IBSA TRUST FUND PROJECT QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT

Transcription

1 IBSA TRUST FUND PROJECT QUARTERLY STATUS REPORT Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia through Livestock Development (UNFA/STL/003/UND) JANUARY MARCH APRIL 2017

2 PROJECT STATUS REPORT For the Quarter January to March 2017 EXECUTING AGENCY: Ministry of Agriculture, Food Production, Fisheries, Co-operatives and Rural Development/Department of Agriculture/ Veterinary and Livestock Services Division. Implemented by FAO 1. PROJECT Poverty Reduction in St. Lucia through Livestock Development (UNFA/STL/003/UND) 2. 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. 2 P a g e

3 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 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. 4. PROJECT LOCATION: Island-wide with more emphasis on the Beausejour Agricultural Station 5. COMPLETION DATE of PROJECT: (DD/MM/YY) 3 P a g e

4 28 /02/ OVERVIEW This report provides an overview of the project s achievements during the reporting period and some of the challenges being faced in implementation. Highlights during the period were the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee for 2017 and the training workshop for extension officers and farmers alike on breeding and reproduction which took place from March 2017 at the Beausejour Agricultural Station. The report also provides highlights of the Farmer Field Schools which started in January Procurement of goods and services also continued during the period. 7. MEETING OF PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE The Steering Committee Meeting was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Ezekiel Joseph. In attendance were the new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. John Calixte, the CVO Dr Auria King, the National Project Coordinator, Mr. Vernon Valmont, Mr. Ricardo Luna, FAO s international Administrator from SLC, Dr Cedric Lazarus, FAO s Livestock Development Officer for the Caribbean, Ms Sunita Daniel, FAO s Liaison Officer for the OECS and two officers from the St Lucia Ministry of Infrastructure and Works. Mr. Luna gave an overview of the current financial status of the project which highlighted the fact that most of the remaining funds (approximately 50% of the total budget) had been earmarked for the planned infrastructure repairs to the livestock station while the project Coordinator reported that the Farmer Field Schools began in January and would continue until June 2017 while the training workshop for farmers and extension officers on breeding and reproduction would take place during the week of 13 March The Honourable Minister of Agriculture reported that the government of St Lucia, led by the Honourable Prime Minister, were in final stages of negotiations with an overseas investor on a mega-project of between 2-3 billion dollars to develop over 700 acres of land in the Beausejour area and that the government s Beausejour Livestock Station and the pastures allocated to the station fell within the area to be developed. Consequently he advised that the infrastructure work planned under the project at the station be suspended. He also reported that the Ministry had already begun the search for a new site to which the station would be relocated and that between acres of land would be needed to accommodate the station and the animals. The Steering Committee was hopeful that the new lands being sought by the government would be acquired and the relocation could commence before the end of P a g e

5 The meeting agreed that the IBSA Trust Fund should be informed of the new plans so that adjustments could be made to the project as appropriate. In concluding the meeting the Honourable Minister stressed that the Steering Committee and the Livestock Department of the Ministry, including the workers at the Livestock Station, should consider the new situation and the pending relocation of the station as an opportunity for the livestock sector rather than as a threat. He stressed that the livestock sector was important for food and nutrition security of the country and that the Ministry was committed to its continued development. 8. FARMER FIELD SCHOOL (FFS) The Farmer Field Schools for small ruminant farmers which commenced in January 2017 comprises the following modules; small ruminant nutrition and feeding; small ruminant reproduction and breeding; health management and husbandry and farm (business) management. Specific topics within each module are annexed (see Annex 2). Thus far, the first two modules, namely; nutrition and feeding and reproduction and breeding of small ruminants have been successfully completed. A total of 40 farmers (include both male and female small ruminant producers) from the north and south of the island are registered and have been participating in the sessions which are generally held at three locations island-wide ( north, south and central) to facilitate travel of the farmers and to encourage maximum attendance at all sessions. Generally, the enthusiasm among participants has been extremely high to the point that they have been requesting the acceptance of new and more farmers to join the school. Even the use of technology is being utilized by participants to the extent that a WhatsApp chat group has been formed and is being utilized regularly to facilitate information sharing and timely communication among the farmers and facilitators. On March 17 th 2017, assessment forms were given to participants from the southern section of the island attending the Breeding and Reproduction workshop held at the Beausejour Agricultural Station. A total of 15 completed assessment sheets that were received from the sample group were summarized and presented in graphical form (Annex 3). The farmers views on various aspects of the Farmer Field School training were sought in the assessment. Among the categories assessed were: the usefulness of topics covered, time allotted for each session, suggested methods to improve the training, attendance, level of participation, usefulness and application of skills and knowledge acquired, recommendations for improvement, ranking of school and facilitators and general comments. In general, farmers responses were very positive for all aspects surveyed. For example, eighty (80%) percent of respondents said that they would recommend the Farmer Field School to other farmers in their community. Some went on further to state that they are enjoying the programme which has helped them improve the agricultural practices on their own farms. One participant wrote that the programme should be extended to all farmers and that it could help 5 P a g e

