Programme, FAO.09.doc
BACKGROUND
General Context
Many parts of Zambia especially Southern, Western, Eastern and Central parts have, in
the last two decades, become drought prone areas with annual rainfall ranging between
500 – 700mm. However, during the 2008 farming season, Southern and Western
provinces, which usually experiences seasonal droughts, were affected by severe
flooding. Floods, excessive rainfall, unevenly distributed rains; drought and other sudden
extreme weather conditions including soil fertility decline pose a serious challenge to the
agricultural livelihoods of many households and communities in Zambia. The negative
effect of floods and droughts in these areas poses a risk to the already fragile farming
environment upon which the rural livelihoods are dependant.
The challenges of agriculture among small scale farmers include low farm productivity
and continuing yield decline as a result of soil degradation associated with inappropriate
farming practices. HIV/AIDS, together with high costs of external inputs and the vagaries
of climate change continue to negatively impact on the agriculture landscape for small
scale farmers. Land degradation as a result of inappropriate farming practices, climate
variability and rising input costs have all contributed to declining crop production and
productivity among small scale farmers (SSFs) in Zambia.
In 1999, the Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives (MACO), declared Conservation Farming1/Agriculture2 (CF/CA) and
related technologies a priority for promotion by both MACO and the various partner
Institutions, such as the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU), Golden Valley Agricultural
Research Trust (GART), Agricultural Support Programme (ASP), World Agro forestry
Centre (ICRAF) in order to address the issue of low farm productivity and sustainable
productivity. The CFU is currently implementing a 5 year Conservation Agriculture
Programme (CAP) supported by the Norwegian Government to scale up CA.
In order to compliment CA promotional efforts by various stakeholders in the Southern
African Region and in recognition of the important role CF/CA can play in increasing
farm productivity and profitability, FAO facilitated the formation of CA coordination
structures through formation of CA national taskforces throughout the region in 2007. In
1
According to the CFU in Zambia, Conservation farming generally refers to a set of sustainable agronomic
practices based on a prescribed package which includes dry season land preparation using minimum tillage
methods for efficient water use (hand hoe basin or ADP ripping), early planting, inclusion of legume
(nitrogen-fixing),rotations, effective weed control, crop residue retention, precision input application.
2
According to CFU in Zambia, Conservation Agriculture refers to Conservation farming that integrates
perennial agro-forestry species (Faidherbia spp, Sesbania spp, Fruit drees, Cassava edc)
Zambia, MACO is the focal point for the National CA taskforce and it was officially
launched in May 2008.
CF/CA technologies enable integrated approaches that combine timeliness of farm
operations, increased use of organic matter, judicial and proper use of mineral fertilizers,
improved seeds, reduced tillage systems as well as general land and water management
principles. This approach recognizes that, proper and efficient use of the land and water
resources is cardinal for sustainable farm productivity as new quality land for agricultural
expansion is getting more scarce, coupled with the need to preserve enough forest land to
act as sinks and reservoirs for greenhouse gases that would otherwise contribute to the
anthropogenic climate change and rainfall variability.
The MACO in Zambia has a vision to scale up CA among SSFs as a sustainable approach
to increase farm productivity and production. However, up-scaling of CF/CA has been
limited due to the need for constant intense extension to support adoption, limited access
to inputs to support the learning process by small scale farmers, low involvement of
MACO in CF/CA implementation and lack of a platform for sharing evidence based
results.
In this respect, MACO made a request to the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE) to
provide financial support to compliment the existing CA scaling up process. He Royal
Norwegian Embassy has indicated willingness to provide support for a CA scaling uppossibly for a longer term programme. The RNE thus requested the FAO to develop the
Conservation Agriculture Scaling Up for increased Productivity and Production (CASPP)
project. The CASSP is in line with the MACO’s Conservation Agriculture for sustainable
Agriculture (CASAD) programme which provides the framework for providing support
on the premise of the ministry’s CA scaling up vision. In order to create synergies with
the existing CAP programme and to harness the experience of the CFU in implementing
CA activities, the CASPP project will harness the CAP approach to implement activities.
It is proposed that CA scaling up activities should commence in November 2008 as part
of a 2 year project targeting 20,000 SSFs farmers.
Sectoral Context
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
At an international level, the (MDGs) represent a set of internationally agreed targets by
the members of the United Nations. While many of the goals are cross-cutting there are
specific goals related to hunger and to the environment.
Goal 1 seeks to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty by reducing by half the number of
people living on less than USD1 per day, and reducing by half the number of people
suffering hunger.
Goal 7 seeks to ensure environmental sustainability, by among other things, integrating
the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes while at
the same time reversing the loss of environmental resources.
AU/NEPAD Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP)
At the continental level, CAADP is a strategic framework to guide country development
efforts and partnerships in the agricultural sector3. CAADP directs investment to four
mutually reinforcing and interlinked pillars:
Pillar I: Extending the area under sustainable land management and reliable water
control systems;
Pillar II: Improving rural infrastructure and trade-related capacities for market
access;
Pillar III: Increasing food supply, reducing hunger and improving responses to
food emergency crises and
Pillar IV: Improving agriculture research, technology dissemination and adoption.
The use of CF and CA is seen as one of the main possibilities for achieving Pillar I,
especially in the area of sustainable land management. Closely linked to Pillar I is Pillar
III which seeks to increase resilience by decreasing food insecurity and linking
vulnerable people into opportunities for agricultural growth.
To achieve the Pillar III vision, the CAADP’s Framework for Africa Food Security
(FAFS) identifies key objectives namely:
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Improved risk management;
Increased supply through increased production and improved market linkages;
Increased economic opportunities for the vulnerable; and
Increased quality of diets through diversification of food among the target groups.
At a national level, the Zambian National Development Plan contains an overall
Agriculture Policy which aims to facilitate and support the development of a sustainable
and competitive agricultural sector that assures food security at national and household
levels and maximizes the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The
Policy is to be realised through the following specific objectives:
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To ensure national and household food security through dependable annual
production of adequate supplies of basic foodstuffs at competitive costs;
To ensure that the existing agricultural resource base (and environment) is maintained
and improved upon;
To generate income and employment through increased agriculture production and
productivity
Agriculture is used here to refer to the entire value chain and to include crop staples,
vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes and livestock products. Agricultural growth includes agricultural
activities and the up and down stream activities that support growth, including non-farm activities
and services.
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To contribute to sustainable industrial development by providing locally produced agrobased raw materials; and
To increase agricultural exports thereby enhancing the sector’s contribution to the
balance of payments.
