Week of: / Sept-02-08-2013
Location: / SNNPRS
Regional staff/ Zonal staff: / 1. Yoseph Mekasha
2. Birhanu Biazin
3. Tesfaye Shewage
4. Tesfaye Dubale
Partners: / 1. Gamogofa zone BoA focal person (1 male)
2. Gamogofa zone targeted Woredas [Bonke, Mirababaya and Arbaminch zuria woredas] focal persons and irrigation process coordinators [6 males]
3. Sidama zone targeted Woredas [Arbegona, Bonazuria and Bensa woredas] focal persons and irrigation process coordinators [6 males]
Value chain actors/service/input providers / · Ocholo Lante Fruits & Vegetables Marketing Primary Cooperative [7 males] (Gamogofa)
· Small and Large ruminants fattening and poultry producers (male=9; female=3) [Gamogofa]
· Arbaminch Agricultural Research Centre [Gamogofa] [1 male]
· Gamogofa Zone Plant Protection Office [2 males 1 female]
· Chenomile Fruits and Fodder seeds Multiplication Centre [Gamogofa]
· Chamo poultry producers group [Gamogofa] [6 females 5 males]
· Egnan New Mayet small ruminant producers group [Gamogofa][3 females 5 males]
· Improved mango and forage establishing farmer [Gamogofa] [1male]
· Alfalfa and lablab seeds producing farmer [Gamogofa] [1 male]
Activities on Capacity Development / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
1) Follow up of the progress and provision of feed back on identification of the candidates for MSc scholarship in Sidama and Gamogofa zones, and regional BoA.
a) It was learnt that Sidama zone BoA has approved the list of candidates submitted by the woredas and identified by the zone and communicated the same to Regional BoA for further action.
b) At regional level (BoA), the selection process is in progress. / · Follow up of the progress on identification of the candidates, preparation of the minutes and communication to zonal and regional BoA and LIVES coordinators.
· Approval of the selection at different levels.
Activities on Knowledge Management / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
1) Follow up of the progress and provide feed back on KCs to be established/ strengthened at regional, zonal (Sidama & Gamogofa) and woreda levels. / 1. Continue the follow up of the progress of KC establishment at region, zone and woreda levels.
Activities on Promotion / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
Activities on Value Chain Development / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
1. Facilitation and monitoring of value chain development activities in the region (regional and zonal LIVES team). / 1. Continue with facilitation and monitoring of the value chain development activity in the region/zone/woreda/kebele
2. The regional LIVES team has visited selected commodities value chain development activities of Gamogofa zone during the reporting week. Accordingly, the team
· held discussion with zonal focal person [BoA] and delegate of the Head of the zonal BoA about the progress and challenges on the implementation of LIVES activities in the zone. It was learnt that the zonal focal person is well aware about the project and providing the necessary support to the implementation of LIVES activities as he has been involved in the project at different stages (identification of commodities, selection of districts and district level focal persons..). It was also understood that efforts have been made by zonal focal person and LIVES coordinator to stabilize the expectations of value chain actors in the zone.
· visited zonal plant protection laboratory and discussed about the prevalence of major horticultural crops diseases and pests, measures being taken, and their capacity. It was learnt that the laboratory is working on indigenous, biological and chemical methods of disease and pests control and treatment. The laboratory has the capacity (trained manpower, facilities and reagents) to be used as a resource person to train frontline extension/DA staff. The possibilities of working together was also explored and agreement was reached.
· visited small scale urban poultry [Chamo] and small ruminant [Egnan New Mayet] producers groups in Arba minch city. It was learnt that both groups have been established in the city through the support of governmental and non-governmental organizations recently. The groups are composed of youth (mixed male and female) and HIV positive people (male and women). The objective of the poultry farm is to produce eggs for sale (use white leg horn chicken) while the objective of small ruminants fattening group is for sale of conditioned animals. Members explained that they received training before they embark on the business, and follow up has been made by the urban agriculture office. Although both groups did not start selling their products to the market, they mentioned that feed is the major constraint in the business.
· visited the Hare Irrigation schemes (one traditional and two modern schemes from the same river) and the catchment area. The team pointed out what could be done in the short and long term. Regarding the selection of a watershed for integrated livestock-fodder-environmental protection program, it was understood that the Hare catchment area is so big to cover the entire area. Hence, the team observed sub-catchments from the Hare watershed area and given the assignment for the zonal coordinator to discuss with Kolashara PA, where Hare watershed is located, to identify the appropriate area so that biological measures can be integrated with physical measures through mass mobilization.
