Day 2 - Tuesday 29th November 2011: Facilitation of ARD Partnerships
The theme for Day 2 was "Facilitation of ARD Partnerships" and the aim was that all participants know about the role of a facilitator in a multi-stakeholder partnership. Day 2 started with the welcome note from Mr. Richard Hawkins, who also went through the agenda for the day. Like I said in my blog post yesterday on Day 1, each morning will start with the output from each process monitoring group's output. Mr. Richard Hawkins highlighted the positive and negative points of the previous day, while the leader of each process monitoring group presented about the content reflection (lessons learned) and areas of improvements.
At the same time, the output from each sub-workshop of the open-space session were being put on the walls (both in english and french) so that even if someone did not attend a specific workshop, he/she will know about the topics that have been discussed and can also put additional ideas or comments to it.
Mr. Francois Stepman showing the participants the output of the open-space on the wall
The presentations of the day were about:
PAEPARD Call 1 and Call 2
Selection of consortium
Selection of Agricultural Innovation Facilitators
The 3 facilitators for the presentations were Mr. Francois Stepman, Mr. Richard Hawkins and Dr. Jonas Mugabe. These presentations were quite long ones, but the participants really appreciated them because by the end of each presentation, it was very transparent and clear about:
The first and second call and the challenges faced
How many proposals were obtained and how many were finally selected and WHY
Some selection criteria (some proposals were good, but applicants did not read instructions well)
Profile of the applicants (anglophones v/s francophones, number of applicant in each country and region - both African and European etc.)
Presentation by Mr. Francois Stepman
Presentation by Mr. Richard Hawkins
Presentation by Dr. Jonas Mugabe
After the presentations, we went for a 15 minutes tea-break and when we came back, the next session was explained to us by our facilitators: Everyone was going to work in pairs (country-wise) and this was to be done not in the plenary, but outside by the Victoria Lake. Each country had to go over the concept note that has been selected from their country, read some other documents on brokerage provided to them. Then what needed to be done was each country had to go over the Terms of Reference and see how it can be made more accurate and in-line with the concept note. To do this activity, participants were also asked to have a look at the output of the open-space as many valuable information and experiences were there.
The participants went for lunch after these explanations and each country pair got into action near Victoria Lake at 14:00. They were called in the plenary at 16:00 for a tea-break and then it was time for presentations. 3 countries were selected and the others had to send their output in Power-Point format by mail. One participant from the selected countries had to make a presentation on how he/she will convince the consortium that they actually need a facilitator.
The team from Cote D'ivoire discussing over their Consortium and Terms of Reference
As the last activity for the day, each participant had to join their respective process monitoring group to give their feedback on Day 2, which will be presented the next day!
The Platform for African-European partnership on Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD) in collaboration with The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) has organised a five-day facilitators' Inception Workshop of the PAEPARD Project which is presently being held at the Imperial Resorts Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda from 28th November to 2nd December 2011. The main objective of this workshop is to familiarise participants with their potential role as facilitators of "agricultural innovation partnerships" established with the support of the PAEPARD project.
Day 1 – Monday 28th November 2011: Introduction to PAEPARD
The theme for the first day of the workshop was “Introduction to PAEPARD”, during which, the participants were going to know more about PAEPARD through various activities. The workshop started at 08:30, with the welcome note by Mrs. Claire Ntwali from RUFORUM, who explained briefly about what RUFORUM stands for and that they are engaged mainly in enhancing capacity in the field of agricultural research and training for universities. Followed by her was the welcome note from Dr. Jonas Mugabe from Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), mentioning that the PAEPARD Project is supported by FARA.
The participants were then introduced to a Get to Know activity by Mrs. Claire Ntwali, whereby they had to ask the person sitting next to them some questions about themselves, what do they do in life, their country, and what do they expect from the workshop. After talking to each other, each participant had to introduce his/her neighbour. Now that the participants knew each other better, the lead facilitator of the workshop Mr. Richard Hawkins explained about the objectives of the workshop: Understanding PAEPARD and what it is trying to develop, the skills required by a facilitator, develop an action plan, the input required, terms and conditions for engagement of Agricultural Innovation Facilitators within the PAEPARD Project is defined and agreed.
