INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET APPRAISAL STAGE

Transcription

1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Copy Public Disclosure Copy Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 19-Feb-2014 INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET APPRAISAL STAGE Date ISDS Approved/Disclosed: 24-Feb-2014 I. BASIC INFORMATION 1. Basic Project Data Report.: ISDSA7292 Country: Gambia, The Project ID: P Project Name: Commercial Agriculture and Value Chain Management Project (P125024) Task Team Kadir Osman Gyasi Leader: Estimated 21-Jan-2014 Appraisal Date: Managing Unit: AFTA1 Estimated Board Date: Lending Instrument: 18-Mar-2014 Investment Project Financing Sector(s): Crops (30%), Agro-industry, marketing, and trade (30%), Agricultural extension and research (20%), Irrigation and drainage (20%) Theme(s): Trade facilitation and market access (30%), Water resource management (30%), Other rural development (20%), Rural markets (20%) Is this project processed under OP 8.50 (Emergency Recovery) or OP 8.00 (Rapid Response to Crises and Emergencies)? Financing (In USD Million) Total Project Cost: Total Bank Financing: Financing Gap: 0.00 Financing Source Amount BORROWER/RECIPIENT 0.00 IDA Grant Total Environmental B - Partial Assessment Category: Is this a Repeater project? 2. Project Development Objective(s) The Development Objective for the Commercial Agriculture and Value Chain Management Project (GCAV) is to improve productivity and access to market of targeted agricultural commodities for smallholders in the Project Area. To achieve this objective the project will support targeted investments to remove critical constraints, improve productivity and build organizational and Page 1 of 9

2 institutional capacities, both private and public, along the value chains of the targeted commodities. In particular, the project will: (i) rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure to enhance the resilience of agricultural production systems to climate change-induced weather shocks in selected areas; (ii) rehabilitate/build commercial post-harvest infrastructure to facilitate processing and marketing of agricultural products (iii) support strengthening of the technical, institutional, managerial and marketing capacities of smallholders and their organizations, as well as other stakeholders involved in agricultural production and value chains, to more effectively operate in a market-driven environment; and (iv) provide institutional-strengthening support to improve the governance of Gambia National Agricultural Investment Plan. The selected value chains are rice and horticulture (vegetables), for which accessible markets exist and productivity gains are achievable through adoption of proven technologies. 3. Project Description The proposed project would support interventions designed to help the agriculture sector improve productivity and build resilience against weather-related shocks, while improving market access to provide incentives for farmers to produce more. It will seek to maximize the limited Grant resources by: (i) focusing project support on limited number of commodity value chains that are both important in terms of food security and nutrition, and have significant development potential to respond to market opportunities, and in limited geographical areas with suitable agro-climatic conditions; (ii) focusing project activities in each selected value-chain on resolving the binding constraints on productivity, quality, and value-addition; (iii) ensuring a fair balance between required hardware as well as software investments to adequately address identified constraints; (v) linking investments supported under the project to the establishment of sustainable financing mechanisms with improved governance of internally generated resources within the supply chains actors and their associations to finance operation and maintenance and future capital investments; and (vi) coordinating with similar projects supported by other development partners, in terms of design and implementation, to leverage support in critical areas on the value chains and avoid duplication and enhance development outcomes of interventions. The proposed project would have three inter-related components would include: (1) support to development of irrigation and productive infrastructure; (2) support to value chain development; and (iii) project administration and institution building to support overall sector coordination, to facilitate the implementation of the country National Agricultural Investment Program (GNAIP). Priority in project interventions will first be given to areas with the most favorable agro-climatic conditions to selected commodities and demonstrated potential for production. Rice interventions will cover the Central River Regions (CRR - rth and South) of the country, while horticulture value chains development activities will be in located in the West Coast region. Depending on the final resources allocation, the Project coverage may be extended to other regions. Rice and horticulture (vegetables) have been identified as priority crops, given their potential to achieve both commercial and social development objectives as these crops are mostly cultivated by women and can improve small farmers food/nutrition security and cash generation opportunities. The project scope in terms of specific crops/vegetables to be covered could evolve depending on farmers needs and market potential. Component 1: Support for development of irrigation and key productive infrastructure This component would support critical public and private infrastructure needs to enhance the Page 2 of 9