RATIONALE
Apart from the sustainable land management related activities being undertaken by
MACO, the major ongoing initiative in CA/CF is the Conservation Agriculture
Programme (CAP) funded through the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s Climate Change
Facility. The Norwegian and Zambian Governments have expressed their interest in an
Up-scaling of the CAP. In anticipation of a possible longer term programme on CA up
scaling, there is need to immediately initiate the CASPP project that will build on the
already existing efforts by the CAP, while laying the foundation upon which future
concerted programmes on CA can be built. This will be achieved through the proposed 2
years Conservation Agriculture Scaling Up for increased Productivity and Production
among small scale farmers in Zambia (CASPP).
Technology and practices have not been disseminated on a wide scale through the main
structure responsible for agricultural extension – MACO, Department of Agriculture
(DoA). As part of the up-scaling Programme, this CASPP project therefore will attempt
to rapidly upscale proven technologies through the DoA extension system to beneficiary
farmers in areas where CAP-CFU and SLM is already operating.
Problems/Issues to be addressed
The CASPP aims at up scaling conservation agricultural for increased Productivity and
Production among small scale farmers in Zambia. This programme shall run for two
years to be implemented jointly by MACO, FAO and other stakeholders and will seek to
lay the ground for building capacity of MACO’s Department of Agriculture and Own
Farmer Facilitators ((lead farmers)) in anticipation of a longer term investment into CA
expansion countrywide. The anticipated longer term CA intervention would increase
adoption of environmentally friendly farming systems leading to improved food supply,
reduce hunger, counter rising food prices, and improve responses to food emergency
crisis by extending the area of land under conservation agricultural practices. Specific
problems to be addressed partly by the CASPP project but in more detail by the
anticipated longer term programme are:
 Lack of consistent application of best practices in land and crop husbandry;
 Declining soil fertility and erosion due to unsustainable agricultural practices;
 Increased vulnerability of farming households to natural disasters and the effects of
climate change;
 Increased costs of farming inputs.
Both the CASPP and longer term programme will promote MACO’s leading role in
scaling up Conservation Agriculture in Zambia by working through their structures to
implement the program.
Stakeholders and Target Beneficiaries
Similar to the CAP, the main stakeholders in the project are the Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperatives, including the Conservation farming Unit (CFU) of the Zambia
National Farmers Union, the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART), and
Palabana Farm Power Training Centre, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute
(ZARI), FAO and the selected communities.
This CASPP project will focus on selected Own Farm Facilitators (OFFs), (or Lead
Farmers in the CAP- model) as the direct beneficiaries who will be trained by the
Department of Agriculture (DoA) Camp Extension Officers/Block Extension Officers
through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach.
Justification
Over time, conventional land preparation/cropping practices have contributed to the
current high levels of degradation in soils in the country’s farm lands and this has failed
to sustain rural farmers’ agricultural production beyond the subsistence level. It is
therefore imperative that cropping practices and associated tillage tools/equipment take
into account possible damage to soils and make the most efficient use of inputs which are
becoming increasingly expensive. These same improved cropping practices are a major
factor in reducing exposure to natural disasters or unfavourable climatic conditions.
In Zambia, and throughout the region, a number of yield enhancing conservation
agriculture/farming technologies have been identified as a means to raise yields in a
sustainable way while at the same time promoting a more sustainable use of natural
resources. There is recognition that CF/CA can play a role in increasing farm productivity
and profitability. CF/CA technologies enable the integration of aspects that combine
timeliness of farm operations, increased use of organic matter, judicial and proper use of
mineral fertilizers, improved seeds, irrigation and mechanization (including reduced
tillage systems) as well as general land and water management principles. This approach
recognizes that, proper and efficient use of the land and water resources is cardinal for
sustainable farm productivity as new quality land for agricultural expansion is getting
more scarce, coupled with the need to preserve enough forest land to act as sinks and
reservoirs for greenhouse gases that would otherwise contribute to the anthropogenic
climate change and rainfall variability. It is thus necessary that existing CA interventions
are scaled up in order to restore and increase agricultural productivity and production
among small scale farmers in the country.
Past and related work
The major ongoing initiatives in CA/CF are the Conservation Agriculture Programme
(CAP) funded through the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s Climate Change Facility. The
CAP is being implemented by the Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) of the Zambia
National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU).The MACO’s DoA has wide experience in the
implementation of several land management agricultural projects including the Soil
Conservation and Agro forestry Extension (SCAFE). The Norwegian and Zambian
Government’s have expressed their interest in an Up-scaling of the CAP. This Up scaling
Programme (“the Programme”) would be the overall framework under which the
CFU/CAP and the current project would operate.
The proposed CASPP project is harmonized with the CAP in terms of approach with the
following exceptions: i) CAP uses it own extension network while this project will use
the government DoA extension services ii) CAP is working through cotton associations at
the farmer level with the current project will work through the government organized
camp/zone associations. In this respect, the CAP has more of a commercial focus
through out-grower schemes and cash cropping due to its association level structures.
However, the current project would also seek to establish market linkages for interested
farmers by working closely with the CFU commercialisation programme and to take
advantage of their expertise in this area.
FAO in the region has actively worked with Agricultural line ministries and other
stakeholders and has been active in the promotion of CA/CF including the initiation of a
regional CA Working Group supported by national CA task forces. Country pilot
activities in Zimbabwe and Lesotho have provided evidence of impressive results for an
approach which combines CA/CF principles, extension and targeted inputs over several
seasons.
In Zambia, the MACO and the FAO have had a close working relationship in the
implementation of several agricultural projects. FAO has also worked through MACO
structures related to input provision, vaccination of animals, and support to coordination
at provincial and district levels. At a policy level, FAO has cooperated with the MACO’s
directorate of policy and planning for crop monitoring. FAO has also worked with CFU
on some projects which used the CFU’s expertise to provide training to complement
inputs such as oxen, seeds and fertilizer.
MACO and FAO’s Comparative Advantage
The MACO has wide extension structures at national, provincial, district, block and camp
extension levels throughout the country. These structures would be used as the base for
promotion and implementation of CA activities. Whilst DoA is the major player in the
implementation of CA it closely collaborates with other sister departments in agricultural
technology development and agricultural information dissemination. These are expected
to contribute to the implementation of some activity components. In the overall
framework of implementation, FAO is considered by MACO, donors, and national
organizations as a neutral voice related to agricultural issues in Zambia and is therefore
well placed to play a coordination and facilitation role among stakeholders and partners.
At the same time, FAO is also primarily a technical organization and is therefore able to
access technical expertise and know how from within its own structure or through its
networks and contacts. MACO and the FAO seek to work in areas of comparative
advantage while cooperating with other organizations in areas where they have a
particular expertise (for example CFU for training, Golden Valley Research Trust
(GART) for adapted research, etc). Other functionalities within MACO like Zambia
Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) for its legume and agro forestry technology
development and seed multiplication and Zambia National Agricultural Information
Services for information dissemination.
