SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference King Solomon’s Hotel, Honiara 12 to 16 April 2010
THEME Improving Rural Livelihoods through Integrated Agriculture Sectors Approaches
Co-sponsors SIG-MAL, ROC/TTM, SPC and RDP
Table of Contents Acknowledgement.................................................................................................................................5 Executive Summary................................................................................................................................6 DAY ONE 1.
Opening Programme..................................................................................... 8 1.1 Ambassador George Chan, ROC...................................................................................9 1.2 Andrew, RDP........................................................................................................................9 1.3 Steven Hazelman, SPC.....................................................................................................9 1.4 Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Hon. Selwyn Riumana...........................9
2.
Presentations . ............................................................................................. 10 2.1 Minister of Agriculture and Livestock........................................................................ 10 2.2 Permanent Secretary..................................................................................................... 10
3.
Departmental Presentations....................................................................... 11 3.1 Administration................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Accounts............................................................................................................................ 11 3.3 Planning............................................................................................................................. 11 3.4 Research............................................................................................................................. 11
DAY TWO 3.5 Livestock............................................................................................................................ 12 3.6 Quarantine........................................................................................................................ 12 3.7 Communication Strategies.......................................................................................... 13 4.
Projects Presentations................................................................................. 13 4.1 National Rice Development........................................................................................ 13 4.2 National Rural Rice Development Program (NRRDP)........................................ 13 4.3 System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and the NRRDP........................................... 14 4.4 National Cattle Project.................................................................................................. 14 4.5 Rural Development Program Component 2 (RDP C2)....................................... 14 4.6 Aus Aid Rural Development Support...................................................................... 14
DAY THREE 5. Provincial Reports............................................................................................... 16 5.1 Malaita Province.............................................................................................................. 16 5.2 Guadalcanal Province.................................................................................................... 16 5.3 Public Service................................................................................................................... 17 5.4 Western Province............................................................................................................ 18 5.5 National Oil Palm Program.......................................................................................... 18 5.6 Makira Province............................................................................................................... 18 5.7 Isabel Province................................................................................................................. 19 DAY FOUR 5.8 Temotu................................................................................................................................ 20 5.9 Choiseul.............................................................................................................................. 20 5.10 Central.............................................................................................................................. 20 5.11 Renbel............................................................................................................................... 20 5.12 Field Trips....................................................................................................................... 20
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6 DAY 5
EveningSession..................................................................................................... 21 6.1 Budget...........................................................................................................................................21 6.1 Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Development Concept...............................21 6.2 Major Issues.................................................................................................................................22
7.
National Policies....................................................................................................23 7.1 National Rice Sector Policy.....................................................................................................23 7.2 Agriculture Extension Services Policy.................................................................................24
8.
Draft Communique and Conference Wrap-up....................................................25 8.1Draft Communique ...................................................................................................................25 8.2 Conference Wrap-up.................................................................................................................25
Conference Organizing Committee Edward Hori
- Chairman, Deputy Director Projects, Extensions Services, MAL
Michael Ho’ota
- Director, Extension Services
Belden Taki
- Deputy Director, Extension Services, MAL
Willie Tuita
- Chief Field Officer, Operations (Rice), MAL
Caroline Houkura
- Assistant Field Officer, Women Development, MAL
David Bua
- Procurement Officer, Extension Services, MAL
Gilson Tereah
- Rice Technician, MAL
Moses Misi
- Rice Machineries, Mechanic & Operator, MAL
Julian Tora
- Field Assistant, MAL
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Acronyms
4
MAL
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
MDPAC
Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination
NRRDP
National Rural Rice Development Programme
PIEN
Pacific Islands Extension Network
RDP C2
Rural Development Project Component 2
ROC
Republic of Taiwan
SPC
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
SRI
System of Rice Intensification
TTM
Taiwan Technical Mission
Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
Acknowledgements I have much pleasure in presenting this report of the conference proceedings. This report documents what was a truly rewarding and fruitful conference. Much time and effort went into the preparation and planning and into ensuring that the conference achieved its aims and objectives. I wish to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the government and the co-sponsors of this conference. Firstly, the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Selwyn Riumana, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edward Kingmele; secondly, Ambassador George Chen of the Embassy of the Republic of China, and the staff of the Taiwan Technical Mission; and thirdly Stephen Hazelman, of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), who not only participated in the conference but also sponsored the mid week social event that was an occasion for participants to gain a better understanding of the Pacific Island Extension Network (PIEN); and fourthly RDP. All of these organizations provided financial and technical assistance which enabled the conference to be a success. Mention must also be made of all the staff, both at the Ministry headquarters, but more so the extension staff who gave of their time to travel from the provinces to be present at the conference. Your valuable technical input made the conference truly meaningful and worthwhile. Appreciation is also extended to other stakeholders who participated and the secretariat who worked behind the scenes to ensure the proceedings of the conference were well captured. Finally, I must mention the Organizing Committee who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the week-long event as well as taking care of post conference matters. Your team work and camaraderie is sincerely appreciated. Tagio tumas evriwan! Michael Ho’ota Director Extension
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Executive Summary 1. The 2010 Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference, which had as its theme, “Improving Rural Livelihoods through Integrated Agriculture Sectors Approaches�, was held at the King Solomon Hotel, Honiara, from 12 to 16 April 2010 and attracted a total of twenty six (26) senior staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) headquarters, and all the provinces including Honiara. Other stakeholders in agriculture also participated at different times during the conference. 2. Funding for the conference was provided by the MAL, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, SPC, the Rural Development Project, RDP, based at the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, MDPAC, and the Taiwan Technical Mission, TTM, of the Republic of China, to the tune of SBD$200,000.00. 3. The conference was a forumi to update all the senior extension staff on current developments in the MAL and from other stakeholders, as well as to finalize the 2009 annual report, and review the 2010 Recurrent and Development Budgets, the 2010 provincial extension work plans, national policies and work plans and strategies. 4. The daily programmes for the entire duration of the conference included presentations by Directors from various Departments in MAL and other stakeholders, Chief Field Officers and other representatives from national and regional development programmes. There were also several night sessions and field trips to a farm and two down-stream processing ventures.
