(TRUST FUND PROJECT EXAMPLE)

PROJECT TITLE:	Animal Diseases and Transboundary Pests Control (Africa)
PROJECT SYMBOL:	UTF/..../...
DONOR INPUT:	US$4.456 million
HOST COUNTRY:	X
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY:	FAO
DURATION:	5 YEARS
STARTING DATE:	AUGUST 199-

Executive Summary

The introduction of African swine fever into X in September 1997 and its subsequent spread to some 13 States has resulted in extensive direct losses with over 125,000 pigs dead and thereby devastation to a nascent pig production industry. This has illustrated how the ravages of an epidemic disease can severely disrupt and ruin food security programmes involving livestock. The subcommittee examined all aspects of the Animal Diseases and Transboundary Pests Control but decided to focus Animal Disease and surveillance. This is in view of the Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS) in X, which focuses on family poultry and short-cycle livestock and involves the most vulnerable communities. In addition, it is imperative to take steps to ensure sustained production through safeguarded health. The special focus for this project at the initial stage will enable Government concentrate on establishing a well organized disease surveillance, control and management system that will address the most serious epidemic diseases of the animal species involved in the SPFS. It will also build the capacity of the Federal and State veterinary services for early warning preparedness and rapid response to disease outbreaks before they evolve into serious epidemics. In the course of programme implementation, the project would progressively address the quarantine services and transboundary pests control because of their obvious implications for food security. These pests include locusts, grasshoppers, quelea birds, tsetse flies and other livestock and crop pests for which regional action might be required.

Consequently, the proposed collaboration between the Government of X and FAO through the mechanism of a Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF) will aim at bringing about a tangible animal disease control, focusing on the following:

• Using the mechanism of a veterinary supervised, cost-effective, community-based approach to disease surveillance and control in order to tackle epidemic diseases of livestock concentrating primarily on those diseases which affect family poultry, small ruminants and pigs, the species which are the focus for the Special Programme for Food Security;
• Institutional strengthening for a national disease surveillance and disease information flow in order to be able to provide effective early warning against animal disease epidemics;
• A national system for animal disease emergency preparedness;
• Strengthening the national system for licensing and quality control of vaccines and drugs.

The project is to be implemented involving local and State governments, universities, other centres of excellence and the private veterinary sector in the national disease programmes organized and supervised by the Federal Department of Livestock of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The estimated value of the transboundary animal diseases component of the UTF is $4.456 million, divided roughly as follows:

Year 1: 1,849,776

Year 2: 906,251

Year 3: 650,464

Year 4: 513,915

Year 5: 535,723

To facilitate this programme, it is envisaged that FAO would complement the UTF with TCP support.

PART II. PROJECT DESIGN

A. GENERAL BACKGROUND

1. THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR

X is the most populous country in Africa with an estimated population of about 90 million people. It has the largest livestock population in West Africa and is the largest economy in the region. The best estimate of the livestock population has been provided by the National Livestock resources Survey undertaken in 1992. Table 1 summarizes the results of the survey.

Table 1: X Livestock Population Estimates.

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Chickens	82 400 000	Other Poultry*	31 900 000
Goats	34 500 000	Pigs	3 500 000
Sheep	22 100 000	Dogs	4 500 000
Cattle	13 900 000	Cats	3 300 000
Donkeys	900 000	Rabbits	1 700 000
Horses	200 000	Guinea Pigs	500 000
Camels	90 000	Giant Rats	60 000

* Includes: pigeons, ducks, guinea fowl and turkeys.

In monetary terms, the value of X livestock resources, based on prevailing market prices in mid-1991, was conservatively estimated to be in the order of US$6 billion. This represents about 20% of the agricultural GDP. The key features of the population density of the different species is as follows:

Poultry

Poultry outnumber all other forms of livestock in X, and, not surprisingly, are found throughout the country, wherever there is human settlement. Although pigeons, ducks and Guinea fowl and some turkeys are also widely kept, chickens are by far the most common. Typically they are maintained under traditional, low input, free-range systems of management, but substantial numbers are also reared intensively on a commercial basis, particularly in southern States. Commercial holdings account for some 10 million, or 11 percent of the total estimated population of 82.4 million chickens. The socio-economic role of family poultry in X is important, as they are items that play an important role in ceremonies. They are used to fulfil social obligations (gifts, thankfulness, friendship, marriage etc.) and they are used for sacrificial offerings in traditional worship. Family poultry are usually the responsibility of women.

The major constraint on traditional chicken production is Newcastle disease, which particularly affects local breeds; whilst for more intensive commercial producers it is the availability of feeds and drugs that is limiting.

Also inadequate access to effective extension service as well as sustained access to stable markets are important hindrances to the full economic exploitation of the family poultry sector.

Small Ruminants

Small ruminants are almost as ubiquitous as poultry, though not so numerous. About 70% of small ruminants are to be found in the semi-arid and sub-humid regions. Nationally, there are estimated to be a total of 56.6 million head, with goats outnumbering sheep by three to two. Although some seasonal movement of pastoral sheep does take place, the great majority of small ruminants are sedentary village livestock and their patterns of distribution mirror that of human settlement.

