IBSA TRUST FUND PROJECT STATUS REPORT Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia through Livestock Development (UNFA/STL/003/UND)

Transcription

1 IBSA TRUST FUND PROJECT STATUS REPORT Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia through Livestock Development (UNFA/STL/003/UND) OCTOBER - DECEMBER, /1/2017

2 PROJECT STATUS REPORT For the 4th Quarter- October to December EXECUTING AGENCY: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Co-operatives and Rural Development/Department of Agriculture/ Veterinary and Livestock Services Division. Implemented by FAO 2. PROJECT Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia through Livestock Development (UNFA/STL/003/UND) 3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Establish the Beausejour Agriculture Station as a national centre of excellence, where the appropriate technologies and best practices in livestock production and livestock management can be demonstrated and transferred to clients and stakeholders; To improve existing bloodlines of livestock on the island leading to increased production and productivity on livestock farms; To provide support for the development of functional and effective livestock producers organizations; To facilitate sustainable livelihood opportunities in the sector through the establishment of strategically located communal production facilities and the establishment of pastures for grass and fodder production; To provide requisite training and capacity building in livestock development and increase the competence and skill of extension officers and livestock farmers. 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 1

3 The project will create an enabling environment to increase the production of and market access to safe quality livestock products through the establishment of appropriate infrastructure, adaptation of relevant technologies and the provision of sustainable support systems. The project will establish the Beausejour Agriculture Station as a National Centre of Excellence through infrastructure improvement and the breeding and multiplication of quality animals to enhance the breeding programmes of livestock farmers in St Lucia. It will also focus on the training of livestock farmers and the transfer of technology and innovation to enable farmers to become more productive and to build sustainability of their enterprises. Complimentary activities will include the establishment of strategically located communal production facilities and the rehabilitation and establishment of pastures and fodder banks for livestock nutrition and feeding. For sustainability the livestock farmers organizations will be strengthened and the technical and managerial capacity, competencies and skills of extension officers, veterinarians and livestock farmers will be improved. 5. PROJECT LOCATION: Island-wide with more emphasis on the Beausejour Agricultural Station 6. COMPLETION DATE: (DD/MM/YY) 28 /02/2018 2

4 OVERVIEW This report provides an overview of the project s achievements during the reporting period and the many challenges faced in developing the plans to commence the infrastructural component of the project. It also provides an insight into the status of the imported sheep and goats as it relates to their utilization within the national breeding programme including starting a stud service programme, estrus synchronization and breeding of selected does on the station and a plan for distribution of quality offspring to potential farmers for enhancing their breeding programmes. Plans for forage bank establishment are described. Some procured items are mentioned and illustrated. The commencement of a training programme for extension officers and small ruminant producers utilizing the Farmer Field School Methodology is highlighted. CHALLENGES RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECT ACTIVITIES The project continued to face a number of extrinsic challenges as they relate to the implementation of the infrastructural project activities which were outlined in the second quarter report. Additional challenges relating to the potential impact a proposed new investment project may have on the infrastructural activities component of the IBSA project resulted in delays with the decision to continue activities toward planned implementation. A number of changes in the government s structure and policies brought about by the election of a new government which came into office on June 6, 2016 has brought about some delays in implementation of the project. 3

5 In addition, adverse weather conditions resulting from unusually heavy rainfall patterns experienced during the quarter have hindered some of the planned non-infrastructural activities such as the erecting of the perimeter fencing of the Small Ruminant Cooperative s forage banks and feedlot. PROJECT EXPENDITURE (USD) AS AT DECEMBER 22 nd, 2016 ITEM COMMITTED ACTUALS COMMITTED & ACTUALS TRAVEL , , EXPENDABLE PROCUREMENT 27, , , NON -EXPENDABLE PROCUREMENT , , GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES , , SUPPORT COSTS , , TOTAL 32, , , Table 1.0 showing project expenditure to date. The status of the main activities to be undertaken is tabulated as follows: ACTIVITIES STATUS REMARKS Preparation of a final Completed but will Timelines may be affected work plan by the project require timely revision by unforeseen delays. manager and See Final Work Plan procurement plan for the (Appendix 3) next three quarters ending March Finalization of detailed Preliminary design plans design plans and Bills of have been submitted but To be completed by a contracted Civil Engineer Quantity require details and or by the Physical Planning specifics. Department Approval of potential Pending Final Approval Affected by delays in contractors names infrastructural project already submitted to the commencement 4

