Supervision Report Cao Bang
Transcription
Supervision Report Cao Bang
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam SUPERVISION REPORT CAO BANG Supervision report Main report and appendices Mission Dates: Document Date: Project No. Report No: 6-16 May 2013 10-Jul 2013 1422 3105-VN Asia and the Pacific Division Programme Management Department Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Contents Abbreviations and acronyms iii A. Introduction 1 B. Overall assessment of project implementation 1 C. Outputs and outcomes 3 D. Project implementation progress 8 E. Fiduciary aspects 11 F. Sustainability 12 G. Other 13 H. Conclusion 14 i Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendices Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Appendix 4: Appendix 5: Summary of project status and ratings 15 Updated logical framework: Progress against objectives, outcomes and outputs 21 Summary of key actions to be taken within agreed timeframes 29 Physical progress measured against AWP&B, including RIMS indicators 35 Financial: Actual financial performance by financier; by component and disbursements by category 41 Appendix 6: Compliance with legal covenants: Status of implementation 43 Appendix 7: Knowledge management: Learning and Innovation 61 Appendix 8: Progress Against Previous Mission Recommendations. 65 Appendix 9: List of People Met by the SM 2013 69 Appendix 10: Audit Log 77 ii Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Abbreviations and acronyms AWPB BDS CBD CIF CIG CPC CTA DARD DPC DPI DBRP DoF DOHA DOLISA DONRE DPMO FU GDP GoV IFAD LD MARD M&E MSMEs MTR PCA PD PPC PPMU PPSC PPP SEDP TA ToT VBARD VC VCTF WU Annual Work Plan and Budget Business Development Services Commune Development Board Commune Investment Fund Common Interest Group Commune People's Committee Chief Technical Advisor Department of Agriculture and Rural Development District People's Committee Department of Planning and Investment Developing Business with Rural Poor Department of Finance Department of Home Affairs Department of Labour Invalids and Social Affairs Department of Natural Resources and Environment District Programme Management Office Farmers' Union Gross Domestic Product Government of Vietnam International Fund for Agricultural Development Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Monitoring and Evaluation Micro, Small and Medium Size Enterprises Mid Term Review Provincial Cooperative Alliance Programme Director Provincial People's Committee Province Programme Management Unit Province Programme Steering Committee Public Private Partnership Socio-Economic Development Plan Technical Assistance Training of Trainers Vietnam Bank of Agricultural and Rural Development Value Chain Value Chain Task Force Women's Union iii Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 A. Introduction1 1. Developing Business with the Rural Poor (DBRP) became effective on 6 May 2008 and will be 2 completed 30 June 2014 . The project aims at sustainable poverty reduction through improving the business and investment enabling environment, linking the poor with the market opportunities, supporting the rural business development services and providing investment for commune level economic infrastructures, developing farmer’s groups in partnership with the private sector along agriculture value chains. The total project cost is USD 25.8 million, of which the IFAD loan is USD 17.2 million (67%), the total Government of Vietnam contribution is USD 2.5 million (10%). The Government of Luxembourg technical assistance (TA) through the project LD VIE/029 is Euro 2,475,044 (approximately USD 3,490,000) which has been extended until June 2014. 2. An IFAD Supervision Mission was undertaken in partnership with the Provincial Project Management Unit (PPMU) and the VIE/029 Technical Assistance team from 6-16 May 2013. Its objectives were to: (i) review project performance in general and, in particular, follow-up implementation of the last Supervision Mission recommendations; and (ii) agree with the provincial authorities and the Province Project Management Unit (PPMU) on next prioritized actions to fully achieve project objectives and ensure its sustainability, taking into account the project completion next year and follow-up activities by the local government for replication and institutionalization of the project approaches and practices. 3. The Supervision Mission met with staff of PPMU and LD VIE/029, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Department of Planning and Investment (DPI), Department of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs (DOLISA), Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT), Women’s Union (WU), Farmers’ Union (FU), Cooperatives Alliance (CA) and Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (VBARD). The mission visited 5 project communes in 5 districts (Ha Quang, Nguyen Binh, Quang Uyen, Phuc Hoa and Trung Khanh). During the field trips, the mission met with members of Common Interest Groups (CIGs), Commune Development Boards (CDBs) and District Project Management Offices (DPMOs). The mission also met representatives from 5 private enterprises involved in the project implementation. Key findings were discussed between the mission and PPMU and LD VIE/029 on 15 May 2013. The final debriefing of the IFAD supervision mission to the Provincial Program Steering Committee (PPSC) was held on 16 May 2013. 4. The Supervision Mission would like to extend sincere thanks to Cao Bang Provincial People’s Committee (PPC), PPMU, LD VIE/029, representatives of line agencies, local governments at the district and communal levels, local farmers and CIG members for their kind support and cooperation. B. Overall assessment of project implementation 5. Overall implementation progress. The current implementation performance or likelihood of achieving development objectives of the DBRP in Cao Bang is ranked as satisfactory. The mission appreciates efforts made by the province agencies and the project management of DBRP and LD/VIE029 in having obtained quite improved project performance since the supervision mission one year ago.. The annual implementation progress is also assessed as satisfactory. 1 Mission composition: 1 Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, IFAD Country Program Officer/ Institutional Management Specialist, Team Leader; Mr. Do Thanh Lam, Value Chain Specialist; Mr. Phan Duy Toan, Infrastructure and Procurement Specialist; Mr. Nguyen Hai Dat, Monitoring and Evaluation, Poverty and Gender Specialist; Mr. Do Hanh, Financial Management Specialist; Mr. Sauli Hurri, IFAD Training Specialist and Mr. Henning Pederson, IFAD Country Programme Director joined from 14 to 16 May 2013. 2 Important dates include: Project effectiveness – 6 May 2008 First Supervision Mission (Cao Bang) - 8-17 June 2009 Commencement of LD VIE/029 Technical Assistance 16 November 2009 Second Supervision Mission (Cao Bang) -13-23 September 2010 Mid-Term Review - 8-20 May 2011 Last Supervision Mission 18-28 June 2012 Project Completion – 30 June 2014 Loan closing date – 31 December 2014 1 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 6. Key achievements are obtained in the following aspects: (i) Policy interventions: 9 policy research and 6 policy documents supported by the project have been issued by local government; (ii) Institutionalization of market-based approach: Value Chain Development Strategy and 3 VC Action Plans for Cao Bang province and 10 its districts respectively issued by DARD and DPCs; (ii) Private sector partnership and contract farming: 4 lead firms in selected value chains have been supported and 9 enterprises have contract-farming partnership with CIGs; (iii) Access to public agriculture services: public extension, veterinary and plant protection services strengthened and outreach expanded to the poor in remote villages, 53 private veterinary service points established, 371 extension models developed covering 11,175 households and 705 extension courses organized for 30,330 participants; (iv) Farmer’s groups empowerment: Improved access of the poor households to services, social capital and market linkages through participation in CIGs (enhanced 496 CIGs of 9,385 households or 50% of all population of the project communes), 175 CIGs developed members' savings of VND 387 million for relending to the poor, 125 CIGs classified as with strong market linkages; (v) Rural infrastructure: 210 infrastructure schemes including roads, irrigation, water supplies and market places, in which 61 schemes use the community force-account method; (vi) Decentralization and community participation: Market-oriented participatory socio-economic development planning (MO-SEDP) satisfactorily implemented by all 50 project CPCs and 10 DPCs with full participation by the local communities; and (vii) Project management: decentralization of project implementation to DPMOs and CDBs, consolidated M&E and finance management further strengthened. 7. By 30/4/2013, cumulative disbursement has reached 15.89 million USD, or 61.55% of the total project budget of 25.814 million USD. Disbursement of IFAD loan is 11.24 million USD out of total 17.218 million USD, or 65.28% of plan. As estimated by the PPMU, taking all values of the committed infrastructure schemes the delivery rate is about 85%.An estimated VND 60 billion is available for planning for the last period of the project. The mission discussed reallocation of loan proceeds with the project management, and a proposal to this effect will be submitted to IFAD by the end of July. 8. However, the mission noted the following issues and challenges to full achievement of the project objectives: (i) Target groups' participation and benefits: need for increasing the number of poor people benefitted from extension activities and participation in the CIGs and saving/credit groups; (ii) BDS and finance services to CIGs and enterprises: unavailability of professional institutions delivering assistance to business planning and marketing, unchanged lending conditions of VBARD, weak capacities of the commune CIG support teams; (iii) Business enabling environment: low provincial competitiveness level leading to fewer numbers of enterprises in agriculture value chains, high cost of transactions and weak demand for commodities production; (iv) Demand of the poor for easy and sustainable microfinance services is very high, however the CIGs/SCGs have not received funds for lending. The women’s support fund should be established under the WU and not under the project to enhance sustainability; (v) Consolidation and institutionalization of innovative approaches: the DARD/DPCs value chain strategy and plans, MOP-SEDP guidelines and local capacities are still weak in terms of market orientation and private sector partnership, PPC and DPI need to take stronger leadership in their institutionalization process; (iv) Knowledge management and partnership: lack of mechanism and proper support for sharing/learning knowledge e.g. experience, lessons, models, guidelines among donor-supported projects, CIGs, communes, districts, line agencies, etc. 9. Therefore, the mission recommends giving priority to following actions: Agreed action Increasing participation of and benefits to the poor: In order to enhance poverty focus, organize support activities for poor households (CIG members and non-members) using 10% of CIF; With the CIGs as priority target, increase the funds allocated for the women’s saving and credit groups (WSCG). Institutionalization of value chain approach: consolidation of the value chain action strategy and plans and revision/institutionalization of district VCTF composition (to include DARD and DoIT) and function. Trainings for province and district VCTF relevant staff, and subsequent technical/financial support for district VCTFs' activities. Business Development Service: Strengthen existing ToT trained teams of BDS/CIG support providers in FU, WU, CA and private sector. Allocate funds to institutionalized district level VCTFs to manage BDS support for CIGs and MSMEs in the communes. Finance services: VBARD explores new lending products to the CIGs; revision of the current guidelines for the WSCGs; establishment of WSCG fund under the WU and development of WU capacities. 2 Responsibility PSC/PPMU/DPCs/CPCs/ PWU Agreed date June 2013 onwards PPC, VCTF, DOIT, DPCs DARD, June onwards 2013 PPMU, PPC, DPCs, VCTFs, FU, WU, CA June onwards 2013 VBARD, WU June onwards 2013 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Institutionalization of MOP-SEDP: DPI to take lead with supports from BDRP and PSARD to consolidate the manual and to promulgate to all communes in Cao Bang. Knowledge management and partnership: documentation and share of BDRP good practices/experiences; exchange visits of CIGs and CDBs; establishment of partnership group among projects in Cao Bang. Project management: Review actual disbursement of each component and subcomponent to reallocate project funds among budget lines to implement prioritized activities; Revise the 2013 AWPB based on the recommendations of SM and reallocated budget. C. PPC/DPI June onwards 2013 PSC,PPMU, DPI June onwards 2013 PSC/PPMU By end of July 2013 Outputs and outcomes Component 1: Improving the Business and Investment Environment The component overall rating moderately satisfactory Sub Component 1.1: Raising Provincial Competitiveness 10. The sub component performance is rated moderately satisfactory. The main achievement from this subcomponent is the six new policies were approved and implemented relating to promotion of investment from enterprises on agro-forestry commodity development with farmers, strengthening of grassroot extension services, and prevention and control of animal diseases. However, the overall score of the provincial competitive index (PCI), despite continued efforts from the PPC and line agencies, continues to be low leaving Cao Bang 61th among 63 provinces. The mission also found that a PCI action plan was developed in 2011, but its enforcement is still weak. Without stronger efforts from the PPC and its line agencies, it is difficult for Cao Bang to achieve its initially set target of “PCI increased at least 5 ranks in 2013”. 11. In order to improve the PCI, the mission team strongly recommends that the PPC should take a proactive lead and strictly follow up with relevant line agencies to ensure that the agreed measures in action plan are fully implemented in the coming months and years. Furthermore, in order to promote more investment from the private sector into the selected provincial and district pro-poor agricultural value chains that benefit farmers and smallholders in remote areas, separate and better structured investment promotion and policy dialogue forums with key agro businesses (including processing and trading enterprises, input suppliers, traders, cooperatives, and CIGs) should be organized biannually by the PPC at provincial level and 10 project DPCs. These forums will be also a good opportunity for the PPC, DPCs, and line agencies to learn about constraints faced by the business actors and be able to develop measures/solutions to help address the identified constraints. Sub Component 1.2: Improving the Efficiency of Equitized Businesses and their linkages to producers 12. Sub component performance is rated satisfactory. Taking recommendations from the mid-term review in 2011 and last year supervision report, the DBPR with technical support from the LD/VIE029, has shifted the project focus from general SOE equitization to direct support to lead enterprises that do business with CIGs and farmers in project prioritized value chains. Until now, 4 enterprises are selected for this support, namely the Le Thanh Company (in H’Mong cow value chain, linked with 80 CIGs); Seedling Joint Stock Company (in Peanut and Black Pig value chains); Khanh Ha Joint Stock Company (in cassava value chain), and Company of Animal Breeds and Feeds (pig and feed value chains). Supporting activities include (i) formulation of strategic and annual business plans; (ii) capacity building activities on sales management, marketing, financial and human resource management (60 participants, of which 38 were females); and (iii) support for design and establishment of economic contracts between the enterprises and famers/CIGs, and start of a supporting legal unit. 13. However, mission team found out that outcome from the DBPR and LD/VIE029’s technical support on the companies' business performance and impact on the project CIGs/poor farmers are not yet monitored and documented. Therefore, it is recommended for LD VIE0/29 together with PPMU to follow up more closely with the 4 supported companies and study this support modality in order to draw lessons and replicate this to other lead firms (including enterprises and cooperatives) in the selected pro-poor value chains in the remaining months. 3 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Agreed action PPC will take stronger leadership to follow up with line agencies in revision and implementation of the PCI action plan, especially to focus on measures to enable more investment from private sector into agricultural pro-poor value chains selected by the VCD-TF and the project at provincial and district levels. Assess private sector involvement in different supported pro-poor agricultural value chains and implement promotion activities to attract more investment from this sector. Organize biannual policy dialogue forums with value chain lead firms, trading enterprises, processing enterprises, input suppliers and small producers at provincial and district levels. At least 1 forum in each district. LD VIE/029 together with PPMU to follow up more closely with the 4 supported companies to assess outcomes and study this support modality in order to draw lessons and replicate this in other lead firms. Responsibility PPC and line agencies Agreed date June 2013 onward DPI, DOIT,and 10 DPCs with DBRP and LD VIE029 support PPC and 10 DPCs with DBRP and LD VIE029 support LD VIE029, IPCA June onward 2013 June onward 2013 June onward 2013 Component 2: Improving Rural Business Development Services The component overall rating satisfactory Sub Component 2.1: Value Chain Development Services 14. The sub component performance is rated satisfactory. The supervision team has noted a wide range of satisfactory activities implemented by DARD, with support from DBRP and LD VIE/029, under this sub component: (i) formulation of 2013-2015 strategy for development of agro value chains in Cao Bang; (ii) design of provincial action plans for upgrading 3 main agro value chains (H’mong cow, black pig, and vermicelli-arrowroot) ready for PPC approval; (iii) a value chain analysis and action plans for upgrading agro value chains in 10 districts; (iv) establishment of Value Chain Task Force under DARD in 10 project districts; and (v) establishment of improved linkages between CIGs and local enterprises, cooperatives, and local traders in different value chains. 15. However, mission identified issues that need consideration by the PPC and relevant agencies: (i) Current value chain action plans lack measures related to product and market development, business linkages (vertical and horizontal) and value chain governance; (ii) Both provincial and district level Value Chain Task Forces (VCTF) were formally set up in March 2013, but they are composed only of DARD staff. The new units face difficulty in fulfilling their functions and responsibilities as all members work only part time with VCTF and lack experience in market and business development. Without represenatives from other technical line agencies with market development experience such as DoIT it’s hard for the VCTF to coordinate, advice and support on matters beyond DARD authority and skills. The supervision team recommends PPC and PPMU to (i) revise the draft value chain strategy and action plans to include guidance on market identification and development, (ii) institutionalize the VCTFs and (iii) include other relevant organizations to the current Task Force composition. DBRP and LD VIE/029 will provide technical and financial support to complete the required documentation and to support the VCTF members with capacity building activities and market analyses. 16. Business Development Services. Management and marketing support for enterprises and MSMEs will likely reach the moderate targets of the project.The progress in orienting province towards functioning BDS service system has been relatively satisfactory. (i) ToT trainings for the Farmers' Union, Women's Union and Cooperative Alliance were provided for these entities to become rural BDS providers to strengthen capacity of the CIGs, cooperatives and MSMEs; (ii) 105 staff (105% of project target) of new and existing enterprises trained on business development, management and marketing skills; (iii) 175 family enterprises and MSMEs (88% of project target) in the province got access to BDS. In the remaining time of DBRP, the project and LD need to support a provincial unit (potentially VCTF) to implement the task of rural BDS coordination and project should support this unit technically and financially in managing BDS in provincial and district levels, including management of market development support to CIGs. The project should also deliver further capacity building for both the local BSD provider agents (FU, WU, CA) and key business actors in product development, trademark registration and market connection. 17. Commodity market information system. The project has recently evaluated the provision of official market information through mobile phones and leaflets to the poor. Results show that although farmers have improved their understanding and use of market information, effectiveness of current practice is still modest. It was highlighted by DoIT that the poor-targeting market information channels are not realistically implementable without financial support from the DBRP, and this practice will likely 4 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 stop after project closure. Therefore, mission team recommends that the PPC should assign DoIT to take lead in reviewing findings and recommendations from the evaluation and develop a sustainable market information distribution plan for PPC approval, with technical support from the DBPR and LuxDev VIE/029. The aim is to reduce costs and time required to deliver this service, making it deliverable through government budget and staff at different levels. 18. Labour market development. The project in collaboration with DOLISA has achieved satisfactory results since 2010, in terms of: (i) 754 (75% of the project target) full time job opportunities created by supported agro-processing MSMEs; and (ii) 199 trained people (33%) have a stable employment 6 month after training. This is due to a number of activities implemented so far: (i) 3 provincial and 20 district level job fairs organized; (ii) Jobs created through training of 223 rural workers in direct linkage with enterprises' requirements; (iii) 5 workshops on labour market information organized in Hoa An and Tra Linh districts and in 3 commune clusters; (iv) vocational training provided to workers on brocatelle weaving for export; and (v) survey on labour demand conducted by the Job Center. 19. Food safety standards. Until now the project has achieved satisfactory results in assisting four companies to obtain food safety certificates. These include the Le Thanh H’Mong cow products Company, a slaughter house , a glass noodle cooperative and an agro processing cooperative. Sub Component 2.2: Farm Productivity Improvement Services 20. The sub component performance is rated satisfactory. Until now (i) about 17 thousand farmers/rural producers (equivalent to 68% of the project target) have adopted improved technologies/processes promoted by extension; (ii) according to project surveys, about 80% of target groups are aware of the availability and quality of extension and technical support services; this is due to activities supported by the project, including: (i) improved quality agricultural extension services from both public and private service providers resulting amongst others in better control of animal diseases (about 90% of the interviewed farmers were satisfied with veterinary services); (ii) the development of 371 production models with participation of 11175 households; (iii) the support of 170 households, mainly poor households in CIGs in Ha Quang and Thong Nong districts, to move their animal stables out of the family living areas; (iv) the 705 training courses on farming techniques and farm economic analysis organized for 30330 turns of participants (12790 females) from villages and CIGs; and (v) demand driven research and extension activities carried out for the CIGs (e.g. sesame farming techniques in uplands, canvas bag usage for straw silage, improved technology in extracting starch from arrowroot). 21. In order to increase impact of these farm models, the team recommends DARD, with technical and financial support from the project and LD VIE029, to conduct assessment of different farming models tested so far, analyze and document the best models, adapt appropriate agricultural extension methods and training materials for wider dissemination and replication in the project areas and throughout the province. Beside this, in some of the visited communes, the team also learned that there are some unknown plant diseases in sugarcane and corn that need DARDs attention. Agreed action Revise draft value chain actions, taking into account of measures related to product and market development, building business linkages (vertical and horizontal linkages), and chain governance. Make new decision to include relevant member agencies to VC Task Forces and make the structure permanent. The Task Forces will be supported by DBRP and LD to fulfil their functions and responsibilities. PPC to assign DoIT to take lead in maintaining the commodity market information service to CIGs and rural producers. DoIT will develop a plan to improve and replicate the commodity market information service, using the government budget and staffs at different levels, taking into account of findings and recommendations from the recent evaluation. Conduct evaluation of the farm models, identify and document the best models, adjust agricultural methods (FFS) and training materials for wider replication. Investigate new plant diseases and develop climate smart agriculture (CSA) solutions. Facilitate DoLISA-IPAC collaboration for replication of direct enterprisevocational training link. 5 Responsibility VCD-TF, PPMU, VIE029 PPC, DARD, LDVIE029 LD Agreed date June-July 2013 PPMU, June-July 2013 PPC, DOIT, PPMU June-December 2013 DARD and PPMU January-April 2014 DARD and PPMU OctoberDecember 2013 August 2013 onward PPMU, DoLISA, IPAC Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Sub Component 2.3: Rural Finance 22. Sub component performance is rated moderately satisfactory. The mission observed progress as follows: (i) The IFAD credit line for VBARD was disbursed according to last year’s target. Up to March 31, 2013, the provincial VBARD has disbursed VND 59,737,400,000 of the IFAD credit line. The current outstanding balance is VND 36,827,544,758. Out of 1850 loans issued so far, 291 were borrowed by poor households and 529 by near poor households; (ii) and the monitoring of the impacts created by the IFAD financed loans have improved. DBRP and Vie 029 have assisted the district and provincial VBARD in reviewing all disbursed loans to analyse the number of jobs created for the poor; (iii) borrowing through CIGs has been encouraged and promoted. In 2012, loans were given to 35 CIGs (286 members) with the total amount of VND 2,690 million, accounted for 12.2% of total disbursed amount, an increase from 10.5% in last year; (iv) access to IFAD supported loans for businesses, cooperatives and CIGs has been strengthened. Together with VIE029, PPMU organized TOT training courses on rural finance for project staff, VBARD, WU, FU, and relevant line agency staff. The IFAD loan manual was revised in terms of simplicity and adaption, following workshops with relevant entities including VBARD Viet Nam. 23. Following the SM 2012, the PPMU has established a CIGs Development Fund under DBRP in order to provide access to finance to CIGs groups in parallel with the VBARD credit line. In 2013, PPMU finalized the Manual of CIG Development Fund with an initial capital of about VND 3 billion. According to the Manual, the provincial Women’s Union (PWU) has been authorized to manage the Fund. 24. The discussion with CIGs revealed a substantive unfilled demand for additional finance. However, as noted, only about 12% of the IFAD supported loans from VBARD were obtained by the CIG members. This is due to the collateral requirement of VBARD. In addition, the CIG lending manual has too many (15) and unclear criteria to assess the performance of CIGs. It is recommended that the number of criteria is reduced and simplified along the following lines: (1) management board of at least 3 members; (2) mandatory group regulations; (3) regular meetings every 2-3 months; (4) savings mobilization with average saving amount 50,000VND-100,000VND/member/year; (5) feasible business plan; and (6) requirements for loan application as per VBARD regulations. 