PACIFIC ISLAND FARMERS ORGANISATION NETWORK€¦ · pineapple production that was undertaken in...

PACIFIC ISLAND FARMERS ORGANISATION

NETWORK

MTCP II Annual Report for 2015

Reporting

period January – November 2015

Date

submitted December 18th 2015

prepared by

Kyle Stice Manager, PIFON


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Contents

1 Executive Summary ........................................................................................... 3

2 Update from National Implementing Agencies........................................... 5

2.1 Fiji ..............................................................................................................................5

2.2 Tonga.........................................................................................................................6

2.3 Vanuatu......................................................................................................................7

2.4 Papua New Guinea .....................................................................................................8

2.5 Samoa........................................................................................................................9

2.6 Solomon Islands ....................................................................................................... 10

3 Update on regional activities......................................................................... 12

3.1 Pacific Soil Learning Exchange .................................................................................. 12

3.2 IFAD Pacific Program Review .................................................................................... 13

3.3 PIFON Learning and Planning Meeting/ Sub-regional steering committee and

AGM......................................................................................................................... 13

4 Highlights of key accomplishments over reporting period .................. 16

4.1 Component 1: Strengthening of Farmer Organisations and their networks .................... 16

4.2 Component 2: Participation in Policy processes .......................................................... 23

4.3 Component 3: FO Services and involvement in Agricultural Development

Program ................................................................................................................... 24

4.4 Component 4: Program Coordination and Management ............................................... 25

5 Gender disaggregated summary of activities........................................... 29

6 Financial Report ................................................................................................ 30


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1 Executive Summary

PIFON started the year 2015 with a three day Planning and Training Meeting and Sub-Regional Steering Committee Meeting. This meeting was held in Nadi on January 28-30th and attended by five out of the six NIAs, including the newest country to

MTCP II – PNG. This meeting was a success with thorough reflections on its 1st year of implementation in 2014 and planning national and regional activities for the 2nd

year, outlining the opportunities and constraints and also levelling off expectations between PIFON and IFAD.

The regional focus or thrusts for MTCP II in 2015 was on major themes such as seeds, soils, farmer oriented value chain trainings and youth in agriculture. In 2015, six National Implementing Agencies (NIAs) had signed LOAs with PIFON, including: Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Papua New Guinea In partnership with these NIAs MTCP II is wide spread in the region with a relatively large number of beneficiaries. Activities conducted over the 2015 work period ranged from grass roots farmer trainings to regional workshops and writing up of key lessons learnt. The following are just some of the highlights for the year 2015:

A Spices Scoping Study tour made by a few members from the Taveuni region of Fiji to Wainadoi, has successfully resulted in two demo plots being set up for Cardamom, Pepper, Vanilla and Nutmeg in the Northern and Southern parts of Taveuni. This was

facilitated by Spices of Fiji’s Veronica Hazelman who provided the technical advice and planting material for its establishment with the help of Tei Tei Taveuni (TTT).

Following a series of trainings on papaya production and its value chain aspects with a view to export, a survey is being currently undertaken in Tonga to help with the

planning and implementation of commercial papaya plots. In conjunction with this survey, commercial breadfruit production is also being explored.

Given the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pam, Vanuatu is still in recovery

mode with ongoing rehabilitation works in progress.

Solomon’s Kastom Gaden Association has successfully completed their improved seed production and supply activity with a report on recommendations from TerraCircle consultant, Emma Stone now available.

PIFON’s newest NIA, PNG WiADF hosted a training on leadership and strategic planning event for its farmer organization members during the last quarter of the year. This major event brought together not only local farmer organisations but also regional farmer organisations including public and private sector partners and women. Participants to this two day event were empowered to foster strong leadership skills and values.


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Despite the setback at the beginning of the year with issues regarding its NIA and

formal registration as a farmer organisation, Samoa also has a success story to highlight. There are now positive impacts to the technical exchange for year round

pineapple production that was undertaken in 2014. Almost 70,000 plants are now ready to produce off-season fruit before the natural 2016 pineapple season. This

resulted from planting in stages.

The main highlight for the final quarter of the year is the Pacific Soil Learning Exchange that brought together soil experts and stakeholders from around the

region and converging on Taveuni, Fiji to discuss soil issues. PIFON strongly supports educating the members of its network on the importance of healthy soils and how to

implement sustainable soil and land management to ensure a healthy and productive food system and improve rural livelihoods.

To wrap up a very fruitful year, PIFON hosted a Learning and Planning meeting which included meeting of the Sub-regional steering committee for MTCP II and the RIA-SRIA meeting. Finally PIFON convened its AGM on December 04 which resulted in the elected of PIFON’s first female member on its Board of Directors. We would like to congratulate Mrs Serenia Madigibuli of Tutu Rural Training Centre (Fiji) on her new appointment and on the same note would like to also congratulate Mr Clement

Hadosaia of Kastom Gaden Association (Solomon Islands) who was re-elected back onto the Board. We wish the very best of success to outgoing Board member, Mr

Andrew McGregor (Fiji) who has formally resigned.


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2 Update from National Implementing Agencies

2.1 Fiji

The signing of the LOA between PIFON as the Sub-regional Implementing Agency (SRIA) for the Pacific and Fiji’s National Implementing Agency (NIA), Tei Tei Taveuni (TTT), was completed on 26 February 2015.

