Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia
Transcription
Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia
Draft submitted to the Steering Committee 10 December 2013 Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia Doing Together what can’t be done in isolation Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia CANSEA Annual Report 2013 CANSEA Regional Coordination Conservation Agriculture & Land Development (CALD) Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry Department of Land Management & Development Vong Vieng Kham village, Xaythany district, PO box 4195, Vientiane capital www.cansea.org.vn Mobile: +856 202330723 Email: [email protected] 1 Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia CANSEA Annual Report 2013 1. The Context for CANSEA in 2013 1.1. Changes at the institutional level The creation and animation of a regional network of agro ecology was a clear objective of the Sector Based Project in Agro ecology project (PROSA). The CANSEA network was created in September 2009. PROSA hosted the regional coordination of the network from September 2009 to December 2011. At the end of PROSA (December 2011), the National Conservation Agriculture Center (NCAC) of NAFRI offered to host the network regional coordination. Since August 2012, the NCAC has been institutionally separated from NAFRI, becoming the Conservation Agriculture and Land Development Unit (CALD) within a new department of MAF (Department of Agricultural Land Management and Development (DALaM). - Regional coordination network is presently hosted by the CALD unit and the Presidency is now provided by the DALaM Department of the Ministry (Mr Anonh Khamhou,g, Director of DALaM). - CANSEA network is considered by CIRAD as a Platform in Partnership for Research and Training (PPRT). As such, it receives a specific scientific and financial support. Regarding the CIRAD Research Unit on Agricultural Systems and Engineering (UR-SIA) CANSEA is the priority platform for South East Asia with 7 researchers posted in CANSEA zone. Since 2009, CIRAD is in charge of the network coordination. CIRAD is financially supporting CANSEA to the tune of US$ 50.000 per year. - The AFD (Agence Francaise de Developpement) has decided to support the regional promotion of Agro ecology and Conservation Agriculture. A feasibility study has been recently carried out and CANSEA has been identified as the organization to be strengthened for CA development and dissemination within the South East Asia. Funding (1M€) might be available beginning of 2014. 1.2. Changes in terms of intervention sites The sustainability of the CANSEA network as a platform in partnership is based both on strong CA national programmes/projects, and on promotion of cross-cutting themes of regional interest for capitalization ad dissemination of results. Situation at national level: - Two important national projects came to an end in 2013. This is the case of the PADAC project (Support Programme for Agriculture Development in Cambodia) and the ADAM project in Vietnam (Support to Agro ecology Development in the Mountains areas of Northern Vietnam). Remaining funds and new funding commitments may allow these two projects extending their activities for two (2) additional years. - Two new projects in Northern Lao were approved for funding. One by AFD and the other by EU (European Union). They should start in early 2014. These projects are defined in the chapter 2.1 - A training programme on Conservation Agriculture (CA) techniques would be funded by TICA (Thailand International Cooperation Agency) for and AFD and jointly implemented by KU (Katsetsart University) Sakon Nakhon (Thailand) and CIRAD. Situation at regional level: - Regional initiative for CA development and dissemination within the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) sub-region was submitted to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a funding on the Core Agriculture Support Programme (CASP 2). - The Lao Government has proposed a “Lao initiative” to develop and disseminate CA in all interested ASEAN country Members. This initiative is complementary to the GMS-ADB-CASP2 project. - A bilateral project on acidic soil fertility restoration and crops diversification both in the Savannakhet Plain and the North East region of the Thailand has been prepared and submitted to TICA. This project is presently under evaluation. 2 1.3. The CANSEA strategic work plan (2014-2017) The objective of the CANSEA is to develop synergies in conducting research in the field of conservation agriculture. A strategic work plan (2014-2017) has been prepared identifying regional priority issues and corresponding R-D programmes and activities. From former consultations with CANSEA members, the following regional challenges have been identified: (i) Development of systems of conservation agriculture intensification and diversification of mountain agriculture in South East Asia including the transfer and adaptation techniques Direct seeding on plant cover for the development of agriculture , (ii) Enhancement or restoration of fertility of degraded soils ; Impacts of conservation agriculture techniques on improving physical and chemical soil characteristics (organic matter balance and monitoring carbon ) and relations between the direct seeding on plant cover and biological soil quality , and iii) Human Resources Development in the definition and implementation of curriculum of academic and technical training adapted to the needs and expectations of regional partners. Fig 1: The CANSEA organisational structure Steering Committee CANSEA’s Strategic Challenges ASEAN GMS Restoration of soils fertility in degraded areas Alternative to Slash & Burn – Intensification & Diversification of existing Farming Systems Academic and Technical Training CANSEA Members Cambodia (MAFF/GDA) China (YAAS/AERI) Indonesia (IAARD) Laos (MAF/DALaM) Thailand (KU) Vietnam (NOMAFSI & SFRI) CIRAD Network Generic Activities Exchanges of results, experiences & resources Capitalization Web Site CANSEA Programmes Knowledge Production Human Resources Development Communication Specific Research Themes Development-Dissemination of new innovative CA systems for solving economic or physical problems Research on processes involved in CA and cover crops for “ecosystem services” Develop or adapt “suitable agricultural equipment for CA practices Define and implement at national and regional levels training sessions to address the identified needs for CA actors 2. Part I: Technical report activities of the CANSEA network in 2013 During last CANSEA Steering Committee meetings (January 15, 2012 at Vientiane, Laos and December 14, 2012 at Hanoi, Vietnam) , CANSEA members required the regional coordination to give a high priority supporting and facilitating preparation, submission and negotiation of new Research & Development projects having both national and regional interest. Then preparation and submission of new projects were an important part of the 2013 activities. In 2013, the network activities were articulated around on the following components: i) Support to develop and submit new national and regional R-D projects; ii) Support to generic R-D activities for CA development and dissemination; iii) Support to Research activities to strengthen national projects; and iv) CANSEA institutional strengthening. 