25. Concerning the CIG Development Fund the mission noted the following sustainability issues: (i) since it is established under DBRP, it will disappear after the project ends. Based on the expiriences from other provinces, the Fund should be established under the PWU following the policy documents 148/2007/ND-CP 25/09/2007, 09/2008/TT-BNV 31/12/2008, 148/2007/ND-CP. Subsequently, the PPMU will be able to support the operation of the Fund. (ii) The Manual for the CIG Development Fund has been finalised, however it needs to be revised in terms of detailed products description and the payment scheme. (iii) The projected interest rates of the CIGs Development Fund lending, as agreed between PPMU and PWU is too low (0.25%/month) resulting in (a) rural finance market distortions, (b) potentional low productivity investments and (c) depreciation of capital and insufficient provision for operation costs. (iv) The Fund currently has no business plan outlining its operations and long term vision, leading to overload of staff and capacity issues. Agreed action The DBRP supported by LD VIE029 will suggest changes to the VBARD manual. These changes will be submitted to VBARD central with copy to IFAD country office. Conduct an assessment of the impacts of VBARD loans for CIGs member to draw lessons learnt and prepare for reporting the. Establish the WSCG Fund under PWU, instead of the current arrangement with direct PPMU management. Primary target of PWU lending will be for CIGs. Revise the PWU SCG Manual to describe in details the types of loans (for different borrowing purpose such as cultivation, livestock, small trades, etc.), the payment scheme and the details terms of references for the Fund Members. This manual can take references from other IFAD projects in Viet Nam such as Ben Tre’s DBRP. Develop the business plan for the Fund with description of (1) management structure and the human resource requirements, (2) loan expansion to CIGs; (3) a financing plan with detailed projections of financial indicators such as the interest revenue, operation cost, cash flows projection and capacity building requirements. Provision of technical support for PWU including external consultancy supports to revise the Fund Manual, to develope a Fund Business Plan, and support as required from PPMU for capacity building. 6 Responsibility DBRP, LuxDev, VBARD, IFAD Agreed date By July 2013 DBRP ASAP PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 DBRP June 2013 Dec 2014 till Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Component 3: Amplification of Market Access for the Rural Poor The component overall rating moderately satisfactory Sub Component 3.1: Enhancing Common Interest Groups 26. Sub component performance is rated moderately satisfactory. The proportion of project commune households participating in CIGs is about 50%, and about 90% of CIG households reported positive effects of CIG membership. With intensified assistance from LD VIE/029, DBRP has improved province's CIG support effort and its documentation particularly in view of following: (i) membership in CIGs is now voluntary-based and awareness of project, province and district staff is raised regarding requirements of market-orientation and voluntarism in all CIG activities; (ii) as per recommendation of SM 2012, the 469 CIGs have been classified based on their market access and group functions, providing useful information for design of improved CIG support; (iii) practical pro-poor enterprise partnership models in CIG strengthening are set up in different parts of project VCs such as sugar cane and tobacco raw material supply, livestock feed supply, seedling production and handicraft weaving; (iv) 175 of the CIGs have active savings and social funds (total 385 mil VND), establishing required savings habit and small collateral for forthcoming WU micro-lending; (v) puring project duration 8441 members of CIGs have received capacity building through trainings and workshops, focusing in agricultural productivity and establishment of the CIG and savings activity; (vi) poverty rate among the CIG households reduced from 54.3% in 2011 to 38.6% in 2012. 27. In terms of CIG and CIG support sustainability the following issues require attention: (i) CIGs still have little or no capacity to plan joint procurement of inputs and equipment, and rarely do joint marketing. 16.9% of the CIGs co-purchase inputs to some or all of the members, 14.7% sell their products with commonly agreed price, and 7.2% implement a CIG business plan. The CIG training ToT and subsequent support to WU, FU and PCA to hold CIG formation and management trainings (200 CIGs trained) has by now resulted in basic CIG and savings management skills but not yet in skills to invest or operate as group; (ii) CIG classification exercise gives weight to group establishment skills and market access of individual households separately, leaving less value to operational collaboration between group members. Class 1 CIGs have established CIG functions and consist of commercially active households, but most of these CIGs still don't operate as one unit; (iii) neither CIG support groups nor VCTFs have capacity in market identification or CIG business plan support, so market development support structure is missing as was also explained in sub-component 2.1 above; (iv) CIG development strategies have been designed for all 10 districts in 2011 but only one district has approved the strategy for implementation. It remains unclear whether districts see it beneficial to continue supporting CIGs as part of their institutional support to agricultural commodities production, and what actor will hold lead responsibility in this task. To address these issues in support of CIG development in Cao Bang province, mission recommends following: Agreed action As per recommendations in sub-component 2.1, project will support province to strengthen the district VCTFs to be able to coordinate market oriented BDS service in province and district level, including for CIGs; Project will allocate resources to district VCTFs to manage implementation of basic market and business/investment plan coaching to CIGs; District VCTFs will identify potential CIG markets and good enterprise partnership models and (using the existing CIG training manuals and provincial trainer cadre) coordinate support to all CIGs with the aim of upgrading class 3 and 2 CIGs to class 1 and class 1 CIGs to cooperative groups or cooperatives; Project will support the province and districts to decide how to include CIG development in strategies to promote agricultural commodities production; In response to decision on provincial CIG development, project will continue building capacity of a group of local CIG trainers. Responsibility PPMU, PPC Agreed date June-July 2013 PPMU, VCTFs August 2013 DPCs, DPMOs, VC taskforce, DARD, DoIT September 2013 onwards PPMU, PPC, DPCs June-August 2013 September 2013 onwards PPMU Sub-Component 3.2: Participatory Planning and Investment 28. Sub component performance is rated moderately satisfactory. The project with support from LD VIE/029 has achieved satisfactory results as follows: (i) a software for collection and synthesis of information/data for commune SEDP planning has been developed, and 250 planning staff at provincial, district and commune levels have been trained in 2012; (ii) the project and LD VIE/029 in collaboration with DPI and PSARD has prepared the integrated work plan and budget 2013 for SEDP planning 7 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 activities; (iii) CIG plans were integrated into the 2013 SEDPs for 50 project communes; (iv) A 3-day training curriculum on commune SEDP planning was developed and accepted for use by the provincial politics school for training district and commune cadres; (v) a training course on development of new rural development proposals was conducted for commune staff of 20 project communes, and new rural development proposals were developed for 4 project communes; (vi) the overall SEDP of Cao Bang province towards 2020 and visions to 2025 was reviewed, revised and approved by the PPC. 29. However, there are still challenges for up-scaling and institutionalization of the participatory SEDP: (i) the participatory SEDP manual (revised in 2011) was being applied for 50 DBRP communes and 62 PSARD communes; the remaining 76 non-project communes are still not familiar with participatory SEDP planning process; (ii) budget source and allocation for conducting participatory SEDP planning after DBRP phase-out is not yet guaranteed; (iii) the roadmap and roles of stakeholders for up-scaling and institutionalization of the participatory SEDP planning process is still not clear, and (iv) there is a need for review and revision of the SEDP manual after 3 years of application. Agreed action The DPI shall take the lead role in preparation a roadmap, and coordination of financial and human resources for up-scaling and institutionalization of the participatory SEDP planning process with supports from DBRP, LD VIE/029, PSARD The DPI shall organize an workshop for reviews and revisions of the SEDP manual before submission for PPC’s approval for application in all project and none project communes. Responsibility DPI, PMU, LD VIE/012, PSARD Agreed date Quarter II 2013 onwards DPI, PMU, LD VIE/029, PSARD Qtr II 2013 Sub-Component 3.3: Commune Investment Fund 30. Sub component performance is rated moderately satisfactory. The project and LD VIE/029 has achieved results in CIF implementation including: (i) A manual on participatory implementation of smallscale CIF civil works (Force Account Manual) was developed and approved by the PPC (in November 2012); (ii) 61 CIF civil works out of the total 210 CIF civil works were planned and being implemented using force account method; (iii) A manual for financial management of O&M activities for CIF civil works were developed (October 2012); (iv) O&M groups for completed CIF schemes were established in 50 project communes; O&M plans for the completed CIF civil works were developed; (v) By May 2013, 131 out of the total 210 CIF civil works were completed and put in use for 9,156 benefiting households, including 2,296 poor households. (vi) by April 2013, total 1,216 provincial, district and commune staffs were trained on decentralized management of CIF. 31. The mission however identified a number of issues related to CIF implementation: (i) payment progress for completed CIF civil works is low (by 1 April 2013, payment requests for completed CIF works of the total amount VND 29 billions are still under preparation and processing); (ii) liquidation dossiers for completed CIF civil works are still to be prepared for appraisal and approval; (iii) effectivenessof the pilot O&M fund for CIF civil works need further assessment in terms of sustainability. Agreed action Provide instructions and supports to CMBs on preparation of payment requests and liquidation dossiers for completed CIF civil works in order to speeding up CIF payment and liquidation. Review and revise the manual for financial management of O&M activities for CIF civil works with focus on (i) effectiveness and sustainability of O&M fund and O&M groups should be assessed with aim of introducing improvements; (ii) mobilizing labour contributions from benefiting groups (instead of paid labours) for O&M activities as current practices; (iii) development of O&M regulations by benefiting groups at village level. Prepare and submit to IFAD for approval before implementation of a supplemental plan for additional CIF civil works using the remaining 90% CIF. D. Responsibility PMU, DPMOs Agreed date Quarter II 2013 onwards PMU, LD VIE/029, DPMOs, district planning & financial sections, District industrial and trade sections Quarter II 2013 PMU, DPMOs, CMBs Quarter II 2013 Project implementation progress 32. Project management performance. Rated as satisfactory. Over the past one year the project management performance is satisfactory as evidenced by the M&E and RIMS indicators and the financial disbursement rate of 94.9% against the 2012 AWPB. The project management has been active in improving ownership of the province line agencies and promoting decentralization to the District and 8 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Commune People’s Committees (DPCs and CPCs) in coordination of the project activities as recommended by the last SM. The technical assistance by LuxDev has also been substantially more effective in closely supporting the local levels for capacity building and strategic planning. The mission found high commitment of the provincial agencies, DPCs and CPCs for replication of the innovative approaches introduced by the project such as the MO-SEDP, value chain methodology, CIG and women’s saving and credit groups, etc. The project exit strategy has been approved by the PPC meanwhile expectation for further IFAD assistance has been expressed by all the visited districts, communes and communities. During the last period the project management has also been flexible to change the project modalities for improvement of its effectiveness and efficiency such as the change from public bidding to the force account in implementation of small-scale infrastructure schemes, and development of saving and microfinance activities within the CIGs. 33. However, the following issues require attention: (i) the capacities of district and commune staff on result-based management should be further enhanced and transferred to the management of the New Rural Development Programme; (ii) the existing AWPBs at the province and district levels should be integrated with the approved value chain action plans as well as with the activities financed by the 10% of CIF allocation; (iii) the project should reallocate funds towards the upscaling of the successful and strategic activities such as the women’s saving and credit groups, the force-account small-scale infrastructure schemes, and VCTF activities to ensure effective and full delivery by end of the project; (iv) CDBs should be fully informed about their remaining CIFs allocation to enable them to develop proper plans for utilization of the 10% of CIF for trainings to CIGs and poor farmers. Agreed action Organize training courses to DPC and CPC staffs on result-based management and transfer the M&E system for application under the New Rural Development Programme Revise the AWPBs at the province and district levels to ensure integration with the district value chain plans and coordination among the DARD’s activities under subcomponent 2.2 and the activities supported by the 10% of CIF Frequently revise the project budget allocation at all management levels to increase funds for the successful activities such as the women’s saving and credit groups and the force-account small-scale infrastructure schemes. Ensure full budget delivery by end of the project. Fully inform the CDBs about their remaining CIFs allocation to enable them to develop proper plans for utilization of the 10% of CIF for trainings to CIGs and poor farmers. Cut off allocations to non-performing communes if needed Responsibility PPMU, LD VIE029, NTP-NRD office Agreed date June 2013 onwards PPMU, DPMOs June onwards PSC, PPMU June2013 onwards PSC, PPMU June onwards 2012 2013 34. Coherence between AWPB and Implementation. Rated as satisfactory. After the SM 2012, PPMU revised the remaining project budget and developed 2013 AWPB, which was approved by PPC. Following the SM 2012 and with support from LD VIE/029, DBRP identified challenges and intensively accelerated the project implementation progress. Focus was put on value chain development, CIGs, and strengthened capacity for implementing CIF. By the end of 2012, the project has made significant improvements. Most of project activities have achieved expected results. The project has also cooperated with line agencies and related stakeholders to implement the project activities as scheduled in 2012 AWPB. All project activities aim at target groups such as poor households, woman, CIGs, business households, and enterprises related to selected value chains. 35. Monitoring and Evaluation. Rated as satisfactory. The Project’s M&E has been kept updated and functioning with competent technical assistance from Project LD VIE/029. Information collection process is quite smooth. Indicators at three levels (output, outcome and impact) are collected from the use of forms (at the commune level) and surveys (annual and RIMS). The Project has cooperate with district VBARD to review all disbursed loans to analyse the number of jobs created for the poor and the number of poor households having accessed loans. Additional survey has been conducted, including the CIGs reports, the training effective assessment. 36. However, there are some drawbacks for M&E, including the poor capacity of M&E staff at the commune level. Their computer skills are also weak and facilities are not adequate. The commune data is stored in hardcopy rather than in computer, which make difficulties for the commune staff to generate the data upon requests. Second, the project log frame has changed significantly since the beginning, with a number of results removed or changed, but the indicators have not been adjusted accordingly, making some indicators irrelevant or unable to measured or achieved. There is a need to review the log frame and the indicators. As the project will end in the next year, the preparation for the Project 9 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Completion report has to commence, including the RIMS plus survey with the control groups. The PPMU should start planning and implementing transfer of M&E system and its database to local statistic agency and relevant stakeholders. There is still a need for case studies to illustrate project impacts. 37. Gender focus. Rated as satisfactory. Women’s participation has been impressive and progress is satisfactory. Women play a significant role both as beneficiaries and actors in the implementation of the project activities. The participation of women in the management at all levels is more than 30% (in the PPMU, DPMO, and CDB). Women account for 43% of all beneficiaries from capacity building activities by the project Women also play an important role as members and the main labour force in the CIGs, the ratio of women in CIGs member is 40.6% while the involvement of women in the SEDP has been stronger with 42% involved in SEDP preparation. Women account for 43% of all beneficiaries from capacity building activities by the project. The 2012 SM recommended training on gender awareness, gender equality and gender mainstreaming for project staffs at province, district, commune levels and partners involved in the project such as staffs from DARD, DPI, DOLISA, and DOIT. This is still to be implemented. 38. Poverty focus. Rated as moderately satisfactory. About 28% of the households of the province were classified as poor in 2012. Out of the list of 62 poorest districts nationwide, 5 districts are located in Cao Bang (Bao Lam, Bao Lac, Thong Nong, Ha Quang and Ha Lang) and 3 of them are covered by DBRP. As a province, Cao Bang is classified among the 20 poorest provinces nationwide. The poverty rate in the project area varies considerably (from 15.3% in Hoa An to 78.4% in Nguyen Binh). There is evidence that DBRP project has contributed to reduce the poverty rate in the CIGs from 50% in 2010 to 39% in 2012. However, in some districts and commune, the poverty reduction rate is very slow. In particular in Nguyen Binh district, the poverty rate increased nearly 10% during the last year. In some communes such as Ca Thanh, Hoa Tham, Thinh Vuong (Nguyen Binh district) and Dinh Phong (Trung Khanh) the poverty rate increased during the last year, which might however be due to data collection methods. 39. Effectiveness of targeting approach. Rated as moderately satisfactory. The CIG support is the main activity with direct impact upon the rural poor. CIG regulations require that the minimum proportion of the participation of the poor must be 70%, but up to now the poverty rate in the CIGs comprise around 43%. About 15% of the IFAD credit line to VBARD has been provided to poor households, and the ratio of near-poor accounted for 29%. Under the CIF, the poor households are participating in the MO-SEDP process fully and benefit substantially from the infrastructure improvements. 40. Innovation and learning. Rated as moderately satisfactory. The project has organized 8 training courses on topic related to knowledge management for staffs from project and line agencies at all levels since 2010. Quarterly newsletter was issued in order to share information on project implementation progress. Leaflets, posters, videos, and brochures were also developed and widely distributed to villages. Manuals on Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, CIG, and CIF were also developed and disseminated to project communes. The project has also been cooperating with Cao Bang Press and Provincial Broadcasting Center to issue 2 reportages per month and organize forums on value chain development, and solutions for preventing and protecting cattle from hunger and coldness. Every month, project news are also published in Cao Bang Press. The project has also organized a number of learning visits for staffs from line agencies, partners, and project management at different levels. As project is closing next year, the supervision team recommends the PPMU to focus on analysing and documenting best examples/models. 41. Partnerships. The partnership between the DBRP and LD VIE/029 is contributing substantially to the achievement of the project objectives. In addition, the cooperation with an on-going Swiss Development Cooperation program (PSARD) ensures synergy in donor support for PPC/DPI to roll out innovative approaches such as the participatory MO-SEDP and PPP models. To further strengthen this collaboration, the mission recommends that the PPC/DPI establish a partnership working group consisting representatives from the projects. Agreed action Revise the indicators in the log frame to remove irrelevant indicators or adjust the target for some indicators Implement the SM 2012 recommendation on gender training 10 Responsibility PPMU Agreed date ASAP DBRP July 2013 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 E. Fiduciary aspects 42. Financial management. Rated as moderately satisfactory. The mission acknowledged that: (i) PPMU already issued internal control manual and applied the internal control procedures quite effectively for the purpose of financial management; (ii) monthly, PPMU’s accountants work with DPMOs on financial settlement, also check cost norms and eligibility of expenses, collect accounting documents from DPMOs and CDBs. All the financial settlements follow a checklist with 7 steps, which are clearly and scientifically designed. The checklist is enclosed with minutes of accounting documents handover which are classified into certain categories to facilitate for PPMU to update data into accounting software and preparation of withdrawal application. 43. However, the mission found that: (i) many documents prepared by accountants of CDBs have errors, and need to be supported from PPMU and DPMOs’ staff to completion; (ii) supporting documents do not have adequate information or not indicate all outputs. Some tools and stationeries for training activities had been bought before the approved date of cost estimates; (iii) monitoring costs for PPMU and DPMUs staffs are paid by CDBs, who directly implement the project activities, so that should not ensure the independent of M&E staff. Furthermore, the project does not have effective controlling mechanism to avoid the double payments for DSA and monitoring costs; (iv) although monitoring on implementation progress and payment of contracts are managed quite well in each unit of PPMU, there is no unified forms and no comparison or regular updates between technical sections with accounting unit. As a result, the consolidation of disbursements based on the exchange rate of SDR and USD take long time; (v) there is a high turnover of accounting staff at all levels, which poses difficulties in maintaining the accounting and financial information system. 44. In conclusion, the mission recommends that PPMU should setup a system to monitor all contracts, implementing progress and payments. Payments for M&E staff should be done at the PPMU and DPMOs levels in order to ensure independent M&E work; moreover, expenses on DSA and other things can be under control. 45. Disbursement. Rated as moderately satisfactory. By 30/4/2013, cumulative disbursement has reached 15.89 million USD, or 61.55% of the total project budget of 25.814 million USD. Disbursement of IFAD loan is 11.24 million USD out of total 17.218 million USD, or 65.28%. Cumulative expense of the project is 16.08 million USD, or 62.31% of the total project budget. The mission noticed that in 2013, PPMU has been active in reviewing activities, balancing budget lines, considering changes in exchange rate of SDR, USD to develop a more realistic AWPB to ensure disbursement progress. However, (i) by 30/4/2013, under disbursement of Cat. V, technical assistance, studies and training has exceeded the funding allocated for this category. The reason is that most of training and capacity building activities in previous years, which should be financed by 10% of CIF under Cat. I, were put to Cat. V; (ii) Cat. VIII – Salaries has a large unspent amount since the project applied the method of allocating IFAD fund and GoV fund at the rate of 50/50, not including social insurance. In addition, GoV regulations on salary ceilings applied to project staff also significantly limits value of disbursement under this category; (iii) PPMU only informs CDBs budget plan of each year but not total funding amount, which causes difficulties for communes in actively developing long-term work plan. 46. Recommendations of the mission are as follows: (i) PPMU should urgently review activities, balance and make proposals about reallocation among categories; (ii) PPMU should inform relevant entities about forthcoming reallocation so that they can effectively carry out project activities in short term and long term; (iii) monitor the system of withdrawal applications for each component and category. 