P R O J E C T D O C U M E N T

Transcription

1 P R O J E C T D O C U M E N T Increased Production of Root and Tuber Crops in the Caribbean through the Introduction of Improved Marketing and Production Technologies March 4, 2010 This document has restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their official roles.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS CFC-EU-FAO-CARDI Project Document- Roots & Tubers Page 2 Weights and Measures 3 Abbreviations and Acronyms 3 Map 4 Project Summary 5 Previous Support to the Commodity 6 PART I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND A. Project Background 7 B. Overview of Commodity 8 B.1 Overview of supply and demand and forecasts 8 B.2 Problems, issues and opportunities 9 B.3 Relevance of the proposed project to the ICB s commodity strategy 10 PART II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. Project Rationale 10 B. Project Objectives 11 C. Description of Project Components 15 D. Benefits and Beneficiaries 25 E. Project Cost and Financing 25 F. Procurement, Disbursement, Accounts and Audit 26 G. Organization and Management 26 H. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reports and Supervision 30 I. Risks 30 J. Environmental Aspects 31 K. Intellectual Property Rights and Publications 32 ANNEX I Logical Framework 33 II Work Plan 35 III Detailed Cost Tables 37 Table 1. Summary Financing Plan by Component and Source

3 Page 3 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 1 kilogramme (kg) = pounds (lbs) 1 kilometre (km) = 0.62 miles 1 Metric ton (mt) = 2204 pounds (lbs) 1 Metric ton (mt) = 1000 kilograms (kg) ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ASTT CARDI CARICOM CFC DFCP EU FAO FAO/IGG ICM IDB IICA IPM IPR ISFP JAMCOPY MAFF MALMR MARNDR MOA MPP NGO PIA PNSA RADA SRC SVG TT TTABA TTRRO UPOV UWI Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute Caribbean Community Common Fund for Commodities Domestic Food Crop Project European Union Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Intergovernmental Group on Grains Integrated Crop Management Inter-American Development Bank Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture Integrated Pest Management Intellectual Property Rights Initiative on Soaring Food Prices Jamaican Copyright Licensing Agency Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources Ministère de l'agriculture, des Ressources Naturelles et du Développement Rural Ministry of Agriculture Mouvement Paysan Papaye Non-Governmental Organization Project Implementation Agreement Programme Nationale Securite Alimentaire Rural Agricultural Development Authority Scientific Research Council St Vincent and The Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association Trinidad and Tobago Reprographic Rights Organization International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants University of the West Indies

4 Page 4 MAP Increased Production of Root and Tuber Crops in the Caribbean through the Introduction of Improved Marketing and Production Technologies (CFC/FIGG/44) Haiti Jamaica Trinidad St. Vincent Dominica Barbados The colours, boundaries, denominations, and classifications in this map do not imply, on the part of the Common Fund for Commodities or its Members, any judgement on the legal status of any territory, or any endorsement or acceptance of any boundary. The projections used for maps may distort shape, distance, and direction.

5 Page 5 Project Summary Increased Production of Root and Tuber Crops in the Caribbean through the Introduction of improved Production and Marketing Techniques Project Objective and Scope Main objective of the project is to contribute to the improvement of livelihoods along the Root and Tuber Crop Commodity Chain in the Caribbean through appropriate marketing and production technologies. This will be achieved with an integrated approach for the production and marketing of selected tuber crops thereby enhancing the incomes across the supply chain. Stakeholder-identified constraints will be alleviated through the use of appropriate technologies, proven training techniques, strengthened farmer organizations and support for the maintenance of quality standards. Submitting Institution : FAO Intergovernmental Group on Grains (FIGG) Recipient of Grant : FAO Intergovernmental Group on Grains (FIGG) Project Executing Agency : Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) Supervisory Body : FAO Intergovernmental Group on Grains (FIGG) Location of Project : Haiti (LDC), Jamaica, Trinidad/Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Barbados Project Duration : 36 months Estimated Total Cost : USD 3,392,805 Financing Sought from the Fund : USD 2,090, (grant), of which an amount of USD 500,000 will be covered by the contribution made to the Fund s Second Account by the OPEC Fund for International Development Co-financing : USD 1,054,680 provided by the European Union under the All Agricultural Commodities programme Counterpart Contribution : USD 124,275 to be provided by the PEA and Collaborating Institutions Estimated Start Date : 2010