Goats - There are three main varieties of goats in X: the West African Dwarf, the Sokoto Red and the Sahel. Goats are renowned for their hardiness and can survive in most environments: West African Dwarf goats are kept in the forest zones and in the Middle Belt; Sokoto Reds are kept throughout the north; and Sahel goats are restricted to a strip along the frontier with the Republic of Niger. Although pastoral Sahel goats are found in the northern semi-arid zone, the great majority of goats are kept in villages. The most common production system is that of seasonal confinement. Northern goats were found to be markedly more productive than West African Dwarf goats, with lower ages at first kidding and shorter kidding intervals, though they produced fewer kids per kidding.

Sheep - There are four main types of sheep native to X: the Balami, Uda, Yankasa and West African Dwarf. Balami and Uda are kept in the semi-arid regions, West African Dwarf sheep in the south and Yankasa throughout the country. Sheep are the second most numerous pastoral species, and small flocks accompany many cattle herds in the north and in the Middle Belt.

Comparison of pastoral and village stock shows that pastoral animals are generally more productive. The productivity of West African Dwarf sheep was substantially lower than that of other breeds. All X sheep are used for wool, but are rarely milked. In the north, they are regularly eaten and form part of every-day protein supply, but there is also a marked variation in demand coinciding with religious festivals. As a result, there are dramatic seasonal price fluctuations, and in some areas household fattening of sheep for sale is a major economic activity.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is the most constraining disease of small ruminants in X, which militates against large-scale small ruminant's production in X, like in most of West Africa. This disease is a highly contagious disease of small ruminants which is characterized by the sudden onset of depression, fever, discharges from the eyes and nose, sores in the mouth, disturbed breathing and cough, foul-smelling diarrhoea and death. It resembles rinderpest in cattle and is caused by a related virus. Infestation with gastro-intestinal helminths (worms) constitutes a major constraint to the productivity of small ruminants.

Pigs

Intensive pig rearing is economically viable on the periphery of large cities because of the availability of industrial by-products, particularly brewers' grain. Units of between 50 and 200 pigs kept in concrete pens are common, especially in the densely populated regions of the south. Commercially managed piggeries with more than five breeding sows account for about 3 percent of the total estimated pig population of 3.5 million.

The recent epidemic of African swine fever, which started at the end of 1997 in .. and .. States, has demonstrated the vulnerability of the pig farming to the ravages of disease epidemics.

Cattle

Cattle are found throughout X, but are most common in the northern two thirds of the country. Seasonal transhumance does take place, but is generally of limited extent. Almost half the total cattle population is permanently resident within the sub-humid zone. Humped zebu cattle are by far the most common, but limited numbers of Keteku, Muturu and Kuri cattle occur in south-western, southern and north-eastern parts of the country, respectively.

Traditionally rinderpest has been the most feared of all cattle diseases in X as in the rest of West Africa. The Pan African campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s resulted in major reductions in the incidence of rinderpest in the region. No rinderpest case was reported in X between 1975 and 1980. However, in 1980 the disease was re-introduced with migrant cattle and by 1983 the epidemic of rinderpest had spread throughout most of X affecting of 6.7 million cattle with an estimated 0.5 million dead or slaughtered in extremis. Today, thanks to the Pan-African rinderpest campaign, the disease is believed to be absent from West Africa although up to now (July 1999) X, unlike other countries in the region, has not declared itself as free from rinderpest in accordance with the internationally accepted norms. Accordingly, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is currently the most serious transboundary epidemic disease of cattle in X.

Towards Mixed Farming

The National Livestock Resources Survey has demonstrated a variety of subtle, qualitative changes taking place within local systems of agriculture which, collectively, are indicative of a progressive and widespread trend towards mixed farming. For example: the marked reduction in pastoral nomadism; the widespread sedentarisation of pastoralists and their adoption of crop cultivation in addition to keeping livestock; the uptake of animal husbandry and fattening of livestock by arable farmers; the utilization of crop residues by livestock in exchange for dairy products and/or manure; and the spread of animal traction for ploughing and carting. As the Winrock study of 1992 has observed, the process is now firmly established in X and the further integration of livestock production within local farming systems is destined to become one of the major strategic goals of livestock development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, there is a strong case to link animal health initiatives with food security programmes.

2. RECENT TRENDS IN TRANSBOUNDARY ANIMAL DISEASES IN X

The following animal disease epidemics are regarded as of primary importance in X: African swine fever (ASF), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and Newcastle disease. The importance of these transboundary animal diseases is such that it requires energetic control measures. These are better founded on EMPRES strategy as defined by the combination of three cardinal elements namely early warning, rapid reaction and co-ordination. Such strategy should lead to substantial reductions in the incidence of these diseases.

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious, viral disease of poultry.

Smallholder poultry production (i.e. family poultry) in X has resuscitated with the recent economic recession. It represents now about 94% of total poultry in the country. For chickens specifically, family chickens represent 83% of the 82 million adult chickens under traditional and commercial management in X. Family poultry are usually the responsibility of women. It is estimated that the mortality of indigenous fowl in X under traditional conditions is 68% up to 6 weeks of age. This together with a relatively low hatchability (approx. 70-80 %).

The most common and important disease causing mortality is Newcastle disease.

