FAO UPDATESri Lanka & The Maldives

I S S U E 1 5 , I S S N N O : 1 8 0 0 - 4 6 0 1

Inside this issue:

M a y 2 0 1 3

The project 'Integrated Irrigation and Agricultural Livelihood Development' is implemented in the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts. Specific objectives of the project are to rehabilitate community irrigation infrastruc-ture, improve water resource utilization, enhance local capacity and deve lop ag r i cu l tu ra l livelihoods for vulnerable farming households in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi districts.

Funded by European Union (EU) and facilitated by FAO, the pro ject par tners are the Prov inc ia l Department of Irrigation (NP), Department of Agrarian Development (DoAD), Department of Agriculture (DOA) (NP), District Secretariat (DS) and Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka (MASL).

The project aims to deliver four main results:

1)Increased access to irrigation water and land availability through rehabilitation of 75 minor tanks covering up to an area of 2,600 ha and rehabilitation and reclamation of 1,200 ha of abandoned land in 43 sites;

2)Model irrigation systems for sustainable resource utilization with strengthened community based organization through improved knowledge and coordination mechanism for

community based water management;

3)Improved economic and household food security from increased crop production through provision of improved seed varieties and technical training for the 7,000 target families; and

4)Strengthened agriculture extens ion capaci ty and outreach support to 90 Extension Officers of Depart-ment of Agriculture and Department of Agrar ian Development in the project districts through training and technica l ass istance to agricultural extension staff in agricultural production and water management.

The project has progressed in each of its objectives. Nos.75 minor tanks (44 in Kilinochchi and

31 in Mullaitivu) have been identified and 41 of them have been surveyed wi th the assistance of its implementing partners. In addition, cost estimates were prepared for 33 tanks. Selection of abandoned land has been completed and consequently 12 sites in Kilinochchi and 31 in Mullaitivu have been ident i f ied for rehabilitation and reclamation. Rehabilitation work commenced in May 2013.

Project has completed training of 90 agricultural extension staff in a g r i c u l t u r e a n d w a t e r management, preparation of training plan conducting of the training programmes on tank design and maintenance for 25 Technical Officers of DoAD and 51 officers. A training on rice based farming systems for 27 officers were also given training on food p rocess ing and packaging as well as cropping systems and Pest and Diseases of OFC and soi l and water conservation from which 37 AIs and SMOs benefited. Two further trainings are planned for AIs and SMOs on agricultural extension s y s t e m s a n d e f f e c t i v e communication and preparation and usage of training aids. Trainings will be conducted by the Audio Visual Centre, Department of Agriculture, Peradeniya in May and June respectively.

FAO revives minor tanks and abandoned lands in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu

FAO revives minor tanks and abandoned lands in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu

1

From a resettler to an entrepreneur: walking towards the path of success

2

Enhancing the livelihoods activities of inland fishermen

2

Enhancing capacities to fight Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease

3

Northern Province Farmers to benefit from FAO's Farmer Field School workshops

3

Improved beach access boosts fisher income

4

FAO assisted home-gardens help fight against malnutrition in Badulla

4

Staff training 5

Welcome onboard 5

Useful links 5

Field visit to inspect the cropping systems

Damaged spill structure at Puluthiyaru in Karachchi DSD of Kilinochchi District

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"I am proud that I could develop my goat farm up to their third generation. Now there are 19 goats including kids", says M. Gannarajah Mercy Clara of Puthumurippu, Kilinochchi. Mercy Clara is a single woman who was affected by the civil war in 2009. She lost her mother during the displacement and is currently living with her father. In April 2012, she

received one male goat, three female goats and some shed material to put up a goat shed from FAO through the Canadian International Development Ag-ency (CIDA) funded “Northern Integrated Agriculture Recovery and Growth” project. The timely assistance helped her to start and build up her livestock based livelihood successfully. This project aims to improve the living standards of the war affected resettled farmers by assisting them to engage in home based income generating activity. FAO has thus far provided material and technical assistance worth of nearly USD 600 000 to 700 households, 500 in Killinochi and 200 in Jaffna to start their livestock based livelihoods. Mercy Clara is one of them. Through her own initiative Mecy Clara

has utilized the inputs given by FAO and started to breed goats. "Mercy Clara has shown much progress within a year. Nineteen goats is a large number for her

to handle with the existing infrastructure. So we advised her to sell the surplus stock so that she could invest the money to further develop her farm. There are many such success stories of sustainable livestock based livelihoods which have s t a r t e d i n J a f f n a a nd Kilinochchi districts under CIDA", said Dr. Cathiripailai Siva-palasingam, National

Livestock Development Specialist.