Participants were then divided into 4 process monitoring groups, with a leader in each group, whose whole was to report the following to the facilitators by the end of each day:
What went well (+ve)
What did not go too well (-ve)
Content reflection (lessons learned by teams, implications)
What should be done the following day and the rest of the week
Also, a welfare Officer was selected whose role was to ensure the welfare of the participants by being in constant touch with all of them and contact the Mr. Hawkins if ever there is a suggestion or request to make regarding the welfare of the participants.
With this, there was a coffee break at 10:30 to 11:00, during which all participants got the opportunity to get to know each other more. After the break, there was a Power-Point presentation on Introduction to PAEPARD by Dr. Jonas Mugabe. The main points of this presentation were about the project itself (3 year project), the PAEPARD objectives, the work package (how a consortium is selected), the strategies (fast-track process and slow-track process), challenges of the project and the way forward.
Dr. Jonas Mugabe during his presentation on FARA
After the presentation, Mr. Francois Stepman elaborated more about the multi-stakeholder partnership by explaining about the role of stakeholders in Research, farmer organisation, NGOs and others. Then, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the Power-Point presentation by Dr. Jonas Mugabe and explanation given by Mr. Francois Stepman.
Question from a participant from Benin regarding PAEPARD
The next part of the workshop was a very short, but interesting Power-Point presentation by Mr. Francois Stepman, which was on "Open Space". The principles of an open space are as follows:
Whenever it starts is the right time (there is no restriction, it can start at any time)
Whoever comes is the right person (it is not a problem is there are very few people, just go on with it)
Law of mobility (follow your steps: anyone is ready to move in the room, switch from one group to another at any point in time)
When it's over, it's over (there is no specific time when the discussion should stop)
Mr. Francois Stepman's presentation on Open Space
This presentation on open space was supposed to help the participants to understand the next activity of the workshop. The discussion question was "You have been selected as a 'facilitator of multi-stakeholder innovation processes: Which theme do you think is essential to discuss - from your experience with ARD multi-stakeholder innovation processes in - in a sub-workshop?"
There were 2 sessions and in each session there were 4 sub-workshops with a specific topics. Topics were selected in such a way that the first one who came forward and said "I want to do a workshop on this topic because of this reason and you need to attend it as it will help us in this way".
The 8 sub-workshops were on the following topics:
1. How to identify relevant partners within a multi-stakeholder partnership?
2. How to balance/manage power imbalances within a consortium?
3. How can we reinforce capacities to work in partnership?
4. How can we manage stakeholders in a team? Divide roles and overcome mistrust
5. How can we keep ourselves relevant and in demand by the partnership?
6. How do we harmonise our work methods when we are driven by different ideologies?
7. How can we maintain neutrality in our facilitation?
8. How can we share financial and information resources in a sustainable partnership?
In each sub-workshop, there was a reporter taking note of everything being discussed and his/her role was to draft the output of the discussion which will be put on a flip chart on the wall. If someone wants to add something to any of the topics discussed, they are free to do so during the week.
One of the sub-workshops
Each sub-workshop started after lunch around 14:00 and ended at 16:30. After this, the participants were gathered in their respective monitoring group to give feedback on how Day 1 was and what can be improved the following day and during the week. At 17:00, the first day of the workshop was over and some participants went to see the Lake Victoria and enjoy the beach in Uganda!
Personally I found the first day of the workshop very interesting and productive, especially the open-space activity, which enabled the participants to share their experience, learn from each other, be innovative and think outside the box. Feedbacks on Day 1 will be discussed in the morning plenary of Day 2 and all those who want to know about it, follow my blog for updates! :)
Every day, we hear in the news that people in different parts of the world (the horn of Africa for example) are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Nearly one billion people in the world go to sleep hungry each night since they do not have anything to feed themselves due to several reasons (economic & food crisis, increase in food prices, over-exploitation of the environment, poverty trap, over-population, war, climate change & natural calamities, land scarcity etc.). Now that the World population has reached to 7 billion people, it implies that 1 out of 7 people are likely to suffer from chronic hunger.
