Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda Report

Transcription

1 ADPP Moçambique Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda Report For the period from January to December 2016 Submitted to: HUMANA People to People Norway

2 Project Name: Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda Organization: ADPP Mozambique Period Report: January to December The Project at a Glance 1 Name of the project Farmers Clubs for wealth creation among smallholder farmers in Mozambique Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda 2 Operation area District of Nhamatanda in Sofala Province, Mozambique 3 Project Leader Abdulahi Chabane 4 Address Lamego, Nhamatanda district, Sofala Province 5 abdulahichaban@yahoo.com.br 6 The project idea and who the project reaches The projects overall objectives are to enhance wealth creation among rural poor farmers in the district of Nhamatanda, Sofala Province. The idea is to organize farmers in clubs of 50 members, who establish demonstration fields, and through practices carried out on the field learn about conservation agriculture. Various events such as promotion of the best farmer, field visits and agricultural market days will support the farmers to adhere to new learning. The project aims at establishing market linkages between farmers and commercial partners. Training about environmental protection, health and sanitation and literacy acts to strengthen the farmers resilience. 7 A brief history The Farmers Club Project is a 3-year project ( ) being implemented in the District of Nhamatanda in Sofala Province. The Project was launched in April The project builds on 10 years of experience with the Farmers Club program in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Zambezia and Sofala, with positive results promoting a participatory and inclusive development in rural communities. The project works in the proximity to ADPPs educational centre in Nhamatanda and has its project office at this centre. In some of the intervention areas the project has since its start had a close collaboration with the Vocational School and its Short Course centre. The vocational school is officering a 2 year training program in Basic Agriculture for youngsters combined with a secondary education from grade R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b s P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a i n S o f a l a

3 Project Activities 1. The Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda The project goal is to increase the productivity and create wealth among rural poor farmers in the district of Nhamatanda, Sofala Province. The basic idea of the project is building on the strength and interest of the farmers themselves, who were consulted prior to the project. They are very poor farmer, with almost no infrastructures, just surviving with the land they have and the traditions of how to grow it brought from one generation to another. They have welcomed the project and since they have been introduced to the project and its opportunities, they have shown in their ways of working and progress, that they are the driving force in making changes. The combination of the inputs and support the farmers are getting from the project program with its project team and this determination and hard work from the farmers themselves is giving important results and changes have started to taking place. This also despite the many obstacles the farmers and the project had to face since it starts mid Some of the communities are living in area, with political and military instability, which have led to some of the farmers having to stop working in the field and fleeting their homes in periods. Also during the first year of the project, the area experienced 2 seasons with drought, which of course was challenging for the farmers and the project. The project is focusing on improving production and food security, increasing income, and advocates for social equity. It organises farmers in clubs, so that the training, input and the collaboration is taking place in a well defined structure bringing the farmer together through the implementation of the program. Before the end of the project, one of the key results is to have the majority of the clubs transformed into formal registered associations, which is important for securing the continuation of the program after the project period has ended. This experience is build up during the whole project period, while the farmers in their clubs learn about how to improve their farming techniques, increase productivity, improvement of post-harvest management, creating selfreliance in processing and animal husbandry. An important component of the program is also to link the producers to markets where they can sell their products for reasonable prices. It also includes vulnerable groups such as disabled, people living with HIV and child headed households. In addition, the program is delivering professional courses and literacy assistance providing basic alphabetization to the beneficiaries, so that the farmers learn to read 2 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

4 and write, which is also an important factor for how they can take their farming to new levels. 2. Food security and improved nutrition The rainy season 2015/16 was very negative in the operational area of the project, with a complete lack of rainfalls in the months of January and February. These climate conditions didn t allow the farmers to get yield and crop improvement. For this reason the Farming Instructors involved the farmers with plans and activities, providing new methods and crops in the preparation of the demo-fields and in the assistance in the individual fields. Cassava and sweet potatoes were distributed for multiplication, and beside this there were distributions of sorghum, rice, maize, and cowpeas as a dry resistant crop, and cash crops like pigeon peas. In this period plans to develop horticulture were accelerated, in order to provide the farmers with new opportunities to increase their food security. A new protocol was introduced in vegetable demo-plots and seeds for the demonstration fields were purchased covering all the variety of cultures, mobilizing the farmers on the use of a differentiate diet and products for a complete and healthy alimentation. 3. Taking care of the soil During the rainy season, the Farming Instructors realized theoretical and practical tasks and lessons related to conservation farming. The benefits of the methods were explained as well as the importance of improving the soil and taking care of the environment. 2,250 farmers were mobilised to avoid burning residues and deep tillage, practicing mulching and most of the farmers are now adapting to the use of mulching so the soil can give more yields. Besides this, the farmers are using organic compost to add fertility to the soil and an important for supplying important nutrition s and minerals to the crops. The new systems also mitigate the effects of the climate changes because they store carbon in the soil. At the end of that season, the farmers leave the fields covered with the remaining crop residues, in order to protect and improve the soil and continue the next seasons with a productive practice of Conservation Farming. 3 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

