FAO UPDATESri Lanka & The Maldives

For the past 67 years, FAO has endeavored to assist governm-ents and people around the world to fight hunger and to ensure food security for all. Challenges faced in ensuring food security are highlighted every year by FAO on the anniversary of its founding on 16 October 1945, also known as The 'World Food Day' (WFD). This year's WFD theme was 'Agricultural cooperatives - key to feeding the world'. This theme was chosen to highlight the role of cooperatives in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger.

The official event to mark WFD in Sri Lanka was held at the United Nations compound in Colombo on 16 October 2012, with the participation of over 250 invitees, including high level government officials, UN heads of agencies and staff, NGO partners and farmers, school children and media. The event was officially inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senarathne, Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resou-rces Development.

The FAO Representative, Mr. Patrick T. Evans delivered the welcome address, followed by reading of the global WFD

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

Inside this issue:

address by the Director-General of FAO, Dr. José Graziano da Silva. In his message, Dr. da Si lva noted that strong cooperatives and producer organizations can mitigate the negative effects of food and other catastrophe. He empha-sized the need to “provide an enabling environment to allow small producers to take full advantage of the opportunities to reap the benefits of their labour, and contribute to food security not only for themselves but for all through active participation in markets.”

The origin of the cooperative movement in Sri Lanka dates back to early agricultural society. Agricultural coopera-tives in the country have and continue to play an important role in empowering small farmers in the country. In keeping with the WFD theme on cooperatives, FAO conducted a detailed study earlier this year on agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations in Sri Lanka. The study assessed the institutional capacity, linkages and service mechanisms of these groups, identified the key challenges they faced, and suggested recommendations to strengthen their capacity. The

key findings of this study were presented at the WFD event.

Key messages were delivered by the Chief Guest Hon. Dr. Rajitha Senarathne and the Acting Country Director of the World Food Programme, Mr. Mads Lofvall, at this event. A short video was presented on this year's WFD theme 'Agricultural cooperatives- key to feeding the world', and a l i v e l y s t age d r ama on cooperatives was performed by farmers. The event concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Premalal Kuruppuarachchi, Asst. FAO Representative, followed by viewing of a colourful exhibition o r g a n i z e d b y F A O , i n partnership with its key line agencies in the agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry sectors. The exhibition displa-yed a variety of stalls on urban agriculture, Palmyra develop-ment, forestry, fisheries and livestock related livelihood development activities. The main attraction was the showcasing of a traditional food demonstration. Particip-ants were also gifted with a pack of assorted vegetable seeds and a pomegranate plant each.

J a n u a r y 2 0 1 3

‘Agricultural

cooperatives - key

to feeding the

world’ - World

Food Day 2012

1

Boosting small

scale irrigation

schemes in the

North

2

Promoting market-

oriented agriculture

2

Staff spotlight 3

Staff training 5

UN day 2012 6

FAO working retreat 2012

6

‘Agricultural cooperatives - key to feeding the world’ World Food Day 2012

FAO Representative accompanies the Hon. Minister

for the inauguration

Mr. Patrick T. Evans , FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and Maldives addressing the

gathering

Hon. Minister

delivering his message

of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Development

Boosting small scale irrigation schemes in the North

Since the end of the war in 2009, the majority of displaced people have resettled or have returned to their homes with the support provided by the government, UN and humanitarian I/NGOs. Agriculture – crop, livestock and fisheries production – is the most vital economic sector and source of livelihoods for the majority of inhabitants of the Northern Province, employing some 80 percent of the population and providing the basis for food security and income generating opportunities. FAO played a crucial role by providing seeds, tools and agricultural equipment to farming families resume their livelihoods, bringing back most of the previously abandoned paddy and highland back into production. With recovery and development initiatives presently underway in the North, FAO is now focusing on meeting the longer term needs of the farming population in the region.