To date the main activities completed by TTT have included:

A scoping study tour was conducted by 4 farmers from TTT and 3 from Tutu Rural Training Centre (TRTC) to Spices of Fiji, Wainadoi to investigate the

possibility of farming spices on Taveuni as a means of complimenting their present commercial crops of taro (dalo) and yaqona (kava). This tour was

carried out on 30 March.

A co-funded activity between the PAPP partnership and the MTCP II project being the preparation of a policy brief on the removal of VAT from all

agricultural inputs began on April 15. The write up of the policy brief was funded out of PIFON – PAPP partnership and the follow up lobbying funded out of MTCP II and completed in July. TTT in collaboration with TRTC hosted a regional soil forum on 23 – 25 September on the island of Taveuni for all PIFON members and soil experts, as a means of promoting the UN declared International Year of Soils 2015

with the theme ‘Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life’. A media competition was also held in parallel with the forum. The main objective of conducting this

learning exchange and competition was to gather as much information as possible about sustainable soil practices for the benefit of members within

the region.

Participants to the Pacific Soil Learning Exchange at the Tutu Rural Training Centre in Taveuni, Fiji


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Prior to this, there was a Viti Levu farmer – farmer exchange that took place on 21 – 22 September. This first part of the exchange involved farm visits

related to dalo, yaqona, pineapple and vegetable production along with understanding how TRTC and TTT operated. This part of the exchange

involved only around 8 participants coming from selected farmer groups around Viti Levu.

A farmer - farmer learning exchange to Vanuatu was carried out by

representatives from TTT and Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) from 12 – 16 October. KGA and TTT in Fiji had expressed their interest in learning about

the operations of farmer organisations in Vanuatu. On-site visits were conducted to member FOs of the Spices Network – Syndicat Agricole (SAPV),

VARTC and Venui Vanilla to learn about its programmes, operations and administration. This exchange was attended by 5 participants, 2 from Fiji and

the remainder from the Solomons. A follow-up to the Spices Scoping Study in March was undertaken from 02 –

03 November. The Spices Technical Exchange was carried out with the owner of Spices Fiji visiting TTT to provide consultation services on the proper and

recommended propagation techniques and curing of a variety of spices. As a result of this two pilot spice trial sites on Taveuni have now been established.

TTT upgraded its accounting software system by purchasing and installing

MYOB.

Containers and silica gel were purchased by TTT for their Mucuna bean seed saving trials.

2.2 Tonga

The signing of the LOA was completed on 19 February 2015. This marks the first official LOA between PIFON and Growers Federation.

Activities completed to date have included:

A technical exchange was carried out between Tonga and Fiji from April 8 – 15 which included a series of trainings on papaya production, costs and returns and value chain aspects. This training exchange was conducted by

Fiji’s commercial papaya farmer and FO leader Livai Tora, for the farmers’ organisations in Tonga including its NIA, the Growers Federation of Tonga

(GroFed).

A pineapple technical exchange focusing on transferring technologies for off-season production took place from June 15-23rd. The exchange involved

extensive hands on training and establishment of demonstration plots.


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PIFON was represented at the Asia Pacific Local Champion Exhibition in

Cambodia from 10 – 12 August by the CEO for the Tongan Growers Federation.

A series of follow up papaya trainings and field survey will be implemented

from 14 – 18 December by Livai Tora to assist GROFED and its farmers in the planning and implementation of a commercial papaya production plan and

also to explore commercial breadfruit production.

The Tonga Growers Federation compiled a feasibility study and funding proposal for submission to the Tonga Government for the establishment of a

soil lab to service the needs of Tongan Farmers. The submission is currently in its final stages of review.

2.3 Vanuatu

The signing of the LOA between PIFON and the NIA for Vanuatu, the Farm Support

Association (FSA) was completed on 09 April 2015. Activities completed so far are as follows:

Following the devastating impact of TC Pam in Vanuatu in early March 2015

that caused the displacement of at least 3,300 people and damages of up to 90% of housing, including vital supplies of food and water, FSA requested a

variation to the planned utilisation of their allocated funds under MTCP II. FSA’s first activity that was immediately undertaken given the circumstances was technical advisory (TA) support in the following areas:

Assisting them on the impact of TC Pam on their program and providing recommendations for any necessary changes

Assisting in the preparation of a rehabilitation proposal to be implemented through their network in consultation with their partner agency

Preparing an appropriate report for the PIFON network that focuses on lessons learnt

Dr Andrew McGregor given his experience in this area and familiarity with Vanuatu and FSA was FSA’s choice of consultant to implement this.

As part of their rehabilitation efforts, FSA requested for an order of vegetable

seeds which was facilitated through purchase from Fiji’s renowned and PIFONs preferred seed supplier, Hop Tiy & Co. Ltd. In addition to this, FSA

also requested for an order of empty foil seed packets from Nature’s Way Cooperative to be used for their seed re-packaging for the redistribution to

their members.

In partnership and collaboration with Tei Tei Taveuni (TTT) of Fiji, three

participants from Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) conducted a farmer – farmer learning exchange to Vanuatu. They visited Syndicat Agricole (SAPV),


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VARTC and Venui Vanilla, farmer organisation members of the Spices

Network in Vanuatu to learn about its operations. This event was conducted from 12 – 16 October.