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5. A number of national agricultural policies were discussed in which inputs and contributions of extension staff were solicited. The overarching National Agriculture and Livestock Policy 20092014, and The National Extension Policy and the National Rice Policy in particular were discussed and considered. In the words of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edward Kingmele, these policies are “the blue print and road map for the next five to 10 yrs” and good ground work for the ministry as the nation looks forward to a new government later on in the year. 6. A communiqué was also put together at the conference which was signed by all Provincial Chief Field Officers and presented to the Minister of MAL during the closing ceremony held at the Sea King Restaurant. The communiqué encapsulates the challenge put to the conference by the Minister to seek a new concept, a paradigm shift and a holistic approach to agriculture development. It also contains the agreed outcomes by the participants which will provide the extension service direction and focus in the months ahead and underscores the importance of partnerships that has enabled the conference to eventuate successfully.
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DAY ONE Chair: John Harunari, Under Secretary (Technical)
1.
OPENING PROGRAMME
The Opening Programme commenced with a word of prayer by HRM Jacqueline Qaloboe, followed by the introduction of the official program by the Under Secretary Technical, John Harunari. In the welcome and introduction to the conference, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edward Kingmele, acknowledged the presence of the Minister, the Hon Selwyn Riumana, Ambassador Chen, the Head of the School of Natural Resources and representatives from Kastom Garden, SIDT, World Vision, Solomon Tropical Products, Local Business representatives, Directors, Chief Field Officers, and the media. He reiterated the theme of ‘improving rural livelihoods’ and the objectives which include, amongst others, sharing information amongst stakeholders, and providing update on the status of agriculture development in rural areas. The Permanent Secretary introduced the National Agriculture and Livestock Policy 2009-2014, the blue print and road map for agriculture in Solomon Islands for the next 5 to 10 years. The Policy aims to meet the target for sustainable development, reorient agriculture productivity, and provide strategic options for agriculture development. As a framework for national development the policy aims to address the basic needs of people, such as food security, creation of job opportunities, ensuring sustainable utilisation of and conservation of natural resources. It also contains national development objectives such as national oil palm programme, rice production, coconut and cocoa, small livestock and cattle industry revival. The expected outcomes and outputs of the national policy are poverty alleviation and enhanced food security. The welcome and introduction was followed by remarks from the co-sponsors of the conference: the Republic of China, the Rural Development Project, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
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1.1
Ambassador George Chan, ROC
The Ambassador stressed the importance of agriculture and the availability of natural resources but acknowledged that constraints have slowed down the sector’s production. A joint effort between all stakeholders will help boost agriculture production. Taiwan was an agrarian society with little natural resource and yet moved into industrialisation. Solomon Islands can do the same. Training on the job is available to share success stories with each other. Taiwan Technical Mission will continue to support agriculture production in SI. The Ambassador registered confidence in the leadership of the Minister of Agriculture and encouraged participants to go back with lots of information to help them in improving their work.
1.2
Andrew Winter-Taylor, RDP
According to Andrew, the extension activities are increasing dramatically with some amazing effects on the ground. Donors are pleased with the results and outcomes seen on ground and subject to government ratification, want to extend the program from 2012 to 2013. The second part of the program has also obtained approval for extension from 2014 to 2017. All these were due largely to MAL’s participation and partnership.
1.3
Stephen Hazelman, SPC
Stephen Hazelman was part of the group that was concerned about agricultural extension work in 2005 and formed the Pacific Islands Extension Network, PIEN, which is concerned with making impact on the ground. Mr. Hazelman asked if the Extension arm of MAL was ready to ensure the national program as outlined by the PS was carried out. To do so, implementers must be mindful of biodiversity, the role of the media, and cost-effective ways of doing things.
1.4 Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, MAL The Minister, Hon. Selwyn Riumana expressed thanks to Ambassador Chen for ROC assistance to the agriculture sector which is touching the lives of many Solomon Islanders in rural areas. He also thanked other donor partners. He emphasized the significance of the conference as an annual event during which senior extension staff share information and update in matters affecting the services. The Minister also mentioned the development of policies in the agriculture sector for the next 5 years, and the National Rice Policy as significant. Such a policy should open the market and help bring the price down. Other significant achievements, according to the Minister include the partnership with other stakeholders such as SPC and improved extension delivery in the provinces through collaboration with the RDP and ROC. Agriculture remains the mainstay of 85 percent of the population. The challenge remains to develop a vibrant and productive agriculture sector. The Minister stressed the need for collaboration between MAL and other stakeholders such as ADRA, World Vision, and Kastom Garden. He encouraged participants to make the most use of the opportunity and formally declared the conference open. Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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2.
PRESENTATIONS
Chair: Edward Hori, Deputy Director (Projects)
2.1
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
The Minister overviewed the history and the strengths and weaknesses of previous rural development initiatives. Having listed examples of both communal and individual initiatives that have failed in the past, the Minister then called for a new rural development concept, a paradigm shift, a holistic approach and a change in the mindset to involve teachers for the education of children in agriculture development at an early age and lawyers to address the land tenure system. The Minister summarised by saying that all stakeholders need to work together and organise ourselves in order to move into commercial production.