5 4. Improving the wellbeing and health of the families The general health of the farmers and their families is also important for the success of the program, so in addition to the lessons in improved farming skills, the Farming Instructors also train the farmers on the importance of having healthy and clean conditions in their houses. Latrine construction Campaigns and several actions in the community about fighting malaria and HIV were implemented. The project encouraged and contributed to the construction of household storage facilities resulting in 90 farmers using improved household storage facilities (granaries) and 3 warehouses are under constructions that are expected to be inaugurated in In addition 480 goats have been distributed to farmers in a pass on animal distribution rotation system. As component of the program, 90 farmers will receive grinding mills, which should be run to benefit all the club members in a sustainable way. Tavambire Club in Metuchira is the first club to receive the grinding mill. The preparation work, which includes training and instructions, for handing over the mill is in process and will happen in December. 5. Using rainwater efficiently and having water for irrigation The water technician involved the farmers in all the 45 clubs in digging wells in the demonstration fields so they can start irrigation on a small scale and give the opportunity for producing throughout the year. Installation of 45 wells with manual rope water pumps had been planned during the first year and 38 of these have been finalized. Apart from this the Shandira Njala Farmers Club in Tica is constructing an irrigation system where the farmers will be able to irrigate a large area of land. This is expected to be finalized in the beginning of The farmers are able to produce vegetables, they did not grow before and it gives them new ideas and inspiration. The farmers are optimistic and want to increase the production of vegetables as soon as the irrigation system is done and handed to them. Increasing wealth of the farmers Kulima, the consultancy partner organization, has trained the project staff (Leadership and Farming Instructors) in the results from the value-chain analyses, inclusive business, marketing and entrepreneurship. The farming instructors have passed on the knowledge to the Farmers Clubs Committees and members, in order for the farmers to get useful information about production planning strategies, creating and improving linkages to the local market. The 4 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

6 project, under the license of the District Services of Planification and Infrastructure department (SDPI) constructed price information boards in the main markets of the district. These is facilitating the planning and selling of farmers produce in the markets. An agricultural show in Tica was established in order to improve the linkage between the farmers, the market and the community in general. 240 farmers exhibiting their products and it was a big success for the farmers as they managed to link up with buyers and sold huge quantities of their produce. Other organizations including the government officials were present to see the products. A Farmers Club Field Day has been held where the club members from different clubs shared experiences. Prizes were given to the best growers. The Grower of the Year received a Petrol Water Pump, the second got 2 goats and the third a knapsack sprayer. Furthermore, each club received a scale and 7kg of sesame seeds so they can produce much more. The prizes helped the farmers to increase their production area of and to accept the agriculture techniques taught by technicians in order to be more competitive in production and productivity at all levels. The other farmers promised to make a difference in the 2016/2017 agricultural campaign in order to ensure both sufficient and nourishing food to the family and increase the families income. Registration of Farmers Associations The idea of the farmers being organised, is fundamental for the success of the project and the farmers future and is an experience from the long history in the Farmers Club programs both in Mozambique and in other countries in the region, where similar programs have been implemented. The way the program is build up support this process to happen. The introduction of the clubs is a not formal organisation, but it is the first step in the process, that farmers join their hands and forces. Throughout the project, the farmers themselves build up trust and confidence in what they are doing and the understanding of the need to be organised becomes something they want and think is important, because they have experienced and learned this from their practice. The sooner in the project the clubs feel they need to transform into an association, the better. As part of the program in 2016, the club members have been trained in how to legalize the clubs as associations. After understanding the rules and how to manage the associations, the project, together with all the interested clubs started the process of legalization and presented the required documents to the district authorities. This resulted in 21 clubs being registered in 2016 with all necessary 5 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