Ongoing survey work on the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pam

that struck Vanuatu in early March 2015 is currently being implemented.

Strong winds, heavy rains and floods resulting from Tropical Cyclone Pam have caused extensive damage to agriculture throughout Vanuatu

2.4 Papua New Guinea

PIFONs newest member and NIA, PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (PNG WiADF) signed its LOA as the NIA for PNG, with PIFON on 04 March 2015. Activities completed to date have included:

Assistance has been provided to six national farmer organisations in terms of strategic planning and proposal writing in an effort to develop the capacity of these organisations to better serve their members. These activities have included for which local consultants were employed to carry out:

Preparation of soil and conducting nursery training for traditional

vegetables, seed handling and nutritional values of plants

especially traditional vegetables and mass propagation using non-

mist propagator.

Documentation of all cataloguing and collection of traditional

open pollinated seeds available in PNG

Preservation of local seeds and documentation

PNG WiADF has also been involved in a recent survey of open-pollinated vegetable varieties available in PNG with the hope that this will be the foundation for a programme to increase the availability of open pollinated

seed to farmers around PNG.


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Participants to the field trip during the FO Leadership & Strategic Planning Training in Lae, PNG

A funding proposal on improved fruits and vegetable project development

was submitted to the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Hon

Richard Maru. The outcome of this is yet to be reported.

PNG WiADF recently hosted a ‘Farmer Organisations Leadership and Strategic Planning Training’ event in Lae, PNG from 19th – 22nd October, 2015. The two part event consisted of a two day PNG Farmer Organisation Learning

Exchange bringing together PNG FOs, regional FOs, public and private sector partners to discuss the successes and constraints of farmer organisations.

The latter part of the event consisted of a two day Women’s Leadership Training from Oct 21-22. The training brought together farmer organisation

leaders, entrepreneurs and public sector women to encourage and foster strong leadership values and skills.

2.5 Samoa

The signing of the LOA between PIFON and Samoa’s NIA, the Samoa Farmers

Association (SFA) was completed on 06 March 2015.

There were no activities completed over the first three quarters of the year due to internal issues around the NIA and its registration process. These issues have now

been resolved.

A follow up on the pineapple technical exchange that was initiated in December 2014 was carried out from 09 - 13 November. This was to follow

up on all year round production of pineapple and provide advice on practical solutions to secure continued development.

The impacts of the pineapple programme in 2014 can already be seen on some pineapple farms in Samoa, including:


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The natural cycle being broken on a number of farms.

65,000 – 70,000 plants being planted in stages and now ready to produce off-season fruit before the 2016 natural pineapple season in November/December 2016.

Impacts of 2014 planting now showing

A follow up on the papaya technical exchange that was carried out in September 2014 was implemented from 02 – 06 November. This follow up

training was aimed at enhancing key papaya production practices that will see a steady supply of red fleshed papaya into the local market. It is also envisioned that the next stage will be targeting the export market. A soil management training was also carried out for the staff and participants of the workshop of SFA in November following the report on the success of the Pacific Soil Learning Exchange held in Taveuni, Fiji earlier in September. This training was also to be conducted for the floriculture, papaya, pineapple and other farmers. A report on this is now pending.

2.6 Solomon Islands

The signing of the LOA between PIFON and Kastom Gaden Association (KGA), the National Implementing Agency (NIA) for the Solomons was completed on 26

February 2015. Activities completed to date have included:

Kastom Gaden is engaged in an ongoing process to improve its Planting

Material Network scheme which facilitates the transfer of key seed materials

to around 4000 remote farmers. KGA received technical support in seed

production practices and packaging through several TA inputs from April –

November 2015.

KGA contracted a TerraCircle consultant in July to assist in the development

of its 2016 – 2021 Strategic Plan. The facilitation of KGA’s Review and


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Planning Meeting was carried out by TerraCircle as a part of this short term

consultancy as well.

KGA participated in a farmer - farmer learning exchange to Vanuatu from 12 – 16 October. KGA and TTT in Fiji had expressed their interest in learning about the operations of farmer organisations in Vanuatu. On-site visits were conducted to member FOs of the Spices Network – Syndicat Agricole (SAPV),

VARTC and Venui Vanilla to learn about its programmes, operations and administration.

MTCP II co-funded participation of KGA members to attend one regional and

one international event in 2015 – Regional Workshop on Network of Organic

Pilot Farm (New Caledonia – 31 Oct – 14 November) and Indigenous Terra

Madre conference (India – 31 Oct – 9 November).


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3 Update on regional activities

3.1 Pacific Soil Learning Exchange

A regional soil exchange forum was hosted by TTT and TRTC on Taveuni from 23 – 25 September to gather as much information as possible about sustainable soil practices for the benefit of members within the region. This was conducted in line with the UN International Year of Soils theme “Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life”. The forum attracted 61 participants from around the region to participate. The learning exchange achieved significant progress towards a common understanding in the Pacific about the various methods and techniques for maintaining healthy soil in the region – a key element for the Pacific if it is to grow its crucial agricultural industries. PIFON is proud to present a publication and short video on this event that cover the main topics and field visits. The publication can be downloaded from the website on http://www.pacificfarmers.com/publications-2/ and the video can viewed on the PIFON YouTube channel (accessible through our website on http://www.pacificfarmers.com/videos/). A media competition was held in parallel

with the regional Pacific Soil Learning Exchange held on Taveuni in September. The competition theme was also the UN declared International Year of Soils theme 'Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life' to highlight the positive impact of sustainable soil management around the Pacific region.

