JT GROUP COMMUNITY REFORESTATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM (MALAWI & TANZANIA)

Transcription

1 JT GROUP COMMUNITY REFORESTATION AND SUPPORT PROGRAM (MALAWI & TANZANIA) ANNUAL REPORT: JANUARY DECEMBER 2008 Prepared By W Trent Bunderson, Zwide Jere Rebecca Mwasyoke, Glynwell Siyeni & Victoria Kambalame December 2008 A Program Implemented by Washington State University and Total LandCare Sponsored by Japan Tobacco Inc. and Japan Tobacco International

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 1 Introduction... 1 Purpose... 1 Key Results for ANNUAL REPORT FOR Project Organization and Management... 2 Collaboration with Other Stakeholders... 3 Implementation Activities... 4 Organization of Results... 5 MALAWI FIELD RESULTS... 6 Staff and Community Training... 6 Radio Program... 6 Village and Household Participation... 7 Forestry Program... 7 Irrigation Program... 8 Safe Water and Ecological Sanitation... 8 TANZANIA FIELD RESULTS Staff and Community Training Village and Household Participation Forestry Program Irrigation Program Safe Water and Ecological Sanitation ROCKET BARN PROGRAM IN MALAWI AND TANZANIA SUCCESS STORIES CONCLUSION COVER PHOTO: Farmer with beans and tomatoes under Irrigation using a treadle pump in Tabora, Tanzania

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction The JT Group Reforestation and Community Support Program is being implemented by Washington State University and Total LandCare through a memorandum of agreement with funds from the Japan Tobacco Group. The aim is to reduce deforestation in tobacco growing areas of Malawi and Tanzania while enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities. The project began in January 2007 and has just completed its first 2 years. This report covers the period from January 1 to December Purpose The goal to improve rural livelihoods will be achieved through the following objectives: 1. Reduce deforestation by improving the economic use and management of natural resources to supply wood energy and construction materials for tobacco curing and domestic household needs focusing on the following interventions. o o o o Various forms of tree planting concentrated at the household level for ownership. Sustainable management of natural woodlands. Fuel-efficient tobacco barns and kitchen stoves to reduce wood consumption. Planting local bamboo to replace wood for many products and uses. 2. Increase and diversify farm productivity to improve household food security, nutrition, and incomes through low-cost, sustainable systems of irrigation linked to good markets. 3. Enhance rural health standards by introducing safe water and sanitation. Key Results across Malawi and Tanzania for 2008 (see Table 1 below) Programs continued to expand in both countries with impressive results (see below). Operations are being consolidated to build a solid base for scaling up. Project field staff are managing country programs with minimal supervision. Partnerships with government, NGO and private sector entities in both countries are being used to share experiences and resources for more effective implementation. Expenditures and commitments totaled $ 461,924 against a budget of $ 500,000. The balance will be used to cover outstanding costs on wells, latrines, stoves & barns. Participation: 19,473 households in 739 communities Tree Planting for 2007/08: 3.7 million seedlings were planted 2008/09 Nurseries: 4.14 million seedlings were raised for outplanting in 2009 Natural Regeneration: 209 ha were demarcated for regeneration, along with the 84,000 regenerating trees on farms Improved Stoves: 2,148 households are using improved kitchen stoves Rocket Barns: 14 were built in Malawi and 11 in Tanzania for 2009 Irrigation: 289 new households are irrigating food and high value crops Conservation Agriculture (CA): 173 households are implementing CA for 2008/09 Water: 50 shallow wells have been installed impacting at least 1500 households Sanitation: 705 households are equipped with eco-pit latrines JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 1

4 Table 1: JT Group Project: Summary of 2008 Results for Malawi & Tanzania Targets Malawi Results Tanzania Results Total Results % of Total Targets Participation Target Target Districts (#) % % 6 100% Villages / Primary Societies (# cumulative) % % % Participating Households (# cumulative) 10,000 14, % 4,000 4, % 19, % Participating Beneficiaries (# cumulative) 50,000 73, % 20,000 24, % 97, % Forestry Program 1 Outplanting 2007/08 Trees & Bamboo Planted (# all types) 2,000,000 1,696,854 85% 2,000,000 2,003, % 3,700,508 93% Total Area under Planted Trees (ha) 1, % 1,000 1, % 1,850 93% Nurseries 2008/09 (#) % % 1, % Tree seedlings (#) 1,900,000 2,086, % 1,900,000 2,060, % 4,146, % Bamboo Seedlings (#) 100, % 100, % 510 0% Regeneration of Natural Trees & Woodlands Trees on Farms (#) 50,000 31,450 63% 50,000 52, % 83,754 84% Natural Woodlands (ha) % % % Improved stoves Villages (#) % % % Households (#) 500 1, % % 2, % Rocket Barns for 2008/ % % 25 11% Winter Irrigation 3 Treadle Pumps Clubs (#) % % % Households (#) % % % Stream Diversion Sites/Clubs (#) % 5 100% N/A - Terrain unsuitable Households (#) % % Conservation Agriculture 3 Villages (#) % % Clubs (#) % N/A - Will be implemented in % Households (#) % % Area (#) % % Water and Eco-Sanitation Shallow Wells with Hand Pumps 4 Shallow Wells Installed (#) % % 50 50% Villages Impacted (#) % % 50 50% Households Impacted (#) 1,500 1, % 1, % 1,500 50% Eco-Sanitation Pit Latrines 5 Villages (#) % % 47 47% Households Mobilized (#) % % % 1 Outplanting results from 2007/08 are shown here because most planting takes place in Jan/Feb. Nursery data are for the 2008/09 2 Rocket barns in TZ were reduced by insistence from Tobacco Suppliers to continue more testing before scaling up 3 Conservation Agriculture is being implemented in Malawi which exceeded targets due to high interest. It will be introduced in TZ in 09 4 Targets for handpumps were doubled to include years 1 and 2. Installation was affected by delayed delivery of pumps from India and by problems with customs in Tanzania. The balance will be installed in The people impacted is under-estimated as other villages and households are drawing water from these wells. The actual numbers will be verified later. 5 Adoption of eco-pit latrines has been affected by cultural barriers which are being addressed through educational campaigns. % of Targets % of ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2008 Project Organization and Management Trent Bunderson and Zwide Jere oversee and manage the program in both countries. Malawi staff also provide assistance in Tanzania with field operations, training, accounting, reporting, monitoring and evaluation. At the country level, programs are administered through a management unit comprising a project manager/administrator, field operations manager, and accountant. At the field level, activities are implemented through field coordinators in each district. Each country is also testing the use of village-based extension volunteers to assist field coordinators to increase results and to promote sustainability. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 2

