United Nations Development Programme …...United Nations Development Programme – Bangladesh...

United Nations Development Programme – Bangladesh

BGD/02/006/0G/01/24

Annual Progress Report

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

PROJECT (AFSP) IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS PHASE II

(Period: 01 July 2013 – 31 August 2014)

Prepared for

Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA)

Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility (CHTDF) IDB Bhaban (7th Floor), Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Agargaon, Dhaka-1207

September 2014

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PROJECT SUMMARY

Project No.: BGD/02/006/0G/01/24

Project Title: Agriculture and Food Security Project Phase II in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

Project Start Date: 01 July 2013

Project End Date: 30 June 2018

Reporting Period: 01 July 2013 – 31 August 2014

Project Budget: DKK 45 million, USD 7.9 million

Executing Agency: Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility, UNDP Bangladesh

Responsible Ministry: Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs

Project Area: Hill districts of Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachari in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. Beneficiaries: The marginal and small farm households in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Objective: Increased pro-poor and inclusive growth and sustainable employment creation

in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), and accelerated implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord.

Strategies: The AFSP II implementation strategy is focused on: (i) making sure that the FFS participatory learning approach is reinforced/ strengthened at Facilitator, Master Trainer and other stakeholder levels; (ii) providing continued support on propagating the practical farmer-relevance learning through the FFS curricula; (iii) adopting and ensuring a continued focus on the whole farm and whole livelihoods situation of the FFS participants; and (iv) supporting access to high value markets. These are the main parameters to ensure that objectives are reached and results achieved are sustainable.

Contact Person: Henrik Fredborg Larsen, Director, CHTDF, UNDP

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

Acronyms

Executive Summary

6

I. Introduction

8

1.1 Background

8

1.2 Objectives 8

1.3 Project Areas 8

II. Key Activities Carried out and Results To Achieved 8

Output 1: Community groups and stakeholders mobilized through establishment of IFM-FFS

9

Output 2: IFM-FFS Curricular Developed and Promoted 11

Output 3: Knowledge and skills of CHT stakeholders (Master trainers, FFS Trainers / Facilitators on IFM-FFS, GoB Officers) enhanced

11

Output 4: IFM-FFS implemented through participatory and ‘learning by doing approach 14

Output 5: Follow-up support provided for targeted FFSs 15

Output 6: Input supply and market linkages promoted and facilitated 16

Output 7: Coordination enhanced and CHT Institutions strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

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III. Activities Not Done and Work Plan for 2014 – 2015 17

IV. Visibility and Communications 20

V. Project Management and Partnerships 20

VI. Monitoring and Evaluation 21

VII. Lesson Learnt, Challenges, Action Taken and Sustainability 22

VIII. Status of Expenditure 23 Annex: Annex1: FF recruitment guideline Annex 2: FFS Household Profiling Format Annex 3: TAC Agricultural Meeting Minutes Annex 4: Visibility and Communication Annex 5: Progress against Logical Framework

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ACRONYMS

ABDC

Agro Business Development Component

AFSP I Agriculture and Food Security Project Phase I

AFSP II Agriculture and Food Security Project Phase II

AGEP Agricultural Growth and Employment Programme

APU Agricultural Planning Unit

BARI Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute

BDT Bangladeshi Taka

BTOR Back To Office Report

CARP Community Aquaculture Resource Person

CBO Community Based Organization

CHT Chittagong Hill Tracts

CHTDF Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility

CHTRC CHT Regional Council

CLW Community Livestock Worker

CPW Community Poultry Worker

DAE Department of Agricultural Extension

DANIDA Danish International Development Agency

DKK Danish Kroner

DLS Department of Livestock Services

DoF Department of Fisheries

DWG District Working Group

FA Field Assistant

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FF Farmer Facilitator

FFS Farmer Field School

GoB Government of Bangladesh

HDC Hill District Council

HH Household

IFM Integrated Farm Management

IFM-FFS Integrated Farm Management-Farmer Field School

IFMC Integrated Farm Management Component

M&E Monitoring & Evaluation

MoA Ministry of Agriculture

MoCHTA Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs

MoFL MT

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Master Trainer

NGO Non-Government Organization

PDC Para Development Committee

SAAO Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer

TAC Technical Advisory Committee

ToF Training of Facilitators

ToT Training of Trainers

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UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UnFC

Union Facilitation Committee

USD United States Dollar

UzAC Upazila Advisory Committee

VFA Veterinary Field Assistant

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Agriculture and Food Security Project Phase II (AFSP II) works to increase pro-poor, inclusive growth and sustainable employment opportunities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), through building on the key learnings of the first phase of the Agriculture and Food Security Project (AFSP I). The project directly targets 45,000 households through Integrated Farm Management approach by establishing 1,800 new Farmer Field Schools (FFS) gradually in 25 Upazilas of 3 Hill districts. It also seeks to accelerate the implementation of 1997 CHT Peace Accord through accelerated devolution of agricultural services to Hill District Councils (HDCs) – local government institutions entrusted as per the Accord to manage agricultural services in the CHT. The project, which commenced in July 2013, is being rolled out over a five-year duration in partnership with 3 HDCs, and with support by the Danish Government. The total project budget is DKK 45 Million (USD 7.9 Million).

During the first year of AFSP II, a series of preparatory activities were completed and the project moved successfully to delivery of planned outputs. As of end August 2014, 4,244 selected farmers (of whom 53% were women) attended 215 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) established by the project (in open space) and received training on improved agricultural cultivation and better farming methods. This, in turn, is expected to increase household level production and diversify sources of income of the target farmers overtime. A newly developed FFS curriculum was tested in these schools through ‘learning by doing’ approach in demonstrating plots. The preparatory activities included establishment of 215 FFS (out of 1,800 planned under the AFSP II), and selection and training of 215 farmer facilitators (FFs) assigned to each of the 215 FFS. The FF selection was done in accordance with FF recruitment guideline developed by the project – which included vetting of FF candidates by Hill District Councils (HDC) and technical line departments to ensure their competency and a transparent selection process. The FF training was done through a training of trainers (TOT) approach; initially training was organized for 15 master trainers (MTs), who in turn trained 215 FFs. One training venue was established at Department of Livestock Services (DLS) in Rangamati and was used for this FF training. Apart from the 215 FFS already established and functioning, 1,285 communities have also been identified for FFS establishment. A series of mobilization activities such as workshops and consultation meetings were held at all levels (national, district, and community stakeholders) to achieve these results and to ensure clarity of AFSP II objectives and processes to obtain stakeholders’ ‘buy-in’. For example, 2,341 Para Development Committees (PDCs) and executive committee (EC) members of PDCs were informed on the FFS concept, implementation processes, and relevant project activities. Moreover, 581 stakeholders at the district and upazila levels of key government departments, research institutions, partner non-government organizations (NGOs) and other key stakeholders were oriented on AFSP II. The FFS curriculum was developed by incorporating lessons learnt from the AFSP I and following the participatory identification of high value crops (malta, strawberry and sweet tamarind cultivation, pigeon rearing, and Shing, Magur, Koi fish farming). The validation workshop engaging technical experts helped finalize the FFS curriculum development process while ensuring its quality and relevance in the CHT. In the new target Upazilas of Naniachar, Nikhongchari, Kawkhali, Manikchari, Ramghar, Upazila Advisory Committees (UzAC) have been formed for selection of target unions and communities. Intervention in these new target Upazilas will commence in the next reporting period. Financial delivery is also progressing well, with the project incurring an eligible expenditure of USD 1,267,944 up to 31 August 2014.

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The CHT are located in south eastern Bangladesh, and are divided into the three hill districts of Khagracharii, Rangamati and Bandarban. It has a total area of 13,344 square kilometers1 and an estimated population of 1.58 million2. The region is geographically distinct from the plains, made up of very steep, rugged terrain and in many places dense bamboo jungle. The rough terrain, remoteness of villages and various other issues have impeded the economic development of the region. Apart from the mainstream Bengalis, there are eleven ethnic indigenous/tribal communities in the CHT speaking distinct languages. These are Bawm, Chak, Chakma, Khyang, Khumi, Lushai, Marma, Mro, Pangkhua, Tangchangya and Tripura. The Chakmas, Marmas and Tripuras represent about 90 percent of indigenous/tribal people.