A greater knowledge of the epidemiology of Newcastle disease is required so as to design an efficient health programme including vaccination. Effective and efficient vaccination against Newcastle disease is a major step towards higher productivity for the scavenging poultry system. Effective and thermostable vaccines can be administered through eye-drop delivery and are therefore expected to be acceptable for the family poultry owners. The farmers can vaccinate the chicken themselves after being taught the technique. Housing of the poultry is most probably necessary to be able to catch them for the vaccination. Housing would also be an important measure against theft and predation. Testing of different simple housing constructions for nighttime or cages would need to be a part of the preparation for vaccinating in the field.

A Peste des petits ruminant (PPR) is a rinderpest-like disease of sheep and goats, which may cause high mortalities and production losses in these species. It was first recognized in West Africa where it is still causing severe losses the extent of which remaining however poorly documented. The disease is endemic in X and may be encountered all year round with peaks during the wet season (April - July). Despite high morbidity and mortality there is no formal vaccination schedule for PPR in the country. There is a need to produce and use a thermostable homologous PPR vaccine adapted to the prevailing small ruminant household farming. It is also suggested to train animal owners to administer such vaccines themselves.

African swine fever (ASF) causes considerable losses to the pig farming wherever it occurs. It is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs for which no vaccine exists so far. It is characterized by an 85-100% mortality rate; an entire pig population can be wiped out in a few weeks. The disease has a natural maintenance cycle in soft ticks and wild or domestic pigs in eastern and southern Africa. This cycle appears not to occur in West Africa because the African soft tick (Ornithodorus moubata porcinus) which is involved in the life cycle, apparently does not exist in this area. The disease in West Africa is transmitted horizontally from pig to pig by direct contact, contaminated feed and pig products.

The small-scale pig production is cost effective under poor rural conditions; however this system facilitates the spread of infectious diseases including ASF.

Although a few West African countries like Senegal, Cameroon and Cape Verde recorded outbreaks in the 1970s and 1980s, it was not until 1996/97 that an unusual epidemic stroke other countries in the sub-region like ..... and X. The disease is believed to have entered ... and .. states of X from .. about September 1997 as a result of trade and social interactions between the two neighbouring countries. In less than twelve months, the disease had spread beyond the initial two states to involve also ... states. By October 1998, it was estimated that over 125,000 pigs had been lost as a result of the disease in the nine affected states. By June 1999 the number of infected States had reached 13.

The most effective control strategy against ASF is to eliminate the source of infection by killing all infected animals and disposing of the carcasses by incineration or deep burying. This practice must be accompanied by the imposition of strict zoosanitary measures. Key control activities are: 1. To demarcate the infected areas by surveillance, 2. To close all markets, slaughtering and processing plants, 3. to restrict all movement of livestock, livestock products and vehicles from infected premises and zones. Such measures are difficult to implement without the co-operation of the livestock owning communities. Illegal movements and marketing of the carcasses can be a major cause of dissemination of the disease. Socio-economic and political factors become important in executing these activities.

An FAO emergency Technical Co-operation Project: TCP/.../... (E); "Emergency Assistance on Control and Eradication of African Swine Fever in Western X" was granted in April, 1998 to help the country build increased capacity for ASF control through improved and stronger disease surveillance, reporting, diagnostic capability as well as effective public awareness of the disease and participation in control activities. However the above initiative did not lead to the expected results because of insufficient disease surveillance and reporting infrastructures, lack of national policy on ASF control and an inadequate mechanism for effective restrictions on movement of pigs and pig products across various states and international borders.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is an acute or chronic respiratory disease of cattle and some other large ruminant species which is very debilitating disease and capable of causing many deaths. It can be easily spread within a given country or across borders to new areas with the movement of sub-clinically infected cattle. It was successfully contained in Africa including X through coordinated action during the 1960s and 1970s - only 4 disease foci were reported in 1965- but again the disease broke out departing from the few remaining affected areas. The CBPP campaign known as JP 28 attempted to demarcate three epidemiological zones in the country with respect to CBPP situation: endemic, exposed and free. Unfortunately the campaign rapidly lost focus due to the lack of effective co-ordination.

From 1989 to 1992, when CBPP vaccination was performed simultaneously with rinderpest vaccination using a combined vaccine, the number of outbreaks reported per year fluctuated between 59 and 125 although CBPP vaccination coverage did not exceed 4 million doses/year.

Finally, a three year control programme was initiated by the Federal Government which gave immediate positive results as the number of reported outbreaks dropped to 18 and 4 respectively in 1993 and 1994 after a relatively successful vaccination campaign whereby more than 8 million vaccinations were performed. These efforts however were not sustained and the live with the disease attitude has prevailed during the last few years resulting in under-reporting. The overall outcome is that, today CBPP eradication cannot be realistically contemplated.

X is home to about 14 million head of cattle. Animal movements with a significant magnitude do occur during the dry season bringing herds in pastoral areas alongside big rivers such as .... The geographical distribution of the disease is scattered within the above mentioned 4 main endemic areas.

The adequate strategy for CBPP control in X should be based on: (1) co-operation and harmonization of control efforts with neighbouring countries. CBPP control cannot be viewed in isolation as the country is sharing borders with other infected countries; (2) should be realistic and in no way relay on repeated mass vaccination only since it appears a rather difficult task to vaccinate more than half the receptive population among which only 70 to 80% are protected in the best case. Alternative control measures such as the utilization of antibiotics should be carefully considered and the national disease surveillance system strengthened including abattoir surveillance. Reporting and subsequent action should be managed using a tool to assist in decision making such as TADInfo; and (3) last but not least, animal movements should be monitored, and their dynamics understood rather than forbidden or controlled. Hopefully the c-ELISA could be a tool which, at the herd level, may help determine disease status and possibly enable to shorten the quarantine period to be enforced by law where the disease is reported.

