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ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOOD PROJECT(Asunafo North and South Districts)

GHANA

Submitted by

Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products (ASNAPP)

April, 2011

List of Acronyms

ASNAPP - Agribusiness in Sustainable Natural African Plant Products

ICCO - Inter-Church Organization for Development Cooperation

RUDEYA - Rural Development and Youth Association

KNUST - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

NTFP - Non-Timber Forest Product

US - United States

GOP - Grains of Paradise

GHCP - Good Harvesting and Collection Practices

GAP - Good Agricultural Practices

GCP - Good Collection Practices

MOFA - Ministry of Food and Agriculture

MCE - Municipal Chief Executive

REP - Rural Enterprise Project

MOU - Memorandum of Understanding

FSD - Forestry Services Division

MDG - Millennium Development Goal

GACP - Good Agricultural and Collection Practices

GPHP - Good Post Harvest Practices

ASNAPP | ICCO Year 2 Report i

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 KEY ACTIVITIES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES FOR YEAR 2...................................................................................1

2. KEY ACTIIVITIES UNDERTAKEN, OUTPUTS AND LESSONS LEARNT..........................................................3

2.1 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY TO EXECUTING THE PROJECT...........................................................................3

2.2 FIELD ACTIVITIES.......................................................................................................................................4

2.2.1 Nursery Establishment.....................................................................................................................4

2.2.2 Farm Establishment.........................................................................................................................7

2.2.3 Capacity Building...........................................................................................................................10

2.2.4 Research and Technology Transfer................................................................................................16

2.2.5 Market development.....................................................................................................................18

2.2.6 Monitoring and Evaluation............................................................................................................20

2.2.7 Observations and lessons learnt....................................................................................................21

2.2.8 TECHNICAL RECONCILIATION OF ACTIVITIES UNDER ICCO/ASNAPP LIVELIHOOD PROJECT...........22

2.2.9 Appendix........................................................................................................................................26

2.3 REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................................27

ASNAPP | ICCO Year 2 Report ii

1. Introduction

This report presents results, lessons learnt, variance and recommendations for activities undertaken by ASNAPP for the 2009/2010 season in Partnership with Rural Development and Youth Association (RUDEYA) and with support from InterChurch Organization for Development Cooperation (ICCO) from the Nederland.

In the last quarter of 2008, ASNAPP was commissioned by RUDEYA to conduct a market study/value chain analysis on plant-based Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP’s) in six RUDEYA assisted communities. The key objective of the study was to identify potential NTFPs - exclusive of those currently facilitated by RUDEYA- that can be commercialized; describe activities of the various actors within the supply chain and identify their major constraints as well as provide appropriate recommendations for successful implementation of natural products livelihood projects for the selected communities in the two districts.

Following the presentation of the findings to partners, ICCO approved funding for the implementation of the recommendations as contained in the report and proposal. Various activities such as the nursery establishment, farmer selection, farm establishment, farmer exchange were executed in year as per the work schedule.

This report summaries key activities and outcomes for the second year (2009/2010 season).

1.1 Key Activities and Expected Outcomes for Year 2

In year two, ASNAPP was to consolidate gains made the previous year, scale up activities in the Asunafo District and initiate new projects in 2 new districts in the Brong-Ahafo and Eastern regions in partnership with Friends of the Earth. The activities were to focus on: establishment of 40 acres of GOP, 9 acres of Black pepper and 50 acres of Voacanga, capacity development of technical officers (that were to assist supervise and manage the project) and skills and knowledge of actors within the entire value chain. ASNAPP was also to establish additional nurseries and experimental farms for seedling supply and learning purposes respectively and explore market opportunities for the wild collected and cultivated NTFP.

ASNAPP | ICCO Year 2 Report 1

Table 1: Below is the list of activities and expected outcomes for year 2

KEY ACTIVITIES EXPECTED OUTCOMESSensitize selected farmers on the commercial opportunities in the natural products sector

350 farmers trained on the economics and agronomy of Voacanga, Black pepper and Grains of paradise as well as the overall project

Support farmers to establish pilot commercial plantation of Grains of paradise, Black pepper and Voacanga

132 additional farmers cultivating 40 acres of Grains of paradise, 9 acres of Black pepper and 50 acres Voacanga

Establish nurseries for black pepper, GOP and Voacanga

Six additional nurseries propagating 5,000 seedlings of Voacanga, 160,000 seedlings of GOP and 4,000 seedlings of Black pepper

Build the capacity of RUDEYA and the Extension Officer MOFA and other partners to provide technical skills for the communities

10 new technical staff trained

Collaborate with Kumasi Wood Cluster and Friends of the Earth to conduct assessment and sensitize 2 districts towards commercialization of NTFP

2 reports provided on assessment of economic potentials of NTFPs in 2 districts.

