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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS |
| SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR FOOD SECURITY: ASIA |
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Regional SPFS Workshop: the Positive Outcomes |
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20 Dec 2004 -
In the Regional SPFS Workshop, LAO PDR, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia confirm their commitment to strive for food security. During the workshop, which was held from 29 November to 1 December 2004 on Lombok Island in Indonesia, the participating countries exchanged lessons learned and presented to each other their plans for making the SPFS approach sustainable. The four countries also discussed possible up-scaling plans for the future. There was general agreement that successful implementation of the comprehensively designed Farmer Group Development Plan and Revolving Fund System will contribute to achieving sustainable food security in the poverty stricken countries. Furthermore it has also been decided to revive the South Asia Information Management System and also to continue and enhance the South-South Cooperation. The discussions and presentations were observed by Mr. Ashizawa, Mr. Yoshimura and Mr. Oikawa who attended the workshop on behalf of the donor, the Government of Japan. Finally it should be mentioned that the Regional SPFS Workshop could be successfully held thanks to the Government of Indonesia, in particularly the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara province who hosted the workshop and offered a very entertaining traditional music and dancing event on the first evening.
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REGIONAL SPFS WORKSHOP IN INDONESIA FROM 29 NOV to 1 DEC 2004 |
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4 Nov 2004 -
Upon initiative of the Regional SPFS Coordinator, FAO together with the Government of Indonesia is going to organize a Regional SPFS Workshop on Lombok Island, Indonesia. The workshop will be held from 29 November to 1 December 2004 and shall be attended by participants from the, by Government of Japan financed SPFS programmes in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Laos and Indonesia. Representatives from the Government of Japan and FAO experts from HQ and the regional FAO office will also be present.
The objectives of the workshop are the following:
1) Through the exchange of experiences and presentations on the SPFS approach followed in the four countries, good and replicable practices from each country will be identified. It is recognized that practices in one country may not be applicable to another country directly, but may stimulate new ideas.
2) Document for each country new technologies and best practices including their human, economic, social, political and environmental benefits and costs.
3) To explore paths for up-scaling food security activities in each of the 4 countries including establishing formulation of concept note for follow-up upon return to country. Discuss funding, institutional, human resources and technical constraints.
4) Discuss possible expansion to other countries in the region.
5) Review SAIMS progress
6) Analyze strengths, weaknesses and improvements for the South-South Cooperation programme.
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Mid-Term Evaluation Mission |
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15 Jul 2004 -
As the SPFS project has come to a mid point of its implementation, a joint mid-term evaluation (MTE) has been conducted in three of the four participating countries where SPFS is operational.
The MTE is a joint tripartite evaluation by the representatives of the government in each of the participating countries, the donor government and FAO.
In the mean time, the MTE was conducted in the three following countries:
Indonesia: 20 - 31 October 2003
Lao PDR: 09 - 19 February 2004
Sri Lanka: 21 February - 04 March 2004
As for Bangladesh, since the EOD is behind schedule thus the mid-term evaluation is also delayed. It is planned to carry out the evaluation in February 2005.
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Farmer Group Development Plan |
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15 Jul 2004 -
The Farmer Group Development Plan (FGDP) is introduced to support the local farmers in supporting a comprehensive action plan.
The FGDP is intended to be a holistic approach to identify and justify project activities but also to formulate an implementation plan including the definition of institutional arrangements that are required to realize the proposed farming system.
The FGDP approach is not only targeting the farmer communities but it is also a planning tool for local government institutions. Therefore FGDP's are to be prepared by local communities (e.g. farmer group) in close coordination with the local government and other relevant stake holders.
The initial preparation of FGDP is not simple, thus guidelines on FGDP is required. SPFS Regional Project is now preparing FGDP guidelines.
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Progress of all SPFS Asia Projects |
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23 Jun 2003 -
In general, all four countries of SPFS Asia programme are progressing steadily. However, in line with the progress, some implementation problems occur in the field. Therefore, the Regional SPFS Coordinator (RSC) recommended applying Farmer Group Development Plan (FGDP). FGDP is a holistic approach to identify and justify project activities. It also includes economical analysis and preparation of a logical framework that supports monitoring and evaluation accordingly.
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