2.2 Permanent Secretary Mr. Edward Kingmele reiterated that with the National Agriculture and Livestock Sector Policy 2009-2014, there is now available a document that will start the country on the road to greater agricultural development. The document is where all subsector policies emanate from and one of the outcomes of this conference was to allow participants to contribute to these policies. The Permanent Secretary reminded the conference that with these polices it is in a position to advice the next government on what needs to be done in agriculture. He reiterated the challenge left by the Minister of the need to be more organised in production so as to meet commercial demand. He made mention of niche markets such as that for taro and cassava in Brisbane and for pineapple in New Zealand that are available and of great benefit to farmers if they are able to meet the demand. He also raised the need to move forward with the Farmers Association legislation, which is now in draft and in circulation. In the discussion and comments time the ensued, the need for wider participation in subsector policy development was raised and was acknowledged but also balanced out with the need to improve on the process so as to meet set time lines. The Permanent Secretary wound up the discussion by picking up the comment from the floor to make agriculture the number two or one in government policy and although cash flow remain a great challenge, he pointed out how beneficial it would be if relevant information on cash flow problems are forthcoming from the ministry of finance. To shed light on the cash flow challenge, he informed the conference that the latest briefing to permanent secretaries on finance reveal that 90million is collected per month out of which 40 million goes for salaries leaving only 50 million to be divided among all ministries for administration and development purposes.
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Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
3. DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS Chair: Eddie Hori The presentations which began on day one and continued on day two served to inform and update the conference participants on their current activities in relation to the Extension Services in the rural areas of the country. The presentations covered, but were not limited to issues, achievements, challenges and proposed strategies to address the issues and challenges.
3.1
Administration
The Human Resource Manager provided an overview on MAL establishment and briefing on staff establishment from 2006 to the present, the recruitment process, promotions, confirmation, retirements, proposed redundancies and resignations. A breakdown by gender was also provided including those that exit by death, those on FTA, substantive holders and trial promotion. Work is in progress on a wide range of HR issues such as prolonged retirement notices, long service benefits, promotions, and acting positions.
3.2 Accounts The Chief Accountant provided details on staffing, the budget and the budget process, the payment process, service providers, Financial Instructions requirements, and also pointed out the need for the ministry to update its Stock/Asset Records. Clarification was provided on the ownership of assets acquired under the ministry including those solicited through projects remains the property of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock as agriculture functions have not yet been devolved to the Provinces. Similarly, any proceeds from assets under the ministry, such as rentals belong to the Ministry as well and not the Province.
3.3 Planning The Deputy Director (Planning) focussed on the division’s organisational structure, roles and functions, activities, the development budget allocations from 2008 to 2010, staffing, achievements which include corporate plans, annual work plan, annual reports, department budget submissions, development budget protocol submissions and provincial distribution of projects with a total value of 2 million each for coconut and cocoa; weaknesses and constraints and recommendations including (a) realignment of MAL departments with the National Agriculture and Livestock Policy 2009-2014, (b) an inventory of key stakeholders to develop agriculture action plan, (c) carry out a national agriculture profile and survey,(d) produce Mal coconut and cocoa policy strategic staff development plan. Questions and comments were raised on the difficulty in communication, monitoring and evaluation, an independent land use planning and marketing, and the Ministry’s signing of MOU with an NGO to do monitoring to provide independent assessment.
3.4 Research The Director of Research & Development Department provided a brief report on staffing, budget, achievements, challenges and actions to be taken, and an outlook for 2010-2014 with regards to manpower and infrastructure, functions and programs.
The director pointed out that the department also faces the same development constraints faced by other departments and therefore underscores the need for realignment within the entire ministry. Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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DAY TWO Chair:
Eddie Hori, Deputy Director (Projects).
Day 2 began with a continuation of Department presentations by the Livestock Department and Quarantine Department and was chaired by Mr. Edward Hori, the Deputy Director Projects followed by Projects presentations chaired by Belden Taki, Deputy Director Extension. Presentations on the projects highlighted the achievements and challenges that need to be addressed.
3.5 Livestock The Director Livestock provided an overview of the objectives and strategies of the Livestock Department outlining the department’s mandate or purpose, current resource status both human and infrastructure, aims, strategies and activities and future plans. The department’s main objectives include capacity building, increasing livestock production through the cattle rehabilitation program, improving product quality in small livestock, and reviving the honey industry. The department’s aim to increase animal production is being achieved through the provision of recurrent and development budget support and trainings for farmers in the improvement of production practices and product quality. The Malaita Piggery Commercial Project (Dala Farm) is a one million dollar project and two slaughter houses planned for Malaita and Guadalcanal will cost $500,000. Product quality for pork, chicken and beef will be achieved through the imposition of regulations on slaughter and processing. Future plans for the department will focus on staff training, village chicken project, feed mill project, honey bee and upgrade of the laboratory.
3.6 Quarantine The Director of Quarantine briefed the conference on the current activities of the Solomon Islands Agriculture Quarantine Service’s (SIAQS) as they relate to Extension Services in the rural areas of the country. The SIAQS protects the flora and fauna of Solomon Island from invasion of exotic pests and diseases; provide surveillance and monitoring system for pest and diseases incursion; facilitate Trade in compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) protocols and other International Trade agreements that Solomon Islands is signatory to; administer and enforce the Quarantine Act, its amendment orders and subsequent regulations and provide inspection and certification services for import and export of agricultural produce and products.