Train farmers to cultivate Voacanga and GOP

132 farmers trained on the agronomic practices of GOP and Voacanga

Sensitize farmers on wild collection of medicinal plants

250 farmers encouraged and trained on sustainable wild harvesting

Establish an experimental farm for trials and technology transfer

1 additional experimental farm established

Train farmers on cooperative management and business skills

132 farmers trained on basic book keeping, costing, budgeting and organizational development

Organize farmer field days and farmer to farmer exchange

30 farmers participating in exchange programme

Initiate market development activities on selected NTFP

Buyers identified for GOP, Voacanga, Black pepper, Ricinodendrum and Griffonia


2. KEY ACTIIVITIES UNDERTAKEN, OUTPUTS AND LESSONS LEARNT

Field activities aimed at developing and expanding the opportunities identified were carried out for the year under review as indicated in the agreed contract (table 1). The second year activities were undertaken from March 2010 to April 2011 by ASNAPP in collaboration with RUDEYA.

2.1 Approach and Methodology to Executing the Project

Based upon lessons learnt and recommendations from the first year, ASNAPP together with RUDEYA re-strategised to ensure the success of the livelihood project which encompassed seedling distribution schedule, type of planting material and collaboration and co-ordination with all key and implementing stakeholders/partners.

The project committee meets occasionally to discuss the challenges facing the project to respond in a timely and effective manner by adopting new approaches based on challenges in the field. Decisions taken are done with technical input from ASNAPP research partners KNUST and Rutgers, USA.

ASNAPP maintained and improved its relations with its partners (REP, MOFA, RUDEYA, FSD and the Municipal & District Assembly) in the Asunafo North and South Districts to leverage their skills to support the project expansion as part of mainstreaming the activities to fit into the development agenda of the municipality.

More emphasis was placed on participatory, interactive, observation, gender-based, illustrative and practical approach during the second phase of this project. This was employed during the monitoring and capacity building activities to ensure participating farmers understood and complied to the GACP as well equipping facilitators with first hand information to provide tailor-made solutions to farmers in the language best understood to them.


2.2 Field activities

2.2.1 Nursery Establishment

High quality seedlings enhance survival in the field, lead to fast growing and high yielding plants and thus shorten the time between planting and harvesting. Seed quality has great impact on the quality of planting stock. For the last 20 years, the technology of producing seedlings has advanced greatly. However research has focused on cash and food crops to the neglect of some NTFPs of commercial importance.

Over the years, ASNAPP has worked with its research team at KNUST to domesticate selected high yielding NTFP planting materials to the agricultural business and farming community for commercial cultivation. With support from KNUST, ASNAPP has been undertaking rapid multiplication of these NTFPs within its assisted communities in order for farmers to produce certain minimum volumes of raw and semi processed materials to exert a pull on investment from these commodity buyers and thus generate sustainable markets for the collectors and producers.

It is also to meet the demands of additional communities on the project, that a well equipped nursery was established to raise true-to-type and high yielding planting materials for cultivation by farmers. The cultivation promotion drive was also aimed at addressing product quality and volume inconsistencies and also reducing pressure of human activities on naturally occurring wild stance whilst building expertise in nursery management. The expected output of this activity was to;

Establish six additional nurseries to produce and supply at least 50% of the 4,000 seedlings of Black pepper for the establishment of 9 acres, 160,000 seedlings of Grains of paradise for 40 acres and 5,000 seedlings of Voacanga for establishment of 50 acres of farm.

2.2.1.1 Approach adopted to perform the activity

Based upon the reasons assigned for establishing a centrally-located, well resourced Nursery at Goaso instead of six, the project team expanded the nursery to accommodate over 100,000 seedlings need for the project expansion into other communities. Local materials were used for the construction of the nursery Annex1 that was received matured seedlings waiting to be transported to the farmers’ farm. The construction was done with support from the some promising farmers with the view to building capacity at the local level and to ensure continuity and sustainability of the nursery enterprise even after the end of the project.