3. AN APPROACH TO THE PROGRESSIVE CONTROL OF TRANSBOUNDARY ANIMAL DISEASES (TADs)

The following steps would be required:

• Establishment of a National Animal Disease Emergency Committee and National Animal Disease Emergency Preparedness Plan. The involvement of several sectors of the GOX in the control activities through the inter-ministerial agreements and prioritization of the TAD control issues as being important for the national economy and food Security.
• Formulation of a programme for the containment and control veradication of TADs. This would consist of: 1. containment of the disease, 2. isolation of the infected areas, 3. possible destruction (stamping-out) and burial of infected and in-contact animals, 4. continuing surveillance.
• Approvals at the highest government level of the concept of stamping out by slaughter and prompt compensation for disease control and eradication, where this is deemed necessary. Compensation may be in the form of assistance in restocking.
• Communication/Public information campaign through mass media.
• Undertake studies of the socio-economic impact of TADs on rural animal production and economy; this will aim at providing authentic and convincing data for governmental and non-governmental sources of funds for compensation and overall control.
• Need to enforce movement restrictions on animals and, in some cases, animal products within and from affected states/areas by the local government and village authorities.
• Provision of facilities for safe disposal of abattoir/animal wastes at slaughter slabs/houses as well as washing and decontamination facilities near the major animal markets on cost recovery basis.
• The need to bring to the attention of ECOWAS, OAU/IBAR the concept of regional approaches to TAD eradication and control in the sub-region.
• Continuing training of field veterinary services, an extension and mass information campaign directed to livestock owners -especially smallholders.
• Commissioning of a study on alternative farming systems/methods where these might limit the spread of TADs.

B. PROJECT RATIONALE - JUSTIFICATION

1. THE PROBLEM TO BE ADDRESSED

X does not suffer an acute shortage of qualified veterinary personnel. X is also endowed with an adequate number of institutions and institutes that could readily be mobilized to marshal the necessary expertise for either programme implementation or specific targeted training of those charged with implementation of a given programme. There are 5 universities that offer a degree in veterinary medicine and about 20 in animal science plus 7 post-secondary school colleges that offer diploma or certificate courses for technical officers and animal health assistants. Consequently X has about 3500 registered veterinarians in 1999 and about 5000 veterinary technicians. Above all X has a pastoral community that places a high value on livestock and that increasingly regards livestock as a source of monetary wealth. Members of this community have a tradition for scouting of areas that may be suffering from outbreaks of serious epidemic diseases in order to forewarn migratory herders from grazing in such areas, i.e. traditional surveillance and early warning.

So, the root problem of effectively dealing with transboundary animal diseases in X can be associated with:

• A fragmented veterinary command structure
• Inefficient transfer of disease information from point of occurrence to the State and Federal HQ
• Inadequate system for emergency preparedness against predefined exotic or strategic diseases
• legacy of a relatively neglected agricultural sector in general and livestock in particular in matters of national economic and food security policies·
• TARGET BENEFICIARIES
• The X livestock farming communities, particularly those involved in family poultry, small ruminant and pig;
• The traditionally low-income-food-deficit groups in X through ensured and sustained supply of affordable animal protein;
• vulnerable gender groups (women and the youth) as they are the most involved in keeping the animal species targeted by the project, especially the family poultry and pigs.·

3. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND COUNTERPART SUPPORT CAPACITY.

The project will both utilize and support the existing government, university and private institutions in X. Existing state and federal veterinary services will be required from these institutions to commit personnel (especially epidemiologists and laboratory staff) to the project. Commitment will also be required in terms of the new structures (coordinating and/or control bodies) that will be established under the project. Universities will also gain from the project in terms of training and expertise, and the commitment of their own resources to contracted research. Finally, the involvement of the private sector will inevitably lead to the strengthening of private organizations.

Federal Executive Council: This is the highest policy-making body in the country with the President as Chairman.

National Council on Agriculture (NCA): The NCA is the highest policy coordinating body on Agriculture at the national level. The council has the Honourable Minister of Agriculture as the Chairman and State Commissioners responsible for Agriculture as members. The NCA has considered and recommended the SPFS for Federal Executive Council approval.

Ministerial Coordinating Committee: This will constitute the national steering committee. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development will be the Chairman. The Ministers of Finance, Environment, Water Resources, National Planning Commission, the special Adviser to the president on Agriculture, the Directors of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, planning Research and Statistics, Rural Development, Agricultural land Resources, Cooperative, Agricultural Sciences, Strategic Grains Reserve (SGR), the President of Federation of Farmers Association of X (FOFAN), President of Practising Farmers Association of X (PFAN) and the FAO Representative in X as members. This committee will provide overall guidance and proper policy coordination.

Technical Management Committee: The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will be the Chairman and the Directors of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Forestry, Planning Research & Statistics, Rural Development, Agricultural Land Resources, Strategic Grain Reserve, Cooperatives and agricultural Sciences and FAO representative in X as members. This committee will be responsible for the overall coordination and supervision of the implementation of the programme, they will formulate future expansion of the programme and work in close collaboration with the National Coordinator.