Participants to the field trip during the Pacific Soil Learning Exchange in Taveuni, Fiji

http://www.pacificfarmers.com/publications-2/

http://www.pacificfarmers.com/videos/


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3.2 IFAD Pacific Program Review

PIFON hosted IFAD’s 1st Pacific Programme Review Workshop at South Sea Orchids

conference facility in Nasau, Nadi on 21 – 23 October, 2015. About 20 participants from around the region including four IFAD representatives, attended this workshop.

The purpose of the Review was to take stock of the performance of the on-going

IFAD financed activities in the Pacific Region with a view towards improving their performance and the outcomes that they seek to achieve in the lives of rural people. An important outcome of this event was the strengthening of relationships between projects and making stronger connections within country and regional programmes. PIFON is working to integrate farmer organisations into more IFAD development programmes across the region.

Group discussion at IFAD’s 1st Pacific Programme Review Workshop at the South Sea

Orchids in Nasau, Nadi.

3.3 PIFON Learning and Planning Meeting/ Sub-regional steering committee and AGM

PIFON held a three-day Planning and Training Meeting for its NIAs in January

whereby reflections on 2014 and its achievements and constraints was made by all NIAs present during the first session. The emerging thrusts for MTCP II in 2015 were

then discussed and presented to the NIAs by the AFA representatives.

The overview of the MTCP II project as presented by MTCP II’s Regional Implementing Agency (RIA), AFA touched on the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring &

Evaluation (PBME) and Governance aspects of it.


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As part of the project planning and budgeting process, the NIAs were encouraged to stick to the MTCP-2 Logframe’s strategic goal, objectives, outcomes, outputs and

inputs. Each NIA was required to work on their Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) clearly setting out their quantitative and qualitative targets towards

achieving the 5 year MTCP II program goals by deciding on key activities with clear timelines. Planning simply involves answering the following questions: Where are

you now? Where do you want to be? and How will you get there? It is like translating a story to achieve a perceived change i.e. setting goals and developing strategies etc.

to achieve them.

The Monitoring and Evaluation session on Day 2 highlighted the following as important tools for this process:

- Reports – NIAs are to produce quarterly reports to the SRIAs who in turn produce semestral reports to the RIAs which will then be

consolidated as an annual regional report for the donors. - Field visits - SIS Mission

Monitoring means to continuously observe and track changes. Evaluation is done mid-term and at the end of the project, making judgment on the performance, value

and relevance of activity i.e acting as a yardstick to measure progress.

The final session of Day 2 touched on Learning and Knowledge Management i.e. understanding the effectiveness of one’s organisation and/or programmes and being

able to share themes at all levels across the country and regional levels through developing knowledge products such as case studies and video documentation for

instance. Social networking tools namely the MTCP-2 project blog, Facebook and Twitter were also introduced in this session with hands-on training conducted by the

MTCP II Communications Manager, Mr Jun Virola. Knowledge sharing tools s uch as news writing, story harvesting and the use of templates were also a critical part of

this practical session. A photo and video documentation training session was also conducted which generated a lot of excitement and interest. Requests have even

been made from some NIAs for the purchase of tablets as a result of this. Day 3 focused on the Financial Management aspects of the project. Each NIA is

being reminded of their responsibility and accountability to their members and donor partners with an emphasis on maintaining basic project accounting principles

and concepts. The NIAs are encouraged to ensure that their organisational policies and procedures align with donor partner requirements.

PIFON’s Learning and Planning Meeting was conducted over 3 days at the Anchorage

Beach Resort Conference Room in Nadi, Fiji from Dec 01 – 04.

Day 1 was dedicated to AFA and PIFON meeting to discuss the 2015 major accomplishment and year-end requirements, the 2016 major targets and common

activities including the 2016 budget. This in effect is the Sub-Regional Steering Committee meeting.


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Day 2 was a reflecting session whereby an overview presentation on PIFON as being

the Sub Regional Implementing Agency (SRIA) was made followed by each member country’s presentations. Presentations were made by both AFA and PIFON on the

regional activities on key themes: - Seeds

- Soils

- Off-season vegetable production

- Value chain training

The 2nd session of the day was a focus on MTCP II discussing what the 2015 major accomplishments and year-end requirements for MTCP II in Asia and the Pacific were and highlighting the major targets and common activities plus budget for 2016. Session 3 was a focus on the PAPP project, highlighting the 2015 major

accomplishments and progress towards goals. - Pacific Breadfruit and Seeds Project

- 2016 targets and budget

Session 1 of Day 3 comprised of the introduction of the PIFON designed map making application for farmer organisations. This application is designed to enable a farmer

with a hand-held device to make a map easily just by plotting a series of points of interest (POI) and saving the maps online for printing later. The POIs can be added

directly from the map, based on one’s current location (device) as reported by GPS, or by entering GPS coordinates. The application can be run both offline and online.