1 Nursery extension on the same compound to support production


Figure 1: Existing Nursery and part of the nursery annex

The continuous involvement of the farmers in the entire process was to re-affirm their knowledge on nursery management practices such as propagation and seedling raising techniques; planning the production schedules and the development of nursery calendars; plant registers and nursery inventories. The skills acquired are to assist them in effectively managing the nursery when it is finally handed over or when they view it as a viable enterprise and therefore establish one. The Nursery also serves as a site for undertaking propagation trials and research for different NTFPs as well as hardening and conditioning planting materials procured from elsewhere.

Additional seedlings (NTFPs) of commercial interest but not included in the proposal were raised and supplied to farmers. They were Griffonia and African Hot pepper. They were supplied upon request by the communities.

2.2.1.2 Output and deliverables

i. Construction of nursery annex close to the 500m2 centralized Nursery to increase the capacity of the nursery to accommodate at least an additional 60,000. One farmer is being empowered to raise some seedlings in Nyamebekyere (Mim). The old and the new altogether are supposed to use to produce and supply 160,000 GOP, 4,000 Black pepper and 5,000 Voacanga seedlings.

ii. 6,830 Voacanga, 127,700 GOP, 3,230, 2,770 Griffonia and 27,500 African Hot pepper seedlings were produced and supplied to farmers from the nursery.

iii. Propagation trials repeated on Voacanga, GOP and Griffonia and germination techniques and conditions identified for the successful germination and seedling production of these NTFPs. These skills and know-how have been transferred to farmers under training.

iv. Nursery construction technologies including choice of materials for construction, orientation, arrangement of seed beds and nursery management skills transferred 3 farmers.


2.2.2 Farm Establishment

The establishment of farms to ensure the regular supply of the relatively nascent NTFPs to meet the growing nutraceutical industry is critical for the growth of the NTFP industry in Ghana. The cultivation promotion drive is also aimed at addressing product quality and volume inconsistencies and also reducing pressure of human activities on naturally occurring wild stance whilst building expertise in nursery management. The cultivation of these NTFPs is also necessary in order to address the increasing demand for various certifications such as the EUREGAP and Organic certification which cover traceability, pesticide management, and labour protection standards and microorganism limits among others.

The objective of encouraging the cultivation is to provide a documentary proof for source which details every activity carried out from planting material selection to the Post harvest practices adopted during the production process. The expected output of this activity was to;

Expand production by an additional 40 acres of Grains of Paradise, 50 acres of Voacanga and 9 acres of Black pepper in all 12 participating communities. (Targeting 40% female participation).

2.2.2.1 Approach adopted in the Farm establishment

The second phase of this project was aimed at expanding production base of the NTFPs being cultivated to generate critical mass for the local and export markets. To this end farms with few stands per land area and ones that failed to do well were supplied with additional seedlings to increase their plant stands or fill-ins. New farmers in six news communities were also supplied with seedlings by selecting one or more of the NTFPs of interest during the validation process.

Using the intercropping system and cropping cycles, the communities have been supported to add these crops to generate supplementary income whilst assuring food security. Based on last years GOP survival rate (low), the technical team recommended the use of young seedlings from seeds instead of the rhizome. This was after a combined research efforts by


ASNAPP and KNUST discovered the propagation technique for raising seedlings from the GOP seeds after several unsuccessful attempts. The same type of planting materials was however maintained for the other NTFPs.

Seedlings distribution was staggered and delivered to the farmers from May to July. Farmers were supplied with planting materials of Grains of Paradise, Voacanga, Griffonia, African Hot pepper and Black pepper. Handling of seedlings was also identified as a critical success factor for farm establishment and was therefore improved upon this time round with farmers encouraged to plant the seedlings immediately they were delivered.


