(TCP PROJECT EXAMPLE)

I. PROJECT SUMMARY

The project will provide direct technical support to the proposed Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) project in Country XXX and will concentrate its operation in the selected 12 SPFS sites in promoting efficient plant nutrition management for crop production intensification.

The project will assist in promoting, in a participatory way, on-farm soil testing through the use of soil test kit; formulation of a plant nutrition recommendations for a target yield; identify suitable composting technology from regional experience; educate technicians, farmer leaders, and farmers on improved method of preparing compost from on-farm residues (like rice straw, rice husk, vegetable residues, farmyard manure), and the use other organic resources/fertilizers (green manuring, guano, peat) in an integrated way with limited use of mineral fertilizers; test agro-economic suitability of commercially available organic fertilizers.

The project will also assist in standardizing laboratory methods for analyzing organic fertilizers; setting quality standards and certification criteria for commercially available organic fertilizer.

Skills of the extension workers will be upgraded through training. On-farm demonstrations will speed-up the technology transfer.

The output of the project will serve as a catalyst for a follow-up large-scale national extension programme for increased crop (mainly rice) production with fullest mobilization of organic resources and efficient use of costly mineral fertilizers, reduced environmental pollution, and at the same time, ensuring food security, increased profitability leading to the better standard of living of the small farmers in the rural areas.

II. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Country XXX is a least-developed country where poverty and malnutrition is prevalent. It has however a potentially productive natural resources endowment and only a small proportion of potentially arable land are cultivated. The government is committed to free the country from the state of under-development by 2020 and is doing everything possible to eradicate poverty and to enhance food security. Food production programme is to be achieved through intensification of production on the seven large plains, and by expansion of cultivated areas in mountains valley where water is available.

There are three Major Farming Systems in XXX: (i) rainfed farming systems - in the lowland system, land is used for rainfed lowland rice production during the rainy season. A single crop is grown after which the land is used for grazing livestock. Traditional glutinous varieties of rice predominate. Secondary crops are rare in the paddy fields, apart from small plots of vegetables being grown mainly to meet household consumption. Crop-livestock integration is strong in this system and households maintain a variety of livestock including buffalo, cattle, pigs and poultry. Lowland rice production accounts for about 75% of total rice production of which about 85% are produced in the center and southern regions of the country; (ii) Irrigated farming systems - irrigation is used mostly as supplemental irrigation for rice during the wet season and to a much lesser degree for full irrigation for dry season crops. In 1998, approximately 7% of the total cultivated areas were used for dry season irrigated rice cultivation and 3% for other crops. Modern inputs such as high yielding varieties (HYV) and inorganic fertilizer and pesticides are used more frequently in dry season irrigation than other systems; (iii) Upland farming systems - shifting cultivation is found in hilly areas and on mountain slopes, and plateau farming is found in three locations. The majority of the households in the northern region depend on shifting cultivation for their livelihood. The dominant practice in this system is to use slash and burn for land preparation. Most of the area is planted to upland rice, in mono-cropping or in mixed cropping. The Plateau farming system largely excludes shifting cultivation through the introduction of tree crops. The system is characterized by the growing of coffee and to a lesser extent cardamom and tea. Fruit trees form part of the household garden. Plateau farm households are only involved in rice production on a very small scale and hence rely on cash income and purchase of rice from the marketplace.

The soils of the XXX are dominated by Acrisols (Alisols) covering 72% of the country. Cambisols (11%) and Lithosols (10%) are the second largest soil units, with Nitosols (5%), Gleysols (1%) and vertisols (1%) covering small areas. Studies undertaken by an IRRI project, demonstrated generally more acute phosphorus deficiency and only localized potassium deficiencies in most moderately acid soils of the wetland rice cultivation area in central and southern XXX. A key feature of the country lowland rice soils is that more than 50% of them are coarse-textured (sands, loamy sands, or sandy loams), but soil texture does vary significantly between regions.

Soil organic matter levels are lowest in the southern region, followed by the central and northern region, with 14%, 25% and 66% of the soils respectively, having organic levels greater than 2%. Most of the lowland rice soils have a pH of less than 5.5 (H2O). Nitrogen is the most limiting nutrient in all regions.

Increasing agricultural productivity is a primary concern of XXX in addressing rural poverty and malnutrition. Significant yield improvements were achieved as a result of adoption of improved rice varieties, appropriate fertilizer management and other agronomic practices.

XXX has the lowest fertilizer consumption in Asia. The average fertilizer use in XXX is around 20 Kg NPK/ha, considerably less than the amount required for optimal yields. Since 1997/98 till 1999/200- general import, including fertilizer, has been on the decline due to the regional economic crises, which has a negative effect on its use due to higher prices. Total fertilizer consumption is around 30 000 tons of material.

Opportunities exist for growing short season green manure crops before and or after the main rice-growing season. Green manuring (GM) technology has often been proposed as a way to alleviate N deficiencies in low input cropping systems. Stem nodulating legumes, tolerant to flooding, have made GM technology possible in rice systems. In a 7-yr study evaluating potential pre-rice GM crops in XXX, Sesbania rostrata, S. aculeata, and Aeschynomene afraspera did consistently well in both wet and dry years. The increase in rice yields in response to GM was generally equivalent to 30-60 Kg N/ha. However, this amount is not enough to meet the N-requirement of the rice crop. In keeping with XXX Government policy to use organic fertilizer in rice systems to the fullest extent, XXX-IRRI conducted two experiments in the 1998 wet season to examine the potential of on-farm residues application in improving rice productivity and also efficiency of mineral fertilizers when applied together. Yield increases of 12 to 35% were observed in response to residue applications. However the result had not been extended for farmers use.

In 19--, the FAO executed a project on Organic Manures and Biofertilizers (XXX/..) in order to identify potential organic manures and biofertilizers available in XXXs: (i) farm yard manures, mostly from buffalo and cattle dung which could be mixed with chicken and pig droppings, (ii) poultry manure in the peri-urban areas, (iii) bat guano (found in the mountainous caves of a specific district), (iv) green manure like Eupatorium sp, Sesbania rostrata, Laeucaena sp. and Azolla sp. The project had also demonstrated, on a limited scale, compost making. However, it appeared that the farmers found it time consuming and required lots of labour. Therefore, a modified technology was warranted to speed up the conversion of organic matter into compost.

Currently there is an increasing interest, due to high inorganic fertilizer price, to revive and promote the use of organic manures/fertilizers in rice, and vegetables and other cash crops. Additionally, MAF is being approached by traders/importers to allow them to import and sell various types of organic fertilizer. MAF is not equipped to certify these products due to lack of adequate knowledge about their effectiveness.

The proposed project aims at introducing location specific improved technologies in producing, conserving and using organic manures/fertilizers utilizing available materials in the farm, like farm yard manure, green manuring, and plant residues like rice straw and husks and vegetable wastes. As of now a large proportion of rice threshing is done by machine on the main roads and the rice straw remains uncollected. Even when threshing is done on the field, the straw is often burned. Wasting of these important organic resources is primarily due to the ignorance of farmers on the value of these materials in improving soil productivity and crop production, and also due to labour demanding and prolonged process of their collection and processing.

The project is intended to be providing technology support and training in the identified 12 sites for SPFS, specially supporting the crop intensification component. Thus, the project will be an integral supplement to SPFS and food security agenda of XXX.

To address the above, there is a critical need to fill the gap in complementing and improving the existing knowledge through methodological support which are available in other countries; generating more information from the farmers fields through on-farm testing; facilitating the task of extension workers in technology transfer; and upgrading the technical skills for technology development and transfer

To fill the above critical needs, which can not be supported from local expertise and resources, the Government of XXX is requesting assistance from FAO. Such assistance will immensely benefit the country in increasing crop production, sustaining soil productivity, enhancing food security, increasing income of small farmers; and also in sustainable use of natural and external resources while protecting the ecological balance and environmental degradation.

The Department of Agriculture will be the main organization to widely disseminate the new approach on nutrient management to extension workers and to the farmers during the project implementation and after the termination of the project.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

The main objective is to improve food production and security through management of organic resources of plant nutrients in the most efficient way that is economically viable and ecologically sound.

The specific objectives of the assistance are to make full use of organic wastes and biofertilizers through the development of efficient and socially acceptable treatments and techniques, inclusive of composting, mulches, and green manures to supplement or substitute inorganic fertilizers to the extent possible in order to increase crop production in general and rice production in particular, and improve and maintain the soil productivity in support of the crop intensification component of the SPFS.

IV. PROJECT OUTPUTS

The project outputs expected are as follows:

• An improved method of efficient and quick composting technique;
  
• A range of field-tested organic fertilizer treatments and techniques, utilizing indigenous sources, which are appropriate for rice-based cropping systems and selected upland/plateau farming systems in terms of crop response and farmer's acceptance available and practiced in 12 SPFS districts/sites;
  
• Laboratory analytical methods, quality control standards and certification criteria available to determine the nutrients content of organic fertilizers, proposed for sale and distribution in the country, for proper certification of the product ;
  
• A trained technical cadres capable of extending and developing organic fertilizer treatments and techniques utilizing indigenous and non-indigenous sources ;
  
• A promotion campaign to popularize tested organic fertilizer treatments and training of technicians/subject matter specialists and farmers through TOT (training of trainers) and FFS (farmers field school) within the framework of the SPFS-FFS activities;
  
• A potential for extensive transfer of technology programme (extension advice/demonstration/training to farmers) is established to ensure sustainability of the organic fertilizer promotion activity after the end of this project.

V. WORK PLAN

The Agriculture Extension Agency of the DOA would execute the project within 24 months. The project would to a large extent utilize available local knowledge and expertise, and would build further on the previous results of XXX-IRRI and FAO-UNDP projects. The project will operate in the selected 12 SPFS sites and promote improved plant nutrition management involving integrated organic and inorganic sources for intensification of crop production. At the inception of the project, a detail site-specific work programme will be prepared. A general guidelines of the scheduled work plan is given below:

May - July 20..

• Nomination of the National ProjectCoordinator (NPC).
  
• Selection and appointment of counterpart staff at the Agriculture Extension Agency, DOA and at the sites for field trials and demonstration in the 12 selected sites who will be involved in project work.
  
• Characterization of the 12 sites' cropping system profiles including, farm size, cropping pattern and calendar, availability of compost material (stable manure, rice straw, rice husk, vegetable waste, etc.), potential for green manuring, availability of guano, present inputs use (organic/inorganic fertilizers), labour availability, technology level (farming practices, tools, power, etc).
  
• Identification and recruitment of a national extension specialist.
  
• First mission of the FAO technical backstopping officer.
  
• Preparation of a detailed work programme.

August 200. - May 200.

• Organization of a technical workshop at the AAA, with participation of core national staff, international Extension specialist, FAO technical backstopping officer, and 3-4 resource persons from the region (Indonesia, Thailand, China and India) having experience in on-farm composting technologies in their respective countries to exchange experience/methodologies and decide on 2 to 3 methods for testing at AAA. The resource persons would provide details for each selected method.
  
• Testing of the identified composting methods at AAA and selection of the best method.
  
• Identification and recruitment of international Extension specialist from the region.
  
• Identification and recruitment of international expert on Soil Testing Kit.
  
• Second mission of the FAO technical backstopping officer.
  
• Identification and recruitment of international expert on Soil Fertility with experience in Organic Fertilization.
  
• Identification and recruitment of international Laboratory expert and the preparation of a manual covering analytical methods for organic fertilizers, standards for quality control and criteria for product certification.
  
• Preparation of a training manual, in local language with appropriate illustrations on Organic Fertilization, covering i) the selected composting technique, green manure, application of guano, etc.; ii) soil testing by soil test kit; iii) plant nutrient recommendation based on soil test result, organic manure/fertilizer contribution and eventual application of mineral fertilizer depending on yield target and nutrient balance; and iv) guidelines for conducting on-farm simple trials and demonstrations.
  
• One week training for the extension staff (about 30) from the 12 project sites at AAA using the above training manual. Also preparation of a detail extension programme for each site based on the information already collected for each project site and participatory discussion with the extension staff from respective sites.
  
• Provision of materials to each site for on-farm trials/demonstrations and training.

May 20.. - April 20..

• Implementation of on-farm trials/demonstrations for the rice based cropping sequence in selected farms/farmer groups on integrated nutrient management using various options of organic manure/recycling with or without limited quantities of mineral fertilizers depending on specific situation. In addition, a larger number of demonstrations on the promotion of individual organic interventions (e.g. composting, green manure, guano and peat application) will be undertaken. Also field testing of commercially available organic fertilizers will be undertaken for facilitating DOA in certifying them for sale.
  
• Second mission of the international extension specialist.
  
• Farmers' training and field days.
  
• Second mission of the international soil fertility expert.
  
• Third mission of the FAO technical backstopping officer.
  
• Collection and interpretation of agronomic and economic results from trials/demonstrations and discussion with farmers.
  
• A Two-day workshop of extension workers/technicians will be held in AAA to discuss the results of the first year and preparing follow-up plans.
  
• Refinement of the Training Manual and preparation of audio-visual aids for training of field technicians and farmers based on field experience and results.
  
• Preparation of draft project Technical and Terminal Reports.
  
• Organization of a national workshop with participation of decision-makers, researchers, extension agencies, private input industry, development and funding agencies, etc. to present and discuss project results, obtain feed back on transferring organic fertilization technologies and to draw upon follow-up national extension programme/promotion campaign to be undertaken by the relevant institution and other related development agencies.

VI. CAPACITY BUILDING

Presently, the Department of Agriculture has hardly any capacity related to the use of fertilizer in general and organic and bio-fertilizers in particular. The project will work closely with counterpart staff to develop basic capacity in this field. This will be achieved by (a) close and active involvement of staff and technicians at DOA level and at the provincial and district level where the trials and demonstration will be held, (b) training/in-service training of subject matter specialists, farmer leaders and training of farmers who will become an agent of development in this field. This will accelerate the objective of increased household food security, increasing household income alleviating poverty, and ensuring sustainable soil productivity through improved management of organic resources and thus, minimizing risks of environmental pollution.

The TCP aims at strengthening the Government's capacity to develop and implement its own transfer of technology programmes on nutrient management at a sound footing and in particular, undertaking follow-up large scale extension programme in promoting on-farm production and use of organic manures/fertilizers. The investment in capacity building would provide accrued benefits beyond the project life.

The TCP will also strengthen Government's capacity in analyzing, field testing, certifying, and quality control of organic fertilizers that are/will be marketed in the country by traders.

VII. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

1. Personnel services - up to US$77,126

(All international consultants will be taken from the region under the Partnership Programme Scheme)

• 1 international Extension and Training expert to assist in promoting organic fertilization and training of trainers and farmers (3.5 months in 2 missions plus travel, cost up to US$16,800). TOR in Annex 1.
  
• 1 international Soil Fertility expert to assist in the preparation of the consolidated training manual integrating all nutrient management technologies and providing technical inputs to planning and implementing trial/demonstration activities (2 months in 2 missions plus travel, cost up to US$11,000). TOR in Annex 1.
  
• 1 international Soil Test Kit expert to assist in the preparation and use by field technicians of soil test kits for analysis of soil NPK status and formulating nutrient recommendations (2 weeks in 1 mission plus travel, cost up to US$2,700). TOR in Annex 1.
  
• 1 international Laboratory expert to assist in preparing analytical methods for organic fertilizers, standards, and criteria for certification (2 weeks in 1 mission plus travel, cost up to US$3,200). TOR in Annex 1.
  
• 1 national Extension/Training specialist (18 months WAE, cost up to US$12,600). TOR in Annex 1.
  
• Technical Support Service, including technical backstopping in 3 missions (2 weeks each), standard technical services, and supervisory functions of the LTU and thematic evaluation (cost up to US$30,826).

2. Official duty travel - up to US$8,000

• Travel related to the project within the country for international and national experts to carry out their duties.

3. General operating expenses - up to US$9,874

• To cover the cost of field activities related to the project, including fuel, maintenance of vehicle, and other operational expenses, including telephone and Email bills, photocopy paper and other stationery. Also processing of Terminal Statement.

4. Materials, supplies and equipment - up to US$77,000

• Purchase of field supplies for on-farm trials and demonstrations; one double cabin pick-up and 2 motorbikes; soil test kits; laboratory supplies and chemicals; materials for the workshops and training; pocket calculators; one desk-top and one laptop computers with software; one scanner, one printer, etc. (List in Annex 2).

5. Direct operating cost - up to US$13,000

6. Training and workshops - up to US$25,000 (details in Annex 3)

• One technical workshop for 3 days at the inception of the project at AAA with 4 international resource persons to exchange of experience/ methodologies in composting.
  
• One week training course for about 30 technicians/extension staff at the AAA before starting the field activities.
  
• 1 season-long (5 months and once a week) Farmers training/field days (FFS) attended by 20 farmers in each of the 12 project sites.
  
• Two-day workshop at AAA for about 30 technicians/extension staff from the project sites to review results of the field trials/demonstrations and plan for follow-up activities.
  
• One-day national workshop to present project results and lay the ground for follow-up national extension/promotion campaign for organic fertilization.

VIII. REPORTING

The National Project Coordinator (NPC) with the help of FAO's technical backstopping staff and the international soil fertility, and extension experts will prepare a detailed work plan at the inception of the project. The NPC will prepare periodic progress reports (six-monthly) on project activities and achievements. He/she will submit these reports to the Government and FAO for review and monitoring purpose.

All consultants will submit their reports to FAO upon completion of each mission for review and monitoring of quality project outputs as per their TORs. The NPC with the assistance of international and national Consultants and FAO Backstopping Officer will prepare a draft Technical Report which should be ready before the terminal National Workshop and be discussed in this Workshop. The FAO backstopping Officer will finalize the report in consultation with the NPC at the end of the project.

Taking into consideration the project achievements and the recommendations of the final workshop, the FAO backstopping officer with the assistance of the NPC and the international extension and soil fertility experts will prepare the draft Terminal Statement, following TCP format and procedures. The Terminal Statement would be finalized at FAO HQs (AGLL) for transmission to the Government.

IX. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

For the successful implementation of the project, the Government of XXX would make the following contribution to the project:

• Nominate a senior plant nutrition/extension expert as the National Project Coordinator (NPC) at no cost to the project (TOR in Annex 1). The Government will also provide other national personnel (subject matter specialist, technician, and supporting staff) in 12 project sites required by the project to ensure smooth implementation of the TCP project.
  
• Provide suitable office accommodation for project staff and equipment.
  
• Arrange for customs clearance for equipment to be provided by the project and for payment of any duties or related charges.
  
• Provide facilities and support for the workshops, meetings, and training.
  
• Will ensure continuation of extension/promotion campaign for organic fertilization and training of farmers as a follow-up to the project's output.
  

PROJECT BUDGET
(FAO Contribution in US$)

ANNEX - 1
TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. International plant nutrition extension consultant (Partnership Programme Scheme)

Under the overall supervision of FAO, the consultant will work in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, national extension expert, and appropriate local experts. Specifically the consultant will have technical responsibility for the following project activities:

• Assist in formulating an extension programme for demonstration and training of composting and other organic fertilization practices.
  
• Assist in preparing a training manual and conducting the training workshop for extension personnel.
  
• Assist in the implementation of on-farm demonstration and trial programme and training of farmers, including the use of soil test kit.
  
• Assist in reviewing the on-farm trials and demonstration results and proposing an effective promotion campaign as a follow-up to project outputs.
  
• Assist in refining the training manual and preparation of audio-visual aids for training of field technicians and farmers based on field experience and results.
  
• Assist in preparing progress reports, Technical Report and Terminal Statement.
  
• Prepare a brief mission report after each mission.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Soil Fertility/Plant Nutrition Extension.
2. At least 20 years of field experience in transfer of technology to farmers.
3. Experience in using soil test kit for soil analysis and advising fertilizer recommendations to the farmers.
4. Experience in promoting composting, green manuring and other organic manures/fertilizers.
5. Experience in conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations, data collection and interpretation, economic analysis, etc.
6. Experience in working in the field with Farmers' groups.
7. Good communication and writing skills in English.

Duration: 3.5 working months (in 2 missions)
Duty station

2. International soil fertility consultant (Partnership Programme Scheme)

Under the overall supervision of FAO, the consultant will work in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, international and national extension experts, and appropriate local experts. Specifically the consultant will have technical responsibility for the following project activities:

• Assist in the identification of organic interventions for all selected sites.
  
• Assist in the formulation of nutrient management recommendations based on soil test and available organic resources.
  
• Assist in preparing the consolidated training manual on organic fertilization for extension staff.
  
• Assist in planning appropriate on-farm trial/demonstration programme.
  
• Assist in reviewing the on-farm trials and demonstration results and proposing an effective promotion campaign as a follow-up to project outputs.
  
• Assist in preparing the Technical Report and the Terminal Statement.
  
• Prepare a brief mission report after each mission.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
2. At least 20 years experience in plant nutrition, including organic recycling and IPNS.
3. Experience in project planning and technical assistance programmes.
4. Experience in conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations, data collection and interpretation, economic analysis, etc.
5. Experience in working in the field with Farmers.
6. Good communication and writing skills in English.

Duration: 2 working months (in 2 missions)
Duty station

3. International soil testing consultant (Partnership Programme Scheme)

Under the overall supervision of FAO, the consultant will work in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator, and international and national experts. Specifically, the consultant will have perform the following duties:

• Introduction of soil test kit for on-farm analysis of soil NPK.
  
• Provision of methods to laboratory technician for preparation of test reagents and training.
  
• Provide guidelines/training to extension staff at the project inception training course on the use of soil test kit and interpretation of results for plant nutrition recommendations in project sites.
  
• Prepare a consolidated training manual on the preparation and use of soil test kit for laboratory and field technicians.
  
• Prepare a brief mission report.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Soil Science/Plant Nutrition.
2. At least 20 years experience in dealing with plant nutrition, soil testing, developing soil test kits, plant nutrition recommendation and modeling.
3. Experience in nutrient management in the region.
4. Good communication and writing skills in English.

Duration: 2 weeks
Duty station

4. International Laboratory consultant (Partnership Programme Scheme)

Under the general supervision of FAO and in close collaboration with the National Coordinator, international and national experts, the Laboratory consultant will

• Review of commercially available fertilizers.
  
• Prepare a manual covering analytical methods for NPK of organic fertilizers, setting standards for their quality control, and criteria for product certification.
  
• Provide training to concerned national staff.
  