47. Counterpart funds. Rated as satisfactory. According to the procedures of providing counterpart fund of GoV, counterpart fund is approved annually. The amount was 100% of counterpart fund requested in AWPB. By 30/4/2013, cumulative disbursement of the counterpart fund is 1.22 million USD, or 48,51% of allocated fund. Adequate allocation of counterpart fund creates favourable conditions for PPMU actively prepares for and carries out project activities. However, counterpart fund was calculated at the exchange rate of 16.000 VND for 1 USD at the time of Loan Agreement signing. As a result, there will not be enough GoV fund from now until the project closing date if timely adjustments are not made. 48. Compliance with loan covenants. Rated as satisfactory. In general, the project complies with provisions of the loan agreement and its adjustments with regard to financial management, disbursement, tendering and auditing. The project prepared an annual work plan and budget (AWPB), audited financial reports, regular financial reports to the donor and related agencies for review and feedback. Project assets were thoroughly managed from PPMU to DPMOs. PPMU has leveraged its 11 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 coordinating role and closely linked the PPC, DPMOs, CDBs and IFAD to implement the project. Expenses using IFAD funding exclude tax. Tax payment was financed by the GoV as stated in the Loan Agreement. 49. Procurement. Rated as satisfactory. The project applied procurement procedures in line with loan covenants as well as laws on tendering of Vietnam. Procurement guideline was issued and updated in a timely manner. Through document review and working with DPMOs and CDBs, the mission recognized that the force account method has been adopted by the project effectively. The force account method has mobilized significant level of local resources from beneficiaries, and generated more jobs and income for poor people in the project area. 50. Audit. Rated as satisfactory. Recommendations of auditing companies and supervision missions have been completed by PPMU. At the time of the mission, auditing of financial statement 2012 is still in draft version. The mission reviewed the auditing contract, auditing plan, draft of agreement on auditing results, and noted that the auditing of financial statements are satisfactory and in compliance with terms and conditions. Agreed action Disbursement Review the disbursed fund for activities and evaluate the feasibility of disbursing the remaining amount in each category; make proposals on funds reallocation between categories and submit to IFAD for consideration and approval. Allocate the remaining budget for each CDB Management of project assets Speed up checking and approval of project payment settlement; Consolidate a list of assets formed by project investment from different sources: procurement by PPMU, using CIF funding to enable management and project completion settlement. Financial management Check and build up capacity of CDBs in term of accounting; focus on work in preparation for project closing; give specific instructions on handover related to accounting and financial aspects when there is any turnover of accounting staff F. Responsibility Agreed date PPMU Q2/2013 PPMU Q2/2013 PPMU, DPMO, CDB As of 5/2013 PPMU, DPMOs, CDBs As of 5/2013 Sustainability 51. Institution building. Rated as satisfactory. The project-supported institutions will be sustainable if the PPC and PSC continue to support the following: (i) the MO-SEDP; (ii) the Saving and Microfinance Fund under the Women’s Union and provision of capacity building; (iii) further development of collaborative groups and cooperatives based on the CIG concept; (iv) the M&E system for the NTP-NRD based on the DBRP model; (v) Value Chain Strategy, Action Plans and Task Forces. 52. Therefore in order to ensure institutional sustainability of the project-supported institutions the mission recommends that the PPC ensure sufficient allocation of government funds for replication of the above activities. 53. Empowerment and social sustainability. Rated as satisfactory. DBRP has been highly supported by the society, thanks to its sustainable solutions in addressing issues related to poverty, gender and ethnicity minority. For officials at all levels, the new SEDP planning is a breakthrough on how to plan investments and get social consensus among local authorities, citizens, mass organizations and business community. However, to ensure effective participation of local people, especially the poor and women, in the commune development process, the project should continue to enhance capacity for CIGs members, mass organisations, village leaders and CIG leaders. In addition, the project needs to continue decentralising to the communes, ensuring they have greater authority in selecting and implementing project activities. 54. Quality of beneficiary participation. Rated as satisfactory. The SM witnessed the active participation of the people, including the poor, women and ethnic minorities to the planning, implementation, O&M, and monitoring/evaluation of the project activities. The SEDP planning process has provided a good opportunity for the people, especially the poor, to raise their voices in the process of setting priorities for investments, and later on they can engage directly in implementation and monitoring of approved activities and benefit directly from it. 12 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 55. Responsiveness of service providers. Rated as satisfactory. Over time, thanks to the project approach, service provision is more demand driven and diversified. The Agricultural Extension Center and its stations at district level are providing courses according to the actual needs of communes and farmers. Commune WU and FA are responsible for defining needs from the beneficiaries, contracting extension agencies and organizing training courses. The beneficiaries are increasingly involved in selecting private service providers thus improving the quality, outreach and diversity of services. 56. Exit Strategy. Rated as satisfactory. The project has prepared an exit strategy and submitted it to PPC for approval. The strategy is considered comprehensive and realistic. The strategy outlines specific collaboration with institutions and approaches for upscaling and transfer of responsibility: (i) DPI in institutionalizing MO-SEDP, (ii) DARD in implementing the NTP-NRD and developing agriculture commodity value chains, (iii) DOLISA in rural vocational training, and (iv) mass organizations (FA, WU, CA) in development of CIGs and microfinance and saving services. Based on these and discussions in the province, the mission recommends following: Agreed actions Update the exit strategy with the mission’s agreed actions and submit for PPC approval PPMU should advocate for PPC’s commitment in allocating resources for rolling out the planning process province-wide starting with the 2014 planning PPMU Responsibility PPMU Agreed date June 2013 57. Potential for scaling up. Rated as satisfactory. The scaling up potential of the DBRP has already been extensively outlined above, including the (i) rollout of MO-SEDP, (ii) pro-poor value chain development through VC plans, and (iii) WU saving and credit activities. G. Other 58. Impact on physical and financial assets. Rated as moderately satisfactory. By May 2013, 117 km of rural road, 37.5 km lined canals (to irrigate 766 hectares of paddy lands), 10.9 km low-voltage electricity lines, two bridges and two water supply schemes have been completed and put in use for benefits of 9.156 households including 2.296 poor households. So far, 256 CIGs are benefited from CIF investment. The total accumulative contribution by benefiting groups for 210 CIF civil works amounted VND18.3 billion out of the total investment cost VND208.6 billion. Community ownership and sustainability of CIF investment was enhanced through (i) decentralized management of CIF – commune as investment owner; (ii) participatory SEDP planning; (iii) community supervision; (iv) application of “force account” method; (v) mobilizing community contributions in labor and local materials; (vi) O&M regulations developed by benefiting groups at village level. 59. Impact on food security. Rated as moderately satisfactory. The RIMS baseline survey found of 2009 found that 20% of the sample (183 households) experienced a period of hunger. The 2012 project survey shows that 17% of the sample (34 households) experienced a period of hunger over the last 12 months. The proportion of households experiencing a period of hunger has decreased, while from the project surveys it should be noted that the length of the hungry season seems to have increased. Even though more in-depth analysis would be necessary, survey findings suggest some improvements in food security. Overall, food security is not a main issue for rural population in Cao Bang. 60. Impact on incomes. The overall economic impact of project investments will be assessed at completion. At this stage it appears that that project support has had a positive impact on poverty reduction in the majority of the fifty communes supported by the various interventions. Likewise the financial viability and sustainability of CIGs, infrastructure investments, support for value chain development still need elaboration. However the positive developments in terms of increased production within value chains covering cow, pig, sugar cane, and tobacco, maize, seed ground nut, soybean and peanut subsectors are positive indications of satisfactory financial return. 61. Policy impact. The 6 approved agricultural policies supported by DBRP had a positive impact on rural development of the province, especially (i) animal diseases are now better controlled in the province; (ii) more timely accessible services thanks to increased number of community-based private veterinary and plant protection service providers and village and commune extension workers; (iii) increased crop yields and animal rearing and profits; (iv) farmers are more satisfied with local services; (iv) increased number of enterprises following the farming contract policies. 13 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 H. Conclusion 62. The implementation progress of DBRP Cao Bang is assessed as satisfactory for the past year. The project implementation since the 2012 supervision include (i) some important policy achievements, (ii) institutionalization of market-based approaches, (iii) private sector partnerships and contract farming, (iv) improved agricultural demand driven services, (v) farmer’s Common Interest Group improvement, (vi) rural infrastructure works, (vii) community participation for market-oriented SEDP, (viii) decentralized project management; and (ix) a sound M&E system. 63. In terms of pertinent actions to be implemented during the remaining project period the mission recommends following: (i) increased participation of and benefits to the poor, (ii) institutionalization of value chain approach, (iii) strengthened business development and rural finance services, (iv) institutionalization of SEDP, and (iv) reallocation of funds for the remaining project period. 64. With an accelerated implementation pace and the adoption of series of recommendations as mentioned above, the mission is quite confident that DBRP Cao Bang will achieve its objectives and be fully disbursed by closure end of 2014. 14 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 1: Summary of project status and ratings Basic Facts Country Viet Nam Project ID Project Developing Business with the Rural Poor Programme Date of Update 28-May-2013 Supervising Inst. IFAD/IFAD No. of 5 Supervisions No. of Implementation 11 Support/Followup missions 1422 Loan/DSF Grant No. 741 Supp. Loan/DSF Grant Financing terms HC Last Last May Implementation Supervision 2013 Support/Followup mission Approval 13-Dec-2007 Agreement 16-Jan-2008 Effectiveness lag 4 Effectiveness 06-May-2008 PAR value MTR 03-Jun-2011 Current completion 30-Jun-2014 Current closing 31-Dec-2014 Total costs USD Disb. Rate million % 48.2 58 35.7 59 IFAD loan 35.0 58 IFAD grant 0.2 75 IFAD Total 5 Last Amendment Lux Grant in Cao Bang 3.5 66 Last Audit Domestic Total 9.0 52 Beneficiaries 1.8 58 Government (National) 5.1 51 Domes. Fin. Inst. 2.0 48 No. of extensions 0 Project Performance Ratings B.1 Fiduciary Aspects Last Current B.2 Project implementation progress Last Current 1. Quality of financial management 5 4 1. Quality of project management 5 5 2. Acceptable disbursement rate 4 4 2. Performance of M&E 4 5 3. Counterpart funds 4 5 3. Coherence between AWPB & implementation 5 5 4. Compliance with loan covenants 5 5 4. Gender focus 5 5 5. Compliance with procurement 5 5 5. Poverty focus 4 4 6. Quality and timeliness of audits 5 5 6. Effectiveness of targeting approach 4 4 7. Innovation and learning 5 4 B.3 Outputs and outcomes Last Current B.4 Sustainability Last Current 1. Amplification of Market Access for the 5 Poor 4 1. Institution building (organizations, etc.) 5 4 2. Rural Business Development Services 5 4 2. Empowerment 4 5 3. Improving the Business Environment 4 3. Quality of beneficiary participation 5 5 4. Responsiveness of service providers 5 4 5. Exit strategy (readiness and quality) 4 4 6. Potential for scaling up and replication 4 4 4 15 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 B.5 Justification of ratings Ben Tre: The implementation performance of the DBRP is assessed as satisfactory. The mission noted a consolidation of the positive trends identified during the July 2012 Supervision Mission in particular in relation to: (i) the support for local capacity development at the district commune levels in areas such as in market-oriented community, socio-economic development planning (MOSEDP) and construction of minor civil works using forced accounts; (ii) employment generation for the poor through the establishment of linkages between companies and Common Interest Groups (CIG) backed by appropriate demand driven training activities; (iii) a very successful launching of the Savings and Credit Group (SCG) concept through the Women's Union in line with the recommendation of the July 2012 Supervision; (iv) and initiation of 10% CIF activities in some communes. Cao Bang: The current implementation performance or likelihood of achieving development objectives of the DBRP in Cao Bang is ranked as satisfactory. The mission appreciates efforts made by the province agencies and the project management of DBRP and LD/VIE029 in having obtained quite improved project performance since the supervision mission one year ago. The annual implementation progress is also assessed as satisfactory. Key achievements are obtained in the following aspects: (i) Policy interventions,(ii) Private sector partnership and contract farming,(iii) Access to public agriculture services,(iv) Farmer’s groups empowerment,(v) Rural infrastructure,(vi) Decentralization and community participation and(vii) Project management. Overall Assessment and Risk Profile Last C.1 Physical/financial 5 assets C.2 Food security Current 4 4 4 Overall implementation C.3 progress 5 (Sections B1 and B2) 5 Rationale for implementation progress rating Ben Tre: Current implementation performance of the DBRP in Ben Tre is assessed as satisfactory. The project has maintained and improved implementation performance over the last year, particularly in (i) the support for local capacity development at the district commune levels in areas such as in market-oriented community, socioeconomic development planning (MOSEDP) and construction of minor civil works using forced accounts; (ii) employment generation for the poor through the establishment of linkages between companies and Common Interest Groups (CIG) backed by appropriate demand driven training activities; (iii) launching of the Savings and Credit Group (SCG) concept through the Women's Union in line with the recommendation of the July 2012 Supervision; (iv) and initiation of 10% CIF activities in some communes. Nine months after the last supervision mission the project has disbursed about USD3 million which is a positive result. The M&E system and financial management have maintained good quality at all levels. Cao Bang: The project implementation progress in rated satisfactory since over the last one year it has achieved very good progress in following the recommendations and agreed actions made by the last supervision mission, in particular in the following areas: (i) assistance to the local government in research and issue of 6 important policy documents related to agriculture support services, (ii) institutionalization of market-based approaches, (iii) private sector partnerships and contract farming, (iv) improved agricultural demand driven services, (v) farmer’s Common Interest Group improvement, (vi) rural infrastructure works, (vii) community participation for marketoriented SEDP, (viii) decentralized project management; and (ix) a sound M&E system. Likelihood of achieving the development C.4 objectives (section B3 and B4) 5 5 Rationale for development objectives rating Ben Tre: The project aims at sustainable poverty reduction for rural households through increasing business development opportunities and participation of the poor in the business activities. Project commune’s poverty rate decreased by 2.5% from 19,0% in 2011 to 16.5% in 2012. The project M&E system shows that the inclusion of the poor in project activities is good, as of 70% of CIGs have participation of the poor, around 70% of vocational 16 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 and agricultural extension training targets the poor, and, among borrowers from CIG fund the participation of poor is also measured at 70%. The figures show that the project target strategy works well. The project in general has potential for achieving its development objectives, although it must be noted, that the 2012 SM-identified risk of agricultural products price fluctuation has had a significant impact in households’ income structures: during 2012 the additional income generation has decreased in 33% of the project households, in contrast to the corresponding 2011 value of 10%. Cao Bang: The likelihood for achieving the project objectives is well measured by the M&E system, and rated satisfactory based on success in following areas: (i) policy interventions through research and endorsed policies, (ii) institutionalization of market-based approach, (ii) private sector partnership and contract farming, (iii) improved access to agriculture services, (iv) farmer’s groups empowerment, (v) rural infrastructure through force account method, and (vi) decentralization and community participation. C.5 Risks Short description of major risks for each section and their impact on achievement of development objectives and sustainability Fiduciary aspects Project implementation progress Outputs and outcomes Ben Tre: The internal control system of PPMU, DPMOs, and CDBs as well as project disbursement have continued to perform well. The advances to staffs in PPMU and CDBs are well controlled. Fund transfers as advances to DPMOs and CDBs also are well monitored. The management of contracts in PPMU and CDBs has been done systematically to keep tracks of advances, progress payments strictly followed specific terms and conditions. Cao Bang: Project has made significant improvements in financial management compared to the last year in DPMOs and CDBs. PPMU has been active in reviewing activities, balancing budget lines, considering changes in exchange rate of SDR, USD to develop a more realistic AWPB to ensure disbursement progress. Ben Tre: The mission noted new areas where Ben Tre DBRP need to pay particular attention: (i) provision of technical assistance and training in climate change adaptive measures (changing of cropping patterns and shift to livestock production); (ii) improved access to financial services to start new activities (e.g. cattle or aquaculture) and off-farm jobs through the provision of a more diversified set of products from the WU and (iii) further capacity building for CIGs in terms of business development, demand driven vocational training and market access measures and (iv) improved coordination among line agencies for the development of actions plans for identified value chains. Cao Bang: Although improvements are significant, project implementation needs to pay attention in (i) Target groups' participation and benefits, (ii) BDS and finance services to CIGs and enterprises, (iii) Business enabling environment, (iv) Sustainable microfinance services, and (v) Consolidation and institutionalization of innovative approaches. Ben Tre: 1.1: The PPC should ensure that the PCI improvement action plan will be implemented. 1.2: The province leadership needs to identify a plan to establish a functioning rural BDS system. 1.3: DBRP and PPC should evaluate, revise and institutionalize the framework for allocation of funds for PPP development. 2.1: PPMU needs to develop and institutionalize both VC approach and BDS service system through training and coaching of project staff, province level line agencies and district officials. 2.2: The project should support DARD to address the issue of new climate change related diseases. 2.3: Resources should be reallocated from VBARD credit line for SCG activities implemented by the WU. 3.1: Project is to identify, appoint and develop district level agencies to provide BDS to CIGs. 3.2: Participatory SEDP should be upscaled to use by all communes in Ben Tre. 3.3: The planning and implementation of 10% CIF activities need to be accelerated in slow performing communes. Cao Bang: 1.1: A provincial action plan to improve the Provincial Competitiveness Index was developed and approved by the PPC, however implementation is not effective 1.2: Support to lead firms in value chains is not properly monitored. 2.1: Weak marketing / business plan support capacity of the VCTFs for supporting the CIGs’. 2.2: The extension activities by DARD are not linked to the 10% CIF extension activities. 2.3: VBARD lending conditions are strict, few CIGs or SMEs have accessed to the loans. 3.1: No identified institution which could sustainably provide BDS to the CIGs. 17 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Sustainability 3.3: The planning and implementation of 10% CIF activities need to be accelerated in slow performing communes. Both DBRP provinces have developed an exit strategy with description of arrangements for the Project Completion Report which should be commissioned ahead of the completion date end of June 2014. In addition the exit strategies comprise modalities for the transfer of responsibilities to relevant agencies at various levels and in addition outline how the DBRP experience can support and complement existing government programmes such the New Rural development. For the part of Ben Tre, following the final design mission for the AMD/Mekong project in August the exit strategy will delineate which of the current DBRP functions shall be continued under that project. In terms of institutional sustainability, Cao Bang should focus in supporting (i) DPI in institutionalizing MO-SEDP, (ii) DARD in implementing the NTP-NRD and developing agriculture commodity value chains, (iii) DOLISA in rural vocational training, and (iv) mass organizations (FA, WU, CA) in development of CIGs and microfinance and saving services. Proposed Follow-up in Ben Tre Issue / Problem Recommended Actions Timing Increasing participation of and benefits to the poor: In order to enhance poverty focus, organize support activities for poor June 2013 households (CIG members and non-members) using 10% of CIF; With the onwards CIGs as priority target, increase the funds allocated for the women’s saving and credit groups (WSCG). Institutionalization of value chain approach Consolidation of the value chain action strategy and plans and June 2013 revision/institutionalization of district VCTF composition (to include DARD onwards and DoIT) and function. Trainings for province and district VCTF relevant staff, and subsequent technical/financial support for district VCTFs' activities. Business Development Service Strengthen existing ToT trained teams of BDS/CIG support providers in FU, June 2013 WU, CA and private sector. Allocate funds to institutionalized district level onwards VCTFs to manage BDS support for CIGs and MSMEs in the communes. Finance services VBARD explores new lending products to the CIGs; revision of the current June 2013 guidelines for the WSCGs; establishment of WSCG fund under the WU and onwards development of WU capacities. Institutionalization of MOP-SEDP DPI to take lead with supports from BDRP and PSARD to consolidate the June 2013 manual and to promulgate to all communes in Cao Bang. onwards Status Knowledge management Document and share BDRP good practices/experiences; exchange visits of 2013 and partnership: CIGs and CDBs; establishment of partnership group among projects in Cao Bang. Project management: Review actual disbursement of each component and subcomponent to July 2013 reallocate project funds among budget lines to implement prioritized activities; Revise the 2013 AWPB based on the recommendations of SM and reallocated budget. Proposed Follow-up in Cao Bang Issue / Problem Recommended Actions Timing May 2013 onwards MOSEDP Further consolidate participatory market-oriented SEDP planning to integrate all resources mobilized at the commune level. Support diversification Further support diversification of agricultural incomes, through extension May 2013 of low-cost production systems suitable for poor households, such as onwards cattle, aquaculture, pig/poultry and worm-raising and allocate further financial support to this end. MF-BDS linkage Establish stronger linkages between microfinance activities of the WU and extension/business training activities. June 2013 onwards BDS service Establish a functioning rural BDS system which can effectively support rural SMEs in finding markets including a range of products not limited to coconut sector. June 2013 onwards Success stories Document the initial successful models and organise policy workshops/dialogues on DBRP innovations in cooperation with central policy makers and mass organizations. September 2013 onwards WU MF manual Revision of savings and credit manual for the WU. October 2013 PPP Evaluate and document performance of pilot PPPs and develop a province wide policy for PPP development for the agricultural and rural sectors, including revision and institutionalization of the current guidelines for transparent allocation of funds for PPP development. OctoberDecember 2013 18 Status Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Climate change Support DARD to conduct applied research and support CIGs and farmers in addressing the problem of climate change and crop and animal diseases. Rural and microfinance Carry out (i) a study on the impact of VBARD lending in terms of Oct 2013 targeting and employment generation, (ii) a study to assess the impact first quarter of WU SCG support in terms of poverty reduction and adequacy of 2014 lending products, (iii) reallocate funds from the VBARD credit line to the WU and (iv) allocate funds for international TA support to assist the WU in MFI development CIF 10% Revise the AWPB 2013 for to accelerate implementation of CIF schemes in the waiting list and the 10% CIF activities proposed by the CDBs and selected in compliance with the principle and criteria for allocation of the additional CIF. 19 July 2013 onward May 2013 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 2: Updated logical framework: Progress against objectives, outcomes and outputs Code Goal and Objectives Indicator Source of verification Assumptions Indicator Code I R Goal (Impact) To achieve sustainable and equitable poverty reduction and improve livelihoods of the rural poor Development Objective Rural poor empowered to benefit from participation in improved market in Cao Bang Province C1 SC1 1.1.1 Component 1: Improving Business and Investment Environment Sub-component 1.1: Raising Provincial Competitiveness 1.1.1 . Pro-poor policies to be studied, approved and implemented 01-I Number of households with improvements household assets ownership index* in Baseline, mid-term and completion assessment (RIMS) 02-I Reduction in prevalence of child malnutrition, by gender (h/a, w/a, w/h) * Baseline, mid-term and completion assessment (RIMS) 03-I Change in position of Cao Bang in the National Human Development Index National Human Indicator Statistics 04-I Reduction in the prevalence of people below the poverty line in targeted areas DOLISA statistics. 