The output of farm establishment in the twelve participating communities has been summarized below:

i. To date, an estimated 149 acres of land has been put to the cultivation of the selected NTFPs by 160 farmers. The details as per community is attached as appendix

Figure 2: Acreage per NTFP cultivated

ii. A total of one hundred and twenty seven thousand, seven hundred (127,700) GOP, six

thousand eight hundred and thirty (6,830) Voacanga seedlings, three thousand two hundred and thirty (3,230) Black pepper, two thousand seven hundred and seventy (2,770) Griffonia and 27,500 African Hot pepper / Bird’s Eye chillies seedlings have been supplied by ASNAPP


Voacanga

Grains of Paradise

Black pepper

Griffonia

AHP / BEC

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

68.3

63.85

8.08

6.3

3.44

Acreage

Acreage

to the new farmers and some old farmers to do fill-in for their farms for this year. This puts the total number of land under cultivation at 149.96 acres.

Figure 3:

Number of seedlings distributed

Figure 4: Gender Ratio of participants


Voacanga

Grains of Paradise

Black pepper

Griffonia

AHP / BEC

- 50,000 100,000 150,000

6,830

127,700

3,230

2,770

27,500

Number of seedlings Distributed

Number of seedlings

64%

36%

Gender Ratio

Male Female

2.2.3 Capacity Building

Product quality has become increasingly important in today’s global world with changing consumers’ preference for safe and healthy items. The production of high quality medicinal and spices to meet the market specification requires the capacity building of growers and collectors in good agricultural and collection practices, harvesting and post-harvest handling, marketing and systematic commercialization approach to NTFP development. Capacity building at this level will ensure quality as a critical tool is employed in the field of production through the entire chain to exports thus ensuring quality runs through the entire chain. With the repeated trainings compliance to the quality standards expected is more likely as complying farmers also receive premium price compared to others.

The objective of this activity therefore is to build capacity of implementing partners to provide extension support to farmers and mentor small scale farmers to increase production and productivity. It is also to build the farmers capacity on GACP and GPHP. The training program is also designed to increase the knowledge and skill of Agents and exporters in business management, quality requirements, markets, products and their specifications, and exposure to international markets for Griffonia, Voacanga, Grains of paradise, black pepper and birds’ eye chillies/African Hot pepper. The expected outputs of this activity were to;

Sensitize and train 250 farmers on wild collection of medicinal plants

Build capacity of 350 farmers in agronomy, BDS and post-harvest handling of the selected products

Organize 3 farmer field days and farmer to farmer exchange for 10 farmers each

Build the capacity of 10 new technical staff to provide technical skills for the communities

2.2.3.1 Approach

ASNAPP relied on its research partners KNUST to train its staff and all interested partners. The capacity building program was organised by ASNAPP at KNUST with three Research fellows as facilitators. The training employed both classroom (theory) and practical (on the field) approaches. The field practical were done on the NTFP experimental field at KNUST and the lath house. At the Local level, ASNAPP also collaborated with RUDEYA, the main implementing partner for the livelihood project to build the capacity of farmers and collectors within the catchment area. Informal and grassroots participatory approaches were used during the training sessions conducted at the community assembling points and on various farms as indicated. There was the mix of both classroom and practical approaches to enhance effective transfer of information, technology and provided a friendly


and interactive environment for farmers to engage in discussions, questions and interactions.

The training generally touched on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices and Good Post harvest Practices for Black pepper, Griffonia, Voacanga, birds’ eye chillies/African Hot pepper, Kombo nuts and Grains of Paradise.

Field demonstrations on how to collect and harvest Griffonia, birds’ eye chillies/African Hot pepper and Grains of paradise were then conducted. Participants were taken through the construction of simple drying systems to ensure effective post harvest handling of NTFPs. Illustrated posters used during training highlighted maturity, colour uniformity, diseases, cleanliness, foreign matter, mechanically damaged seeds and also provided the minimum quality requirements for international markets.

These training sessions at the community level were all aimed at building the capacity of farmers and collectors alike in sustainable forest management practices and utilization of resources as well as working towards enhancing the quality of final products that will be collected and produced for the market.

A. Build the capacity of 10 New technical Staff

ASNAPP organised a Trainer of Trainees (TOT) workshop at KNUST to train partners in within the operating communities who will in-turn provide extension support to farmers. Six partners were available for the training in additional to five staff of ASNAPP bring the total number of trainees to eleven. Partners were taken through training and cover such topics as seedling care and production, field layout and planting distance, transplanting, farm maintenance, good agricultural practices; sustainable wild collection, recommended harvesting and post harvest handling techniques.