PROJECT FRAMEWORK
The CASPP project will provide the foundation of the overall Conservation Agricultural
Scaling up among small scale farmers in Zambia. MACO will implement the project with
specified support services from FAO.
Project Impact
To contribute to the Zambian Government’s efforts towards an efficient, competitive
sustainable agricultural sector whilst securing a productive environment and well
conserved natural resources for sustainable development.
Outcome and Outputs
The outcome of the project is to increase the capacity of MACO and Own Farmer
Facilitators to provide future extension support to CA beneficiaries in the country.
Tentatively the programme will focus on the following district; Chipata, Katete, Petauke,
Chongwe, Chibombo, Kapiri, Mumbwa, Mazabuka, Monze, Choma and Kalomo. The
programme will work in MACO camps not covered by the CFU programme, but in the
same districts (to be decided through a joint selection process).
The input supplied throughout the programme will as far possible be based on local
purchase through agro-dealers based on competitive pricing. This will ensure availability
of inputs after the programme period through local agro-dealers and community agroagents.
Year 1
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 1 – Up-Scaling the CASPP model
based on adaptation of the CAP
Outputs:
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Selection of Farmer Field School (FFS) members and Own Farmer Facilitators OFFs
(lead farmers)
Improved seed maize, fertiliser, legumes, CA equipment and Faidherbia albida
seed/seedlings for 4060 beneficiaries of whom 3920 are OFFs and 140 are Camp
extension demonstration. Inputs supplied through local agro-dealers using vouchers .
3920 OFFs trained 4 times once they enter the program cycle on topics related to
CA/CF and CASPP. All initial training of MACO staff and OFF carried out by CFU
to ensure consistency in technology.
o Indicator: Number of people trained per session per year. Number of sessions
per year and topics covered.
Once they have entered the project, 3920 OFFs (lead farmers) receive an average of at
least 2 field visits/contacts per month at key points throughout the year from camp
extension worker who in turn will have received training from MACO/CFU.
o Indicator: Number of visits.
2 FFS plots per camp established for a total of approximately 3920 Camps during the
cropping season.
o Indicators: Number of plots established and correctly demonstrating CA
principles matched against the conventional cropping.
No-till planters, rippers, shaka hoes, chains, sprayers and zamwipes provided to the
OFFs (lead farmers), though the voucher system where appropriate, and used
according to CA principles in line with the training and extension provided.
o Indicators: i) amount of implements/equipment arriving on time compared to
planned figures ii) amounts and type of equipment sourced iii) verification of
the extent to which the inputs and equipment have been used by OFFs (lead
farmers) in accordance with the training/extension.
Activities:
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Conduct a CASPP workshop for partners and other stake holders
Conducting baseline survey in targeted camps
Identifying and mobilizing communities and the OFFs (lead farmers)
Selecting districts and camps in collaboration with CFU
Exposure visits
Orientation of the extension staff and OFFs (lead farmers) on the CA and the project
objectives
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Developing and translating training materials in harmony with CAP: The CFU will
provide training/reference materials based on their current teaching guidelines and
updated in coordination with the Ministry and input from FAO. The training
materials will be divide into three booklets (basins, jab-planting and animal drawn
power)
Designing training and extension programmes for the trainers and OFFs in
collaboration with CFU
Distributing training materials to extension staff and OFFs (lead farmers)
Field officers conducting training for OFFs (lead farmers)
Procuring and distributing inputs to OFFs (lead farmers) fertilizers, seed package
would be 5kg of maize (as in the CFU project) and 10kg of legumes such as cowpeas,
beans, sun-hemp (if seed is available) or Soya beans (if seed is available); Equipment
(fertilizer cups, ropes for spacing crops, Magoye rippers/planters, other no-till
planters for animal or manual use, chaka hoes, track chains, sprayers (which have a
dual use as they can be used for animals as well) and zamwipes; bicycles; motor
cycles.
Extension staff supporting field activities on OFFs (lead farmers) fields (2 of these
will be demonstration sites)
Providing regular follow up and advice to OFFs (lead farmers) at key points in the
agricultural season. The camp extension officer will focus on lead farmer follow up
with field inspections throughout the season (an average of at least 2 visits or contacts
per month at key points) checking the area prepared, plant growth and harvest.
Monitoring fields for the application of CA principles related to crop husbandry
including preparation (basins or ripping), spacing, seeding, timely planting, correct
fertilizer application, weeding, etc.
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 2 – Capacity Building of MACO
District Structures
Outputs
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45 district and provincial staff trained on project objectives, approach, and CA/CF
concepts
o Indicator: Number of people trained and topics covered.
171 extension staff (31 Block Extension Officers and 140 Camp Extension Officers)
trained 3 times per year (once they enter the program cycle) on topics related to
CA/CF by CFU/District Extension Offices.
o Indicator: Number of people trained per session per year. Number of
sessions per year and topics covered.
Activities
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Identifying and mobilizing communities and the OFFs (lead farmers)
Orientation of the extension staff and OFFs (lead farmers) on the CA and the
project objectives
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At the camp level the training approach will follow the Farmer Field Schools
(FFS) approach. The training will also be harmonized with that of the CAP to
avoid confusing the farmers.
Training of district extension officers will initially be carried out by CFU together
with the national coordination unit of the project, covering project approach and
practices in order to ensure that there is a supportive environment for the camp level
extension workers. In cooperation with the District Extension Officers, the CFU
would then conduct the training of the 140 camp extension officers (CEOs)
representing 140 targeted camps together with an estimated 31 Block Extension
Officers (BEOs) in the selected districts, using the same format they currently use
with their Field Officers (i.e. 4 training sessions throughout the year on time and
season appropriate topics). The trained CEO will then each be required to train 28
OFFs (140 camps x 28 OFFs) resulting in a total of 3920 trained farmers. OFFs
trained in the first year will be carried forward into year 2 in terms of support. The
Camp Extension Officers will also be provided with inputs to demonstrate CA
technology in their fields as a way of ensuring the building of confidence among
farmers and themselves. This means an extra 140 input packs have to be included for
demonstrations on top of farmer beneficiaries in each season. The approach is said to
have been used effectively in pre-independence Zambia and is being currently used
by the CAP Programme. Training topics may vary slightly between districts or take
into account socio-economic and ecological variations and the need to make
adaptations in the technology. Palabana, GART and ZARI will be the primary
providers of adaptive technologies and technical information to inform the training
materials, which the CFU will prepare.