Agro-wells or food production wells have traditionally been used by farmers in Sri Lanka to diversify their crops and increase their crop yields.

The previous conflict destroyed, damaged or left many such wells abandoned and unused and polluted with debris and chemicals. With funding provided by AusAID and USAID, FAO working in partnership with the Provincial Land Commission, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and ZOA recent ly completed the rehabilitation of 312 food production wells used by farming households in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. The wells were cleaned, dried and lined with a stable and protective layer.

These households gain many benefits as a result of the rehabilitation of their wells. The well provides a stable water source for irrigation and drinking, and enables cultivation during the dry season. Farmers can increase the extent of land brought under cultivation by the use of wells for irrigation, and provide a subsequent increase in income. The rehabilitation of wells reduces the need for women to find water sources elsewhere thereby reducing their workload. The protective lining of the well also reduces the risk of accidents.

Kandiah Rasendram and his family were displaced in April 2009 during the conflict resettled in July 2011. He could not afford to renovate the damaged well on his farming land. He was selected as a beneficiary and his well was renovated with the support provided by FAO in partnership with DRC. Oxfam complimented this assistance by providing him with a water pump, that he can use to access the water from his renovated well. As a result, he is now able to produce more crops and increase the extent of land he can cultivate. His family is also able to use the well both for drinking and domestic use.

Promoting market-oriented agriculture

Agro-enterprise promotion is a key area that has received limited focus within the departments of Agriculture and Agrarian Services, although it is recognized as being increasingly important to boost commercial farming. The market oriented approach to extension requires a shift in extension thinking. In order to do this, the structure and function of the extension service needs to be assessed effectively to accommodate

the shift from technology transfer to market driven responses. In addition, more investment is needed in human resources development for both advisory service providers and farmers in farm business management and marketing. Data and information on agro-enterprise development and marketing will also need to be provided on a regular and timely basis to improve farmer and rural entrepreneur decision making. These areas of attention are being addressed in the FAO project “Strengthening the Agricultural Extension System through Agro Enterprise Development.”

The project commenced activities in November 2010 and as part of its market oriented approach, is promoting the concept of Farmer Business Schools in 12 pilot areas in the country. To date, the project has seen short term benefits gained by individual farmers and farmer groups

using the F.B.S concept. The following is one such example.

Sarala from Hasalaka, Kandy, began a mushroom production programme in her home after attending a F.B.S. With knowledge and training she received through the FBS, she has grown mushrooms and receives about Rs 400 - 600/day. Last month, she has received an income of Rs 14,000. She is presently expecting a loan from the F.B.S account to expand her business.

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Sarala’s mushroom production business

Packeted mushrooms in Sarala’s home

Kandiah’s well is rehabilitated

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Staff spotlight

In this issue's staff spotlight, weinterview Patrick T. Evans, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Q1 - You have worked with FAO as a technical officer, consultant, advisor and project manager in many other countries before Sri Lanka, but this was your first time as an FAO Representative. How did you prepare for this change and how was this experience different?

Q2 - During your tenure, you have witnessed the end of the nearly 30 year long civil conflict, an incredible milestone and turning point in the history of this country. Tell us about your experience in leading FAO to use this opportunity to promote peace and recovery in the North and East?

To serve as the FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives has been a privilege and an honor for me. I have been a long time FAO field person working mainly in community based natural resource management. The opportunity to serve as the Representative has been special in that I have had the opportunity to work with all the FAO staff in the country plus to work in all sectors under FAO's mandate of supporting food security and livelihood development, i.e., agr icu l ture, f isher ies, an imal husbandry and forestry.

I arrived in Colombo in July 2008 when the city was still subject to bomb attacks and the war in the north was increasing in intensity. It was a tragic time for many but also a historic time for this country as the long running war gradually came to an end in May 2009. There were certainly many humanitarian issues and the UN was very actively involved in assisting the

hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the conflict. FAO, being a technical agriculture agency, took a lead role in supporting the returning population to resume agriculture production and to rebuild livelihoods in the former conflict impacted areas in the east and the north. Our work continues today although we are now transitioning from humanitarian support to longer term sustainable development in partnership with the Government.

FAO is such an important UN agency with the mandate to fight hunger and to ensure food security for all. Founded in 1945, FAO has had a significant impact on supporting development in countries around the world. As with all large organizations, assessment and reform is required from time to time to improve efficiency and effectiveness in a changing world. FAO is now undergoing a reform process which emphasizes results b a s e d m a n a g e m e n t a n d decentral ization. I am very encouraged as to the actions being taken and I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with FAO during this period of reform.

Environmental responsibility is the individual responsibility of all of us.

Q3 - FAO is going through interesting times, and is evolving into a more decentralized organization, with emphasis on strengthening the capacity and decision making power of country offices. This is something you have passionately advocated for during your tenure as well. What is your opinion on the progress being made and the changes you see in this regard?

Q4 - You have spearheaded many efforts within the FAO team to go green – from buying hybrid cars, to refurbishing the office into a more eco-friendly environment, replacing plastic p l an t s w i t h na tu r a l p l an t s , encouraging room temperatures at all times, making maximum use of natural light, and installing an outdoor deck to encourage staff to enjoy the fresh air outdoors. Tell us about your passion behind these initiatives?

The world is more crowded every year and with rising population there is increased pressure on natural resources and the environment. Being FAO, of course we should be leading by example, hence we imported the first hybrid car into Sri Lanka a few years ago and we stress environmental awareness within our office. But being environmentally responsible and minimizing our impact on the environment should be part of our school curriculums and should be practiced by all of us in our homes and with our families. Reduce, reuse, recycle.

As a Representative, I see my job as being responsible to help our staff find job satisfaction in what they do which results in us doing a better job serving the people of this country. For myself, I need to learn from the staff and I do what I can to support them as we work together toward common goals and objectives within our programmes. I believe that when people communicate well and work together as a team toward a common goal – everyone benefits. It is important for the staff to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work we do as FAO in Sri Lanka. I am proud of our staff and the considerable amount of great work they have done as a team over the recent years.

Honesty and integrity are essential. Good communication and an emphasis on staff and their job satisfaction are very important. I recently attended a leadership course for senior management within FAO. Seems like teaching leadership is a popular thing these days and there are so many definitions of what is leadership and what defines a leader... For myself, I have been working in leadership roles for most of my career and it seems to

Q5 - Staff have often appreciated your open door policy, participatory approach and your encouragement to unite and deliver as one FAO. Why do you think this is important?

Q6 - In your experience, what would you say are the most important qualities one needs to be an effective leader?

come down to developing trust and confidence between yourself and with those you work. I have always taken a team approach and encourage a participatory approach in planning and implementation

We have been making a significant contribution in recent years due to strong donor support in relation to the considerable livelihoods needs of the population returning to the former conflict zones. We are now transitioning from humanitarian support to longer term sustainable development in our current programmes. Recently, we completed a new Country Programme Framework with the Government which outlines the areas of support from FAO for the medium term of 2013 – 2017 which is in support of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). We will continue to assist the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock as per their defined priorities but we will be working more and more with the Ministry of Environment in the coming years. We are currently starting a new programme on biomass production in partnership with UNDP and we are assisting the Government on the United

Q7 - Do you see FAO continuing to play a strong role in Sri Lanka?

Nations programme on Reduction of Emissions from Forest Degradation and Deforestation (UNREDD). We also are working with the Government to develop several additional p r o g r a m m e s a d d r e s s i n g environmental issues under the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). So yes, FAO still has an important role to play here in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is simply an amazing country. It has so much to offer from white sand beaches to the beautiful tea estates in the uplands to the fascinating history found in the cultural triangle and beyond. During my time here, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the country both for work as well as for pleasure. I can't say I really have a favourite place as the whole country is unique and special. But if repeat visits are any indication, I visit Mineriya National Park each August to hang out with the elephant herds. I go whale watching every season - out of Mirissa for blue whales and off Kalpitiya for sperm whales. I also visit Yala yearly

Q8 - We have observed that you are quite the explorer and you love the great outdoors – tell us about your favourite place in Sri Lanka that you've travelled to.

and have seen leopards on every trip.