5 Table 2: JT Procurement Status: January - December 2008 January - December 2008 Malawi Tanzania Item Unit Target Status Target Status Capital Items Mountain bikes (#) # Forest Materials Nursery seed/tubes ** # Seedlings 2 million 2 million 2 million 2 million Irrigation Materials Treadle pumps (Kickstart MoneyMaker) # Delivery hoses (India) 30 m * Suction hoses (India) 5 m * Input packs for treadle pumps # Water & Sanitation Hand pumps for shallow wells # * Materials for eco-sanitation latrines # bags cement Rocket Curing Barns (via ULT / AOI) Materials for Rocket Barns # * Procured but only cleared through TZ customs in Dec 08 ** Additional seed/tubes in stock NA = Not Applicable or already in stock Funds totaling $ 500,000 were received from the JT Group and TCC in February Procurement of materials is shown in Table 2. Collaboration with Other Stakeholders During the year, TLC collaborated with several partners in each country to improve project implementation which included the following: 1. Trent Bunderson attended JT s Annual EHS Excellence Awards Ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland on May 15. This involved manning a poster stand, culminating in a special award for the achievements of TCC and TLC under the reforestation program. 2. TLC has supported the development of a strategy for rolling out the rocket barn technology in Malawi and Tanzania with support from PMI and JT Group. It involves collaboration with AOI, PROBEC, Universal Leaf, ATTT, and the Governments of Malawi and Tanzania. The agreed plan of action for 2008/09 is to continue with research and field testing with a focus on a) modifying the barn design to improve efficiency and costs, b) farmer training and organization, and c) development of supply chains for materials and linkages to finance institutions. Research and field testing will run for only one more year, after which the program will be discussed with the tobacco industry, farmers and micro-finance institutions as a fully commercialized element of growing tobacco. 3. TLC continued to assist AOI and ULT in the implementation of their forestry programs with the aim of improving skills, extension approaches, species selection, nursery operations, outplanting practices, tree management and harvesting. 4. TLC has been contracted by the Government of Mozambique to implement a project entitled Promoting Rural Investment in Smallholder Enterprises (PRISE). PRISE is a collaborative public-private partnership focused on improving the livelihood and asset wealth of smallholder farm families in Mozambique. The goal is to transform rural livelihoods from subsistence cultivation to viable market-driven farm enterprises using an integrated community-based approach that builds local capacity for sustainability. PRISE was fully supported by Mozambique Leaf Tobacco Company and Washington State University. Several donors and private firms, including JT Group, have been approached to support specific areas within PRISE based on their strategic frameworks. Projects can then be developed along these lines for funding as agreed by the respective donors or private sector organizations, including foundations. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 3

6 Implementation Activities The following activities under each result area were carried out during the first semester to achieve project outputs: 1. Reduce deforestation by improving the economic use and management of natural resources on a sustainable basis with reduced soil and forest degradation: Facilitating the tree outplanting activities, with training courses and demonstrations on aspects of correct panting, management of outplanted trees, etc. Sensitizing and mobilizing communities, including setting up village committees to spearhead the implementation of each program. Conducting field days in successful villages. Facilitating in the construction of improved wood stoves. Provision of technical support and materials for tobacco barns. 2. Increase and diversify farm productivity to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes through low-cost irrigation systems linked to good markets: Assessment of irrigation potential in the target sites. Community sensitization and mobilization, including formation of new irrigation clubs. Campaigns on new guidelines for farmer participation in irrigation. Training of staff and farmers in the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems and loan recoveries. Distribution of irrigation inputs and signing agreements with qualifying farmers. Conducting demonstrations on various aspects of irrigation agronomy. Training farmers who joined the program in 2007 in product presentation and marketing. Conducting field tours to successful sites. 3. Enhance village and household health standards by introducing low-cost methods to provide safe water and sanitation: Community sensitization on general aspects of good health and sanitation. Assessment of old and potential sites for installing hand pumps on shallow wells. Training of village artisans in constructing concrete slabs for eco- pit latrines. Provision of materials for constructing slabs and lining shallow wells. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 4

7 Organization of Results Table 1 above consolidates results across both countries for the period January to December Results by country are presented separately. Overall, the program is on track, although the water and sanitation component has faced some initial challenges. Specific points are outlined below for each set of interventions: 1. Tree Outplanting for 2007/08: The forestry season falls between 2 financial years with nursery production between July and December and outplanting from December to February. Consequently, tree planting results for 2007/08 are presented in this report along with the production of nursery seedlings for outplanting in 2008/09 (see below). 2. Nursery Production for 2008/09: Production of nursery seedlings is presented for 2008/09. Most outplanting will take place during the 1 st quarter of Natural Regeneration: This practice is gaining popularity because of its success and ability to restore the natural biodiversity of the landscape for multiple uses and products. TLC hopes to increase the targets for this practice as an integral complement to tree planting activities. 4. Improved Kitchen Stoves: Although initial uptake of this technology was slow, impacts on reducing wood consumption and labor for fetching firewood are generating more interest among farmers. We hope to increase annual targets in the near future. 5. Rocket Barns for 2009: The 14 barns targeted for Malawi were built with 11 in Tanzania. The target for TZ was cut to 14 because the Tobacco Suppliers (AOI, ULT and ATTT) insisted that another season of field testing was critical before scaling up. After the curing season of 2009, results should be sufficient for the Tobacco Suppliers and farmers to promote the rocket barn as an integral part of growing tobacco, i.e., there will be no further need to provide support for research and field testing. 6. Irrigation: Targets for irrigation were easily reached in Malawi because of high demand and available water. With more resources, targets could be increased substantially. The targets were also met in Tanzania but availability of water is a key challenge. For this reason, TLC proposes to undertake some water harvesting in the rainy season to provide a better supply of water for irrigation during the long dry season. 7. Conservation Agriculture was introduced in Malawi for the 2008/09 rainfed season. The concept was to mount demonstrations to generate interest, but high demand quickly exceeded initial targets. Based on results in this and other sites, TLC plans to promote the practice in Tanzania and to increase the targets (see 2009 Workplan and Budget). 8. Potable Water: The installation of water wells with hand-pumps was affected by delays in the shipment of hand pumps from India. The situation was complicated further in Tanzania by problems to clear the shipment through customs, which was finally accomplished in December. Good progress is now being made in Malawi, and because of the high demand for clean water, TLC expects to install the balance of wells in Ecological Sanitation Pit Latrines: Cultural barriers have affected the adoption of this simple low-cost practice. Although this is changing slowly, greater efforts are needed to improve adoption by breaking down these barriers by creating awareness through education. A key step may be to focus only on the benefits of improved hygiene and to drop the concept of using the fecal manure as fertilizer, even though entirely safe. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 5

8 MALAWI FIELD RESULTS Staff and Community Training The following training courses and awareness meetings were conducted with facilitation by TLC management staff see summary in Table 3: A 2-day refresher course was conducted in March 2008 on irrigation for 55 TLC staff of which 4 were JT field staff. The course focused on reviewing the new policy on irrigation; high value crops; strategies for loan recovery and management of the revolving fund; mechanisms to support farmers who have repaid their loans; formation of farmer groups and associations, and preparations for the 2008 irrigation season. A 2-day Forestry refresher training course was conducted in July 2008 involving 44 TLC staff of which 4 were JT Project staff. The course focused on reviewing on the following: last year s achievements against targets by project; forestry extension approaches; tree species preferences by villagers; management of the natural woodland/regenerating trees; data collection and reporting. Some implementation challenges were noted such as late delivery of inputs and how to overcome these in future. A 2-day training was held in July for 8 JTI community workers on the following: a) program approach, b) roles and responsibilities of community workers in project activities; and c) amendments to TLC s irrigation policy. At the end of the training, mountain bikes were distributed to assist community workers with their field activities. Training of staff was conducted in October on conservation agriculture which was facilitated by experts from CIMMYT in Zimbabwe and TLC. Total number of staff trained was 52 and was done in two sessions. The course covered reduced tillage, crop residue management and use; herbicide use and management, and general agronomy. In November, 16 staff from TLC were trained on improvements in TLC s monitoring and evaluation system. The objective was to clarify the indicators selected, and to understand the methodologies for data collection and analysis. In addition, 10 enumerators were trained in collecting field data. An orientation course was conducted in December for a new TLC project. 12 staff attended. The training covered TLC s approach, land use practices, irrigation systems, marketing, value addition through agro-processing, and M&E. Awareness meetings, practical 1-day training courses, demonstrations and field days were conducted with communities at selected villages in all district sites. Topics covered were: tree outplanting and management; conservation of village forest areas; kitchen mud stoves; irrigation technologies with crop husbandry practices, and ecological sanitation. Radio Program TLC is promoting the activities of the program through Zodiac Broadcasting Corporation, a privately owned local radio station with coverage in all the districts of Malawi. The program is aired once a week every Mondays for 30 minutes and covers farmer interviews, technical messages, announcements, farmer comedies, poems and jingles. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 6

9 Table 3: Staff and Community Training Courses and Meetings Staff Training/Review Semester Total Community Meetings/ Semester Total Meetings Jan-Jun Jul-Dec 2008 Trainings/Demos Jan-Jun Jul-Dec 2008 Subject Matter / Topics Awareness Meetings TLC Approach / Interventions Meetings conducted # Total Participants Male participants # 2,662 2,478 5,140 JT Field Staff Female participants # 1,927 1,589 3,516 Irrigation Total participants # 4,589 4,067 8,656 Total Participants NA Mud Stoves JT Field Staff 4 4 Training sessions # Forestry Male participants # 1, ,333 Total Participants NA 8 8 Female participants # 1, ,174 JT Field Staff 8 8 Total participants # 2, ,507 Conservation Agriculture Demonstrations Total Participants NA Demonstrations # JT Field Staff 4 4 Male participants # 3,594 5,644 9,238 M&E Systems Female participants # 3,884 3,419 7,303 Total Participants NA Total participants # 7,478 9,063 16,541 JT Field Staff 4 4 Field Days Totals Field days conducted Total Participants # Male participants # JT Field Staff Female participants # Total participants # ,561 Village and Household Participation The program is being implemented in 4 Districts as follows: North: Rumphi and Mzimba Districts Center: Mchinji and Ntchisi Districts By the end of 2008, the project had reached 14,622 households in 721 villages with one or more of the interventions being promoted. Results exceeded targets by 40%+ greater coverage by field coordinators and increasing demands by communities. In some instances, field coordinators turned down requests for assistance due to limited resources. A breakdown of field results is presented in Table 4 and the narrative below. Forestry Program 1. Tree Planting for 2007/08 Although slightly below targets, the results for the year were considered excellent given that the field staff were new and this was the first season for the target communities to plant trees. Attempts are being made in the coming season to help compensate for the balance. 2. Tree nurseries for the 2008/09 The main activities were to identify new villages, to procure nursery materials, to train communities in selecting proper sites for nurseries, and to support production of seedlings. By end of 2008, 649 nurseries were established with the production of over 2 million seedlings. The demand is actually higher than this, but field coordinators were advised to match targets with the resources available. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 7

10 3. Natural Tree Regeneration This practice is attracting strong interest among communities in all project sites. 103 ha were demarcated against a target of 100. The number of regenerating trees in these sites is estimated at 120,000. Another 31,450 natural trees were retained on farms. 4. Improved Wood Stoves 1,661 households in 344 villages had installed and were using improved kitchen stoves vs. a target of 500 and 50 respectively. This high achievement was due to the low cost of the practice combined with increased effectiveness and area coverage by field coordinators, as well farmer to farmer outreach. The practice is having major impacts on reducing wood demands and household labor among women and girls who are responsible for fetching firewood. Irrigation Program In Malawi, TLC is promoting 2 types of irrigation, namely treadle pumps and stream diversion. Results are having significant impacts on the livelihoods of farmers in terms of food security, improved nutrition and increased incomes. Below is a brief description of progress achieved under each system. 1. Treadle Pump Irrigation: TLC is promoting the Super MoneyMaker Plus pump manufactured by Kickstart which is favored by farmers, particularly women due to its ease of operation. The target of 100 households was reached in treadle pump irrigation with a variety of crops including maize, beans, paprika, onions, tomatoes, cabbages and leafy vegetables. High demands to participate in irrigation suggest the need to scale up the targets and related resources. 2. Stream Diversion: The target of to involve 100 households in this practice was reached. Stream diversion is limited by terrain and perennial streams and therefore cannot be promoted in all project sites. Currently, new sites are being investigated for this practice to reach the targeted number for the 2008/09 season. Safe Water and Ecological Sanitation 1. Safe Water: By the end of 2008, TLC had helped communities to install 50 shallow wells, impacting 50+ villages and 1500 households. Some of the wells were shared with adjacent villages and households who had no clean water. An assessment will be made to establish the extra villages and households impacted. This program has been well received by communities as most have never had access to potable water. 2. Ecological Sanitation: 657 households had constructed and were using eco-sanitation pit latrines in 32 villages. Increased efforts are being made to generate greater public awareness about this practice. The aim is to break down cultural barriers as many households still use the bush as a toilet, a habit that increases the risk of spreading water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 8

11 Participation Target Result Achieved Districts (#) % Villages (cumulative #) % Participating Households (cumulative #) 10,000 14, % Forestry Program /08 Tree Planting (# all types) 2,000,000 1,696,854 85% Homesteads/Farms/Boundaries (# trees) 506,195 Communal Lands (# trees) 1,121,493 Live Fencing (# trees) Breakdown 1,074 Breakdow not n not Roadside Planting (# trees) 14,052 specified specified Stream Banks and Soil Fertility (# trees ) 51,336 Fruit Trees (#) 150 Bamboo Planting (#) 100,000 2,554 3% Lack of seed (bamboo flowers once in 20 years) 2007/08 Average No. / Household (#) % Avg affected by a) more farmers b) fewer 2007/08 Area under Planted Trees (ha) 1, % seedlings 2008/09 Nurseries (#) % Tree seedlings (#) 1,900,000 2,086, % Increased to make up for Year 1 Bamboo Seedlings (#) 100, % Seed scarcity/germination difficulties Regeneration of Natural Trees & Woodlands Trees on Farms (#) 50,000 31,450 63% Natural Woodlands (ha) % Improved Stoves Villages (#) % Households (#) 500 1, % increased demand for this technology. Rocket Barns for 2008/ % The new RB 3.0 barns are ready for 2008/09 Winter Irrigation 2 Treadle Pumps Clubs (#) % Households (#) % Stream Diversion Sites/Clubs (#) % Households (#) % Conservation Agriculture Villages (#) % Clubs (#) % Households (#) % Area (#) % Water and Eco-Sanitation Shallow Wells with Hand Pumps 3 Table 4: JT Group Project: 2008 Results for Malawi Increased interest by villages and households Although the result is 15% lower than the target, survival is encouraging and communities have weeded and protected the trees from bush fires. Plans were made to increase tree planting in 2008/09 to help compensate for the difference (see Nursery Results below) This practice is still a new concept among target villages, but interest is picking up Extension efforts have proved effective with 3 of the 4 districts have this type of irrigation due to suitable terrain and presence of perennial rivers. The demonstrations were a success which generated interest by more farmers for the 2008/09 season. Membership in clubs is higher than expected. Shallow Wells Installed (#) % Equipped with handpumps Villages Impacted (#) % Households Impacted (#) 1,500 1, % Eco-Sanitation Pit Latrines 4 Villages (#) % Households (#) % Under-estimated as other villages and households are using the wells, numbers to be verified later Awareness campaigns are helping to breakdown cultural barriers to this technology 1 Outplanting results from 2007/08 are shown because most planting takes place in Jan/Feb. Nursery data are for the 2008/09 season 2 Targets for irrigation were easily reached due to high demand 3 Targets for handpumps were 25, but were doubled to include years 1 and 2. Installation was affected by delayed delivery of pumps from India. The balance will be installed in Targets for handpumps were doubled to include years 1 and 2. Installation was affected by delayed delivery of pumps from India and by problems with customs in Tanzania. The balance will be installed in The people impacted is under-estimated as other villages and households are drawing water from these wells. Actual numbers will be verified later. 4 Adoption of eco-pit latrines has been affected by cultural barriers which are being addressed through educational campaigns. % Remarks The targets were readily achieved due to high demand. Most farmers grew 2 crops, and some 3. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 9

12 TANZANIA FIELD RESULTS Staff and Community Training Field Coordinators organized several campaign meetings and practical training courses for farmers. Topics covered included treadle pump irrigation; improved stoves; nursery management; tree outplanting and management; conservation of village forest areas; and ecological sanitation pit latrines. Table 5 gives a summary of the meetings and demonstrations conducted in terms of number of sessions and participation. Table 5: January June 2008 Training Results for Tanzania Subject Matter # Community Sensitization Meetings # Demonstrations Participation Male Female Total Irrigation Improved Stoves Nursery Management & Outplanting Management of Outplanted Trees Natural Woodland Regeneration Ecological Sanitation Village and Household Participation The Project covers 4 sites in 2 districts as follows: Sikonge: North and South Urambo: Ulyankhulu East and West 4,851 households in 18 Primary Societies were reached with the program. The achievement was 100% and 121% of the targets for primary society and household participation, respectively. The success is attributable to many factors, some of which include: a) participatory sensitization meetings conducted by staff; b) strong relationships and good collaboration with village leaders from the onset of the project and c) involvement of all households in one or more program components by some primary societies. Table 6 shows results against targets with detailed narratives which follow. Forestry Program 1. Tree Outplanting for 2007/08 Impressive results were achieved with over 2 million trees planted (see Table 6). 80% of the trees were planted by individual households around their homesteads. This remarkable achievement signifies high interest among communities in planting trees of their choice instead of being told what to plant with free seedlings as was the case previously. Several other factors contributed to this success, including the establishment of an organized management structure with qualified personnel, improved mobility of field staff, hands-on training of communities, and timely delivery of inputs. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 10

13 Table 6: JT Group Project: 2008 Results for Tanzania % Participation Target Result Achieved Comments Districts (#) % Primary Societies (#) % Participating Households (cumulative #) 4,000 4, % Results exceed targets by a small percentage Participating Beneficiaries (cumulative #) 20,000 24, % Forestry Program /08 Tree Planting (# all types) 1,900,000 2,003, % Homesteads/Farms/Boundaries (# trees) 1,602,000 Communal Lands (# trees) Breakdown 258,211 Breakdown Live Fencing (# trees) not 11,367 not Roadside Planting (# trees) specified 8,793 specified Stream Banks and Soil Fertility (# trees ) 7,113 Results approximate targets Bamboo Planting (#) 100, , % Fruit Trees (#) NA NA NA 2007/08 Average No. / Household (#) % 2007/08 Area under Planted Trees (ha) 1,000 1, % 2008/09 Nurseries (#) % Tree seedlings (#) 1,900,000 2,060, % Increased to make up for Year 1 Bamboo Seedlings (#) 100, % Seed scarcity/germination difficulties Regeneration of Natural Trees & Woodlands Trees on Farms (#) 50,000 52, % Natural Woodlands (ha) % Results exceed targets by a small percentage Improved Stoves Villages (#) % Households (#) % Results approximate targets Rocket Barns for 2008/ % Tobacco Suppliers insisted on more testing Winter Irrigation Treadle Pumps Clubs (#) % Club size smaller than expected No. of T Pumps Distributed % All pumps were distributed Households (#) % Some pumps are shared between households Water and Eco-Sanitation 3 Shallow Wells with Hand Pumps 3 Shallow Wells Installed (#) % Villages Impacted (#) % Households Impacted (#) 1, % Eco-Sanitation Pit Latrines 4 Villages (#) % Households Mobilized (#) % Late shipment of handpumps from India was aggravated by problems with customs. Pumps will be installed in 2009 Progress is being made to overcome cultural barriers 1 Outplanting results from 2007/08 are shown because most planting takes place in Jan/Feb. Nursery data reflect the 2008/09 season 2 Rocket barns in TZ were reduced by Tobacco Suppliers for testing purposes before scaling up 3 Installation of wells with hand pumps includes targets for years 1 and 2, but were affected by delayed delivery of pumps from India and getting them cleared by TZ customs. 4 Adoption of eco-pit latrines has been affected by cultural barriers which are being addressed through educational campaigns. 2. Nurseries for 2008/09 The main activities were to identify new villages, to procure nursery materials, to train communities in site selection and nursery production. By end of 2008, 485 nurseries were established with over 2 million seedlings. Only 510 bamboo seedlings were raised due to seed scarcity and poor viability. 3. Natural Tree Regeneration The plan was to identify and demarcate 100 ha of natural woodland for management. By the end of 2008, 106 hectares were demarcated and 52,304 natural trees have been retained on farms. Interest in this practice continues to increase through awareness meetings and observations of others who have undertaken the practice. Villages are presently identifying new areas to be managed for regeneration. Where possible, enrichment planting was done using tree seedlings raised in communal nurseries. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 11

14 Activities to promote the practice included sensitization meetings, training in selective thinning, trimming shoots of young regenerating trees, formulation of bye-laws and provision of sign posts to publicize the practice and to promote the message. The program is greatly appreciated and its success is attributable to strong controls exerted under the governing structure of the village. In addition, many communities have come to realize that managing the trees in this manner is more effective than planting new trees. 4. Improved Wood Stoves By early December, a total of 487 stoves were built in 64 villages. The number is expected to rise by the end of the year as there is increasing interest in the technology and recent modifications for improved efficiency. Irrigation Program 100 pumps were distributed tallying with the target. This program was slow at the first due to the new loan policy which requires a larger deposit. The clubs are smaller and therefore more numerous. Most households are sharing the pumps. As reported in the 2007 annual report, river diversion is not presently being promoted in the Tabora region due to limitations related to the terrain and water flow in most rivers. Safe Water and Ecological Sanitation 1. Safe Water: The plan for the 2008 workplan was to install 25 shallow wells with hand pumps and another 25 from the 2007 workplan, making a total of 50. However, delays were experienced in shipping the hand pumps from India, and with clearing them with customs. This means that the wells will be installed in Sites and communities have already been identified for installing the wells. 2. Ecological Sanitation: The main activities included sensitizing villagers on the importance of good sanitation and organizing households in constructing slabs. 48 households adopted the intervention in 15 villages, representing 10% and 30% of the targets respectively. Greater efforts are needed to educate households about the health benefits of this practice and to breakdown the cultural barriers that are affecting adoption. The focus will be on hygiene while the concept of using the fecal waste as fertilizer will be dropped because this is the main barrier to adopting the technology. ROCKET BARN PROGRAM IN MALAWI AND TANZANIA 1. Introduction The aim of this program is to design and test the performance of a new barn (rocket barns) to improve the wood use efficiency for curing flue cured tobacco while simultaneously saving labor and improving curing quality to increase incomes. The Rocket Barn has been tried and tested over the last two seasons and has proven to be more successful than initially expected. The Rocket Barn designed for the season (RB 2.0) was field tested last season with 86 tobacco farmers in Malawi and 60 barns in Tanzania. Tests of the latest model (RB 3.0) in Lilongwe demonstrated more impressive results than the RB 2.0. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 12

15 2. Objective for 2007/08 The program included more research in Malawi to improve the design of rocket barns (RB 3.0), and to field test the earlier model (RB 2.0) with 86 smallholder farmers in Malawi and 60 in Tanzania. The JT Group supported 14 of the barns in Malawi and 15 in Tanzania. For 2008/09, the JT Group will support field tests of 14 new barns in Malawi with the latest design features (RB 3.0 Short) and 14 of the RB 3.0 Long model in Tanzania. 3. Results for 2007/08 Research in Malawi is shown below, with field tests in Table 9. Target for 2008 Outcome for 2008 Develop a 500 and 600 Stick Rocket Barn to reduce fuel use to 2 kg of wood to 1 kg of cured tobacco Compare the RB stick, 480 stick, 250 stick Venturi, and Traditional Barns Develop a low cost 250 Stick Rocket barn with modified Traditional Barn Table 9: Results of 65 Cures with 16 Different Barns, 2007/08 We increased the capacity of the 600 stick barn to 720 sticks. This Rocket Barn produced an astonishing average efficiency ratio (over two tests) of 1.5 kg of wood : 1 kg cured tobacco 4 tests of 4 barns with ARET(Venturi 250 stick, 250 Stick Rocket, Traditional Barn 250 Stick & 480 Stick Rocket Barn This years Rocket Barn Retrofit (RB3.0) of a traditional barn set a new record for a 250 stick Barn using only 2.15 kg wood:1 kg dried tobacco Ratio of Wood: Leaf (Kg) % saving vs. 250 sticktb* Barn Design Features Trad 250 Traditional Barn 250 stick* 7.6:1 0 Trad 180 Traditional Barn 180 Stick 7.3:1 4.2 Venturi 250 Stick Conventional Venturi (ARET Barn) 4.9: RB Stick Rocket Barn (shelf furnace & all brick firebox) 4.6: RB Stick Rocket Barn (shelf furnace & brick/metal firebox) 4.5: RB Stick Rocket Barn (venturi furnace & brick/metal firebox) 3.6: RB Stick Rocket Barn (shelf furnace & brick/metal firebox) 2.9: RB Stick Rocket Barn (horizontal feed) 2.6: RB Stick Rocket Barn (venturi furnace & brick/metal firebox) 2.4: RB Stick Rocket Barn TZ (long wood furnace) 2.2: RB Stick Rocket Barn MW (short wood furnace) 2.1: RB Stick Rocket Barn (venturi furnace & brick/metal firebox) 1.5: *Unfortunately it was not feasible to construct a larger (250+) traditional barn to provide a meaningful comparison between 250+ Rocket Barns and 250+ traditional barns JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 13

16 Improvements for the RB 3.0 design: Simplification. All exotic components have been removed. No specialized bricks, concrete lintels, or expensive 5 mm mild steel sheets are needed. Retrofitting Traditional Barns: Modifying existing traditional barn to save construction and materials. (might not be possible in TZ as farmers don t have a standard traditional barn). The 6 brick duct/ fireboxes of the RB2.0 which required some complex measurement and construction - replaced with a single snake flue made form common bricks and flat sheet (see drawing below, RB3.0 Short) The snake system gives a greater than two fold increase in surface area as compared to the MW traditional barn. The height of the external metal chimney has been reduced from 3.8 m to 2.4m. The extended furnace (3m - 4.5m long) and the extended air inlet vent (2.5m 3.5m long) offers greater surface area for preheating air as it enters the barn. Smaller footprint uses fewer bricks (4.5m by 4m as compared to 3 by 7m for the RB2.0) Full metal roof increases costs more but ensures longevity of the barn Lower cost options (material and labor costs only): 1) Retrofit with thatch roof (cost US$450); 2) Retrofit with Metal (cost US$700) The extended furnace (RB 3.0 Long) can accommodate wood that is 285 cm long and up to 38 cm in diameter. This design (shown below) separates the air intake (fixed with no door to regulate) and the ash cleaning pit (located near the centre of the barn) Rocket Barn Design RB 2.0 JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 14

17 RB STICK LONG (TZ) RB STICK SHORT (MW) RB STICK SHORT (MW) JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 15

18 Field Tests of the RB 2.0 in Malawi and Tanzania, 2007/08 Field tests involved construction of 86 rocket barns with smallholder FCT farmers in Malawi and 60 in Tanzania. Results are highlighted below: 1. Average Wood Savings in the field in excess of 56% Of the 54 farmers monitored in the field, reliable sets of data from 38 farmers produced information on 253 cures in total, comprising 148 cures from Rocket Barns and 105 from traditional barns. The data were further filtered to isolate monitored farmers who had records on six or more cures. This generated data sets from 28 farmers. Of these farmers, 21 had normal RB 2.0 Rocket Barns, 4 had Rocket Barns with a metal flat sheet firebox, and 3 had a different type of chimney. Estimated savings in wood are presented in Table 10 below. The savings with the rocket barn vs. traditional barn (TB) was 61% across different types of barns (unweighted mean), and 56.5% across the data sets (weighted mean). Table 10: Wood Use Efficiencies of Different Barns Wood m 3 / ton of Tobacco Savings Data Type of Rocket Barn Average TB Rocket Barn (%) Sets Average of normal RB % 21 Average RB with flat sheet % 4 Average RB 'Crispin' chimney % 3 Unweighted Average % 28 Overall Weighted Mean % Improved quality in production resulting in increased income for farmers Although the Rocket Barn was developed to improve energy efficiency, results have other significant benefits for its users and for the public at large. Records are being compiled on tobacco sales from the 86 farmers who simultaneously compared the RB 2.0 with the traditional barn. To date, information from 40 farmers shows a substantial difference in tobacco prices between the two barns. Tobacco cured in the rocket barns was heavier and of higher quality based on an increase in price of $0.65/kg. This represents a 28% increase in revenue to the smallholder farmer. Averages from 40 farmers with records on sale of production: Weight Kg Farmer Totals Rocket Barns Traditional Barns Change Value Avg Price Weight Kg Value Avg Price Weight Kg Value Avg Price RBR TBP % of total cured by RB 2,053 5, ,455 4, , % 3. Curing Efficiency Due to improved efficiency of the rocket barn, the turn-around time for curing was reduced from 7 days to an average of 5 days per cure, thus saving 2 days of time and related labor costs, including cutting and feeding firewood into the furnace. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 16