05-I Increase in average annual income per capita in the province DOLISA statistics. 06-R Number of rural poor households experiencing improved food security Baseline, mid-term and completion assessment (RIMS) 07-R 08-R Decrease in the rate of unemployment in the province Share of production sold, by commodity, for rural poor households DOLISA statistics on employment Annual Survey of samples of beneficiaries (rural producers, MSMEs 09-R Quantity of product sold, by commodity, for rural poor households Market Information System 10-R 11-C1 Farm gate prices for strategic commodities At least 100 of new joint ventures/cooperatives/MSMEs registered starting 2010 (regarding agricultural production, at least 5 new enterprises/cooperatives registered) Market Information System DPI 12-C1 Provincial gross outputs in up to 5 rural agricultural commodities increased compared to the previous year, starting 2010 Statistics Berau 13-SC1 Percentage of private sector investment in maximum 5 strategic rural agricultural commodities increased compared to the previous year, starting 2011 Annual survey (PPMU) 14-SC1 Cao Bang PCI increased at least 5 ranks in 2013 against 2009. VCCI 15-1.1.1 16-1.1.1 Up to 8 pro-poor policies studied in Cao Bang till 2012 at least 3 pro-poor policies approved and implemented in Cao Bang till 2013 Reports from consultants Provincial People committee 21 Development - Demand and purchasing capacity of markets can absorb increased offer of agro-industry commodities Continued political commitment to decentralization of the development process and poverty reduction Line agencies are ready to cooperate to promote an equitable business environment Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 1.1.2 PCI improvement strategy to be approved and undertaken 17-1.1.2 18-1.1.2 PCI improvement strategy approved by PC in 2011 At least one annual workshop on PCI improvement chaired by PC starting in 2010 Provincial People committee Provincial People committee 1.1.3 Governance capacity and public services of provincial agencies improved 19-1.1.3 Up to 5 departments/agencies in the province awarded with ISO 9001:2000 till 2013 Sub-Agency of Registration of Cao Bang/consulting companies Enterprises supported in business registration procedure 20-1.1.4 At least 70.enterprises per year are supported in business registration procedure, starting in 2012. PPC Sub Component 1.2: Improving efficiency and impact of equitisized enterprises 21SC1.2 At least 1 equitized enterprise has private share in stateowned companies increased, compared to the previous year, starting in 2010 Equitised enterprises' reports 1.1.4 SC1.2 1.2.1 C2 SC2.1 22SC1.2 Up to 2013, maximum 100 supply contracts signed between the enterprises and farmers, CIGs Ownership structure, competitiveness, marketing and technology of project-related enterprises researched and applied. Component 2: Rural Business Development Services: Productivity & competitiveness of poor farmers, MSMEs, and other rural producers/ processors group at various stages of value chains increased 23-1.2.1 Up to 3 researches on 3 enterprises in Cao Bang province implemented and applied till 2013. Equitised enterprises' reports PPMU-DPI reports; consulting firms; 24-C2 Land productivity (kg/ha) of maximum 5 rural agriculture commodities increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 Annual survey 25-C2 No. of farmers reporting they are engaged in processing activities increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 Annual survey 26-C2 No. of farmers/rural producers reporting their productivity has improved compared to previous year, starting 2010 Annual survey Sub Component 2.1: Value Chain Development Services 27-SC2.1 Up to 1000 full time job opportunities created by supported agro-processing MSMEs till 2013 DOLISA 28-SC2.1 Up to 60% of 1,000 people trained have a stable employment 6 months after training until 2013 DOLISA 29-SC2.1 Up to 3 products certificated with national standard till 2013 Department Technology 30-SC2.1 Up to 20 enterprises have engaged in new contracts with farmers and CIGs till 2013. Reports from enterprises 22 - Climate & environmental condition changes do not offset increases in productivity - Rural producers reactive to the possibility of improving the quality of their production and of their business - Rural producers reactive to the possibility of certifying the quality of their production - Enterprises and institutions have the technical capacity to provide services of Sciences & Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 2.1.1 2.1.1 Value analysed and opportunities for added identified chain key value 31-2.1.1 /At least two value chains decided by the PPC to be implemented starting 2010. Consultant's reports 2.1.2 2.1.2 New and existing Enterprises trained on business management and development of project-related value chains 2.1.3 BDS provided to MSMEs and family enterprises 32-2.1.2 Up to 2012, at least 100 staff of new and existing enterprises in Cao Bang province trained in business management and development (at least 30% females) Reports from training units 33-2.1.3 Up to 200 family enterprises and MSMEs in the province accessing BDS until 2013 Annual survey 2.1.4 Market information system established and operated 34-2.1.4 50 communes and 500 CIGs provided with monthly newsletter, starting August 2010 DOIT and PPMU 35-2.1.4 At least 150 CIGs in the province provided with basic communication tools in 2012 DOIT and PPMU 2.1.5 Labour market information system supported and promoted 36-2.1.5 At least one job fair per year held in Cao Bang starting 2010 PPMU; DOLISA 2.1.6 2.1.6 Short-term training based on labor market demand effectively implemented 37-2.1.6 Up to 2013, At least 500 poor farmers trained, of whom at least 300 farmers have stable jobs after the trainings (at least 30% female) Annual survey from PPMU 2.1.7 2.1.7 National food safe standard implemented in the province 38-2.1.7 Up to 5 agro processing enterprises implemented national food safety standards until 2013 Department of Sciences & Technology; Division of Food Safety & Hygiene - DoH SC2.2 2.2 Farm Productivity Improvement Services 39-SC2.2 Post-harvesting production loss decreased annually compared to the previous year starting 2010, by selected commodities related to value chains Annual Survey 40-SC2.2 Up to 2500 farmers/rural producers that have adopted improved technologies/processes promoted by extension and technical support services till 2013 Annual Survey 41-SC2.2 Up to 2014, awareness of the rural poor towards environment protection, including climate change related topics, raised Annual Survey 42-SC2.2 Up to 90% of target groups know the availability and quality of extension and technical support services till 2013 PME 2.1.3 2.1.4 23 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.1 Extension staff received refresher training Rural extension services expanded to private sector 43-2.2.1 Up to 450 extension staff received refresher trainings (at least 50% females) till 2013 DARD 44-2.2.2 At least 50 private agents/agencies in the province offered rural extension services up to 2013 DARD 2.2.3 Demonstrations conducted and farmers trained 45-2.2.3 Up to 500 demonstrations conducted until 2013 Reports from DARD, PPMU, and training units 46-2.2.3 Up to 25000 farmers trained, (at least 30% female) up to 2013 Reports from DARD, PPMU, and training units 47-2.2.3 Number of farmers have been trained on relevant climate change topic per year, starting from 2012 Drought and floods may happen and last for long time, which may buried production areas 2.2.4 Research and extension projects requested by the CIGS implemented 48-2.2.4 Up to 10 research and extension projects requested by the CIGs implemented until 2013 Reports from PPMU and training units SC2.3 2.3 Rural Finance 49-SC2.3 % of loans disbursed increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 VBARD VBARD provide proper information for PPMU in a timely manner. 50-SC2.3 No. of processing units provided with loans increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 VBARD VBARD is willing to work with PPMU 51-SC2.3 Annual increase of VBARD portfolio in targeted communes compared to previous year, starting 2010 VBARD 2.3.1 2.3.1 Project target groups have access to rural financial products 52-2.3.1 At least 1000 households, CIGs and MSMEs in the province have access to long-, medium-, short-term loans until 2013 (by gender) PPMU, VBARD 2.3.2 2.3.2 VBARD staff trained in pro-poor financial IFAD procedures and practices 53-2.3.2 Up to 100 VBARD staff in the province trained in IFAD pro-poor financial procedures and practices till 2013 Reports from PPMU and training units 2.3.3 2.3.3 CIGs and mass organizations' members trained in rural financial management and use 54-2.3.3 At least 10 000 members of CIGS and mass organizations trained on usage and management of credit for production until 2013 Reports from PPMU and training units 2.3.4 Long-term loans provided to rural farmers, producers, and off-farm MSME for investments in agro-forestry, and processing 55-2.3.4 Up to 100 long-term relevant lending contracts with project target groups provided by VBARD until 2013 (at least 30% female) VBARD, PPMU 24 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 2.3.5 2.3.5 Loans for investments on contract farming and marketing provided to farmers, traders, processors 56-2.3.5 Up to 100 lending contracts with farmers, business and processing units for investment on contract farming and marketing until 2013 (at least 30% female) VBARD, PPMU C3 Component 3: Amplification of Market Access for the Rural Poor: Rural poor empowered to fully participate in markets and profit from market opportunities 57-C3 total production outputs in targeted communes increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 DPMO Target group formed with the ownership of market development process 58-C3 Total marketed production outputs in targeted communes increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 Annual survey villages agree to own all programmes in the communes 59-C3 Number of contracts between farmers/rural producers and traders/MSMEs increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 DPMO 3.1. Enhancing Common Interest Groups - Objective: CIGs formulated in the project areas on the base of voluntary and collective interests of the members 3.1.1 New CIGs formed with high participation of poor households 60-SC3.1 No. of CIGs functioning increased compared to previous year, starting 2010 Annual survey 61-SC3.1 At least 30% of CIGs formulated having stable sale contracts until 2013 Annual survey 62-3.1.1 Up to 500 CIGs in 10 project districts in Cao Bang formulated. At least 70% of poor households participated, by types of business and production until 2012 CDB 3.1.2CIG members trained on group management, value chains approaches, savings/credits 3.1.3 Networking and contract farming promoted among CIGs, buyers, and sellers of inputs 63-3.1.2 Up to 20 000 members trained on CIG management, value chain approaches, marketing and savings/credits (at least 40% females) until 2013 CDB 64-3.1.3 Up to 100 workshops for CIGs in 10 project districts until 2013 Reports from PPMU, DPMO and CDB SC3.1 3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.3 25 Project financial capacity Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 SC3.2 3.2: Participatory Planning and Investment Prioritisation Objective: Village level participatory planning process enhanced and successful in identifying highest priorities for investment and business linkages 65-SC3.2 At least 90% of households participated in village level planning until 2013 (at least 40% female) CDB 3.2.1 3.2.1 Staff at all levels trained on participatory SEDP 66-3.2.1 Up to 500 staff at all levels trained on SEDP (at least 30% females) till 2013 PPMU, DPMO, CDB 3.2.2 3.2.2 CIG members trained in SEDP 67-3.2.2 Up to 1000 key members (at least 30% female) trained on SEDP until 2013 CDB, CIG 3.2.3 3.2.3 Commune SEDP established in a participatory planning exercise and approved accordingly 68-3.2.3 50 commune SEDPs established in a participatory planning exercise and approved each year, starting 2010 DPMO, CDB 69-3.2.3 At least 75% of village households participating in village level planning each year DPMO, CDB 3.3: Commune Investments - Objective: Village and commune level infrastructure effectively utilised 70-SC3.3 50/50 Commune Supervision Boards of CIF effectively work until 2013 DPMO, CDB 71-SC3.3 No. households benefited from small infrastructure works increase annually 72-SC3.3 No. CIGs have access to CIF works for market linkage increase 73-SC3.3 An increase in No. hectare of agricultural land irrigated annually SC3.3 3.3.1 3.3.1 Procedure of CIF decentralisation and management established 74-3.3.1 Procedure of CIF decentralisation and management established and implemented in 2009 PPMU, CBD 3.3.2 3.3.2 Staff at all levels trained on CIF management 75-3.3.2 At least 200 staff at all levels (at least 30% females) trained annually on CIF, starting 2010 PPMU, DPMO, CDB 3.3.3 3.3.3 Commune investment priorities included in SEDP implemented 76-3.3.3 145 Km of road built 30 Number of irrigation schemes built. 2 water supplies built 5 electricity schemes built at least 50 O&M groups established. two rural markets built CDB 26 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 C4 4.1 4.2 4.3 Component 4 Project Management. Project management implemented effectively at all levels 77-C4 78-C4 AWPB approved as requested Progress report & financial report submitted as requested PPMU PPMU 79-C4 80-C4 RIMS report submitted as requested Capacity of at least 50% staff improved after trainings til 2013 PPMU Reports of trainers 4.1. Project management structures at 3 levels established and equipped; 4.2. Project staff at 3 levels recruited and trained 81-4.1 82-4.1 Offices at 3 levels equipped Inventory list established and annually updated PPMU PPMU 83-4.2 At least 30% project staff at different levels trained by subject (at least 30% females) starting 2010 PPMU 84-4.2 Job description developed and introduced for at least 50% of key personnel regarding PPMU by 2010 PPMU 4.3 Communication activities among 3 levels regularly maintained 85-4.3 86-4.3 PSC meetings held twice per year PPMU meetings held twice per month PPMU PPMU 87-4.3 Meeting between PPMU and DPMO held once per quarter Meeting between CDB and DPMO held once per quarter In 2008, PIM & FMM enacted and implemented In 2009, M&E and KM systems established & implemented PPMU 4.4 4.4 M&E, KM, established implemented FMM and 88-4.3 89-4.4 90-4.4 4.5 4.5 Compliance undertaken Audit 91-4.4 92-4.5 M&E reports submitted annually as regulated At least 50% audit recommendations carried out annually 27 DPMO PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU Whether there are enough staff in PPMU, DPMOs, and CDBs Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 3: Summary of key actions to be taken within agreed timeframes Agreed action Responsibility Agreed date Overall recommendation Increasing participation of and benefits to the poor: Organize support activities using 10% of CIF for poor household as non-members of CIGs; Increase the funds for the women’s saving and credit groups (WSCG) and establish more WSCGs with at least 50% of poor households. PSC/PPMU/DPCs/CPCs Institutionalization of value chain approach: consolidation of the value chain action strategy and plans and revision/institutionalization of district VCTF composition (to include DARD and DoIT) and function. Trainings for province and district VCTF relevant staff, and subsequent technical/financial support for district VCTFs' activities. VCTF, DARD, DOIT, DPCs Business Development Service: Strengthen existing ToT trained teams of BDS/CIG support providers in FU, WU, CA and private sector. Allocate funds to institutionalized district level VCTFs to manage BDS support for CIGs and MSMEs in the communes. PPMU, PPC, DPCs, VCTFs, FU, WU, CA Finance services: VBARD explores new lending products to the CIGs; revision of the current guidelines for the WSCGs; establishment of WSCG fund under the WU and development of WU capacities. VBARD, WU Institutionalization of MOP-SEDP: DPI to take lead with supports from BDRP and PSARD to consolidate the manual and to promulgate to all communes in Cao Bang. PPC/DPI Knowledge management and partnership: documentation and share of BDRP good practices/experiences; exchange visits of CIGs and CDBs; establishment of partnership group among projects in Cao Bang. PSC,PPMU, DPI Project management: Review actual disbursement of each component and subcomponent to reallocate project funds among budget lines to implement prioritized activities; Revise the 2013 AWPB based on the recommendations of SM and reallocated budget. PSC/PPMU Component 1 PPC will take stronger leadership to follow up with line agencies in revision and implementation of the PCI action plan, especially to focus on measures to enable more investment from private sector into agricultural propoor value chains selected by the VCD-TF and the project at provincial and district levels. 29 PPC and line agencies June 2013 onward Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Assess private sector involvement in different supported pro-poor agricultural value chains and implement promotion activities to attract more investment from this sector. DPI, DOIT, and 10 DPCs with DBRP and LD VIE029 support June 2013 onward Organize biannual policy dialogue forums with value chain lead firms, trading enterprises, processing enterprises, input suppliers and small producers at provincial and district levels. At least 1 forum in each district. PPC and 10 DPCs with DBRP and LD VIE029 support June 2013 onward Assess private sector involvement in different supported value chains. Invite investment and support enterprises for value chains with lack of processers and buyers. LD VIE029, IPCA June 2013 onward Revise draft value chain actions, taking into account of measures related to product and market development, building business linkages (vertical and horizontal linkages), and chain governance. VCD-TF, PPMU, LD VIE029 June-July 2013 Make new decision to include relevant member agencies to VC Task Forces and make the structure permanent. The Task Forces will be supported by DBRP and LD to fulfil their functions and responsibilities. PPC, DARD, PPMU, LDVIE029 June-July 2013 PPC to assign DoIT to take lead in maintaining the commodity market information service to CIGs and rural producers. DoIT will develop a plan to improve and replicate the commodity market information service, using the government budget and staffs at different levels, taking into account of findings and recommendations from the recent evaluation. PPC, DOIT, PPMU June-December 2013 Conduct evaluation of the farm models, identify and document the best models, adjust agricultural methods (FFS) and training materials for wider replication. DARD and PPMU January-April 2014 Investigate new plant diseases and develop climate smart agriculture (CSA) solutions. DARD and PPMU October-December 2013 Facilitate DoLISA-IPAC collaboration for replication of direct enterprise-vocational training link. PPMU, DoLISA, IPAC August 2013 onward Revise the Manual for IFAD support fund via VBARD towards simplifying the criteria for assessing the performance of CIGs. DBRP, VBARD, IFAD August 2013 Conduct an assessment of the impacts of VBARD loans for CIGs member to draw lessons learnt and prepare for reporting the. DBRP ASAP Establish the CIGs Development Fund under PWU. PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 Revise the CIGs Manual to describe in details the types of loans (for different borrowing purpose such as cultivation, livestock, small trades, etc.), the payment scheme and the details terms of references for the Fund Members. This manual can take references from other IFAD projects in Viet Nam such as Ben Tre’s DBRP. PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 Component 2 30 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Develop the business plan for the Fund with description of (1) management structure and the human resource requirements, (2) loan expansion to CIGs; (3) a financing plan with detailed projections of financial indicators such as the interest revenue, operation cost, cash flows projection and capacity building requirements. PWU with supports from DBRP June 2013 Provision of technical support for PWU including external consultancy supports to revise the Fund Manual, to develop a Fund Business Plan, and support as required from PPMU for capacity building. DBRP June 2013 till Dec 2014 As per recommendations in sub-component 2.1, project will support province to strengthen the district VCTFs to be able to coordinate market oriented BDS service in province and district level, including for CIGs; PPMU, PPC June-July 2013 Project will allocate resources to district VCTFs to manage implementation of basic market and business/investment plan coaching to CIGs; PPMU, VCTFs August 2013 District VCTFs will identify potential CIG markets and good enterprise partnership models and (using the existing CIG training manuals and provincial trainer cadre) coordinate support to all CIGs with the aim of upgrading class 3 and 2 CIGs to class 1 and class 1 CIGs to cooperative groups or cooperatives; DPCs, DPMOs, VC taskforce, DARD, DoIT September 2013 onwards Project will support the province and districts to decide how to include CIG development in strategies to promote agricultural commodities production; PPMU, PPC, DPCs June-August 2013 In response to decision on provincial CIG development, project will continue building capacity of a group of local CIG trainers. PPMU September 2013 onwards The DPI shall take the lead role in preparation a roadmap, and coordination of financial and human resources for up-scaling and institutionalization of the participatory SEDP planning process with supports from DBRP, LD VIE/029, PSARD DPI, PMU, LD VIE/012, PSARD Quarter II 2013 onwards The DPI shall organize an workshop for reviews and revisions of the SEDP manual before submission for PPC’s approval for application in all project and none project communes. DPI, PMU, LD VIE/029, PSARD Qtr II 2013 Conduct a training course on participatory SEDP planning for 76 none-project communes PMU, LD VIE/029, DPI, District planning and financial sections Quarter II 2013 The PPC, DPCs shall direct and commit budget allocation for up-scaling and institutionalization of the participatory SEDP planning process for all communes in Cao Bang province. PPC. DPI, DPCs Quarter II 2013 onwards Provide instructions and supports to CMBs on preparation of payment requests and liquidation dossiers for completed CIF civil works in order to speeding up CIF payment and liquidation. PMU, DPMOs Quarter II 2013 onwards Component 3 31 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Review and revise the manual for financial management of O&M activities for CIF civil works with focus on (i) effectiveness and sustainability of O&M fund and O&M groups; (ii) mobilizing labour contributions from benefiting groups (instead of paid labours) for O&M activities as current practices; (iii) development of O&M regulations by benefiting groups at village level. PMU, LD VIE/029, DPMOs, district planning & financial sections, District industrial and trade sections Quarter II 2013 Prepare and submit to IFAD for approval before implementation of a supplemental plan for additional CIF civil works using the remaining 90% CIF. PMU, DPMOs, CMBs Quarter II 2013 Organize training courses to DPC and CPC staffs on result-based management and transfer the M&E system for application under the New Rural Development Programme PPMU, LD VIE029, NTP-NRD office June 2013 onwards Revise the AWPBs at the province and district levels to ensure integration with the district value chain plans and coordination among the DARD’s activities under subcomponent 2.2 and the activities supported by the 10% of CIF PPMU, DPMOs June 2012 onwards Frequently revise the project budget allocation at all management levels to increase funds for the successful activities such as the women’s saving and credit groups and the force-account small-scale infrastructure schemes. Ensure full budget delivery by end of the project. PSC, PPMU June2013 onwards Fully inform the CDBs about their remaining CIFs allocation to enable them to develop proper plans for utilization of the 10% of CIF for trainings to CIGs and poor farmers. Cut off allocations to non-performing communes if needed PSC, PPMU June 2013 onwards PPC/DPI June 2013 onwards Conduct detail surveys to understand the poverty reason in the communes and district where the poverty reduction is slow (and even negative) and to propose addition poverty measures out of poor household rate DBRP During PCR preparation Revise the indicators in the log frame to remove irrelevant indicators or adjust the target for some indicators PPMU ASAP Implement the SM 2012 recommendation on gender training DBRP July 2013 PPMU Q2/2013 Project implementation Establish a partnership working group consisted of representatives from the donor-supported projects for frequent coordination meetings and knowledge sharing. Fiduciary Aspects Review the disbursed fund for activities and evaluate the feasibility of disbursing the remaining amount in each category; make proposals on funds reallocation between categories and submit to IFAD for consideration and approval. 32 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Allocate the remaining budget for each CDB PPMU Q2/2013 Speed up checking and approval of project payment settlement; Consolidate a list of assets formed by project investment from different sources: procurement by PPMU, using CIF funding to enable management and project completion settlement. PPMU, DPMO, CDB As of 5/2013 Check and build up capacity of CDBs in term of accounting; focus on work in preparation for project closing; give specific instructions on handover related to accounting and financial aspects when there is any turnover of accounting staff PPMU, DPMOs, CDBs As of 5/2013 PPMU June 2013 Sustainability Update the exit strategy with the mission’s agreed actions and submit for PPC approval PPMU should advocate for PPC’s commitment in allocating resources for rolling out the planning process province-wide starting with the 2014 planning PPMU 33 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 4: Physical progress measured against AWP&B, including RIMS indicators Cumulative Output Indicator Unit Logframe target Cumulative % Achievement 2011 Cumulative % Achievement 2012 % Achievement 3/2013 Component 1: To improve business investment environment Sub-component 1.1: To increase provincial competition capacity Up to 8 pro-poor policies studied in Cao Bang till 2012 1.1.1 . Pro-poor policies Number 8 4 50 9 113 9 113 to be studied, approved and implemented Number 3 2 67 6 200 6 200 Number 1 1 100 1 100 1 100 Number 4 4 100 5 125 5 125 Number 5 2 40 5 100 5 100 Number 140 0 n.a 102 73 102 73 Number 3 3 100 3 100 3 100 1.1.2 .PCI improvement strategy to be approved and undertaken 1.1.3 Governance capacity and public services of provincial agencies improved 1.1.4 Enterprises supported in business registration procedure at least 3 pro-poor policies approved and implemented in Cao Bang till 2013 PCI improvement strategy approved by PC in 2011 At least one annual workshop on PCI improvement chaired by PC starting in 2010 Up to 5 departments/agencies in the province awarded with ISO 9001:2000 till 2013 At least 70.enterprises per year are supported in business registration procedure, starting in 2012. Sub-component 1.2: Improving Efficiency and Impact of Equitized Enterprises 1.2.1 Ownership At least 1 equitized enterprise has private share in structure, state-owned companies increased, compared to the competitiveness, previous year, starting in 2010 marketing and technology of project-related enterprises researched and applied. 