6 Page 6 Previous Support to the Commodity ICB PEA TITLE CFC Funding Board Approval Project No. Grant USD Loan USD Completion Date 1 CFC/FIGG/02 CIRAD Post Harvest Technology for Fonio 915,382 07/10/ /06/ CFC/FIGG/11FA NRI Ltd Grain Warehousing Credit Ghana/Zambia 1,179,578 20/04/ /06/ CFC/FIGG/18FT COMESA Fast Track: Local Processing and Vertical Diversification of Cassava in Southern and Eastern Africa 29,500 20/04/ /08/ CFC/FIGG/04 UNIDO Sorghum Malt Brewing 1,494,600 28/10/ /09/ CFC/FIGG/12 IITA Cassava Processing, Africa, Phase I 1,150, ,000 12/04/ /12/ CFC/FIGG/23FT UNOPS-Abidjan 7 CFC/FIGG/24FT ICRISAT-Mali 8 CFC/FIGG/28FT ICRISAT-India Fast Track: Identification of Constraints to Potato Cultivation and Marketing in Guinea and West Africa Fast Track: Expert Meeting on Utilisation of Regional Germplasm in the Improvement of Sorghum and Pearl Millet and Improved Post-Harvest Technologies Fast Track: Expert Meeting on Alternative Uses of Sorghum and Pearl Millet in Asia 51,800 24/01/ /02/ ,575 04/02/ /05/ ,024 01/03/ /12/ CFC/FIGG/25 CLAYUCA Enhanced Use of Cassava in Animal Feed, Phase I 439,000 07/04/ /10/ CFC/FIGG/22 CIP Potato Production, DPR Korea & Bhutan 1,693,000 16/10/ /11/ CFC/FIGG/32 ICRISAT-India Sorghum & Millet in Poultry Feeds, Asia 1,509,370 11/10/ /03/ CFC/FIGG/33FT Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Fast Track: Enhancing Maize Quality Through Improving Post Harvest Technology in Southeast Asia 50,000 11/04/ /10/ CFC/FIGG/34 EDC West African Sorghum Value Chain Development 1,527,000 05/10/ /06/ CFC/FIGG/31 EUCORD Potato Value Chain Development in West Africa 1,794,476 10/10/ /09/ CFC/FIGG/37 IITA Cassava Value Chain Development by SME s in West Africa 1,600,000 24/04/ /08/ CFC/FIGG/39 CIP New Market Opportunities for Small Potato Growers in East Africa 2,051,123 09/10/ /02/ CFC/FIGG/40FT FAO Workshop on Strengthening the Potato Value Chain 67,500 09/04/ /05/2009 Total 15,654, ,000

7 Page 7 PART I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Increased Production of Root and Tuber Crops in the Caribbean through the Introduction of Improved Marketing and Production Technologies (CFC/FIGG/44) A. Project Background 1. After submission of a project concept note by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), the Secretariat approved funds from the Project Preparation Facility to fully develop a project proposal that would be eligible for financing of by the Common Fund for Commodities and the European Commission within its ACP Agricultural Commodities Programme. The project proposal was formally submitted by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for financing by the Common Fund in The Consultative Committee considered the project in its 43 trd meeting at which the Committee observed as under: The Committee noted that the project involved six countries of which the CFC resources would finance the project activities only in three CFC Member Countries (Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago). The participation of the other three countries (i.e. St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominican Republic and Barbados) would be covered by cofinancing from the EC-ACP Agricultural Commodities Programme if approved. The Committee noted that the project would implement a value chain approach to the development of rootcrop production systems by building value chain clusters combining both production and marketing on the basis of existing producer groups. In developing the production capacity the project would concentrate on the availability of domestically produced planting material. In achieving this objective the project would rely on the varieties and expertise available in the regional agricultural research centres (e.g. CLAYUCA) so that the project could reach its production targets within the proposed timeframe and budget. Having noted the above, the Committee agreed to recommend the project for approval by the Executive Board. 3. Financing of the project was subsequently approved by the Executive Board in its 47 th meeting in April 2009.