On the other hand, we see that in other parts of the world (including Mauritius), there is food wastage every day. One-third of edible parts of food produced in the world for human consumption is wasted, which makes approximately 1.3 billion ton per year. However, the amount and type of food wasted in different regions and countries vary. Food wastage in low-income countries occurs mainly due to constraints related to finance, management or technical (storage, harvesting, packaging and other facilities, while in medium/high-income countries, it occurs main because of consumer behaviour (shape, size, colour etc.). Moreover, food wastage is also linked to waste in natural resources like water, energy and other inputs like fertiliser.
The video below shows clearly the problem of food wastage in the European Union:
What are the possible causes of food wastage and how can we prevent it?
Food wastage can happen throughout the food chain, starting from agricultural production, going through harvesting, sorting, handling, processing, storage, transport till it reaches the consumer for consumption.
Cause 1: Over-production
Just to be on the safe side in case of unfavourable climatic conditions, leading to damage of the produce or infestation of pests and diseases in the field, farmers tend to produce a bit more than their demand is. As a result, supply is greater than the actual demand and the remaining food is wasted. In certain cases, due to over-production of specific commodities, the price of the products decreases and only those of best quality are sold out to fetch higher prices.
Prevention 1: More communication among stakeholders
The food industry is a complex one with various stakeholders involved in the food chain. Food is produced in surplus mainly because of the lack of communication among these stakeholders. If it is clear about how much food is required by whom at a particular time, there would not be the need for producing more food than required. So, the solution is for stakeholders to collaborate more and contribute in preventing food wastage. Where industrialised countries are concerned, some may say that they can afford to waste a little portion of food, but as it has been mentioned, food wastage is also linked to waste in natural resources. Therefore, sensitization of the population and the stakeholders involved becomes necessary to remedy the situation.
Cause 2: Early and late harvest
Sometimes, in order to get some money, smallholder farmers tend to harvest their produce prematurely, which is not ready for human consumption and due to poor quality, it is disposed. On the other hand, some farmers harvest their produce late which ends up being disposed like in the previous case.
Prevention 2: Collaboration among farmers
To keep the good quality of the product and at the same time fetch a good price for it, smallholder farmers must collaborate and produce according to the demand. If one commodity X is available from one farm, another commodity Y will be available at the other farm. In this way, food surplus and wastage can be prevented. However, it is to be noted that regrouping of farmers is not an easy task (at least in Mauritius) and much effort in required by extension services for this system to be implemented.
Cause 3: Consumer preferences
Consumers like to buy products which are uniform in shape, size and colour (appealing to the eyes), and only the best one are selected for them. But what happens to the remaining ones which are not so promising? In meat production, the non-uniform products are sent for processing and same applies for vegetables and fruits are sent for further processing (pickles, jam etc.). But still, there is a certain amount of these "non-conforming" food which are disposed.
Non-Uniform crop discarded in the fields
Prevention 3: Market research
Is it true that consumers are not willing to buy food which is not too attractive but still have the same nutritional content and can be obtained at a lower price? It may be a perception that these lower grade products will not be accepted by the consumer, but its only after a market research that this will be confirmed (and this will certainly differ in different countries!).
Cause 4: Poor marketing structures and facilities
It is a fact that in many cases, food supply is not a problem, but the problem lies in ACCESS. Due to poor marketing structures and facilities, food does not reach the whole population in a country. There is a tendency of over-production and wastage on one side, while on the other side, people are not getting access to food due to high prices.
Prevention 4: Invest in marketing structures
Governments should invest in marketing structures and facilities so as to ensure that safe and nutritious food is easily accessible to each and every citizen of the country at an affordable price.
Cause 5: Food Safety
Improper food production and food handling leads to risks linked with food safety. If a food is contaminated or there has been any kind of adulteration, the food should not reach the consumer and has to be disposed eventually.
Prevention 5: Food Quality and Safety Standards
All stakeholders involved in the food chain should be trained on standard procedures (for example ISO, HACCP) so that food does not have to be disposed because of issues related to food safety.
Cause 6: Lack of facilities
Lack of facilities related to post-harvest, storage, transport and processing are important factors to be considered as lack of facility in each one of these leads to large amounts of food losses. These cases are mainly from developing countries where smallholder farmers are cultivating on a small-scale and do not access to these facilities.
Prevention 6: More investment through subsidies
Smallholder farmers must get support through subsidies so that they can afford these facilities and hence less food will be wasted.
Cause 7: Disposing is cheaper at times
In some cases (usually when prices are low), it is cheaper to dispose the surplus food rather than sell it (cost for labour, transport and fuel etc.).
Prevention 7: Develop markets for sub-standard products
Given the proper facilities, sub-standard products can be used for processing and value addition. Investments can be made in food processing equipments and markets can be developed so that these value-added products can be sold at a higher price, hence increasing profit.
Cause 8: Climate Change
Due to climate change, there is emergence of new pests and diseases which affects crops and livestocks. Farmers are unable to control diseases, leading to food wastage ad losses.
Prevention 8: More research and technical support
Climate change is having severe impacts in the fields over the world and constant research should be carried out so that preventive measures to control new pests and diseases are found. With better control of pest and diseases, food wastage can be reduced significantly. In addition, farmers should get access to extension services so that losses can be avoided.
Cauliflower affected by pests and diseases in farmer's field
The above are some causes and prevention measures that have been identified. But in order to fight against hunger and food insecurity in the world, it is the responsibility of each and everyone of us to contribute in preventing food wastage. In Mauritius, anyone would agree that whenever we are leaving food behind while having our meal, our parents or elderly people would tell us to think about the millions of children in Africa are do not have food to eat and are suffering, while here we are wasting food every day. But... Do we care enough and prevent food wastage?
9th November 2011: A date that certainly will be remembered in the history of the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of Mauritius. Presently, we are facing several challenges in the world including the loss of our biodiversity, leading to climate change; whose effects are being experienced over the globe. The question that we ask ourselves is what is the one action we can take to save our biodiversity and leave a sustainable world for our future generations? Today, the answer came from the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius, where an Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden has been established at the University of Mauritius farm.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony was held at the University of Mauritius Farm from 09:00 to 11:00. Present were the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of the university, the Representative of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology, the academic staffs, non-academic staffs and students of the Faculty of Agriculture, and representatives from various organisations involved in the establishment of the Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden.
At 09:30 sharp, all the guests were seated and the Public Relations Officer of the University of Mauritius, Mrs. Amreeta Nivault started with the opening speech, mentioning about the important step that we are taking in the establishment of such a garden.
Opening Speech by Mrs. Amreeta Nivault
Welcome Address by the Dean - Associate Professor M.F. Driver
In her speech, the Dean of the faculty explained that Mauritius has a rich and diverse Flora and Fauna, with about 700 species and 50% of these are endemic (occurring nowhere else in the world). However, many of these species are being threatened with extinction because of human activities and now the time has come for us to preserve and conserve our rich biological diversity. In this context, the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of Mauritius has created an Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden on the University Farm to contribute to these conservation activities. There are 3 main objectives of the garden which are to:
Enhance our teaching and research activities
Promote public awareness of environmental issues and biodiversity conservation
Conserve traditional knowledge of endemic and medicinal plants
Associate Professor Driver ended her speech by thanking the partners involved in the project, namely the National Parks and Conservation Service, the ENL Society, La Valee D'Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation, La Valee de Ferney and without forgetting the Organising Committee, students, class-representatives and Staffs of the faculty. According to the dean "it is now our responsibility to nurture the garden".