Many of the resettlers in Jaffna and Kilinochchi who received FAO's assistance express their gratitude to the Canadian donors who have granted this golden opportunity to build their livelihoods.

Mecry Clara with her goats

From a farmer to an entrepreneur: walking towards the path of success

The major source of protein of the people in the Mullaithivu district has been seafood and inland fish for many years. However, due to the civil conflict for over 30 years, livelihoods of the fishers were restricted to inland fisheries (tanks and lagoon) confining the people in the area to consume fish caught from inland resources. Fish stocks were exploited and over-catching was a common occurrence. There was no stocking of fingerlings for sustainability. FAO assisted in stocking fingerlings in 16 selected tanks, which ensures the sustainability of the fishers' livelihoods as well as the fish supply. This was done in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA).

Out of the 16 tanks, 14 were stocked with various species of fingerlings i.e. Rohu, Catla, Thilapea, Silver carp and Common carp to reestablish inland fishermen's livelihoods immediately after the civil conflict. Consequently, a total of 1 866 500 fingerlings and 370 000 post larvae of the fresh water shrimp, produced by the hatchery of NAQDA were stocked in 14 tanks. Benefits of this initiative were shared among 1 213 families (fresh water fishing families & Farm families) and 122 female members including women headed families. The cumulative fish harvest from the respective tanks was 801 277kg in the year 2012. Although past data on fish catch in these tanks was unevaluated, beneficiaries responded positively and the observers clearly indicated that the

total fish harvest and the level of income of the concerned fisher folk have increased. Each Society was collecting Rs.10.00 from each fisherman (who goes fishing) on a daily basis as a means of strengthening their activities.

Muththayankaddu Freshwater Fisher-men's Cooperative Society which is associated with the Muththayankaddu tank consist of 86 members of whom 56 are active fishers. As a result of stocking, there was a significant fish harvest of 2,000kg a day as of December 2012, which continued for almost a week. Three months after stocking, 200kg of common carp fish has been caught in a day. The monthly income of a fisherman was approximately Rs.15 000 during the year 2011. With FAO intervention, it doubled in 2012. Also the harvest of 5kg of fish a day in 2011 was increased to 20 to 25kg of fish in 2012 thanks to the FAO stocking programme. Thilapia catch was also significantly increased to a 6 000kg a month during the year 2012. The society supplied fish to the said vendors who extend their sales to v i l l ages l i ke Oddusuddan and Puthukudiyiruppu. People in the area believe the taste of fish of the Muththayankaddu Tank is the best amongst the tanks in the Mullaithivu District.

Another good example is the Vavunikkulam Tank and its Fresh Water Fishermen Cooperative Society that comprises of a membership of 90 active fishers. With 65 canoes operating in the

tank, average catch in the year 2011 was 15 to 20kg a day by a fisherman, but last year it increased to 20 to 25kg due to FAO intervention. Usually a team of 02 fishermen in a traditional canoe is capable of a catch of 50kg. Usually, a harvest of 50kg consists of 25kg of Thialpia, 10kg of Catla and 15kg of other fish species. The total harvest and the average income also increased by 28% to 30% after the stocking programme was introduced. One kilogram of Thilapia costs up to Rs.200 whereas Catla and Golden carp reaches up to Rs.100. Other than obtaining a competitive price to their catch they have also been able to attract traders from far away districts such as Chilaw. A harvest of 100kg of Silver carp was recorded in the year 2012, a species which was unavailable in 2011. At present, fishermen are capable of 10kg catch of prawns daily and prawn is sold at Rs.100 each. The daily premium is Rs.12 per fisherman. The society also grants loans to its membership.

Enhancing livelihoods activities of inland fishermen

Fishermen sorting fish on return

“I am proud that I could develop my goat farm up to their

third generation”

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Enhancing capacities to fight Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease

The coconut tree is truly the 'Tree of life' of Sri Lankans. Nearly 80 percent of the production is consumed locally while the rest is exported as raw material and as various value added products. In late 2006, the coconut plantations in the Southern Province were hit by an incurable and debilitating disease caused by a bacteria like micro-organism called 'phytoplasma'. This is the first ever phytoplasma-borne disease of coconut reported in Sri Lanka. It has been estimated that nearly 300 000 coconut trees are diseased; an alarming situation that prompted authorities to take immediate steps to prevent further spread. While the Ministry of Coconut Industries, Janatha Estate Development, Coconut Research Institute (CRI) and Coconut Cultivation Board were conducting fire-fighting measures, the Food and Agriculture Organization stepped to assist CRI enhance its capabilities in early diagnosis, surveillance, prevention of spreads and integrated management of the disease. The project with an allocation of USD 307 000 initiated its activities with the inception meeting held at CRI on 8th June 2012.