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The main threats to agriculture in the country that SIAQS’s efforts are being focused on are the Giant African Snail (Archatina.fulica) and Cocoa Pod Borer (Conopomorpha cramerella) Currently there are 17 quarantine posts throughout the country and the service plans on increasing this. The presentation concluded with the challenge that it is the responsibility of all Solomon Islanders to keep Solomon Islands pest-free, green and growing.
3.7 Communication Strategies Mr. Hazelman of the SPC provided an overview of Agriculture Extension and Communication Strategies for SI and other Pacific Island Countries. ICT is one of the ten most common capacity needs identified in the capacity needs assessment carried out in the twelve Pacific Island countries by SPC. Mr Hazelman shared on the Tongan experience of utilising Information Communication Technology (ICT) to transform extension performance. The kingdom of Tonga is spread over some 300 km of ocean and with the research centre at the capital Tongatapu, it usually takes 2 days by boat to get to a village on the other islands within the kingdom and the boat trips occur only once a month. It is shorter to travel by air but this is costly. So in the midst of this vast geographical spread, transportation difficulties, high cost of supplies and services, inadequate finances, few extension officers, increased responsibilities and farmers’ demands for technical information, lack of a coordinated information-base, ICT was introduced. SPC assisted with the publication of agriculture materials, purchase of computers for three district centers, purchase of 7 mobiles for TBU Extension and Information staff and the compiling of farmer profiles. Since then agriculture extension services in Tonga has greatly improved. The Tongan experience can be emulated in the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island countries because the challenges experienced in all the island nations are similar in nature and with SPC’s willingness to assist its member Pacific Island countries, extension services in the Pacific can be transformed.
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4. PROJECTS PRESENTATIONS 4.1 National Rice Development Mr. Michael Hshu of the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) provided background information on the TTM, staffing and results achieved to date. TTM has worked in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture on rice production in the country since the first agreement was signed in December 1983. The agreement has since been renewed seven (7) times with the current agreement running till 2011. Results achieved to date include the development of eight (8) demonstration farms in Choiseul Province (Lauru Training Center), Temotu Province (Luesalo RTC), and Guadalcanal Province (East Tasimboko farm,, Don Bosco Tetere RTC, St. Martins RTC, St. Joseph catholic secondary school, Tenaru, School of Natural Resource, SICHE, and Selwyn College). These demonstration farms emulate the activities carried out at the TTM Demonstration Farm. The TTM is closely involved in the Provincial Rice Expansion Program. A total of 258.1 ha have been cultivated in all nine provinces with success rates measured in the actual tonnage harvested against expected quantity which ranged from 54 per cent to 120 per cent. Isabel has the highest success rate of 120 per cent followed by Malaita, Makira, Central and Renbel with 100 per cent each. Western Province had a 75 per cent success rate, followed by Choiseul with 69 per cent, Temotu with 60 per cent and Guadalcanal with 54 per cent. The biggest land area planted was on Malaita (60 ha), followed by Isabel (50 ha), Guadalcanal (38.6 ha), Temotu (35 ha), Western (32 ha), Choiseul (20.5), Makira (15 ha), Central (5 ha) and Renbel (2 ha). Another key result area of the TTM is in trainings for farmers and students.
4.2 National Rural Rice Development Program (NRRDP) The Director of Extension, Deputy Director (Projects), Chief Field Officer (Operations) presented the program budget, project allocation, progress to date, activities for 2009 which included the visit to Phil Rice in the Philippines which resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Permanent Secretary (SIG/MAL) and the Director General of Phil Rice and the signing of the Material Transfer agreement (MTA) to facilitate the transfer of rice varieties from Phil Rice to the MAL as well as constraints experienced by the program.
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4.3 System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and the NRRDP Dr. Ravi Joshi did a presentation on an alternative rice production technology known as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI). He also contrasted the two paradigms for agriculture, the GREEN REVOLUTION strategy which focused on changing the genetic potential of plants, and increasing the use of external inputs such as more water, more fertilizer and insecticides against the SRI (AGROECOLOGY) technology which instead focus on the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients and promote the growth of root systems, and to increase the abundance and diversity of soil organisms to better enlist their benefits with the goal of producing better PHENOTYPES. The SRI which has had SI Cabinet approval is to be implemented in collaboration with the NRRDP and so will have a national scope with coverage in all provinces. The initial number of sites will be twenty seven (27) with three (3) per province. The methodology is to establish demonstration/ observation plots within the existing rice projects. Dr. Joshi talked on the advantages of SRI, the background to its development, the six basic ideas of SRI, the requirements and constraints of SRI in other countries and why SRI is the best option for Solomon Islands.
4.4 National Cattle Project The Director of Livestock provided a brief overview on the National Cattle Project with its focus on cattle rehabilitation which will entail reviving the Tenavatu farm, the setting up of quarantine centres, identifying and assisting small holder cattle farmers and importing a 1200 breeding herd from Australia.
4.5 Rural Development Program Component 2 (RDP C2) George Hiele and Mark Johnson in their presentation on the Rural Development Program Component 2 (RDP C2) highlighted the goal and the achievements of the program in the four provinces that the program operated namely, Choiseul, Western, Malaita and Temotu the challenges faced and future focus of the program. The goal of the Rural Development Program Component 2 (RDP C2) is to improve Agriculture Services. In terms of overall achievement, the program among other things has enabled the ministry staff at headquarters and the provincial extension staff to be more engaged; provided opportunity for the establishment of necessary processes and procedures; facilitated capacity building in terms of human resource development training programs and infrastructure, provided for the improvement in access to quality agricultural services through provincial activities identified through consultations and participatory research approaches, improve programs in terms of supervision and reporting arrangements, operational support and the establishment of a National Agriculture Information System (SoNAIS).
