Transfer of Research Based Knowledge in Agriculture in the American Pacific

2006 Annual Report for EW05-007

Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2005: $74,507.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2008
Region: Western
State: Guam
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Manuel Duguies
Cooperative Extension Service

Transfer of Research Based Knowledge in Agriculture in the American Pacific

Summary

Numerous SARE research and studies have been awarded and conducted in different sites in the American Pacific. Many of the grants have valuable information that can provide beneficial solutions to agriculture production across the region.

However, the dissemination of the results of these studies, research, and demonstrations conducted around American Pacific has been limited to the local site where the grant has been conducted. Because the islands are all scattered in the vast Pacific ocean, the transfer of knowledge and information is lacking and limited.

The knowledge and information from these grants can be distributed through local and regional workshops. Results of these grants can be published in fact sheet format that is easy to read and understand by agriculture producers.

Objectives/Performance Targets

This grant aims to expand the transfer of research based knowledge and information in agriculture that developed from the region. Culturally, new ideas and discoveries that evolved in the region are readily accepted and adapted by extension agents and producers. The other objective is to foster collaboration of agriculture programs of these Pacific Land Grant Institutions through workshops/conferences and producing a compilation of fact sheets that is easy to read and understood by extension agents and farmers.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Thirteen participants from the American Pacific region (Rota, Saipan, Tinian, Kosrae, Yap, Palau and Pohnpei) attended a four-day regional workshop conducted last October 23-26, 2006 at the University of Guam campus. There were 3 extension agents, 5 producers, 1 NRCS conservationist, 1 local agricultural officer and 3 from NGO’s. Guam participants included University Extension professionals, Guam Department of Agriculture staff and local producers. Major activities of the workshop were oral and poster presentations of selected grants conducted in the region, visited existing SARE grant sites / demonstration farms on Guam and discussions on writing proposals for Farmer Rancher grants.

A ninety-one-page handbook of SARE grants conducted in the American Pacific was distributed to the participants. The handbook is a partial compilation of selected grants conducted in the region. The handbook has 5 sections, with each section representing a region / island that had SARE grants funded in the last 5 years. The handbook contains final and annual reports submitted by the project directors. The reports were retrieved from the SARE website. The handbook enables the reader to see the methodology, results and outcomes and the contact information of the individuals who conducted the grant.

The activities for next year include will be for each grant site conduct workshops, poster presentations during agricultural fairs and displays of SARE grants. One regional workshop to be held on Guam will be scheduled. Continue to compile grants conducted in the American Pacific. Grants and research conducted from non-SARE funding but are relevant agriculture information will be added to the handbook.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

a. A poultry producer in Rota saw the demonstration of layers raised in container vans. He adopted the practice in his farm in Rota.

b. Producers who attended the workshop became aware of SARE programs. The workshop was scheduled in late October to coincide with the December 6 deadline of FRG and Professional + Producer application. One participant/producer from Palau wrote a draft for a Farmer Rancher Grant.

c. Extension Service, NGO’s, local agricultural agencies, US Peace Corp volunteers and federal agencies like NRCS became aware of the need to collaborate and cooperate in working towards solutions of common agriculture problems in their localities. Staffs from each agency can serve as technical advisers for the farmers.