· had discussion with Ocholo Lante Fruit and Vegetable Marketing Cooperative, which was represented by the chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and other 4 members of the executive committee [n=7]. Following a brief presentation of the objectives and activities of the cooperative by the executive committee, and about the LIVES project by the LIVES team, further discussions were held regarding opportunities and challenges, and possibilities for further collaboration with the LIVES project. It was learnt that the cooperative was established in 2006 with 60 members (58 males and 2 females). The number of members has grown to 279 (50 are females) in 2013. In Ocholo Lante Kebele, where this cooperative was located, about 563 ha of land was covered with Banana while 98 ha was covered with Mango. The major challenges raised by the cooperative encompasses market fluctuation (seasonality) and lack of good linkages with prominent customer cooperatives and other actors, low quality of Mango fruits due to disease pests and poor harvesting techniques, poor post harvesting practices of Banana and diseases, lack of awareness and limited capacity on quality fruits production and postharvest handling, etc. They have also pointed out that farmers have abandoned growing tomato because of disease problem despite conducive environment for production. The LIVES team tried to avoid their expectations towards provision of inputs/technologies and other resources. It was agreed to work together in the area of capacity building on their production techniques, disease and pest control, post harvest management, and enhancing their market linkages.
· The team also held discussion with producers [9 males and 3 females] selected for livestock commodities (poultry, small and large ruminants) interventions on the challenges and opportunities of poultry production and fattening small and large ruminants in Ocholo Lante kebele of Arbaminch zuria woreda. Despite the conducive environment for livestock production, they explained that they have serious challenges in terms of diseases of poultry and goats, feed shortage for fattening goats and cattle, long fattening time, low benefit from fattening due to poor market linkages, etc. It was stressed by the farmers that, animal health professionals visit their kebele once a week and most farmers couldn’t have the chance to meet them. Since the farmers are also involved in irrigated fruits production, they complained seasonal fluctuation and low market price for the produce, quality and variety of local Mango being used, problems related traditional irrigation system as a major challenge.
· visited mango mother trees and irrigated fodder crops planted at farmers plot for demonstration both at A/minch and Mirab Abaya woredas and forwarded valuable comments and suggestions for further improvements.
· visited private Alfalfa (about 0.5 ha) and lablab (about 0.5 ha) forage seeds establishment by an innovative farmer in Mirab Abaya woreda. This farmer has the experience of producing Alfalfa seed for sale but not for feed although he is engaged in fattening as well. The possibility of using this farmer as forage seed supplier in the area and as a model producer to encourage other farmers to produce forage seeds has been discussed.
· visited Gamo gofa zone government owned nursery site (Cheno Mile Fruits and Forage seeds) that produces grafted mango seedlings and fodder plants (Rhodes, Panicum, pigeon pea…). Although it was not managed well, the nursery could be used as a source of seed/seedlings for LIVES project.
· Arba minch Agricultural Research Centre was one of the institutions visited during the reporting week. It was learnt that the centre is very young (established in 2004) and currently working on capacity development (construction of offices and laboratories, experience sharing with other centers etc.). They have both livestock and crop research programs.
· During the wrap-up session with zonal LIVES coordinator, discussions were held based on the visits, and suggestions were made as the way forward. It was found that the visit was very much essential and timely and the lessons drawn are believed to speed up the implementation process and improve performance.
· During its way back to Hawassa, the regional team had an opportunity to visit Humbo livestock market at Wolaita zone as it was a market day. Upon discussion with livestock producers and traders in the market, it was understood that Arba Minch zuria and Mirab Abaya districts are important sources for well-fattened cattle market at Humbo. The traders are taking best oxen to Addis Ababa, Hawassa and up to Togo Wuchale at the border with Somalia. There are also some traders who are taking cows and heifers to sidama zone.
3. Two quintals of onion bulbs (Adama red variety) was bought from Meki area for seed multiplication demonstration in Gamogofa zone. The seed onion has been stored at an appropriate place for possible germination/sprouting. The LIVES zonal coordinator has selected 3 DAs (2 males and 1 female) and 3 seed multiplying farmers (2 females and 1 male) and oriented them on the procedures and methods of onion seeds production. / · Follow up of the progress on onion seed germination/sprouting
4. Follow up of the progress on establishment and management of fruits and forage seedlings/cuttings/seed planted at farmers plot and FTCs in 3-woredas of Sidama zone / · Continue the follow up on the establishment, management and performance of the fruit and forage seeds/cuttings/seedling planted in plots of selected farmers and FTCs in the 3 woredas of Sidama zone
Activities on Documentation/Research
/ Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
1. The documents on existing irrigation schemes, potentials of perennial rivers, streams and wells etc were collected from Irrigation Schemes development and administration core processes within the offices agriculture at both Arba Minch Zuria district and Mirab Abaya districts.
2. Possibilities for initiation of research in selected commodities has been explored
3. Weekly report on activities accomplished in the region/zone has been documented / ·
Activities on Project Coordination
/ Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· Coordination of regional/zonal LIVEs project activities including communication, reporting, regional/zonal project administration
Additional information on crosscutting issues – gender & environment:
A draft of TOR for gender in value chain analysis was prepared by the Sidama zonal coordinator and further discussed with the regional LIVES team for modifications.