Traditionally, the indigenous communities practice jum cultivation, which is a local form of ‘shifting’ or ‘rotational’ slash and burn cultivation. Out of an estimated 364,000 acres of available cultivable land, 27% is used for jum, 20% is under plough cultivation, 18% is set aside for homesteads and 35% is used for plantation or left to fallow. There has been inadequate use of proper farm practices for a range of reasons. These include a lack of knowledge and skills, supply constraints, financial limitation or poor access to markets. As a result, those communities located in the remotest parts of CHT live in chronic poverty and with very restricted access to services. Other development challenges include a high degree of under-employment, low literacy and limited economic opportunities. The Household Survey 2013 conducted by CHTDF (n=2500 households) identified that 74% households of CHT live below upper poverty line and 52.4% households live below the lower poverty line, as per the direct calorie intake method. The UNDP Bangladesh, through the CHTDF, implemented phase I of AFSP during October 2009 and June 2012, benefitting 15,276 farmers through 690 FFS in 20 upazilas. The AFSP II works to increase pro-poor, inclusive growth and sustainable employment opportunities in the CHT, through building on the key learnings of AFSP I. It also seeks to accelerate the implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord through further devolution of agricultural services to the Hill District Councils. The project, which commenced in July 2013, is being rolled out over a five-year duration in partnership with 3 HDCs, and with support by the Danish Government. The AFSP II targets 45,000 households through the IFM approach by gradually establishing 1,800 new FFS in 25 upazilas across the 3 hill districts. The planned duration of FFS is 15 months, with one year follow-up support and monitoring after the completion of the FFS cycle. Emphasis is placed on building the capacity of smallholders and communities to increase agricultural productivity and income via strengthening skills on production, value addition, and marketing. It also focuses on engaging all actors in the sector (government bodies, input suppliers, other private service providers, and potential buyers) to increase sustainability.

1.2 Objectives

The main development objective of the AFSP II is to: increase pro-poor and inclusive growth and sustainable employment creation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), and accelerated implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord.

Immediate objectives of AFSP II are as follows:

Immediate Objective I: Agricultural production of female and male marginal and small farm households are increased and diversified through IFM FFS in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Immediate Objective II: Implementation of the CHT 1997 Peace Accord is accelerated through further devolution of agricultural services to the Hill District Councils.

1 Bangladesh Population and Housing Census, 2011 2 Bangladesh Population and Housing Census, 2011

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1.3 Project Areas The intervention areas of the AFSP II includes 25 upazilas (20 existing from AFSP I and 5 new upazilas) targeting marginalized farmers. Within the CHT, the upazilas are as follows: (i) Bandarban; Alikadam, Bandarban Sadar, Lama, Naikhongchari, Rowangachari, Ruma, and Thanchi (ii) Rangamati; Baghaichari, Barkal, Bilaichari, Jurachari, Kaptai, Kawkhali, Longadu, Naniachar Rajasthali and Rangamati Sadar (iii) Khagrachari; Dighinala, Khagrachari Sadar, Lakshmichari, Mahalachari, Manikchari, Matiranga, Panchari and Ramghar. At the union level, the activities are being carried out in 1,800 paras across the three hill districts.

II. KEY ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AND RESULTS ACHIEVED

Immediate Objective I: Agricultural production of female and male marginal and small farm households is increased and diversified through IFM FFS in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

During the first year of AFSP II, a series of preparatory activities were completed and the project moved successfully to delivery of planned outputs. As of end August 2014, 4,244 farmers (of whom 53% were women) attended 215 FFS established by the project and received training on improved agricultural cultivation and better farming methods. This, in turn, is expected to increase household level production and diversify sources of income of the target farmers overtime. The preparatory activities included identification and establishment of 215 FFS and selection and training of 215 farmer facilitators (FFs) assigned to each of the 215 FFS. The FF selection was done in accordance with FF recruitment guideline developed by the project – which included vetting by Hill District Councils (HDC) and technical line departments of FF candidates to ensure their competency and a transparent selection process. The FF training was done through a training of trainers (TOT) approach; training was provided for 15 master trainers (MTs) initially who in turn trained 215 FFs. A series of mobilization activities such as workshops and consultation meetings were held at all levels (national, district, and community stakeholders) to ensure clarity of AFSP II objectives and processes and to obtain stakeholders’ ‘buy-in’. The FFS curriculum was developed by incorporating lessons learnt from the AFSP I and following the participatory identification of high value crops and engaging beneficiary farmers.

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Orientation workshop on AFSP II with District level stakeholders in Rangamati

Rangamati HDC orients Upazila level stakeholders

on AFSP II

Output 1: Community groups and stakeholders mobilized through establishment of IFM-FFS Activity 1.1: Establishment and provision of support to Para Development Committees in the five new Upazilas Formation of UzAC in new working Upazilas Upazila Advisory Committees (UzACs) were formed in each of the five new target Upazilas (Kawkhali and Naniarchar of Rangamati, Naikhongchari of Bandarban, and Manikchari and Ramgarh of Khagrachari) following an Upazila level workshop organized by the project. The UzACs will be engaged in selection of target unions and communities, monitoring, supervision, and coordination of project activities in these new target Upazilas. The workshops were joined by 313 stakeholders (male 269 and female 44) including Upazila Parishad chairman, and vice-chairmen, Upazila Nirbahi officer, government of Bangladesh (GoB) line department officials, chairman and members of Union Parishad and traditional leaders. Selection of target communities and subsequent formation of Para Development Committees (PDCs) and Para Nari/Women Development Groups (PNDGs) in these communities are planned during the 2nd year. Activity 1.2: Grants for income generation to the PDC and Women’s Groups for five new Upazilas

This activity is planned during the 2nd year, following establishment of PDCs and PNDGs in the new target Upazilas. Activity 1.3: Stakeholder mobilization meetings on IFM-FFS Orientation of district level stakeholders oriented on AFSP II

The project supported three HDCs to organize district level project inception workshops among district level stakeholders. The workshops were joined by 137 participants (male 123, female 14) including representatives from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Department of Fisheries (DoF), Department of Livestock (DLS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Fisheries Development Corporation (BFDC), Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, partner NGOs, HDCs Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Councilor.

Mobilization of Upazila level stakeholder Mobilization of Upazila level stakeholders such as Upazila GoB line departments (DAE, DLS), NGOs, and representative of HDCs were completed in the 20 working Upazilas. Over 400 Upazila level stakeholders were informed on the project’s activities and implementation modalities.

Selection of FFS Community through stakeholder involvement

A total of 1,550 PDCs in 20 Upazilas were selected for ASFP II support. Out of the target 1,550 PDCs, 342 clusters were formed for establishment of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) considering accessibility and existing communications among the neighboring communities. The FFS selection criteria included ethnicity, household numbers, farming practices, limitation of existing safety net coverage, remoteness, food insecurity, community

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PDC Executive Committee members in the training on IFM-FFS implementation process

Bandarban Khagrachari Rangamati

58 44

66

8 20 19

66 64

85

Graph-1: FF recruitment status by district

Male

Female

Total

location, and prioritization of women-headed households. Existing UzACs and Union Facilitation Committees (UnFC)3 were engaged closely in the screening processes of selected communities.

Coordination meetings

Three HDCs, with the project support, organized 18 monthly coordination meetings with participation of 237 officials from HDCs and Upazilas. The meetings are being utilized for planning and implementation of AFSP II activities.

Two meetings were also held by AFSP II district working groups (DWG) - a district-level platform for government line departments (DLS, DAE and DoF) to provide technical advice on AFSP II execution. Activity 1.4: Training for PDC members on IFM-FFS implementation process, monitoring and role of PDCs and Community Based Organizations Training on IFM-FFS implementation process for PDC executives During this reporting period, a total of 2,341 PDC executives (male-1846, female -495) were trained on FFS concept and implementation processes including their AFSP II related roles and responsibilities. The sessions helped the executives raise project awareness among community people including maintenance and updates of FFS related documents, and mobilize farmers for FFS training.

