(TCP PROJECT EXAMPLE)

I. PROJECT SUMMARY
(Brief description of the project expectations and outcome)

II. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Country X has a land area of _____ million ha, of which _____ million ha (about 30 percent) is considered arable. The agricultural sector plays an important role in the _____n economy, employing ___ percent of the labour force and contributing about ___ percent each to GDP and total export earnings during _____ At present, about ___ percent of the cultivated area is under rainfed conditions rendering its contribution to GDP subject to the vagaries of weather. The rainfall season, usually begins in October and ends in April with a high variation in quantity and duration.

During the _____ agricultural season a severe drought, reportedly one of the worst on record, affected the country. Rainfall this year has been estimated to be less than a third of its normal level in most parts of the country, severely damaging rainfed crops such as wheat and barley. Worst affected areas are reported to be the _____ area, where much of the country's wheat, barley and cotton is grown. In addition, the drought has significantly reduced the amount of water flowing into the main reservoirs and streams. The flow of water in many rivers has been drastically reduced, with some rivers like the _____ in the northeast has practically dried up due to the drought and excessive pumping of underground water.

The drought will have a serious impact on the _____'s overall economic growth and the food supply situation in particular. Rural areas are expected to be the worst affected with limited alternative sources of income. The Government has therefore requested FAO to mount a Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission jointly with United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to evaluate the outcome of the season and to estimate cereal import requirements for the _____ marketing year, including possible need for food assistance. The Mission will evaluate the impact of drought on agriculture (crops, livestock, etc.), assess cereal crop production and utilization needs and estimate cereal import and food aid requirements, if any, for the marketing year.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

The objectives of the mission are to:

- assess the impact of drought on the agricultural sector (crops, livestock, etc.);
- identify areas affected by food shortages;
- estimate the _____ cereal output;
- estimate cereal stocks and utilization needs for the marketing year _____;
- estimate cereal import requirements, and assess the country's commercial import capacity and the need for food aid, if any;
- prepare a cereal supply/demand balance for the _____ marketing year;
- assess the adequacy of measures being undertaken by the Government to cope with the consequences of the drought and to effect emergency and rehabilitation projects;
- estimate the short-term agricultural input requirements (mainly seeds) and formulate emergency interventions for the immediate rehabilitation of farmers' productivity in the affected area;
- identify technical specifications of inputs to be provided;
- brief the representatives of the international donor community on the findings of the assessment with a view to mobilizing food, feed and other necessary assistance;
- issue a joint FAO/WFP Special Report.

IV. PROJECT OUTPUTS (RESULTS)

A special report highlighting the main findings will be issued to the international community soon after the mission is completed.

V. WORK PLAN

The mission will comprise an agricultural economist, 1 agronomist, a TCDC expert, a national consultant, and a representative of WFP. In addition, a GIEWS staff member will assist with the finalization of the assessment and briefing of donor representatives.

The mission will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other government officials in conducting the assessment. Adequate time will be spent in the capital to review available information and to discuss the situation with government officials and donor representatives concerned with food production and supply activities. Travel to selected affected areas will be made to determine crop and livestock conditions and assess the situation on the spot through discussions with farmers, community leaders, local food traders and field personnel of NGOs and other organizations. Before leaving the country, the mission will discuss its findings with the Government and donor representatives. Once Headquarters' approval is given, a joint FAO/WFP Special Report will be issued to the international community. The detailed programme will be worked out at the country level with the Government and FAO and WFP Country Representatives.

VI. CAPACITY BUILDING

With the technical advice of the consultants and under the guidance of the project, the national counterparts will have direct responsibility for implementing the activities leading to the achievement of the project objectives. The Government will assure full-time involvement of the national counterpart staff throughout the project duration. The national staff will gain technical knowledge and experience that can be transmitted to others involved in future crop supply assessment activities.

VII. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

- 2 International Consultants (3 weeks each) - US$ _____
- 1 National Consultant (2 weeks) - US$ _____
- 1 TCDC Consultant (3 weeks) - US$ _____
- Supervisory Technical Services from ESCG - US$ _____

FAO funding will also cover official travel and general and direct operating expenses.