Associate Professor Driver addressing the audience
Address by the Vice-Chancellor - Professor Konrad Morgan
"My first impression while coming here is: Wow! This looks like in a Tarzan film", said Professor Morgan. He told us about how impressed he was about an event he attended by the Fashion and Design Institute, but today, the Faculty of agriculture has proved to be better than that. The Faculty of Agriculture, being the oldest faculty and mother of the University of Mauritius, is now responsible for the repository where we can preserve our natural treasure (which is certainly more precious than gold). He ended by thanking all the stakeholders involved in the project and said that he is proud as Vice Chancellor to be present at the opening ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius
Address by the Pro-Chancellor - Professor S. Jugessur
Professor Jagessur said that he was happy to see the development taking place at the university farm. He mentioned about the fact that due to development, Mauritius has lost 98% of its flora and fauna and the remaining 2% is endangered. Hence, we must do everything we can to preserve them. Mauritius is ranked 3rd among the island states, whose biodiversity is most threatened. The Pro-Chancellor believes that tourism is an important pillar of our economy, but we have to be careful about what we are doing and what we will leave for our future generations. Regarding the medicinal plants, it is a known fact that for millenniums, people have survived with them and this garden offers an opportunity to share indigenous knowledge with the youth. Moreover, research can be done on medicinal plants and study the different compounds, from which we can form concepts of business, and establishment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)!
The Pro-Chancellor of the University of Mauritius
Address by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology - Dr. the Hon. Rajesh Jeetah
The Minister said that he was pleased and surprised by the efforts put in the establishment of the garden. He asked his audience about where the first road was constructed in Mauritius and why? Since no one had the correct answer, the replied himself to his question, which was from Trou d'eau Douce to Centre de Flacq. And the reason for this development was because of endemic plants, namely the Bois d'Ebene. He then talked about the different places in Mauritius where conservation of our endemic species is being done (SSR Botanic Garden, Curepipe Botanic Garden, Vallee D'Osterlog, Valee de Ferney etc.). He ended his speech by saying that this garden at the university farm will lead to future projects and will now act as a window for visitors, scientists and students.
Hon. Rajesh Jeetah during his speech
Launching of Endemic and Medicinal Plant Garden and Unveiling of Commemorative Plaque by the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science, Research and Technology
The launching was done by the Minister and 16 planted were planted by the guests present as shown in the pictures below:
Launching of the garden by the Minister
All set to plant their endemic/medicinal plant
The opening ceremony ended with the closing remarks of the Acting Farm Manager and Lecturer, Mr. Shane Hardowar who thanked the different stakeholders involved in the project to make it what it is today and endemic plants were gifted to the Chief Guests present. With this, refreshments were served which brought us to the end of the event.
As an Alumnus of the Faculty of Agriculture, I was glad to be present and be part of this initiative, which certainly is a very positive step towards a sustainable future. It made me realise that as a youth, I have so much more to learn and contribute. Big up to the Organising Committee and each and everyone who contributed to this event. We are in agriculture, but we also care about the environment and our natural resources!
Those who were not able to attend the event can have a look at the photos taken at the UoM Farm in the slideshow below:
Today, while checking some tweets I came across a very interesting animated video which beautifully shows us about agriculture and the green economy. Being interested in agricultural extension, I believe that this is the type of videos that we should that we should produce today to raise awareness of farmers on issues which are affecting our agriculture. The video looks a simple one, but in 4 minutes it has conveyed so much information, without the audience (in this case, it is ME) getting bored! :)
Today, 4th November 2011, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Xavier Luc Duval presented the National Budget for the year 2012. Highlights of the Budget can be read HERE.
The following have been presented with respect to Agriculture in the National Budget 2012:
"Consolidating Agriculture
111. Mr Speaker, Sir, business facilitation is an important leg of our
efforts to buttress the supply side of our economy. But each industry also
has its own specificities and concerns.
112. In the agriculture sector, the challenges are getting tougher every
day. For two consecutive years, output in the sugar sector has contracted.