6 to curb the country s high import bill for mutton and chevron. Some went on further to state that they were willing to be part of future Farmer Field School training exercises. In the assessment it was captured that participants were most passionate about selection, growing and feeding of forages to their animals which they were now applying on their individual farms. Also, eighty-three (83%) percent of respondents ranked both the school and facilitators at the highest score on a scale of 1 to TRAINING WORKSHOP ON SMALL RUMINANT BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION The one week training workshop for livestock extension officers and farmers took place at the Beausejour Agricultural Station from Monday 13 March to Friday 17 March The objectives of the workshop were as follows: To review small ruminant and swine breeding and reproduction programmes that are applicable to St Lucia and the Caribbean region. To provide training in the handling and processing of livestock semen to include semen analysis and quality control methods, best practices for the handling of liquid nitrogen and the principles of semen storage. To provide theoretical and hands-on training in estrus synchronization methodology in swine, goats and sheep. To provide hands-on training in artificial insemination techniques and procedures for small ruminants and swine. To impart knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of AI and the logistics and financing involved in establishing and implementing a national AI programme in St Lucia. The lead trainer was an expert in small ruminant breeding and reproduction from Jamaica who was assisted by an officer from the livestock breeding laboratory at the Bodles Agriculture Research Station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Jamaica. One entire day was dedicated to training in the breeding of swine while four days were dedicated to small ruminant breeding. A total of 40 farmers, including women and youths, participated in the training exercise which included a combination of theoretical and practical on-hands session on the farm. In addition to the training in breeding practices the participants were also taught best management practices for livestock production with an emphasis on nutritional management of breeding animals, care of breeding animals and their off-springs and proper record keeping. In the practical sessions the extension officers practiced how to perform semen quality assessment and artificial insemination in both goats and sheep and a number of female animals were bred with semen collected from the rams and bucks imported under the project in MEETING WITH CHARGE AFFAIRE OF THE BRAZILIAN EMBASSY The Charge s Affair of the Brazilian Embassy in St Lucia visited the livestock station where she met with the FAO Officer, the National Project Coordinator, the Chief Veterinary Officer and the Officer from the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation. The project coordinator provided an overview of the project by highlighting the activities and planned outputs and 6 P a g e

7 outcomes while the officer from United Nations Office for South South Cooperation provided a summary of the IBSA Fund and some of the other projects of the Fund in the Americas. The Charge s Affair expressed the Embassy s support for the project and promised assistance in planning the logistics of the planned study tour of two Ministry livestock officers to Brazil later in the year. 11. MIDTERM ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT In March 2017 a national consultant was contracted to undertake the midterm assessment of the project. The assessment began during the week of the training workshop with interviews of farmers being conducted by the consultant. It is expected that the assessment will be completed by mid-april PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR 2 ND QUARTER OF 2017 Continuation of Farmer Field Schools in 2 locations Continuation and completion of mid-term assessment Finalization of plans for study tour of two livestock officers of the Ministry to Brazil Commencement of consultancy to prepare livestock database management systems 13. PROJECT EXPENDITURE (USD) AS AT MARCH 31, 2017 ITEM COMMITTED ACTUALS COMMITTED & ACTUALS CONSULTANTS 8,906 3,265 12,171 TRAVEL 11,142 15,367 26,509 TRAINING ,337 2,337 EXPENDABLE PROCUREMENT 60, , ,650 NON -EXPENDABLE PROCUREMENT 40, , ,283 GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES ,994 1,994 SUPPORT COSTS ,811 22,811 TOTAL 120, , ,755 Table 1.0 showing project expenditure to date 14. MANAGEMENT OF IMPORTED BREEDING STOCK OF SHEEP AND GOATS Many of the breeding animals imported to improve the genetics of the national goat and sheep flocks have been bred and some have been giving birth. While 7 P a g e