Day 3’s afternoon session was based on building stronger farmer organisations

through monitoring and evaluation to assess growth and also lessons on financial management. This was followed on by planning for 2016 for each of the two projects MTCP II and PAPP whereby an overview of goals, targets and budget allocations were presented and the prioritization of both country and regional activities and initiatives made.

The PIFON Annual General Meeting was held on Dec 04, to which the Board and the representatives of the majority of PIFON’s members were present at. A re-election of Board members took place with Clement Hadosaia of KGA volunteering to step down and Andrew McGregor of the PIFON Secretariat resigning. Clement was later re-elected and Mrs Serenia Madigibuli of TRTC elected to replace Andrew. HLB Crosbie and Associates has been appointed to be PIFON’s auditor. It was decided at the AGM that an independent review of PIFON’s Strategic Plan be conducted and the results of which will be presented at the Normal General Meeting that is to be called. This is PIFON’s strategy into measuring how effective its’ members’ needs are being met and to also analyse how well the Secretariat governs itself. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the successful reviewer will be circulated to PIFON members for their inputs and/or suggestions.


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4 Highlights of key accomplishments over reporting period

4.1 Component 1: Strengthening of Farmer Organisations and their networks

i. Regional exchanges of expertise between FOs and their

associated private sector partners.

Fiji A scoping study tour of the Spices of Fiji in Wainadoi (on the island of Viti Levu) was conducted by four farmers from Tei Tei Taveuni (TTT) and three from Tutu Rural Training Centre (TRTC) to investigate the possibility of farming spices on Taveuni as a means of complimenting their present commercial crops of taro (dalo) and yaqona (kava).

A follow on Spices Exchange tour was carried out on November 2 – 3, whereby two pilot spice trial sites on Taveuni for Cardamom, Vanilla, Nutmeg and Pepper have

now been established and facilitated by TTT members and Spices of Fiji. A technical exchange between TTT/TRTC and Venui Vanilla in Vanuatu on spice farming (vanilla) was conducted in October. This is follow-on from the scoping study tour conducted earlier in March. This exchange was a learning experience on spice farming and FSA/SAPVs marketing strategies. A farmer to farmer exchange was planned between farmers from Nadarivatu and Taveuni to see firsthand Taveuni’s commercial farming practices including the TRTC, in a bid to share TTT’s experience with soil rehabilitation. This was scheduled for June but was later carried out in September leading up to the Regional Soil Learning Exchange with not only selected farmers from Nadarivatu but all around Viti Levu. Technical assistance was required in the area of the processing/storage of mucuna seeds so as to enable farmers to have a year round supply of good seeds by

identifying appropriate storage techniques and carrying out trials on storage after the harvesting of mucuna pods in June. Upon the advice given by Australia’s

TerraCircle consultant, Emma Stone, in her report on the Regional Seed Scoping Study undertaken in 2014, TTT has purchased containers and silica gel for their Mucuna bean seed saving trials.


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Nutmeg growing at the Spices of Fiji in

Wainadoi, Fiji.

A vanilla plantation within the Spices of Fiji in

Wainadoi, Fiji.

A Viti Levu farmer – farmer exchange was conducted on 21 – 22 September. This exchange involved farm visits related to dalo, yaqona, pineapple and vegetable production. The objective of this exchange was to gain understanding on how TRTC and TTT operated. Eight participants from selected farmer groups around Viti Levu participated in this event. TTT upgraded its accounting software system by purchasing and installing MYOB.

Tonga

A series of trainings on papaya production, costs and returns and value chain aspects was conducted in Tonga in April by commercial papaya farmer and FO leader, Livai

Tora from Fiji. The trainings were organized and hosted by the Growers Federation of Tonga (GroFed) with funding through the PIFON MTCP 2 programme. Other

Tongan national farmer organisations that participated in the training included Hahake Farmer’s Association, Nishi Growers, MORDI and Women in Horticulture Groups. The five day training commencing April 08, 2015 was split into three sessions with the first session of participants being 22 growers from Hahake at Mala’evakapuna over the first two days, the second comprising of 20 Hihifo growers over the third day at the Nishi Farm in ‘Utulau, and the final session consisting of 26 growers from ‘Eua island from 13th – 14th April.

The papaya production training was aimed at assisting the growers planning to grow

and export papaya in turn contributing to PIFON’s objective of providing national FOs with key contacts, information and the technical expertise required to enable

their members to better participate in commercial agriculture and at the same time increasing the productivity and environmental sustainability of their members’

farming operations.

The farmer to farmer learning exchange concept allows Pacific Islanders to learn from the experiences of their neighbors and at the same time expand the network. Tonga has recently re-certified its quarantine treatment facility and aims to begin exporting papaya into the New Zealand market.


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Staking out the planting holes prior to planting the

papaya seedlings

Participants have a go at planting papaya

seedlings at Hango

A technical exchange from Fiji to visit Tonga to provide technical support for the pineapple growers of Tonga on how to produce and consistently supply pineapple in

the local market all year round was implemented from 15 - 22 June. There was much anticipation/excitement in regards to off-season production of fruit. Peter

Kjaer, the pineapple technical consultant recommended that given the productive and well balanced pH of soil in Tonga, the main change necessary is to plan the crop

cycle to suit the targeted markets.