8 Page 8 B. Overview of Commodities B.1 Overview of supply and demand 4. Sweet potato is cultivated in over 100 developing countries and ranks among the five most important food crops produced in over 50 of these countries. World production was estimated at million tonnes in 2003, concentrating on Asia (87%) followed by Africa, South America, the Caribbean and North America. At global level an overall declining trend can be observed for all producing countries except for the Caribbean, North America and Oceania regions. The Caribbean has an approximate 1% share of global production with the bulk concentrated in just a few countries. Total regional production figures show increases from 530,000 t in 1999 to 731,000 t in Major Caribbean producers are Cuba, with an annual production of 390,000 tonnes (60% of total regional production) and the Dominican Republic with 33,900 tonnes (5%). The largest producer within CARICOM in 2003 was Jamaica (28,000 t). While the world production yield average at 15,500 kg/ha, figures in Caribbean countries are heterogeneous and range between 500 and 22,000 kg/ha. 5. Sweet Potato is grown throughout the region, primarily by small farmers, on marginal lands with limited use of improved technologies and practices with regard to land preparation, irrigation, fertilizer use and pest management. Consequently, yields are usually well below their genetic potential. Traditionally, sweet potato is simply used in its primary form and cooked as an item in any popular Caribbean main course meal or as a meal in itself. Up to date, there has been limited capitalisation on export and processing opportunities, even though sweet potato can be processed into a number of products which includes chips, flour and many other non-traditional value added products. 6. Sweet potato became increasingly important in the current agricultural development plans of CARICOM countries with respect to food security. However, constraints to its development include poor yields associated with poor agronomic practices and inconsistent quality, high incidence of pests and disease and inappropriate post harvest handling. Regionally, the main bottlenecks in the value chain are pest management, propagation protocols, changing varietal preferences for the export markets, post harvest management, plant nutrition and product presentation. 7. Yam is produced on 5 million hectares in about 47 countries in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. According to FAO statistics, 48.7 million tonnes of yam were produced worldwide in 2005, of which 97% in sub-saharan Africa. Nearly all African production takes place in the 'yam zone', comprising Cameroon, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'ivoire. Yields in this area are about 11 t/ha. In the Caribbean the production data (consolidated) on yams for the period ranged from 250,000 tonnes/year to 367,000 tonnes/year. Biggest producer is Haiti (197,000 t in 2005). Yields in the six project countries vary between 5.5t/ha (Haiti) and 15 t/ha (Jamaica) Within the region, yam has been traditionally utilised and exported as a fresh commodity, with Jamaica being CARICOM s largest exporter of yams, (an average 11,000 t/year). 8. In the Caribbean region, yam is being considered as an important crop for achieving food security; this is attributed to its excellent storage properties and its revenue generating capability. Similar to sweet potato, yams are primarily cultivated on small to medium sized farms and are considered high revenue crops, as there is a significant demand for the tubers in local and export markets. Over the years production has been constrained by the limited adoption by farmers of improved technologies, such as IPM strategies, high yielding varieties and mass propagation

9 Page 9 techniques (i.e. the utilization of rapid multiplication and tissue culture). Many of these technologies can potentially double currently achieved yields. 9. Cassava is the developing world s fourth most important crop, with production in 2006 estimated at 226 million tonnes and grown in 101 countries. In 2003 about 54% of the world s cassava was produced in Africa, 29% in Asia and 14% in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2004 the world s largest producers of cassava were Nigeria, Brazil and Thailand, whose share of global production was 19%, 12% and 11%, respectively. Cassava yields can be as high as 40 t/ha, although world average is about 10 t/ha. With around 4.5 t/ha average yields in the six Caribbean project countries are currently well below world average. Between total production in the Caribbean ranged between 345,000 to 355,000 tonnes/year. 10. In the Caribbean, Cassava is known as a poor man s crop and is predominately grown by subsistence farmers as a staple on marginal land, due to its tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions. The access to sufficient quantities of clean planting material (stem cuttings) for new high yielding varieties has been a major constraint for improving the supply of the commodity. Cassava does not have a distinct mature stage and the crop can be harvested at any time. However, due to the plant s physical attributes (e.g. high water content 70%), it is highly perishable and deteriorates 1-3 days after harvesting. Post-harvest activities are therefore critical. 11. In Caribbean countries, cassava is consumed by the traditional food sector (fresh and minimally processed as farina and bammy) and there is limited diffusion of the fresh product into other industries such as livestock and manufacturing (flour and starch).this is an untapped area which represents an opportunity for developing the industry. CARICOM countries agreed in 2008 to explore options for substituting up to 15% of wheat based flour imports with flour processed from regionally produced cassava by In order to ensure regional supply of sufficient cassava it is necessary to increase productivity (by adopting improved varieties which are more resistant to pests and disease), improve physical infrastructure, marketing structure and processing technologies. B.2 Problems, issues and opportunities of the commodities 12. Cassava, yam and sweet potato although belonging to different Genera of plants, differing in growth habit and time to maturity share certain commonalities. In the Caribbean they are all considered ground provision and tend to be primarily grown by small, often resource-poor farmers. The crops are all vegetatively propagated and a major issue has always been sourcing quality planting material. Over time, farmers have used vegetative pieces or slips from the previous crop for replanting. This has led to a build up of pests and diseases since those practices afford them continuous cycles. 13. Throughout the Region the true genetic potential of these crops is rarely manifested in the level of yields recorded. Inappropriate agronomic practices, that not only limit yield but also have deleterious environmental consequences, are the norm. Perishability of the afore-mentioned crops is enhanced by less than optimal post-harvest handling, which is often linked to poor field practices as well. Although there have been attempts to develop acceptable value chains, activities are often disjointed with high degrees of suspicion between different categories of actors along the chain. The small producers of cassava, yam and sweet potato in the region are largely unorganized and are often unable to exert any influence on proceedings.