8 the foundation stock will remain at the station many of their off-springs will be distributed to selected farmers as soon as they are weaned. At the same time the objective is to increase the number of good quality breeding animals at the station so that more farmers can have access. During the workshop it was recommended by the consultant that the officers at the station should consider offering artificial insemination service to farmers on a limited basis as this was one method to disseminate the good genetics across the island. So far thirty-six (36) kids and lambs have been born from the imported animals. IMPORTED SMALL RUMINANT BIRTHS BREED # OF KIDS BORN BY SEX TOTAL MALE FEMALE Saanen Boer Anglo-Nubian Virgin Island White Local Goat X Imported Males TOTAL Table 2.0 showing project expenditure to date 8 P a g e

9 15. ANNEXES ANNEX 1 Farmers attending Feeding and Nutrition module of FFS 9 P a g e

10 Dr D. Best (facilitator) delivering to FFS participants 10 P a g e

11 Field demonstration mulching of forage plants 11 P a g e

12 Facilitator Allan Oculien delivering at session on Pasture Management and Rotational Grazing Participants at icebreaker session of FFS 12 P a g e

13 Farmers at discussion on weed control for forage production at FFS Land Preparation for forage production session at FFS 13 P a g e

14 Artificial Insemination (AI) training at workshop - -Collection of semen- 14 P a g e

15 Artificial Insemination (AI) -Insertion of vaginal speculum for insemination- Artificial Insemination (AI) training workshop -Dr. Young examining semen for motility of live sp 15 P a g e

16 Artificial Insemination (AI) -Testing sows for standing heat and conducting AI in swine- 16 P a g e

17 Dr Cedric Lazarus at workshop receiving feedback from a young farmer -Dr. Cedric Lazarus of FAO addressing participants- 17 P a g e

18 Offsprings of Imported Goats IBSA Trust Fund Project St. Lucia 18 P a g e

19 19 P a g e

20 Off-springs of Imported Sheep 20 P a g e

21 ANNEX 2 REVISED FFS MODULES & TOPICS (Revised-09/04/2017) IBSA Small Ruminant Farmer Field School Modules and Topics The 4 curriculum modules selected were: 1. Nutrition and Feeding 2. Reproduction and Breeding 3. Health Management and Husbandry 4. Farm (Business) Management 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 2017 (Mr. Dalyan Louisy and Mr. Eon Johnson) -Forage conservation (silage and Multi-nutrient block making) Week of 13 th February 2017 (Dr. Daryl Best) -Fodder banks - their maintenance and management -Ration formulation using locally available ingredients 21 P a g e

22 2.0 Reproduction and Breeding Week of 20 th February 2017 (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Pre-and post-natal care of animals -Reproductive problems and diseases Week of 27 th February 2017 (Mrs. Marcia Jn. Charles) -Selection of breeding stock Week of 6 th March, Free week Week of 13 th March 2017 (Dr. Gabrielle Young) -Heat detection -Oestrus synchronization -Artificial Insemination in goats -Pregnancy diagnosis Week of 20 th March 2017(Ms. Elisha Leon and Mr. Dalyan Louisy) -Breeding management -Sire management Nutrition and Feeding (Continued) Week of 27 th March 2017 (Dr. Daryl Best) -Feeding according to physiological status of animal (creep feeding of kids/lambs) Week of 3 rd April 2017 (Allan Oculien) -Nutritional requirements of sheep and goats -Water and water requirements Week of 10 th April 2017 (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Feed conversion -Local by-product utilization Week of 17 th April 2017 (Free Week) 22 P a g e

23 3.0 Health Management and Husbandry Week of 24 th April 2017 (Mr. Timothy Norville) -Internal parasite identification & control --External parasite identification & control -Alternative methods of deworming sheep and goats Week of 1 st May, 2017 (Darnell Lacan) -Signs and symptoms of disease (such as mastitis, foot rot, and tetanus) -Care of feet (hoof trimming) Week of 8 th May 2017 (Mrs. Irene Gabrielle SOUTH and Ms. Tricia Amedee NORTH - Care of sick animals (traumatic injuries) -Care of animals at different stages of growth and production Week of 15 th May 2017(Dr. King/Dr. Melville) -Main production diseases, their management and prevention Week of 22 nd May 2017 (Mr. Dalyan Louisy) -Small ruminant housing (using alternative materials such as pallets) Week of 29 th May 2017 (Ms. Elisha Leon) -Waste management strategies (composting, manure fertilizer) -On-farm biosecurity- footbaths, wheel baths, etc. Week of 5 th June 2017 (Dr. Daryl Best) -Herd management (production systems, categories, feedlots) Week of 12 th June 2017(Mr. Timothy Norville) -Dehorning -Animal Identification Methods Week of 19 th June 2017 (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Disaster Risk Management 23 P a g e