Preparing the pineapple banks A fertilized pineapple bank with suckers planted

A survey is currently underway from 14 – 18 December by Livai Tora to assist GROFED and its farmers in the planning and implementation of a Papaya commercial

trial in Tonga and also to explore commercial breadfruit production. Outputs of this survey will be reported in due course.

Vanuatu

The Vanuatu Farm Support Association hosted a farmer organisation exchange to involving representatives from TTT and Kastom Gaden Association (KGA) from 12 –


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16 October. KGA and TTT in Fiji had expressed their interest in learning about the

operations of farmer organisations in Vanuatu. On-site visits were conducted to member FOs of the Spices Network – Syndicat Agricole (SAPV), VARTC and Venui

Vanilla to learn about its programmes, operations and administration. This exchange was attended by 5 participants, 2 from Fiji and the remainder from the Solomons.

Piero Bianchessi explaining about vanilla planting

Samoa

A follow-up assessment on the papaya technical exchange from Fiji to Samoa conducted in September last year, was implemented from November 02 - 06. The

purpose of the trainings was to collaborate with SFA and stakeholders on the best practice of papaya commercial production. Following the training, farmers from the SFA and papaya enthusiasts in Samoa are now able to make informed decisions in terms of taking the next steps for commercial papaya production. They are now fully aware of the scale of investment that is involved and most importantly the risks associated with it.

A follow-up assessment on the pineapple technical exchange conducted last year from Fiji to Samoa was implemented in November. Its purpose was to follow up on

all year round production of pineapple and provide advice on practical solutions to secure continued development. The initial challenge was to get farmers to plant

more systematically and to use a planting plan to break the natural cycle and prepare for off-season production. The impacts of this programme can now already

be seen on some pineapple farms in Samoa, including: The natural cycle had been broken on a number of farms.

65,000 – 70,000 plants had been planted in stages and are ready to produce off-season fruit before the 2016 natural pineapple season in

November/December 2016.


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Planting material being prepared and graded by the participants. The unfit material was rejected.

All growers became familiar with the process.

Planting the pineapple on the plastic covered bed

ii. Technical advisor assisting members in the organisational

reviews, strategic planning and preparation of funding proposals.

Tonga

Technical advisor assistance in writing a funding proposal to FAO for a soil lab in

Tonga has just been completed and has been endorsed by GroFed’s Board for submission.

Vanuatu

Technical advisor assistance in preparing a rehabilitation proposal in consultation

with partner agencies, to be implemented through the FSA Network is completed. Oxfam with MFAT and own funding will be providing support for the rehabilitation of

200 rural enterprises based on the funding request submitted by FSA/SAPV. The total value of this funding was NZD 200,000. The total number of enterprises to be supported is approximately half the number in the original FSA/SAPV request and will cover the vegetable and poultry sectors. Thus additional funding will be required to support the proposed rehabilitation of pig, cattle, spices and honey enterprises – together with the rehabilitation of the Napil Rural Training Centre on Tanna. APHEDA expressed some interest in providing some supplementary funding

taking its lead from Oxfam.

Papua New Guinea

A funding proposal on improved fruits and vegetable project development was submitted to government and is now awaiting a response.


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Solomon Islands

Work on KGA’s 2016 – 2021 Strategic Plan commenced in July with the assistance of

TerraCircle consultant, Emma Stone who also facilitated the organisation’s Review and Planning Meeting. This was completed in November.

iii. Key training activities based on the needs of members

Papua New Guinea Leadership training was required to mobilise and strengthen regional and provincial farmer groups and commodity groups (Women in Coffee/Women in Cocoa) within PNG. In response to this, the two day ‘Farmer Organizations Leadership and Strategic Planning Training’ event was organized.

Trainings on the preparation of soil and constructing nurseries for traditional vegetables have been implemented. Trainings have also encompassed the handling

of seed and nutritional values of traditional vegetables plus mass propagation using a non-mist propagator. Training reports have been submitted.

Local and traditional open pollinated seeds available in PNG have now been

catalogued and its preservation methods documented. This report is now available.

Mix farming of round cabbage and sweet corn in PNG Mix farming of rice and taro in PNG

Solomon Islands

Kastom Gaden is engaged in an ongoing process to improve its Planting Material

Network scheme which facilitates the transfer of key seed materials to around 4000

remote farmers. KGA received technical support in seed production practices and

packaging through several TA inputs from April – November 2015.


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iv. Assistance to national FOs in the professional write-up of lessons learnt and experiences

Fiji Technical assistance has been provided to TTT in writing up a submission to government for the removal of VAT from all agricultural inputs. Final report is now available. Assistance to TTT with the professional write-up of experience with soil schools and

research into biological farming practices. This activity was initiated in 2014 with outputs still pending.

Vanuatu

Technical support was provided by PIFON to help FSA management articulate what is feasible in terms of their organisation in response to the disastrous effect of Tropical Cyclone Pam in March this year. Initial reports received from FSA indicate that their priority need is to help restore the income generating capability of their members on the ground. A particular focus will be on the southern island of Tanna where poultry and vegetable seedling nurseries enterprises had been established through FSA. Tanna has suffered a high level of devastation.

A draft report on the impact of the TC Pam on their program and making recommendations for any necessary changes and additions will be made available on

the website for wider dissemination.