10 Page Over the course of many years there would have been suggested, tested and recommended agronomic practices that need validating in the context of new ecological, WTO and GAP compliances. Many of the resource poor farmers are late adopters of technologies that are in keeping with their risk aversion. These crops are still grown with near to obsolete technologies when considered in the light of international competition and a global market for starchy carbohydrates. 15. To round off the issues of importance with regard to yam, cassava and sweet potato in the Caribbean, mention must be made of the limited value-added options utilized especially with regard to already known and documented procedures. The limited use is a reflection of the disjointed value chains, sporadic forays of commercialization of well known technologies for farine (cassava meal), bammy (cassava bread) and purees. B.3 Relevance of the proposed project to the ICB s commodity strategy 16. The project will focus its development and promotion efforts on regional markets where the selected roots and tuber crops could effectively compete with imported cereals. It will aim at adaptive technology transfer and upgrading with existing processing and product development technologies. The project is therefore in line with the principal recommended cassava development priorities as stated in the FAO - Intergovernmental Group on Grains Development Strategy for roots and tubers, which emphasises the need for the development of new markets for food, feed and industrial uses, technology transfer and an increase of productivity levels. The project is in conformity with programme area 16.2 ( Development of New Markets for Industrial Use and Improving Small Scale processing and Supply Chain Management ) of CFC s current Five-Year- Action-Plan ( ). PART II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION A. Project Rationale 17. Government policies in many Caribbean countries increasingly emphasize that enhancement of food and nutrition security and a reliable domestic supply of food is a key to further economic development of the region. To increase food security and sovereignty, regional CARICOM governments agreed to aim at substituting up to 25% of all imported foodstuffs with local produce, as a strategic response to the 2008 food crisis. Potentially high yielding and carbohydrate rich root and tuber crops have thereby been identified to play a crucial role in reaching this goal. The increasing focus on addressing food security requirements in the Caribbean is being coupled with the goal to locally develop value-added products and convenience foods. Tourism and a change in traditional food preparation habits increase the demand for convenience foods, which represent a growing component of the regional import of foodstuffs. 18. Currently, the majority of the smallholders growing roots and tuber crops in the Caribbean do so under less than optimal conditions with yields well below world average and a low degree of market organization. The supply of these crops therefore cannot meet increasing market demand that has been reinforced by the policies of the CARICOM countries to boost food security and food sovereignty.

11 Page The overall goal of the project is therefore to support the development of a commercially viable and sustainable regional root and tuber crop industry in CARICOM countries that facilitates the improvement of livelihoods and overall food security and sovereignty. The project purpose is to develop Caribbean root and tuber commodity value chains in several pilot areas that can serve as models for implementation elsewhere in the region. 20. The production and marketing of cassava, sweet potato and yam in the CARICOM States of the Caribbean share common themes, trends and prospects. This project seeks to alleviate identified key constraints along the value chain of each crop and explore market opportunities. Interventions address production issues as a means of satisfying the market demands for quality and quantity as well as consequential marketing shortcomings and new opportunities. The project will provide an integrated approach to improve livelihoods in the Caribbean root and tuber sub-sector. B. Project Objectives 21. The project purpose will be achieved by fulfilling the following five objectives: Objectives A. To increase the demand for fresh and value added products of the selected root and tuber crops in the local and regional market B. To strengthen existing production groups and the formation of clusters that will improve the activities along the commodity value chain C. To improve the knowledge and skill of actors along the value chain through training in and dissemination of production, post harvest, processing, and marketing techniques D. To produce and distribute high quality planting materials of cassava, sweet potato and yam through the establishment of appropriate propagation facilities E. To demonstrate and, as necessary, validate technological innovations in root and tuber crop production and use Objective A: To increase the demand for fresh and value added products of the selected root and tuber crops in the local and regional market Recent high level Government Meetings of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have been stressing the importance of roots and tubers as a basis for regional food security. There are independent reasons why root crops do not enjoy a more significant market share in the project countries. In some countries it is not the carbohydrate of choice for socio-economic reasons ranging from perceptions about its status compared to rice, wheat and white potato to issues of cost per pound. Increased demand for fresh and processed roots and tubers will be dependent on increased product quality competitive pricing, convenience and overall functional food benefits. CARDI in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica (SRC) and the support of the Government of Japan, have been contributing to the development of value-added products, of root and tuber crops by determining the nutritional and processing properties of some popularly grown sweet potato varieties and matching these properties with the value added products with which they are most suited. Flour and pasta have been identified