35 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Component 2: Rural Business Development Services Sub-component 2.1: Value chain development services 2.1.1 Value chain analysed and key At least two value chains decided by the PPC to be opportunities for value implemented starting 2010. added identified 2.1.2 New and existing Enterprises trained on Up to 2012, at least 100 staff of new and existing business management enterprises in Cao Bang province trained in business and development of management and development (at least 30% females) project-related value chains 2.1.3 BDS provided to Up to 200 family enterprises and MSMEs in the MSMEs and family province accessing BDS until 2013 enterprises 2.1.4 Market information 50 communes and 500 CIGs provided with monthly system established and newsletter, starting August 2010 operated 2.1.5 Labour market information system supported and promoted 2.1.6 Short-term training based on labor market demand effectively implemented 2.1.7 National food safe standard implemented in the province Number 2 0 0 0 0 3 150 Number 100 45 45 105 105 105 105 Number women 30 12 40 54 180 54 180 Number 200 24 12 175 88 175 88 Number 40 16 40 28 70 31 78 At least 150 CIGs in the province provided with basic communication tools in 2012 Number 150 200 133 200 133 200 133 At least one job fair per year held in Cao Bang starting 2010 Number 4 2 50 3 75 3 75 500 114 22.8 199 40 199 40 300 69 114 38 114 38 150 62 41.3 137 91 137 91 5 3 60 4 80 4 80 Number total 450 227 50 359 80 359 80 Number women 225 85 38 152 68 152 68 Number 50 34 68 53 106 53 106 Up to 2013, At least 500 poor farmers trained, of whom at least 300 farmers have stable jobs after the trainings (at least 30% female) Number total No. Poor Number women Up to 5 agro processing enterprises implemented national food safety standards until 2013 Number 2.2 Farm Productivity Improvement Services 2.2.1 Extension staff received refresher training Up to 450 extension staff received refresher trainings (at least 50% females) till 2013 2.2.2 Rural extension services expanded to private sector At least 50 private agents/agencies in the province offered rural extension services up to 2013 36 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Up to 500 demonstrations conducted until 2013 2.2.3 Demonstrations conducted and farmers trained Number 500 267 53 368 74 371 74 Number total 25,000 19,862 79 29,560 118 30,330 121 Number women 7,500 8843 118 12,474 166 12,790 171 Number total nt n.d n.a n.d n.a 770 n.a Number women nt n.d n.a n.d n.a 316 n.a Up to 10 research and extension projects requested by the CIGs implemented until 2013 Number 10 3 30 3 30 3 30 At least 1000 households, CIGs and MSMEs in the province have access to long-, medium-, short-term loans until 2013 (by gender) Number 1,000 1477 148 2,857 285.7 2,857 286 Up to 100 VBARD staff in the province trained in IFAD pro-poor financial procedures and practices till 2013 Number 100 50 50 62 62 62 62 At least 10 000 members of CIGS and mass organizations trained on usage and management of credit for production until 2013 Number 10,000 4,716 47 8,558 86 8,857 89 Number total 100 n.d. n.a. n.d n.a n.d n.a Number women 30 n.d. n.a. n.d n.a n.d n.a Number total 100 1 1 2 2 2 2 Number women 30 1 3 2 6.7 2 7 Up to 25000 farmers trained, (at least 30% female) up to 2013 Number of farmers have been trained on relevant climate change topic per year, starting from 2012 2.2.4 Research and extension projects requested by the CIGS implemented 2.3 Rural Finance 2.3.1 Project target groups have access to rural financial products 2.3.2 VBARD staff trained in pro-poor financial IFAD procedures and practices 2.3.3 CIGs and mass organizations' members trained in rural financial management and use 2.3.4 Long-term loans provided to rural farmers, producers, and off-farm MSME for investments in agro-forestry, and processing 2.3.5Loans for investments on contract farming and marketing provided to farmers, traders, processors Up to 100 long-term relevant lending contracts with project target groups provided by VBARD until 2013 (at least 30% female) (removed after MTR) Up to 100 lending contracts with farmers, business and processing units for investment on contract farming and marketing until 2013 (at least 30% female) 37 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Component 3 Amplification of Market Access for the Rural Poor Component 3.1: Enhancing Common Interest Groups - Objective: CIGs formulated in the project areas on the base of voluntary and collective interests of the members Up to 500 CIGs in 10 project districts in Cao Bang 3.1.1 New CIGs formed formulated. At least 70% of poor households Number 500 with high participation of participated, by types of business and production until poor households 2012 3.1.2 CIG members Number 20,000 trained on group total management, value Up to 20 000 members trained on CIG management, Number chains approaches, value chain approaches, marketing and 8,000 women savings/credits savings/credits (at least 40% females) until 2013 3.1.3 Networking and contract farming promoted among CIGs, Number 100 buyers, and sellers of Up to 100 workshops for CIGs in 10 project districts inputs until 2013 550 110 469 94 469 94 4,003 20 8,142 41 8,441 42 1899 24 3,705 46 3,868 48 22 22 31 31 33 33 Sub-component 3.2: Participatory Planning and Investment Prioritization 3.2.1 Staff at all levels trained on participatory SEDP Up to 500 staff at all levels trained on SEDP (at least 30% females) till 2013 3.2.2 CIG members trained in SEDP Up to 1000 key members (at least 30% female) trained on SEDP until 2013 3.2.3 Commune SEDP established in a participatory planning exercise and approved accordingly 50 commune SEDPs established in a participatory planning exercise and approved each year, starting 2010 At least 75% of village households participating in village level planning each year Number total 500 517 103 584 117 584 117 Number women 150 216 144 235 157 235 157 Number total 1,000 1074 107 1,407 141 1,407 141 Number women 300 475 158 475 158 475 158 200 100 50 150 75 150 75 75 76 101 72 96 72 96 1 1 100 1 100 1 100 Number total 800 490 61 1,126 141 1,126 141 Number women 240 153 64 382 159 382 159 Number % Sub-component 3.3: Commune Investments 3.3.1 Procedure of CIF decentralisation and management established Procedure of CIF decentralisation and management established and implemented in 2009 3.3.2 Staff at all levels trained on CIF management At least 200 staff at all levels (at least 30% females) trained annually on CIF, starting 2010 Number 38 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 145 Km of road built Km 30 Number of irrigation schemes built. Number 3.3.3Commune investment priorities included in SEDP implemented 2 water supplies built Number 5 electricity schemes built Number two rural markets built Number at least 50 O&M groups established. Number Component 4: Project management system implemented effectively at different levels Offices at 3 levels equipped 4.1 Project management Number structures at 3 levels established and Inventory list established and annually updated equipped; Number Number total At least 30% project staff at different levels trained by Number 4.2 Project staff at 3 subject (at least 30% females) starting 2010 women levels recruited and trained Job description developed and introduced for at least 50% of key personnel regarding PPMU by 2010 PSC meetings held twice per year % Number 4.3 Communication activities among 3 levels regularly maintained 4.4 PIM, M&E, KM, FMM established and implemented PPMU meetings held twice per month Number Meeting between PPMU and DPMO held once per quarter Meeting between CDB and DPMO held once per quarter In 2008, PIM & FMM enacted and implemented Number Number Number In 2009, M&E and KM systems established & implemented M&E reports submitted annually as regulated Number Number 4.5 Compliance Audit undertaken At least 50% audit recommendations carried out annually % 145 18 12 107 74 107 74 30 8 27 30 100 30 100 2 1 50 2 100 2 100 5 4 80 5 100 5 100 2 1 50 1 50 1 50 50 0 0 50 100 50 100 61 61 100 61 100 61 100 5 3 60 4 80 4 80 NT 358 n.a. 430 n.a. 430 n.a NT 148 n.a. 169 n.a. 169 n.a 50 100 200 100 200 100 200 12 7 58 10 83 12 100 144 84 58 116 81 120 83 24 14 58 17 71 19 79 220 125 57 166 75 186 85 2 2 100 2 100 2 100 2 2 100 2 100 2 100 6 4 67 5 83 5 83 NT n.d. n.a. 60 n.a 60 n.a 39 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 5: Financial: Actual financial performance by financier; by component and disbursements by category Table 5A: Financial performance by financier (USD'000) as of 30/04/2013 Financier Approval (USD'000) Disbursements (USD ‘000) Per cent disbursed (%) 17,218 549 3,489 2,533 1,000 1,025 25,814 11,240.17 396.00 2,314.85 1,228.79 457.36 251.11 15,888.27 65.28 72.13 66.35 48.51 45.7 24.5 61.55 IFAD loan IFAD grant Lux Development Government of Vietnam VBARD Beneficiaries Total Note: Disbursement of IFAD loan is exclusive of the advance of USD 2.5 million to PPMU' account and USD 0.5 million to VBARD's account Disbursement of VBARD is proportionally 20% and 80% of VBARD and IFAD Loan respectively Table 5B: Financial performance by financier by component (USD ‘000) - as of 30/04/2013 IFAD loan Approva Component l Actual Approv al % Lux DEV Actual VBARD Appro val Actual % I 133 142 107 861 456 53 II 5,163 2,837 55 376 150 40 III 8,908 6,334 71 659 325 2,295 719 17,218 1,927 84 1,594 11,240 65 3,489 IV Unallocated Total Government Approva l Actual % Beneficiares Approv al Actual % % Approva l Total Actual % 34 0.96 3 1,028 599 58 205 16 8 6,744 3,461 51 49 1,131 301 27 11,723 7,211 62 1,384 87 1,163 911 78 5,052 4,221 84 2,315 66 2,533 1,229 49 24,546 15,492 63 1,000 1,000 457 457 46 46 41 1,025 1,025 251 251 24 24 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Table 5C: IFAD loan disbursements (SDR, as at 30/4/2013) Category Category description Original Allocation Revised Disbursement W/A pending Allocation Balance Per cent disbursed (%) I C ommune Investment Funds 5,217,000 5,790,000 3,402,875.13 91,487.07 2,295,637.80 60.35 II C redit and Loan Assurance 2,650,000 1,593,000 867,791.16 331,279.40 393,929.44 75.27 III C ivil works 121,000 98,000 97,608.58 391.42 99.60 IV C ontract services 216,000 561,000 312,523.74 202,715.09 63.87 V 1,130,000 1,437,000 1,438,955.52 (1,955.52) 100.14 VI Technical assistance, traning and studies Vehicles, equipment and goods 280,000 352,000 278,838.22 73,161.78 79.22 VII Business forum and fairs 292,000 91,000 8,566.31 82,433.69 9.41 VIII Salaries 412,000 516,000 215,491.67 4,909.02 295,599.31 42.71 XI Operation and maintenace 198,000 251,000 207,404.38 7,889.42 35,706.20 85.77 X C ontigency 454,000 281,000 0.00 281,000.00 1,600,224.23 (1,600,224.23) 322,866.03 (322,866.03) Initial deposit to PPMU C ao Bang Initial deposit to VBARD for C ao Bang Total 10,970,000 10,970,000 8,753,144.97 42 45,761.17 481,326.08 1,735,528.96 - 84.18 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 6: Compliance with legal covenants: Status of implementation Section 2.02 2.03. 2.04. Covenant The Fund shall open a Loan Account and a Grant Account in the name of the Borrower and credit the principal amount of the Loan and the Grant, respectively, thereto. The Borrower may request withdrawals from the Loan Account and Grant Account from time to time between the Effective Date and the Loan Closing Date in various currencies in respect of Eligible Expenditures and otherwise in accordance with Schedule 2 (Allocation and Withdrawal of Loan and Grant Proceeds) hereof, and Article IV (Loan Account and Withdrawals) and Section 6.02 (Currencies for Withdrawals) of the General Conditions. Special Accounts. (a) The Borrower, through MOF, shall open and thereafter maintain in the VBARD, or another bank approved by the Fund, the following three Special Accounts, each denominated in USD, for the purpose of financing the Programme under the respective Project: (i) the BT Special Account, for the purposes of financing the BT Project (the “BT Special Account”), with the exception of the activities falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)); and (ii) the CB Special Account, for the purposes of financing the CB Project (the “CB Special Account”), with the exception of the activities falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)); and (iii) the VBARD Special Account, for the purposes of financing the activities of the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)) in both Programme Provinces (the “VBARD Special Account”, and when referred to collectively with the BT and CB Special Accounts, the “Special Accounts”). The Special Accounts shall be protected against setoff, seizure or attachment on terms and conditions proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund. (b) After the Special Accounts have been duly opened, upon the Borrower’s request, the Fund shall make one or more withdrawals from the Loan Account on behalf of the Borrower of up to: (i) USD 1 250 000 in the aggregate, with respect to the BT Special Account (the “BT Authorised Allocation”); (ii) USD 1 250 000 in the aggregate, with respect to the CB Special Account (the “CB Authorised Allocation”); and (iii) USD 1 000 000 in the aggregate with respect to the VBARD Special Account (the “VBARD Authorised Allocation”) (the BT Authorised Allocation, the CB Authorised Allocation, and the VBARD Authorised Allocation, when referred to collectively, shall be referred to as the “Authorised Allocations”). The Borrower shall deposit the amount of the respective Authorised Allocation in the respective Special Account. The Fund shall replenish the Special Accounts from time to time upon request, in accordance with Section 4.08 of the General Conditions (Special Account), in such minimum amounts as the Fund may specify by notice to the Borrower. (c) The Special Accounts shall be operated by MOF in accordance with Section 4.08 of the General Conditions. Grant Receiving Account. (a) The Borrower, through MOF, shall open and thereafter maintain in the VBARD, or another bank proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund, a Grant Receiving Account denominated in USD for the purpose of receiving Grant proceeds to finance the Programme. The Grant Receiving Account shall be protected against set-off, seizure or attachment on terms and conditions proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund. (b) As from the Effective Date, the Borrower may request withdrawals from the Grant Receiving Account yearly in advance during the Programme Implementation Period. The amounts so requested shall not exceed the amount of expenditures which are included in the respective AWPB for the Programme for the 43 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section 2.05. 2.06 2.07. SECTION 3.01. 3.02. Covenant relevant Programme Year to be financed from the Grant. Replenishment and use of Grant proceeds from the Grant Bank Account shall be on the basis of the relevant AWPBs with respect to the activities to be financed. The Borrower shall make payments out of or use the proceeds of the Grant Receiving Account exclusively for Eligible Expenditures under the relevant Project. (c) The Grant Receiving Account shall be operated by MOF. Use of Proceeds. The Borrower shall ensure that the proceeds of the Loan and the Grant are used exclusively to finance Eligible Expenditures in accordance with this Agreement and the General Conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed and understood that it is the policy of the Fund that Loan and Grant proceeds not be used to pay Taxes, including (but not limited to) any Taxes levied on the importation, procurement or supply of any goods, civil works or services financed by the Loan or the Grant. Service Charge. The Borrower shall pay to the Fund a service charge at the rate of 0.75% per annum on the amount of the Loan outstanding from time to time, payable semi-annually on each 1 June and 1 December in the Loan Service Payment Currency. Repayments of Principal. The Borrower shall repay the outstanding principal amount of the Loan in 59 equal semi-annual instalments of SDR 371 667, payable on each 1 June and 1 December, commencing on 1 June 2018 and ending on 1 June 2047, and one final payment of SDR 371 647 on 1 December 2047, in the Loan Service Payment Currency. Programme Implementation. The Borrower declares its commitment to the goals and purposes of the Programme as stated in Schedule 1 and, in furtherance of such goals and purposes, the Borrower shall ensure that the Lead Programme Agencies and each of the other Programme Parties shall carry out the Programme: (a) with due diligence and efficiency; (b) in conformity with all appropriate administrative, engineering, financial, economic, operational, environmental, agricultural development practices (including rural development practices) and good governance; (c) in accordance with plans, design standards, specifications, procurement and work schedules and construction method agreed by the Borrower and the Cooperating Institution; (d) substantially in accordance with the AWPBs and Procurement Plans; (e) substantially in accordance with the Programme Implementation Manual; (f) with respect to the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)), substantially in accordance with the Credit ByLaws; (g) otherwise in accordance with this Agreement (in particular, Schedules 3 and 3A hereto), the Programme Agreement and any other Loan Document; and (h) so as to ensure the sustainability of its achievements over time. Annual Work Plans and Budgets and Procurement Plans. (a) Each PPMU shall prepare a draft consolidated annual work plan and budget (AWPB) for each Programme Year with respect to their respective Projects; the MPI shall prepare a draft consolidated AWPB for each Programme Year with respect to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5), and the VBARD Provincial Branch in each Programme Province shall prepare a draft consolidated AWPB for each Programme Year with respect to the activities falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)) in the respective Programme Province (collectively, “AWPBs”; individually, the “AWPB-BT”, the “AWPB-CB”, and “AWPB-VBARD”). The draft AWPBs shall include, among other things, a detailed 44 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Partially Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section SECTION 3.03. Covenant description of planned Programme activities during the coming Programme Year, and the sources and uses of funds thereof, based on the respective work plans and budgets prepared by each of the Programme Parties. In addition to the AWPB for the first Programme Year, a Procurement Plan for all major procurement of goods, works and consulting services covering the initial 18 months after the Effective Date, and annually thereafter, shall be prepared by each PPMU together with other concerned Programme Parties. (b) The VBARD Provincial Branch in each Programme Province shall submit the respective AWPB-VBARD to the PPMU for review and endorsement. Each PPMU shall submit the relevant draft AWPB and Procurement Plan for their respective Project to the relevant PPSC for its review and endorsement. When so endorsed, each PPSC shall submit the relevant draft AWPB and Procurement Plan to the Fund, for its comments and acceptance, no later than 75 days before the beginning of the relevant Programme Year. If the Fund does not comment on the draft AWPB and Procurement Plan within 30 days after receipt, the respective AWPB and Procurement Plan shall be deemed approved. The Borrower shall ensure that each AWPB and Procurement Plan, substantially in the form so approved, is formally endorsed by the respective PPC in accordance with local practice. Each PPC shall provide copies of the respective endorsed AWPB and Procurement Plan to the Fund, prior to the commencement of the relevant Programme Year. (c) PPC shall adopt the respective AWPB and Procurement Plan substantially in the form approved by the Fund. (d) If required, each PPMU and VBARD Provincial Branch may propose adjustments in the respective AWPB during the relevant Programme Year, which shall become effective upon approval by the respective PPC and the Fund. Project Accounts. The following accounts shall be opened under the Programme: (a) the PPMU-BT shall open and thereafter maintain in the Provincial State Treasury, or another bank proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund, and operate, a current account denominated in VND for Programme operations related to the BT Project, including receiving Loan proceeds from the Special Account and making payments for BT Project operations in accordance with the AWPB- BT (the “BT Project Account”), with the exception of the operations falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)). (b) the PPMU-CB shall open and thereafter maintain in the Provincial State Treasury, or another bank proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund, and operate, a current account denominated in VND for Programme operations related to the CB Project, including receiving Loan proceeds from the CB Special Account and making payments for CB Project operations in accordance with the AWPB-CB (the “CB Project Account”), with the exception of the operations falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)). (c) VBARD shall open and thereafter maintain, and operate, a current account in its Headquarters and one in each VBARD Provincial Branch, denominated in VND for Programme operations related to the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)) (the “VBARD Headquarters Account”, the “VBARD Provincial Branch Account BT”, the “VBARD Provincial Branch Account CB” and, collectively the “VBARD Accounts”). 45 Compliance Status/Date Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section SECTION 3.04. SECTION 3.05 3.06 4.01. 4.02. Covenant (d) MPI shall open and thereafter maintain in the VBARD, or another Bank proposed by the Borrower and accepted by the Fund, and operate, a current account denominated in USD for Programme operations related to the activities under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5) (the MPI Grant Account”) to receive Grant proceeds from the Grant Receiving Account and make payments for operations in accordance with the AWPB for activities under the Programme Quality Component. (The accounts above shall be referred to collectively, as the context requires, as the “Project Accounts”). Availability of Loan and Grant Proceeds. (a) Without prejudice to Section 3.04 (b) below, the Borrower shall make the proceeds of the Loan and Grant available to the Lead Project Agencies and MPI in accordance with the respective AWPBs and its customary national procedures for development assistance to carry out the Programme. (b) The Borrower shall make the proceeds of the Loan available to VBARD in accordance with the respective AWPB, its customary national procedures for development assistance and the SLA, to carry out the activities relating to the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)). Availability of Additional Resources. (a) Without limiting the generality of Section 7.03 of the General Conditions, the borrower shall ensure that in addition to the proceeds of the Financing, counterpart funds in an aggregate amount of USD 5 100 000 or its equivalent shall be made available by the Lead Project Agencies during the Programme Implementation Period for the purposes of carrying out the Programme. Each Lead Project Agency shall make budgetary allocations in the respective Programme Province’s budget for each Fiscal Year equal to the counterpart funds called for in the respective AWPB for the relevant Programme Year, and make such allocations available to the respective Project Account quarterly in advance. (b) Without limiting the generality of paragraph (a) above, the Borrower shall ensure that VBARD’s contribution in the aggregate amount not to exceed 20% of the total incremental loans which shall be referred to in the SLA, is made available by VBARD from its own resources during the Programme Implementation Period, in accordance with the SLA. Procurement. All procurement financed by the proceeds of the Loan and Grant shall be carried out in accordance with Schedule 4. Monitoring. As soon as practicable but in no event later than three (3) months after the Effective Date, each PPMU, as regards its respective Project, with the exception of activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5), and the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)), and each VBARD Provincial Branch as regards the respective activities falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)) of the Programme, shall establish and thereafter maintain an appropriate information management system to enable them to continuously monitor the Programme in accordance with the Fund’s “Guidelines for Programme Monitoring and Evaluation”, paragraph 4 of Schedule 3 (II. Additional Covenants) and Section 8.02 (Monitoring of Programme Implementation) of the General Conditions, based on indicators agreed by the Borrower and the Fund. Progress Reports. (a) The PPMU-BT, with respect to the BT Project, and the PPMU-CB, with respect to the CB Project, shall submit to the PPSC and the Fund six-monthly and consolidated annual progress reports on Programme 46 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Complied Not fully complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section 4.03. 4.04. 4.05. 