Sri Lanka has excellent national parks and incredible wildlife. The bird life is exceptional and the winter migratory birds are now here so this is the best time of the year for bird watchin

Then there's kayaking in mangroves, hiking in the mountains (World's End / Singharaja), swimming in the sea before work.... the list goes on. Plus the food here is very good.

I would just like to say that it has been a pleasure to work with such a fine group of people and to thank everyone for doing such a fine job. Keep up the good work.

g.

Q9 - Any words of wisdom you would like to share with the team you have led in Sri Lanka?

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Visit to Yala national park

“I have known Patrick for over 4 years now and appreciate him as one of the warmest and most approachable UN Country Team members I have dealt with. My ability to relate well with Patrick is not only on official UN work but on all things stars, planets and the great outdoors. His passion was infectious. What a wonderful reservoir of information and edutainment he has been at the UNCT Retreats! Thank you so very much for your encouragement and inspiration, and for sharing your knowledge and friendship, Patrick”. - Kamanee Hapugalle, UNDAF Officer, UNDP

“Patrick has been a real leader in my view. He has boosted the organization's image by encouraging and supporting the staff to perform to achieve our objectives. Patrick was the key to the representation's success in the past years. He is simple andhumane in person. It was indeed a pleasure knowing and working with him”. - Dihan Hettige, Assistant FAO Representative (Administration), FAO Colombo office

“Patrick has worked hard to enhance FAO's image and mobilize funds and we are proud to have been under his leadership. He always did his best to make sure that honest and hardworking staff did not lose their jobs. I still remember when I was toleave Colombo and join the EU project team in Trincomalee, he told me, “Salome, do a good job”, and these words encouraged me to perform well and to work with commitment. It is always a pleasure when he visits us in the field, and he always finds the time to meet all staff, talk to them and inquire after their families. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors”. - Salome de Silva, Secretary/Admin Assistant, FAO Killinochchi office

“

;

Patrick never considers himself a chief or a boss. He is a true colleague who always share his experience and knowledge. He is a great nature lover who likes to replace artificial with natural. His friendliness and simplicity equally attracted the international and the local partners. His colleagues immensely benefitted from his generosity and kindness I thoroughly enjoyed his leadership”. - Premalal Kuruppuarachchi, FAO Representative (Programme), FAO Colombo office

Assistant

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Project formulation training workshop and media training

Regional management meeting and effective leadership course

High-level regional consultation on policies to respond to high food prices in Asia and the Pacific region

Orientation training for FAO gender focal points in Asia and the Pacific

Participants at the training workshop

Participants at the

regional management

meeting

Participants at the regional consultation

Participants at the orientation training

Premalal Kuruppuarachchi, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) attended a Project Formulation Training Workshop in Bangkok, Thailand from 12-14 November 2012. The workshop was followed by a 2 day media training. The training was part of FAO's initiative to enhance the strategic focus, relevance and impact of its work at country and regional levels using comprehensive approaches of the organization's latest policy and guidelines on project cycle management, country programme framework and resource mobilization. The media training aimed to develop capacities for communications, media outreach and visibility of FAO programmes in the region.

Patrick T. Evans, FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and Maldives, attended a Regional Management Meeting and an Effective Leadership Course in Bangkok, organized by the FAO Regional Office for Asia Pacific (RAP) during the period 28 November to 1 December 2012. The meeting was attended by all FAO Representatives from the region.