The project will develop a diagnosis method for early detection of the disease, confirm the vectors transmitting the disease, develop disease surveillance methods using satellite images and remote sensing, improve currently practiced disease management methods, develop to lerant/ res istant coconut hybrids/cult ivars, demonstrate earning potential from alternative crops and conduct awareness programmes island-wide. While several CRI scientists are engaged in the project, f ive international consultants from India and two

national consultants provide technical expertise on project activities.

In addition to the research based activities, several training programmes and a workshop were held to enhance the knowledge of growers, Coconut

Development Officers and the trainers in identifying diseased trees and in conducting disease surveillance surveys. A manual for disease survei l lance surveys and various leaflets and mass media programmes have been produced in this respect.

Affected coconut trees being cut and removed

Northern Province farmers to benefit from FAO's Farmer Field School workshops

The FFS is a participatory and interactive learning approach that emphasizes problem solving and discovery based learning. It aims to build farmers' capacity to analyze their own production systems, identify problems, test possible

solutions and eventually adopt practices most suitable to their farming systems. Normally the F F S c o v e r s o n e production cycle with a group of 20 to 30 farmers on their chosen location. FFS differs from stereotype training and adopts a facilitation process where main emphasis is on group observation, discussion, analysis, presentation, co l l ec t ive dec is ion making and actions. It focuses on building self-c o n f i d e n c e a n d leadership.

A three day Farmer Field School (FFS) workshop was conducted by FAO from 14 to 20 February 2013 at the District Agricultural Training Centre, Tinnelvely, Jaffna. This was followed by a 4 day residential training at the Divaneguma

Training Centre, Puliyankulam. The workshop was jointly funded by CIDA, USAid and AusAID. Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, Senior Natural Resource Management Officer from FAO Rome, who has extensive experience in conducting FFS in African countries, conducted the workshop supported by the Sri Lankan FAO staff.

Thirty participants from various government institutions (Department of Agriculture (Northern Province and Eastern Province), Department of Animal Production and Health (Northern Province), Regional Agricultural Research Station (Killinochchi) and FAO field staff participated in the workshop. Data collection on farmer practices at the field level, analyzing the collected data, selection of agro enterprises, preparation of weekly FFS calendar and Participatory Comparative Experiments with budget and scaling up of activities and budget ing were the main components of the workshop.

It has been estimated that nearly 300 000

coconut trees are diseased

Participants of the FFS Workshop with FAO trainers

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Improved beach access boosts fisher

FAO assisted home-gardens help fight malnutrition in Badulla

Sinnapaduwa is a fisheries village in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. There are around 3 500 fishers living in the area operating some 250 boats from four landing centres. The area is one of the best fishing grounds in the Puttalam District with many retail sellers buying their daily fish supplies here. A major problem in the area was the poorly constructed road system and lack of access paths to many beach landing sites. This was a major drawback for fishers since fish buyers could not easily get to the beach to buy their fish while fishers could not carry their fish to the road for sale as it was too heavy. For this reason, middle-trading fish collectors tended to dominate the supply chain (for both fish and ice) to the detriment of the fishers. Fishers hand over their catch to the fish collectors who only pay the fishers on a weekly or bi-weekly basis after deducting their costs and commiss ion. Pr ices are decided by the collector and are always much lower than the market price. Fishers have little or no bargaining power with the difficult access to beach landing sites deterring other potential buyers.

Heewelkandura and Mahalanda are two remote villages located in the Badulla district where majority are engaged in chena cultivation. Lack of sustainable income, poor infrastructure including access to main roads, unavailability of pipe borne drinking water and the high level of malnutrition among children are some socio-economic characteristics of these two villages.

FAO funded a home garden development programme in the two villages. Initial sensitization and social mobilization activities were carried out to build awareness as well as to understand prevalent issues and specific needs.

A community team was formed and the office bearers were appointed including a community mobilizer whose role is to coordinate between the project, community and other organizations. The team decided to start off with poultry farming since it was the dry season. Community Demand Development Foundation, in collaboration with the Veterinary Surgeon in Haldummulla provided a basic training session on

In 2012 the Regional F i s h e r i e s L i v e l i h oods Programme (RFLP) of FAO supported the fishers in the area by improving access to landing sites. In consultation with the local political authorities and the fisheries societies, RFLP identified six new pathways to be constructed in four villages in Sinnapaduwa at a cost of around USD 10 000. The length of the proposed access pa ths r anged between 200 meters and a few kilometers.

Fishers reported that prior to the access

paths being built only 5 to 6 buyers would come to the beach, while a majority of the buyers purchased fish from collectors. Since the access paths have been constructed fish buyers are now able to directly approach the fishers at the beach landing sites. The number of fish retailers and

cyclists who come to the beach to buy fish has reportedly increased three-fold.

poultry farming and construction of poultry sheds to rear 10 birds per family. One month old chicks were supplied by September 2012.