7 documentation. More clubs are in the process to get registered and new clubs are encouraged to start the process. This is a result achieved earlier than planned, which is a very good sign and promising for the future of these farmers, after the end of the project (mid 2018). Other activities The Literacy program started in February 2016 involving 520 participant including 134 vulnerable people in different areas where the project is present. The participants will until the end of the project have basic skills in reading and writing. The project also mobilized farmers to get identification cards and 520 families benefitted from this program. The project also mobilized farmers to get identification cards and 520 families benefitted from this program. Identification documents are important because they show citizenship, help in the legalization of associations, recognition for support for the elderly or vulnerable and it is an essential document to get the documents for use of land (DUAT). As a way of fighting against deforestation in the community the project introduced fuel-efficient stoves for reducing unnecessary cutting down of trees. The members were mobilised and constructed 435 fuel-efficient stoves. A technician from the District Health and Social Welfare does bimonthly training on gender equality, vulnerability, inclusion and other social issues for 40 Community leaders, who are responsible for the localities where the 40 clubs are. The vulnerable benefited greatly from the training facilitated by the District Health and Social Welfare technician because community leaders were able to send out information within communities on non-discrimination against the vulnerable, respecting social rights in all activities. 6 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

8 The Effects of Project Activities The project staff completed successfully the first phase of the project, setting up all 45 clubs and respective demonstration fields, organizing the management structures of the committees, training the beneficiaries in improved agricultural and irrigation techniques with a relevant component regarding agribusiness, financial competence and linkages to the market. The gender equality was always present in the implementation of the program. The relationship with local authorities was effective and productive. The water committees were also created and received training on maintaining the rope pumps. Generally, the response of the beneficiaries in this first year was positive and participative. The rainy season was not favourable but the farmers were introduced to practicing Conservation Farming principles by the Farming Instructors, which will give results in the coming seasons. All the clubs participated in construction of improved household storage facilities. The members learned about how to improve techniques for harvesting and a safe conservation of the produce. The storing facilities give the members the opportunity to store their produce until the price is more favourable. An important element in the program is the inclusion of vulnerable beneficiaries in every activity and, training and sensitizing local leaders about inclusion and gender equality. 7 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

9 Attachment 1: The Project in Numbers Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda PEOPLE IN THE PROJECT Goal for year 2016 Achieved Variance 1.1 Project Manager Literacy Coordinator Farming Instructors (FIs) Literacy Facilitators (starting 2016) Water Technicians BENEFICIARES 2.1 Small-scale farmers 2,250 2, House hold members benefitting from the farmer s training 2.3 People enrolled in literacy classes who gained ability to read and write (starting 2016) FARMERS CLUBS 10,000 10, Farmers Clubs established Rope pumps established Demonstration fields established TRAININGS 3.4 Farming instructors trained in the elements of the project 3.5 Water technician trained in the elements of the project 3.6 Farmers trained in conservation farming techniques 3.7 Project staff trained in value-chain analyses, inclusive business, marketing and entrepreneurship ,250 2, Comments: 3.2 The remaining 7 pumps will be installed in the month of December 8 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

10 Attachment 2: Photos from the project Distribution of sorghum, rice, maize, cowpeas and pigeon peas seeds to the farmers Farmers from the communities studying the exhibition about the Clubs activities at Metuchira 9 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

11 One of the annual event in the program was the Agricultural Show in Nhamatanda Exhibition of the elements of the program 10 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

12 21 clubs were registered as Associations. Here from the handing over of certificates ceremony Fuel-efficient Stoves produced by the farmer women. Altogether 435 stoves were constructed 11 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

13 Handing over of goats for multiplication by the farmers in the pass on animal distribution system A shelter has been constructed for grinding mill in Metuchira 12 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

14 Growers of the Year event, a farmer being prized with a pump Administrator of Nhamatanda visits the Agriculture Show 13 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

15 Best grower of the year receives a water pump A farmer showing off his produce, wow a huge cabbage 14 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

16 Attachment 3: Project Documents 15 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

17 To: ADPP Farmers Clubs Nhamatanda Republic of Mozambique Sofala Province District of Nhamatanda District Service of Economic Services Ref: Recommendation Letter Agriculture Post Harvesting and Technical assistance in Organizational training The ADPP Farmers Clubs have established a partnership with SDAE Nhamatanda, a long time ago and throughout this period the relations have been excellent. In different situations SDAE has been part of field visits within the scope of this project, as well as this organization has been invited to various events of SDAE / District Government. The ADPP Farmers Clubs activities have a positive interaction on the Governments side in particular with the SDAE and the District Service of Economic Activities of Nhamatanda wishes to see the activities extended for a longer time in order to supplement not only the shortage of technicians which we are having, but also to ensure the assistance given in other areas to the communities. Regards. Nhamatanda 21 st of November R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

18 Republic of Mozambique Province of Sofala Government of the District of Nhamatanda Tica Administrative Post Nhampoca Administrative LETTER OF ACTIVITIES The purpose of this activity letter is to provide information on activities carried out over a period of one year in the administrative town of Nhampoca by ADPP Nhamatanda FARMERS CLUB project, in the context of community development in agriculture and management of business in Nhampoca community. THE MAIN POINTS 1. The composition of the project, 2. Main activities carried out, 3. Success of the project and communities, 4. Constraints. The composition of the Project It should be mentioned that the above mentioned project started with its activities in the administrative locality of Nhampoca, on September 5, They located 2 technicians for assisting the farmers, and they were able to create 10 Farmers' Clubs, 5 clubs per technician and each club is composed of 50 members. The clubs were created in the following areas. Momba 1 club, Nhampoca sede 2 clubs, Mabungua1 club, Chiguedeia 2 clubs, Dutuma 2 clubs, Nhantchini 1 club. The technicians received support from the local structures at the local level in identifying the areas where the project continues to act until today. MAIN ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY THE PROJECT The main activities carried out by the project during the 12 months at the local level were as follows: 1. Identification of areas of operation, 2. Training of farmers' clubs, 3. Identification of fields to be used as demonstration fields for the implementation of agricultural techniques 4. Distribution of agricultural inputs to the created clubs, 5. Training seminars for all club members on matters concerning agricultural techniques and business management, 17 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

19 6. Distribution of 120 goats, 125 bales of clothing to all club members and distribution of 33 transportation facilities to all clubs "motorcycles" 7. Recognition of 5 farmers clubs as agricultural associations, and 8. Establishment of 4 rope water pumps in the clubs. SUCCESSES OF THE PROJECT AND OF THE COMMUNITIES COVERED It should be noted that the project had many successes in the communities covered, and there was a lot of support from the farmers in learning and working with the project. There was a good cooperation between the project and local structures at the Nhampoca locality. Today we have 5 more recognized agricultural associations. Before this only 4 existed at the level of the locality of Nhampoca. This is one of the gains of the community. Constraints One of the greatest constraints and threat is the political military situation that Nhampoca is going through at the moment. Nhampoca, on November 22, R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a

20 Attachment 3: Case Storie The farmer who won 1 st prize I am Joao Meque Mapossa, a native of Machaze-Manica, I left my homeland in 1978 and moved to Tica, in search of work at the nearby Mafambisse Sugar Refinery. I am a father of 7 children, of which 4 are men and 3 women with only one wife. I survive through agriculture; it is what supports the education of my children. I have an area of 5 hectares, where I sometimes put a tractor to plow or contact people work. Firstly I would like to thank the Nhamatanda Farmers Club Project, for the quality of teaching on good agricultural practices that the project brought to me. I also thank the technicians for their patience and will to teach the agricultural techniques for better production and productivity. I was able to learn about technical practices through a model field and implemented in my individual field and managed to increase my harvest compared to the previous years. The project is well received in the District, because it is successful in increasing production, and in conservation agriculture. Farmers did not know how to conserve the soil did deep tillage using composts and were used to putting fire in the fields. I was never singled out as the best farmer but thanks to the Farmers Club Project, I was the best farmer for the 2015/2016 campaign. I received a water pump and this was testified by the Administrator of the District of Nhamatanda. This water pump will help me to increase my produce as before I used a watering can which made it difficult. Tica, on November 28, Joao Meque Mapossa. Mutemarega 19 R e p o r t f o r F a r m e r s C l u b P r o j e c t i n N h a m a t a n d a