Activity 1.5: Formation of FFS and selection of

FFS participants

During this reporting period, a total of 215 FFS were formed among 4,244 community members from 3,937 households. The formation process involved a series of sub-activities such as screening of households, profiling of farmers, assessing their needs and interests, and developing FFS curriculum. FFS participants (farmer beneficiaries) were selected based on criteria such as poverty level and their interests and availability for FFS training.

Activity 1.6: Recruitment and selection of FFs

A total of 215 Farmer Facilitators (FFs) including 60 females have been recruited to run the respective FFS. The FF selection was done in accordance with FF recruitment guideline developed by the project – which included an initial selection of FF by PDC executive members and subsequent vetting by Hill District Councils (HDC) and technical line departments with a view to ensuring their competency and a transparent selection process (refer to annex 1). For example, one of the selection criteria was being active and experienced farmers within the target communities. The selected FFs participated in 10 day-long residential training and were formally appointed for FFS operation in their respective communities. The above graph reflects the district-wide FF recruitment status, disaggregated by gender. The project reflected a lesson from the AFSP I and is maintaining a FF roster in case of FF turnover during the project lifespan.

3 Union Facilitation Committees (UnFC) are Union level committees established by the project to ensure transparent community selection, monitoring and coordination in target Unions of AFSP II.

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Activity 1.7: Profiling of FFS households

The household profiling of target 215 FFS is ongoing based on a data collection tool developed by the project and will be completed by the third quarter 2014. The tool is designed to capture the base information of FFS beneficiary households including agricultural production, cultivable land, and use of fertilizers, etc (refer to Annex 2). The project piloted the tool in communities to ensure soundness and validity of techniques used. The data collection process involves 1) collection of data by trained FFs, 2) district-based data entry, cleaning, and analysis by HDCs, and 3) analysis (including quality assurance) of consolidated data by the project.

Output 2: IFM-FFS Curriculum developed

Activity 2.1: Identify high-value crop, livestock and fisheries activities for new curricula development

Identification of high-value crop for the new curricula development Six high value crops (mushroom, malta, strawberry, sweet tamarind, pigeon rearing, and shing, magur, koi fish farming) were identified to be included the new FFS curriculum. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among FFS and non-FFS community members across the three hill districts to collect information on potential high value crops. Subsequently a workshop was held to validate the selection and inclusion in the FFS curriculum. The validation workshop engaged 36 technical experts from government line departments, research institutions, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and HDCs. In the workshop, the expert team identified issues for inclusion, exclusion and modification of contents for the new curricula. ‘High value’ was defined as communities practicing agro/aquiculture activities that have relatively high price and where inputs are readily available. Activity 2.2: Develop and regularly update curricula for IFM-FFS education modules and other related training

Curriculum developed for IFM-FFS Following the identification of high value crops, a draft IFM-FFS curriculum was finalized by the curriculum development team4. The draft curriculum was endorsed by the Upazila and district level line department experts, researchers working in CHT, FAO, HDCs through the validation workshop (see activity 2.1). Feedback from the key staff and stakeholders were incorporated in this process. The final curriculum contains 70 sessions distributed in 14 modules. The modules included preparatory sessions (i.e. resource mapping and needs assessments), vegetable and fruit gardening, farming business, nutrition, poultry and cattle rearing, Jum farming, spice and rice cultivation, and high value crops.

Activity 2.3: Field testing and piloting of the draft curricula for IFM menu of modules

The draft curriculum was shared with FF and Master Trainers for piloting on the ground to ensure its relevance. Orientation on the new curriculum was included in the MT and FF training (see activity 3.1 and 3.2). During the piloting, HDCs with the project support monitored and supervised FFS sessions to identify potential needs for curriculum modifications. In addition to this, feedback is regular sort from FF on any problems encountered or necessary modifications to of curriculum.

Activity 2.4: IFM-FFS Modules finalized and printed

An electronic version of the draft modules have been used by MTs, and photocopies of relevant sessions of the modules were distributed to FFs for their use in their respective communities as per the farmers need. The modules will be finalized and printed after accommodating field findings from FFs and MTs in mid-2015.

Activity 2.5: On-Farm Research conducted and disseminated

On-farm research activity is planned to be implemented through FAO under the UN-UN agreement between UNDP and FAO which is currently being finalized. The activity will commence before end of 2014. This will be a multi-year on-farm and farming system research on the hills with trial plots to inform the FFS curricula.

4 Curriculum development team is formed comprising seven members including Master Trainers, Technical Coordinator-Training and Quality, District FFS Experts, District Officer-AFSP and Programme Officer-AFSP.

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Group work and hands on practice in ToT

FFs participating in the practical session of the training

Master Trainers in the Jum field identifying pest and diseases

Output 3: Knowledge and skills of CHT stakeholders (Master trainers, FFS Trainers / Facilitators on IFM-FFS, GoB Officers) enhanced

Activity 3.1: ToT for Master Trainers on IFM-FFS

The project initially organized a 21-day long training on FFS concept, planning and implementation for 15 Master Trainers (MTs) (male-13, female-2) as part of the Training of Trainer (ToT) approach. The Master Trainers were trained to roll out a season long training for FFs and provide oversight on FFS implementation. The training was split into two stints, the first lasting 10 days and the second 11 days. The training course contains both theory and practical session through hands on practice and interactive discussion. Two national level trainers from Safe Crop Production through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and one Technical Coordinator–FFS Training and Quality from CHTDF, UNDP facilitated the ToT.

Activity 3.2: ToT for FFs on IFM-FFS

Subsequently, a total of 215 Farmers Facilitators (FFs) including 50 females were trained by the MTs through a 10 day long residential training. This was the 1st part of the season long training. The ToT course was guided by the ‘learning by doing approach’ with hands on practices and sharing of experiences. As immediate results, the trained FFs are running the FFS sessions in their respective communities.

From Farmer to Facilitator

Ms. Mousuja Chowdhury initially felt shy and lacked confidence in her farming abilities when she first joined a season long Training-of-Trainers course, organized by Khagrachari HDC in partnership with the CHTDF. However, after only a few days participating in the AFSP II Farmer Facilitator training she had markedly improved her farming skills and capacity to support other farmers as a Farmer Facilitator.

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Participants in the training session

Participants in the training session

Mousuja is now responsible for facilitating a Farmer Field School (FFS) consisting of 25 farmers in her community. Farmers from this community did not receive any training before Mousuja’s presence in the community as facilitator, but are now learning best practices and techniques on how to farm rice, vegetables, turmeric and cattle rearing. As Farmer Facilitator, Mousuja conducted several demand driven training sessions on fruit tree management, preparation and use of farm yard manure, vegetable cultivation, and rearing of chicken. She will conduct more sessions like this within hers and neighboring communities over the next 3 years.

Ms. Paisanda, a 43 year old farmer said that she has learnt many new things from the FFS. “After

receiving training, I started applying fertilizer in my fruit garden and preparing farm yard manure for use in my vegetable garden and on the rice field. Like me, other farmers have also been participating in FFS sessions and started adopting the new learning to increase production.”

Mr. Mixon Chakma, one of the Master Trainers of Khagrachari District, observed at a recent monitoring visit that “the farmers of Mura Para, Mohalchari Union, are a good example of community learning through FFS. Ms. Mousuja is very passionate about her sessions, and farmers have learned how to improve cultivation in very simple manners.”

Ms. Mousuja is one out of 215 Farmer Facilitators teaching their fellow community members improve farming practices through FFS approach in CHT. Activity 3.3: Training for AFSP II staff on IFM-FFS (at District and Upazila level)

The project organized a 3 day-long residential training on integrated IFM-FFS for a total of 31 project staff (male-27, female-4) from HDCs and CHTDF working in the capacity of FFS Coordinators, Monitoring and Reporting Officers, Senior MTs and District Officers to obtain their understanding on FFS implementation steps and their own roles for AFSP II.

Activity 3.4: Training for GoB Officer’s (DAE, DLS & DoF) on IFM FFS

As reflected in the AFSP II annual work plan, this activity is scheduled for the 3rd quarter 2014.

Activity 3.5: Refresher training on IFM-FFS for FF This activity is not relevant to this reporting period and it will be accomplished once the first cycle of the FFS is completed.