Premalal Kuruppuarachchi, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) attended the High-Level Regional Consultation on Policies to Respond to High Food Prices in Asia and the Pacific Region, held in Bangkok from 1 to 2 October 2012. The Consultation aimed to review the current situation with regard to high food prices, share information on policy interventions in previous food price crises, identify measures to prevent a re-emergence of another food price crisis, and assist countries in identifying various policy options and mechanisms to build resilience for coping with high food prices. Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena (Minister of Agriculture, Sri Lanka) and Hon. Ahmed Shafeeu (Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Maldives) also participated in the Consultation.

Nalin Munasinghe, the Programme Associate and the Gender Focal Point for FAO Representation in Sri Lanka, attended the first ever Orientation Training for Gender Focal Points in Asia and the Pacific Region, organized by RAP Gender Team in collaboration with the ESW in FAO HQ held from 19- 21 November 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. 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 part of the strategy to enable effective implementation of the FAO Gender Equality Policy.

Joining FAO - Welcome!

M.

Data Management

Officer

Hettiarachchi, Tina Jayaratnam,

Program Officer -

Value Chain

S. Baminiwatte,

National Consultant

Emelda

Chief Technical

Adviser - 061/EC

Berejena, Sinan Hussain,

Consultant -

Maldives

Shafia ,

National Consultant -

Maldives

Aminath

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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”

The working Retreat of FAO Sri Lanka was held on the 5 to 7 of September in the MAS Fabric Park, Thulhiriya. This was the first retreat that brought together staff from all FAO's field offices and project offices, with the participation of over 80 staff.

Staff had the opportunity to discuss and share their experiences, lessons learned and challenges, and collectively decide on how to improve FAO's delivery of services. Staff also participated in indoor and outdoor team building activities, and a fun-filled evening with singing, dancing and drama organized to parade the talents of staff.

FAO working retreat 2012

UN day 2012

“The Retreat to me was a time spent in sharing, nurturing and one of inspiration and fun. This was my 2nd Retreat at FAO and it was a completely wonderful experience. I met such fun people with varied backgrounds but all sharing the common thread of being a part of the FAO family. I was enriched in many ways both in work and play. I was enhanced by what I learned at the work sessions. There were so many firsts for me, like playing Badminton, getting a dance lesson from FAOR (Patrick, the instructions were just great!) and not forgetting the first time I made a presentation on my work, human resources.I do look forward to the next retreat and hope to see all the familiar faces again. Many thanks for a well organized SUPER fun retreat!!!!!

Asoka Casiechetty, Admin Secretary, Colombo Office

“Since I work in the field o f f i ce , I en joyed the opportunity to meet FAO colleagues that I had either never met before, or had only communicated with through phone or email. We had the opportunity to build our team spirit and talk about the challenges we faced. We also s t r e n g t h e n e d o u r management capacity, as we learned a lot more about FAO's rules, regulations and procedures, and had the opportunity to talk openly with our senior management officers.”

Jude Antonraj, Data Input and M a n a g e m e n t O f f i c e r , Kilinochchi Office

The 67th United Nations Day was commemorated on 24 October 2012 in the UN Compound with the hoisting of the UN Flag. The UN Secretary-General's message on the occasion was read out by Mr. Subinay Nandy, UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Resident Coordinator recognized Sri Lanka's contribution to the UN system, and also thanked the international community for providing over $600 million to support UN activities in Sri Lanka since 2008.

The Chief Guest, Hon. Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation, recognized the mutually beneficial partnership between the government and the UN, and the role of the UN in supporting the government in ensuring quality service delivery and advocating for a country in which justice for all can be guaranteed. Among the distinguished gathering were Ministers, Ambassadors, Senior Government officials, UN Heads of Agencies and UN staff. The highlight of the programme was a 'walk through the MDG village', an exhibition depicting the performance, achievements and the challenges of each of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Welcoming the guests

at the entrance of

the UN compound

Hoisting of the flag at the UN day celebrations