4.6 Aus Aid Rural Development Support Andrew Mathews briefed the conference on the assistance provided by AusAID to rural development and agriculture development. Assistance to rural development was initially through the Community Sector Program (CSP) and currently support is provided to agriculture improvement through funding for the Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Cocoa Livelihood Improvement Program (CLIP). Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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DAY THREE:
Chair: Belden Taki, Deputy Director, Extension
5.0 PROVINCIAL REPORTS The main focus of Day 3 was on provincial reports. The key focus areas of the Provincial reports were manpower, inventories, programs, activities, challenges and recommendations. Sandwich in between the provincial reports are updates from the Public Service and National Oil Palm Project as they were not able to make it on day two.
5.1
Malaita Province
Victor Kahiou, Chief Field Officer provided information on the current manpower strength of extension services of the Malaita Province, updated the conference on the general progress of agriculture development in cocoa, coconut and coffee, the national and provincial agriculture programs which include the National Rural Rice Development Program (NRRDP), the Rural Development Program (RDP), and the MAL Coconut and Cocoa Rehabilitation Program, the DSAP and the Cocoa Livelihood Improvement Program (CLIP) and challenges and success stories of the projects. He also shared on the challenges of the Malaita PAES, its future plans and recommendations. These recommendations ask that the provinces be given opportunity to enter into partnership agreements with donor agencies for financial support for implementation of work program initiatives based on provinces comparative advantages, SIG/MAL reassess the performance of NRDP with the view to redirect the policy to take into account individual families, MAL to support CLIP in its endeavours as it touches the livelihood of the rural population in terms of family income, the provision of Standing Imprests to Provinces and the provision of skill based training for new recruits on areas such as programming, routine tasks and report writing. The presentation was followed by a lively occasion of commendations and comments which applauded the exit strategy taken on the DSAP, the ‘no slash and burn’ initiative which is a positive step in the climate change agenda, preplanning for pests which should be applied to other areas and the use of lead farmers. It was also suggested that a common template be used for work programs and that opportunities be given for the sharing of experiences across provinces.
5.2 Guadalcanal Province Chief Field Officer, Maria Karuka, gave an update on 2009 and 2010 activities under staffing, transportation, training, development projects, and the positive progresses on coffee, cocoa, CLIP, coconut, livestock and oil palm and problems encountered.
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The report also recommended the construction of additional staff housing each year, consideration of additional means of transport and increase in staff, extension to assist research to renovate the APS at Avuavu, the involvement of the extension office in agriculture projects channelled to the ministry such as oil palm out growers before it goes to the Ministry of Finance for funding and the fast tracking of procurement for staff requirements. In the questions and comments session that followed, a former CFO for the province suggested the scheduling of the existing vehicle through a booking system in order to solve the province’s transport problem. It was further suggested that this be done according to the office’s program plan and names of those using the vehicle be placed on a board so that everyone knows who is using the vehicle at what time. Still on transport, it was also suggested that a well justified case to programs such as CLIP could be another avenue of assistance. With regards to an extension office location, it was suggested that the extension officers use their standing in society as owners of the land to access a better location for their extension service office. Commendation was also received on the proactive step taken in the outsourcing of activities to cocoa enumerators and clarification provided with regards to the ownership of the tractor that is currently at Tasimboko.
5.3 Public Service Deputy Under-Secretary Maxwell Banyo gave the update from the Public Service highlighting the general freeze on recruitment and promotions since November 2009 for all new vacant positions but that posts left vacant after 11th November are considered as those needing replacements. the 66 posts for agriculture are put on reserve with no budget against them, however, posts that need to be urgently filled should utilise the formal request template which goes to HRM and then to Finance. The conference was also informed that work is in progress on other areas of incentives and clarification was made on the two types of promotion catered for however there is also a freeze also on accelerated promotions from one level to more than one level. Finally, the conference was informed that the current AusAID support to Public Service Improvement Program (PSIP), envisages a lot of improvement to the service. Bernard Telei provided background information leading to the current status of the recruitment & selection process which has now been delegated to ministries. Another review was conducted last year which reduced the 14 timeline from 6 months to 3 or better still two month Clarification was also provided for confirmations, that a one-off recommendation was accepted for officers on probation up to 1st Oct 2008 be qualified for automatic confirmation. However, all probations and trial promotions after 1st Oct 2008 will require submissions to go before the Public Service Commission (PSC). He encouraged supervisors to assess their officers not only as a way of motivating good performance but also because the PSC will now take disciplinary measures on officers at supervisory level who fail to carry out assessment on officers under their authority. Questions and Comments were focused on non-cash benefits, fairness in awarding Schemes of Service to some ministries and not others, staffing concerns such as long-term benefits, staffing establishments for MAL, staff motivation and housing. Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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5.4 Western Province Roy Timothy focused on current agriculture developments, highlighted the positive impact of programs such as the Rural Development and challenges which included geographical limitations that are affecting the effective and efficient coordination of service delivery to our rural farmers; lack of housing for staff , the unavailability of funds from the Project Support Unit to implement RDP C2 activities; transport and communication problem in some parts of the province; absence of a staff development plan;diminishing budgetary provisions from Provincial Government and inputs for commercial rice farms not forthcoming.
