Progress report for WSP18-009
Micronesia 2018-20 PDP project
Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2018: $31,250.00
Projected End Date: 03/31/2020
Grant Recipient:
College of Micronesia
Region: Western
State: Federated States of Micronesia
State Coordinator:
Project Information
Abstract:
Professional development and capacity building is very important to new generation of agriculture extension agents, many of them have only completed a 2-year AS degree without or limited field experience. They should be empowered with knowledge and skills to help farmers and homemakers cope with the mostly unfamiliar effects of climate change on local production. Capacity building continues to be the mainstream for state implementation activities in Micronesia. It is timely that we look back and evaluate progress of previous SARE involvement and to identify issues and how realign project activities to meet with current demands in the field and on the household level.
Instead of the project focus on assessment and documentation of previous projects, it was decided to take representatives of the different colleges in Micronesia to 2 events, one being the 30th anniversary of SARE held in St. Louis and the second the annual SARE Coordinators meeting in Guam. A total of 3 Extension agents, a researcher, and an administrator were involved. All participants reported they learned a lot from the conference and the SARE Coordinators meeting. All of them indicated they met and have established linkages with professionals from other states and regions.
Project Objectives:
Participants (Liaisons/Ext. Agents) able to support clients in terms of providing technical assistance and sharing SARE information and published materials. Finally a connection is established between SARE Liaison and SARE State Coordinator. Other outcomes for all participants to include 1 or 2 of those listed below:
– Types of seeds, germination, and management of seedlings in the nursery.
– Some farmers, especially backyard gardeners believe chemical fertilizers reduce soil fertility,
– How to make compost the benefits of using compost in the field.
– Health benefits from eating vegetables
– Opportunity to grow and sell vegetables based on type and volume of import
– Cultural methods of specific vegetable crop
– Most farmers do not know or have the info on the number of days from planting to harvest
– Most farmers sell their products without knowing the cost of production (COP)
– Recognition and how to deal with pests and diseases
– Concepts of preservation and value-added
– Effect of climate change of agriculture in general
Advisors
(Educator)
Education
Educational approach:
Participants learned from plenary and breakout sessions, posters, and from the displays demonstrations during farm tours and used the knowledge and skills acquired in their dealing with specific topics during outreach.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Sustainable Agriculture practices
Objective:
To understand the concepts and benefits of specific sustainable agriculture practice.
Description:
Management of papaya including recognition and how to fully utilize each type.
Educational & Outreach Activities
2 Consultations
1 On-farm demonstrations
5 Study circle/focus groups
5 Tours
Participation Summary
4 Extension
1 Researchers
5 Agency
9 Ag service providers (other or unspecified)
10 Farmers/ranchers
Learning Outcomes
60 Participants gained or increased knowledge, skills and/or attitudes about sustainable agriculture topics, practices, strategies, approaches
60 Service providers reported changes in knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness as a result of project outreach
5 Ag professionals intend to use knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness learned
Project Outcomes
1 Grant received that built upon this project
1 New working collaboration
5 Agricultural service provider participants who used knowledge and skills learned through this project (or incorporated project materials) in their educational activities, services, information products and/or tools for farmers
30 Farmers reached through participant's programs
Face of SARE
Face of SARE:
Participants to the conference in St. Louis and the meeting in Guam, as well as the SARE team visits to different islands following the sARE Coordinators meeting in Guam, impacted participants, other extension agent’s and various offices, e.g. Dept of Education, Agriculture offices, and other individuals including businesses who catered (food ad refreshments) during the visits. Many of those who were exposed to the visits learned for the first time what SARE is all about. One important outcome is more discussions the CRE Coordinator, CRE Coordinators, at each site, and relevant offices and NGOs.
60 Farmers received information about SARE grant programs and information resources
12 Ag professionals received information about SARE grant programs and information resources
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.