Report compiled by:
Yoseph Mekasha (on behalf of the regional and zonal team of SNNPRS)
LIVEs Weekly Field Activities UpdateWeek of: / Sept 09-15, 2013
Location: / SNNPRS
Regional staff/ Zonal staff: / 1. Yoseph Mekasha
2. Birhanu Biazin
3. Tesfaye Shewage
4. Tesfaye Dubale
Partners: / 4. Gamogofa zone learning Woredas [Bonke, Mirababaya and Arbaminch zuria woredas] focal persons and irrigation process coordinators [6 males
5. Sidama zone learning Woredas [Arbegona, Bonazuria and Bensa woredas] focal persons and irrigation process coordinators [6 males]
6. SNNPRS BoA focal person [1 male]
Value chain actors/service/input providers / · Gamogofa zone Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Marketing Union (1 male)
· Selam awassa bussines group (3 males including administration head, marketing head, workshop head)
· Banana store manager in Hawassa for Ocholo Lante fruit and vegetables Marketing Primary Cooperative (1 male)
Activities on Capacity Development / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· The regional BOA is undergoing the selection of candidates for MSc scholarship. As they do not have female candidates currently in the region, they are identifying potential candidates from zones to award the scholarship and later on assign them in the region. The regional BOA is also discussing with the zones about the possibilities of conducting the MSc scholarships in the summer programs. / · Follow up on the identification of the candidates at regional level and approval of the candidates selected from the zones and districts.
Activities on Knowledge Management / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· The regional team discussed with the regional BOA regarding the knowledge center. It was learnt that they have allocated a room for the knowledge center and assigned a person to manage it. / Follow up on the progress of the knowledge center at the regional BOA.
Activities on Promotion / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
Activities on Value Chain Development / Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· Discussions were held with the Gamogofa zone Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Marketing Union that was established in 2004/05 by 7 primary cooperatives. Currently, having 23 primary cooperatives, it is working to tackle market problems of fruits and vegetables for the farmers in the zone. It has linkages with 4 other NGOs such as SNV, JAICA, ECOPIA, and VITA. VITA is mainly engaged in the construction of irrigation schemes and other infrastructures while the other NGOs are mainly assisting the production system and market linkages. The union has so far exported more than 180 tons of bananas to Saudi Arabia. It was learnt that the major challenges are mainly associated with lack of consistent market, price fluctuation, and low capacity of the farmers on improving the quality of their products. Therefore, the possible areas of collaborations with the LIVES could be improving the market linkages with consumers’ cooperatives in Addis, Awassa or elsewhere; trying to create linkages with international markets; and improving the capacity of the farmers in improving the quality of fruits (mainly Mango and banana). It was learnt that the Mango produced from Gamogofa zone has got a serious quality problem mainly associated with poor harvesting system and pest attacks.
· The regional LIVES staff visited Selam Awassa Business group that is supplying agricultural equipment including motorized pumps, treadle pumps, hand pumps, harvesting machines, etc. Accordingly, resource persons were identified for future training of farmers and frontline extension staffs on pump operations and maintenances. Moreover, the possibility of designing a mango and banana fruits harvesting equipment was discussed.
· Identification of actors and service providers for the livestock and irrigated commodities at Gamo Gofa zone continued.
· The Hawassa fruit store and shop of the Ocholo Lante fruit and vegetables Marketing Primary Cooperative of [Gamogofa zone] was visited. It was observed that the banana is packed with wooden boxes immediately after unloading from the tracks. Hence, the retailers and individual consumers are buying either in boxes or in kilograms.
· Discussions were held with members of the regional project implementation committee members. Although they are busy, it was agreed to organize the meeting on Sep 23 2013 (tentative) / · Further strengthening the collaboration with Gamo gofa zone Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Marketing Union for improved creation of market linkages.
· Further discussions with the Selam Awassa Business group for the possibility of producing a suitable Mango and banana harvesting equipment to reduce the current destructive means of Mango and banana harvesting systems.
· Further vale chain mapping for the different commodities at Gamo gofa zone.
· Undertaking the regional PIP meeting and present the year 2 activities.
Activities on Documentation/Research
/ Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· The data on the various actors and service providers for each commodity at Gamo gofa zone was documented.
· Upon previous discussions with the regional LIVES staff and the outlines prepared for the platform meetings, a draft of TOR was developed for the same by Gamo gofa zone. The document is under revision by the regional LIVES staff and submitted to HQ as soon as it is ready.
·
Activities on Project Coordination
/ Further Actions required (by Regional, Zonal, HQ staff, partners, farmers)
· Coordination of regional/zonal LIVEs project activities including communication, reporting, regional/zonal project administration
· The regional and zonal team have made the necessary preparations for the planned field visit of HQ team (Dirk, Fanos and Dereje)
Issues on crosscutting issues