• Prepare a brief mission report.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Soil Science/Plant Nutrition.
2. At least 20 years experience in dealing with plant nutrition, analytical methods, fertilizer testing, quality control orders/standards, and fertilizer certification procedures.
3. Experience in the region.
4. Good communication and writing skills in English.

Duration: 2 weeks
Duty station

5. National technology transfer/extension expert

Under the general supervision of FAO and in close collaboration with the National Coordinator, international and national experts, the national technology transfer expert will:

• Participate and contribute in the inception technical workshop.
  
• Assist in the preparation of training manual for field technicians in local language.
  
• Assist in the conduct of inception training course for field technicians.
  
• Assist in site selection for setting up on-farm trials/demonstrations.
  
• Assist in the formulation and implementation of extension and training programme in the project sites.
  
• Assist in the collection and interpretation of field results.
  
• Assist in the organization of terminal national workshop.
  
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports, Technical Report and Terminal Statement.
  
• Prepare a brief mission report after each mission.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Plant Nutrition/Extension.
2. At least 10 years of field experience in transfer of technology to farmers.
3. Experience in conducting on-farm trials and demonstrations, data collection and interpretation, economic analysis, etc.
4. Good communication and writing skills in English.

Duration: 18 working months (WEA/SSA)
Duty station

7. National Project Coordinator (to be provided by the DOA at no cost to the project)

Under close collaboration with national authorities, FAO, international and national experts, and the SPFS project, the NPC will:

• Be responsible for overall national coordination in planning and implementation of project activities.
  
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining contacts at national, provincial and district levels to carry out the project smoothly.
  
• Make arrangements locally for the conduct of the workshops and training; and on-farm trials and demonstrations in collaboration with the appropriate officials and SPFS team. This will also include sending out invitations, organization of necessary equipment, and inputs to the project.
  
• Assist and facilitate the work of the national and international consultants, and ensure that desired outputs are achieved.
  
• Assist/prepare various project reports and technical documents as mutually agreed during project implementation and as foreseen under Reporting section.

Qualifications:

1. M.Sc. or higher degree in Plant Nutrition/Extension.
2. At least 10 years experience in technology transfer to farmers.
3. Experience in managing a multi-disciplinary team, including expatriates.
4. Reasonably senior official in the DOA enabling to coordinate with various stakeholders.
5. Working knowledge in English.

Duration: the whole project period
Duty station

8. Technical Support Services by FAO

Background

Three visits are scheduled for technical backstopping of the TCP. Senior staff of Land and Plant Nutrition Management Service (AGLL) would be involved in technical backstopping.

Duties

Under the overall responsibility of the Chief, AGLL and in close collaboration with TCDT, and RAP, technical backstopping missions by AGLL staff would be undertaken to carry out the following tasks:

• 1st Mission: participate in the inception Technical Workshop, specifically in guiding the selection of composting technology(ies), planning for their testing at AEA; preparation of a detail work programme with execution responsibility and budget modification, if required, in close harmony and support to SPFS project. (14 working days).
• 2nd Mission: preparation of the technical programme for the implementation of on-farm trial and demonstrations for 12 project sites, including testing of commercially available organic fertilizers; coordinating contribution to the preparation of the training manual for field technicians, including quality control manual; participating in the inception training workshop for the field technicians/extension staff; providing advice in both technical and managerial aspects. (14 working days).
• 3rd Mission: review of the trial and demonstration results and guide on the need for any adjustment required; assist in the preparation of the Technical Report; participate and provide assistance in the organization of the final national workshop; initiate discussion and assist in the preparation of the follow-up national transfer of technology programme/promotion campaign to be undertaken by AEA and other stakeholders after the termination of the project; prepare the Terminal Statement. (14 working days).

Duration: 42 days.

ANNEX - 2

List of the project supplies and equipment needed

ANNEX - 3

Training and Workshops

1. Inception technical workshop

2. National workshop

3. Training of extension staff

i) Before the starting of field activities

ii) After completion of field activities

4. Training of farmers in 12 project sites