3 resilience and competitiveness of the agricultural sector. The objective of this component is to support the rehabilitation and/or improvement, and management of tidal irrigation schemes and key small-scale productive infrastructures to address key constraints in the agricultural production system in order to improve productivity, and to further develop and increase the efficiency of key value chains through improved access to markets. The component, will seek to improve basic irrigation infrastructure facilities and required management systems to strengthen the country s resilience to climatic shocks for enhanced production of rice and vegetables, upstream, as well as postharvest management infrastructure downstream the value chains to improve quality and enhance competitiveness of domestically produced rice, in particular. In Furtherance of this the project will support and promote private sector investments (through various models of public-private partnership) for improving value-adding infrastructure and support services to increase marketed output and reduce postharvest losses. The objectives of this component will be pursued under the following two subcomponents: (i) irrigation development; (ii) farm production improvement support; (iii) promoting/leveraging private sector investments in agri-business; (iv) support access to key productive assets; and (v) improving the agricultural investment climate. Component 2: Support to value chain management The objective of this component is to develop and strengthen the institutional capacity of farmerbasedorganizations, the professional associations of private sector participants in the value chain; to scale up best practices and support farmers and private sector participants sub-projects to address key constraints and exploit the opportunities to improve the productivity, processing, and marketing of selected commodities; and to strengthen marketing and agri-business development through engagement with private sector stakeholders. The project would facilitate the establishment, development and operation of private productive partnerships among producer organizations; processing and marketing entrepreneurs, as well as public and private sector agencies providing development support services to the target value chains (through public support provided on the basis of transparent procedures), improve private service delivery supporting such partnerships In doing so the project would strengthen the technical, institutional, managerial and marketing skills of some 60,000 smallholders and their organizations, as well as of services providers and other stakeholders involved in agricultural production and value chains, to more effectively operate in a market-driven environment. The component would take a gender and vulnerable group sensitive approach to capacity building and provide support to improved nutritional status among rural households in project affected districts. The support under this component will be provided through the following two sub-components: (i) Strengthening the capacity of the associations of value chain participants; (ii) Linking producers to markets; and (iii) improving agricultural investment climate and service delivery. CComponent 3: Project Administration and Institution Building 46. The objective of this component is to develop and strengthen the overall implementation capacity of the project coordination unit (PCU), while providing support to the MoA for the overall coordination of the GNAIP. This component comprises the following four sub-components: (a) Project management, (b) Impact monitoring and evaluation; (c) Project communication; and (d) Page 3 of 9

4 Support to Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) for the implementation of the Gambia National Agricultural Investment Plan (GNAIP). 4. Project location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in coordination with ministries of Regional Administration, lands and traditional authority, water resources, trade and industry. The proposed interventions will be implemented primarily in Central and Upper River regions of the Gambia. The project will also extend to other areas with justified economic potential for women groups to engage in vegetable cultivations. The priority commodities proposed to be covered by the project are rice and vegetable. The project scope in terms of specific crop vegetables to be covered could evolve depending on farmers needs and market potential. The project is expected to rehabilitate about 2000 ha of irrigable land and expected to reach 60,000 rice and vegetable farmers over the duration of the project. The irrigation investment to be financed by the proposed project will focus on water use efficiency through rehabilitation of existing tidal irrigation facilities, and training users on efficient water use and management systems. The Project is triggering the following safeguards policies: OP Environmental Assessment, OP Pest Management, OP Involuntary Resettlement, and OP Projects on International Waterways. 5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists Demba Balde (AFTCS) Maman-Sani Issa (AFTN2) 6. Safeguard Policies Triggered? Explanation (Optional) Environmental Assessment OP/ BP 4.01 Yes This policy is triggered because the project is going to implement activities that will have some negative environmental impacts, however these impacts are expected to be site-specific and relatively minor. The irrigation activities, infrastructure development for agro-processing facilities and other civil works, as well as the agriculture activities and the use of land could have some environmental considerations. The borrower has prepared an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) since the specific sites are not going to be identified prior to project preparation. Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 Forests OP/BP 4.36 Pest Management OP 4.09 Yes The Pest Management policy is triggered because of the potential use of fertilizer. The Government Page 4 of 9