Activity 3.6: Capacity building training for project staff (i.e. community mobilization, supervision, monitoring & reporting) Training on monitoring & reporting for AFSP II core staff

Thirty three core AFSP II staffs (male-29, female-4) of three HDCs and CHTDF were also trained on monitoring

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Jautho Khamar FFS members participating in the session in Dighinala

and reporting through a two-day long residential training. Training included sessions on M&E and reporting systems including data collection tools and database management with hands on practice and group works. As a result, monitoring and reporting system is in place at HDCs and CHTDF, and under this system, the profiling of FFS households are on-going (see activity 1.7).

Activity 3.7: Renovation of FF training venues in Rangamati

The project supported Rangamati HDC to establish a training venue at the Dept. of Livestock (DLS) Office in Rangamati to substitute another potential venue that is located a considerable distance out of the main town. The new venue in the main town can accommodate 37 people, contains full residential facilities, and has adequate lands for undertaking trial and study plots. The training venues in other two districts (Bandarban and Rangamati) are currently available with residential and other necessary facilities at the Cotton Development Board in Bandarban and the Hill Agriculture Research Station, BARI in Khagrachari.

Activity 3.8: Capacity Building Training for field GoB officials on High Value crops As reflected in the AFSP II annual work plan, this activity will be undertaken over 2015. Output 4: IFM-FFS implemented through participatory and ‘learning by doing approach’ Activity 4.1: Conduct FFS sessions at community level

FFS sessions started in June this year (2014) and have been running smoothly at the established 215 FFS. The gender disaggregated data indicates a female to male participation rate of 54% and 46%. In this reporting period, a total of 176 monitoring visits were made by MTs, project staffs at Upazila, district and regional levels to follow-up the sessions and provide technical advice to improve the quality of FFS sessions.

One monitoring visit stated the following:

“….When the participants of Keronchari FFS, Belaichari upazila of Rangamati District were asked about the benefits of FFS, almost all the participants responded positively. They explained on how FFS will bring benefits to the farmers in their village.” While everybody was trying to make us clear on it, Mrs Laxsmi Devi added her opinion, she said “We are undone because there is no appropriate person to communicate for solving the farm problems we are facing. Sometimes we go to the local dealers to get suggestion but it is not adequate. Sometimes we go to the agriculture department with sample of diseases of paddy plant but problems hardly get solved. Sometimes officers are not available when we go. Since Mr. Doyal is a permanent inhabitant of our village and selected as FF for conducting FFS sessions and will be supporting us to solve our farm problems, it will be more fruitful as because we will always get his advice whenever we will need. We are participating in the FFS session and Doyal is a very keen to us, he made us everything easy for our understanding during session with practical example in our field.” Others also agreed with her expressions.

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Activity 4.2: Organize Farmers Field Days This activity is planned for the 2nd project year.

Activity 4.3: Organize exchange visits on IFM-FFS learning (all relevant stakeholders) This activity is planned for the 2nd project year.

Activity 4.4: Management support to FFS Implementation

The FFS approach is being implemented in partnership with the CHT Institutions, notably the HDCs with a view to strengthening their institutional and technical capacity to manage FFS and deliver required agriculture services in the CHT. Practically, HDCs are providing oversight on field level activities with staff setup at district, Upazila and community levels, backed by technical support of the project. Different level positions within HDCs have been recruited for and they have been managing the smooth implementation of the project. For further information, please refer to section V – Project Management and Partnership.

Sub-activity 4.4.1: Organize bi-monthly FF coordination meetings at Upazila level

A total of 26 bi-monthly FF coordination meetings were organized at Upazila level with the participation of 271 people (male-235, female-36). The participants included Upazila FFS Coordinator, Upazila level GoB line departments (DLS, DAE and DoF) and key service providers. The bi-monthly meetings act as a platform for stronger communication and coordination between stakeholders working across levels. They also prove a useful vehicle for (i) sharing FFs field experiences (both positive and negative areas for improvement), (ii) clarifying on implementation status and progress of FFS, (iii) sharing information and opportunities across service providers, and (iv) generating suggestions from line department to support the smooth implementation of project activities at the grassroots level.

Sub-activity 4.4.2: Organize monitoring visits by GoB officers, MTs and other stakeholders and support the technical sessions in the FFS

A total of 176 monitoring visits were conducted during this reporting period to ensure that activities are running on track. Since the commencement of AFSP II, activities have been closely monitored. The MTs have been the key resource in directly monitoring and gaining feedback on FFS sessions at the community level, to ensure consistent quality in training. HDC and AFSP II staffs have been involved with the progress monitoring, and Upazila and Union Parishad representatives have played a supportive role in providing feedback and guidance during field visits to FFS.

Sub-activity 4.4.3: Organize FFS learning sharing workshop at district and regional level This sub-activity is scheduled to take place during the project’s second year. Sub-activity 4.4.4: Organize coordination meeting with HDC project staff and other relevant stakeholders (MT/GoB) This sub-activity has already been addressed as part of activity 1.3.

Activity 4.5: Develop promotional materials on IFM-FFS

In this reporting period, several promotional materials such as 215 signboards, 265 caps, 265 T-Shirts, 215 bags and around 70 banners for trainings, workshops were produced to raise the visibility and profile of the project. All promotional materials are being developed with the project name, event location, and the DANIDA and UNDP logo and HDCs are acknowledged as being joint implementing partners.

Output 5: Follow-up support provided for targeted FFSs

Activity 5.1: Provision of skill development training for local service providers (community livestock/ poultry workers, nursery men, Fisheries workers)

During AFSP I, skill development trainings were organized to develop Community Livestock/Poultry Workers (CLW/CPW), Nursery Growers (NG), Community Aquaculture Resource Persons (CARP) from the 20 targeted Upazilas. The community level service providers played an important role on their area and supported vaccination, deworming of animals, raised quality seedlings locally, and provided necessary supports to the communities on aquaculture. Similar training is being planned under the AFSP

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II to develop CLW/CPW, NGs and CARP from the 5 new Upazilas, and the preparatory work is in progress including contracting with local NGOs. The training is planned to take place in 2015.

Activity 5.2: Linkage workshops with service provider and input suppliers The above activity is scheduled to take place in 2015.

Output 6: Input supply and market linkages promoted and facilitated

The project developed a marketing intervention strategy for core and potential niche CHT agricultural sectors by engaging an international consultant during February and March 2014. The consultant, under the project management, made an extensive number of field visits to explore market dynamics and trade flows in CHT. The resulting strategy recommends interventions to: i) set up collection and storage centers in 19 locations in CHT to allow for collective marketing that will increase farmers’ bargaining power, ii) establish a virtual market place to disseminate market information between producers and buyers, iii) develop a trade promotion organization within CHT that is responsible for all institutional support to trade of CHT products, iv) facilitate trade of high value products to urban high end markets, and v) ensure market growth and sustainability through promotion of CHT as a source of healthy products.

DANIDA subsequently hosted a review of the recommended interventions with key development partners on June 26 this year. During the meeting, development partners validated the findings as well as provided suggestions for improvement of the proposed AFSP II market interventions. The need for increased private sector involvement was underlined, as well as alternative options for institutional support on trade promotion.

Finalization of the strategy will be completed in 2014 along with work plan of activities for implementation in the beginning of 2015, reflecting feedbacks of development partners.

Immediate Objective II: Implementation of the CHT 1997 Peace Accord accelerated through further devolution of agricultural services to the HDCs

Ground work to support the above objective has been ongoing since the project’s inception. Specific support has been provided to HDCs for reviewing rules and regulations of overlapping institutions in the CHT (such as HDCs, Upazila and Union Parishad, and government line departments) to effectively manage the transferred departments and enhance effective coordination of line department under the HDCs. Once the review is completed, the project will make use of the review findings and operationalize the recommendations with relevant activities. With regard to CHT agricultural strategy which was originally developed by HDCs with the technical support of FAO under the AFSP I, the implementation will take place in the 4th quarter of 2014 as part of the UN-UN agreement with the FAO.

Output 7: Coordination enhanced and CHT institutions strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

This output is targeted to supporting the effective implementation of the 1997 Peace Accord, including effective decentralization of services. This is an important element in the sustainability of AFSP results and impact.