Focus of the training
A theoretical and practical training programme will be designed to embrace both
technical and innovation/dissemination approaches. Towards land preparation, training
focussing CA principles will be held. Specifically, this training will centre on land
preparation (including soil testing, ripping, liming, etc), planting methods with minimal
soil disturbance and timing of planting, fertilizer use and application, organizational
capacity, proper use and maintenance of inputs and implements. For extension staff and
M&E staff, this initial training will also focus on participatory extension and M&E
approaches (including baselines, harmonization of core indictors and information/ sample
collection and processing). This will be followed by training at weeding time focusing on
weed management, pest and disease control and general good crop husbandry.
A third training will focus on other CA aspects e.g. soil cover, crop rotations and
associations, post harvest management of plots, water harvesting, use of CA equipment
and soil fertility management
Year 2
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 1 – Up-Scaling the CASPP Model
based on adoption of the CAP
In year 2, the 3920 OFFs trained in year 1 having gained experience would be expected to
provide training to 15 new farmers each (3920 OFFs x 15 farmers, translating into 58800
new farmers) under guidance of the CEO, thus bring the total number of training
beneficiaries to 62720 (3920 OFFs trained in year 1 plus 58800 new farmers trained by
the OFFs in year 2). The new farmers trained will receive 2 visits per month from the
OFFs.
Outputs:
 3920 OFFs from year one continue receiving training from the camp officers (trained
4 times a year) and receive input incentive for training while in the program cycle on
topics related to CA/CF and CASPP.
 Indicator: Number of people trained per session per year. Number of sessions per
year and topics covered.
 58800 new farmers trained by OFFs under CEO supervision (each OFF to train 4
new farmers)
 Indicator: Number of new farmers trained by OFFs
 Once they have entered the project, the 3920 OFFs ((lead farmers)) receive an
average of at least 2 field visits/contacts per month at key points throughout the year
from camp extension worker who in turn will have received training from CFU.
 Indicator: Number of visits.
 2-3 FFS demonstration plots per camp established for the 140 Camps during the
cropping season.
 Indicators: Number of plots established and correctly demonstrating CA principles
matched against the conventional cropping.
 No-till planters, rippers, hoes, chains, sprayers and zamwipes provided to the OFFs
(lead farmers) through the voucher system and used according to CA principles in
line with the draining and extension provided.
 Indicators: i) amount of implements/equipment arriving on time compared to planned
figures ii) amounts and type of equipment sourced iii) verification of the extent to
which the inputs and equipment have been used by OFFs (lead farmers) in accordance
with the training/extension.
Activities:
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Developing and translating training materials in harmony with CAP: The CFU will
provide training/reference materials based on their current teaching guidelines and
updated in coordination with the Ministry and input from FAO. The training
materials will be divide into three booklets (basins, jab-planting and animal drawn
power)
Designing training and extension programmes for the trainers and OFFs (lead
farmers)
Distributing training materials to extension staff and OFFs (lead farmers)
Field officers conducting training for OFFs (lead farmers)
Procuring and distributing inputs to OFFs (lead farmers) fertilizers, seed package
would be 5kg of maize (as in the CFU project) and 10kg of legumes such as cowpeas,
beans, sunhemp (if seed is available) or Soya beans (if seed is available); Equipment
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(fertilizer cups, ropes for spacing crops, Magoye rippers/planters, other no-till
planters for animal or manual use, chaka hoes, track chains, sprayers (which have a
dual use as they can be used for animals as well) and zamwipes; bicycles; motor
cycles.
Extension staff supporting field activities on OFFs (lead farmers) fields (2 of these
will be demonstration sites)
Providing regular follow up and advice to OFFs (lead farmers) at key points in the
agricultural season. The camp extension officer will focus on lead farmer follow up
with field inspections throughout the season (an average of at least 2 visits or contacts
per month at key points) checking the area prepared, plant growth and harvest.
Monitoring fields for the application of CA principles related to crop husbandry
including preparation (basins or ripping), spacing, seeding, timely planting, correct
fertilizer application, weeding, etc.
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 2 – Capacity Building of MACO
District Structures
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Improved mobility by CEOs and BEOs through provision of motorbikes.
Indicators: Number of visits to farmers
Improved supervisory capacity by National Coordination Unit through provision
of transport.
Indicators: Number of supervisory visits to the field
Enhanced capacity by the districts to provide timely information through
electronic communication.
Indicators: Number of timely progress reports made
Increased capacity by the CEO to conduct and monitor farmer training through
provision of operational funds.
Indicators: Number of trainings conducted
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 3 – Implementation of IEC Strategy
Outputs
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24 radio and TV spots prepared for information dissemination
o Indicators: i) # of radio and TV spots realized ii) # of district agricultural
information officers active in project promotion iii) estimates of
population coverage based on district populations figures and radio
permeation. Purchase of sustainable power source radio for some FFs may
be considered based on information generated by the baseline survey.
o Number of radio and TV programs aired.
o Number of programmes aired.
o Number of documentaries produced.
Activities
Activities in the information component will focus on efforts bi the national agriculture
information service (NAIS) in part through their national information service officers at
district levels.
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Developing the radio and TV programmes: technical advice and provision of
financial support to specialized agencies like CFU, GART, ZARI, etc will be
harnessed
Awareness raising on the project goals and approach through radio and TV for the
general population and national policy makers.
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 4 – Adaptive Research and Training
Outputs
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adapted technologies provided in a timely manner
o Indicators: number and timeliness of adapted technologies provided
compared to demand.
o 45 provincial and district trained
o 171 field staff trained
Activities
Adaptive research will be conducted by the Palabana Farm Power and Mechanisation
Training Centre, Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) and GART to adapt
appropriate CA technologies for specific areas and regions. The research will focus on
adaptations in technology in different agro-ecological regions and socio-economic
situations
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Preparation of research project protocols
Identification of sites to conduct research on-farm and on-station
Procuring the necessary inputs for the research plots
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 5 – Development of Market
Linkages
This component to be handled by the ZNFU- CFU in collaboration with Department of
Marketing and Agribusiness under the commercialization project and will be exploited in
order to ensure sustainable uptake of CA
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 6 – National Policy Dialogue on CA
FAO together with the National CA Taskforce will provide a platform for sharing
information, providing evidence based results, and sharing best practices with all
partners.
Outputs
National task force established and functioning.
Indicators: i) Number of meetings ii) number of stakeholders involved vs. number of
organizations active in CA in Zambia
Activities
At national level: Conducting a study tour to a contribution with a wide range of
CA technologies under implementation: Understanding of the possibilities and buy in at
the most senior levels is essential for setting the tone for wider adoption of the
technologies in the Ministry.