12 Page 12 as key products. Similar studies have been conducted with cassava with the identification of varieties that are most suitable for making cassava meal ( farine ). The wide scale use of many of these new developed technologies has been limited mainly due to the minimum exposure of producers to the requisite information. This is partly due to the limited extension staff, fragmentation among producers and minimal availability of the technologies in a usable manner, thus minimizing transfer by research institutions. As such, CARDI has partnered with farmer groups to ensure the dissemination of the technologies developed on a wider scale and to provide an integral platform to transfer information to farmers and others relating to production and use of root and tuber crops. At the regional level, associations and groups, such as, the Christiana Potato Growers Cooperative Association (CPGCA LTD.), Caribbean Farmer s Network (CaFAN), Caribbean Agri-Business Association (CABA), Eastern Caribbean Trade and Development Company (ECTAD) and Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association (TTABA) are all collaborators. Consequently, these affiliate members in Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago; have become critical partners of CARDI, respectively. Deliverables Objective A: An increase in selected value added products of at least 50% above pre-project levels in the pilot areas. Increased returns to individual producers of at least 35% above pre-project levels. Increased consumption as reflected by 30% increase in volume sales. Recorded increases in the number and quality of specified products as shown by returns on investment. Objective B: To strengthen existing production groups and the formation of clusters that will improve the activities along the commodity value chain Interviewed stakeholders, from across the spectrum of commodity activities, all recognize the advantages that would be attendant on organized producers. Furthermore, there have been noteworthy attempts in the region to promote the agri-business cluster concept. Success stories in Latin America, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Jamaica have shown the utility and efficacy of the cluster mechanism. Clusters and the collaborative advantage are what define successful markets, that is, buyers and suppliers working with each other and using proximity and economies of scale to improve innovation and access to markets. The key to growth for many small operations within a cluster is its ability to gain strength through co-operation and collaboration utilizing formal and informal methods. The single most important operating principle of competitive clusters is the ability to network extensively and form networks selectively. A farmer can learn about market trends and needs, the technological developments currently taking place, and find suitable partners and allies for innovative initiatives. There are six proposed activities for enhancing cooperation and collaboration among cluster members within this project: co-inform, which identifies cluster members and their competencies, promotes the cluster, and improves member s communication; co-learn, where educational and training programmes are open to members;

13 Page 13 co-market, which are activities collectively organized to promote the cluster s services or products; co-purchase, where equipment or other resources are jointly acquired that individual organizations could not afford on their own; co-produce, which involves alliances to manufacture a product; and co-build economic foundations, where the cluster lobbies for legislation, policies or programmes to provide the right economic environment for their economic growth. Clusters demand a flow of knowledge among cluster members in order to succeed and hence knowledge sharing is essential. Knowledge sharing is an unnatural act between different actors in the value chain, thus some kind of compensation must take place. Companies decide whether to share knowledge or not with other firms depending on the costs and benefits anticipated for doing so. The blend of cooperation and competition between cluster firms generates a competitive spirit that stimulates growth and strategic alliances aimed at new markets. In addition, the cluster framework can be a valuable tool for effective rural economic change as it is: Market driven - focusing on bringing the demand and supply sides together to work more effectively. Inclusive - reaching out to business operations be they small, medium or large, as well as suppliers and supporting economic institutions. Collaborative - placing great emphasis on collaborative solutions to issues. Strategic - helping stakeholders create a shared strategic vision. Value creating - improving depth by involving more producers and breadth by attracting more industries) to increase regional income. A major objective of this project is the introduction or strengthening of producer organizations and agribusiness clusters. Deliverables Objective B: At least one functioning agribusiness cluster per project country. An established Caribbean Root and Tuber Association with commodity oversight located in Barbados. As a consequence of the above, both producers and processors in value chains with partnerships based on trust, mutual respect and a full understanding of each other s contribution. Objective C: To improve the knowledge and skill of actors along the value chain through training in and dissemination of production, post harvest, processing, and marketing techniques. Profits in today's global marketplace come from the competent use of knowledge and skills to operate enterprises. Training improves the profitability of the operation, by improving technical skills, knowledge, attitudes, production efficiency and behaviour. Improved work ethic and work performance also result from the increase in self-esteem, job status, and image that result from training. Experience has shown that information does not solve problems, but informed people do. The type of training to be effected during this project will be end-oriented and learner-focused. The

14 Page 14 most appropriate methods will be employed as a fillip to the farmer field schools. Participants will be involved in the planning and evaluation of their programmes. There will be a deliberate concentration on experiential learning and the focus will be on problem solving rather than on predetermined content. The entire project is founded on the resolution of beneficiary-identified constraints, hence the problem solving focus of the training interventions. The training programmes will all be geared to addressing issues that have immediate relevance to the beneficiaries lives. The interventions will extend to production and agronomic issues, post harvest management, basic and advanced processing as well as marketing techniques to reach segmented audiences, Deliverables Objective C At least 1550 trained individuals in various sub-disciplines of import to the Root and Tuber Crop Commodity chain. A minimum of 12 demonstration holdings showing farmer-led production protocols. Adaptive training programme designs complete with content and interactive sessions for use outside the pilot areas. At least 12 post-course workplace evaluations showing the return on investment of the selected training interventions. Post-course workplace evaluations were pioneered in the region by the University of the West Indies Continuing Education Programme in Agricultural Technology. Recorded improvements in the target areas of the training programmes in terms of additional revenue, reduced losses or increased productivity when compared to pre-project levels. Objective D: To produce and distribute high quality planting materials of cassava, sweet potato and yam through the establishment of appropriate propagation facilities The overriding challenge articulated by stakeholders in the project countries regardless of crop was the issue of availability and quality of planting material. None of the crops are propagated by true seed and several biotypes exist of each species. A common feature of root and tuber crop production is the use of vegetative propagules from the previous crop for replanting. Given the endemic and sporadic pest and disease concerns, this reuse of infected or infested material, often without any prophylactic or curative treatment, leads to a substantial pest load build-up. The true genetic potential of many of these crops is not achieved because of pre-plant conditions largely determined by low quality planting material. Although CARDI had substantial information on this constraint, it was validated by on-farm and in situ interviews conducted as part of this project proposal. Resource-poor producers, although aware of some of the advances in clean propagule production, were unable to purchase what little was available. In Jamaica particularly, where the yam minisett technology has been promoted for years, adoption rates were low primarily due to the yield characteristics. In Jamaica and St Vincent and The Grenadines, the solution is believed to be linked to meristem culture in a laboratory setting followed by field multiplication/hardening. In Haiti, the technologies need not be as sophisticated but can include treatment, proper handling and sourcing from clean fields. The use of glove box technology for tissue culture work followed by protected bulking up and hardening prior to sale to farmers.