3 2.1. Support to Develop New “National” Research and Development Projects 2.1.1. Landscape Management and Conservation Agriculture Development for Eco-Friendly and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Intensification in Laos (called EU Global Climate Change) Background The EU delegation in Lao (Vientiane) launched in August 2012 a restricted “call for Proposals” in the framework of Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA).The priorities of the GCCA programme in Lao PDR, is to support areas of: i) capacity building on climate change adaptation and mitigation including pilot activities in rural uplands; ii) reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation including land use planning and sustainable use of natural resources. The global objective of this Call for Proposals is: to mainstream climate change into Government of Lao PDR’s poverty eradication efforts by promoting sustainable natural resources management and improved land management. The specific objectives of this Call for Proposals are: 1. To strengthen the climate change related institutional, policy and regulatory framework; 2. To pilot sustainable and climate resilient land use approaches and adapted farming systems at local level to inform policy making and improve communities' livelihoods and resilience to climate change. CIRAD & MAF-DALaM with CANSEA have submitted in September 2012 a Concept Note which was selected. CIRAD was invited to prepare and submit a full proposal by the 25 March 2013. The 3rd July 2013 CIRAD was informed that the Contracting Authority (EU) selected the application for the award of a contract. The CIRAD-MAF (DALaM) Proposal EU Global Climate Change Alliance Programme (called EU Global Climate Change) Landscape Management and Conservation Agriculture Development for Eco-Friendly Title of the Project and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Intensification in Laos. Lao PDR Northern Uplands Location of the action 1) To engage local communities in designing low-carbon emission strategies at landscape level through Participatory Land Use Planning (PLUP); 2) To support villagers in developing and implementing their Community Agricultural Development Plan (CADP), i.e. a strategic plan to manage the village resources, to define priority activities to be developed for improving food security and developing market oriented production; Objectives 3) To develop Conservation Agriculture (CA) systems adapted to the biophysical characteristics of land zones defined through PLUP and to the needs and expectations of local communities; 4) To train district implementers, local leaders and village community members; 5) To disseminate results to national level policy makers and up to regional networks (CANSEA: Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia). CIRAD-NAFRI-CANSEA (for regional coordination) Partnership 44 months Period € 1,600,000 eligible for € 2,000,000 total budget Requested Budget The project was positively evaluated selected. Implementation should start end of 2013 Where are we? or beginning of January 2014. 2.1.2. Implementation of a new component “Agro ecology & Conservation Agriculture” to support sustainable agricultural development in the Northern Uplands of Laos (NUDP) (called AEAC, NUDP AFD) Background The NUDP project is geographically focused on three mountainous provinces of the northern region of Laos (Houaphan, Phongsaly and Luang Prabang). In these remote areas conventional agriculture is subsistence based: rain fed rice, with traditional techniques including slash & burn, shorter and shorter fallow, low inputs… Small livestock is important and occupies a prominent place in production systems. Local dynamics of intensification exist. It is based on tea exportation and maize mono cropping development. Commodities 4 chains are mostly controlled by traders from China or Vietnam. The use of herbicides to control weeding allows farmers to expand their cropping areas and to increase considerably their incomes. Up to now the ToR of the project NUDP did not clearly refer to the need to develop and diversify farming systems which will be more intensive and more respectful of natural resources and the environment. Objective Funded by AFD, the objective of this new NUDP Research-Development component “agro ecology and conservation agriculture” is to develop and disseminate diversified agricultural production systems that contribute to the national food security while preserving natural resources and increasing incomes of small agricultural farmers from the Northern Uplands region. The purpose of this new component is to promote all activities which will facilitate the development and the dissemination of an integrated approach of rural development with the objective to improve the national agriculture production and productivity while preserving natural resources and environment. A feasibility study was carried out in March-April 2013. The financing Agreement between AFD and the Lao government for funding complementary support to NUDP was signed during the visit in France of H.E. Mr. Choummaly Sayasone, President of the Lao PDR in October 2013. DALaM and CIRAD have prepared a specific convention of partnership to jointly implement this new component. 2.1.3. Consolidation of the component “Agro ecology & Conservation Agriculture” funded by AFD with the Eco-Friendly and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Intensification in Laos funded by EU (called AE-AC, NUDP) Beyond their geographic complementarities, EU and AFD components are embedded in the same project structure (NUDP). To favour synergies and economies of scale it was proposed to consolidate the two projects within one project AE-AC-NUDP. One project, one team, one set of R-D sites but two funding sources. Management structures and advisory committees will be shared between the two components. In addition, institutional and scientific backstopping from CIRAD will be provided to the overall project. Figure 1. Map of the location of the target districts of EFICAS Project in Luang Prabang, Huaphan, Phongsaly, Sayabouri and Xieng Khouang Provinces 5 Figure 2. The organisational structure and the team proposed for the implementation of the action 2.2. Support to Develop New “Regional” Research and Development (R&D) Projects in Area of Regional Interest The CANSEA network operation required strong and active national CA programmes. CANSEA aims to develop R-D projects, at national level, which meet the national priorities, have regional interest and are consistent with its vision, mission and value proposition. CANSEA will interlink national projects to bring regional dimension as added value. It does this by providing a strategic platform in order to provide national projects with wider perspectives. The network's overarching function is to enable the different actors to apply their comparative advantages to best effect by collaboratively addressing region-wide issues and opportunities. Greater collaboration between national and regional partners helps create a critical mass to collaborate on common as well as capture economies of scale. Several national and regional projects have been prepared in 2012 and 2013. They are at different stage of elaboration. These projects are the following: 2.2.1. Support to CANSEA to regionally promote Conservation Agriculture (AFD regional project promoting agro-ecology and Conservation Agriculture in GMS) Experience in the last decade has shown potential benefits expected from CA, however showing a low adoption of Direct seeding techniques (DMC) by small-scale farmers, due to several constraints link with the following issues: i) the limited time of intervention compared to the required time for innovation in complex agrarian and farming systems; ii) the investment required; iii) the market frame and trends (limited economic rewards for CA environmental friendly practices); iv) the lack of knowledge and understanding by stakeholders; vi) unfavourable public policies… After 4 years of operation CANSEA has proved its interest promoting CA in the region. CANSEA network needs to be strengthened according to the three following areas: - Strengthening its management capacity; - Improving its role in facilitating the emergence of new partnerships and new programs/projects; - Supporting national projects to sustain CA national program and promote regional synergies through a Competitive Grant System (CGS) to fund research activities in priority areas. CGS is a performance based, demand driven and competitive financing mechanism. AFD 4 years CANSEA Strengthening Total Amount in € Autres % CIRAD (1) 1.Strengthen CANSEA Management capacity (2) 520,000 421,000 37.3% 88,000 10,500 2.Emergence of new Partnerships and new Programmes 116,000 112,000 9.9% 2,000 2,000 6 3.Support to research activities Total 594,000 594,000 52.8% 0 0 1,230,000 1,127,000 100% 90,000 12,500 (1) Without the fact that CIRAD would post a researcher as CANSEA Regional Coordinator in case of agreement by the CANSEA Steering Committee (2) Recruitment of an “Agronomist” from CANSEA partners to support the regional Coordinator in daily management (regional call for application). 2.2.2. The Lao (LMD-CALD) - Thailand (KU-LDD) project submitted to TICA (Called TICA project) This proposal is reflecting the will of the Kasetsart University (KU) of Sakon Nakhon and of the Land Department Development (LDD) of Khon Kaen as Thailand institutions of research, training, development in the area of rural development and agriculture, to cooperate with Lao institutions to join their effort, and expertise to support the agricultural development in two regions particularly affected by poverty, namely the North East Region (NER) in Thailand and the Savannakhet plain in Laos. In North East Region as well in Savannakhet plain, soils are very poor. They are very acid, sometime saline and most of the time sandy with poor physical and chemical characteristics. Agricultural production and productivity are low, incomes are less that 2 US$ per day and per family. New agricultural systems have to increase both production and the quality of produce, boosting farmers’ incomes, while preserving natural resources and the environment. Through their many positive impacts on both production and environment, Conservation Agriculture & Ecological Intensification can effectively meet this substantial challenge. The principal identified route1 is assisting smallholder farmers in agricultural development and especially with the promotion of agro-ecological farming practices. CANSEA with KU-LDD Thailand and Lao research (DALaM) and development institution have prepared and submitted a proposal which can be summarize as follows: The Lao (DALaM-CALD) - Thailand (KU-LDD) project submitted to TICA (Called TICA project) Human resource Development To Support to Conservation Agriculture Development & Dissemination Title of the Project In North East Region (Thailand) & Savannakhet plain (Laos The Savannakhet plain (rain-fed rice) in Laos and the North East Region Location of the action (diversified rain-fed cropping systems) in Thailand The overall objective of the action is to train scientists and technicians in: i) the design and implementation of Conservation Agriculture (CA) approaches; ii) the implementation of participatory research methods to coconstruct with farmers new CA innovations to improve soil fertility, enhance Overall Objective and sustain agricultural production, productivity and smallholders’ livelihoods while preserving natural resources and environment; and iii) the monitoring & evaluation of CA projects to evaluate their impact and the conditions of CA development, adoption and dissemination. Kasetsart University (KU) and Land Development Department (LDD) as actors for Thailand; Savannakhet University (SKU-Agric Fac) and Conservation Agriculture & Parnership Land development (CALD-MAF) as actors for Laos; CIRAD as technical adviser; CANSEA as regional coordinator. 4 years (2013-2016) Period US$ 1,600,000 Requested Budget The project was officially presented by MAF Laos to TICA (meeting TICALao Government in June 2012). The proposal was edited and translated in Thai by KU before to be submitted Where are we? to TICA in October 2012. TICA is presently (October 2013) examining the proposal. 1 O. De Schutter, rapporteur spécial des Nations Unies sur le droit à l’alimentation. GE.10-17850 (F) 280111 020211. 7 2.2.3. Eco-Friendly and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Intensification in Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS-CASP2) (Called Regional GMS project) The Context “Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) member countries have demonstrated their collective comparative advantage through global market share for key food and agricultural products. The challenge for the sub region is to pursue economic development without creating additional burdens on natural resources thereby preserving ecosystems that are critical to maintaining the quality of life and providing environmental services to society”. Building on Core Agriculture Support Program (CASP) (2006-2010), CASP phase 2 capitalizes on earlier investments to make cooperation among the GMS countries more relevant. CASP phase 2 proposes new strategic directions to address emerging challenges to agricultural development, specifically “Climate change adaptation”. To improve regional cooperation, CASP Phase 2 proposes a vision and strategy for GMS agriculture. The foundation of the strategy includes agricultural research and technology that emphasizes climate-friendly agricultural development, private sector involvement to ensure sustainability, and institutional mechanisms to enhance regional cooperation with incentives to achieve the vision. The degradation of the agricultural resource base is also a major concern to improve the global situation of the agriculture in GMS. Natural resources upon which agricultural production depends are deteriorating due to land degradation, forest loss, and poor agricultural practices. CASP Phase 2 proposes to base agricultural development on three pillars. Each of the three pillars consists of blocks aimed through regional cooperation to improve the GMS agriculture sector. - Pillar 1: Building global competitiveness by promoting food safety and modernizing agricultural trade. - Pillar 2: Promoting climate-friendly agriculture through market based strategy to ensure food-security while rewarding farmers for their ecosystem services. - Pillar 3: Promoting agriculture as a leader in providing clean, renewable energy and cross-border ecofriendly supply chains. The CANSEA Regional proposal on new farming systems based on Agro ecology (Conservation Agriculture) The negative impacts of conventional agricultural practices are well known (land degradation, soil erosion, decline in biodiversity, pollution, desertification, etc.), in addition to all of their dramatic social implications (famine, poverty, out-migration, etc.). Global food needs are rising with population growth. Agricultural production has to be increased to fulfill these pressing needs. Agricultural systems capable of meeting this challenge must now be productive, profitable and sustainable. Production and Quality must be improved, boosting farmers’ income, while preserving natural resources and the environment. Through their many positive impacts in the field and to environment, Conservation Agriculture & Ecological Intensification can effectively meet this substantial challenge in both developing and developed countries. First priority appears to implement and maintain on a sufficiently long term basis experiment that could also be used to train the staff and to show the potential of CA in order to convince. This is the only way to secure the unambiguous impact analysis of CA practice on parameters such as soil fertility, carbon sequestration … Such impacts are only measurable on the long term and the Research-Development approach need both national commitment and support of donors to consolidate and adapt the experimental framework to an evolving situation … CANSEA organized the 6 and 7 June 2012 a regional workshop in Vientiane, Laos. Objectives of the workshop were to gather all the potential actors of the project (5 countries – 7 institutions) to draft the regional proposal to be presented during the 9th WGA (Working Group for Agriculture) of the GMS which will be organized in Nanning (Guangxi, China) in early July 2012. Representatives from Cambodia (GDA), Yunnan-China (YAAS-AERI), Laos (NAFRI-MAF), Thailand (KU & LDD) and Vietnam (NOMAFSI) were participating to the workshop and brought their official support. A CANSEA delegation was also participate at the 10th WGA of the GMS organized in Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang, Laos) in 2-3 April 2013. During this meeting CANSEA was invited by ADB representative to submit the project to the Secretariat of CASP2 in Bangkok. This was done (18 A)pril 2013). The proposed sub regional programme is based on CA research & experimentation to be conducted in the following location: Cambodia (Bos Khnor station in Kampong Cham), 8 China (Yunnan) Prefecture of Wenshan Laos (Sayaboury and Savannakhet provinces) Thailand in the North East region and Vietnam (Phu Tho, Son La and Yen Bai province). The proposed regional GMS programme to develop & disseminate conservation agriculture will be composed of: The addition of the 5 national initiatives (Cambodia, China – Yunnan, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) previously harmonized to be complementary at the regional level and then presented to GMS-CASP Phase II by each of the GMS national coordination; A regional coordination implemented by the CANSEA Network with technical assistance of the CIRAD (Centre de Coopération International en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement). The regional dimension to coordinate the programme is also necessary to organise R-D approach sharing efficient methodology, information exchange and marketing issue. Most of the products such as Maize, Soya beans, Cassava are dedicated to a regional market (the main buyers being China and Thailand) and there could be interesting activities in documenting such trade issue, enhancing farmers capacity to deal with traders on a more equilibrated basis. Exchange of data at the regional level, scientific conferences, study tours, students visits should be part of this core and basic activity. Activities Generic activities Regional activities CANSEA Specific activities National Partnership China (Yunnan) Vietnam Laos Thailand Cambodia Human resource development (Capacity Building) Adaptation – Development –Dissemination of appropriate CA equipment Regional Cooperation & Coordination Exchange of experiences, human resources and results Regional communication (Web site…) Agricultural Engineering to develop Fertility restoration of degraded soils (Erosion, acidity & salinity…) small scale resilient Farming systems Diversification of cropping systems Intensification of Rice based cropping for Mountainous areas(uplands and systems sloping lands) Developing sustainable cropping systems for uplands rain-fed areas Providing Adaptation & Methodological Development of CA Land degradation national development of approach for CA academic training (KU(Erosion) expertise on suitable CA farming development a& CSC) CA equipment dissemination YAAS-AERI MAF-LMD KU CSC GDA-PADAC Wenshan NOMAFSI Agric Fac Nabong LDD Khon Kaen URA Government & Savannakhet International Cooperation CIRAD 1,235,000 Budget (US$) CIRAD 1,470,000 1,345,000 1,080,000 1,254,000 6,384,000 ( Regional aspect & technical assistance are spread over national compoents) 83% (US$ 5,278,000) requested from Donors & 17% (US$ 1,106,000) as partners’ contributions AFD mentioned interest for such a regional project. They would like project addressing broader scope than only CA-SVC (agro ecology approach, SRI, landscape management…). The support of AFD to this project is a very important issue as they could propose a co-founding partnership to ADB and this will give project better chance. 2.2.4. Definition and implementation of sensitization and awareness training sessions on Agro ecology and Conservation Agriculture in KU Sakon Nakhon (called Project KU/CIRAD – AFD/TICA) Background and justification Training is a central issue for conservation agriculture and agro ecology as the development of technical systems based on ecological processes requires the acquisition of new knowledge and skills of the actors who have to drive these changes. The lack of resources on these issues and often mentioned as a key sticking point as regards agro ecology and conservation agriculture development and dissemination. 9 "The French Development Agency (AFD)" has proposed to "Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)" the implementation a three-year program of sensitization and awareness training sessions to principles and techniques of Agro Ecology and Conservation Agriculture. This program aims to raise awareness and training of technicians and decision-makers from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Burma (Myanmar). It is a "pilot project" aiming to demonstrate that the Kasetsart University of Sakon Nakhon in Thailand and CIRAD in South East Asia (+ France) can get involved and work together to initiate regional cooperation on the theme of Agro ecology and Conservation Agriculture. Each of the two agencies (AFD TICA) has agreed to invest approximately € 300,000 for a three-year program with multiple annual training sessions regrouping around 30 technicians coming from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.. Project definition and implementation. A meeting was organized in July 2012 in Bangkok between TICA, AFD, KU Sakon Nakhon and CIRAD to discuss the principles of the project. Meetings were organized from August to November between KU Sakon Nakhon and CIRAD to draft proposal including: i) the training content; ii) the organization of training sessions; and iii) an estimation of budget and its partition between KU and CIRAD. Finalized proposal was submitted to AFD/TICA. Implementation of this training might start in early 2014. Two sessions of 3 weeks each are planned every year during 3 years during the rainy season (July-October). Develop and implement training sessions on Agro ecology and Conservation Agriculture KU Sakon Nakhon-CIRAD AFD-TICA Definition and implementation of sensitization and awareness training sessions on Agro ecology and Conservation Agriculture in KU Sakon Title of the Project Nakhon Kasetsart University in Sakon-Nakhon Location of the action The overall objective of the action is to sensitize technicians and local policy makers from the sub region (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar & Thailand) Overall Objective about: i) principles of agro ecology and conservation agriculture; and ii) conditions for CA development and dissemination. Kasetsart University (KU) and CIRAD. Partnership Cooperation with UEPG-IRC-CIRAD 3 years (2013-2015) two training sessions per year Period US$ 780,000 (€600,000) Requested Budget The project proposal was submitted at the end of 2013. TICA and AFD are still under discussion. The project could start in early 2014 and the training Where are we? sessions will be organized during the rainy season of 2014 (June-October). 2.3. CANSEA support to regional generic activities in 2011 The generic actions are conventional activities for all networks. Objective are facilitating exchange of: i) results between members; ii) experiences with an objective to develop mechanisms of cooperation to develop common regional projects. The network will play the role of a catalyst. This is all the more important in South East Asia where national institutions of R-D do not have or have very few exchanges between them and do not have really developed cooperation. 2.3.1. Web site and Database development management on CA Since March 2011, the NOMAFSI agreed to take over the development and management of the CANSEA web site and data base. The site was developed in September 2011 and it is now operational http://www.cansea.org.vn. Partners are invited to provide materials (information, articles, results, and events…) to feed the web site. 10 2.4. CANSEA support to research activities of regional interest. 2.4.1. On farm development of CA farming systems to improve fertility of acidic soils in the Savannakhet plain in Laos. (Detailed report available on request) The Lao national population under the poverty line was estimated in 2005 at 34.7% (from the geography of Poverty and Inequality in the Lao PDR, 2008- IFPRI). In the central region of the Laos, the province of Savannakhet is particularly affected by poverty with a rate of 43 %. The large rice plain of Savannakhet is now largely degraded and paddy yields decrease permanently. In the Savannakhet soils are sandy soils (derived from sandstone). They are highly degraded poor soils with a pH of around 4-5, non-saturation of CE, a low exchange capacity and global deficiency in almost all elements. Aluminium toxicity is frequent. These sandy soils have very low water retention capacity. Sand% 84,7 Silt % Clay % Tab 1: Savannakhet soil analysis (E 105° 10’ 20’’ - N 16° 31’ 30’’) P2O5 K20 PH Al Ca Mg K Na °/°° °/°° H2O meq% meq% meq% meq% meq% C/N 9,32 6,00 Sandy soil 7,00 0,02 0,24 Very poor 5,3 Acid 4,2 Total Bases CEC Tot Satura % 0,8 1,2 0,08 0,22 2,92 5.90 Very weak CEC and low saturation 50% Tab2: Rainfall of Savannakhet (SENO site) Years Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Average 37 years 3.6 17.2 32.9 54.7 167.8 230.2 260.3 343.8 244.4 92.6 7.4 1.9 1457 2010 9.6 7.3 0 64 245 213 224 494.9 249.3 212 0 0 1718.9 2011 20 3.5 5 28 88 139 240 588 492 15 0 0 1618 2012 0 0 51 44 282 325 299 110.3 133 30 0 0 1272.3 2013 0 1 5 38 156 242 149 92 313 44 0 0 1040 In 2013 rainfall was low (1040 mm) compared to the 1460 mm average. Rainfed rice was penalised by of water shortage mainly in August The overall objective of the action is to initiate a demonstration of Conservation Agriculture (CA) techniques with few farmers to test that CA practices can restore soil fertility, enhance and sustain agricultural production and productivity, improve smallholders’ livelihoods, and contribute to food security in poorest districts of the Savannakhet province. The main purpose of demonstrations is to test with producers alternative cropping systems to rice monoculture, which is expected to significantly increase and diversify producers' incomes and contribute to restoring the fertility of acid soils of the plain of Savannakhet. The CA farming system integrating Rice + Vigna radiata in rotation every 3 years with Stylosanthes Guianensis and Brachiaria Humidicola received very warm welcome from farmers. Rice + Vigna radiata is cropped during 3 years in rotation with 3 years of Stylosanthes g. and Brachiaria h. In 2010 the installation of the forage crops were rather long due to excess of water (waterlogging), in 2011 and 2012 production of green forage for animal feeding was considered as very promising by farmers. In 2013 rice took place on forage plots and vice versa forage plots were installed on the former rice plots. Rice production: In 2013, low rainfall and poor rains distribution have penalized the rice and masked the possible back effect of the previous three years of forage crop. Nevertheless the paddy rice yield in direct seeding of rice was of 4.3 t/ha compared to the yield of 2.2 t/ha of transplanted rice (with the same level of fertilization). Direct seeding allowed to gain 10 days of vegetation (sowing date 1/06/13 compared to the transplantation date 10/6/13). 11 Table 3: Impacts of No tillage + Direct Seeding on rice production Rice Variety Farming Systems CA-DMC system N°1 Thassano 7 (TSN7) Traditional system Nursery + mudding + Transplanting Rice yields recorded in Kg/ha of paddy Fertilization 2010 F1= 60-30-30 + 300 kg limestone powder F0= 48-24-12 Farmers’ fertilization 2011 2012 2013 4.15 5.15 4.35 4.30 Not tested 2.25 2.75 2.20 2.80 2.25 2.50 2.10 With the same level of fertilization, rice yields under CA-DMC increased compared to conventional agriculture. This is probably partly due to the correction of the soil acidity and also by the fact that no tillage and direct seeding allow to save time compared to land preparation, establishment of rice nursery and the necessity to wait for a well-established rainy season to flood plots and prepare the muddy conditions to transplant rice. If the rainy season is late, rice plants stay too long time in nursery with decreasing production potential. Forage production: Table 4: Comparison of forage production (2010-2013) Type of forage Rotation Brachiaria Humidicola 3 years In place New rotation Stylosanthes Guianensis 3 years In place New rotation Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2010 2011 2012 2013 Number of cuts 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 Production in green Kg/ha 27,000 30,000 16,725 27,500 25,000 27,000 9,900 18,500 Dry production Kg/ha 8,100 8,900 5,020 8.250 7,500 8,100 3,000 5,500 Brachiaria Humidicola is particularly well adapted to short period of flooded. Stylosanthes Guianensis has more difficulty to be established when soils are flooded but as soon as the crop is well established its productivity is very interesting. During the 5 months of the dry season (Nov-march) Brachiaria Humidicola and Stylosanthes Guianensis endure drought and restart fast growing from the very first rains. The system is robust and reliable in the Savannakhet conditions. In 2012 forage production was low. Probably due to very important rainfall in May, June & July (906 mm compared to 658 mm in average year) following in August, September and October by low rainfall (273mm compared to 681 mm in average year). The forage plots were destroyed at the end of the rainy season to give the place to rice cultivation (3 yers forages following by 3 years rice). In 2013 Forage (Styloxanthes guianensis and Brachiaria humidicola) came in rotation after 3 years of rice (rice + mung beans) Styloxantes was sown on 30/5/13 and B. humidicola was established from cutting on 24/5/13. The short rains were rather favorable to the establishment of the crops and the production of forage was similar to a normal year with a production of 27.5 t/ha of green Brachiaria (8.25 t/ha dry matter) and 18.5 t/ha green Styloxanthes (5.5 t/ha dry matter). Animal production (Beef fattening, cut and carry) The daily beef feed is based on a mix of 70% of green Brachiaria with 30% of green Stylosanthes. The daily quantity of green forage to feed animal represents 15% of the live weight of the animal. In 2012 the daily gain of weight was of 500 gr (550 gr in 2011). With a plot of 1 ha (0.7 ha in Brachiaria and 0.3 ha in Stylosanthes) the potential objective is to fatten 6 animals permanently during the whole 150 days of the rainy season. The meat production will be around 500-600 kg/ha for animal kept under shed and fed by cut and carry systems. Presently farmers are far from achieving these objectives. There is a problem to really integrate the fattening activities as farmers are partly using the forage resources to feed their other own animals and they prefer to keep animals fattening for short time and small weight gain. Farmers’ strategies are based on short but secured gains with few animals keeping forage resources for their other animals rather than to adopt a more intensive fattening system. In 2013 each of the two farmers, with 0.3 ha of forage (50% 12 Brachiaria Humidicola and 50% Styloxanthes), kept successively 4 animals during 30 days between the purchase and resale with a daily gain of 650 g bodyweight per day. They got an additional income of US$ 160 from fattening activities, without taking into account the use of forage to feed other animals. Rice Direct seeding Brachiaria Humidicola Beef Fattening (cut & carry) Stylosanthes Guianensis 2.4.2. CANSEA support to mechanization challenges in the region: Increasing the local availability of no-till equipment to facilitate CA dissemination in SEA Rational The local unavailability of suitable equipment for CA implementation, notably for smallholders, is a major constraint that has been acknowledged by most CANSEA members. Local unavailability includes notably no-till planters, adequate sprayers, and to a lesser extend rolling knives. The importation process and cost of such equipment, as well as the local need for equipment maintenance and continuous adaptation have highlighted the need for an increased involvement of local (national/regional) manufacturers in the development and deployment of affordable and effective no-till implements. Objectives of the action The objectives of the action are: - To identify local/regional manufacturers that would be interested in developing such equipment, - To test different prototypes notably regarding sowing quality (sowing depth and density), fertilizer distribution quality (quantity regulation and placement), machine handling and maintenance facility etc. - To facilitate the promotion of equipment. Main results At that stage, the main results are: - the identification of several regional manufacturers that are keen to work on these issues; this include 2 companies in Thailand (Autopart machine and Bothai Cie), 1 company in China (Gongli seeder), and 1 company in Laos (Havico), - the production of different prototypes for tractors, 2-wheel hand tractors or manual sowing (see pictures 1 to 6) 13 Perspectives An important work related to the evaluation of no-till equipment performances (see point 2) remain to be done. The strategy to promote equipment (e.g., demonstration day’s organization, relay contact and/or resellers’ identification, main targets identification etc.) has also to be built in partnership with the manufacturers. Pictures 1 to 7. No-till planters currently under evaluation in SEA 1. 4-row no-till planter for tractor (Autopart machine, Thailand) 2. 5-row no-till planter for tractor (Autopart machine, Thailand) 3. 2-row no-till planter for 2-wheel hand tractor (Bothai Cie, Thailand) 4. 4-row no-till planter for 2-wheel hand tractor (Gongli seeder, China) 5. 1-row no-till planter for 2-wheel hand tractor (Autopart machine, Thailand) 6. Manual seeder (Brazil; under reproduction with Havico, Laos) 7. Brazilian no-till planter used in Savannakhet and considered as the “target” 1 2 3 4 6 5 14 7 2.5. CANSEA participation at regional or international events 2.5.1. Participation to the tenth meeting of the GMS Working Group on Agriculture (WGA 10) 2 4 April 2013, Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR The WGA10 meeting was the opportunity to re-present the CANSEA regional project to the WGA group already presented at the WGA 9 in Nanning (China in July 2012) and during the CANSEA management visit to ADB in Manila in March 2013. The project “Eco-Friendly & Climate resilient Agriculture Intensification in GMS” was prepared with the five partners of the network: YAAS-AERI (China-Yunnan), GDA (Cambodia), NAFRI (Laos), KU and LDD (Thailand) and NOMAFSI (Vietnam). The Chairperson of the meeting (Mrs Sununtar Setboonsarng SEER of ADB) invited CANSEA to officially send the Concept Note to the CASP 2 secretariat newly established in Bangkok. Project was sent by DHL under a cover letter of Dr Xaypladeth Choulamany (DOP-MAF, Laos , National coordinator of the WGA) with copies to the WGA national coordinators (Yunnan, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam). The CASP2 secretariat should evaluate the projects presented and introduced into the CASP 2 funding pipe end funding for 2013. Unfortunately the choice by the ADB management to welcome the CASP secretariat in Bangkok was debated and contested by member countries with the effect of delaying the process of implementing CASP 2. 3. Part II: CANSEA Institutional Issues 3.1. CANSEA ‘s status issue Currently the CANSEA network has the moral and legal status of the institution that houses the presidency of the network. The issue is about the necessity (or not) for CANSEA to have its own status giving it an independent moral and legal personality enabling, among others, to independently collect, receive and manage financial resources. The regional coordination (CR) was mandated during the Steering Committee meeting of December 2012 to explore the possibility of obtaining official recognition and status in countries of the member institutions. In a first step contacts were taken with two lawyers’ offices in Laos and in Thailand to evaluate perspectives of establishing a legal entity. 15 3.1.1. Conclusion of Coreharbour Ltd, Bangkok Understanding of the Background “Reference is made to your email to Mr. James Cummiskey of Coreharbour Ltd. on February 8, 2013 confirming our engagement to prepare a report to CANSEA regarding the possibility of establishing a legal entity for CANSEA in Thailand. Please be advised that there are 2 legal entities which CANSEA can establish in Thailand. The first is a private limited company, and the second is a foundation.” Conclusions are the following: - The solution of a “private limited company” does not seem appropriate because it requires the mobilization of a permanent financial capital divided into equal shares between identified shareholders and an obligation to pay VAT and income taxes. - The solution of a “foundation” might be appropriated but the process of establishment is long as official will have to conduct a criminal record background check in respect of each members. For foreign members, the process can be very complicated as the official will need to cooperate with the relevant Embassy/consulate office in order to confirm that there is no criminal report for the relevant foreign members in his or her country of residence. 3.1.2. Conclusion of the Pauline Pradichit/Sithong Chantasouk Office, Vientiane, Laos Understanding of the Background “We understand that seven national institutions of Agricultural research and Development in the region with CIRAD created the “Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia (CANSEA). The eight institutions are linked by a MoU, but CANSEA has no legal personality and rely on the legal personality of the institution where the President is located”. You would like us to advise whether CANSEA can have a legal personality under the Lao PDR law.” Conclusions are the following: Under Lao PDR law, a MoU creating a network does not automatically grant the legal personality of that network. The legal personality is recognized on a case by case under Laos PDR law. Organizations such as: enterprises, some associations and international non-governmental organizations (INGO) have been recognized. Unfortunately, CANSEA does not belong to these types or organizations. CANSEA could be recognized as an INGO under decree N° 013/PM dated 8 January 2010 (INGO Decree) if CANSEA was duly registered in the country of origin. The organization Global Horticulture Initiative (74 members all around the world) based in Tanzania was launched in 2006 through a founding agreement with the International Society for Horticulture Science (ISHS) of Belgium. This registration in Belgium have allowed the Global Horticulture initiative to get an official recognition as INGO in Tanzania and to establish it secretariat in this country. This is an example of what CANSEA might do to get an INGO status by signing a foundation act somewhere in Europe or elsewhere and then an official registration in Lao PDR. 3.1.3. The ASEAN regional accreditation Backgroung A civil society organization (CSO) that is a non-profit making association of ASEAN persons, natural or juridical, organized to promote, strengthen and help realize the aims and objectives of ASEAN cooperation in the political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, medical and technological fields, may be affiliated to ASEAN. An affiliated CSO shall enjoy the following priviledges: - It may use the name “ASEAN” and display the official ASEAN logo in correspondence and communications; - It may submit written statements or recommendations and views on policy matters or on significant events to the ASEAN standing Committee; - It may submit its own project proposals for Third Party funding, to be channelled through the ASEAN Secretariat; - It may initiate programmes of activities for appropriate actions; - It may be allowed access to the facilities of the ASEA Secretariat for official meetings and other official activities; 16 - The ASEAN Secretariat shall provide CSOs with key ASEAN publications every year. An official request was done by the CANSEA CR to the ASEAN Secretariat to get this ASEAN affiliation. Here after the received answer: “Greetings from the ASEAN Secretariat. My name is Rif’at Fachir and I am the officer handling entities associated with ASEAN (listed in Annex 2 of the ASEAN Charter). I refer to your letter dated 20 August 2013 to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, requesting for your organisation (Conservation Agriculture Network for South East Asia or CANSEA) to be accredited/affiliated to ASEAN. We have reviewed your documentation and noticed that two of your eight core founding members are nonASEAN Member States (i.e. China and France). Accordingly, we would not be able to process your application for accreditation under the current Guidelines. Please refer to the attached “Guidelines on the Accreditation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)”, where paragraph 4a of states that “as a general rule, only a CSO whose membership is confined to ASEAN nationals may be considered for accreditation with ASEAN.” Kindly be informed that the Guidelines was newly adopted in 5 November 2012, and supersedes the previous “Guidelines on ASEAN’s Relations with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)” (2006), which you have referred to in your letter of application. The said “Guidelines” are also available online at the ASEAN WEB through the following link: http://www.asean.org/images/2012/documents/Guidelines%20on%20Accreditation%20of%20CSOs.pdf. Rif’at S. Fachir (Mr.) Technical Assistant AIPA, ASEAN Foundation, AICHR and Other Entities Associated with ASEAN Division Community Affairs Development Directorate Community & Corporate Affairs Department The ASEAN Secretariat 70A Jl. Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta 12110 Tel: (62-21) 726-2991 Ext. 412 Fax: (62-21) 739-8234, 724-3504 Email: [email protected] Web: www.asean.org How to move forward? - Limit the full membership status to the institutions from ASEAN countries which will signed a new MoU; - Other institutions will have a status of associate members. 17 3.2. Request for New CANSEA Memberships During 2013 the regional coordination received official requests for memberships and identified institutions which could be potentially interested to become CANSEA members. Institutions Country The University of Queensland Australia Think Soils Australia SEARCA Southern Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture ICRAF The International Centre for Research in Agroforestry BSWM Philippines with regional mandate Status School of Agriculture and Food Sciences Agro-Ecosystems Soil Management Solutions Science and Education for Agriculture & Development (established under SEAMEO umbrella) Philippines Soil Conservation and Management Division Philippines Bureau of Soils and Water Management Official request 10 October 2013 19 November 2013 Potential Member + International Institution of CGIAR + Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agriculture + 4. Part III: Financial report 2013 4.1. CANSEA Budget (2013) in Euros 4.1.1. Incomes Incomes Budget Allocation from CIRAD (Platform in partnership CANSEA) Contribution From CIRAD to support preparation project to EU Contribution from CIRAD URSIA Partners’ subscription in cash (NOMAFSI) Specific resources (French Embassy + Feasibility Study) Total Incomes MAF (Laos-PDR) KU-CSC (Thailand) CANSEA Budget for 2012 Amount in US$ % 40,000 68.2 4,350 7.4 9,300 15.9 1,000 1.7 4,000 6.8 58,650 100% Partners’ contribution in kind Put office and commodities (including a car) at the disposal of the regional coordination Accommodation and logistic for missions 18 YAAS-AERI (China-Yunnan) Accommodation and logistic for missions NOMAFSI Logistic for the Steering Committee meeting 4.1.2. Expenses Nature of the expenses CIRAD AI N°7 Expenses in US$ CIRAD AI CIRAD N° 6 UR-SIA Total 0ther resources In US$ In % Generic activities Valorisation (Web site, exchange, visits…) 3,694 0 2,828 3,000 9,522 16.6 Support for preparation of new projects 3,999 4,350 36 1,909 10,294 17.9 12,473 0 4,040 0 16,513 28.7 1,317 0 0 0 1,317 2.3 7,775 0 536 0 8,311 14.5 9,845 0 1,830 0 11,675 20.3 39,103 4,350 9,270 4,909 57,632 100 67.9 7.6 16.1 8.6 Support to scientific activities of regional interest Restoration Acidic soils Agric. Mechanization Missions, Travels Participation to international events Secretariat and Regional Coordination Operation Costs Steering Committees 2012 Battambang 10 Dec 13 Cambodia Total 100 From the breakdown of expenses we observe that the contribution supporting scientific activities of regional interest accounts for 28.7%.and constitutes the most important expenses. The Steering Committees in 2013 (December 2013) represents around 20% of the annual expenses of the network. Generic activities and support to the preparation of new projects account almost equally for 17%. Expenses for the operation of the regional coordinating unit remain reasonable (14.5%). Jean-Claude Legoupil December 2013 19 CANSEA Statement of Expennses 2013 CANSEA Expenses Statement from CIRAD AI 7: € 30,000 (US$39,958) Support to prepare, propose and defend new projects Generic Activities - Valorisation Date Object Amount 18/8/13 Création Plaquette CANSEA 20/8/13 Impression Plaquette CANSEA 20/8/13 Maquettiste pour plaquette 659 1 535 1 500 Date Object Amount 5/3/13 Billet avion Legoupil-Anonh Manille Mission Legoupil Anonh Manille 20/3/13 réunion Mars ADB 18/4/13 Envoi par DHL proposition GMS-ADB 2 170 1 573 256 Support to scientific activities of regional interest and training Date Object Experiment New CA Farming system in 2013 acidic areas (DMC + Cover plants + animal production) Amount Missions Travels international Events Date Object 3694 Sub Total Date Object Steering Committee Amount Date Object Amount 2013 Provision 9845 7 218 27/3/13 Billet avion Phonsavan (GMS Meeting) 170 2013 Stationary-Bureautique 754 2013 Support to the CERFAC training Program 1 500 Frais d'émission carte visa 3 % sur Billet 27/3/13 avion Phonsavan 5 2013 Bank Charge 68 774 2013 Telephone - Internet 513 368 2013 Traduction 344 2013 Carburant 1 202 2013 Secretariat 750 2013 Maintenance equipment-Car 696 2013 Social expenses 2013 Equipment (Computer) 2013 Lawyer expenses (CANSEA Status) Importation - Local Adaptation CA agric 2013 . Equipement 3 755 5/4/13 Mission GSM-ADB Phonsavan 23/6/13 Mission Thaïlande Sub Total Secretariats and CR regional costs Amount 3 999 Sub Total 12 473 Sub Total 1 317 Sub Total 316 1 767 1 365 7 775 Sub Total 9845 CANSEA Expenses Statement from CIRAD AI 6: = € 3,350 (US$4,350) 0 4/5/13 Consultation JC Castella Projet EUGCCAP 4350 0 0 0 0 CANSEA Expenses Statement from Specific allocation from CIRAD UR-SIA = US$ 9,270 Editing CANSEA Strategic Work 231 Plan Printing CANSEA Strategic 14/11/13 2 597 Work Plan 14/11/13 14/11/13 Contribution to regional Study 36 2013 Experiment Savannakhet (Acidic soils) 950 1/11/13 Stationary 7 2013 Constructuion CA Agric. Equipment 990 5/11/13 Carburant 78 2013 Sub Total Sub Total 2 828 36 Support to Cambodia for C sequestration program Sub Total 2 100 4 040 Sub Total 0 14/11/13 Air Tickets SC members 1830 536 Sub Total 1830 0 Sub Total 13/11/13 Car Maintenance 19 14/11/13 Monitor Computer 432 Sub Total CANSEA Expenses Statement from specific external ressources (French Embassy Philippines = US$ 2,000 + NOMAFSI subscription US$ = 1,000 + Feasibility Study AFD-NUDP = 2000) 2013 CANSEA Web Site Management 3000 13/7/13 Mission Montpellier Philippines Juillet 13 20/8/13 DHL to ASEAN General Secretary Sub Total 3000 Total 2013 9 522 Sub Total 1 845 64 1 909 Total 2013 10 294 Sub Total 0 Total 2013 16 513 Sub Total 0 Total 2013 1 317 Sub Total Total 2013 8 311 0 Total 2013 11 675 Total General 2013 = 57,632 20 21 22