Activity 7.1: Support stakeholders in developing effective financing and staffing arrangements for CHT agricultural services

This activity includes assistance to Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tract Affairs (MoCHTA) and other partners in developing sustainable financing and staffing arrangements for transferred agriculture services (as part of overall CHTDF support to developing sub-national financing arrangements for devolved functions). A review of relevant rules and regulations of HDCs and other institutions in the CHT are ongoing by a consultant recruited outside of the AFSP II support. Once the review is completed, the project will make use of the review findings and operationalize the recommendations with relevant activities in partnership with FAO – including development of rules and regulations to effectively manage the transferred departments and enhance effective coordination of line departments under the HDCs (see activity 7.2).

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Activity 7.2: Policy and advocacy initiatives

To support the Peace Accord implementation, various policy and advocacy initiative has been planned targeting the devolution of agricultural services to the HDCs. CHT agricultural development strategy endorsed by the HDCs last year following a series of consultations will be integrated with the district-level agricultural strategies that were formulated under AFSP I. Meetings with MOCHTA, MOA and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) will also be set up to present the agricultural development strategy and ensure clear understanding and appreciation for the direction chosen by the HDCs for agricultural development in the region. Subsequently, technical support will be provided to the HDCs to devise an operational manual that specifies the exact rules of engagement and regulations governing their own responsibilities and their relationships with other institutions in the region, including MOCHTA, the CHT Regional Council, and the line departments to increase clarity on the mechanisms of coordination or engagement between them. This activity is planned to be implemented through the UN-UN agreement with FAO. Following finalization of the agreement, the activity will commence before 2014.

Activity 7.3: Organize TAC- Agriculture meeting

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Agriculture was formed during AFSP I and consisted of key UN agencies (e.g. FAO, UNDP), government departments from relevant ministries (e.g. DoA, DoF, DLS), and representatives from local government institutions in the CHT. Under the AFSP II, a TAC-Agriculture meeting was organized to share updates on the project and discuss next steps on the CHT Agricultural Development Strategy. The key decisions of the meeting included: i) technologies developed by Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in CHT to be applied in the AFSP II project; ii) the agriculture development strategies formulated by HDCs and consented by the Ministry of Agriculture to be shared with TAC (Agriculture) members (refer to the TAC-Agriculture meeting minutes in Annex 3).

Activity 7.4: Support sustainable CHT Agricultural Development Strategy or Agricultural Investment Plan

Following the development of the CHT agricultural development strategy during AFSP I and endorsement by the relevant ministries (MOCHTA and MoA), FAO with its own resources has established an Agricultural Planning Unit (APU) at three HDCs to institutionalize the policy document and develop the capacities to ensure its implementation. The APU focuses on increasing the capacity of HDCs for resource mobilization, planning, project and program development, monitoring and evaluation. The role of this unit, led by an Agriculture Officer on deputation from the line ministry (Department of Agricultural Extension) and supported by a Program Officer and Administration Assistant funded by FAO, is to increase the HDCs’ intrinsic capacity for much-needed and locally-owned policy and programming specific to the CHT. Such a unit has engaged in functions such as preparing project plans, determining investment needs and opportunities for improving food security, and coordinate and monitor program outcomes. This activity will further support capacity building and institutionalization of the functioning of this unit, including the development of a CHT investment plan for sustainable agricultural development. The process of formulation of this CHT investment plan will be modeled on the process used for the national Country Investment Plan for food security, agriculture and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on bottom-up input to bring together all stakeholders around a single agenda – sustainable agriculture - and presents a major opportunity to mobilise resources for sustainable agricultural development in the three Hill Districts. The activity will start in the 4th quarter of 2014 as soon as the agreement with the FAO comes in place.

Activity 7.5: Dialogue forums and reviews with IFMC and Agro-Based Development Component (ABDC) (Agricultural Growth and Employment Programme -AGEP components) During this reporting period, five meetings were held between Integrated Farm Management Component (IFMC) and AFSP II project. Both the parties have shared their experiences and updates on ongoing project activities with each other. Through these meetings, AFSP II obtained support from Integrated Farm Management Component (IFMC) on conducting the baseline survey of AFSP II, capacity building of the CHT MTs and so forth. Upcoming meetings have also been planned to allow the sharing of experiences, lessons learned and future planning with necessary adjustments.

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III. ACTIVITIES NOT DONE AND WORK PLAN FOR 2014 – 2015

3.1 Activities not accomplished in the reporting period

SL Activities not done/completed

Reasons for Not Completing the Activities

Next action

Objective I: Agricultural production of female and male marginal and small farm households increased and diversified through IFM-FFS in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Output 2: IFM-FFS curriculum developed.

2.5

On-Farm Research conducted and disseminated (in partnership with FAO).

Agreement with FAO was not finalized within the reporting period.

The agreement is currently with FAO for final review following a series of consultations and feedbacks. Once signed, the activity will commence.

Output 5: Follow-up support provided for targeted FFS

5.1

Skill development training for local service providers (community livestock/ poultry workers, nursery men, fishery workers).

Due to other workload such as community selection, FFS clustering, staff recruitment, formation of FFS, FF Training of facilitators (ToF), MT ToT, field staff were unable to complete this activity.

The community mobilization process in the new 5 upazilas has been delayed on account of delays in NGO selections.

Skill development trainings will be undertaken once relevant staff of PNGOs for the new 5 upazilas are onboard and community are mobilized to form PDCs and other capacity building activities completed in the PDC/PNDG. Four NGOs have been selected to date.

Output 6: Input supply and marketing intervention (output to be finalized based on marketing intervention strategy during inception phase)

6.1

Implement identified activities through Marketing Intervention Strategy during the inception phase

Agreement with FAO could not be signed within the reporting period.

This activity is divided into two parts. One part will be implemented directly by CHTDF and another part will be implemented through FAO. CHTDF will by 2014 finalize the marketing intervention strategy as well as work plan of activities for implementation beginning of 2015. FAO’s technical inputs on the document are expected following finalization of the pending agreement.

Objective II: Implementation of the CHT 1997 Peace Accord accelerated through further devolution of agricultural services to the HDCs. Output 7: Coordination enhanced and CHT Institutions strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

7.2 Policy and advocacy support (in partnership with FAO).

Agreement with FAO could not be signed within the reporting period.

The agreement is currently with FAO for final review following a series of consultations and feedbacks. Once

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SL Activities not done/completed

Reasons for Not Completing the Activities

Next action

signed, the activity will commence.

7.4

Support for sustainable CHT Agricultural Strategy or Investment Plan (through agreement with FAO).

Same as above. Same as above.

9. Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

9.4 Baseline Survey

It took longer to decide on the procurement modality than expected due to consideration for engaging the same firm which was hired by IFMC. However, later it was decided to go for open bidding after considering all pros and cons.

Advertisement has been done twice due to lack of qualified organizations. Selection is expected to be completed by the 4th quarter of 2014 based on proposals submitted by the consulting organizations for the third advertisement. The project is in parallel encouraging technically qualified organizations to apply.

3.2 Future Work Plan (1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015)

SL Activities

Time Frame

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Objective 1: Agricultural production of female and male marginal and small farm households increased and diversified through IFM FFS in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Output 1: IFM-FFS established

1.1 Activity 1.1: Establishment of and Support to Para Development Committees for the five new Upazilas

X X X X

1.2 Grants to the PDC and Women Groups X

1.3 Stakeholder (UnFC, UzAC, HDC, GoB etc.) mobilisation meeting on IFM-FFS

X X X X

1.4 Training for PDC members on IFM-FFS implementation process, monitoring and role of PDCs/CBO

X X

1.5 Formation of 1800 FFS and selection of FFS participants X X X X

1.6 Recruitment/selection of 450 Farmer Facilitators (FFs) X X

1.7 Profiling of FFS participating HHs X X X X

Output 2: Curriculum Development

2.1 Activity 2.1 Identify high-value crop, livestock and fisheries activities for new curricula development

X X X X

2.2 Develop and regularly update curricula for IFM FFS menu modules as well as other related training

X X X X

2.3 Field testing and piloting of the draft curricula for IFM menu of modules

X X

2.4 Modules finalised and printed X X

2.5 On-Farm Research conducted and disseminated X X

Output 3: Training Programmes

3.1 ToT for Master Trainers on IFM- FFS X X X X

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3.2 ToF for 350 FFs ToF for FFs on IFM-FFS. X X X X