National Coordination: Federal Agricultural Coordinating Unit (FACU) will be responsible for nation-wide implementation of the programme through the State ADPs and FCT Abuja ADP. FACU will work in close collaboration with the members of the Technical management committee with APMEU and ADP Executive Committee 9ADPEC) and closely supervise the implementation of the programme.

State level: The Agricultural Development Project executive Committee 9ADPEC) will constitute the Steering Committee at the State level. The governor of the State is the Chairman of the ADPEC, with the Deputy Governor or the State Commissioner of Agriculture as the Vice-Chairman. The State Commissioners of Works, finance and Economic Development and Agriculture, the Chairmen of the participating Local government Areas, Federal director of Agriculture, head of FACU, General Manager of the River Basin Development Authority in the State are members. ADPEC will provide coordinating, policy support/guidance in the implementation of the programme in collaboration with National Steering Committee and Technical management Committee.

State Level Coordination: The State ADP will be the implementing agency for the SPFS at the State level. The programme Manager of the State ADP will be designated the State Coordinator of the Programme and will also act as the Secretary of ADPEC. The State Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the programme, manage the SPFS development fund; liase with local management committee in the areas of participatory monitoring and export evaluation of the programme, collect, collate, review demands/needs of the participating farmers and also transmit the annual work programmers to the National Coordinator. The State Coordinator will be assisted by a management term made up of a number of specialists.

Local Government level Coordination: The SPFS will be implemented through the Local (site) Management committee. The Chairman of the Local Government where each of the project is located will be the Chairman of the committee. Elected local government councilors from participatory LGAs, Site field Managers, SPFS Specialists and ADP extension staff will be members of the Committee. The Site field Manager has responsibility for the project implementation at the project site. The Local management committee will collate and review demands/needs emanating from farmers groups through participatory Rural appraisal (PRA)/Participatory Learning Appraisal (PLA) field work, draw up work plans in conformity with the programmes objectives, establish monitoring systems, transmit annual work programme to the state Coordinating Unit and also undertake regular and export evaluation of programme achievements at the local Government level.

4. Legal Matters

All embracing technical services agreement will be signed by the Federal Republic of X and the FAO for the implementation of this Project on approval. A copy of the agreement duly vetted by the legal unit of the ministry is annexed to this report.

5. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

To ensure that objectives are met, the various sub sector projects will be subjected to Mid-Term Evaluation Review half way through project life by the National Coordinating unit working in close collaboration with the Planning, Research and Statistics department, Monitoring and Evaluation Units of the Departments of Agriculture, Livestock and pest Control Services and Fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

6. REASONS FOR THE TRUST FUND ASSISTANCE.

The assistance will help re-establish confidence in the X veterinary services, and will provide a framework for the effective and progressive control of Transboundary Animal Diseases - thus bringing about improvements in food security and the economy.

7. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

8. COORDINATION ARRANGEMENTS

The project will be based in the Ministry of Agriculture closely linked to the Federal Livestock Department, particularly its participation in the programme for the Pan African Control of Epizootics (PACE). It will have a Steering Committee with senior level representation from FAO, the Government of X and the Farming Community. Participation of the Government of X (GOX) will include representatives of Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Planning, Finance, Environment as well as the Special Programme on Food Security. There will also be representatives of a select number of representatives of the participating States.

9. EXPECTED END OF PROJECT SITUATION AND SUSTAINABILITY OF PROJECT

By the end of the project, it is expected that the ability of both the X veterinary services and the X farming community will be in a better position to cope with epidemic disease problems:

10. INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND COUNTEPART SUPPORT CAPACITY

The project will both utilize and support the existing government, university and private institutions in X. Existing state and federal veterinary services will be supported and linkages between them strengthened, while a commitment will be required from these institutions to commit personnel (especially epidemiologists and laboratory staff) to the project. Commitment will also be required in terms of the new structures (coordinating and/or control bodies) that will be established under the project. Universities will also gain from the project in terms of training and expertise, and the commitment of their own resources to contracted research. Finally, the involvement of the private sector will inevitably lead to the strengthening of private organizations.

With respect to project sustainability, the following points are relevant:

• Improved university training in the field of epidemiology and disease management will ensure a new generation of veterinarians in X able to maintain and build upon what the project has already established.
• The institutionalization of, and where applicable, legislation for, various project elements (e.g. coordinating bodies, contingency plans) will ensure that what is established by the project will continue to exist once the project has ceased.
• The active involvement of the farming community in various project activities that are to their own advantage, relieve the state of some of the burden of financing and managing activities begun under the project, and will help ensure their continuation.
• Expected improvements in farmer income will also ensure their continued participation over a long period.
• The involvement of private veterinarians in overseeing the work of Community Animal Health Workers will make them more self-supporting and enhance sustainability.

C. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this project is the improvement of the animal health situation in X whereby livestock production and trade will be enhanced - thereby leading to improved household food security and rural income.

The immediate objective is to reduce epidemic animal diseases that directly impact production at farm and household level - poultry diseases (e.g. Newcastle disease), small ruminant diseases (e.g. PPR) and swine diseases (e.g. African swine fever) .

D. IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES; OUTPUTS AND ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVE 1. Develop a cost-effective, community-based approach to disease surveillance and control with particular emphasis on short-cycle livestock and family poultry

1.1 Output 1 Pilot areas identified within each epidemiological zone of state clusters

1.1.1 Activity 1 Identification of farmer co-operatives to collaborate on issues related to family poultry

State veterinary services in a region/cluster where NCD is a severe problem to identify a collaborating farmer-based organization to assist with community-based animal health services especially with respect to Newcastle disease.