5.5 National Oil Palm Program The Director updated the conference on the status and progress of the National Oil Palm program, the number of staff involved, and the challenges associated with oil palm as a cash crop. His presentation was followed by questions and comments from the floor focusing on the need for the National Coordinator to visit the Choiseul project and for Head Quarter Staff to retrieve assets from the former project manager to help the newly appointed project manager, expressing disappointment about the way the Vagunu case was handled, the need for proactive and positive steps to assist small holders especially in facilitating mini mills to cater for their production levels in view of the fact that oil palm is a hard crop compared with the cash crops. In response the National Coordinator informed the conference that dialogue with GPPOL is in progress to cater for processing for Vagunu. The slowness in getting the Auluta project off the ground was also raised especially holding the groundbreaking ceremony without securing an investor. The national coordinator acknowledged the obvious slowness of he project informed the conference that the Expression of Interest will be out soon after the meeting of the National Oil Palm Task Force. He also reminded the conference on the importance of having supporting infrastructure in place before or in tandem with the development of the plantations.
5.6 Makira Province The Chief Field Officer, Robert Makoe provided information on the status of staffing, the staff to population and household ratio of 2,385 persons and 379 households per extension staff, the status of supporting infrastructure needing maintenance and upgrading, the positive impact of support by other groups such as World Vision and Save the Children, National Projects, achievements and the preferred area of focus for Makira which is cattle and other niche products such as onion and peanuts. Commendation was received during the question and comments session on networking with other service deliverers such as World Vision especially when government assistance is not forthcoming. The CFO was encouraged to take proper care of the vehicle because equipment are expensive to acquire and maintain.
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5.7 Isabel Province The Chief Field Officer presented the Isabel report which highlighted the 2009 current staffing levels and requirement, staff training/ farmer’s courses, Isabel Province Agriculture Extension Services tours, CFO official appointments at the Buala office, crops/livestock and provincial farms, and farmer’s associations. The following achievements were also shared: 71% of the work plan was achieved and 29% was not achieved due to non-funding of Projects submitted. Challenges encountered included the funding of only two out of the 22 coconut/cocoa approved projects under the MAL Roll Over scheme, delays in the procurement of equipment and materials under the NRRDP, lack of monitoring of funds under the Micro and Livelihood projects by Member of Parliament as they were not reported to the Office and inadequate logistic support to meet annual program. Observations shared included the seemingly lack of a scheme of service and the waste of efforts by PAES to develop and submit program proposals only to be turned down which demoralize both farmer and extension staff. The following recommendations were put forward: (a) That provincial programs be submitted well ahead of the budget, (b) Provincial Staff conferences be encouraged and issues raised and resolutions at Senior Extension Staff conferences be discussed at these forums (c) that a stock-verifying officer be appointed (d) that those visiting the province accord the CFO the courtesy of informing them and taking into account their views (d) that PAES staff in town inform HQ of their presence in town (e) That a ‘Farmer Associations’ budget be included in the MAL Extension recurrent budget
The presentation was followed by questions and comments session during which the following comments were raised: (a) That prior planning be done so that any plans for the next year be finalized by June of the current year (b) It is envisaged that in the future budgetary allocations for provinces be reflected in the budget and directly sent to the provinces as an improvement to the present centralized budget process (c) The initiative of diversifying into other crops like Jatropha is a proactive step taken by Isabel and should be emulated by other provinces.
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DAY FOUR Chair: Belden Taki (Deputy Director Extension) Day 4 brought to a conclusion the Provincial reports which were started in Day 3. Four provinces, namely Temotu, Choiseul, Central and Rennell and Bellona presented their reports in the morning. The afternoon of Day 4 was taken up by field trips to the SI Tropical Products, Varivao, and the Taiwan Technical Mission, King George Farm. The final session of the day took place in the evening and covered the budget a SI Agriculture and Rural Development Concept which include the allocation of areas of study to extension staff and an agreed list of the major issues raised during the conference that needed to be addressed.
5.8 Temotu The presentation by Chief Field Officer, James Akomane, detailed a comprehensive report covering staffing, training, housing, the RDP Program, rice development, taro program, New Agriculture Training Centre, comparative advantages and the potentials for Temotu Province, Divisional Report, and visitors to the Agriculture Divisions The report ended with a summary of strategies and resolutions to take Temotu Province Agriculture Extension Services forward.
5.9 Choiseul Presentation by Chief Field Officer, Samson Tim was a technical and detailed power point presentation covering background, staff establishment and structure, training, current agriculture activities in Choiseul, current funded programs, the Rural Development Program (RDP), rice programs, cocoa and coconut rehabilitation program, and Choiseul Province agriculture and rural development scheme.
5.10 Central The presentation covered manpower/staff establishment, focus of 2009 Annual Work Program, update on activities, challenges and issues and recommendation which was followed by questions and comments
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5.11 Rennell Bellona Presentation covered background to the province, manpower/staff establishment, condition of supporting equipment which revealed some in working condition and some needing maintenance, the need for 3 more staff houses in addition to the 2 existing houses, the rice project which was already a rundown project and which the recent cyclone did final damage to and now needing a restart. The presentation also provided an update on the demonstration farm project and small livestock which include honey, poultry and piggery and The biggest challenge for the province is transport and the isolated nature of the province cause staff to feel neglected which lowers staff morale and poses staff retention problems. However they were encouraged to concentrate on areas with most potential for the islands. Questions and comments followed which provided update on demonstration project and suggestions to resolve problems and challenges raised.