3.3 Training for AFSP staffs on IFM-FFS (at District and Upazila level). X X

3.4 Training for GoB Officer’s (DAE, DLS &DoF) on IFM FFS X X

3.5 Refreshers training on IFM-FFS for FF X

3.6 Capacity building training for project staff (i.e. community mobilization, supervision, monitoring & reporting)

3.8

Capacity Building Training for field GoB officials on High Value crops

X X

Output 4: 1800 IFM-FFS Implemented

4.1 Conduct FFS sessions at community level X X X X

Cycle 1: 300 IFM-FFS X X X

Cycle 2: 500 IFM-FFS X X

Cycle 3: 500 IFM-FFS

Cycle 4: 500 IFM-FFS

4.2 Organise Farmers Field Days X X

4.3 Organize exchange visits on IFM-FFS learning (all relevant stakeholders)

X X

4.4 Management support to FFS implementation

4.5.1 Organize Bi-monthly FF Coordination meeting at Upazila level X X X X

4.5.2

Organize Monitoring visits by GoB officers, MTs and other stakeholders (UnFC, and UzAC etc) and Support the technical sessions in the FFS (2 sessions in each FFS) by Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO)/VFA (Veterinary Field Assistant) /Field Assistant (FA).

X X X X

4.5.3 Organize FFS Learning Sharing workshop at District and Regional level

X X

4.5.4 Organize coordination meeting with HDC Project staff and other relevant stakeholders ( MT/GoB)

X X X X

4.5 Develop promotional materials on IFM-FFS X

Output 5: Support to Local service Providers

5.1 Skill development training for local service providers (community livestock / poultry workers, nursery men, Fisheries workers)

X X

5.2 Linkage workshops with service provider and input suppliers X X

Output 6: Input Supply and Marketing Linkages support

6.1 Implement identified activities through Marketing Intervention Strategy during the inception phase

X X

Output 7: Strengthening CHT Institutions to manage transferred subjects

7.1 Support Stakeholders in developing effective financing and staffing arrangements for CHT agricultural services.

X X X

7.2 Policy and advocacy initiatives X X X

7.3 Organize TAC-Agriculture meeting X X

7.4 Support for Sustainable CHT Agricultural Development Strategy or Agricultural Investment Plan

X X X

7.5 Dialogue forums and reviews with IFMC and ABDC (AGEP components)

X X X X

9. Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation Reporting

9.2 Annual M&E data collection X

9.3 Planning and Review workshop X X X X

9.4 Conduct project baseline X

9.8 Annual Report X

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IV. VISIBILITY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Visibility of the project and its donor funding has been ensured through different events such as workshops, trainings, day observation and distribution of visibility items. During this reporting period, 215 signboards were installed at PDCs, 70 banners produced, 265 T-shirts, 265 caps and 215 bags printed and distributed to FF and MTs. Photographs have been taken from trainings and events, and are drawn on for different reports and visibility activities.

Where appropriate, significant event news have been published in local newspapers and electronic media, such as CHTDF News, to galvanize interest and raise awareness among communities and other stakeholder groups. For examples of visibility and promotional items produce, please refer to Annex 4. V. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS 5.2 Partnerships

A key partner in facilitating the implementation of AFSP II is the HDCs. Most of the activities have been planned under a letter of agreement signed with 3 HDCs for the period 1 July 2013 to June 2015. During the reporting period, a total of USD 581,575 has been disbursed to the 3 HDCs for rollout of project activities.

Continuing from AFSP I, this project works with FAO to draw on their technical expertise on IFM-FFS curriculum and module development process; on-farm research; and implementation of the CHT Agricultural Development Strategy etc. The agreement with FAO under the AFSP II has a total budget of USD 167,209. The project also works closely with local NGOs for mobilization of communities in the 5 new working Upazilas. Accordingly 4 NGOs (Zabarang Kallyan Samitee for Manikchari and Ramgarh Upazilas in Khagrachari, Kothowain for Naikhyongchari Upazila in Bandarban, SAS for Kawkhali Upazila in Rangamati and Shining Hill for Naniachar Upazila in Rangamati) have come onboard.

VI. MONITORING AND EVALUATIONI

During this reporting period, several M&E activities were undertaken. The AFSP II M&E framework has been revised with realistic multi-year targets for output indicators. The project has also developed annual M&E work plan that includes both budgetary and non-budgetary M&E activities. As part of the plan, hands-on M&E training was provided for 33 project staffs (male-29, female-4). The training resulted in development of data collection and monitoring tools such as FFS monthly progress data format, (ii) Master Trainers’ FFS monitoring format, and (iii) FFS households (HHs) profiling. Accordingly, the progress has been updated monthly by the HDCs and CHTDF at district and regional levels. Preparatory work for the AFSP II baseline survey is ongoing; proposals submitted by interested consulting firms are currently being evaluated, and the project is in parallel encouraging technically qualified organizations to apply. Monitoring activities are ongoing by the representatives of GoB line department and Upazila Parishad representatives; 176 visits were made by these government counterparts to project areas.

The following gives a detailed breakdown on the different parties involved in monitoring and the functions they perform:

Community Level: The PDCs plays a key role in overseeing different activities of FFS at community level starting from beneficiary selection to project implementation. Each FFS have day to day sessions planned and maintained by the FF, which are monitored by PDCs. Each FF maintains a monthly monitoring tool which is checked by the PDC chairperson and submitted to the Upazila FFS Coordinator.

Union Level: Every month the project facilitates the meetings with UnFCs, which comprise of representations from Union Parishad, school teachers, PDCs representatives, women leaders, entrepreneurs and local civil society members. The UnFCs selected beneficiary communities within the union, reviewed and approved community projects, reviewed progress of community level day to day activities and provided necessary guidance. Periodic monitoring visits were also made by the UnFC members to monitor progress at the field level and to provide necessary guidance/advice to the communities for smooth implementation of project activities.

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VII. LESSONS LEARNT, CHALLENGES, ACTION TAKEN AND SUSTAINABILITY

7.1 Lessons Learnt, Challenges and Action Taken Whilst the project has faced several issues during implementation of the planned activities, necessary actions have been taken to overcome the challenges. The challenges faced and actions taken by the project include the follows:

On occasions it was difficult to identify FF within FFS clusters, who met the set criteria. This was particularly the case regarding female FFs, as there were few educated female candidates who applied for the role, despite project staff physically visiting communities to encourage applications.

Basic language and literacy prevented challenges. This was particularly problematic during ToT sessions, as while most MTs were conversant to Bangla they were not able to speak or understand languages of minor ethnic communities i.e. Mro. To overcome this challenge, where possible participants were able to identify a common language (i.e Marma) that multiple FFs were able to understand.

In some areas, particularly in the remote places, ensuring farmer participation in the FFS was a great challenge during the Jum season as most household members stayed and worked on their Jum field. This required flexibility on the part of FF and FFS.

Ensuring follow up support and monitoring visits to remotely based FFS was problematic, due to issues of access and isolation. In response the project developed a combined monitoring mechanism involving all the MTs, AFSP staffs including the Upazila FFS Coordinator.

Frequent staff turnover during the reporting period, particularly by MT and AFSP II District Officer has been challenging to manage. The impacts have been somewhat mitigated by the staff roster system that was initially established during recruitment. Furthermore, the Monitoring and Reporting Officer who has a background as a MT has been able to step in and provide additional support where required. Consequently, this challenge is being managed.

Upazila Level: Upazila-based AFSP II and HDCs staff are the lowest tier to maintain the monitoring and reporting data in the project’s database. Upazila FFS Coordinators maintain the monitoring data collected and submitted by the FFs, and review the progress monthly. Other actors, such as upazila level GoB staff, have periodically visited FFS.