1.1.2 Activity 2 Identification of farmer co-operatives to collaborate on issues related to small ruminants

State veterinary services in a region/cluster where PPR is a severe problem to identify a collaborating farmer-based organization to assist with community-based animal health services with especially respect to PPR.

1.1.3 Activity 3 Identification of farmer organizations to collaborate on issues related to pigs

State veterinary services in a region/cluster where ASF is a severe problem to identify a collaborating farmer-based organization to assist with community-based animal health services.

1.2 Output 2 Vaccines and veterinary drugs acquired

1.2.1 Activity 1 NVRI Vom to produce quality assured thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine for family poultry

Purchase the necessary reagents, consumables and supplementary equipment to permit the NVRI at Vom produce sufficient quantities of the thermostable vaccine.

1.2.2 Activity 2 NVRI Vom to produce quality assured PPR vaccine in packages, which are appropriate for small-scale use

Purchase the necessary reagents, consumables and supplementary equipment to enable the NVRI at Vom produce sufficient quantities of the PPR vaccine.

1.2.3 Activity 1 Ensure supply of essential veterinary drugs and equipment for the Community-based Animal Health Programme

A sufficient quantity of veterinary drugs and kits purchased to allow for the launching of CHAW activities

1.3 Output 3 Community-based disease management activities set-up

1.3.1 Activity 1 Negotiation with farmer organizations on mechanisms for community involvement

Project coordinators, assisted by appropriate experts, to meet with representatives of selected farmer organizations to discuss appropriate mechanisms for creating farmer awareness, improving disease reporting by farmers, and negotiate (where possible) the implementation of Community Animal Health Programme (CAHP) schemes.

1.3.2 Activity 2 Sensitization of farmers

Sensitization of farmers to animal health issues through community meetings, radio and printed media, printing and distribution of posters and pamphlets.

1.3.3 Activity 3 Implementation of CAHW schemes

Identification of CAHW trainees and their equipping and training; implementation of monitoring and management of CAHWs by private veterinarians nominated by farmer organizations. CAHWs to provide animal health advice and "first-aid" treatment and prophylactics to farmers; also to be a means of disease surveillance.

1.3.4 Activity 4 Disease reporting by CAHWs and farmers

State epidemiology units evaluate and report on information flow from farming community and CAHWs to project management and farmer organizations.

OBJECTIVE 2. ESTABLISH A NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

2.1 Output 1 A National Network for Animal Disease Surveillance and Early Warning Established

2.1.1 Activity 1 CVO study tour

Selected State CVOs and key members of the Federal Livestock Development Directorate study tour to an appropriate country (i.e. one with a federal structure, e.g. South Africa, Australia, USA) to examine current coordinating mechanisms for surveillance, early warning, disease emergency management, and control of nationally strategic diseases.

2.1.2 Activity 2 Establish a Scientific Bureau for Livestock Disease Management within the Federal Department of Livestock HQ

Redesign of the epidemiology unit to act as a Scientific Bureau for Livestock Disease Management, providing expert advice on disease occurrences, trends, risks and early warning as well as assessment of the impact of disease outbreaks and control measures

2.1.3 Activity 3 Strengthen Zonal Epidemiology Units covering Clusters of States

equip and train zonal epidemiologists in standardized disease surveillance techniques, disease investigations in rural communities, collation of data especially on changes in animal population densities (including movement patterns), disease occurrences, active disease surveillance, vaccination data and abattoir data and submit such information promptly to the central unit at FDL HQ.

2.2 Output 4 Improved capacity and effectiveness of the national laboratory network for animal disease diagnosis to ensure sustainable laboratory support to early warning and disease control

2.2.1 Activity 1 Assessment of the capacity

Undertake an independent expert assessment of the effectiveness and capacity of the existing veterinary laboratory network for provision of a prompt diagnosis and support to surveillance for epidemic diseases especially with respect to poultry diseases (Newcastle disease, Gumboro etc), small ruminant diseases (e.g. PPR), swine diseases (e.g. African swine fever) and CBPP. Recommend cost-effective measures for improvement.

OBJECTIVE 3. IMPROVEMENT OF DISEASE SURVEILLANCE AND INFORMATION FLOW

3.1 Output 1 Improved collection of animal health information at the village, local government and State levels

3.1.1 Activity 1: Training of State and local government veterinary staff

3.1.2 Activity 1.1.2: Provision of specimen Collection Kits

3.1.3 Activity 1.1.3: Provision of ongoing support for local government staff

3.1.4 Activity 1.1.4: Monitoring staff activity

3.1.5 Activity 1.1.5: Establishment of specimen transport and feedback systems

3.1.6 Activity 1.1.6: Continuing veterinary education for State and local government staff

3.1.7 Activity 1.1.7: Public awareness campaigns for livestock owners

3.1.8 Activity 1.1.8: Establish links with village level agricultural projects, particularly those linked to the national SPFS