5 Physical Cultural Resources OP/ BP 4.11 Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 Projects on International Waterways OP/BP 7.50 Yes Yes has prepared the pest management plan, which was publicly disclosed in January The project may require additional land for the irrigation rehabilitation activities, and the other civil works outlined in the project appraisal document. The development of infrastructure and agro-processing facilities by the private sector, as well as the development of tidal irrigation system may all require land acquisition or expansion of existing facilities that could have impact on assets, access and livelihoods. Since the project intends to select these sites and the private sector will be coming on board after project approval, it is likely that specific locations for these civil works may not be known and therefore the borrower has prepared a resettlement policy framework to outline the mechanism for addressing involuntary resettlement related impacts from project activities. The RPF was publicly disclosed in the Bank InfoShop on January 27, Project activities will involve investments to maintain tidal irrigation infrastructure along the Banks of the River Gambia. The River Gambia, from which the water would be drawn for irrigation, takes its source from the Futa Jallon highlands in the Republic of Guinea, and travels through The Gambia into the Atlantic Ocean. It is thus an international waterway for purposes of OP However, interventions were found to fall within notification exception provided for in paragraph 7(a) of OP According to that subparagraph, an exception to the riparian notification requirement may be provided when the proposed activities are: (a) for any ongoing schemes, involving additions or alterations that require rehabilitation, construction, or other changes that in the judgment of the Bank (i) will not adversely change the quality or quantity of water flows to the other riparians; and (ii) will not be adversely affected by the other riparians Page 5 of 9

6 Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues possible water use. The subparagraph explains further that this exception applies only to minor additions or alterations to the ongoing scheme; and that it does not cover works and activities that would exceed the original scheme, change its nature, or so alter or expand its scope and extent as to make it appear a new or different scheme. An exception to the riparian notification requirement was provided by the RVP on February 11, Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts: It is likely that in the establishment of processing facilities small pieces of land may be required and this could have the potential of crop losses and therefore some livelihoods. But these are expected to be site specific and manageable. Similarly, it is not expected to induce significant adverse environmental and social impacts, and it was rated as a category B. Some of the planned activities such as rehabilitation of tidal irrigation schemes, construction of processing facilities, and productive sub-projects may, however, have localized, remediable environmental impacts. Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Pest Management Plan (PMP) instruments have been been prepared to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential impacts. 2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area: Some potential long term impacts that could result from irrigation expansion include: (a) land and soil erosion; (b) soil, water and air pollution from agro-processing; (c) bio-diversity loss through conversion of natural habitat to farm land; (d) spread of waterborne disease; (e) spread of HIV/ AIDS; (f) possible depletion of the groundwater resources, and, therefore, the need for continuous monitoring of the recharge characteristics of aquifers; and (g) possible adverse effects on sociallydisadvantaged groups, such as women. However, such impacts are expected to be minimized with diligent implementation of the project safeguards instruments, including continuous public consultations, preparation of ESIAs/ESMPs and, when needed, RAPs. 3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse impacts. The project alternatives were reviewed, and it was concluded that the following characteristics of the subprojects will be beneficial for minimizing adverse impacts: (i) Focusing project support on the rehabilitation of of existing tidal irrigation schemes, and build local capacity in irrigation management to efficiently utilize the systems sustainably, and to limit the conversion of potential natural habitats to farms; (ii) promote social inclusiveness, targeting project support on women and youth. It expected women would constitute at least 60 percent of Page 6 of 9