5.12 Field Trips There were field trips in the afternoon to the (i) SI Tropical Products, STP, where there is down-streaming and valueadding in the coconut/copra industry, (ii) Varivao, a very successful local initiative from Isabel in the coffee, Kava, peanuts and vanilla, and (iii) the Taiwan Technical Mission farms near King George VI School, specializing in vegetables, orchards, rice and piggery.
Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
6.0 EVENING SESSION 6.1 Budget The Director talked to the Budget and suggested each province to submit items in priority order Director and Deputy Director Extension will decide on who gets what to ensure fair distribution. If budget provision for each province is clearly marked it will help deter the diversion of funds by unwanted sources. In the budget discussions it was suggested that 50 percent of provincial allocations be for women’s programs and activities to reflect the major role that women play in food production. Some suggested that it is up to CFO’s to decide what proportion to allocate to women. Another suggestion is to dedicate the demonstration sub head solely to women. Another suggestion is to put a ceiling to ensure the same amount is allocated to each province. Another suggestion is that women in agriculture draw up their program to form part of the provincial budget and it is up to the CFO’s to decide. Finally, it was agreed that there should be no separation of projects by gender because agriculture development affects the whole family and not just a single gender. The suggestion to include a subhead for disaster agreed but clarification was given that each ministry have its own allocation for disaster.
Clarification was sought for the ‘Pre-Service’ sub head and one suggestion is to use this to provide support for students on attachment. Another suggestion is to upgrade the Training Officer to Director Level to ensure training needs for the ministry is well catered for. Director raised the need to include additional subheads for consideration. It was suggested that the training head be increased to cater for conferences as well as all other forms of training.
6.2 Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Development Concept Director talked to the ideas in the paper and sought suggestions from the floor. He also suggested that case studies be done on success stories in other countries and also within the country as well as a study into why past programs have failed or were not sustainable. The following allocations of areas for study were made to the following officers:
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Officer
Areas of Study
1. CFO Isabel
Associations & Savings Club
2. CFO Malaita
Past and present experiences.
3. Willie & Belden
Taiwan Experience
4. CFO Central
Japan Experience
5. CFO Western
CFC Experience
6. CFO Temotu and Makira
Cattle with communal approach
7. PFO Malaita
Waisisi, Ramatarau and
8. CFO Guadalcanal
Oil Palm Out growers
The meeting agreed to the ideas and allocated assignments and a time line of six months which will be forwarded to the PS for approval after which feedback will be made to each participant.
6.3 Major Issues The following issues were identified and agreed to be addressed. • The need for skills based training for staff. • The need for exchange of information between provinces through AIU. • The need for national budget to reflect realistic provincial requirements. • Staff Housing official buildings for agriculture Extension Services. • The inability to finance Development projects in a timely manner. • The need to examine the Agriculture Rural Development Approaches. • Adoption for Rural Development Program (RDP) Management of Information System (MIS). • Development Projects to be assessed and approved by Extension Chief Field officers and submitted for facilitation. • The need for research to address existing problems identified by farmers. • Leaf miner in Temotu and Alomae on Malaita • A Directory on Donors/funding agencies.
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Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
DAY FIVE Chair: Conelly Sandakabatu Day 5, the final day of the conference, was spent on the National Rice Sector Policy, the Agriculture Extension Services Policy, the Communiqué, and the conference wrap up.
7.0 NATIONAL POLICIES 7.1
National Rice Sector Policy
In the presentation of the National Rice Policy, the Deputy Director, Extension informed the conference that the policy was initiated by a team of senior agriculture personnel at the Head quarter of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and now being brought to the conference to provide opportunity for those who have not contributed to the document to be able to do so. The policy provides a road map for the development of rice to achieve tangible developments in agriculture and in the rural areas both at the present and in the future. In the discussions that followed, the issue of viability was raised and it was suggested that with 10 years of rice growing in the country successful farmers should now be identified and the reasons for their success documented and shared. Then in order to increase production, these farmers and areas on which to concentrate should be identified. The process should also take into consideration all the difficulties associated with each stage of production and address these. Fast tracking land acquisition for rice production on a large scale was another issue raised as well as the need to create a unit to be responsible for mechanisation to help farmers. The experience in Fiji and Tonga in which such units are privately owned and administered could be emulated. Crop Diversification was also suggested in view of the difficulty faced by the Oil Palm Program where land owners were reluctant to allow big tracts of land for oil palm alone due to fear of not being able retain land to grow food and vegetables for family consumption. It was also suggested that training for farmers should also be included and that each Provincial Rice officer should undergo specialised training not only to enable each Province to have a qualified officer but also allow for continuity when staff transfers occur. Another suggestion was to establish a ‘Home-Grown’ rice centre as a matter of priority to accommodate local needs and focus. The last suggestion was to engage the services of a professional to take care of product branding in order to promote rice nationally through proper labelling and advertisement. Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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7.2 Agriculture Extension Services Policy The Director Extension, Michael Ho’ota in presenting the policy informed the conference that the document is in first draft stage and so could accommodate the matters sought to be addressed in the proposed concept paper as they both seek to meet the same aims. This will also take into account the changing environment of agriculture production and services. Like the National Rice Policy, the Agriculture Extension Services Policy is before the conference to allow the conference to have input in the document. The following comments from participants in the discussion that ensued were noted: A commended Effort: Solomon Island is among the few Pacific Island countries to have its Agriculture Extension policy in place. Advisory Board: Extension now encompasses all those participating in agriculture production both from the public sector as well as from the private sector. It would be advantageous therefore to form an Advisory body comprising all senior officers of the ministry as well as other stakeholders like donor partners, PIEN and those from the private sector and non-government sector. Monitoring & Evaluation: This should be brought to the front to show that the department is serious and professional about how it is going about its business. ICT as a Solution: To be pursued as a matter of number one importance followed by the Extension Approach. Being proactive is a key to supporting the farmers to do their work well. Extension at the forefront of Development: This has to be done taking into account the environmental changes that affect agriculture development and production. Structure: The conference agreed to the proposal to upgrade CFO titles to that of Director because the volume of work as well as their increasing level of responsibility warrant an upward adjustment. Also other ministries such as Health do have Directors at the provincial level. Input into National Agriculture Curriculum: This is important to help instil the importance and appreciation of agriculture into the younger generation.