5.01 Covenant implementation for their respective Project, as required by Section 8.03 (Progress Reports) of the General Conditions, no later than two (2) months after the end of each six-monthly period during the Programme Implementation Period. (b) The MPI, with respect to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5) shall submit to the Fund six-monthly and consolidated annual progress reports on implementation of said Component, as required by Section 8.03 (Progress Reports) of the General Conditions, no later than two (2) months after the end of each six-monthly period during the Programme Implementation Period. Mid-Term Review. (a) The Fund, jointly with the Borrower and the: (i) Lead Project Agency-BT, jointly with the relevant VBARD Provincial Branch, with respect to the BT Project; and (ii) Lead Project Agency-CB, jointly with the relevant VBARD Provincial Branch, with respect to the CB Project, shall carry out separate reviews of Programme implementation with respect to each Project no later than 36 months after the Effective Date (the “Mid-Term Reviews”), based on terms of reference prepared by: (i) the PPMU-BT with respect to the BT Project; (ii) the PPMU-CB with respect to the CB Project; (iii) MPI with regard to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5); and (iv) VBARD with respect to the activities falling under the Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)). The terms of reference for each Mid- Term Review shall be approved by the Fund. Among other things, the Mid-Term Reviews shall consider the achievement of Programme objectives and the constraints thereon, and recommend such reorientation as may be required to achieve such objectives and remove such constraints. (b) The Borrower shall ensure that the recommendations resulting from the Mid-Term Reviews are implemented within a reasonable time thereafter and to the satisfaction of the Fund. It is agreed and understood that such recommendations may result in modifications to the Loan Documents. Completion Reports. The PPMU-BT, the PPMU-CB, and MPI shall each submit to the Fund the completion report with respect to the BT Project, the CB Project and the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5), respectively, as required by Section 8.04 (Completion Report) of the General Conditions, no later than six months after the Programme Completion Date. In addition to those matters specified in said Section 8.04, the completion report shall detail: (i) the concrete steps taken by the Programme to assure the sustainability of the Programme’s achievements over time; (ii) the extent to which benefits of the Programme have reached the Target Group; and (iii) the impact of the Programme on the livelihoods of the Target Group. Evaluations. The Borrower and each Programme Party shall facilitate all evaluations and reviews of the Programme that the Fund may carry out during the Programme Implementation Period and for ten years thereafter, as required by Section 10.05 (Evaluations of the Programme) of the General Conditions. Financial Statements. As required by Section 9.02 (Financial Statements) of the General Conditions, each PPMU shall prepare six-monthly and consolidated annual financial statements of the operations, resources and expenditures related to their respective Projects under the Programme, and shall consolidate such financial statements with those prepared and submitted hereto by VBARD at the same intervals (each such consolidated Financial Statement shall hereinafter be referred to as “Project Financial Statement”). MPI 47 Compliance Status/Date Complied Not yet applicable Not yet applicable Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section 5.02 7.01. Covenant shall prepare six-monthly and consolidated annual financial statements of the operations, resources and expenditures related to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5) (each such consolidated Financial Statement shall hereinafter be referred to as “MPI Financial statement). Each PPMU and MPI shall respectively deliver the relevant Project Financial Statement and MPI Financial Statement to the Fund within two (2) moths after the end of each such period. Audit Reports. (a) As soon as practicable but no less than 90 days before the end of the first fiscal Year, and annually thereafter, the Borrower, through each Lead Project Agency and MPI, shall appoint, with the prior approval of the Fund, independent auditors selected by the respective PPMU and MPI in accordance with the procedures and criteria set forth in the Fund’s “Guidelines on Project Audits (for Borrowers’ Use)” (2003, as may be amended from time to time) to respectively audit the financial statements relating to the respective Project under the Programme and the Programme Quality Component (Schedule1, paragraph 5.5) for the first two Fiscal Years. Thereafter throughout the entire Programme Implementation Period, as soon as practicable during each successive Fiscal Year each Lead Project Agency and MPI shall either confirm the appointment of the same independent auditors, subject to satisfactory performance, or shall follow the same procedure to appoint new independent auditors for such Fiscal Year. (b) MPI, with respect to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5), and the Lead Project Agencies shall have the financial statements relating to the Programme audited each Fiscal Year by such auditors with respect to the relevant Project under the Programme in accordance with the International Standards on Auditing and the Fund’s “Guidelines on Project Audits (for Borrowers’ Use)” (2003, as may be amended from time to time) (individually, the “MPI Audit”, the “BT Audit” and the “CB Audit”, and generally the “Audit Report”; collectively, the “Audit Reports”). In accordance with Section 9.03 (Audit of Accounts) of the General Conditions, each respective Audit Report shall include, among others: (i) an opinion on the certified statements of expenditure as described in paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 and the operation/utilisation of the respective Special Account and of the Grant Receiving Account; and (ii) a separate management letter, addressing the adequacy of the accounting and internal control systems. MPI, the PPMU-BT and the PPMU-CB shall deliver the MPI Audit, BT Audit and the CB Audit, respectively, to the Fund within six months of the end of each such Fiscal Year. MPI, the Lead Project Agency-BT and Lead Project Agency-CB shall submit to the Fund the reply to the management letter of the auditors with respect to the MPI Audit, BT Audit and the CB Audit, respectively, within one month of receipt thereof. Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective in accordance with Article XIII of the General Conditions (Effectiveness and Termination) subject to the fulfilment of the following conditions precedent: (a) The Borrower, the PPMUs, VBARD and MPI, as appropriate, shall have duly opened the Special Accounts, Grant Receiving Account and Project Accounts, in accordance with Sections 2.03, 2.04 and 3.03, respectively; (b) this Agreement shall have been duly signed, and the signature and performance thereof by the Borrower shall have been duly authorised and ratified by all necessary administrative and governmental action; and (c) a favourable legal opinion, issued by the legal counsel of the Borrower authorised to issue such 48 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section 7.02. 7.03. Schedule 1, Para 1 Para 2 Para 3 Para 4 Para 5.1 Covenant opinions, in respect of the matters set forth in Section 7.02 hereof and in form and substance acceptable to the Fund, shall have been delivered by the Borrower to the Fund. Legal Opinion. The legal opinion required by Section 7.01 shall favourably address the following matters: (a) the conditions precedent specified in paragraph (b) of Section 7.01 have been fulfilled; (b) this Agreement is legally binding upon the Borrower in accordance with its terms regardless of any law to the contrary in its territory; Deadline for Effectiveness. If this Agreement does not become effective within 90 days after the date hereof or such later date as the Fund may designate, the Fund may terminate this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as provided in Section 13.03 of the General Conditions. The Programme shall be carried out in fifty (50) selected communes in seven (7) rural districts in the Ben Tre province (“BT”) and fifty (50) selected communes in ten (10) rural districts in the Cao Bang province (“CB”) of the Borrower’s territory (the “Programme Area”) (each such rural district, a “Project District”) (BT and CB each a “Programme Province”). The Projects. All activities funded hereby as described in this Schedule constitute the Programme, although specific activities differ between BT and CB. Those Programme activities implemented in BT under the implementation arrangements described in this Agreement shall be referred to as the “BT Project”, whereas the activities implemented in CB under the implementation arrangements described in this Agreement shall be referred to as the “CB Project”. Target Group. The Programme shall target: (i) the poorer and more vulnerable households with underemployed members and sub-economic holdings; (ii) poor households with the potential to increase their agricultural production; (iii) women and women-headed households; (iv) underemployed youth; and (v) ethnic minorities, especially in CB. Goal and Purpose. The goal of the Programme is to contribute to sustainable and equitable reduction in rural poverty, whereas the purpose of the Programme is to empower rural poor households to benefit from profitable, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable business opportunities. Components. The Programme shall consist of the following Components: 5.1. Improving the Business and Investment Environment 5.1.1. The objective of this Component shall be the adoption and enforcement of provincial policies, strategies and procedures, strengthening private sector participation in a more efficient, competitive and pro-poor market environment through the following Sub-components and activities: 5.1.2. BT (a) Raising Provincial Competitiveness. Preparation and implementation of a strategy and action plan to raise provincial competitiveness, with special emphasis on promoting rural business enterprises that directly benefit the rural poor. (b) Strengthening Business Facilitation Agencies. Capacity building of agencies to facilitate business through registration, supervision, supply of investment, business information and promotion of BT, its products and opportunities. (c) Pilot Public/Private Partnerships. Assessment and potential investment in public/private partnerships (PPP) in environmental management, with special relevance for poorer rural people. 49 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Complied Partially complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Para 5.2 Para 5.3 Para 5.4 Covenant Rural Business Development Services 5.2.1. In order to develop value chains responding to consumer demand and providing sustainable competitive advantage to enterprises, the Programme shall support the following Sub-components and activities: (a) Value Chain Development Services, through: (i) Strategic analysis of key opportunities and assessment of value chains and surveys of the markets for business development services; (ii) capacity building of existing and new entrepreneurs in the preparation of business plans, business management, design of services for links in value chains and technical matters to relate with rural producers; (iii) integration with the agricultural market information systems being developed by MARD; (iv) provision of basic communications equipment to CIGs for access to market information; (v) collection and exchange of labour market information from both demand and supply sides; and (vi) introduction of food safety standards to ensure public health and to increase marketability of crop and livestock products beyond the Programme Provinces. (b) Farm Productivity improvement, through: (i) Strengthening of extension services and mass organisations to provide advice tailored to farmers’ needs and based on value chain analyses; (ii) upgrading an agricultural technology transfer centre to carry out applied and adaptive research in response to requests from farmers, CIGs and mass organisations (BT only); and (iii) support for contractual linkages between farmers and enterprises in response to requests from CIGs, mass organisations and other rural groups. (c) Rural Finance, through: (i) Establishment of a line of credit in each Programme Province through VBARD Provincial Branch; and (ii) contributions to loan assurance funds made available in each Programme Province; Expanding Market Access for the Rural Poor 5.3.1. In order to enhance participation of the rural poor in integrated and profitable markets, the Programme shall support the following: (a) Enhancing Common Interest Groups (CIGs), by: (i) Training of CIGs on formation and management of groups, value chain approaches, marketing matters and savings and credit (especially for women); (ii) increasing awareness of small-scale farmers on contract farming; (iii) on-site trainings and field visits for CIG members to investigate market opportunities; and (iv) formation and operation of savings and credit groups (Cao Bang only). (b) Participatory Investment Prioritisation and Implementation, through: (i) Planning exercise in each village of the selected communes to identify the highest priorities for investment and business linkages; and (ii) preparation and implementation of participatory market oriented Commune development plans. (c) Commune Investments, through investments in infrastructure, production and marketing facilities, services or capacity building, to be financed by the CIF. Programme Management 5.4.1. In order to achieve efficient management and to increase the capacity of the Programme Provinces’ institutions for future Project and Programme management, the following activities shall be supported: (a) Establishment of the Provincial Project Steering Committee (PPSC), Provincial Project Management Units (PPMUs), District Project Management Offices (DPMOs) in each of the Project Districts and Commune Development Boards (CDBs) and Community Supervision Boards (CSBs) in each of the Communes of the 50 Compliance Status/Date Complied Partially Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Para 5.5 Schedule 2 Covenant Programme Area; and (b) involvement of other key line agencies and existing administrative units in the implementation of the Programme 5.5.1. The specific objective of the Programme Quality Component is to develop the capacity of the Borrower to undertake a focal role in quality management during Programme implementation and to enhance the policy impact of Fund-supported projects and programmes in the Borrower’s Territory. To this effect, a PMU shall be established within MPI. 5.5.2. The Component shall finance the following activities: (a) Capacity Building of, among others, MPI, MOF, Office of the Government, MARD and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Borrower to plan, manage and monitor development performance of Fund-supported rural poverty reduction projects/programmes; Programme Quality Management Facility: to mobilise technical assistance from institutes, consultation companies, NGOs to conduct issue-oriented or problem-solving assessment for making managerial decisions in cooperation with the Fund; and (c) Competitive Facility for Policy Development: to document and broadcast experiences and lessons learned from the Fund-supported projects and programmes in the Borrower’s territory for policy development 3.Minimum Withdrawal Amounts. Withdrawals from the Loan and Grant Account shall be made in amounts no less than USD 20 000 or its equivalent, or such other amount as the Fund may designate from time to time. 4. Statements of Expenditure. Withdrawals from the Loan Account and the Grant Account may be made against certified statements of expenditures in respect of Eligible Expenditures in such amounts as the fund may designate from time to time by notice to the Borrower. The records evidencing such expenditures need not be submitted to the Fund, but shall be retained by the Borrower for inspection by the representatives of the Fund, in accordance with Sections 4.07 (Statements of Expenditure) and 10.03 (Visits, Inspections and Enquiries) of the General Conditions. 5. Retroactive Financing. Withdrawals not exceeding in the aggregate the equivalent of SDR 200 000 may be made from the Loan Account in respect of expenditures for Categories V (Technical Assistance, Training and Studies) and VIII (Salaries) of the Allocation Table set forth in Paragraph 1 of this Schedule incurred before the Effective Date but after 15 December, 2007. Such expenditures shall be considered Eligible Expenditures for all purposes of this Agreement, if otherwise eligible. 6. Conditions Precedent to Withdrawal. (a) No withdrawals shall be made in respect of expenditures for all Categories of the Allocation Table set forth in paragraph 1 of this Schedule, until the AWPBs for Programme Year 1, including a Procurement Plan for the first eighteen months of the Programme, have been submitted to and approved by the Fund; (b) No withdrawals shall be made in respect of expenditures for all Categories of the Allocation Table set forth in paragraph 1 of this Schedule, until the PIMs shall have been approved by the Fund in draft and a copy of the PIMs as adopted by the Lead Project Agencies shall have been delivered to the Fund; (c) No withdrawals shall be made in respect of expenditures under Category I (Commune Investment Funds) of the Allocation Table set forth in paragraph 1 of this Schedule until the PPC in each Programme Province shall have issued the necessary authorisations enabling the Communes to apply force account 51 Compliance Status/Date Being Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Schedule 3 Covenant methods for construction. (d) No withdrawals shall be made in respect of expenditures under Category II (Credit and Loan Assurance) of the Allocation Table set forth in paragraph 1 of this Schedule, until the SLA, in form and substance acceptable to the Fund, shall have been entered into by the Borrower and VBARD in accordance with paragraph 10.1 of Schedule 3 (I. Programme Implementation) and a copy of the signed SLA shall have been delivered to the Fund; and the Credit Manual, described in paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 (I. Programme Implementation), shall have been prepared by VBARD and approved by the Fund. Programme implementation NATIONAL LEVEL 1. The Ministry of Finance of the Borrower (MOF), through the External Finance Department (EFD), shall be responsible for high-level coordination between the Borrower and the Fund in accordance with the Borrower’s regulations. Except for management of Programme funds and loan repayments, MOF and its departments shall have no direct implementation or management responsibility under the Programme as such shall be decentralised to the Programme Provinces and lower administrative levels. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), through the Foreign Economic Relations Department (FERD), shall be responsible for coordinating monitoring and evaluation activities and shall maintain cooperation with other ministries and donors. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Committee of Ethnic Minorities (CEM) and other relevant ministries shall facilitate replication of best practices, lessons learned and successful interventions and policy dialogue. Each VBARD Provincial Branch shall be responsible for the credit extended as part of the Rural Finance Sub-component. Designation and Responsibilities. The Provincial People’s Committee (PPC) of each Programme Province, in its capacity as Lead Project Agency for the Programme as it relates to its respective Project in its Programme province, shall be responsible for implementation of the Programme under its respective Project, including: a) recruiting/appointing Provincial Project staff in line with criteria approved by the Fund; b) ensuring timely provision of counterpart funds in line with and as required by Section 3.05 of this Agreement; and c) issuing the necessary authorisations enabling the Communes to apply force account methods for construction. The Lead Project Agencies shall each be assisted in their tasks by the relevant PPSC and the PPMU. Provincial Project Steering Committee (PPSC) 3.1. Establishment. The Lead Project Agency-BT and the Lead Project Agency-CB shall each establish, through a decision issued by the relevant Lead Project Agency, and maintain throughout the entire Programme Implementation Period, a Provincial Project Steering Committee (PPSC) in each Programme Province with responsibilities as set forth herein with respect to the relevant Project. The establishment of the PPSC, along with its terms of reference, shall be notified by the responsible Lead Project Agency to the Fund. 3.2. Composition. Each PPSC shall be composed of, among others, departments and agencies selected by the respective Lead Project Agency. 3.3. Responsibilities. The PPSC shall act as an advisory body to the respective Lead Project Agency in 52 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Covenant policy formulation, planning, coordination, supervision and monitoring of the activities under their respective Project, and shall be responsible for the conduct and activities of the PPMUs in their respective Project. The PPSCs shall also have the following responsibilities with respect to their respective Project: (a) Ensuring complementarity between the respective Project and other externally/internally financed projects/programmes and the efficient use of Programme-funded financial and human resources; (b) providing supporting policy framework and guidelines to the PCUs for efficient Project implementation; (c) soliciting/proposing supportive regulations and decisions from the Lead Project Agency for simplification of procedures, where needed, to assist the Programme’s approach in the Programme Province; (d) reviewing and approving the AWPBs for the respective Project; (e) interfacing between the relevant PPMU and Lead Project Agency on matters of policy formulation, revision and implementation with a view to ensuring effective implementation of the Project; (f) ensuring effective cooperation and coordination between the PPMUs, the implementing agencies of the Project in the Programme Province and instilling a system of accountability for performance and proper use of resources at all levels; and (g) reviewing progress reports and ensuring timely corrective action on management and implementation issues. Provincial Project Management Units (PPMUs) 4.1. Establishment. Before the Effective Date, the Lead Project Agencies shall each establish a Provincial Project Management Unit (PPMU) under their respective Project. The PPMUs shall report to the respective PPSCs but shall enjoy administrative autonomy in their day-to-day operations. The establishment of the PPMU, along with its terms of reference, shall be notified by the responsible Lead Project Agency to the Fund. 4.2. Composition. Each PPMU shall be composed of the following with respect to the relevant Project: the Project Director; Deputy Director; Secretary; Accountant; Cashier/Office Assistant; Interpreter/Translator; M&E Officer; Planning Officer; and Driver. The respective PPMU shall fill required positions following an open and competitive recruitment process open to candidates from both the public and private sector. 4.3. Responsibilities. Each PPMU, as regards its respective Project, shall carry out, among others, the following functions: (a) Contract and provide guidance to Programme Parties and relevant business development service providers to ensure adherence to the Programme’s guidelines and achievement of its objectives; (b) consolidate proposals of Programme Parties and relevant business development service providers to prepare the Project’s AWPBs; (c) release funds to Programme Parties and relevant business development service providers; (d) maintain consolidated Project accounts in accordance with the Fund’s requirements; (e) operate and maintain the relevant Project Account; (f) prepare and submit Loan withdrawal requests; (g) procure required goods and services; (h) monitor performance of Programme Parties and relevant business development service providers; (i) ensure that implementing agencies provide required information for timely preparation and submission of periodic progress reports; 53 Compliance Status/Date Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Covenant (j) prepare periodic progress and financial reports required by the Fund, the Lead Project Agencies and the Borrower; (k) establish and maintain liaison with other projects and programmes to ensure complementarity; (l) monitor and evaluate Programme activities; (m) organise annual workshops for participatory review involving all stakeholders and seminars to discuss issues leading to improvement in performance; and (n) prepare an in-depth review of performance and achievements prior to the Mid-Term review. Project Directors (PDs) 5.1. Appointment. The Lead Project Agencies shall appoint a Project Director under their respective Projects (collectively, the “Project Directors” or generally the “Project Director”; individually, the “Project Director-BT” and the “Project Director-CB”), subject to the prior approval of the Fund. The experience, background and terms of reference for the Project Directors shall be approved by the Fund. The appointment of the Project Directors, along with their terms of reference, shall be notified by the responsible Lead Project Agency to the Fund. 5.2. Tenure. The Project Directors shall serve throughout the entire Programme Implementation Period, and may only be removed by the responsible Lead Project Agency after prior consultation with the Fund. 5.3. Responsibilities. The Project Directors shall be dedicated to the Project on a full-time basis. The Project Directors shall be the head of the respective PPMUs. The respective Lead Project Agency shall issue a decision giving the Project Directors the necessary and adequate executive authority to ensure the smooth functioning of the PPMU and of the Programme Parties under their respective Project. The Project Directors shall be the secretary of their respective PPSC, and shall be responsible for the interaction between the PPSC, PPMU, District Programme Management Office (DPMO), CPC and other Programme Parties. District Project Management Offices (DPMOs) 6.1. Establishment. In BT, the existing District Project Management Units (DPMU) in the DPCs shall be established as the District Project Management Offices (DPMO) for the Project. In CB, a DPMO shall be established in each Project District as a pre-requisite for district participation in the Programme. The establishment of the DPMO, along with its terms of reference, shall be notified by the responsible Lead Project Agency to the Fund. 6.2. Responsibilities. The DPMO shall be responsible for supporting all Project activities in its district and, in particular, monitoring and evaluation, commune planning and implementation, and building-up the capacity of the district in promoting market/business development. Commune Development Board (CDB) and Community Supervision Board (CSB) 7.1. Establishment. A Commune Development Board (CDB) and a Community Supervision Board (CSB) shall be established to, respectively, assist the CPC in implementation and represent the interests of communities and supervise the quality of projects using the CIFs. Targeting. The key elements in Programme targeting shall be, among others: (a) Selecting communes, and within these, villages where poverty rates are among the highest in the 54 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Partially complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Compliance Status/Date Covenant Programme Provinces; (b) selection of sub-sectors and value chains in which resources are controlled by the poor and those which create more job opportunities for the poor; (c) pro-poor and gender-equal delivery of services; 9. Commune Investments. All commune investments shall be pro-poor. General rules for the use of CIFs shall include: (a) A maximum of 90% of the total allocation for any Commune may be used for infrastructure; (b) at least 80% of the CIF shall be reserved for village priorities determined in the village planning exercises and included in each Commune’s development plan; (c) a minimum of 30% of the CIF shall be spent on items prioritised by women. 