With the rainy season in October, the community was provided home garden development training by the Agriculture Instructor of the area along with the plants and seeds to set up their own home gardens. Bee keeping was also identified as a source of alternative income and the required training and boxes to set up bee keeping

units in individual home gardens were provided to the farmers. Technical

Fishers are now able to sell their harvest directly from the boat at prices based on the market rate.

The paths also allow refrigerated vehicles to access the beach. According to fishers, if they have a sizable catch they can call these vehicles to come directly to the beach so that the fish can be sent to Negombo market. The paths have also been beneficial to divers in the area, who fish for sea cucumbers etc., to transport their tanks to the beach.

assistance was deliveredby the Bee Keeping Department in Bindunuwewa.

At present, the families earn an extra income through the sale of eggs, vegetables and fruits from home gardens. During a short period of time, the project has been able to increase the availability of and access to food, and help ascertain the food security in the two villages. Higher consumption of eggs and vegetables can reduce malnutrition which is 72 among children. The project has also facilitated the opening of bank accounts and securing loans to start up small scale businesses. The project has not only produced economic benefit, but also has enhanced unity amongst the community.

percent

The newly constructed road

The families earn an extra income by selling the eggs and they

consume vegetables and fruits from their

own home

Home garden

development programme

beingintroduced

Fishers are now able to sell their harvest directly from the boat at

prices based on the market rate

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FAO Representation : Tel: + 94 11 2588537/2580598 / Fax: + 94 11 2587990 / Email: FAO-LK@fao.org

“For a world without hunger”

FAO staff globally gets hands-on training on Social Media for Communication

“Five colleagues from the Asia-Pacific region and the Budapest regional office joined me at the training on social media for communication and sharing knowledge in programme and projects which was held at FAO headquarters from 4 to 8 February 2013. Apart from improving my skills in the area of social media, this workshop was also a great opportunity to meet colleagues from both headquarters and the field and to share our experiences”, said Malika de Mel, participant from FAO Sri Lanka.

This is the fourth training workshop in a line of workshops that gathered staff from both headquarters and decentralized offices. During the three-day training, colleagues from the field offices enriched their knowledge in areas including media relations, internal communications and IT and also met their communications counterparts at the headquarters.

M. Rabindran,

District Irrigation

Engineer

Sarath Nissanka,

Driver/Messenger

Tharshini Sivaskaran,

Training & Extension

Specialist

Iyampillai Mahendran,

Care Taker

Muttiah

Balasundaram,

District Officer

Kandasamy

Sivasubramaniyam,

District Officer

Sampunathan

Jeyakumaran - Farming

System Specialist

Saabira Mohideen,

Intern

Joining FAO - Welcome!

FAO Sri Lanka to deliver better gender mainstreamed programmes Nalin Munasinghe, the Programme Associate and the Gender Focal Point for FAO Representation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, attended the training workshop for FAO Gender Focal Points on Mainstreaming Gender Issues into the Work of FAO, organized at FAO Headquarters from 12 to 14 February 2013. This was the first-ever training for FAO Gender Focal Points and was organized by the Gender, Equity and Rural Employment division (ESW) in collaboration with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ILO).Nalin Munasinghe at the training

Strengthening of a Gender Focal Point (GFP) Network within the region was one of the outcomes of the gender consultation meeting conducted by Equity and Rural Employment Division (ESW) with FAORAP officers in 2012 as a part of the strategy to enable effective implementation of the FAO's Gender Equality Policy.

FAO's Gender Focal Points play a crucial role in main streaming gender equality and women-specific measures in the programmes and projects of FAO. During this time of institutional reform, their efforts are more crucial than ever to ensure that FAO continually improves the way it addresses gender issues. “The training was helpful in terms of learning various methods of incorporating gender equality aspects into our work and thereby ensuring equal and active participation of both men and women. It provided some guidance to effectively carry out the role of the GFP. It was also a good opportunity to exchange ideas with the fellow GFPs”, said Nalin.

The workshops form a part of the efforts by the Office of Communication, Partnerships and Advocacy to further develop communications across FAO, with the attendees gaining additional knowledge and experience that they can use back in their respective offices.

http://www.theaahm.org/fileadmin/user_upload/aahm/Newsletter/EN_webOK.pdf

http://www.rflp.org/sites/default/files/RFLP_e-newsletter_April_2013.pdf

The newsletter of the Alliance Against Hunger and Malnutrition

Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) Newsletter

Newsletter from FAO forestry

http://www.fao.org/forestry/81860/en/

Useful links

Malika de Mel at the training