15 Page 15 Deliverables Objective D: By the end of the project there will be three facilities turning out plantlets at prices that will make multiplication and grow-out operations feasible. Planting material sales from the two facilities will have doubled compared to pre-project levels. Three new multiplication and hardening facilities will be in operation. Seventy-five percent of the farmers in the pilot areas will be using quality propagules from a project-improved facility. Objective E: To demonstrate and - as necessary- validate technological innovations in root and tuber crop production and use. All stakeholder groups identified and subsequently interviewed as part of this project proposal agreed that the yields associated with these crops are not a true reflection of their genetic potential. Similar cultivars are performing better in Latin America and Africa. The leading research and development institutions in the Region had, over the last two decades, researched, developed and promoted technological innovations and suggested best practices for the three crops. Against the backdrop of climate change, biofuels, international competitiveness, increased input costs, pest resurgence, and insecurity of land tenure, a review of the applicability of some of these recommendations is necessary. Expectations will be raised when the role of poor quality planting material has been diminished. The subsequent agronomic practices will be the determinants of the yield in terms of quantity and quality. In Haiti, there are significant soil fertility challenges that will be accentuated with use of clean, quality planting material. All of the project countries have post harvest quality concerns that will have to be solved by improved measures. Product quality limits are set from pre-plant considerations including choice of cultivar and site selection. Deliverables Objective E: Location specific tech-packs identifying appropriate and achievable operating protocols for the production and sale of quality fresh and value-added produce. Training materials including audio-visual aids. Demonstration holdings, farmer field schools, process/product sensitization and Adaptive course-in-a-box models. C. Description of Project Components 22. The project will be implemented in six Caribbean countries and involves three crops. Within each country, intervention zones or districts have been identified by the project partners, based on the following criteria: The relative importance of the target crops to the rural milieu. The presence of infrastructure, existing farmers organizations or civil society resident partner.

16 Page 16 Absence of disproportionate share of State or international agency funds. Reasonable proximity to project partners to facilitate timely supervision during the life of the project. Acceptable number of proximal producers to limit the geographic spread thus avoiding stretching the resources too thin. Listing of Components and Activities Objective A) To increase the demand for fresh and value added products of the selected root and tuber crops in the local and regional market B) To strengthen existing production groups and the formation of clusters that will improve the activities along the commodity value chain C) To improve the knowledge and skill of actors along the value chain through training in and dissemination of production, post harvest, processing, and marketing techniques D) To produce and distribute high quality planting materials of cassava, sweet potato and yam through the establishment of appropriate propagation facilities E) To demonstrate and, as necessary, validate technological innovations in root and tuber crop production Component A1 - Support for ongoing value added initiatives A2 - Adaptive research activities in cassava, sweet potato and yam processing methodologies A3- Improvement to infrastructure for value added operations B1- Cluster dynamic training B2 -Support for Industry Association C1 -Training in Integrated Crop Management practices C2- Training/Demonstration on utilization of value-added products C3 - On farm and government station Demonstration plots (established and maintained for 24 months) 19 plots D1-Establishment-refurbishing of Plant propagation infrastructure D2- Training attachments D3- Germplasm conservation D4 - Provision of Weaning and Hardening facilities and the supply of expendable propagating supplies D5 - Development of 5 Satellite' farms with start up resources D6- Purchase, treatment and multiplication of desired planting materials E1 - Soil fertility management E2 Integrated Crop Management E3 Sweet potato pest management Operations and activities under each component are island specific. COMPONENTS AND ACTIVITIES Component A: Increasing fresh and value-added products Objective: To satisfy the demand for fresh and value-added products of selected root and tuber crops Outputs: Well-defined value chains New and transformed products