7 the project's direct beneficiaries; and (iiii) promote health and nutrition education. The project alternatives will also be reviewed in detail during preparation of site-specific ESIAs. 4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described. The Borrower has prepared environmental and social management framework (ESMF), which will become an integral part of the PIM. This ESMF will be used to screen activities and subprojects to identify those that will need to undergo full or partial environmental and social impact assessment. The ESMF includes procedures for resolving possible conflicts arising from competition to access the scarce water and land resources in the project zone and for systematically reviewing issues related to the safeguard policies of the Government and the Bank. The Borrower has also produced an RPF and a PMP a, drafts of which have also been prepared by the Borrower. Drafts of the ESMF, RPF, and PMP were discussed in a public forum with stakeholders and the general public for inputs before finalization. The ESMF, RPF and PMP were disclosed in country on January 28, 2014 and in the Bank Infoshop on January 27, Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people. Key stakeholders include: Producer organizations (including women and youth group); Civil Society Organization; National Environment Agency (NEA); Ministry of Environment and Forestry; Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources; Department of Water Resources; Ministry of Lands and regional Government. Consultations and public fora are have been initiated to create stakeholder awareness of the potential social and environmental impact of the proposed intervention. Stakeholders' vies were solicited for the finalization of the initial draft that have submitted to the NEA and the Bank for review. B. Disclosure Requirements Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other Date of receipt by the Bank 05-Dec-2013 Date of submission to InfoShop 27-Jan-2014 For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors "In country" Disclosure Gambia, The 28-Jan-2014 Comments: Disclosed at following location: National Environment Agency (NEA) Library, Banjul; National Library, Banjul; University of The Gamb Library (Banjul); Ministry of Agriculture, Quadrandle, (Banjul); Office of the Governor of the Central River Region Resettlement Action Plan/Framework/Policy Process Date of receipt by the Bank 05-Dec-2013 Date of submission to InfoShop 27-Jan-2014 Page 7 of 9

8 "In country" Disclosure Gambia, The 28-Jan-2014 Comments: Disclosed at following location: National Environment Agency (NEA) Library, Banjul; National Library, Banjul; University of The Gamb Library (Banjul); Ministry of Agriculture, Quadrandle, (Banjul); Office of the Governor of the Central River Region; Pest Management Plan Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank 05-Dec-2013 Date of submission to InfoShop 27-Jan-2014 "In country" Disclosure Gambia, The 28-Jan-2014 Comments: Disclosed at following location: National Environment Agency (NEA) Library, Banjul; National Library, Banjul; University of The Gamb Library (Banjul); Ministry of Agriculture, Quadrandle, (Banjul); Office of the Governor of the Central River Region; If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources policies, the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the Environmental Assessment/ Audit/or EMP. If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please explain why: C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level OP/BP/GP Environment Assessment Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] report? If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Sector Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] Manager (SM) review and approve the EA report? Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] in the credit/loan? OP Pest Management Does the EA adequately address the pest management issues? Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] Is a separate PMP required? Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] If yes, has the PMP been reviewed and approved by a Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] safeguards specialist or SM? Are PMP requirements included in project design?if yes, does the project team include a Pest Management Specialist? OP/BP Involuntary Resettlement Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/ Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] process framework (as appropriate) been prepared? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] Sector Manager review the plan? OP Projects on International Waterways Page 8 of 9

9 Have the other riparians been notified of the project? Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] If the project falls under one of the exceptions to the Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] notification requirement, has this been cleared with the Legal Department, and the memo to the RVP prepared and sent? Has the RVP approved such an exception? Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] World Bank's Infoshop? Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] place in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected groups and local NGOs? All Safeguard Policies Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] responsibilities been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard policies? Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] in the project cost? Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] include the monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies? Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal documents? Yes [ ] [ ] NA [ ] III. APPROVALS Task Team Leader: Name: Kadir Osman Gyasi Approved By Regional Safeguards Name: Alexandra C. Bezeredi (RSA) Date: 24-Feb-2014 Advisor: Sector Manager: Name: Martien Van Nieuwkoop (SM) Date: 24-Feb-2014 Page 9 of 9