Sugar cane planters need every support we can give. This year the total
budget for the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security will surge to 2.6 billion rupees, an increase of 700 million rupees compared to what was spent last year.
113. Thus the Sugar Insurance Fund Board (SIFB) will grant a 70
percent discount on premiums due for 2011. This should reduce cost by
around 3,000 rupees per arpent.
114. As from next year, the SIFB will offer new policies that should bring
further drastic cuts in the premiums.
115. The use of better equipment and machinery will enhance the quality
of life and productivity of field workers, as well as add to our nation’s food
security. I am therefore pleased to announce a major incentive to the sector.
116. Henceforth Mr Speaker, Sir, all small planters and all small breeders
will obtain full VAT refund on agricultural machinery, equipment and tools
that they purchase in 2012. This will benefit some 23,000 sugar cane
planters, some 6,000 horticultural producers and some 5,000 animal
breeders, including cattle and pig breeders.
117. We are also maintaining the payment of an 80 percent advance to
sugar planters as soon as their crops are sent to the mill.
118. We are committing 310 million rupees for continuing the programme
of re-grouping small planters, de-rocking their lands and providing
irrigation wherever needed.
Ushering in a New Era of Agri-Technology and Bio Fuel
119. Mr Speaker, Sir, Government is ushering in a new era of agritechnology
and bio fuel. We are putting in place a framework to enable
production of sugar cane ethanol for blending with gasoline. This will add
value to our cane industry while at the same time bringing environmental
benefits and increasing self-sufficiency in energy.
120. As provided for in the historic deal made by the Prime Minister, the
stakeholders of the sugar industry will hold 35 percent of the equity of the
ethanol company. Government will facilitate the acquisition of the shares
through the Cane Democratisation Fund.
Non-Sugar Agriculture: at the Service of Consumers
121. Mr Speaker, Sir, as regards non-sugar agriculture it holds the key to
food security and to lower prices for consumers.
122. The Agricultural Marketing Board will finance seed purchases so
that there can be greater supply of potatoes, onions and garlic to consumers.
123. I am also committing resources to improve market intelligence to
farmers. This will be crucial to avoid under-production which drives up
prices for consumers and over-production which depresses farmers’ income
and threatens future output.
124. I am increasing the budget for food security by about 50 percent to
150 million rupees. Of this amount, 22 million rupees will be direct
allocations to Rodrigues.
Non-Sugar Agriculture: Stimulating the Export Drive
125. Mr Speaker, Sir, non-sugar agriculture must also become more export-oriented.
It not only expands our GDP but provides us with the necessary
economies of scale to lower prices for our consumers.
126. But freight costs are holding back exports.
127. A new freight rebate scheme will therefore be introduced that will
involve a 25 percent cost-subsidy element to be shared equally between
producers and exporters.
128. At the same time, Mauritius must comply with the WTO trade
discipline. I am therefore allocating the necessary resources to train and
empower producers so they can export competitively, without subsidy, after
the WTO derogation lapses in 2015.
129. We are also extending the Fair Trade certification facilities to all
sectors of the economy, including producers of flowers, vegetables, fruits
and honey. The facilities will be for cooperatives and other federations."
My overall comment is that it is a good thing that investment in agriculture has increased, different incentives and facilities will be given to planters and breeders. Other positive points are the fact that the issue youth unemployment has been considered through initiatives like the practical pre-job training or support to SMEs and entrepreneurs. Also, a budget of Rs 1.5 billion has been allocated for poverty reduction and social integration. Youths have also been encouraged to venture in the tourism sector as it offers employment opportunities.
However, despite all these innovations and initiatives, the truth remains that youth are not being encouraged to contribute in the agriculture value chain and no initiatives have been taken to make this sector more attractive to youth. In addition, there has been no mention of ICTs in agriculture or its importance to improve agriculture.
I am aware that I am probably one of the very few Mauritian youths who is still optimistic about this sector and doing my best to make agriculture attractive. But I believe that the impact will be long-term and hence should not give up! :)
The National Budget speech can be downloaded HERE or watched HERE.
