Phase 2

South East Asia Coordinating Unit

 

Vietnam (Mekong Delta) Project

For the period covering June – December 2000, and January – June 2001

  1. The following Initial Workplan (summarized) was informed:


    2. Enhance the capacity of the project staff and organization.

    Link with local organizations to establish a network of cooperation communities on PPB/PVS and SSS activities in the Mekong Delta.

    Organize the national meeting for planning activities and training of core farmers from communities (training for trainers)

    Conduct field trials (PPB/PVS and technical experiments), seed production and demonstrative plots for other root crops at communities.

  2. Program activities and associated achievements for the reporting period include:


    3. Project organization and management:

    Two new staff hired in March 2000, bringing the total staff to 6 full time and 1 permanent consultant. This has allowed for the project activities to extend to all provinces in the Mekong Delta.

    A local advisory board was formed, at the suggestion of the RCU. The board assists the coordinator in planning orienting approaches for PPB/PVS and SSS, evaluating project and supporting implementation

    A concerted effort is being made to establish strong working relationships between local organizations and the advisory board, as well as the formation of a network throughout the Mekong Delta in 25 communities.

    PPB/PVS Activities

    According to surveys conducted, most farmers are interested in adaptation trials and purification selection. PP/PVS are the main activities carried out in the participating communities.

    Conduct of baseline studies on PGR diversity and analysis of data from the survey

    Conduct of case study on genetic differences of rice lines from PPB by formal and informal sectors

    Technical experiments, workshops, farmer field days and training for farmers, all focussed on PPB/PVS have been conducted in the beneficiary communities throughout the reporting period.

    SSS

    Seed production activities were carried out on approximately 26 hectares, although no production data was available at the time of the report.

    Demonstrative Plots focussed on water conservation and conservation of root crops have been implemented.

    Gender

    Conduct of case study on gender, analysis of data and writing the report

  3. Results so far

    4. Linkage with local organizations and establishment of a network for PPB/PVS activities in the Mekong Delta.The first phase such as IPM Clubs, Agricultural Extension Clubs, Seed Production Clubs and even Farmer Clubs (Association). Moreover, new communities were also established with "Seed Production Clubs".

    For this second phase a total of 25 communities were established for the network with participation of 717 farmers from 11 provinces in the Mekong Delta under CBDC project.

  4. Constraints faced during the reporting period:

    5. Delay in reception of funds, which will affect implementation in the future.

    Lack of communication regarding status of CBDC Programme in general.

    The methods to conduct each t-line has not been directed yet and this will affect the implementation of the national projects.

    The establishment of the advisory board and working groups at the provincial level are seen as important opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the program. Suggestions are made to 1) keep national projects better informed regarding the progress and status of the Programme as a whole, and 2) conduct training for all staff in the region to assist in the implementation of t-lines, making it easier to evaluate and publish studies from national projects.

    The following activities were not accomplished and are carried over to 2001:

    • Baseline study on PGR diversity of target crops at communities.

    • Case study on gender

    • Case study on PGR of rice

    • Training for farmers with FFS methods

    • Diversity fairs


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