District Level: Monitoring visits are being undertaken by the district based project staff, HDCs and relevant line departments. Monthly project meetings are being organized by HDCs to discuss project activities, review progress and identify problems with solutions for smooth implementation. HDCs based Monitoring Officers maintain monthly progress reporting databases and share the findings in the monthly coordination meeting. AFSP II district staff analyze data and provide periodic feedback to HDCs. Central Level: Central level project management visit project sites and conduct monitoring activities. Observations were recovered in the UNDP back-to-office report (BTOR) immediately after each field trip. The completed BTOR are shared with relevant project staff at district and upazila level for further action where necessary. Progress reports are prepared on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly and yearly) by the project, based on the monitoring and reporting database maintained at cluster level. Monthly reports reflect activity and output level indicators, such as the number of beneficiaries trained, number and types of grants distributed, demonstration plots established and number of GoB visits to the field. Quarterly reports were prepared based on the immediate results of the activities and are focused on qualitative information – how farmers are implementing their FFS learning, their feelings, challenges faced and way forwards. Senior management of CHTDF and UNDP also visit project areas to facilitate the implementation and to provide quality-assurance and oversight to these activities.

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Political turmoil during the reporting period has being problematic, as it has created many delays to project roll-out. Unfortunately, the difficulties presented by this challenge are out of the project’s control.

During the reporting period the project has the following learnings:

PDC existence supported the process of FF recruitment, FFS member selection, and fund

disbursement activities in the field.

Female farmers were found more interested and participating in the FFS learning than the male.

Former FF showed more commitment to the project, however this is likely due to the fact they

are comparatively more confident than the newly recruited FF.

Limited literacy of FF prevents difficulties in proper record keeping.

The orientation of PDC executive committee members on IFM-FFS implementation process was

important, as they played a central role in the mobilization of households in line with the project

guideline and criteria.

Jum farming impacts participation levels in FFS as it is a priority for farmers to undertake.

7.2 Sustainability

The FFS approach is implemented in partnership with the CHT institutions, notably the Hill District Councils (HDCs) with a view to strengthening the institutional and technical capacity of HDCs to manage FFS and deliver required agriculture services. This approach of supporting HDCs itself is considered addressing sustainability, as HDCs have been strengthened to continue service delivery beyond the project lifespan. The project also focuses on engaging all actors in the sector (the government, input suppliers, other private service providers, and potential buyers) to enable linkage building, which can be utilized beyond project timespan. Sustainable financing and staffing of the HDCs is incorporated as an AFSP II output to ensure sustainability.

VIII. STATUS OF EXPENDITURE (INTERIM REPORT)

Total financial delivery of the AFSP II is USD 1,267,944 up to 31 August 2014.

Expenditure Report from 1st July 2013 to 31st August 2014

Budget Line All Years Budget in USD

Expenditure (1st July 2013 to 31st August 2014) in USD

1. Output 1: Communities/Stakeholders mobilised to establish IFM-FFS

280,397 22,367

Sub-Total : Output 1 280,397 22,367

2. Output 2: IFM-FFS Curricular Developed 54,021 850

Sub-Total : Output 2 54,021 850

3. Output 3: Knowledge and skills of CHT stakeholders (Master trainers, FFS Trainers / Facilitators on IFM-FFS, GoB Officers) enhanced

538,928 52,096

Sub-Total : Output 3 538,928 52,096

4. Output 4: IFM-FFS implemented through participatory and ‘learning by doing approach’.

3,083,439 247,900

Sub-Total : Output 4 3,083,439 247,900

5. Output 5: Follow-up support provided for targeted FFS

16,721 156

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6. Output 6 Input supply and marketing intervention (output to be finalized based on marketing intervention strategy during inception phase)

517,052 -

Sub-Total : Output 6 517,052 -

7. Output 7 Coordination enhanced and CHT Institutions strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

148,926 249


8. CHTDF Operational and Management 2,580,680 820,411

Sub-total of 8 2,580,680 820,411

9. Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation 54,407 3,348

Sub-total of 9 54,407 3,348

10. Technical Advisory/Consultancy Services 92,608 26,090

Sub-Total of 10 92,608 26,090

11. Sundry 14,965 11,528

Total (1-11) 7,382,144 1,184,995

12. GMS (7% of Total) 516,750 82,950

Grand Total 7,898,894 1,267,944

Annex 5: Progress against Logical Framework (as of August 2014)

OBJECTIVE HIERARCHY INDICATORS TARGETS MEANS OF VERIFICATION Achievement so far

Overall Objective: Increased pro-poori and inclusive growthii and sustainableiii employment creation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), and accelerated implementation of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord.

Immediate objective I: Agricultural production of female and male marginal and small farm households increased and diversified through IFM-FFS in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

% of beneficiary HH in target communities with increased agricultural production (disaggregated by male and female headed HH)

% of beneficiary HH in target communities that increased level of incomeiv (disaggregated by male and female headed HH)

% of Annual net income increase from agriculture (BDT)

% of beneficiary HH in target communities that diversified/integrated agricultural farm practicesv within 6 months of receiving training (disaggregated by male and female headed HH)

% of beneficiary HH in target

communities with increased food intake (Kilo Calorie per capita per day)

% of beneficiary HH in target communities reporting

70 % increase from baseline 80% from baseline 25 % from baseline 90% from baseline 50% To be determined

Baseline Report to be compiled during the inception of the project

Periodic Results Assessment Reports

Midterm Review

Outcome indicators will be measured during later stages of the project based on delivery of planned project outputs. A baseline survey will be conducted in end 2014 to establish baseline for the existing indicators and revise their targets.

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increased duration (by month) of food stocks

% of beneficiary HH in target

communities that experienced reduction in food shortage5 months

Food expenditure budget share

of total household expenditure % of beneficiary HH in target

communities with increased employment (in month) in the agricultural sector

60% To be determined following collection of baseline data during the Inception Period 75%

Immediate Objective II: Implementation of the CHT 1997 Peace Accord accelerated through further devolution of agricultural services to the HDCs.

% of CHT people surveyed who believe that capacity of HDCs have been strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

Extent to which HDCs’

coordination and management system for transferred agricultural departments enhanced with proper guidelines or sub-rules. (coordination mechanism/s and guidelines and sub-rules in place to accelerate the

To be determined following collection of baseline data during the Inception Period

Baseline Report to be compiled during the inception of the project

Periodic Results Assessment Report Midterm Review

Outcome indicators will be measured during later stages of the project based on delivery of planned project outputs. A baseline survey will be conducted in end 2014 to establish baseline for the existing indicators and revise their targets.

5 Food shortage means: non- availability of food per day according to the family demand

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implementation of CHT Accord)

Sustainable CHT Agriculture Strategy or CHT Agricultural Investment Plan approved and being implemented through required HR and financial arrangements

1 CHT Agricultural Investment plan in place

Output 1: Community groups and stakeholders mobilized through establishment of IFM-FFS

Activity 1.1: Establishment of and Support to Para Development Committees (PDC) for the five new Upazilas Activity 1.2: Grants for income generation to the PDC and Women’s Groups for five new Upazila

Output indicators: # of PDC and PNDG members

participated in IFM-FFS mobilization initiatives (orientation/ workshops/training)

Ratio of women to men participated in IFM-FFS mobilization initiatives

# of FFS formed/ established

Sample activity indicators: # NGO contracts entered to

support the mobilization

# of Para Development Committee formed and mobilized

# of Women Group formed

45,000 PDC and PNDG member participants 50:50 1800 FFS (50% women selection) 3 NGO contracts 250 PDCs (with 50% women in Executive Committee) 250 women groups

Progress Report M&E reports Workshop and training

reports FFS Baseline reports

During this reporting period, 4,244 PDCs and PNDG members from 3,937 households were mobilized and received training on improved agricultural cultivation and better farming methods. As of now, women and men ratio is 54% and 46% which can fluctuate as 1800 FFSs will be completed gradually in different phases during the project period. A total 215 FFS established to date. Contracts signed with 4 NGOs for 5 new working Upazilas As per project work plan, formation of PDC and women groups (PNDG) in new working Upazilas will be formed in the 2nd year of the project.

A total of 215 Farmer Facilitators (FFs) were recruited, including 60 women.