B. Build capacity of 350 farmers in agronomy, BDS and post-harvest handling

Through repeated trainings farmers are able to practice the recommended good agricultural practices. It is in this view that ASNAPP continued to organise trainings on good agricultural practices for new and old farmers for the cultivation of NTFPs. Two

workshops were organised for the twelve participating communities in two districts (Asunafo North and South Districts). The training addressed topics such as seedling care, transplanting, farm maintenance, good agricultural practices and post harvest handling techniques with emphasis on gathering methods, drying, storage, packaging; quality control and assurance systems. They will also be taken through crop budgeting and pricing. ASNAPP has trained 334 (191 male and 143 female) farmers these topics. Training manuals and simplified brochures were distributed to farmers that provided information on the “How to” practices for the different stages of production to marketing.

One hundred and twenty-two farmers in the already existing communities were also trained on Group formation and group dynamics. This was to assist the farmers to have formidable group associations that will make them competitive with selling their produce as small volumes by these individual farmers will not attract major buyers. This also places the groups at position to access micro credit to support their operations

C. Sensitize and train 250 farmers on wild collection of medicinal plantsASNAPP secured orders for both Voacanga and Griffonia for the 2010 season and therefore organised sensitization and awareness campaign for these two promising products to ensure collectors complied with the quality standards as required by the market. The training was also to ensure collectors adhered to good harvesting practices to guarantee the continuous use of these resources thus promoting sustainable for these scarce resource. Emphasis was placed more on good collection and post harvest practices for these two NTFPs.


Brochures on good collection and post-harvest handling practices and Posters of illustrated standards were used for training to explain both good and bad Voacanga and Griffonia seeds, international markets standards for these products and the stepwise practices that will enable farmers and collectors meet most of the required standards. Some seed samples purchased in the community were used to demonstrate the different quality requirements expected of the two seeds (standards) by matching them with those illustrated on the posters. To date, a total of 315 collectors and agents have been trained.

Specifically Collectors were trained on:

i. Harvesting techniques using elongated poles and picking seeds of Griffonia that have fallen from the plant

ii. Collection or picking of Griffonia seeds that have fallen from the forest flooriii. Drying techniques using raised platform of different drying materials; physical

determination of dryness or moisture content of the seeds, iv. Sorting good seeds from bad seedsv. Bagging in jute and polypropylene sacks and on pallet instead of just using any

plastic bagvi. Weighing techniques of the dried seeds vii. Bagging in uniform sizes using appropriate jute sacks or polypropylene bags

viii. Packing and Storage

D. Organize 3 farmer field days and farmer to farmer exchange for 10 farmers each

Farmer exchange has proved to be one of the most effective tools used in transferring knowledge to farmers. ASNAPP organised two farmer exchanges for some selected farmers in the project catchments area. This activity was to provide farmers the opportunity to interact with other experienced and successful farmers from the first phase to tell their own stories to their colleague farmers in their own language. This not only reinforces the theoretical and practical lessons taught but also helps to expose new farmers to useful indigenous knowledge and practices that has served existing farmers well; whilst realizing the full commercial opportunities and benefits in the project they are embarking on. 35 farmers (16 female and 19 male) participated in the farmer exchanges organised.


Some new and old farmers were selected to visits some phase one but successful farmers site for the exchange program. It involved visiting the NTFP farms with the farmers present to assist in exchange of information amongst them. The interactions that took place extensively covered a wide range of topics from propagation through farm maintenance to harvesting and marketing. Key issues addressed were;

i. Planting time and planting distance ii. Appropriate planting material

iii. The markets available iv. Types of land suitable for cultivationv. Recommended shade levels

vi. Transplanting requirements and recommended farm management practices vii. Drying systems and methods

viii. The preservative methods to prevent Pest attacks on stored dried podsix. Best forms of storage and duration for storing GOP pods

Critical among these were the Do’s and Don’ts which cut across production to post harvest practices.

Different technologies from Cultivation to Farm Maintenance also transferred to each participating farmer with the guidance of the technical team present.



Below is the summary of the output and deliverables in the figure

Figure 5: Output and Deliverables for Capacity Building


ActivitiesMaleFemaleTotalAccomplishments

2.2.4 Research and Technology Transfer

Research into the development of NTFPs has not developed extensively as compared to cash and food crops. With NTFPs emerging as promising alternative to timber extraction in natural forest management, it has become imperative that more resources is devoted to undertake various research areas to address some challenges that arise in its domestication and commercialization thereby ensuring long term sustainability of the forest.