At the district and provincial ministry levels: FAO will provide a senior specialist
who will conduct an overall training on the project’s objectives and approach as well as
CA/CF concepts. This training would be conducted in cooperation with the national
coordination unit in the Ministry.
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 7 – Monitoring and Evaluation
Outputs
 Baseline study conducted to have a starting point for comparing project results.
o Indicator: Study completed in a timely manner.
 Progress with establishment of CA by OFFs ((lead farmers)) documented
o Indicator: Evidence available
Activities
o Identification of M&E team
o Indicators:
M&E team in place
o Training on M&E by FAO in conjunction with the national coordination
unit in the Ministry and harmonizing the M&E indicators
o Indicators:
M&E team trained and core indicators and M&E tool kits
for critical stages in place
o Development of M&E schedules
o M&E plan in place
o Conducting monitoring visits to assess progress and documented
o Indicators: Number of visits made, data collected
o The baseline survey will provide a solid understanding of the starting point
of the intervention.
The lowest level will be the camp extension officer who will use the FAO toolkit as the
primary tool for guiding data collection and will send a monthly report to the district level
agricultural office indicating the visits made and the status of the fields
Outputs and Activities Programme Component 8 – Programme Management
Outputs
 National coordination unit established within MACO with 1 national coordinator
and 4 specialists.
o Indicator: Team established and ensuring project roll out according to
annual work plans.
 Technical, financial, management and administrative support provided by FAO.
o Indicator: Degree to which project achieves its intended results vs. budget
spent.
Activities
 Identification of coordination team and developing the terms of reference of the team
 Coordinating the operational and administrative aspects of the project by FAO in
liaison with the national coordination team on technical issues through its project
technical coordinator.
Sustainability
Improved land management practices (such as correct timing of planting) in themselves
significantly raise yields, without external inputs. The focus on intensive extension
combined with inputs is expected to lay ground for demonstrating the potential benefits
achievable through the CA technology
The use of MACO structures will ensure that there is still extension staff in the field
conducting regular follow up visits with beneficiaries as part of their normal
responsibilities. Mainstreaming CA activities into the MACO structures will ensure that
there will be extension staff and own farmer facilitators in the field. Similarly working
with /through MACO at national level will help ensure ownership of the initiative as a
Ministry-led activity and will promote the integration of these activities until they are
seen as part of the normal Ministry functions.
Financial Level: It is clear that the project requires significant external financial support
in order to help ensure its success. However, many of these investments will be
transformed indo knowledge and improved farming practices which can be maintained in
the future with a less expensive extension system and less subsidies for inputs and
equipment.
Risks and Assumptions
The main assumption is that the approach being proposed is a viable means of initiating a
permanent medium to long term change in the extension messages of MACO, and the
farming practices of the targeted beneficiaries. As behaviour change at the individual and
institutional levels is a difficult, long term process, the main project assumption translates
into a medium to high risk. The supportive policy environment, political commitment,
and use of MACOs own structures for implementation further mitigate this risk.
IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Institutional Framework and Coordination
The project’s approach in its first phase is to work through and facilitate the Ministry of
Agriculture and Cooperatives in the implementation of the project through their extension
structures. Therefore, the project can be seen as enhancing the Ministry’s role as the
primary provider of agricultural guidance and extension services throughout the country.
FAO will hire a Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) who will liaise with a national
coordination unit within the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO). MACO
will establish a project coordination unit consisting of a National Project Coordinator and
four MACO technical officers (chief technical advisor, field crop agronomist, farm power
specialist, land management specialist and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist). The
coordination team shall copt any other relevant officers in its implementation of the
programme. Working through a national coordination unit will help promote the project
as a Ministry-led initiative. The national unit will ensure a coordinated approach within
all levels of the Ministry and will ensure that appropriate instructions and guidance are
given to staff down through the district and camp levels.
A project steering committee will be established to be chaired by the Permanent Secretary
of the Ministry of Agriculture. Membership is to be determined but will likely include
senior staff in MACO, FAO, other stakeholders (such as the CFU and the national
representative of the African tillage network), relevant NGOs (for example CARE), and
other interested donors. The function of the steering committee will be to provide overall
guidance and oversight to the project through a forum which will involve all interested
parties.
The donor will meet with FAO separately through biannual meetings to discuss project
progress.
The national task force on Conservation Agriculture, chaired by MACO and facilitated by
FAO, will be the information sharing platform where the project’s results and lessons
learned are disseminated to other stakeholders. At the same time, the taskforce may also
provide examples of insights from other organizations operating in CA which could be
incorporated into the project to enhance results or overcome any challenges which arise.
Implementation Strategy/Methodology
The strategy and methodology will incorporate the existing CAP modified in the light of
PEA (FFS) being implemented under MACO. As such the CASPP project is to build the
capacity for improved long term extension support for CA expansion and
implementation. The work plan envisages an initial five months of stakeholder
sensitization and some procurement for Capacity building for the MACO implementation
structures.
Initial efforts will focus on land preparation involving reduced tillage, correct timing of
planting, correct spacing of plants, correct application of fertilizer, weed management and
use of at least two crops (staple and legume). These efforts will be supported with
intensive extension and an input package for 0.5 ha for OFFs and farmers as an incentive
for training. At the same time, provision of soil fertility enhancing plants such as
legumes and agro forestry species (Faidherbia albida) will be incorporated in order to
contribute to the long term increase in soil fertility and reduction in the need for fertilizer.
The project will provide appropriate seed varieties of maize and legumes to suit relevant
farming systems and socio-economic settings. Use of live fencing will be piloted with
interested farmers, and the build up of crop residues will be encouraged, although
expectations should be realistic for the duration of the project.
Both basin planting and Animal Draught Power (ADP)-CA methods will be
demonstrated, recognizing that farmers have varying needs and will use different
methods depending on their available resources (labour, land, equipment, oxen), personal
situation and gender.
Extension Services:
MACO's extension services are set up at the provincial, district, block, and camp level.
While ensuring awareness and buy-in at all levels, the project proposes to work
intensively at the camp level. At the camp level, on average there are between 600-1000
farming households. In many camps, these HHs are organized into agricultural
committees at camp and zone levels. A camp is further divided into 6 to 8 zones and each
zone comprises 10 elected members who represent approximately 100-200 of their fellow
farmers. For the purposes of terminology in this project, these representative farmers will
be considered as part of OFFs. The actual structure of group formation/lead farmer
arrangements at the camp level will be left to the camp extension officer so that they take
into account local circumstances and can make best use of existing structures/associations
and avoid setting up structures which risk being seen as being “just for the project”.