17 Page 17 Activities: A1 Complementing on-going value-added initiatives A2 Technological support for product transformation A3 Improvement to the infrastructure for value-added operations Activity A1: Complementing on-going value-added initiatives Haiti As part of the Government s response to the recent series of hurricanes that affected Haiti, a sweet potato initiative is currently ongoing to increase local food supply. A major aspect of that programme is a concentration on value-added products. This activity seeks to support on-going efforts with regard to root crop processing and particularly juicing of sweet potatoes. The project will support the purchase of juicing and centrifugal equipment to be used in the PNSA s ongoing initiatives. The production and distribution of brochures promoting the nutritional and organoleptic information will also be supported. Jamaica Both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Scientific Research Council in Jamaica are involved in programmes seeking to add value to yam, cassava and sweet potato. Support for these ventures by this project will further facilitate the smooth flow of produce along the commodity value chain. This increased throughput is germane to the overall project goal of improving livelihoods. This project will support the Domestic Food Crop Project demonstration in communities. Trinidad and Tobago The Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association has taken the lead in attempting to develop fullfledged commodity value chains for cassava, sweet potato and on a smaller scale - yams. This activity provides requested supplementation of ongoing and planned programmes through the supply of packaging equipment to be used for vacuum-packed slices and chips. Activity A2: Technological support for product transformation Haiti Work with cassava and yam processors in Thiotte will entail the use of and training in, grating and pressing machinery. In Mapney, Savane Zombi and La Vallee de Jacmel sweet potato and cassava products will be minimally processed. The waste and peel will be recycled as an energy source through briquette manufacture to power the boiler and blanching equipment. Jamaica The Jamaica Social Investment Fund investment in chip production will be supported by way of equipment for freezing, impulse sealing, slicing and cooling. These activities will be conducted in conjunction with RADA and the SRC. Trinidad and Tobago The Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) is working with a small budget of TT$2 million (USD 350,000) to process, package and market root crops. This activity will bolster the efforts at field packing along with technological support from a project-funded Technical Assistant.

18 Page 18 The government has partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association (TTABA) to implement the country s National Agribusiness Development Programme. The government recognised the need to reposition the agricultural industry and entrusted the process to the TTABA. This body was sanctioned by the private sector and is guided by both private/public sector interests. The Programme aims at developing clusters and addressing the production and marketing constraints faced by industry players. The private sector led Basic Goods Shops will include opportunities to sell value-added peeled, diced and frozen root crops in partnership with the National Flour Mills. The shops will be operated by small home based entrepreneurs (mom & pop shops) who with National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO) loans will establish or upgrade shops ranging from sq. ft. equipped to carry fresh, frozen and dry goods. St. Vincent and the Grenadines CARDI St Vincent is committed to improving the processing of root crops of strategic importance. This project activity supports adoption demonstrations in root crops processing methodologies (e.g. peeled and or blanched yams) storage and appropriate methods of transportation. A food technologist will be contracted for phased interactions with processors to augment the provision of graters, autoclaves and hand-held implements. Activity A3: Improvement to the infrastructure for value-added operations Trinidad and Tobago TTABA will use project funds under this activity window to upgrade and expand the physical infrastructure associated with the processing and distribution of sweet potato and cassava at the Tableland facility. Dominica Project resources will be used as a fillip to value added through the purchase and provision of equipment for processing and packaging to support agro-processing in selected catchments with potential for agro-tourism such as the Carib Territories and Good Hope. Component B: Value Chain clusters Objective: To strengthen existing producer groups and develop value chain clusters Outputs: Six organized, functional producer groups Six recognized, effective agribusiness clusters CABA affiliated Caribbean Root and Tuber Crop Association in operation Activities: B1 Cluster dynamics training B2 Establishment and nurturing of the Caribbean Root and Tuber Industry Activity B1: Cluster dynamic training This component of the CFC Root and Tuber Crop project is considered one of the most innovative aspects of addressing the constraints within the value chain. The many stakeholders contacted were

19 Page 19 unanimous in their acclaim that any development within the proposed root and tuber value chains must be people-based. None of the other initiatives geared at improving the sub-sector thus far, had envisioned an organized farmer and cluster development approach based on proven training and facilitation. Haiti Training and facilitation sessions for actors within the value chain in Haiti. Sessions will be conducted in Creole using the project links with grassroots organizations such as Fund Lambi and Haiti Survie. On two occasions an external Creole-speaking facilitator will be used. The interactive training materials and video developed for this activity will form part of the dissemination package highlighting the lessons learnt. Jamaica In Jamaica, the dynamic nature of the sub-sector, the multiplicity of actors involved and the levels of distrust make this activity a sensitive one. Key stakeholders already agreed that the choice of experienced, neutral facilitators will be crucial. Specific terms of reference will be drawn up for the facilitators and trainers in this very important activity. A local secretariat will be established to coordinate and promote the initiative. This secretariat will form the hub for the Jamaica local Chapter of the Caribbean Root and Tuber Association. Trinidad and Tobago Training and facilitation sessions will be held for representative groups of actors within the value chain in Trinidad and Tobago. There are partner agencies (e.g. IICA) with access to the requisite skills with respect to cluster formation and producer group organization. Dominica The project will fund targeted courses on cluster formation and group dynamics as requested by the partners in Dominica. Given the strength of the Farmers and Producers organizations, and the banana Fair-trade experience, aspects of the cluster dynamics are already understood. Four sessions will be conducted using the foundation that would have been laid by the Dominica Export Import Association Activity B2: Establishment and nurturing of the Caribbean Root and Tuber Industry Barbados A secretariat will be commissioned in Barbados to monitor, respond to and predict issues that impact the sub-sector. An additional role will be in the maintenance of standards in terms of planting material quality and branding of value-added products. The Association will have a monitoring arm that will screen from planting material to processed products. Attendance of participants to the first two Annual General Meetings of the Association will be sponsored by the project Component C: Competent producers, processor and marketers. Objective: To ensure the presence of knowledgeable, skilful actors along the value chain Outputs: 300 skilled, GAP certified producers 60 HACCP-compliant processors

