Progress report for WFM23-001
Project Information
Project will increase skill and knowledge of both extension agents, farmers and community groups though training, workshop, sites visits. 8 demonstration sites/plots established as model for the communities to copy and implements more in the communities. Sourcing of materials and supplies will be initiated within the communities to ensure the supplies and materials are available local to ensure sustainability. Most innovative and suitable practices will adopted in the field.
1. Increase skills and knowledge of Extension Agents
2. Improve and enhance sustainable farming practices in the communities
3. Increase utilization of fresh, healthier food in the community
4. Decrease incidences of dietetic and obesity cases
The small island nations import about 95% of food product from other countries. Most good product reaching the islands, the quality of these products have reduced tremendously, yet people have no choice but to buy these products. Obesity and Dietetics among the world highest. In order to reduced and minimize occurrence of such health issues, proper dieting, exercise, and healthy food is required. By implement this project, extension agents, clients both benefit with increase skills and knowledge, improve and sustainable farming practices and providing fresh, healthier, inexpensive food sources.
From the initiation of the project to its completion, activities will start 4 months after the initial beginning of the project and activities will be completed 4 months prior to December 2025. Rest of the time will be spent in finalizing the project. Objective 1 & 2, will be carried out during the first two years of the project while Objective 3 & 4 will be done as the results of trainings and activities carried out by cooperators during the latter part of the project. This will include monitoring, adjustment, improvement and adaptation of sustainable practices.
Since the CMI sites have not received day-old chicks for the project, we are requesting a 'no cost' extension for one year. Additionally, we are planning and anticipating if we will be unable to get chicks from supplier in Hawaii, we will then resort to using local chickens to continue the project. It will happen within the one year 'no cost' extension
Advisors
Education
Resources:
This project will be carried out in the Marshall Island and Palau. The respective colleges will provide the staffing to carry out project objectives on a daily basis.
Methodology and Activities
Objective 1- Professional Development training. The PI and Co-PI will actively soliciting local expertise to conduct training for the cooperators and local stakeholder at each respective college sites. When possible and available, cooperators will be traveling of UOG for professional development training to further increase/improve skills and knowledge in sustainable practices in agriculture and livestock production and management.
Two co-PIs have been sent to UOG for professional development training in livestock production and management. These are the on-site staff coordinating the daily activities of the project.
Objective 2- Improve and enhance sustainable farming practices in the communities. Cooperators will conduct trainings in the communities and establish demonstrations plots/farms as model of sustainable practices.
The two colleges that were participating in the project, Palau Community College (PCC) was on track for activities and community outreach programs, however, due to circumstances beyond the control of the project, activities in the College of the Marshall Islands have be curdled by delayed of shipment of day old chicks to the sites.
Objective 3- Increase utilization of fresh, healthier food in the community. Community awareness trainings, radio programs campaigns to sensitize decision makers, stakeholder and the populace the importance of maintaining home gardening/container farming. Posters will be disseminated in the schools, community health clinics and appropriate bulletin boards across the islands.
There were community and school awareness carried out by the project staff. These activities have contributed to the increase in the local poultry production by providing chicks, layers, and broilers to individual clients and communities. The poultry farm's goal is to enhance food security, increase the availability of locally produced poultry products, and support local farmers in the sustainable management of poultry farming. The project's activities over the past year, highlighting its role in supplying more than 2,500 chickens to clients across Palau.
Objective 4- Decrease incidences of dietetic and obesity cases. Increase number of community demonstration plots, encourage utilization and consumption of local produce food products such as poultry products and vegetables.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Project staff have increase skill and knowledge to coordinate site activities on the daily basis
Initial extension training on livestock was carried out at UOG with two extension agents and coordinator attending the event. Two training sessions conducted locally-on site: 6 participants (1st training) 11 participants (2nd training).
Learning Outcomes:
A total of 60 people have gain in knowledge and skills in livestock production and management. From that number 40 people were farmers and community groups that have gained skills and knowledge and are raising/caring for their own chicken and collecting eggs for consumption and extra income, thus improving livelihood.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
As indicated previously, only PCC project is conducting community awareness and distribution of layers and broilers eggs to the communities, schools and individuals. There were 18 individuals and two community groups participated in the project and benefiting. The project have distributed over 2,500 poultry (layers and broilers) to these clients. For CMI, 11 staff were trained on the livestock production and management, thus increasing their skills and knowledge in managing the project.
The Palau Livestock Association's poultry farm plays a critical role in supporting local poultry production by providing chicks, layers, and broilers to individual clients and communities. The poultry farm's goal is to enhance food security, increase the availability of locally produced poultry products, and support local farmers in the sustainable management of poultry farming, highlighting its role in supplying more than 2,500 chickens to clients across Palau.
One lesson learned from the project, the success of project is dependent so much on the accessibility, and availability of supports (supplies, expertise, etc.) available locally.
Face of SARE
A total of 60 individuals have been reached through the project outreach activities. During the trainings/workshops, participants were introduced to the grants opportunities, especially the Farmer/Ranger Grant.