6 FAO Lease arrangement for lands in the Roseau Valley for forage production on behalf of the Small Ruminant Cooperative to be formalized since the Mabouya Valley Lands are unsuitable. Procurement of additional project inputs. Farmer Field School (FFS) training to commence during the third quarter. Terms of Reference to be finalized for the study tour and training of selected officers at EMBRAPA in Brazil which was to be undertaken in the summer of (contact already made with EMBPAPA through the FAO) Training of livestock officers, veterinarians Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prepared and submitted to relevant government department Procurement of inputs based on initial procurement list has been done. List of additional inputs for irrigation to be provided by Agricultural Engineer. FFS Training of Trainers implemented from December 5-9, 2016 Awaiting response from EMBRAPA An animal breeding expert has been Awaiting Final Approval. The majority of project inputs have been received. Based on updated procurement plan additional inputs will be procured during January and February Training of approximately 40 farmers to commence during week of January 16, Inputs to be supplied by FAO, Barbados FAO to contact EMBRAPA again to schedule date of study tour and finalize arrangements. Protocols and equipment necessary to facilitate the 5

7 and lead farmers in identified and training are being put in breeding technology, arrangements are being place including Artificial made to implement the Insemination (AI) in training in March 2017 goats and swine A Consultancy for the The Terms of Reference establishment of a pilot has been drawn up for A decision for recruitment will be made soon. animal identification and this consultancy and has database management been submitted to FAO. system for the Centre Three potential consultants have been selected and their CV s have been submitted. Table 2.0 representing fourth quarter activities to be undertaken. PROCUREMENT The majority of the equipment and tools required for the improved operations of the livestock station were procured in the first quarter and continued to be received during the second and third quarters. During the quarter under review, pregnancy diagnostic equipment and estrous synchronization drugs which were procured for the Artificial Insemination (AI) training activity continued to be used at the Beausejour Agricultural Station and on farmers holdings for impregnating selected sheep and goats toward improving small ruminant bloodlines at the community and national levels. Additional lands have been ploughed and prepared for further establishment of forage species at the main project site. The use of fencing material procured during the first quarter is ongoing and is being used for pasture subdivision to optimize grazing of animals at the station. During the quarter, additional inputs to enhance production and productivity on the farm were procured. These included feed choppers and shredders, feed pelletizing machines, feed mixers, silage choppers, hammer mill machines and 6

8 hay baling equipment. Two hammer mills were also received during the quarter under review. Photograph below shows one of the two machines to be used at the Beausejour Agricultural Station and the St Lucia Ruminant Cooperatives Project sites for processing local material to be used as animal feed. Tools, stationery and equipment which will be utilized for the Farmer Field School training exercise have been submitted to FAO for procurement. An updated procurement plan was submitted to FAO, Barbados during early October, FENCING OF SMALL RUMINANT COOPERATIVE FARMERS FORAGE BANKS AT BEAUSEJOUR AND ROSEAU Fencing activity at the Beausejour location was deferred to late January 2017 due to delays brought about by unfavourable weather conditions. At the Roseau location, an approved MOU for utilization of the lands is pending and implementation will be done when approval is granted. UTILIZATION OF IMPORTED BREEDING STOCK IN THE NATIONAL BREEDING PROGRAMME Synchronization of breeding females on station for breeding with imported males Estrus synchronization artificially manipulates the reproductive cycle of the female animal; this technique coupled with artificial insemination (AI) can enhance reproduction efficiency by allowing for the coordination of breeding, kidding and weaning periods, not to mention the introduction of superior genetics into the flock. Estrus synchronization with a stud service was performed at the Beausejour Agricultural Station in 4 of the imported sheep. After synchronization of their estrus cycles these females were them bred with the imported purebred rams. 7

9 This will also enable the livestock officers to evaluate the mating performance and vigor of the rams and later the performance of their progeny or offsprings. Two Virgin Island White ewes have each lambed and produced twin lambs during the quarter (see insert below), while a total of 12 other females mated to imported bucks are expected to kid during the month of February Imported Virgin Island White Ewe with their one-week old Lambs 8

10 Another Virgin Island White Ewe with its one week old lambs Ongoing Stud Service Programme on Station Four of the imported breeding males (both sheep and goat breeds) have been selected for use in a stud service programme and continued to be used during the quarter. This has already created high impact and is expected to continue bringing rapid genetic progress to small holder farms particularly farmers with relatively small flocks/herds who do not have or cannot afford to purchase a breeding male. Accurate records are being kept of the sires used on each farm in an effort to reduce the incidence of inbreeding and increase genetic diversity on small farmer holdings. 9

11 ESTABLISHMENT OF FORAGE BANKS FOR INTENSIVE FORAGE PRODUCTION Although some land preparation was attempted heavy and excessive rainfall hampered the progress and only a few hectares were prepared. The land area in the insert below has been selected and partially cleared to facilitate ease of cultivation for the establishment of grass, legumes and forages for the animals. Land Preparation FARMER FIELD SCHOOL TRAINING EXERCISE The Farmer Field School training of trainers workshop was held over a five day period during the month of December The training in FFS methodology was facilitated by a consultant from St. Vincent and the Grenadines who has wide experience in livestock farmer field schools. The table below provides a summary of the target group for the training, the dates and training programme activities implemented. SCHEDULE FOR FFS ONE WEEK TRAINING OF TRAINERS 10

12 TARGET GROUP DATES (Dec. 2016) PROGRAMME OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES 6 FACILITATOR LIVESTOCK OFFICERS (3- North/3-South) Monday 5 th DAY 1 Meeting with Staff Introduction to Farmer Field School Methodology at Balata 4 FACILITATOR FARMERS Conference Room (2 North/ 2-South) Tuesday 6 th Practical on-farm session in the DAY2 TARGET NUMBER OF FARMERS PARTICIPATING Northern Region IN FFS Wednesday Practical on-farm session in the 30 inclusive of the 4 facilitator farmers 7 th Southern region (15- North /15 South) DAY 3 Visit host farms in the Southern Thursday 8 th region during the morning and in 10 persons listed above were trained in FFS DAY 4 the North in the afternoon Methodology Friday 9 th Evaluation and Review of Week's DAY5 activities (North) Nucleus FFS Assembly points: Conference room (Balata -north) and Conference room (Beausejour Ag. Station Vieux-Fort -south) A detailed training programme comprising four (4) modules was developed as an output of the training workshop (see Appendix 1). The programme, which commences on January 19, 2017, is due to end during the week of July 3, Photographs of the Trainers/Facilitators who have completed the one week training programme are shown in Appendix 2. 11

13 PHOTOGRAPHS HIGHLIGHTING COMPLETE FFS TRAINING WEEK OF ACTIVITIES DAY 1(December 5, 2016) Participants at the FFS Training of Trainers workshop- Day 1 Established In-House Rules for the FFS Training- Day1 12

14 The consultant presenting training material to participants - Day 1 Cross section of FFS Training Class Day 1 13

15 DAY 2 (December 6, 2016) Group 1 making their AESA Presentation during on-farm session- Day 2 14

16 Group 2 making their AESA presentation - Day 2 Trainers Preparing for an Ice Breaker Exercise Day 2 DAY 3 (December 7, 2017) 15

17 Group 1- Demonstrating breeds selection points in Goats- Day 3 Group 2- Demonstrating breeds selection points in Sheep- Day 3 16

18 DAY 4- December 8, 2016 Trainers in line for an Ice Breaker Session - Day 3 Farm Visit to one of the host farms Day 4 17

19 Farm Visit to host farm (North) Day 4 Farm Visit to host farm (South) Day 4 18

20 DAY 5- (December 9, 2016) Trainee presenting a token of appreciation to consultant Dr. M. Glasgow Group photograph with Trainees, Facilitator and Project Coordinator- Final Day 19

21 Mr. Vernon A. Valmont- National Coordinator Dr. Matica Glasgow- FFS Trainer/Facilitator IBSA Project consultant APPENDIX 1 IBSA Small Ruminant Farmer Field School (FFS) Modules and Topics The 4 curriculum modules selected were: 1. Nutrition and Feeding 2. Health Management and Husbandry 3. Reproduction and Breeding 4. Farm (Business) Management 20

22 1.0 Nutrition and Feeding Week of 16 th January 2017 (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Land preparation and soil management including the use of manure and Fertilizer -Weed control Week of 23 rd January 2017 (Mr. Allan Oculien) -Pasture management -Benefit of rotational grazing Week of 1 st February 2017 (Mr. Craig Palton) -locally available grasses and forages -Grass and forage identification -The cut and carry system Week of 6th February -Forage conservation (silage and Multi-nutrient block making) (Mr. Dalyan Louisy/ Mr. Eon Johnson) Week of 13 th February 2017 (Dr. Daryl Best) -Fodder banks - their maintenance and management -Ration formulation using locally available ingredients Week of 20 th February 2017 (Vernon Valmont) 21

23 -Feed conversion -Local by-product utilization Week of 27 th February 2017(Allan Oculien) Nutritional requirements of sheep and goats -Water and water requirements Week of 1 st March 2017(Dr. Daryl Best) -Feeding according to physiological status of animal (creep feeding of kids/lambs) 2.0 Health Management and Husbandry Week of 6 th March 2017(Timothy Norville) -Internal parasite identification & control --External parasite identification & control -Alternative methods of deworming sheep and goats Week of 13 th March (Mr. Vernon Valmont) Disaster Risk Management Week of 20 th March (Darnell Lacan) Signs and symptoms of disease (such as mastitis, foot rot, and tetanus) -Care of feet (hoof trimming) 22

24 Week of 27 th March (Irene Gabrielle SOUTH and Tricia Amedee, NORTH) - Care of sick animals (traumatic injuries) -Care of animals at different stages of growth and production Week of 3 rd April 2017(Dr. King/Dr. Melville) -Main production diseases, their management and prevention Week of 10 th April (Mr. Dalyan Louisy) -Small ruminant housing (using alternative materials such as pallets) Week of 17 th April (Ms. Elisha Leon) Waste management strategies (composting, manure fertilizer) On-farm biosecurity- footbaths, wheel baths, etc. Week of 24 th April (Dr. Daryl Best) Herd management (production systems, categories, feedlots) Week of 1 st May 2017(Mr. Timothy Norville) Dehorning Animal Identification Methods 3.0 Reproduction and Breeding Week of 8 th May 2017 (Consultant, Dr. Matica Glasgow) -Pre-and post-natal care of animals -Reproductive problems and diseases 23

25 Week of 15 th May 2017(Mrs. Marcia Jn. Charles) -Selection of breeding stock Week of 22 nd May (Elisha Leon and Dalyan Louisy) -Breeding management -Sire management Week of 29 th May 2017 Field day to visit a prominent farm to conduct selection process Week of 5 th June, (Consultant, Dr. Gabrielle Young) Heat detection Oestrus synchronization Artificial Insemination in goats Pregnancy diagnosis 4.0 Farm (Business) Management Week of 12 June 2017(Mr. Columbus Phillippe) -Slaughtering techniques and meat hygiene Week of 19 th June (Mr. Vincent La Corbiniere) -Pricing and marketing of product Week of 26 th June 2017 (Mrs. Irene Louis Gabriel) -Value-added products such as cheese and leather 24

26 Week of 3 rd July Basic economics and cost of production (Lynch Fevriere) -Record-keeping (production and financial records (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Live weight estimation (Mr. Vernon Valmont) APPENDIX 2 PHOTOGRAPHS OF SUCCESSFUL FFS TRAINERS Timothy Norville- Lead FFS Trainer (South) Dr. Daryl Best- Lead FFS Trainer (North) Allan Oculien- FFS Trainer (North) Elisha Leon - FFS Trainer (South) Andre Mathurin- FFS Marcia Trainer Jn. Charles (North) - FFS Trainer (South) Dalyan Louisy - FFS Trainer (South) Craig Palton - FFS Trainer (South) Darnell Lacan - FFS Trainer (North) 25

27 Irene Louis- Gabriel - FFS Trainer (South) 26

28 Activities 1. Purchase of AI equipment and semen for small ruminants and cattle 2.Procurement of Breeding stock for the Centre 3. Support to the establishment of the small ruminant cooperative feedlots and forage banks at Roseau Valley and Beausejour, Vieux Fort (including FFS) 4. Preparatory work for Infrastructural project activities 5.Construct ring road around the farm 6. Complete perimeter fencing around Centre 7. Construction of sheep/goat pens 8.Repairs to Bull pen (including removal of APPENDIX 3 IBSA Project Work Plan List of activities with implementation schedule and budget Implementation schedule by Months Jan to Mar J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M Responsibility Matrix Main Actors Cooperan ts Budget (USD) Implementation Status x x x x x NCC,NLC,CAPO, 70, Completed x x X X NCC 120, Near Completion x x x x x x x x x x x x x NCC IICA, SRCS 20, Ongoing x x x x x x x x x x Ongoing x x x x x NCC MOI, CAE, 40, Pending Approval x x x x x NCC MOI, CAE, 70, Pending Approval x x x x x NCC x x x x x NCC MOI, CAE, 88, Pending Approval MOI, CAE, 31, Pending Approval 27

29 asbestos) 9.Repairs to Swine breeding unit 10. Repairs to Swine fattening unit 11. Repairs to Administration Building 12. Demolition of Vet lab and Construction of New AI Facility 13. Demolition and new Construction of Stockman s quarters 14. Training of farmers and technicians in Ai Techniques 15.. Consultancy for the establishment of a pilot animal identification and database management system for the Centre 16. Establish irrigation system for Centre including tanks, pumps and irrigation lines x x x x x NCC x x x x x NCC x x x x x NCC x x x x x NCC x x x x x NCC MOI, CAE, 21, Pending Approval MOI, CAE 12, Pending Approval MOI, AED, 36, Pending Approval MOI, AED, 285, Pending Approval MOI, AED, 84, Pending Approval x x NCC 15, Pending AI Lab construction x x x NCC 20, Already initiated (ongoing) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x NCC 140, Work Ongoing TOTAL 1,056,