10. Rural Finance. Each VBARD Provincial Branch shall assume full responsibility for implementing the Programme’s Rural Finance Sub-component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.2.1(c)), guided by a Credit Manual that shall be drafted by VBARD at the beginning of the Programme and submitted to the Borrower and the Fund for approval. Amendments to the Credit Manual shall only be made with the prior approval of VBARD, the Borrower and the Fund. The Credit Manual shall specify, among others: (a) Management procedures for the credit; (b) eligibility criteria for investments to be financed; (c) terms and conditions for loans (lending rate, term, maturity, financing, collateral, default and prepayment); (d) appraisal procedures; (e) gender and ethnic minority considerations and environment Protection; (f) supervision and reporting; and (g) roles and responsibilities of VBARD and other Programme entities for promotion of viable enterprises to be funded. Subsidiary Loan Agreement (SLA). Programme Funds shall be made available to the Borrower, as detailed in the relevant Subsidiary Loan Agreement to be entered into by the Borrower and VBARD and which shall provide, among other things, that: (a) The Borrower shall on-lend to VBARD from the proceeds of the Loan an amount in VND not to exceed the total allocation under Category II (Credit and Loan Assurance) of the Allocation Table set forth in Schedule 2, paragraph 1 hereof, for purposes of carrying out Programme activities financed thereunder, in accordance with the Borrower’s onlending policy applicable to ODA-funded projects, and on terms and conditions acceptable to the Fund; (b) VBARD shall pay the Borrower’s interest on the principle amount of the loan fund portion of the Credit withdrawn by VBARD and the principal amount of the credit outstanding from time to time based on terms and conditions acceptable to the Fund; (c) the Borrower shall make available to VBARD, to be passed onto each VBARD Provincial Branch, an initial advance in VND equivalent to USD 500 000 per Branch. VBARD shall make available from its own resources the amount of USD 125 000 to each Provincial Branch. Each VBARD Provincial Branch may from time to time request replenishment, through VBARD 55 Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Covenant Headquarters, of the respective Account for payments made out thereof, in accordance with the SLA and the respective AWPB; (d) the Subsidiary Loan Agreement shall come into force and effect on the date upon which the Programme Financing Agreement becomes effective; (e) the Borrower, through VBARD, shall establish and maintain in each VBARD Provincial Branch a Revolving Fund for the lines and credit into which all net revenues from credit extended directly or indirectly by the Loan shall be deposited. VBARD shall use the Revolving Funds to further credits to the Target Group in accordance with this Agreement. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “net revenues” means all the repayment of principal and all payments of interest, less reasonable operating and other costs; (f) VBARD shall contribute in an amount not exceeding 20% of the total incremental loans which shall be referred to in the SLA, to assist in financing the Rural Finance Sub-component of the Programme (Schedule 1 paragraph 5.2.1(c) (i)); (g) VBARD shall carry out its activities under the Programme in accordance with the procedures, principles and practices set forth in the Credit Manual, and declares its commitment not to assign, amend, abrogate or waive the Credit Manual or any provisions thereof if, in the opinion of the Fund, such assignment, amendment, abrogation or waiver shall materially and adversely affect VBARD’s performance or the implementation of the Programme; (h) VBARD shall declare its commitment to the goal and purposes of the Programme as stated in Schedule 1 hereto and, in furtherance of such goal and purposes, shall undertake to carry out the Programme in accordance with this Agreement, in particular Schedules 1 and 3 hereto; Project Implementation Manuals (PIMs) 11.1. Preparation and Approval. Each PPMU shall prepare a draft Project Implementation Manual (PIM) to be submitted to the Fund for its approval. If the Fund does not comment on the draft PIM within 30 days after receipt, such PIM shall be deemed approved. PPMUs shall promptly provide copies of the adopted final version thereof to the Fund and shall issue the PIM by decision of the Lead Project Agencies. The PIM shall detail the Programme implementation responsibilities in line with the Borrower’s policy and the procedures for planning, budgeting, financing, loan and grant disbursement, reporting, procurement, preparation of accounts and auditing. 11.2. Amendments and Conflict. The PPMU may propose amendments to the PIM from time to time, which shall become effective upon approval by the Fund. Any modification to the PIM shall be approved by the Fund. In the event of inconsistency or conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the PIM, the former shall prevail. Gender Focus. Gender equality, gender mainstreaming and specific targeting of women’s participation in Programme activities, shall be pursued through the following measures: (a) Mainstreaming gender in all Programme activities, including working towards increased women’s participation in the Programme’s decision making processes; (b) ensuring that no less than 40% of participants in job/skills training are women; (c) promotion of women’s savings and credit groups; 56 Compliance Status/Date Complied Partially complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Covenant (d) terms of reference of Programme staff shall include addressing of gender mainstreaming and gender issues as a cross-cutting area of concern across all activities; (e) gender disaggregation of the monitoring indicators, as necessary, to allow Programme management to assess Programme impact on women and men, allowing them to respond to issues, challenges and opportunities; and (f) provision of a budget to enable Programme management to address gender-linked issues and constraints that may arise during implementation. 2. Indigenous Peoples (IP) Concerns. The Borrower shall ensure that the concerns of the IP are given due consideration in implementing the Programme and, to this end, shall ensure that: (a) The Programme is carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of the relevant IP national legislation; (b) the IP are adequately and fairly represented in all local planning for Programme activities; (c) IP rights are duly respected; (d) IP communities participate in policy dialogue and local governance; (e) the terms of Declarations, Covenants and/or Conventions ratified by the Borrower on the subject are respected; and (f) the Programme shall not involve encroachment on traditional territories used or occupied by indigenous communities. 3. Pest Management Practices. As part of maintaining sound environmental practices as required by Section 7.15 of the General Conditions, the Borrower shall maintain appropriate pest management practices under the Programme and, to that end, shall ensure that pesticides procured under the Distribution and Use of Pesticides of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), as amended from time to time, and pesticides procured under the Programme do not include any pesticide formulation which would be classified as Extremely Hazardous (Class Ia) or Highly Hazardous (Class Ib) according to the WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard and Classification 1996-97, as amended from time to time. 4. Monitoring. The PPMUs shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining a functioning and appropriate monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. The M&E system shall incorporate the Fund’s Framework for Results Impact Monitoring System (RIMS), with the main objective being to assess the impact of Programme interventions on the lives of the Target Group. 5. Independent Auditors. Each PPMU, as regards its respective Project, and MPI with respect to the activities falling under the Programme Quality Component (Schedule 1, paragraph 5.5) shall select independent auditors to audit the accounts and statements as required by Section 5.02(a) on the basis of and following a competitive and open bidding exercise in accordance with the procedures set forth in Schedule 4. Such selection shall be subject to prior review and approval by the Fund. 6. Insurance of Programme Personnel. The Lead Project Agencies shall insure key Programme personnel against health and accident risks to the extent consistent with its customary practice in respect of its national civil service. 57 Compliance Status/Date Being complied Being complied Partially complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Schedule 4 Para 1 Para 2 Para 3 Para 4 Para 5 Para 6 Covenant 7.Staffing. The Borrower shall ensure that Programme staff at all levels are recruited and retained on the basis of satisfactory employment contracts. 8. Use of Programme Vehicles and Other Equipment. The Lead Project Agencies shall ensure that: (a) All vehicles and other equipment procured under the Programme are allocated to the Programme Parties for Programme implementation; (b) the types of vehicles and other equipment procured under the Programme are appropriate to the needs of the Programme; and (c) all vehicles and other equipment transferred to or procured under the Programme are dedicated solely to Programme use. 9. Fraud and Corruption. The Borrower shall promptly bring to the attention of the Fund any allegations or concerns of fraud and/or corruption in relation to the implementation of the Programme of which it has knowledge or becomes aware. Procurement of goods, works and consulting services financed by the Loan and the Grant shall be subject to the provisions of the IFAD “Procurement Guidelines” approved by the Executive Board in December 2004 (the “Procurement Guidelines”) as such guidelines may be amended from time to time by the Fund. If any provision of the Procurement Guidelines is inconsistent with a provision of this Schedule, then the latter shall govern. To the extent possible, the goods, works and consulting services shall be bulked into sizeable bid packages in such a manner as to permit the optimal use of competitive bidding. Before the commencement of procurement and annually thereafter, the Borrower shall furnish to the Fund for approval, a Procurement Plan as described in Appendix 1, paragraph 1 of the IFAD Procurement Guidelines. The Procurement Plan shall specify, among others, the method of procurement for each contract to be financed from, and thresholds, ceilings and preferences to be utilised in the implementation of procurement under the Programme. The Procurement Plan shall also specify any additional requirements as may be set out in the IFAD Procurement Guidelines with respect to certain methods of procurement. The procurement plan shall be updated from time to time in accordance with Section 3.02 (a) of this Agreement to cover succeeding eighteen month periods. Procurement shall be undertaken only during the Programme Implementation Period. No procurement shall be undertaken if it entails a payment to persons or entities, or an import of goods, prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. The Fund shall inform the Borrower of any such persons, entities or import. The methods which are permitted for the procurement of goods and works are the following: (i) International Competitive Bidding (ii) Limited International Bidding (iii) National Competitive Bidding (iv) International or National Shopping (v) Direct Contracting (vi) Procurement from Commodity Markets 58 Compliance Status/Date Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Compliance Status/Date Covenant (vii) Work by Force Account (viii) Procurement from United Nations Agencies (ix) Procurement Agents (x) Inspection Agents (xi) Procurement by Financial Intermediaries or Sub-Loan Beneficiaries (xii) Procurement with Community Participation, which shall be carried out in accordance with procedures acceptable to the Fund and specified in the Procurement Plan. Para 7 Para 8 Para 9 Para 10 Para 11 The methods which are permitted for the procurement of consulting services are the following: (i) Quality and Cost-Based Selection (ii) Quality-Based Selection (iii) Selection under a Fixed Budget (iv) Least-Cost Selection (v) Selection Based on Consultants’ Qualifications (vi) Single-Source Selection (vii) Selection of Individual Consultants (viii) Commercial Practices In the procurement of goods and works from the proceeds of the Loan and Grant, the country of the Borrower may be granted a margin of preference as provided in Paragraphs 55-59 (Domestic Preference) of the Procurement Guidelines. The Procurement Plan and all bidding documents shall clearly indicate the permitted preference to be granted, the manner in which the preference shall be applied in bid comparison and the information required to establish the eligibility of a bidder for such preference. The nationality of the manufacturer or supplier shall not be a condition for such eligibility. The award of any contract for goods and works referred to in paragraph 6 above, estimated to cost USD 60 000 equivalent or more, shall be subject to prior review by the Fund. The aforementioned threshold may be modified from time to time as notified by the Fund to the Borrower. The award of any contract for consulting services referred to in paragraph 7 above, estimated to cost USD 30 000 equivalent or more, shall be subject to prior review by the Fund. The aforementioned threshold may be modified from time to time as notified by the Fund to the Borrower. All bidding documents and contracts for the procurement of goods, works and services financed by the Loan and the Grant shall include a provision requiring, bidders, suppliers, contractors, subcontractors and consultants to permit the Fund to inspect their accounts, records and other documents relating to the bid submission and contract performance and to have them audited by Fund-appointed auditors and investigators. This provision shall require bidders, suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants to: (i) maintain all documents and records related to the Programme activities financed by the Fund for three years after completion of the work contemplated in the relevant contract, and (ii) require the delivery of any document necessary for the investigation of allegations of fraud or corruption and the availability of employees or agents of the bidders, suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors or consultants with knowledge of the Programme activities financed by the Fund to respond to questions from the Fund’s personnel or any 59 Complied Complied Complied Complied Complied Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Section Covenant properly designated auditor, investigator, agent or consultant relating to review or audit of the document. If the bidder, supplier, contractor, subcontractor or consultant fails to comply with the Fund’s request, or otherwise obstructs the Fund’s review of the matter, the Fund, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate action against the bidder, supplier, sub-contractor or consultant, including the imposition of sanctions in accordance with the administrative procedures of the Fund. 60 Compliance Status/Date Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 7: Knowledge management: Learning and Innovation Learning: What has worked particularly well in this project during this period? What have been the reasons for this? CIG development: Performance of the CIG development has been improved. About 90% of CIG households reported positive effects of CIG membership. Main positive changes include: (i) Membership in CIGs is now voluntary-based, and awareness of project, province and district staff is raised regarding requirements of market-orientation and voluntarism in all CIG activities; (ii) The 469 CIGs have been classified based on their market access and group functions, providing useful information for design of improved CIG support; (iii) Practical pro-poor enterprise partnership models in CIG strengthening are set up in different parts of project VCs such as sugar cane and tobacco raw material supply, livestock feed supply, seedling production and handicraft weaving; (iv) 175 of the CIGs have active savings and social funds (total 385 mil VND), establishing required savings habit and small collateral for forthcoming WU microlending; (v) During project duration 8441 members of CIGs have received capacity building through trainings and workshops, focusing in agricultural productivity and establishment of the CIG and savings activity; (vi) Poverty rate among the CIG households reduced from 54.3% in 2011 to 38.6% in 2012. Such improvements are thanks to (i) continued technical assistance from the LD VIE/029; (ii) close monitoring and coaching from the DBRP staffs at different commune and district levels; and (iii) enhanced capacity of staffs from the WU and FA to support the CIG development directly. Taking into account of some identified areas for improvement, as highlighted in the AM, the PPMU and LD VIE/029 will work together with the WU, FA, and project staffs at district and commune levels in order to improve quality of the current CIG performance. Toward institutionalization of the pro-poor value chain approach: The supervision team has noted a wide range of satisfactory activities implemented by DARD, with support from DBRP and LD VIE/029, under this sub component: (i) formulation of 2013-2015 strategy for development of agro value chains in Cao Bang; (ii) design of provincial action plans for upgrading 3 main agro value chains (H’mong cow, black pig, and vermicelli-arrowroot) ready for PPC approval; (iii) a value chain analysis and action plans for upgrading agro value chains in 10 districts; (iv) establishment of Value Chain Task Force under DARD and in 10 project districts; and (v) establishment of improved linkages between CIGs and local enterprises, cooperatives, and local traders in different value chains. These changes are thanks to (i) improved technical and financial support from the DBPR and LD VIE/029; and (ii) increasing awareness on the importance of pro-poor value chain approach by DARD, DOIT and project districts. However, as current staffs assigned to the new VCTFs work mainly part-time, and lack prior experiences on market development and how to support the CIGs and other chain actors, this approach might take time before it will become the government’s own practice. Force Account: The application of “force account” method for construction of 61 small-scaled CIF civil works such as village roads and lined irrigation canals under the DBRP using intensive unskilled rural labours showed advantages compared to the traditional method of contracting companies. The method should be replicated for implementation of the ongoing new rural development programme because: (i) it’s easier to mobilise local community contribution in labours (70% - 90% labour cost) or in kinds; (ii) saving costs for designs, procurement and project management; (iii) it allows for utilization of local materials; and (iv) helps improve ownership of local community as well as sustainability of the schemes after the construction. Financial management. Monthly, PPMU's accountants work with DPMOs on financial settlement, check cost norms and eligibility of expenses, collect accounting documents from all DPMOs and CDBs. All the monthly reviews follow a check list with 7 steps, which are clearly and scientifically designed. The check list is enclosed with minutes of accounting documents handover which are classified into different categories to facilitate the update to accounting software and preparation of WA of PPMU. This good practice is thanks to efforts made by the PPMU recently following recommendations from the previous supervision missions. 61 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Learning: What has not worked so well? What have been the reasons? The Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI): The overall score of the provincial competitive index (PCI), despite continued efforts from the PPC and line agencies, continues to be low leaving Cao Bang 61th among 63 provinces. Indices without improvement are: time cost, informal charges, proactivity and leadership, skilled labour, and legal institutions. These are due mainly to weak enforcement for the implementation of PCI action plan by the Provincial People’s Committee and line agencies. Without their stronger efforts, it is difficult for Cao Bang to achieve its initially set target of “PCI increased at least 5 ranks in 2013”. Financial management: Although each Unit of the PPMU has been monitoring well on implementation progress and payment of contracts, there is no unified forms to consolidate data that allows for comparison or regular updates between technical sections and the accounting unit. As a result, the consolidation of disbursements based on the exchange rate of SDR and USD takes time. This is because of (i) a lack of consolidated table of WAs which allows for monitoring disbursement not only by categories but also by components; and (ii) high turnover of accounting staff at all levels, which poses difficulties in maintaining the accounting and financial information system. Rural Financial Services through VBARD: Since the VBARD is a commercial bank and intends to secure their capital through strict procedures on collateral evidence, the rural finance sub-component has not been able to provide assistance to cooperatives and private firms working in pro-poor value chains and developing market linkages of the CIGs. The poverty targeting of this component is very poor, with only 15.7% of the loans were given to the poor households. There is very little connection between the projects CIGs development work with the rural finance. The discussion with CIGs revealed a huge borrowing demand from the members, but only 12% of the IFAD supported loans via VBARD reached the CIGs member. Second, difficulties facing CIGs member is the requirement for collateral to be hold by VBARD (for instance the Land Use Right Certificate must be kept by VBARD as the condition for disbursement). In addition, the IFAD manual for lending CIGs group defines too many criteria to assess the performance of CIGs (15 criteria) and those Criteria are not clear, making it difficult to be complied with. Innovation: Describe any interesting innovation noted during supervision Commune Social-economic development planning: The project has been testing and supporting the Department of Planning and Investment with capacity to support actual implementation at the commune and district levels. This approach contains some innovative features such as (i) consultation with commune groups and poor people on their needs and priorities for economic development and poverty reduction; (ii) integrate information from value chain analysis and action plan into the commune SEDP for proper planning and budgeting and implementation; and (iii) more active participation of commune-based enterprises and cooperatives into the planning process in order to ensure that activities supported by the commune SEDP will lead to pro-poor value chain development. Annual CIG Classification. In order to understand the nature of economic activities and group management of the 469 CIGs, the project together with LD has implemented a thorough CIG classification survey. The classification method divides all CIGs to three categories as follows. Class 1: CIGs with strong linkage to market, Class 2: CIGs with medium linkage to market, and Class 3: CIGs with duties of food security. As result of the surveying we now know that 125 CIGs are of class 1, 209 of class 2 and 135 of class 3. The classification helps province to understand what are the training needs of different CIGs and design targeted CIG improvement activities. Innovation: How might this be replicated by others, or upscaled here? SEPD rolling out: In order to assist the province in institutionalizing the SEPD, the project has been supporting the Provincial Politics School with a 3-day training curriculum on marketed oriented and participatory SEDP planning. Base on this, the School has been providing training to the district and commune cadres. In addition, a software for data collection and synthesis for the commune SEDP planning was made available to support the commune planning staff in collection, processing and record of SEDP information and data in a systematic manner. 62 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Annual CIG Classification Before considering replication in other IFAD projects, the classification method would benefit from some revision. The current version focuses in individual households' production and marketing improvements and CIG group management. The more ambitious targets of joint marketing and joint production improvement still have limited weight in the survey, thus leaving project without in depth information on which CIGs would benefit from becoming Cooperative Groups or Cooperatives. Therefore, the BDPR, with technical assistance from the LD VIE/029, would have to work with the WU, FU, and CA to improve the guideline and build up capacity of these organizations in implementation and replication. 63 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 8: Progress Against Previous Mission Recommendations. Agreed Action Responsibility Agreed date Progress in completion of action 1. Decentralization of project activities: Review the remaining project budget and make necessary adjustments to increase allocations for District and Commune People’s Committees (DPCs), to support implementation at those levels in terms of improved targeting of poor households. Poverty reduction targets should be set for each commune and district and Chairmen’s of DPCs and CPCs will take the leadership and be held accountable for results. PPC and PPMU Q3-4/2012 In Progress 2. Improved targeting: Develop a financial incentive scheme for CIG establishment and the improved participation of poor households in the existing CIGs. Develop guidelines to this effect PPC and PPMU Q3-4/2012 In Progress 3. Capacity building: Improve the utilisation of the 10% CIF budget at the communal level, especially for CIGs with high rate of poor and near poor households to improve of these institutions. As required other poor households outside CIGs may also be supported under the 10 % CIF budget PPMU, DPMOs and CDBs Q3-4/2012 In Progress 4. Increase performance of CIGs: Maintain the annual evaluation and classification of CIGs and inform about results within the community in a transparent manner to increase the competition among groups. Continued support and allocation of matching grants should be linked to the evaluation. PPMU, DPMOs and CDBs Continuous In Progress 5. Linkage between CIGs and enterprises: Strengthen the support for the establishment of linkages between the CIGs and enterprises or private traders along selected value chains. Facilitate cooperation among CIGs and input providers to secure quality of services at lower cost. PPMU, DPMOs and LD VIE/029 Since 7/2012 In Progress 6. Action plans for value chain development: Complete and approve action plans for upgrading of selected value chains (including those across districts and communes) for all 10 district and 50 communes and facilitate coordination among agencies for implementation of such plans. Value chain task force, DARD, DOIT, DPMOs, LD VIE/029 Since 712/2012 In Progress 7. SEDP: Cao Bang PPC to develop a strategy and mobilise resources for rolling out the SEDP process in communes across the whole province. PPC and DPI Q3/2012 In Progress 8. Manual for CIF micro-scale infrastructure: The preparation and approval by the PPC of a Manual for CIF micro-scale the implementation of Infrastructure works/facilities using Force Account procedures using community labor. Finance instructions for this including procedures for liquidation/hand over should be developed by DoF and the Provincial Treasury PPMU, DOF, Treasure and LD VIE/029 JulyDecember 2012 In Progress 9. Exit Strategy: The development and approval of an exit strategy for the project outlining roles and responsibilities of People’s Committees and line agencies at different levels. The exit strategy shall be integrated into the annual work plans of relevant parties to ensure the institutional sustainability at DBRP closing. PPC, PPMU and LD VIE/029 Q3-4/2012 In Progress By Component Agreed Action Responsibility Agreed date Progress in completion of action PPMU and LD VIE/029 7-12/2012 Done LD VIE/029, CVTF, PPMU 7-8/2012 Done Component 1 Establish criteria for selection of companies with priority to those with most outreach to CIGs and farmers. Framework for contracts with companies prior to TA support should be developed. Component 2 Sub-component 2.1 Value chain development services Analyse and prioritize support for value chains in view of impact on poverty reduction, feasibility and market opportunities. 