20 Page 20 ISO ready products associated with the project Activities: C1 Integrated Crop Management Training C2 Training/demonstrations on utilization of value-added products C3 Dissemination of Project successes Activity C1: Integrated Crop Management Training Inappropriate agronomic practices have been identified as constraints hindering the development of root and tuber crops in the Caribbean. This activity will allow for the use of proven techniques whereby the producers experiences can be accommodated. Experiential learning will be central to the range of methodologies used, as the producers are engaged and encouraged to be more grounded participants in their training programme. Haiti Training of eligible Haitian producers via farmer field schools, group community meetings, cropspecific integrated pest management and field sessions. CARDI has Creole-speaking resources out of St Lucia and Dominica that will augment Haitian expertise from the Ministry of Agriculture, selected NGOs and IICA. There will be five demonstration sites and two Technicians assigned to the project. The project will also employ a Field School Facilitator to manage this activity. Jamaica This activity will be facilitated by Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), the Ministry of Agriculture and CARDI and geared to the training of Jamaican producers to improve on-farm agronomic practices. The training needs assessments have been conducted and the performance gaps identified, these programmes will supplement ongoing initiatives by the partner agencies. The comprehensive approach to this activity includes provision for a project-owned dedicated four-wheel drive vehicle, a Training Coordinator and an experienced Farmer Field School Facilitator. A Field Assistant will assist the aforementioned project staff members. Dominica The Ministry of Agriculture and its Extension arm have assessed the training needs and identified key performance gaps that can be bridged through training interventions. The project will support a small part of the overall training operations being undertaken by the Ministry, CARDI, FAO and IICA. Ten sessions are planned and a suitable Facilitator identified; provision has been made for the payment of an honorarium. Nineteen demonstration plots will be maintained as ongoing training and demonstration facilities. Activity C2: Training/demonstrations on preparation/utilization of value-added products Haiti Whilst Haiti has a well-documented sweet potato utilization programme this activity targets cassava and yam value-added products. The PNSA programme approach, of demonstrations, samples and public taste panels, will be utilized with field operations coordinated by Haiti Servie. The target groups will be persons in the food and hospitality industries, students, community and church organizations, and NGOs. Processors will receive training modules on food safety and environmental management in keeping with the requirements for HACCP and ISO benchmarking.

21 Page 21 Jamaica The SRC has an ongoing programme of training and demonstration that will be augmented by this activity. The activity will include the SRC flour substitution drive and also the purchase and commissioning of a mini extruder. Processors will receive training modules on food safety and environmental management in keeping with the requirements for HACCP and ISO benchmarking. RADA s community utilization programmes and the ISFP utilization demos will ensure adherence to the overall goal of increasing the competence of persons processing or utilizing these root and tuber products Trinidad and Tobago This activity is linked to the most significant aspect of Trinidad s involvement with the project. Although there are other sources of funds, the project is supporting an integrated system of product flows that will have the desired effect of improving livelihoods. Processors will receive training modules on food safety and environmental management in keeping with the requirements for HACCP and ISO benchmarking. By conducting 6 sessions with the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality Institute and the School Nutrition Company Ltd., the training of trainers would have been effected. On-farm packing, graded and packaging workshops will be conducted in conjunction with the ASTT. Dominica This activity in Dominica follows the requested product support mechanisms by facilitating demonstrations on the utilization of value-added products Activity C3: Dissemination of Project successes All of the interactive training and video presentations will be compiled as part of the lessons learnt package that will be used to demonstrate the replicability of the entire project not only outside of the pilot areas in each country but in other countries as well. Component D: Affordable, quality, planting material Objective: To increase the availability of quality planting material at affordable prices Outputs: Four Propagation Centres Five Hardening facilities 1,600,000 plantlets per year 6,400 acres of roots and tubers Varietal storage capacity in three countries Activities: D1 Establish/expand propagation infrastructure D2 Establish hardening facilities D3 Improve capacity of expanded institutions to deliver quality, planting material D4 Multiplication and sale of planting material