple when they were on the mountains; when they came down, they reverted to SP because of low yield of taro  sago identified in abundance, but can be demonstrated for food, as they do not have experience. Can be a good food security crop.  Size of land per family may be small that it appears.

 Lots of feed for pigs and chickens, but efficiency s unclear for growth.  The issue may be efficiency and not sufficiency of feed  Pigs for special occasions chicken for household use.

 Eggs and meat of chicken production can be improved, with intervention  Good housing for pigs; for chickens unclear; still roaming; but can have raised platforms.

 Do not use the eggs normally; but allow the birds to hatch them, so have birds in large numbers and tend to use them more for special occasions

 Low mgmt and scavenging f chicken show the potential for improvement  for Pigs, mgmt is key to target market and date of disposal.

 small scale semi-commercial operations possible, with Auki the possible market outlet; a few farmers keen on effective feeding of pigs, but perhaps not at commercial scale; at least two farmers seem ready to try semi-intensive feeding - copra and fish meal from Auki are accessible.

 Diversification - perhaps honey bees? ducks a good option for farmers.

 Good to see the list of issues presented against possible interventions; should do the same for the other sites as well for the workshop on Friday.

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