Technical support for preparing an appropriate report for the PIFON network that focuses on lessons learnt is also a need that has been identified by KGA.

Mature coconut trees in East Efate felled by TC Pam

Damages to homes and crops caused by TC Pam

Papua New Guinea Document and write up of lessons learnt by 1 or 2 selected champion farmer organizations FOs in PNG. This activity has been initiated and is currently an ongoing


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process whereby part-time students of the University of Technology,

Communications and Development have been employed to produce write-ups as part of their assessments on two FOs and have them documented.

v. Capacity building for FOs

Fiji

TTT upgraded its accounting software system by purchasing and installing MYOB.

Containers and silica gel were purchased by TTT for their Mucuna bean seed saving

trials.

4.2 Component 2: Participation in Policy processes

i. The professional write-up of National and Regional policy issues

affecting FOs in the Pacific.

Fiji

A feasibility study on removing VAT from farm inputs importation by TTT has been completed which is linked to activity 4.1.4.

ii. Provide representation for FOs and PIFON at regional and international forums

Fiji PIFON Manager, Kyle Stice was invited to help shape the future of Agricultural Research and Innovation by attending the GFAR Constituent Assembly on 24 – 26

August 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Global Forum on Agricultural Research – GFAR – is uniquely placed to bring about such actions among the many stakeholders involved in the generation, access

and use of agricultural knowledge and innovation. Established between FAO and IFAD as an open and inclusive forum, GFAR works to transform and strengthen agricultural research and innovation systems, to improve the lives and livelihoods of farmers and farming families across the developing world.

PIFON was nominated to attend the Assembly through a consultative process with the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Institutions (APAARI) and stakeholder networks in the region that has identified key leaders from each sector.

Tonga An invitation was sent out to all the NIAs of PIFON to attend the Asia Pacific Local Champion Exhibition 2015 in Cambodia from Aug 10 – 12. Only Tonga responded nominating a local champion to attend on behalf of GroFed to learn how other


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countries successful in rural development organise their growers to be more

successful. Furthermore, the GroFed representative endeavoured to gain insights to practical farmer trainers in the field, initiatives for youth to be interested in farming

as these would help in the formulation of the organisation’s Corporate Plan 2016 – 2020.

Solomon Islands

MTCP II co-funded participation of KGA members to attend one regional and one

international event in 2015 – Regional Workshop on Network of Organic Pilot Farm

(New Caledonia – 31 Oct – 14 November) and Indigenous Terra Madre conference

(India – 31 Oct – 9 November). Reports yet to be submitted.

4.3 Component 3: FO Services and involvement in Agricultural Development Program

i. IFAD Pacific Country Programme Review

PIFON hosted IFAD’s 1st Pacific Programme Review Workshop at South Sea Orchids conference facility in Nasau, Nadi on 21 – 23 October, 2015. This workshop was attended by about 20 participants from around the region including four IFAD representatives. The purpose of the Review was to take stock of the performance of the on-going

IFAD financed activities in the Pacific Region with a view towards improving their performance and the outcomes that they seek to achieve in the lives of rural people.

An important outcome of this event was the strengthening of relationships between

projects and making stronger connections within country and regional programmes. PIFON is working to integrate farmer organisations into more IFAD development programmes across the region.

ii. Joint High Level PIFON-SPC-IFAD meeting

PIFON hosted a high level meeting between its Board members and representatives

from SPC and IFAD. At this meeting, PIFON made a presentation on promoting

breadfruit production and seed supply as a response to the challenge of climate

change and food security. Positive responses have been received from both SPC and

IFAD for the Pacific Breadfruit and Seed Supply Project (PBSP) with the following

being agreed in principle:

The PBSP should receive funding support from PAPP for at least the first

12 to 18 months of the programme.

The IFAD representative indicated that IFAD would be interested as a

funding partner and would refer the proposal back to his management

team.


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Discussions on strategic linkages between SPC, IFAD and Pacific Island Farmer

Organisations in moving forward were also carried out with the following outcomes:

PIFON is working with IFAD to ensure that farmer organisations are involved in the design/consultation regarding IFAD projects in the region as this is an outcome being measured under the IFAD funded MTCP II project. PAPP is pleased with the way the partnership is progressing and currently looking at where else they can support farmer organisations. PAPP team indicated that market

research and product development are some areas in which PAPP can provide some support. Through their funding they would like to build capacity through a stronger

PIFON network. PAPP is also keen to take some of the key policy messages related to seeds and breadfruit and make sure they are disseminated within the national governments as well as within the regional networks (including wider SPC). This is seen as particularly important as many new climate change adaptation projects are being developed around the region.

4.4 Component 4: Program Coordination and Management

A. National Steering Committee Meetings

i. Sub-Regional Steering Committee

PIFON held a three-day Planning and Training Meeting for its NIAs in January whereby reflections on 2014 and its achievements and constraints was made by all

NIAs present during the first session. The emerging thrusts for MTCP II in 2015 were then discussed and presented to the NIAs by the AFA representatives. The overview of the MTCP II project as presented by MTCP II’s Regional Implementing Agency (RIA), AFA touched on the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring & Evaluation (PBME) and Governance aspects of it. As part of the project planning and budgeting process, the NIAs were encouraged to stick to the MTCP-2 Logframe’s strategic goal, objectives, outcomes, outputs and inputs. Each NIA was required to work on their Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) clearly setting out their quantitative and qualitative targets towards

achieving the 5 year MTCP II program goals by deciding on key activities with clear timelines. Planning simply involves answering the following questions: Where are

you now? Where do you want to be? and How will you get there? It is like translating a story to achieve a perceived change i.e. setting goals and developing strategies etc.

to achieve them. The Monitoring and Evaluation session on Day 2 highlighted the following as important tools for this process:

- Reports – NIAs are to produce quarterly reports to the SRIAs who in

turn produce semestral reports to the RIAs which will then be consolidated as an annual regional report for the donors.


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- Field visits

- SIS Mission

Monitoring means to continuously observe and track changes. Evaluation is done mid-term and at the end of the project, making judgment on the performance, value

and relevance of activity i.e acting as a yardstick to measure progress.

The final session of Day 2 touched on Learning and Knowledge Management i.e. understanding the effectiveness of one’s organisation and/or programmes and being

able to share themes at all levels across the country and regional levels through developing knowledge products such as case studies and video documentation for

instance. Social networking tools namely the MTCP-2 project blog, Facebook and Twitter were also introduced in this session with hands-on training conducted by the

MTCP II Communications Manager, Mr Jun Virola. Knowledge sharing tools such as news writing, story harvesting and the use of templates were also a critical part of

this practical session. A photo and video documentation training session was also conducted which generated a lot of excitement and interest. Requests have even been made from some NIAs for the purchase of tablets as a result of this.

Day 3 focused on the Financial Management aspects of the project. Each NIA is

being reminded of their responsibility and accountability to their members and donor partners with an emphasis on maintaining basic project accounting principles

and concepts. The NIAs are encouraged to ensure that their organisational policies and procedures align with donor partner requirements.

PIFON’s Learning and Planning Meeting was conducted over 3 days at the Anchorage

Beach Resort Conference Room in Nadi, Fiji from Dec 01 – 04.

Day 1 was dedicated to AFA and PIFON meeting to discuss the 2015 major accomplishment and year-end requirements, the 2016 major targets and common

activities including the 2016 budget. This in effect is the Sub-Regional Steering Committee meeting.

Day 2 was a reflecting session whereby an overview presentation on PIFON as being the Sub Regional Implementing Agency (SRIA) was made followed by each member

country’s presentations. Presentations were made by both AFA and PIFON on the regional activities on key themes:

- Seeds

- Soils

- Off-season vegetable production

- Value chain training

The 2nd session of the day was a focus on MTCP II discussing what the 2015 major accomplishments and year-end requirements for MTCP II in Asia and the Pacific were and highlighting the major targets and common activities plus budget for 2016. Session 3 was a focus on the PAPP project, highlighting the 2015 major accomplishments and progress towards goals.


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- Pacific Breadfruit and Seeds Project

- 2016 targets and budget

Session 1 of Day 3 comprised of the introduction of the PIFON designed map making application for farmer organisations. This application is designed to enable a farmer with a hand-held device to make a map easily just by plotting a series of points of interest (POI) and saving the maps online for printing later. The POIs can be added directly from the map, based on one’s current location (device) as reported by GPS, or by entering GPS coordinates. The application can be run both offline and online. Day 3’s afternoon session was based on building stronger farmer organisations

through monitoring and evaluation to assess growth and also lessons on financial management. This was followed on by planning for 2016 for each of the two

projects MTCP II and PAPP whereby an overview of goals, targets and budget allocations were presented and the prioritization of both country and regional

activities and initiatives made.

ii. National Steering Committee

NIAs are coordinating consultations and holding meetings with national FOs in

support of MTCP II implementation.

iii. Board Meeting

The PIFON Board meeting was conducted on 19th September with all its members present. The meeting minutes has been finalized and will be disseminated in due course.

iv. Annual General Meeting

The PIFON Annual General Meeting was held on Dec 04, to which the Board and the representatives of the majority of PIFON’s members were present at. A re-election

of Board members took place with Clement Hadosaia of KGA volunteering to step down and Andrew McGregor of the PIFON Secretariat resigning. Clement was later

re-elected and Mrs Serenia Madigibuli of TRTC elected to replace Andrew.

HLB Crosbie and Associates has been appointed to be PIFON’s auditor.

It was decided at the AGM that an independent review of PIFON’s Strategic Plan be conducted and the results of which will be presented at the Normal General Meeting

that is to be called. This is PIFON’s strategy into measuring how effective its’ members’ needs are being met and to also analyse how well the Secretariat governs

itself. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the successful reviewer will be circulated to PIFON members for their inputs and/or suggestions.


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B. Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

v. Continue implementation of information dissemination strategy

for PIFON

Sixteen e-bulletins and three quarterly newsletters have been disseminated so far

highlighting PIFON activities including member success stories and lessons learnt.

C. Knowledge Management

vi. Maintain the website and continue updating repository of key information resources.

PIFONs website (www.pacificfarmers.com) is being constantly updated and is considered to be an up-to-date repository of key information resources relevant to

FOs.


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5 Gender disaggregated summary of activities

See attached excel sheet


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6 Financial Report

See attached excel spreadsheet

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