65 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Support enterprises as required in to conduct market studies for potential products taking into consideration linkages with CIGs. LD VIE/029, VCTF, PPMU 7-11/2012 In progress Formulate and submit to the PPC for approval action plans for respective value chains. LD VIE/029, VCTF, PPMU 7-12/2012 Ready to submit to PPC, requires improvement Subsequent to PPC approval assist District and Commune People’s Committees in developing annual detailed plans to execute the value chain action plans LD VIE/029, VCTF, PPMU 7-12/2012 Done, requires improvement and PPC approval Develop capacity for officials of DPMOs, CDBs and chain actors including private traders, CIGs in service of developing local chains. LD VIE/029, VCTF, PPMU 7/2012 till project end. In progress, priority action for 2013 Diversify occupational trainings in linkage with jobs for local poor people PPMU, DOLISA, enterprises 7/2012 till project end Partially completed Carry out the evaluation of the effectiveness of the market information systems provided to CIGs DOIT/ PPMU 7-12/2012 Done, need validation workshop Provide detailed information on local service providers and empower the CIGs in selecting the right one for their needs DPMU CPMU July to Dec 2012 Done Evaluate effectiveness of veterinary, plant protection, and 317 production models on income and poverty for the project beneficiaries for lessons learned and replication PPMU July to Dec 2012 Done Support research to select the most suitable production models suitable to climate change conditions in 50 communes, and replication of the successful models to other communes. PPMU, From July 20122 onward Partially done Support companies and CIGs for improved land-use planning for different commodities selected in order to increase production scale and profitability DARD, VCTF, companies, PPMU, July-Dec 2012 In progress Provincial VBARD requests district VBARD to cooperate with the Project to review all disbursed loans to analyse the number of jobs created for the poor and the number of poor households having accessed loans. Adjust the bank monitoring forms to collect and report the above-mentioned indicators. Remove the loans which do not meet the criteria of the job creation for the poor and revise statistical report on the disbursement of this sub-component. A systematic quarterly reporting by VBARD on the utilisation of the IFAD financed credit line should be introduced VBARD, VIE/029 LD July onwards Done Training and improving the capacity of VBARD staff on value chain and the importance of the cooperation between economic sectors – inviting the Bank to participate in the VCD planning workshops at district level PMU, VIE/029 LD July onwards Done Project supports building financial management capacities of SMEs and cooperatives thus improving their possibilities to access the IFAD financed credit line in VBARD PMU, VIE/029 LD July onwards In progress IFAD, central VBARD and MARD discuss the measures to be introduced on a pilot basis Cao Bang province to better support cooperatives, enterprises and business households IFAD Country Office July onwards Pending PMU, VIE/029 July onwards Done, requires further focus Subcomponent 2.2 Farm Productivity Improvement Service and DARD, Research Institutions, DPMO, CDB Sub-Component 2.3: Rural Finance Component 3: Amplification of Market Access for the Rural Poor Sub-component 3.1 CIG Enhancements Adjust the strategy to develop CIGs and Manual following the method of communication, connecting with the development strategy of industries and cooperate with lead enterprises 66 LD Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Technical assistance mobilised for each district to develop specific plan to expand to CIG network, connecting with the industry development and PPP; provide fund for DPMUs to implement this plan PMU, VIE/029 Convert the contents of contracts with the cooperatives alliance, FU, WU according to separate regions to promote joint capacity building cooperation according to specific tasks and activities in all districts and communes LD July onwards In progress PMU July onwards Done Develop and training on the Saving and Credits Group Handbook and a mechanism for the provision of matching grants to groups having number of poor households higher than 50% WU, PMU July onwards Done, needs significant improvement Design information material about the benefits of CIGs like leaflets, video tapes and arrange exchange visits to groups that work well FU, PMU July onwards In progress Continue providing technical assistance to CIGs to develop business development plans and access to the finance from VBARD CA, CDBs July onwards Slowly progressing Cooperate with enterprises to develop the networks of CIGs, assist developing supply and purchasing contracts DPCs, DPMUs July onwards Progressing well Inform development targets and allocate budget (both from DBRP and other sources) to project communes and districts officially (in writing) in the next 2 years so that they prioritize and prepare their respective SEDPs more proactively. PPC July – December 2012 Partly compliance Implementing a series of actions for improving SEDP and preparing for upscaling SEDP. These actions are described in the technical annex SEDP and CIF attached herewith this AM; DPI, VIE/029 July 2012 onward In progress Revising the SEDP manual. Instructions for revising SEDP manual are described in the technical annex SEDP and CIF attached herewith this AM; DPI leading, PPMU, LD VIE/029 July2012 onward Pending The DBRP should support preparation of Commune Master Plan for NRD. Instructions for this are described in the technical annex attached to SEDP and CIF. DRD, PPMU,LD VIE/029, DPI July 2012 onward In progress, 4 communes completed NRD Master Plan Preparation of Manual for CIF micro-scale infrastructure works/facilitiesunder FA (Force Account) and approval by PPCfor implementation by the community. The finance instructions regarding these works/facilities (finance management and liquidation) should be made by DoF and Provincial Treasury. PPMU, DOF, July and August 2012 Done, schemes apply method Improving quality control of Specialised and Accounting units of PPMU. These controls should be focused on issues, which are detailed in the technical annex SEDP and CIF attached this AM; PPMU Now and onward In progress Infrastructure works and contracts facing issues related to quality and liquidation should be reviewed and settled by PPMU. Instructions are detailed in the technical annex SEDP and CIF attached to this AM; PPMU, LD VIE/029, CDBs Deadline of 12/2012 In progress Prioritisation of capacity building activities using 10% of CIF for development of value chains, farm productivity improvement, CIGs and hand-on supports for implementing infrastructure; PPMU, DPMOs, CDBs July 2012 In progress Develop financial mechanism for regular O&M of infrastructure works at commune and village levels. Instructions are detailed in the technical annex SEDP and CIF attached to this AM; PPMU, DPMOs, CDBs, consultant, District agencies Started July Done, needs review and revision Review the results of contracts between PPMU and the province agencies entered into in 2010 to asses performance and lessons learned PPMU, VIE029 July 2012 onwards Pending Revise contracts entered into in 2012 with province agencies to include a decentralised implementation approach where districts and communes are main actors for implementation. PPMU July 2012 onwards In progress DPCs, Sub-component 3.2: Participatory Planning and Investment Prioritization PPMU DPI LD PPMU, DPMOs, CDBs, Local agencies Sub-component 3.3 Commune Investments LD VIE/029 Component 4: Project management 67 LD 63 FA Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Based on the commune SEDPs, develop actions plans for DPMOs – PMU to allocate more funds for these entities for actual implementation PSC, PPMU July 2012 onwards In progress Develop exit strategy for the project from now until its termination emphasizing the transfer of project activities to in-line agencies at relevant levels. PSC, PPMU July 2012 onwards Done PPMU, DPMU, and LD VIE/029 7-12/2012 and annual In progress Provide training on gender awareness, gender equality and gender mainstreaming for project staffs at province, district, commune levels and partners involved in the project such as staffs from DARD, DPI, DOLISA, and DOIT. PPMU and LD VIE/029 September December 2012 Planned, implementatio n pending Setting minimum targets for gender/women participation, especially poor women, in key project activities, and implement different campaigning and economic activities to attract more participation of poor women in the CIGs through different pro-poor value chains and market linkages. PPMU and LD VIE/029 7-12/2012 and annually Planned, implementatio n pending PMU In progress 3rd quarter 2012 Done Monitoring and Evaluation Strengthening the M&E and the results-based management capacity: (i) classification of weak performance monitoring staffs for appropriate capacity building support and/or replacing them, (ii) organization of training for M&E staffs at all levels on how to collect information, analyse data and write reports; (iii) review of all planned targets, in accordance with the Log Frame, to identify the indicators with low levels of completion for timely solutions, (iv) training and coaching PMU leaders at all levels to improve their result-based management skills Gender Development Focus DPMO, CDB Knowledge Management and Innovation Enhance cooperation with IFAD Office to further contribute to the knowledge management of IFAD programme in Viet Nam PMU Partnerships Request the Lux Development to extend the contract of the CTA to ensure continuity of technical support to the DBRP PPMU PPC and Fiduciary Aspects Advance Payments: The PPMU to prepare a system to calculate the maturity of advance payments including milestones for payments related to completion of works and timely recovery PPMU As soon as possible Pending Bank guarantee for advance payment: Check the validity of bank guarantees for advance payments for civil work contracts and request extension from contractors in case of delays PPMU, CDBs As soon as possible Pending Other receipts and expenditures: PPMU to provide guidance CDBs to record and report other incomes and expenditures of the project to avoid the misuse. Accounts for such income should be done separately as required by Ministry of Finance. PPMU As soon as possible Done Contract management: Payments for longer term contracts should in at least two instalments. Advance payments should not exceed 50% of the contract value. PPMU, CDBs As soon as possible Done Contribution from beneficiaries. This supervision mission suggests PPMU and CDBs should use the form provided by IFAD right away for all infrastructure contracts of the project. CDBs need to finalize payment documents to submit to PPMU for recording the contribution from beneficiaries. Financial audited report for 2010: i) review payables and receivables to record correctly; ii) record other incomes and expenditures; iii) record correctly the beneficiary contribution fund; iv) assess the adequacy of the internal control system of PPMU, DPMUs, CDBs 68 In progress PPMU, auditor As soon as possible In progress Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 9: List of People Met by the SM 2013 PROVINCIAL LINE AGENCIES No. Name Position 1 Phuong Tien Tan Project Director 2 Nong Minh Thang Project Vice Director 3 Lam Duy Tang 4 Bui Thi Que Head of Planning Department Deputy Head of Planning Department 5 Nguyen Thi Xuan 6 Đo Thi Minh Tam 7 Ha Thi Phuong 8 Hoang Thi Hong Mai Administrator Marketing and Value Chain Development Officer 9 Chu The Giang Community Facilitator 10 Hoang Van Huy Monitoring and Evaluation 11 Trieu Thuy Nga Interpreter 12 Nguyen Van Bao Infrastructure staff 13 Hoang Van Thuan Infrastructure staff 14 Trinh Thanh Tu CIG staff 15 Hoang Thai Director 16 Hoang Kim Trong 17 Nguyen Van Trụ Staff Head of Department of Breeding 18 Ha Thi Xuan 19 Ha Minh Tran 20 Ly Thi Hoi 21 Ma Van Đuong 22 Hoang Thi Diep 23 Đang Hoa Lan 24 Nong Thi Ha 25 Nguyen Minh Anh 26 Trieu Ngoc Thu 27 Lưu Quyet Thang Marketing and Value Chain Development Officer 28 Pham Quang Hoa Value Chain Expert 29 Duong Thi Noong Vice Director Chief Accountant Deputy Head of Accounting Department Unit PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU DARD DARD DARD DARD Director Deputy head of Department of Employment and Labour Safety Vice chairman of Provincial Co-Alliance DOLISA DOLISA Co-Alliance Co-Alliance Co-Alliance Chairman of Farmer Union Farmer Union Farmer Union Farmer Union 69 PPMU VIE 029 Provincial Investment Consultancy and Promotion Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Center 30 Nguyen Thanh Tam Director 31 Ma Van Khoe 32 Duong Thanh Trung Vice Director Department of Commercial Management 33 Nguyen Thi Duyen Director 34 Luong Van Huu Director 35 Đam Le Administrator 36 Nguyen Sinh Huynh Director 37 Nguyen Ngoc Tuan Head of Business Department Tam Hoa Cooperatives Department of Trade and Industry Department of Trade and Industry Vi Duyen Company of Concentrade Feed Cao Bang Seedling Company Cao Bang Seedling Company Cao Bang Company of Concentrate Feed Production Cao Bang Company of Concentrate Feed Production 38 Nguyen Thi Hai Director Viet Cuong Cooperatives 39 Tran Van Khan Vice Director DARD HA QUANG DISTRICT List of staff at all provincial, district, and communal levels No. Name Position 1 Phuong Tien Tan Project Director 2 Lam Duy Tang Head of Planning Department 3 Nguyen Van Bao Infrastructure Staff 4 Luu Quyet Thang Marketing Staff 5 Hoang Van Huy M&E Officer 6 Lanh Duc Dung Chairman 7 Tran Thi Hang Head of Agricultural Department 8 Vuong Van Din Head of Extension Station 9 Ly Que Huong Planning Officer 10 Hoang Thi Loan Vice Chairman 11 Be Van Tan Staff 12 Vu Tien Dinh Manager 13 Dam Van Phu M&E Officer 14 Nong Van Vuong Marketing Officer 15 Be Thi Chien Accountant 16 Sam Thanh Tuyen CIG Staff 17 Trinh Van Thang Chairman 18 Trieu Viet Cuong Chairman of PPC/ Head of CDB 19 Hoang Thi Hoa Party Communal Secretary 20 Hoang Van Dong Planning Officer, member of commune planning taskforce 21 Lanh Thi Thuyet Chairman of commune WU, Deputy Head of CDB 22 Hoang Van Dao Chairman of FU, Marketing Officer 23 Vi thi Hop Extension Staff, M&E Officer 24 Hoang Duc Xoan Accountant 70 Unit PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU DPC Agricultural Department Extension Station DPMO Farmer Union Seedling Station DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO Woman Union Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Quy Quan CDB Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 List of members of Black Pig CIG – Quy Quan commune, Ha Quang district No. Name Position 1 La Thi Dau Group Leader 2 Vi Thi Sinh Group Deputy Leader 3 Nong Thi Phuong Secretary 4 Trieu Thi Hoa 5 Nong Thi Hien 6 Nong Thi Dong 7 Trieu Thi Men 8 Sam Thi Nhinh 9 Vi Thi Thuy 10 La Thi Nghiep 11 Le Thi Thien 12 Lanh Thi Bich 13 Lanh Thi Thiet 14 Vi Thi Nho 15 Nong Thi Dep 16 Hoang Thi Hop NGUYEN BINH DISTRICT List of staff at provincial, district, and communal levels No. Name Position 1 Nong The Phuc Vice Chairman 2 Phuong Tien Tan Project Director 3 Nguyen Van Bao Infrastructure Staff 4 Duong Tuan Viet Community Facilitator 5 Luu Quyet Thang Marketing Officer 6 Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang M&E Officer 7 Peter Heeres CTA 8 Nguyen Thi Hue M&E and KMO Expert 9 Doan Manh Tuong Infrastructure Expert 10 Nguyen Thi Phuong Interpreter 11 Le Thi Minh Thu Vice Chairman 12 Nong Trung Hieu Vice Director 13 Nong Van Tue Vice Chairman 14 Nong Van Bao Staff 15 Mạc Thi Khanh Head of Station 16 Hoang Thi Hoa Manager 17 Đam Thi Lan M&E Officer 18 Vũ Thi Ha Marketing Officer 19 Đinh Vinh Bac Planning Officer 20 Luong Thi Huong Accountant 21 Ma Van Vung Infrastructure Staff 22 Nhan Van Khiem CIG Staff 23 Hoang Ton Sao Head of CDB 24 Đam Quang Toa Deputy Head of CDB 25 Chu Thuy Dien Accountant 26 Đang Van Cat Cashier 27 Chu Thi Luyen M&E Officer 28 Ban Thi Xuan CIG Staff 29 Chu Thi Quyen Party assistant secretary 71 Unit PPC PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU PPMU VIE 029 VIE 029 VIE 029 VIE 029 Woman Union District VBARD Farmer Union District State Treasury Extension Station DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO DPMO Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Hoa Tham CDB Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 List of members of Raising Black Pig CIG – Khuoi Phay, Hoa Tham commune No. Name Position Phone number 1 Nong Van Kinh Group Leader 01654169802 2 Nong van Khuon Group Deputy Leader 3 Ban Phu Chieu Group Secretary 4 Trieu Mui Sinh 5 Hoang – Kiem 6 Hoang – Hien 7 Ban Phu Kinh 8 Hoang – Quyen 9 Hoang – Nhan 10 Nong – Trinh 11 Ban – Vang 12 Trieu – Chan 13 Ban – Trinh(A) 14 Hoang – Hin 15 Hoang Thong Tinh 16 Hoang Sinh Tinh 17 Ban Phu Binh 18 Hoanh Dun Pu 19 Hoang Thong Tinh 20 Ban Mui Chieu 21 Ly Mui Sau 22 Đang Thi Hoa List of members of Brocatelle Weaving CIG – Thang Cong, Hoa Tham commune No. Name Position Remarks 1 Chu Thi Mai Group Leader 2 Chu Thi Quyen Group Deputy Leader 3 Li Thi Mai Group Secretary 4 Chu Thi Quyen 5 Ban Thi Coc 6 Ban Thi Xuan 6 Đang Thi Thuy 7 Ban Mui Phay 8 Trieu Thi Hoa 9 Ly Mui Chuong 10 Ban Thi Xuyen 12 Ban Thi Hoang 13 Đang Thi Dieu 14 Ban Mui Lai 15 Ban thi Bich 16 Ban Thi Hoa 17 Chu thi Un 17 Chu Thi Hue 19 Chi Thi Moi 20 Ban Thi Moi 21 Đang THi Moi 22 Trieu Thi Hau 23 Đang Thi Xuan 24 Ban Thi Lieu 25 Đang Thi Chu Hoang 26 Li Mui Nhay 27 Trieu Thi Binh 72 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 PHUC HOA DISTRICT Commune People’s Committe UBND No. Name Position 1 Be Van Van Head of Commune Development Board (CDB) 2 Ly Thi Minh Accountant 3 4 Nguyen Van Buu Hua Van Dam Member of CDB Member of CDB Unit CPC CPC CPC CPC Member of CDB CPC Phone number 0985908564 0979957956 0974611372 01696712023 5 Hoang Ky Hiep 6 Đao Nguyen Phong Vice Chairman DPC 7 Nguyen Hong Hai Manager DPMO 0984498700 8 Luu Đai Quan M&E officer DPMO 0988920986 9 Đam Quoc The CIG Officer DPMO 0917607933 10 Pham Thi Ngo DPMO 11 Truơng Thi Lieu Planning Officer Deputy Head of District Department of Agriculture 12 Hua Ngoc Diep Staff 13 Long Thi Yen Staff DPC Company of Sugar Production Company of Sugar Production 14 Nong Minh Thang Vice Director PPMU 15 Hoang Thi Hong Mai Staff PPMU 16 Trinh Thanh Tu Staff PPMU 17 Peter heerer CTA VIE/029 18 Trieu Thuy Nga Staff PPMU 19 Hoang Van Thuan Staff PPMU 20 Nguyen T Huyen Trang Staff PPMU 21 Pham Van Vinh Staff VIE/029 22 Nguyen Thi Hue Staff VIE/029 23 Pham Quang Hoa Staff VIE/029 24 Đoan Manh Tuong Staff VIE/029 25 Nguyen Thi Phuong Staff VIE/029 73 0915913589 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 QUANG UYEN DISTRICT Phuc Sen Commune People’s Committee No. Name 1 Linh Van Phu 2 Nong Thi Dung 3 4 5 6 7 Luc Van Tien Luong Dai Duong Nong Van Linh Luong Van Luong Luong Van Vinh 8 Nong Van Thang 9 Dinh Huy Giap Position Chairman/ Head of CDB Vice Chairman Administrator/ M&E Officer Unit UBND xa UBND xa Accountant Party Communal Secretary Vice Chairman of Council of People Culture and Society staff/ CIG staff 01683126321 0987291650 UBND xa 0919775569 UBND xa Land Officer Phone number UBND xa 0964537507 0982918919 UBND xa 0987291720 UBND xa 01693985189 UBND xa 0904817490 10 Hoang Van Quyet 11 Nong Cong Dinh Vice Chairman Deputy Chief of the Secretariat/ Manager Staff/ Marketing Officer 12 Ma Thi Chiu Staff Phòng NN & PTNT 0973533669 13 Ma Thi Luu Vice Chairman Hội phụ nữ huyen 0986349694 14 Ha Kim Phuong Tram KN - KL 0988844626 15 Be Ich Thuong Phòng TC - KH 0978925455 16 Nong Duoc Thuan Head of Station Staff/ Planning Officer Staff/ M&E Officer Phòng dan tộc 0989977879 BQLDA DT&XD 0974399208 17 Hua Thi Mo Staff Staff UBND huyen 0919649888 Phòng LD TB XH Hội ND huyen 18 Hoang Thi Tam 19 Do Anh Phuoc CIG staff DPMO 20 Nong Minh Thang PPMU 21 Hoang Thi Hong Mai Vice Director Staff 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Trinh Thanh Tu Phuong Tien Manh Trieu Thuy Nga Hoang Van Thuan Chu The Giang Pham Van Vinh Vu Van Quyen Staff PPMU PPMU Staff PPMU Staff PPMU Staff PPMU Staff PPMU Staff VIE/029 Staff VIE/029 74 01697078980 01683834866 0977651524 0915802568 Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Staff 29 Pham Quang Hoa VIE/029 30 Dam Trung Luong Driver VIE/029 31 Lam Ngọc Dung Driver PPMU TRUNG KHANH DISTRICT Trung Phuc Commune No. Name Position Unit 1 Peter CTA 2 Hoang Thi Hue M&E Expert VIE 029 VIE 02D 3 Nguyen Van Quyen Infrastructure Expert VIE 029 4 Phuong Tien Tan Project Director 5 Nguyen Van Bao 6 Nong Hong Binh Staff Staff PPMU PPMU 7 Vu Trong Tuyen Staff PPMU 8 Nguyen Thi Xuan Staff PPMU 9 Nguyen Thi Trang Staff PPMU 10 Luu Quyet Thang Staff PPMU 11 Dam Ly Reporter 12 Xuan Chung Reporter 13 Mong Van Luc 14 Thach Thi Yen Vice Chairman Deputy Head of Agricultural Department/ Value Chain Taskforce Leader DPC 15 Luong Van Lam Member of Value Chain Taskforce Extension Station 16 Ly Van Ngoan Farmer Union 17 Nong Thi Huong Woman Union 18 Nong Van Hieu 19 Hoang Van Thuyen District VBARD District Department of Industry and Trade 20 Dinh Manh Thang 21 Nguyen Thi Loan 22 Mong Hong Dieu 23 Hoang Thi Lieu 24 Dinh Thanh Tam Member of Value Chain Taskforce DPMO 25 Luong Trung Truc Driver PPMU 26 Hoang van Mao Driver PPMU 27 Trieu Quang Thai Party Communal Secretary CPC 28 Nong Van Soi CDB 29 Chu Cao Cuong Chairman, Head of CDB Chairman of Fatherland Front Committee, Head of Community Supervision Board PPMU Cao Bang Broadcasting Center Cao Bang Broadcasting Center Deputy Head of Value Chain Taskforce DPC DPMO DPMO Member of Value Chain Taskforce DPMO DPMO 75 CDB Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 30 Dinh Ich Cuong Land Officer, head of O&M group CDB 31 Dinh Thi Huan Chairman of FU, member of CDB CDB 32 To Quang Du CDB 33 Trieu Thi Phuong Accountant Vice Chairman of WU, leader of CIG taskforce 34 Sầm Thi Nhung Extension staff, M&E Officer CDB 35 Trieu Quang Hoan Cultural staff CDB 36 Hoang Thi Hanh Vice chairman of FU CDB 37 Nong Van Kim Chairman of Veteran Association CDB 38 Ha Van Ngon Administrator CDB 39 Nong Thi Hang Chairman of WU CDB 40 Nong Dinh Than Secretary of Youth Union CDB List of CIG members No. Name Position 1 Be Luong Bang Group Leader 2 Dinh Ich Hop Group Deputy Leader 3 Nong Thi Thu Cashier 4 Ly Thi Duong 5 Dinh Ich Ngon 6 Dinh Ich Hung 7 Dinh Ich Hoan 8 Dinh Ich Binh 9 Dinh Ich Khai 10 Dinh Ich Truong 11 Dinh Ich Nau 12 Dinh Ich Yen 13 Dinh Ich Viet 14 Dinh Thi Chinh 15 Luong Thi Mo 16 Trieu Thi Nhit 17 Vu Van Ray 18 Vuong Van Tuong 76 CDB Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Appendix 10: Audit Log 1. Summary Audit Table Financial Year Audit Observations as per Audit Report Number Number Value (VND) Number 2008 5 5 0 2009 3 2 1 2010 5 4 1 2011 6 4 2 2012 4 1 3 Total 23 16 7 a) Sl. No. Value (VND) Audit Observations Outstanding Audit Observations Settled Financial year 2. Detailed Audit Table Class: Audit Serious/ Ref. general Audit observations Total Amount per Observation Value (VND) Action taken by the project /PMU(Reply of para wise) 2008 Inconsistencies in vouchers Fixed 2008 Accounting regimen used is inappropriate Fixed 77 Present status (Auditors Validation Result) Total amount not settled/ outstanding Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Sl. No. Financial year 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 Class: Serious/ general Audit Ref. Audit observations Total Amount per Observation PPMU has no specific accounting treatment by for each kind of debtors individually. Some material, tools to be purchased by PPMU found with no inward stock note and outward stock note Construction insurance for PPMU's office site has not been taken by PPMU The internal control system was not evaluated and the internal controls have yet to adequately implemented Cash counting was not implemented at the end of month and year in some districts and communes. The accounting regimen and software has not been changed Cash on hand as at 31 December below establish minimum threshold of VND 20 million Advance and clearance of advances not adequately supported by documentation. Cost norm were based on older regulation rather than updated regulations Project failed to obtain relevant tax invoice for the infrastructure schemes Fixed asset increase date in subledger is inconsistent with asset hand over minutes Preparation of financial statements: At the time of auditing the Action taken by the project /PMU(Reply of para wise) Present status (Auditors Validation Result) Fixed Fixed Fixed Doing better Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed 78 but not fully fixed Total amount not settled/ outstanding Remarks Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Supervision Report Cao Bang Supervision report - Mission dates: 6-16 May 2013 Sl. No. Financial year Class: Serious/ general 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2012 General 2012 General 2012 General 2012 General Audit Ref. Audit observations preparation and confirmation had not been obtained Balance of fund provided to DPMUs and CDBs presents high amount, and not been disbursed or brought to state treasury department for review Balance of advances to employees is high. The advance liquidation is not complied with PIM timely Contract management and implementation of retaining 5% for guarantee period Without compliance and consistent application of cost norms Cash management in DPMUs and CDBs without cash counting at the end of month PPMU failed to withhold personal income tax for payments made to lecturers, reporters of project activities above from VND 1 million each PPMU failed to collect all the necessary supporting documents for expenditure incurred related to CIF PPMU has not recorded the increase in construction in progress and the decrease in the advance Duc Hong CDB (Trung Khanh District) need improve its asset management to prevent from loss and it is required to all the supporting documents related to CIF Total Amount per Observation Action taken by the project /PMU(Reply of para wise) Present status (Auditors Validation Result) Total amount not settled/ outstanding Outstanding Outstanding Fixed Fixed Fixed VND 2,000,000 Outstanding Outstanding VND 349,353,000 Performed Performed 79 Settled Partly outstanding Remarks
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