ASNAPP therefore continues to collaborate with its research partner KNUST to take lead on agronomic trials both at the research and in the field. These researches continue to provide a reserve of knowledge for the development of the NTFP industry in Ghana.

The objective of this activity is to improve upon the knowledge base of communities in terms of propagation of NTFPs and improve resource which is limiting. The expected output of this activity was to;

Establish 1 experimental farm established to conduct agronomic trials

2.2.4.1 Approach

ASNAPP continued to rely on its research partners at KNUST to lead research all research efforts on Natural Plant Products. Research on alternative propagation techniques for GOP was intensified due to the

challenges encountered with the survival rate for the GOP plant part (rhizome) in the phase one of the project. Similar researches were undertaken for the other NTFPs to either find new or validate old propagation techniques, appropriate cropping systems, nutrient and water requirements, and rapid multiplication technologies for selected NTFPs.

Through these research efforts by KNUST and preliminary findings available, appropriate propagation technology on the selected NTFPs are being transferred to farmers in different ASNAPP communities. Two farmers were provided hands-on experience on Voacanga seedling production with one supported to produce seedlings for supply to farmers for phase three (3).

Some ASNAPP communities continue to produce Voacanga seedlings for cultivation by interested farmers. KNUST has also identified through its research investigations that GOP prefers medium shade for optimum growth. These technologies have also been transferred to the farmers in the selected communities for the successful execution of this project.


Due to the challenges faced and for effective supervision, the technical team decided to expand the existing experimental farm as well as replicate some on a piece of land acquired in the same community. This was done with support from KNUST. ASNAPP continues to capture relevant data that will provide useful information that will be shared with interested stakeholders. Different intercropping models are being tested on the experimental plots with the local food crops grown in the community. This is to assist in developing a cropping model that is best suited to their environment and also provide tailor made solutions that will be transferred to the farmers.

Prof. Richard Akromah (Part of ASNAPP research team at KNUST) with support from ASNAPP is supervising an undergraduate student to work on plant spacing and shade requirement for Grains of paradise.


Experimental farm expanded to accommodate more replicates.

Below is the layout of the experimental farm

Figure 6: The layout of the experimental farm


2.2.5 Market development

Market development continues to serve as the bedrock for NTFP commercialization activities. In the first year of implementing this project, ASNAPP provided market for communities within and around the project area to mobilize 15MT of Griffonia valued at about $225,000 for two companies.

Successful agricultural projects are also linked to sustained market access and presence over time. Access to market and the use of requisite marketing tools is a precondition for the survival of community livelihood projects. It is to sustain this market that ASNAPP continues to facilitate trade between producers and buyers to the point where entrepreneurs emerge from among the farmers to play this intermediary role. The expected output of this activity was to;

Buyers for black pepper identified Contracts signed for GOP and Voacanga

2.2.5.1 Approach

ASNAPP continues to adopt the market-first, science-based approach to its commercialization and development initiatives in the natural plant products industry. Through its networks, international presence and website, ASNAPP worked to secure orders for Grains of Paradise, Voacanga, Griffonia and Kombo butter among others.

This was achieved by relying on previous trade partners, participating in trade shows, other country programmes, sending samples for testing and the use of the website. ASNAPP continues to receive market enquiries and orders and work with private sector partners to fulfil such orders. ASNAPP acts as the honest broker ensuring that suppliers meet buyer’s quality requirements and specifications and buyers pay for goods supplied. However, these sources are sometimes not sustained with the increase in demand coupled with the weak quality infrastructure of the producers. ASNAPP is therefore working with six communities to ensure a sustained supply base with a strong quality infrastructure in place.


In the course of the year, ASNAPP received market enquiries and orders from over six different buyers of spices and medicinals for the supply of Griffonia, Voacanga, and Grains of Paradise. ASNAPP obtained purchase orders from two buyers for the supply of Griffonia, GOP and Voacanga.

In order to supply high quality Griffonia and Voacanga that meet the buyers specification, ASNAPP organised a capacity building programme for 132 Agents and collectors on Good Collection Practices and assisted them to refurbish their quality infrastructure for the


processing of the Griffonia. The ASNAPP team worked with agents and collectors to mobilize about 5.2MT of wild collected Griffonia, 10.8MT of Voacanga (both within and beyond the project areas), 2MT of Xylopia for two companies (West African Naturals and Starlight Products) valued at $102,093.