Camp extension workers will be provided with transportation (motorcycles), a small
operational budget for fuel and maintenance, and a small budget for travel allowances in
line with national guidelines and the CAP (based on 15 lunches). Verification will be
accomplished through their trip reports/logbooks, mileage on the motorbikes, and random
monitoring of (lead farmers) and beneficiaries.
Training:
Officers will be oriented in the implementation and principles of FFS and FBS. The
training programme will employ the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach and also
harness the knowledge and lessons from the CAP. Training materials will be prepared by
the CFU using their existing materials (translated into local languages) with inputs from
MACO and FAO. Each of the training activities outlined below will start with refresher
training for camp extension staff conducted by the CFU and district or provincial MACO
staff. In turn, camp extension staff will train their (lead farmers), who in turn will
train/spread the extension message to beneficiary farmers.
There will be 3 sessions throughout the year:
July – September: Inter-relationship between CF and CA – underlying principles,
basic field day & extension techniques, farm layout (rotations) and CF land preparation
and seeding practice for hoe and animal draught power farmers for all crops, preparation
of Faidherbia nurseries and sowing of seedlings, introduction to planting of Jatropha,
and CF demo layout.
November – December: Early weeding of all crops, top dressing of maize,
Faidherbia albida and refresher on planting Jatropha, planting out and maintenance of
fruit tree seedlings.
Jan – mid February: Pest infestation, late weeding of all crops, protection of
Faidherbia seedlings.
Topics may be added throughout the project in areas such as market linkages, adapted
research, extension messages for HIV/AIDS affected households or households affected
by illness, or any other areas when the Programme determines a need. The importance is
that the training messages under the Programme (both CAP and the current project) will
be harmonized.
Targeted Inputs and Equipment:
The CASPP project intends to provide a variety of inputs to OFFs and farmer
beneficiaries to provide the means to facilitate the application of the training and to
provide an incentive for the application of the training. Based on baseline
recommendations, improved seed would be provided and where appropriate Open
Pollinated Varieties will be promoted so that seed can be re-used up to 3 times. The seed
inputs have been determined as a mix of a staple crop and a legume. It is therefore
expected that the inputs will be delivered through local procurement through agro-dealers
that have been sensitised and prepared in collaboration with the PROFIT programme not
through an Input Trade Fair (ITF). In addition, the high volumes of fertilizer are not
suited to the ITF methodology. The approach seeks to ensure that beneficiaries do not
just buy maize and do not buy hybrid maize in situations where it is not appropriate. On
the equipment side, it is expected that a voucher system would be implemented similar to
the CAP which would allow beneficiaries to have some financial assistance and allow
them to choose equipment best suited to their own circumstances. The commercial sector
for equipment manufacturing and importation will be involved to stimulate activities
following the increasing market for CA equipment initiated by the project.
Government Inputs
As part of the overall up-scaling Programme for CA, the project being a MACO-led
initiative is facilitated by FAO and the donor. Therefore, involvement and commitment
of MACO at every level of the project is essential for the project’s success. MACO
extension staff at the province, district, block and camp levels will ultimately be
responsible for the implementation of the field activities of the project.
A national coordination unit will be established within MACO and will be the primary
driving force behind the management and implementation of activities that will be carried
out by the respective Departments and offices at the provincial level and below. Through
the national coordination unit, MACO is expected to use the project as a starting point to
integrate CF/CA extension messages into the regular extension work of the Ministry
throughout the country.
Donor Inputs
The primary donor input will be financing for the project, in line with the attached
budget, staff, and approach outlined in the project document.
Technical Support / Linkages
The technical support system for the project is outlined in the sections on extension
approach and extension activities. These efforts will be supported internally by drawing
on partners such as the CFU, GART, ZARI, or national level Ministry officials. FAO
will provide technical backstopping as necessary through its specialized HQ technical
divisions.
Particular focus will be placed on agronomic support for CA cropping systems, problem
of residue retention and alternative use of residues as well as the supply of CA equipment
either through local manufacturing or through established import channels.
Management and Operational Support Arrangements
The project will be supported by FAO and managed by MACO. Apart from MACO, the
other major stakeholders will be GART and CFU. This collaboration will be guided by
Letters of Agreement (LoAs) outlining the respective roles and responsibilities of each
partner. As a rapid up-scaling project meant to address pressing needs in terms of
containing the effects of rising food and input prices through more efficient and effective
land management systems mitigating the effects of natural disasters and the associated
changes expected due to climate change laying the foundation for more development
orientated activities in the medium to long term (6-10 years) through transformation of
the national extension system.
OVERSIGHT, MONITORING, MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND
REPORTING
Oversight and Reviews
Project oversight will be accomplished through a project steering committee that will
meet on a quarterly basis. The committee will be informed by the national coordination
unit on project progress, difficulties, and proposed corrective actions. The Committee
will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. Membership
is to be determined but will likely include senior staff in MACO, FAO, and other
stakeholders such as the CFU, relevant NGOs, and other interested donors. The function
of the steering committee will be to provide overall guidance and oversight to the project
through a forum which will involve all interested parties.
At the donor’s request, it will meet with FAO and/or MACO separately through agreed
upon meetings to discuss project progress.
Monitoring and Knowledge Sharing
Monitoring will be a continuous activity at the field level, with the camp extension officer
as the focal point for using the monitoring toolkits and submitting that information to the
district level. The national coordination unit will have an M&E specialist whose job it
will be to coordinate and roll up monitoring efforts in the project. The M&E specialist
will as far as possible align the monitoring system to the independent ongoing monitoring
of the CFU-programme.
In terms of knowledge sharing, the national coordination unit would be responsible for
integrating the lessons learnt from the Programme within the Ministry.
The Conservation Agriculture Task Force described earlier in the document will be the
primary vehicle for disseminating knowledge among interested stakeholders. This is
meant to be a forum for exchange of experience.
MACO, FAO and the donor will hold a joint annual meeting in June of each year to
review the programme’s progress discuss and approve annual report, annual work plans,
and budgets and discuss any issues of special concern for the implementation of the
programme. There will also be more informal review meetings after the cropping
seasons has commenced and joint field visits as deemed necessary. The CFU will be
invited to attend the meeting. The FAO meeting will be facilitated by the FAO
Communication and Visibility
The project has a specific component (3- Implementation of IEC Strategy) which is
designed to allow the Ministry to raise awareness and visibility of the Programme as part
of the integration of its messages into their extension package throughout the country.
Reporting Schedule
Interim reporting schedule will be discussed with the donor at project inception. At the
end of the project a terminal report and final financial statement would be prepared in line
with FAO’s standard formats.