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Activity 1.3: Stakeholder (UnFC, UzAC, HDC, GoB etc.) mobilisation meeting on IFM-FFS at Upazila level + district Activity 1.4:Training for PDC members on IFM-FFS implementation process, monitoring and role of PDCs/CBO Activity 1.5: Formation of FFS and Selection of FFS participants Activity 1.6: Recruitment and Selection of Farmer Facilitators Activity 1.7 Profiling of FFS participating HHs

# of FF recruited and developed

450 FF (40% women)

Output 2: IFM-FFS Curricular Developed and Promoted Activity 2.1 Identify high-value crop, livestock and fishery activities for new curricula development Activity 2.2 Develop and regularly update curricula for IFM FFS menu modules as well as other related training Activity 2.3 Field testing and piloting of the draft curricula for IFM menu of modules Activity 2.4 IFM-FFS Modules finalised and printed

Output indicators:

# of Modules developed

% of those trained on IFM-FFS (Trainer, FF, and HH) that believe the IFM-FFS curricula developed are useful, addressing CHT farmers’ needs

Curricula drafted and mechanisms in place to ensure that the curricula is updated as required

Sample activity indicator: On farm research conducted in

15 modules

90%

Curricula and mechanism in place for updates

Progress Reports Workshop Reports Draft and printed

Curricula Research Reports Periodic Result

Assessment Report

14 modules have been drafted in this reporting period.

Assessment on the usefulness of the IFS-FFS module will be conducted during later stages of the project.

6 high value crops identified and one IFS-FFS curriculum containing 14 modules have been drafted including the modules on high value crops.

Planned for 4th quarter of 2014.

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Activity 2.5: On Farm Research conducted and disseminated

Hill context Research trials established

Output 3: Knowledge and skills of CHT stakeholders (Master trainers, FFS Trainers / Facilitators on IFM-FFS, GoB Officers) enhanced Activity 3.1 ToT for Master Trainers on IFM- FFS Activity 3.2: ToT for FFs on IFM-FFS Activity 3.3 Training for AFSP staffs on IFM-FFS (at District and Upazila level) Activity 3.4 Training for GoB Officer’s (DAE, DLS & DoF) on IFM-FFS Activity 3.5 Refreshers training on IFM-FFS for FFs Activity 3.6 Capacity building trainingvi for project staff (i.e. community mobilization, supervision, monitoring & reporting)

Output indicators: % of trained CHT stakeholders

who believe their knowledge and skills on IFM-FFS have increased after training

Sample activity indicators: # of Master Trainers completing

the training.

# of FFs completing TOT on IFM-FFS

# of AFSP Staffs trained on IFM-

FFS # of GoB officers trained on

IFM-FFS

# of FFs received refresher training

# of project staffs trained

95% 30 Master Trainers 450 FF

70 staffs 200 GoB officers 450 FSs

Training Reports Progress Reports

15 Master Trainers completed 1st spell training on IFM-FFS.

A total of 215 FFs completed 1st spell of ToT on IFM- FFS.

31 staffs from district and Upazila were trained on IFM FFS.

As per the plan, training to GoB officer will be held in the 2nd year. Refresher training for FFs will take place once the 1st cycle training has been completed.

33 project staffs (male-29, female-4) were trained on community mobilization, monitoring and reporting.

1 (one) training venue was renovated in Rangamati district.

As per plan, the training for GoB field officers on high value crops will be provided in the 2nd year.

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Activity 3.7 Renovation of Training

Venues in Rangamati

Activity 3.8 Capacity Building Training for GoB field officers on High Value crops.

# Training venues renovated # of GoB officers trained on

specific technical subjects.

70 staff

2 venues 90 officers

Output 4: IFM-FFS implemented through participatory and ‘learning by doing approach’. Activity 4.1 Conduct FFS sessions at community level; Activity 4.2 Organise Farmers Field Days

Output indicators: % of IFM-FFS participants

completed full modules (disaggregated by sex and age )

% of GoB Line Department Officers provided follow up support

Sample activity indicators: IFM-FFS completed their

sessions # of FFS session conducted at

community level

# of Farmers Field Days organized

# of farmers participated in Farmers Field Days

# of exchange visits organised # of people participated in

exchange visits (disaggregated by sex and age)

# of monitoring visits conducted by GoB officers and other stakeholders in the FFS

95% of 45,000 members (40-50% female) 60%

1800 IFM-FFS To be determined

354

35,000

9 visits 150 persons(30% will be women)

Progress Reports M&E Report Result Assessment

Report

Visit Reports

These two outputs level indicators will be assessed once the 1st batch of FFS completed their cycle. 215 FFS completed 821 FFS sessions at community level, but full sessions will be completed in December 2015. No farmers field days organized in this reporting period. These are planned in 2nd year of the project. Similarly, exchange visits are planned in the beginning of 3rd year.

26 FF coordination meetings were organized at upazila level.

176 monitoring visits made by GoB Officers and Union & Upazila parishad representatives. Learning sharing workshops are planned in the 2nd year.

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Activity 4.3: Organize exchange visits on IFM-FFS learning (all relevant stakeholders)

Activity 4.4: Management support to FFS

Implementation

Organize Bi-monthly FF

Coordination meeting at Upazila

level

Organize Monitoring visits by GoB

officers, MTs and other stakeholders

(UnFC, and UzAC etc)/Support the

technical sessions in the FFS (2

sessions in each FFS) by

SAAO/VFA/FA.

Organize FFS Learning Sharing

workshop at District and Regional

level

Organize coordination meeting with

HDC Project staff and other relevant

stakeholders. (MT/GoB/etc)

Activity 4.5: Develop promotional materials on IFM-FFS.

# of people participated in learning sharing workshops (disaggregated by sex and age).

3600 visits To be determined

1,335 promotional materials on IFM FFS developed and distributed.

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Output 5: Follow-up support provided for targeted FFSs. Activity 5.1: Skill development training for local service providers (community livestock / poultry workers, nursery men, Fisheries workers). Activity 5.2: Linkage workshops with service provider and input suppliers at district level.

Output indicators: # of Local Service Providers

trained on community livestock / poultry, nursery, Fisheries sub-sectors

% of Local Service Providers trained who are rated as more effective in providing their services post training

Level of progress made in establishing linkages between FFS/farmers/producers /service providers and input suppliers at the district level

250 persons (25 per batch = 10 batch)

70% To be determined

Progress Reports M&E Reports Result Assessment

Reports

Training for local service providers will be in the 2nd year.

This indicator will be measured through result assessment in the middle of the project cycle.

This indicator will be measured through result assessment in the middle of the project cycle.

Output 6: Input supply and market linkages promoted and facilitated Output and related activities with indicators, targets will be finalized upon formulation of Marketing strategy during the inception phase.

To be determined

To be determined

Based line Report to be compiled Progress Reports

A market intervention strategy for core and potential niche CHT agricultural sectors was developed. This strategy along with work plan of activities will be finalized in the 3rd quarter of 2014.

Output 7: Coordination enhanced and

CHT Institutions strengthened to

manage transferred agriculture services

as per CHT Peace Accord.

Activity 7.1 Support Stakeholders in

developing effective financing and

staffing arrangements for CHT

agricultural services.

Output indicators: % of HDC officials that believe

that their capacity have been strengthened to manage transferred agriculture services as per CHT Peace Accord

Level of progress made to implement the CHT Agricultural Development Strategy

To be determined To be

Progress Reports Meeting reports

Baseline information including realistic targets of this output indicator will be established once baseline survey completed in end of 2014. Following the development of CHT agricultural development strategy under AFSP I and endorsement by the relevant ministries, Agricultural Planning Unit (APU) has been

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Activity 7.2 Policy and Advocacy

Initiatives.

Activity 7.3 Organize TAC-Agriculture

meeting

Activity 7.4 Support approval and

implementation of the CHT Agricultural

Development Strategy and Investment

Plan.

Activity 7.5 Dialogue forums and reviews

with IFMC on farmer-centered extension

approaches. Also meeting with ABDC

(Katalyst).

Sample activity indicators: # of Finance and staffing in

place at HDCs # TAC-Agriculture Meetings

held

determined

Progress Reports

established with the support of FAO at three HDCs for validation and implementation of the strategy. 43 project staffs with 215 Farmer Facilitators are currently working under HDCs in order to provide agriculture services to the rural community people in CHT. 1 (one) TAC-Agriculture meeting was held to orient the TAC members on AFSP II project activities and CHT Agricultural Development Strategy.

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