19 4. Yield Improvement Tobacco from Rocket Barns had an 11% increase in cured weight over traditional barns. Combined with better quality, this generates an increase in income of US$ 1142 or 42%. Summary of Financial Benefits: Income increases due to cost savings and improved tobacco quality and yield. The following financial benefits are expected for a smallholder farmer working on one hectare of tobacco: Increased price/kg from US$ 2.31 to US$ 2.96 = US$ 0.65 or 28% increase Increased income/ha of 1,171 kg x US$ 0.65 = US$ 761 Increased yield/ha of 129 kg x US$ 2.96 = US$ 382 Fuel cost saving of 56.5% x US$ 285 = US$ 160 Total US$ = US$ 1302 Relative to a traditional barn, the revenue from the increased value of the tobacco and fuel savings is US$ 3848 for the Rocket Barn vs. US$ 2546 for a Traditional Barn. This represents a significant increase of US$1302 / hectare / annum or a 51% increase. Public Benefits derived from Rocket Barn (RB 2.0) - Avoided Wood Use: Of the 40 farmers with records from sales to date, the average production was just over 2 tonnes of tobacco. Given that traditional barns used an average of 30 m 3 of wood per tonne of tobacco vs. 13 m 3 of wood per tonne from Rocket Barns, the average savings on wood is approximately 34 m 3 (17 m 3 / tonne x 2 tonnes) per Rocket Barn per season. If 10,000 smallholder flue-cured tobacco growers in Malawi were all encouraged to adopt Rocket Barns (with the conservative assumption that each farmer has only one barn), the wood savings would total 340,000 m 3 p.a., which represents 2.3% of Malawi s aggregate annual consumption of forest products p.a. (estimated at 15 million m 3 in Malawi s National Forestry Program Priorities for Improving Forestry and Livelihoods, 2001 ). Avoided wood use that results in avoided deforestation has many benefits to society as a whole by improving social resilience through reduced soil erosion, improved soil fertility, reduced river siltation, reduced vulnerability to flooding, reduced lowering of the water table and enhanced natural habitat for biodiversity. Although it is not easy to estimate the socioeconomic benefits, there is little doubt that it is positive and significant. Other public benefits of the Rocket Barns include the economic spin-offs of increased income generation and job creation at a village level. Also the introduction of locally designed and tested technology with optimised energy efficiency helps to build technological self-reliance. For example, locally trained masons can build the Rocket Barns without the use of highly specialised or exotic tools and materials. Farmer Reactions and Conclusions Farmers in Malawi and Tanzania are impressed with the fuel savings and tobacco quality from rocket barns. The results are generating strong interest in more barns. Next season, 300 of the RB 3.0 short model will be evaluated in Malawi, and 14 of the long RB 3.0 model will be constructed for intensive testing in Tanzania. The outcome will determine the future strategy and industry support for rolling out the rocket barns in the region. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 17

20 SUCCESS STORIES Reforestation in Usanganya Village, Tanzania Usanganya in Sikonge District is among the villages where TLC initiated tree planting in Tanzania. Previously tree planting was neglected by tobacco farmers because it was felt that natural trees from the miombo woodlands are in abundance. However, the area of natural woodland is rapidly decreasing from pressures to clear land for agriculture and to harvest wood for fuel and timber. Due to TLC efforts, the situation is changing. Tree planting has been highly successful with many young trees concentrated around homesteads and in woodlots. Some trees are also intercropped with tobacco a practice that assures good tree survival and growth from the attention given to the crop in terms of fertilizer, weeding and protection from animals. Tree Planting by Local Institutions, Tanzania TLC has provided support to many local institutions in the form of training and nursery materials to establish nurseries and to plant trees. The focus has been with schools and churches which now have many trees around their premises. Natural regeneration has also been encouraged. Many of these institutions have established tree nurseries and are looking after their planted and natural trees. Schools that stand out include Ikonongo Primary School and Uyowa Secondary School in Ulyankulu. Irrigation, Mkanda, Malawi There is good money to be made from winter cropping: A farmer from Mkanda in Mchinji District, who received irrigation support from TLC, sold surplus maize for a total revenue of MK45,760. Sales of onions, beans and vegetables also generated good returns. With sound management, farmers are able to harvest two to three crops within a season, ensuring food security with a large surplus for sale. The results have huge impacts on their livelihoods with opportunities a) to buy inputs/equipment for the next season, b) to send their children to school, c) to purchase materials to improve their homes, and d) to buy other items, such as livestock, bicycles, radios, cell phones, etc. Improved Mud Stoves, Chikwatula, Malawi Community interest in project activities is increasing with many farmers requesting direct assistance from field staff for selected interventions, e.g., tree planting, irrigation, mud stoves. A good example is Jeredi village where almost every household constructed a mud stove. The village is also promoting natural woodland regeneration which is providing opportunities to install bee hives to produce honey for consumption and sale. The results will improve household health and income. Eco-Sanitation, Ntchisi, Malawi Eco-sanitation pit latrines are having impacts in Ntchisi, despite cultural barriers associated with adopting this technology. The story involves a man by the name of Mr Ndevu Seven from Kapalavishwe village. After training, Mr Seven is now constructing his own san plats for sale to others in the community at MK 2000 each ($15). This is a good example of promoting sustainability through efforts to support artisans at the community level to increase adoption. JT Group 2008 Report for Malawi & Tanzania Page 18