Log frame
Design Summary
Impact - To contribute to the
Zambian Government’s efforts
towards an efficient,
competitive sustainable
agricultural sector whilst
securing a productive
environment and well
conserved natural resources for
sustainable development.
Outcome - Greater food
security as a result of increased
food production and more
sustainable use of
environmental resources
through the application of
conservation agriculture and
conservation farming practices.
Programme Component 1 –
Up-Scaling the CAP Model
Indicators/Targets
-75% of districts reporting sustained
increased food `production and food
security.
(i) 75% of participating farmers will have
adopted CA practices on part of their land
including minimal or no till land
preparation, correct timing and spacing of
planting, and integration of agro forestry (ii)
Average crop yields increased by 50%
(from 1 to 1.5 tonnes per Ha) by the second
year of support (iii) 15% reduction in the
abandonment of exhausted land in favour of
new land in project areas.
Indicators for Component 1
Outputs:
3920 OFFs trained 4
Number of people trained and topics covered.
times per year (once they enter
the program cycle) on topics
related to CA/CF
Data Sources
-VAC Committee reports from
district level
-Crop forecasting at district
level.
Assumptions
-the country remains stable without
social or economic disruptions
-MACO is able to internalize CF/CA
as part of their extension services and
continue to provide these services
beyond the life of the project.
-M & E toolkit
-Independent assessment
-Evaluation
-there are no significant natural
disasters in project areas
-farmers will be willing to
permanently adopt this approach
based on demonstrated results
-extension system and inputs reach
beneficiaries at the correct time in
relation to the cropping season
Data Sources for Component 1
Assumptions for Component 1
(i) training and attendance
reports.
-the training/extension approach is
sound and (i) becomes considered part
of the normal work of the extension
services and not an additional task (ii)
the messages and support remain
strong beyond the lead farmer level.
58,800 farmers
beneficiaries are trained by
OFFs 4 times per year (once
they enter the program cycle)
on topics related to CA/CF
Once they have entered
the project, 3920 OFFs receive
at least 2 field visits/contacts
per month at key points
throughout the year from the
camp extension worker.
Once they have entered
the project, 58,800 farmer
beneficiaries receive at least 2
field visits/contacts per month
at key points throughout the
year from the OFFs.
2-3 plots per camp
established for a total of
approximately 210 plots. Plots
will be established in line with
the roll out of the project in 2
years.
Tree seedlings, live
fencing, seeds, fertilizer
delivered to OFFs and farmer
beneficiaries in a timely
manner and utilized according
to CA principles in line with
(i)
Number of people trained and topics
covered.
(iii) Number of visits
(iv) Number of visits
ii) training and attendance
reports.
-the training/extension approach is
sound and (i) becomes considered part
of the normal work of the extension
services and not an additional task (ii)
the messages and support remain
(iii) attendance reports from field strong beyond the lead farmer level.
days and field visit logbook
-input and equipment packages are the
right mixture of incentives to facilitate
full implementation of extension, but
(iv) attendance reports from field do not become a limiting factor in
days and visit logbook
sustaining activities beyond lifespan
of project.
(v) Number of plots established and correctly
demonstrating CA principles.
(v) district reports from camp
officers
(vi) amount of inputs arriving on time
compared to planned figures, amounts and
type of equipment sourced
(vi) district field
acknowledgement of receipt
-input and equipment arrives at the
correct time in relation to the cropping
season.
the training and extension
provided.
Rippers, hoes, chains,
sprayers and zamwipes
sourced by OFFs and farmer
beneficiaries though the
voucher system and used
according to CA principles in
line with the training and
extension provided.
(vii) verification to the extent to which the
inputs and equipment have been used in
accordance with the training/extension.
(vii) district reports, assessment
after 2 years & evaluation.
Assumptions for Component 2
Programme Component 2 – Indicators for Component 2
Capacity Building of MACO
District Structures
Data Sources for Component 2
(i) training and attendance
reports
-district and provincial staff are
willing to mainstream CF/CA in their
areas of coverage.
(ii) training and attendance
reports
- camp extension staff are able to
successfully translate their training
into extension messages in their areas
of coverage.
Outputs
45 district and
provincial staff trained on
project objectives, approach,
and CA/CF concepts
171 camp extension
staff trained 4 times per year
(once they enter the program
cycle) on topics related to
CA/CF by CFU/District
Extension Officers.
Outputs and Activities
(i) Number of people trained and topics
covered.
(ii) Number of people trained per session per
year, number of sessions per year and topics
covered.
Programme Component 3 –
Implementation of IEC
Strategy
Indicators for Component 3
Data Sources for Component 3
Assumptions for Component 3
(i) National Information Service
reports
-TV and radio are an effective means
of providing a supportive environment
for CF/CA adoption.
Data Sources for Component 4
Assumptions for Component 4
(i) number and timeliness of adapted
technologies compared to demand.
(i) national coordination office
reports
-CF/CA can be successfully adapted to
different regions in Zambia in a timely
fashion and then widely disseminated
to the concerned extension staff.
Programme Component 5 –
Development of Market
Linkages
Indicators for Component 5
Data Sources for Component 5
Linkages to other
service providers explored
(i) Number of potential linkages identified
by camp extension officers.
Assumptions for Component 5
-farmer associations are interested and
strong enough in many areas by the
end of the project that they can
effectively take advantage of potential
market linkages and out grower
Outputs
24 radio and TV spots
prepared for information
dissemination
Programme Component 4 –
Adaptive Research and
Training
(i) # of radio and TV spots realized ii) # of
district agricultural information officers
active in project promotion iii) estimates of
population coverage based on district
populations figures and radio permeation.
Indicators for Component 4
Outputs
adapted technologies
provided in a timely manner,
especially for regions 1 & 3
(i) district level reports
schemes.
-private sector is interested in working
with farmer associations.
Programme Component 6 –
National Policy Dialogue on
CA and IEM
Indicators for Component 6
Data Sources for Component 6
Assumptions for Component 6
(i) Number of meetings, number of
National task force
stakeholders involved vs. number of
established and functioning.
organizations active in CA in Zambia
MACO, ZNFU, and
(ii) number of CF/CA activities that take
MTENR supported through the place in districts not supported by the project,
national coordination unit to
existence of CF/CA as one practical approach
mainstream CF/CA activities in policies and programmes for adapting to
in agricultural policies and
climate change.
programmes and influencing
the climate change adaptation
policies and programmes.
(i) minutes from taskforce
meetings
-stakeholders are willing to share
experience under a single umbrella
-Task force through MACO can
enforce norms and help ensure
harmonization amongst CA operators.
-Agriculture is accepted as having a
major role in mitigating climate
change.
Programme Component 7 –
Monitoring and Evaluation
Data Sources for Component 7
Assumptions for Component 7
(i) existence of study by delivery
date.