Rural Training Centre Curriculum: This is another area requiring the input of Agriculture Extension. The
conference was informed that some provinces such as the Central Province have taken the initiative to work closely with the RTC’s in view of the fact that their graduates are going to be their future farmers. Associations: Guidelines have been developed and circulated for comments and input. Training: Needs to be expanded to include monitoring as well as financial support to ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills occur. Human Resource Plan: This must be developed to allow postings to be done according to plan. Input from other stakeholders: Permission was sought and granted by the conference to allow for other stakeholders input into the policy before its finalisation as this is a national policy affecting the livelihood of everybody. Participatory Extension: The document must highlight the importance of shifting from conventional extension to participatory extension.
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Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
8.0 DRAFT COMMUNIQUE AND CONFERENCE WRAP-UP 8.1 Draft Communiqué The meeting considered the draft communiqué and the Under Secretary Technical clarified to the meeting that the communiqué is a summary of what the conference has agreed to do where as the minutes is a record of the proceedings of the conference. The communiqué points us to the things that we have agreed to pursue to further the cause of agriculture development after the conference. The Draft Communiqué is attached as appendix The following comments were raised in the discussion that followed: Code of Conduct: It was suggested that the Director and Under Secretary Technical take up the responsibility of developing a code of conduct especially tailored for agriculture extension. Holistic Approach: All the stages of agriculture production from planning to post harvest which includes handling and marketing must be included. Signatures to the Communiqué: All CFO’s are to sign the communiqué which is to be presented to the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock at the closing function in the evening.
8.2 Conference Wrap-up The Under Secretary Technical, John Harunari, in his closing remarks thanked all participants for their commitment shown in their continual presence at all the sessions of the conference and the step of having to leave their families in the provinces to come to Honiara where the conference is held. He also commended the organising committee for their untiring efforts to ensure the conference actually happened and efficiently conducted. He also expressed appreciation for the support provided by the co-sponsors of the conference namely SIG, ROC, RDP and SPC. The Under Secretary also informed the conference that the opportunity to host future conferences is available to any province that is ready and able to do so. He also made mention of immediate happenings in the political front which will see the current house’s dissolution in the next week and contracts of Permanent Secretaries reconsidered. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of the policies and communiqué that are now in place which will enable the ministry not only to have a road map to follow but to provide this to the next government that comes into power. The conference has been a wonderful opportunity of looking back over what has transpired over the last year and learning from what has worked and finding solutions to challenges that were encountered which will prepare the Extension Services for whatever lies ahead. He also informed the conference that SPC have kindly offered to publish the final report of the conference and then invited everyone to the closing function in the evening. This was followed by the closing prayer which also marked the close of the conference. Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK
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Conference Participants Contact Details Name
Job Title
Province
Contact Details
1. Titus Nume
SFO
Temotu
53033 /53122
2. James Akomane
CFO
Temotu
53033/53122
3. Jeffery E’eniara
SFO
Makira
50026 / 7406534
4. Ben Sanau
SFO
-
5. Nathaniel Hamarasi
Observer
Guadalcanal
7473824
6. Frank Omelanga
PFO
Central
fomelanga@yahoo.com / 7418467
7. Jacob Pitu
CFO
Isabel
35190
8. McDonnell Hiva
PFO
Choisuel
63182 / 7442673
9. Joseph Lowe
Guadalcanal
26043 / 7405563
10. Victor Kaihou
CFO
Malaita
Kaihouvictor@yahoo.com
11. Lily Wame
CFO
Honiara
lily_wame@yahoo.com
12. Joseph Marlende
Guadalcanal
j_marlende@yahoo.com / 7419799
13. William Okekini
PPO
Honiara
7477457
14. Matthew Melakae
SFO
Honiara
7402372
15. Edmond Bosali
PRC
Guadalcanal 26043
64237
16. Joe Dino
Choiseul
63182
17. Titus Sura
MAL HQ
titussura@yahoo.com 7418475
18. Samson Tim
CFO
Western
timsamson80@yahoo.com /7455527
19. George Suhara
PRC
Central
7484.62
20. Luke Manevetula
SFO
Isabel
35190 / 7454840
21. Alphonsus Punia
PFO
Makira
50026
22. Mark Biloko
CFO
Choiseul
63182 / 7400430
23. Andrew Kamoto
Central
7484128
24. Jimmy Walton
MAL Planning 7402372
25. Robert Makoi
Makira
50026
26. Leslie Kiadapitu
Western
62301 / 7409862
27. Willie Tuita
MAL HQ
25031/ 7478936
28. Caroline Houkura
MAL HQ
25031 / 7497273
29. Mark Johnston
RDP MAL
m.johnston@solomon.com /7489510
30. Michael Ho’ota
Director (Ext)
michaeltapa@hotmailcom / 25031
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CFO
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Notes
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Report of Proceedings of the Senior Agriculture Extension Staff Conference MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK