PACIFIC ISLAND FARMERS ORGANISATION NETWORK

Transcription

1 PACIFIC ISLAND FARMERS ORGANISATION NETWORK MTCP II Semester Report #1 for 2016 Reporting period January June 2016 Date submitted June 23 rd 2016 prepared by Kyle Stice Manager, PIFON

2 Contents 1 Executive Summary Update from Sub Regional Implementing Agency Update from National Implementing Agencies Fiji Tonga Vanuatu Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Highlights of key accomplishments over reporting period Component 1: Strengthening of Farmer Organisations and their networks Component 2: Participation in Policy processes Component 3: FO Services and involvement in Agricultural Development Program Component 4: Program Coordination and Management Financial Report Annexes Annex Annex Gender disaggregated summary of activities of 23

3 1 Executive Summary In total, six National Implementing Agencies (NIAs) have signed LOAs with PIFON, including: Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea. In partnership with these NIAs MTCP II is wide spread in the region with a relatively large number of beneficiaries. The regional focus or thrusts for MTCP II in the first of half 2016 were on major themes such as breadfruit, seeds, soils, farmer oriented value chain trainings and youth in agriculture. The first semester 2016 also included the IFAD Mid Term Review (MTR). The findings of the MTR have revealed that there has been significant progress over the past three years of implementing MTCP II in the Pacific. The Pacific was not a part of MTCP I and therefore had the disadvantage of having to learn the systems and processes that other regions already experienced in phase 1. SRIA Pacific has benefited greatly from the support and mentoring provided by AFA over the past 2 years which has ensured a successful start-up and wider integration with the Asia- Pacific family of farmer organisations. The Pacific region has a much shorter history of farmer organisations involvement in agricultural development compared with other regions under MTCP II. Similarly, Pacific FOs are inherently different than many of the other FOs under MTCP II in that advocacy is not a significant part of the services FOs provide to their members. In this regard, there are some slight mismatches between the nature and activities of farmer organisations in the Pacific and the target outputs under the various components of the MTCP II project. However all farmer organisations have taken into consideration the objectives of MTCP II in designing their work plans. In addition to the very specific targeted support that farmers in the region have received as a result of MTCP II, significant progress has been made to integrate farmer organisations into IFAD programs in the region. Critical to this integration has been the relationship developed between PIFON and the IFAD staff in charge of the Pacific. This important relationship is evidenced in the fact that PIFON hosted the IFAD Country Program Review in 2015 which allowed for firsthand interaction between PIFON and all active projects in the region. This report also highlights a number of key opportunities identified for the second half of MTCP II including a possible expansion into Timor Leste, a commodity focus on seeds and breadfruit and a potential increase in NIA allocation. 3 of 23

4 2 Update from Sub Regional Implementing Agency During the first semester of 2016, PIFON has conducted a number of regional activities spread across the various components of MTCP II. These activities include: Completion, publication and distribution of key policy briefs related to farmer organisation involvement in agriculture research and agriculture extension in the region. Scoping study on farmer organisations in Timor Leste and potential involvement with PIFON. A scoping and networking visit to Timor Leste to participate in the Seeds of Life Conference. Operationalizing the Pacific Breadfruit and Seeds Programme including support to the development of National and Regional work plans for Strategic review of the Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network in preparation for the Strategic Plan. Participation in the MTCP II MTR and Regional Steering Committee meeting. Relocation of PIFON office to new rented facilities. PIFON representation at the IFAD Farmers Forum. Convening of high level PIFON, SPC, IFAD stakeholder meeting. Drafting and negotiation of an MOU between PIFON and IFAD. Preparation and submission of proposal to World Rural Forum to support family farming initiatives in the Pacific region. Preparation and negotiation of a proposal to FAO for a PIFON-KGA led initiative project in the Solomon Islands. Continuation of PIFON MTCP II information dissemination programme including newsletters, e-bulletins etc. Detailed narratives of these activities are presented by component under section 4. 4 of 23

5 3.1 Fiji 3 Update from National Implementing Agencies The signing of the LOA between PIFON as the Sub-regional Implementing Agency (SRIA) for the Pacific and Fiji s National Implementing Agency (NIA), Tei Tei Taveuni (TTT), was completed on 27 January Agreed work plan is in progress with the following being completed: A series of floriculture training sessions was hosted by Tei Tei Taveuni and Tutu Rural Training Centre for their members in May The trainings were conducted by Donald and Aileen Burness of the South Sea Orchids Floriculture Group using the CTA funded Fiji Floriculture Handbook. Further details of this activity are provided under section Tonga The signing of the LOA was completed on 17 February Agreed work plan is in progress with the following being completed: A Papaya and Breadfruit Technical exchange was conducted for the Growers Federation of Tonga from the 17th to the 21st of May, The objective of the technical exchange was to expose the growers from Tonga to Fiji s current best practices with regards to the papaya and breadfruit export industry. The CTA funded and SPC-PAPP printed Pacific Value Chain Guide was the tool used to articulate all the actors in the chain and all costs involved from the suppliers to the point of export and beyond. Further details of this activity are provided under section Vanuatu The signing of the LOA between PIFON and the NIA for Vanuatu, the Farm Support Association (FSA) was completed on 02 March Agreed work plan is in progress with the following being completed: A publication was prepared for PIFON member Farm Support Association (FSA) highlighting a number of key lessons that come from the twenty years of experience with the Vanuatu Spices Network. This publication is a useful resource for other Pacific Islands involved in spice production and marketing as it highlights key success factors for an export spice industry as well as an interesting model linking small holder farmers in remote locations to 5 of 23

6 agribusiness. The publication also explores the role of organic certification in the development of the Vanuatu Spices Network and how this has evolved over a period of twenty years. Further details of this activity are provided under section Papua New Guinea PNG WiADF signed its LOA as the NIA for PNG, with PIFON on 11 February Agreed work plan is in progress with the following being completed: A livestock and fish farming training was conducted for farmers in the highlands of PNG from May 09 th 12th. Livestock included poultry and pig. The basic training highlighted many cost effective methods in fish and animal husbandry. The final phase of this training involved basic book keeping and financial literacy. Further details of this activity are provided under section Samoa The signing of the LOA between PIFON and Samoa s NIA, the Samoa Farmers Association (SFA) was completed on 02 June Work plan is in progress with no completed activities reported to date. 3.6 Solomon Islands The signing of the LOA between PIFON and Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), the National Implementing Agency (NIA) for the Solomons was completed on 26 January Agreed work plan is in progress with the following being completed: The Virgin Coconut Oil Producers Association (VCOPA) endorsed by Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) as an observer, is working in partnership with PIFON to undertake a strategic planning exercise to formulate its 5 year Strategic plan. VCOPA is working to align its Strategic Plan to the Solomon Islands Government agriculture development plans to ensure steady growth of the industry in the years to come. It brings in nuts from the main island of Guadalcanal and other islands into its site to produce virgin coconut oil (VCO). Further details of this activity are provided under section 4. 6 of 23

7 4 Highlights of key accomplishments over reporting period 4.1 Component 1: Strengthening of Farmer Organisations and their networks i. Regional exchanges of expertise between FOs and their associated private sector partners. Fiji A series of floriculture trainings was conducted in May 2016 by the Burness s of the South Sea Orchids Floriculture Group in Taveuni. The trainings were hosted by Tei Tei Taveuni and Tutu Rural Training Centre. The CTA funded Fiji Floriculture Handbook was the tool utilised in the trainings. Topics covered at the training workshop included the three levels of floriculture: backyard floriculture, semi-commercial floriculture (both open and shade-house) and landscape gardening. The general care of orchids and the planting, growing practices and harvesting of dendrobium cut flower orchids were also part of the curriculum and to top it off a session on how to successfully run a floriculture business was also included. Floriculture is seen as an important diversification activity for interested farmers who can link up with both the tourist and non-tourist domestic markets. Left: Mr Don Burness explains how to grow and harvest anthuriums Right: Coconut husks being exposed to the sun to remove tannins that are harmful to the plants. Rice and coconut husks are the recommended medium for anthuriums. 7 of 23

8 Participants of the Floriculture training in Taveuni Tonga The Growers Federation of Tonga in partnership with PIFON facilitated a farmer technical exchange on breadfruit and papaya to Fiji from the 17th to the 21st of May, The seven member group consisted of farmers and two exporters who are all currently engaged in commercial production of papaya and breadfruit and geared towards exports to New Zealand. The objective of the technical exchange was to expose the growers from Tonga to Fiji s current best practices with regards to the papaya and breadfruit export industry. The CTA funded and SPC-PAPP printed Pacific Value Chain Guide was the tool used to articulate all the actors in the chain and all costs involved from the suppliers to the point of export and beyond. The program included visits to all of the actors in the value chain including: commercial nurseries, commercial farms, exporter pack-houses and Fiji High Temperature Forced Air treatment chamber and packing facility. It is envisioned following this technical exchange, the participants would be in a better position to fully exploit the papaya and breadfruit industries in Tonga. 8 of 23

9 Top: The Tongans visit Devesh Bharos nursery in Votualevu, Nadi, Fiji Bottom: Nature s Way Cooperative Research and Extension Officer, Kaitu Erasito, explains how to bag the papaya flower Vanuatu Technical assistance was provided to the Farm Support Association (FSA) in the professional write-up of lessons learnt and experiences over the 20 years of the running of the Vanuatu Spices Network. The publication is now available on the PIFON website via Handbook-5.pdf 9 of 23

10 ii. Fiji Technical advisor assisting members in the organisational reviews, strategic planning and preparation of funding proposals. Technical assistance was provided to Nature s Way Cooperative (NWC) in the undertaking of its Strategic Review in its bid to improve the current practices and find innovative ways of accomplishing goals. Solomon Islands The Virgin Coconut Oil Producers Association (VCOPA) is being provided assistance in the formulation of its 5 year Strategic Plan to align to its nation s agriculture development plans. PIFON is currently preparing and negotiating a proposal to FAO for a PIFON-KGA led initiative project in the Solomon Islands. Regional Technical support in the Strategic review of the PIFON Secretariat in preparation for the Strategic Plan. This activity was considered a necessity to assess the performance of PIFON in terms of meeting objectives of the current Strategic Plan ( ) and if the needs of its members were met with a view to improvement. The performance of PIFON was also assessed in terms of project delivery to its partners (IFAD, SPC and AFA). Key recommendations have been forwarded to the Board and a publication on lessons learnt highlighting key findings have been circulated to the PIFON network. The Board has endorsed a TOR to be written to formulate a Strategic Plan for The preparation and submission of a proposal to World Rural Forum to support family farming initiatives in the Pacific region is currently in progress. iii. PNG Key training activities based on the needs of members Support was provided to PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (WiADF) to conduct training for the PNG Highlands Region on best management in feed making for fish, pig and poultry and financial literacy. 10 of 23

11 iv. Assistance to national FOs in the professional write-up of lessons learnt and experiences Vanuatu Technical support was provided by PIFON to help FSA highlight key lessons learnt from their 20 years of experience with the Vanuatu Spices Network. A publication on this is now available for downloading on the PIFON website. 11 of 23

12 Publication documenting lessons learnt from 20 years of the Vanuatu Spices Network v. Institutional Positioning Regional During this period, PIFON s Secretariat office took an important step in increasing its capacity and manpower from historically two to three last year and four today. Additionally, the Secretariat has moved to a new office after being co-housed with one of its FO members since inception. The Secretariat and PIFON Board is appreciative of NWC s co-housing which enabled PIFON to grow as a young organisation. Today, PIFON now boasts its own Secretariat office equipped adequately to address the needs of its members, located conveniently in Nadi, Fiji next to the Nadi International Airport surrounded by hotels. PIFON is now regionally positioned strategically as Fiji is also the hub center and airport for the Pacific region, making it plausible to host workshops, conferences and exchanges with ease both locally, regionally and internationally. For PIFON as an organisation, the additional manpower capacity and the move to its new office heralds in an exciting era as it continues to grow into its role as SRIA for the Pacific region. 4.2 Component 2: Participation in Policy processes i. Provide representation for FOs and PIFON at regional and international forums Regional The PIFON Chairman represented PIFON at the Farmers Forum in Rome from February 15 16, The PIFON Programme Manager represented PIFON at the Fiji Agriculture Partnership Project Meeting in Suva, Fiji on 27th April of 23

13 PIFON was represented by the Manager, the Programme Manager and an FO representative from Samoa at the 2nd Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting that was held on June 6-8, 2016 at Vientiane province, Lao PDR. The Mid Term Review report of PIFON and its NIAs has been accepted by the forum. ii. Regional Participants at the 2 nd RSC meeting at Vientiane province, Lao PDR Strategic networking and coordination Technical Assistance was engaged to prepare a scoping report on the current status of farmer organisations in Timor Leste and opportunities for engagement with PIFON. The scoping report has been completed hence PIFON is currently working on an LOA with ANAPROFIKO to become the NIA for Timor Leste. A scoping and networking visit was undertaken to Timor Leste to participate in the Seeds of Life Conference. ANAPROFIKO (National Association of Commercial Seed Producers) of Timor Leste has been recommended to be the NIA and member of PIFON and is pending confirmation from the Regional Implementing Agency. 4.3 Component 3: FO Services and involvement in Agricultural Development Program i. Establishing strong ties with IFAD staff in the Pacific A joint meeting between the PIFON board and key development partners, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was held at the PIFON office in Nadi on June 02, PIFON Manager, Kyle Stice, made a presentation on activities completed thus far in partnership with SPC and IFAD including joint activities. The 2016 work plans for 13 of 23

14 both PIFON run programmes, PAPP and MTCP II were highlighted and discussed. PIFON is in the process of drafting and negotiating an MOU with IFAD to formalise the partnership. Preliminary findings from the strategic review carried out on PIFON were also a part of the limelight of the stakeholder meeting including an update on the IFAD MTCP II Mid-Term Review. In general, PIFON is working to get more farmer organisations directly involved in agricultural development projects in the region. In order to achieve this, PIFON is working to highlight the good work that farmer organisations are already doing in relation to research and extension in the region. PIFON has recently released two policy briefs on this subject which are available on the web via Farmer-Organisations-in-the-Pacific-1.pdf and FOs and Agriculture Extension Policy via Extension-Policy-Brief.pdf 4.4 Component 4: Program Coordination and Management A. National Steering Committee Meetings i. Sub-Regional Steering Committee ii. iii. No meeting has been held so far National Steering Committee No meeting has been held so far Board Meeting A joint meeting between the PIFON board and key development partners, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was held at the PIFON office in Nadi on June 02, of 23

15 PIFON Board and key partners from SPC and IFAD stand outside PIFON s new office in Legalega, Nadi. There is now increasing collaboration and more active participation of PIFON in IFAD and SPC activities. iv. Participation in the Mid Term Review The MTCP II project has now reached its halfway mark and has undergone a Mid Term Review (MTR) in late May, The review was conducted by IFADs Farmer Organisation Specialist, Ms Fanny Grandval to assess the performance of the project within the Pacific region since its commencement in The review took into account the project s accomplishments and shortcomings and most importantly, the opportunities for the second half of the project. Ms Grandval was accompanied by PIFON Program Manager, Mrs Lavinia Kaumaitotoya who travelled to the Solomon Islands and then later to Taveuni, Fiji to evaluate two of PIFONs National Implementing Agencies (NIAs), namely, Kastom Gaden Association and Tei Tei Taveuni respectively. The findings from this MTR were presented to the 2nd Regional Steering Committee (RSC) meeting for MTCP II which was held on June 6-8, 2016 at Vientiane province, Lao PDR. PIFON scored a satisfied rating of 49% according to IFAD donor grading standards. PIFON was the highest scorer amongst the SRIAs. B. Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation v. Continue implementation of information dissemination strategy for PIFON Three e-bulletins and two quarterly newsletters have been disseminated so far highlighting PIFON activities including member success stories and lessons learnt. 15 of 23

16 C. Knowledge Management vi. Maintain the website and continue updating repository of key information resources. PIFONs website ( is being constantly updated and is considered to be an up-to-date repository of key information resources relevant to FOs. PIFON videos featured on website Publications featured on website 16 of 23

17 5 Financial Report See attached excel spreadsheet 17 of 23

18 6 Annexes 6.1 Annex 1 FO Services to Members Types of Services Strategy to Deliver Services Concrete Cases Knowledge Management Use of PIFON s consultants expert to write-up the Spices Network story Vanuatu Farm Support Association A write-up of the lessons learnt and experiences with the Vanuatu Spices Network has been completed with a publication now available on content/uploads/2016/06/spice-handbook- 5.pdf SRIA A scoping report on the current status of farmer organisations in Timor Leste and opportunities for engagement with PIFON was conducted in country. Agricultural Enterprise Management Policy briefs Strategic networking Business management training Financial management training Engagement with PIFON s consultants expert to provide policy direction. Representation of key FO members to international conferences and forums SRIA Continuation of PIFON MTCP II information dissemination programme including newsletters ( e-bulletins ( etc. Fiji Tei Tei Taveuni Training on how to successfully run a floriculture business was conducted in conjunction with the floricultural technical exchange held in Taveuni, Fiji. PNG Basic book keeping and Financial literacy training in conjunction with livestock and fish farming training in Jiwaka, PNG. Regional Completion, publication and distribution of key policy briefs related to farmer organisation involvement in agriculture research and agriculture extension in the region SRIA A scoping and networking visit to Timor Leste to participate in the Seeds of Life Conference. 18 of 23

19 Partnership building Engagement in donor development program PIFON reps travelling to Rome to attend the IFAD Farmers Forum. SRIA Convening of high level PIFON, SPC, IFAD stakeholder meeting Engagement with donor Drafting and negotiation of an MOU between PIFON and IFAD Funding proposal Write-up of funding proposal SRIA Preparation and submission of proposal to World Rural Forum to support family farming initiatives in the Pacific region. Capacity building Farmer-farmer learning exchanges from Tonga to Fiji Solomon Islands Kastom Gaden Association Preparation and negotiation of a proposal to FAO for a PIFON-KGA led initiative project in the Solomon Islands Tonga - GroFed Tongan participants are in a better position to fully exploit the papaya and breadfruit industries in Tonga via the GroFed Technical Exchange on Papaya and Breadfruit. Institutional positioning Farmer-farmer learning exchange between mainland (Viti Levu) and Taveuni (island) Farmer-farmer learning exchange between PNG provinces Engagement with PIFON s consultants expert to provide technical direction. Engagement with PIFON s consultants expert to liaise with member FOs and stakeholders Fiji Tei Tei Taveuni Floriculture Technical Exchange to TTT in Taveuni teaching participants all aspects of floriculture from all levels of floriculture to how to successfully run a floriculture business. PNG Women in Agricultural Development Foundation Livestock and fish farming training in Jiwaka, PNG was conducted to impart best management and feed making on fish, pig and poultry. SRIA Development of national work plans for the PIFON Seeds and Breadfruit Programme (PBSP). SRIA Strategic review of the Pacific Island Farmers Organisation Network in preparation for the Strategic Plan 19 of 23

20 6.2 Annex 2 Country: Fiji Inventory of Gains in Policy Engagement (2016) Specific Title of policy that you tried to influence Agricultural extension and Farmer Organisations in the Pacific Activities done to incluence the policy Printed copies have been distributed with a soft copy uploaded on the PIFON website ( content/uploads/2016/03/fos-and- Agricultural-Extension-Policy-Brief.pdf) Concrete result after doing all activities More awareness created on the role of farmer organisations complimenting extension work how many farmers benefitted from the policy TBA if you will put monetary value to the result of this policy for farmers, how much will be the benefit of the farmers Invaluable Agriculture research and Farmer Organisations in the Pacific Printed copies have been distributed with a soft copy uploaded on the PIFON website ( content/uploads/2016/03/agricultural- Research-and-Farmer-Organisations-inthe-Pacific-1.pdf) More awareness created on the role of farmer organisations engaging in agricultural research TBA Invaluable 20 of 23

21 Inventory of Government Services and other agricultural development programs tapped/mobilized or availed by Fos Government agency / agricultural program Concrete services availed number of farmers benefitted Fiji Agriculture Partnership Programme (FAPP) Market access for village grown horticultural crops TBA Inventory of FO economic services directly provided by FOs to members Name of FO Existing Services to members (example: credit/production loan, marketing support, training on production technology, product packaging, product certification, organizing members into commodity groups, etc) Number of members provided services Tei Tei Taveuni (NIA - Fiji) Farming inputs supplier (seeds, fertilizer, farming tools etc.) 13,471 Kastom Gaden Association (NIA - Solomon Islands) In association with the Solomon Islands Planting Material Network, provides training and assistance in setting up and managing community-based seed and staple food crop planting material production/ distribution networks of 23

22 Farm Support Association (NIA - Vanuatu) Growers Federation of Tonga (NIA - Tonga) PNG Women In Agricultural Development Foundation (NIA - PNG) Samoa Farmers Association (NIA - Samoa) Provides extension services to other national Fos via the Vanuatu Spices Network Export grower's produce; on farm support; capacity building Provide effective advocacy for women to be recognized as equal partners in all facets of development including agriculture, and to provide an enabling platform that promotes innovation and the advancement of the role of women in agriculture for development. This is achieved through women mobilization into farmer groups working in partnership with government ministries, national and international organizations, donor agencies, the private sector and individuals to implement government s strategic plans for agriculture in development. Helping commercially-orientated smallholder farmers to grow their business by providing access to key services, inputs, and technical expertise , of 23

23 Gender disaggregated summary of activities See attached excel spreadsheet 23 of 23