3.2 Output 2 Improved system for active disease search and surveillance at the village and local government levels

3.2.1 Activity 1: Training of State and local government staff in survey techniques

3.2.2 Activity 2: Implementing field filed investigation and reporting

3.2.3 Activity 3: Development of a coordinated active surveillance programmes

3.2.4 Activity 4: Use active surveillance to support disease control programmes

3.3 Output 3 Improved collection of livestock ancillary and socio-economic data at the village, ward and local government levels

3.3.1 Activity 1: Train veterinary staff in the collection of ancillary data

3.3.2 Activity 2: Train veterinary staff in the collection of socio-economic data

3.4 Output 4 Improved collection of animal health information through the national epidemiology network

3.4.1. Activity 1 Training of Epidemiologists

Holding of workshop with state and national epidemiologists to assess existing surveillance mechanisms and propose improvements; introduction to computerized information systems and data analysis based on the FAO EMPRES software for transboundary animal disease information (TADInfo)

3.4.2 Activity 2 TADInfo implementation phase I

Assess TADInfo customization needs; adaptation of TADInfo software to fit X needs, bearing in mind the three-tiered (local government, state & federal) structure of the veterinary services.

3.4.3 Activity 3 TADInfo implementation phase II

Installation of TADInfo and necessary computer hardware in zonal epidemiology units and in the Central FDLD unit with appropriate training.

3.4.4 Activity 4 Establish an electronic communication network

Install electronic communication facilities (e-mail, fax, internet) in the zonal epidemiology units as well as within the central unit at the FDL HQ plus the office of the Director of the Federal Department of Livestock (i.e. the national delegate to the Office International des Epizooties - OIE) to enable the rapid flow of disease information and data on one hand from the filed to the Federal veterinary HQ and on the other hand from the Federal veterinary HQ to regional organizations (e.g. OAU/IBAR) and the international organizations, i.e. OIE, FAO and WHO.

OBJECTIVE 4. STRENGTHENING NATIONAL ANIMAL DISEASE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

4.1 Output 1 A National Inter-Ministerial Animal Disease Emergency Committee Established

4.1.1 Activity 1

Convening of an expert-lead workshop for state and federal CVOs on emergency preparedness and contingency planning.

4.1.2 Activity 2

Draw up proposals for a broad-based inter-ministerial national animal disease emergency committee (NADEC) that would meet under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister of Agriculture whenever an epidemic disease emergency threatens or occurs - with senior level representation from relevant Federal and State Ministries (including veterinary services) and leaders of the farming and livestock trading organizations. (NB: A national disease emergency to be declared by the Minster of Agriculture upon advice of the National Chief Veterinary officer/Director responsible for veterinary services at the Federal Level).

4.1.3 Activity 3.

Designate a specific unit within the Federal Livestock Development Department to be responsible for developing and continually up-dating national animal disease emergency preparedness plans and specific disease contingency plans as well as the day-to-day co-ordination of emergency actions

4.1.4 Activity 4. Review veterinary legislation

Expert scrutiny of the relevant veterinary legislation at state level and federal level in order to update and harmonize legislation between states, to harmonize state and federal legislation and clearly define state and federal roles with regard to animal health, especially the ability to deal effectively with animal disease emergencies.

4.1.5 Activity 5 Submission of contingency plans to legislatures

Submission of contingency plans to state and federal legislatures for approval and financial support (i.e. creation of disease control emergency funds).

4.1.6 Activity 6.

Expert assessment of the national system for animal movement monitoring and control, quarantine and border inspections and submission of recommendations to the Federal and State governments.

OBJECTIVE 5. STRENGTHENING NATIONAL CAPABILITIES WITH RESPECT TO DRUG/VACCINE LICENSING AND QUALITY CONTROL

5.1 Output 1: A national system for licensing and quality assurance of vaccines

5.1.1 Activity 1. In collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and an FAO designated international agency, e.g. the Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (PANVAC) carry out a quality assurance of the vaccine production facilities at Vom and elsewhere, make recommendations for improvement.

5.2 Output 2: A national system for licensing, quality assurance and marketing of veterinary drugs

5.2.1 Activity 1. In collaboration with NAFDAC and an FAO appointed independent consultant assess the prevailing practices and make recommendations for improvement.

E. INPUTS

1.DONOR INPUTS

2. GOVERNMENT INPUTS

The government will provide office accommodation for the project and will ensure the availability of qualified personnel, particularly veterinary epidemiologists for the central and zonal units and field staff to undertake extension and disease control activities.

F. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

H. PROJECT REVIEW, REPORTING AND EVALUATION

1 REVIEW AND EVALUATION

The project will be subject to reviews and evaluation, in accordance with the policies and procedures established for this purpose by FAO. The project will establish a Steering Committee, which will meet regularly to review progress and provide guidance for the future direction of the project. The role of the Steering Committee will be particularly important as the outcomes of this project are meant to influence government policy, standards, provide strategic advice on functions of several institutions concerned with animal health issues, influence a community-based animal health management programme.

In addition, it is foreseen that there will be formal evaluations by independent consultants. The first evaluation will take place during the second year of operations. The evaluation report will be made available for consideration by the a Joint FAO-GOX senior management committee.

2 SIX-MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports will be prepared every six months by the Chief Technical Advisor. The reports will describe the scheduled activities and provide data on which progress towards the immediate objectives of the programme may be evaluated.

3 TERMINAL REPORT

Towards the end of the project, The Chief technical Advisor will draft the project Terminal Report which will be circulated within FAO Headquarters four months before the end of the project for review, finalization and submission by FAO to the GOX. The Report will assess in a concise manner the extent to which the project's scheduled activities have been carried out, its output produced, its immediate objectives achieved and its results utilized towards the realization of the related development objectives, and it will present recommendations for any future work arising out of the project. The report should contain as an annex a copy of the Project proposal for Phase II of the project.

ANNEX : JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Chief Technical Officer

Duty Station: ... X

Duties:

Under the overall guidance of the FAO Director of Operations and the FAO Chief of Animal Health Service, the immediate supervision of the Federal Director of Livestock Development and Pest Control of the Government of X and the Programme Coordinator of the FAO-GOX UTF Agreement, the incumbent will:

Be responsible for the overall coordination and scientific direction of the programme component for the control of animal diseases and transboundary pests, day to day implementation and monitoring of its activities, and ensure close collaboration with other units of the FDLP;

• Assess trends in the incidence and distribution of transboundary animal diseases and pests paying particular attention to those listed as priority for the UTF programme;
• Oversee the development of a coordinated national surveillance network and early warning system for transboundary animal diseases and pests;
• Overseeing the development of a coordinated national system for early and rapid response to disease emergencies;
• Coordinated the development of innovative strategies for the progressive control of transboundary animal diseases;
• assist with the elaboration of strategies to improve livestock health and the quality of livestock disease information in the identified project areas;
• be responsible for the implementation of innovative data collection and service delivery techniques;
• liaison with animal-health oriented NGOs and the private veterinary sector in animal disease surveillance;
• oversee the development of appropriate risk analysis systems for transboundary animal diseases that most threaten livestock and poultry in X;
• provide assistance and advice to the Federal and State governments with respect to veterinary legislation (professional, disease control and drug regulation), structure of veterinary services, and aspects related to privatization of health delivery services;
• ensure a regular flow of geo-referenced, time-delimited livestock disease data to the national epidemiology units and, in turn, to FAO-EMPRES;
• commission target studies in relation to either animal diseases or anthropology of pastoral communities;
• draft terms of reference for consultants to be approved by GOX and FAO;
• foster awareness of livestock and community development programmes in X;
• undertake any other related duties as may be agreed between GOX and FAO.

Essential qualifications

Education

A veterinary degree with postgraduate degree, preferably to PhD level, in veterinary epidemiology or applied microbiology/virology or preventive medicine or economics or business administration.

Experience

A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in the diagnosis, epidemiology and/or control of epidemic diseases of livestock with at least five years at management level. Familiarity with livestock data and/or animal disease information systems as well as with systems for emergency preparedness and contingency planning against transboundary animal diseases.

Experience in planning and supervising programme activities within a public sector or university environment.

Initiative, high sense of responsibility and ability to plan and organize work clearly and concisely. Analytical leadership, co-ordination, managerial, negotiating and advisory skills; maturity, initiative, diplomacy, tact, and a high sense of responsibility. Ability to organize and conduct technical meetings and develop and implement programmes and studies. Ability to make effective oral presentations; write clear and concise reports;

Knowledge of computer operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Language

Working knowledge (level C) of English

Desirable qualifications

A working knowledge of legal issues involving the veterinary profession. An awareness and respect of pastoral customs and culture.

EMPRES National Liaison Officer

Duty Station: ..., X

Duties: Under the immediate supervision of the Chief Technical Officer and in collaboration with relevant government staff the incumbent will assist the Chief Technical Officer in the co-ordination of the work plan of the animal diseases and pests component of the programme. In particular he/she will:

• assist to develop and advise on strategies, policies, technical requirements, methods and guidelines for the preparation of national or State contingency plans against TADS; 
• assist in drawing up disease surveillance programmes and in particular incident report systems that will facilitate the early reporting of the diseases in the UTF programme;
• in conjunction with the national services, draft procedures for "immediate reaction", including working instructions for staff in the field;
• assume primary responsibility for coordinating the training and communication aspects of the project;
• co-ordinate the installation and implementation of the TADInfo system in X, including training in surveillance, data management and software usage;
• ensure integration of laboratory activities into the animal health system covered by the UTF;
• assist in drawing up appropriate reporting systems and ensure liaison with the EMPRES programme of FAO;
• devise procedures for regular checks on national contingency plans to ensure that they are remain practicable;
• prepare periodic reports of activities as foreseen by the project document;
• Undertake any other related duties as may be defined by the Chief Technical Officer

Essential Qualifications

Degree in veterinary science/medicine plus a postgraduate qualification in either epidemiology or preventive medicine or State Veterinary Medicine or applied microbiology. 

Seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in the epidemiology, prevention and/or control epidemic diseases of livestock in X. Experience with disease surveillance systems for epidemic diseases of livestock and in epidemiological analysis of outbreaks of such diseases.

Desirable Qualifications.

Experience in planning and supervising emergency preparedness and contingency planning against animal disease epidemics.  Familiarity with animal disease database systems, the use of word-processing and spreadsheet software, statistics packages and the internet.

Experience of working in the governmental veterinary services of X at either State or Federal Level.

Familiarity with Participatory Appraisal techniques.

I BUDGET

Title: Programme for Animal Disease Control/Eradication to Enhance Food Security and Poverty Alleviation in X

Project symbol UTF/..../***/***

J. ANNEXES

ANNEX IV WORKPLAN