24 4.0 Farm (Business) Management Week of 26 th June 2017(Mr. Columbus Phillippe) -Slaughtering techniques and meat hygiene Week of 3 rd July 2017 (Mr. Vincent La Corbiniere) -Pricing and marketing of product Week of 10 th July 2017 (Mrs. Irene Louis Gabriel) -Value-added products such as cheese, organic fertilizers and leather Week of 17 th July Basic economics and cost of production (Mr. Lynch Fevriere) -Record-keeping (production and financial records (Mr. Vernon Valmont) -Live weight estimation (Mr. Vernon Valmont) Week of 28 th July 2017 (Mr. Alan Ochilien/Mr. Vernon Valmont) Group industry focus JULY 28 th 2017 Graduation (TENTATIVE) 24 P a g e

25 ANNEX 3 St. Lucia FFS Farmer Mid-term Assessment Summary and Evaluation Thursday 30 th March, 2017 ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE: St. Lucia FFS Farmer Mid-term Assessment 1. What topics have been most useful to you so far? 2. What topic has not been useful to you so far? 3. What topic; if any would you like to hear more about? 4. Was there enough time dedicated to the topics you were interested in? 5. Would you eliminate or include anything on the FFS agenda? 6. What would you personally do to improve the school? 7. Did you miss any of the sessions? 8. Have you been able to use any of the skills you learnt so far? 25 P a g e

26 If yes, give examples If no, please say why 9. Would you recommend the school to other farmers in your community? 10. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the highest how would you rank the school so far? 11. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the highest how would you rank the facilitators so far? 12. Additional Comments PRESENTATION OF DATA 1. What topics have been most useful to you so far? 26 P a g e

27 No. of respondents No. of Farmers Topics most useful to farmers so far Topics Fig. 1. Showing topics which have been most useful to farmers so far 2. What topic has not been useful to you so far? Topic not useful so far None Note sure Animal Care AI Responses Fig. 2. Representing topic not useful to farmer so far 3. What topic; if any would you like to hear more about? 27 P a g e

28 No. of Farmers Topic needing to hear more about Topic Fig. 3. Graph showing topic respondents would like to hear more about 4. Was there enough time dedicated to the topics you were interested in? Time Dedicated to Topics Interested in Yes No 33% 67% Fig. 4. Pie chat representing efficiency of time dedicated to topics farmers were interested in 5. Would you eliminate or include anything on the FFS agenda? 28 P a g e

29 No Note sure Yes Participant would eliminate or include to FFS agenda Yes Note Sure No 40% 53% 7% Fig. 5. Showing participant s action to agenda More cooperation Repetition of some topics Animal slaughtering More hand on training Budgeting Record keeping x2 Fig. 6. Showing possible additions to be made agenda 6. What would you personally do to improve the school? Have a paramount building Give idea 29 P a g e

30 More indoor classes Engage in discussions More courses Application on personal farm Timing Greater participation More hours Improve on training Give assignments Nothing Improvement in participant punctuality Table 1. Showing personal contribution by participants to improvement school 7. Did you miss any of the sessions? Participant Sessions Attendance Not sure 6% Yes 27% No 67% Fig. 7. Showing participants level of missing sessions 8. Have you been able to use any of the skills you learnt so far? 30 P a g e

31 No.of Participant Responses Participants Ability to Use skills learnt No answer Yes Fig. 8. Showing farmer usage of skill taught No. of participants If yes, give examples 5 Areas where Skills learnt were applied Skill applied Fig. 9. Showing skills farmers applied If no, please say why N/A 9. Would you recommend the school to other farmers in your community? 31 P a g e

32 Recommend School to other farmers in community No 0% No Comment 20% Yes 80% Fig. 10. Showing farmer s willingness to recommend school to other farmers 10. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the highest how would you rank the school so far? School ranking Scale of 1-10 with ten being the highest Fig. 11. Showing farmer s ranking of school 11. On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the highest how would you rank the facilitators so far? 32 P a g e

33 12 Facilitators ranking Scale of 1-10 with ten being the highest Fig. 12. Showing farmer s ranking of facilitators 12. Additional Comments Extend program to all farmers. Will lesson country s huge import bill Visit farms to encourage practice of what was taught Enjoying program. Helps improve many things on farm. Recommendation to encourage farmers. Follow up after period of 1 year. Wants to attend more farmer field school in the future 33 P a g e