In line with efforts to provide assured markets for project beneficiaries who are currently cultivating spices, ASNAPP has signed a memorandum of understanding with West African Naturals and Starlight Products for the mobilization and purchase of NTFPs for the next five years.


2.2.6 Monitoring and Evaluation

ASNAPP employed two field staff to provide assistance to the technical officer to ensure a well managed monitoring activity with the increased number of communities and farmers. To facilitate their movement ASNAPP acquired a second motor. Since the establishment of the satellite office at Goaso in the Asunafo South district, it has provided technical and market information to the farmers on some NTFPs which led to the mobilization of 5MT of

Wild collected NTFPs generating over $85,000 revenue. The office also supervised the allocation of seedlings to farmers and has been instrumental in providing monitoring and technical support to participating farmers. It provides training and supervises/manages the nursery and the experimental farm.

The Project Officer supervises and monitors the performance of the seedlings supplied to the farmers, provides extension support and coordinates among the beneficiaries and technical experts. Experts from KNUST and the project committee members provide additional technical support to the farmers. The Project Officer gathers monthly data on planting date, the status of the farm, presence of pests and diseases, effect of water stress and Plant canopy. Comments, challenges and observations by farmers are also noted and addressed.

NTFP assessment

Two NTFP assessments were conducted in the Dormaa and Asutifi districts of the Brong-Ahafo region. This is expected to identify the NTFPs of commercial interest in the two districts for promotion the following year. A copy of the report is available at the office.


2.2.7 Observations and lessons learnt

Role of research The role of research in overcoming the challenge with the GOP seedlings cannot be overemphasized. With the research team and intensive work, ASNAPP was able to avert the initial seemingly failing farms from the use of the rhizome. This highly important success which also ensured a more efficient and cheaper way of producing GOP seedlings stresses the need for research in such project implementation.

Partnerships The role of collaboration and partnerships, especially with organizations with established community presence (RUDEYA) and local public institutions (MOFA, REP) as well as KNUST, the lead research institution in successful project initiation and continuation is very critical. These working relationships, with stated roles and responsibilities, did not only facilitate the drawing up of targeted and relevant interventions and approaches but also ensured ease of community entry and acceptance of project by participating communities. It also provided a broad support base for the project and ensured buy-in of all stakeholders resulting in a fairly quick project set up and implementation. It has also ensured that ASNAPP activities are backed by research.

Availability of Market opportunity The ability of the project to continue to provide marketing avenues, wild collection and marketing of selected NTFPs, has helped enormously in anchoring farmers’ interest and exposing them to the commercial benefits to be realized. It has also boosted their confidence and commitment to the project.


2.2.8 TECHNICAL RECONCILIATION OF ACTIVITIES UNDER ICCO/ASNAPP LIVELIHOOD PROJECT IN GHANA

May 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011

Activity Expected Output Achieved/Delivered Remarks

Nursery Establishment and Development

6 additional nurseries established propagating;

5,000 seedlings of Voacanga, 160,000 seedlings of GOP and 4,000 seedlings of Black

pepper

A nursery annex constructed close to the central nursery at Goaso producing;

6,830 Voacanga seedlings, 127,700 GOP seedlings, 3,230 Black pepper seedlings, 2,770 Griffonia seedlings 27,500 AHP/BEC Propagation trials conducted

on Voacanga, GOP and Griffonia

The same reasons that necessitated the construction of centralized nursery informed our decision to expand the existing nursery nearer to the first. Moreover, there was a need for a centralized, secured and well maintained nursery to serve beneficiary communities Cost-effective and efficient supervision of the nursery

NTFP assessment Collaborate with Kumasi Wood

Cluster and Friends of the Earth to conduct assessment and sensitize 2 districts towards commercialization of NTFPs

NTFPs assessment conducted in Asutifi and Dormaa Districts in the Brong Ahafo region.

These districts are close of Asunafo districts where the project has established presence. Expansion into Dormaa districts will consolidate gains made in Asunafo, share resources and expertise and provide a centre for mass production of NTFPs

Capacity building for farmers on 350 farmers sensitized on; 334 farmers trained on; The expected number of


agronomy, BDS and post-harvest handling

The economics and agronomic practices, basic book keeping, costing, budgeting and organizational development NTFPs including GOP and Voacanga.

Good agricultural practices, marketing requirements and market coordination, cultural practices, harvesting and post-harvest handling, the importance of quality systems to market sustainability, storage, bagging and packaging of NTFPs. Farmers were also trained on basic data capturing, record keeping, costing and crop budgeting

120 existing farmers in phase 1 were also trained on group formation and dynamics

beneficiaries reduced by 16.Most of the farmers were engaged in other farm activities and the training programme unexpectedly coincided with another major programme in the district

Capacity building for partners and support service providers

10 new technical staff trained to provide technical services to the communities

Capacities of 11 (2 RUDEYA, 3 MOFA and 1 Rural Enterprise Project and 5 ASNAPP) staff built on; Introduction to the selected NTFP’s, Technical requirements for the cultivation of Grains of paradise, Voacanga and Black pepper at KNUST

Training for wild collectors and agents of medicinal plants

250 collectors and agents trained on sustainable wild collection of medicinal plants.

295 collectors and agents trained on good collection and post harvest practices for Griffonia and Voacanga.

Emphasis was placed on Griffonia and Voacanga because they were in high demand during the 2010 harvesting season

Support farmers to establish Assist 132 farmers cultivating 40 One hundred and sixty (160) The 160 farmers represent


pilot commercial plantation of Grains of paradise and Voacanga

acres of Grains of paradise 50 acres Voacanga and 9 acres of black pepper

farmers are currently engaged in 64 acres of GOP, 68 acres to Voacanga and 8 acres to Black pepper 6 acres of Griffonia 3 acres of BEC

121%of the targeted participants for the second year. Whiles the total land size put under the cultivation of the NTFPs also exceeds the set target for year 2 by 51%.

Farmer mobilization for farm establishment

132 farmers from 12 beneficiary communities mobilized for farm establishment

A total of 160 farmers (36%) women were identified and selected. Farmers were allowed to express their interest in the type of NTFP to cultivate.

Terms of engagement was signed between ASNAPP and the farmers to establish roles and responsibilities between the two parties.

Establish an experimental farm for trials and technology transfer

1 additional experimental farm established

An experimental farm established in Nyamebekyere was expanded to accommodate more replicates

Organize farmer field days and farmer to farmer exchange

30 farmers participating in exchange programme

35 old and new farmers visited some successful farm in Nyamebekyere to share experiences, technical issues and business lessons from the production of GOP.

Initiate market development activities on selected NTFPs

Buyers identified for GOP, Voacanga, Black pepper, Ricinodendrum and Griffonia

The ASNAPP team worked with agents and collectors to mobilize about 5.2MT of wild collected Griffonia, 10.8MT of Voacanga (both within and beyond the project areas), 2MT of Xylopia for

Commercial continued as was in year 1


two companies (West African Naturals and Starlight Products) valued at $102,093.


2.2.9 Appendix

Number of farmers establishing the NTFP farms in the various communities

Existing / Phase 1 communitiesMale Female Total

Adwumakase 6 1 7Asuoadai 6 3 9Mpamase 7 2 9Nyamebekyere (Mim) 11 6 17Nyamebekyere (San) 3 8 11Pesewkrom 3 3Sub total 1 36 20 56

New / Phase 2 communitiesMale Female

Ahantamo 13 9 22Akrodie 11 5 16Anwiam 6 2 8Ayomso 16 7 23Dantano 4 1 5Nobekaw 13 9 22Sub total 2 63 33 96

Adwumakase 2 2Asuoadai 1 1Pesewkrom 1 4 5Sub total 3 4 4 8

Total 103 57 160


2.3 References

1. 2004. WHO. WHO Guidelines on Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) for Medicinal Plants. WHO, Geneva, 2004. 133 pp. (Original Drafts and edits compiled by H. Fong, J.E. Simon and J. Regalado)

2. Shackleton.S. et al, 2003. Marula commercialisation for sustainable and equitable livelihoods: Synthesis of a Southern African case study. Project report prepared by Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK and Environmental Science Department Rhodes University, South Africa.

3. www.census.gov/ipc/prod/ib96_01.pdf


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