-District level reporting structure can
easily incorporate monitoring of CA
elements without significant additional
workload
-it is possible to gather the required
Indicators for Component 7
Baseline study
conducted to have a starting
(i) Study completed in a timely fashion.
point for comparing project
results.
Independent external
(ii) Assessment completed in a timely
assessment undertaken after 2 fashion.
(ii) national coordination unit
reporting
(ii) existence of assessment by
years of project
implementation.
(iii) Existence of evidence based results
Project Results
linked to project activities and approach.
Documented through use of
the Monitoring Toolkit
(iv) Evaluation produced.
Evaluation of the
project undertaken by the FAO
evaluation service.
delivery date.
Programme Component 8 –
Programme Management
Indicators for Component 8
Data Sources for Component 8
Assumptions for Component 8
National coordination
unit established with 1 national
coordinator and 4 specialists
established.
Technical, financial,
management and
administrative support
provided by FAO.
(i) Team established and ensuring project
roll out according to annual work plans.
(i) annual reporting vs. work
plans
-expected project results are ambitious
but realistic.
(ii)Degree to which project achieves its
intended results vs. budget spent.
(iii) national coordination unit
reports and annual project
reports, assessment, evaluation.
(iv) existence of evaluation
(ii) annual reporting vs. work
plans
information beyond the lead farmer
level without incurring significant
costs.
Annex II.
Work Plan (January 2009 to June 2009)
Activity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Months
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16
17
17
Months
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16
17
17
Conduct a
baseline survey
Set up and
operationalise
National
Coordination
Unit
Conduct an
inception
workshop
Selecting
districts and
camps
Farmer and
other
stakeholder
sensitization
Selection of
target farmers
Procurements
for capacity
building
Work Plan (June 2009 to November 2010 )
Activity
1
Procurements and
distribution of
equipment and
planting material
M&E baseline
in the field
Exposure visits
Training
extension staff
in CA
technologies
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Training of
targeted farmers
CA technologies
Training in
entrepreneurship
skills
Preparation of
fields
Preparation of
fields days
M&E
monitoring
Field weeding
Reporting
Evaluation
Annex III
Terms of Reference
FAO Zambia
Programme Officer
Under the general supervision of the FAO Representative in Zambia and
supervision of the relevant FAO technical support Units and working in close
cooperation with Government Authorities as well as NGOs and other
International Organizations, the Programme Officer will provide leadership for
the Conservation Agriculture Scaling Up for increased Productivity and
Production Project in Zambia particularly:
Maintain close consultation and collaboration with the FAO
administration section for the technical support to procurement for CA tools and
implements, seed, fertilizers and other inputs for relevant activities;
Facilitate liaison with project partners, other national and international
counterparts and organize regular meetings with donors, government, UN
agencies and NGOs to stimulate more interest in the intervention;
Provide technical support to the organization of CA field days, including
the data collection activities and support the training of farmers and extension
workers;
Contribute to the management of a CA database and the documentation
of lessons learnt from the project in the country as a basis for any future in CA
interventions;
Make recommendations on the implementation of the project and ensure
progress of the activities;
Under the close guidance of the FAOR, liaise with the donor community
in Zambia to bring to attention areas requiring more CA related support;
Participate and assist the CA Team leader in preparation of CA practical
training material, farm planning and management on CA in collaboration with
the Team Leader (Expert) and National Project Coordinator;
Carry out any other duties related to CA as requested by the FAOR.
Annex IV
TERMS OF REFERENCE
NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR (NPC)
The National Project Coordinator will be an expert of high seniority currently
working in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and will serve as a focal
point for the duration of the project. The NPC is expected to be part of the
implementation team of the program to provide both technical and policy
direction.
Duties: The National Coordinator based at the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives will in close collaboration with the FAO Team leader and FAOR in
the country:
Liaise closely with the team leader and FAO Programme Officer in the
implementation of the project activities. He/She will mobilize side by side the
project Government resources, including human resource for implementing
activities in synergy with FAO.
Liaise with FAO team leader on activities of the project according to the
appropriate technical guidelines so as to make the distribution, planting and crop
management effective.
Liaise with the CFU and prepare timely updated information for use in the
public awareness and updates.
Liaise with team leader and Programme Officer in conducting community -based
extension and training programs for farmers.
Prepare and submit progress reports to FAO and Government
Perform any other duties deemed necessary for realization of project objectives
Duration: entire project
Qualifications: Agronomist or Agricultural Engineer currently working in the
Department of Agriculture and experienced in crop production, land
management or agricultural tillage equipment.
Annex V
Terms of Reference
Team leader (Expert)
Under the general guidance and supervision of the FAOR the expert will provide
guidance and support to the Project at the implementation level with the
identification of needs, design, implementation and M&E of activities;:
In close liaison with the National Project Coordinator and CFU, assist and
participate with the identification and organization of farmer Field Schools and
in the learning-by-doing process of CA;
Provide support to the identification of target Districts and Agricultural
Camps for implementation of the project and set up demonstration fields using
OFFs and CEOs as part of the Farmer Field School learning strategies;
Provide information on the main principles and practices of CA to policy
makers, agricultural input suppliers, traders, extension workers, research
workers, farmers and others, emphasizing the technologies with possibility of
being adopted immediately;
Working closely with the National Project Coordinator and Programme
Officer, contribute to the preparation, selection and distribution of appropriate
extension materials, booklets, leaflets and other mediums to help understanding
and adoption of CA in Zambia;
Participate in field operations and Monitoring and Evaluation activities as
required in collaboration with National Project Coordinator, FAO Programme
Officer and other implementing partners;
Participate in the provision of any CA technical expertise such as training
of Extension staff or farmers based on identified needs;
In consultation with other project staff, specify quantities and determine
technical specifications of CA agricultural inputs, including appropriate CA
implements and tools, to be provided per beneficiary and recommend the
varieties and quantities of seeds to be procured, as well as the type, quantities
and timing of other agricultural inputs required for the successful
implementation of CA;
Prepare project updates, interim/terminal statements/reports;
Carry out any other duties related to Conservation Agriculture as
requested by the FAOR.
Prepare a terminal report upon completion of his/her assignment.
Qualifications and experience:
University degree in agriculture or a related field with at least 5 years experience
in the agriculture sector with small-scale farmers and Conservation technologies
interventions in particular. Experience in working with national governments,
NGOs and other UN Agencies is desirable Experience in emergency and
rehabilitation agricultural operations required.
Essential skills:
Good writing and communication skills, computer
literacy, fluency in English.
Duration of assignment:
entire project
Duty station:
Lusaka