VIII. REPORTING

FAO and WFP will issue a joint Special Report. Based on the report, ESC will prepare a terminal letter for submission to the Government.

IX. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The Government will be advised of the forthcoming mission and requested to prepare relevant data on production, stocks, area planted, crop and livestock condition. Ministry officials will travel to main areas of production and food shortages. The Government will generally assist the mission in its work.

PROJECT BUDGET COVERING FAO INPUTS
(in US$)

Country: X

Project Title: Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission

Project Number: TCP/XXX/_____

ANNEX

TERMS OF REFERENCE

FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT
MISSION TO _____

The Mission comprising two international consultants, a national consultant and a TCDC expert will conduct their assessment in the country for 2 weeks. In addition, a GIEWS staff member will assist with the finalization of the assessment and briefing of donor representatives. In consultation with Government officials, UN and bilateral agencies, and NGOs, the Mission will:

- assess the impact of drought on crops and livestock in the main agricultural areas including the collection of quantitative data and qualitative assessment;

- examine information on cropped areas, weather, input supplies and prices as well as any other factors affecting production;

- use the information to make an estimate of production;

- estimate available food stocks and forecast _____ closing stocks;

- assess the overall food situation in the country, including food prices in relation to income levels;

- prepare a cereal supply/demand balance for _____, including requirements for food, feed and other uses; on-farm, government and commercial stocks; commercial import requirements for _____;

- if emergency food assistance is required, assess the number of people that are in need of such assistance and determine the volume and composition of the emergency food aid requirements;

- review the capacity for reception, handling and forwarding of commodities, including roads, ports and storage capacity;

- assess the impact of food shortages on household food security, particularly that of the vulnerable groups;

- review the present interventions to promote food security and make an assessment of what type of agricultural inputs may be required to stabilize and increase agricultural production.

- prior to departure brief/debrief Government officials and donor representatives on the work and findings of the Mission.

- Following the country visit, the Mission will finalize its findings and prepare a report in Rome.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT ECONOMIST

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Under the supervision of the Chief, Global Information and Early Warning Service (ESCG), and in close collaboration with other members of the Mission, the mission member will:

- consult with Government officials, UN and bilateral agencies, and NGOs on the current food supply situation in the country;

- briefly review the macro-economic position of the country, providing available information on various parameters affecting the food and agriculture situation;

- review and collate available information on population in different parts of the country and make projection to the mid-_____ marketing year;

- prepare a cereal supply/demand balance for the _____ marketing year, including requirements for food and feed consumption and other uses; on-farm, Government and commercial stocks; commercial imports and food aid in pipeline and new allocations;

- identify areas/populations facing food shortages and assess their food aid requirements;

- in collaboration with other mission members, brief/debrief Government officials and donor representatives on the work and findings of the Mission.

Qualifications and Experience
Advanced University degree in agricultural economics or economics (MSc or PhD or equivalent advanced post-graduate degree) with substantial experience in food supply assessment; good drafting and analytical skills; working experience in the region desirable.

Duration
The assignment will cover a period of three weeks.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANT AGRONOMIST

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Chief, Global Information and Early Warning Service (ESCG), and in close collaboration with the consultant economist and other members of the Mission, the expert will:

- consult with Government officials, UN and bilateral agencies, and NGOs on the current food supply situation in the country;

- travel to the main agricultural areas, assess the effects of drought on food production, livestock and farm resources;

- use available information to estimate, at national and regional levels, the area planted, yields and production of staple cereals and other major food crops;

- assess the inputs that may be required to stabilize and increase crop and livestock production;

- provide input for the preparation of the overall cereal supply/demand balance;

- draft the relevant sections of the Mission's report;

- in collaboration with other mission members, brief/debrief relevant Government authorities and donor representatives on the work and the findings of the Mission.

Qualifications and Experience:
Advanced university degree in agronomy (MSc or PhD or equivalent advanced post-graduate degree); substantial experience in crop assessment. Working experience in the region desirable.

Duration
The assignment will cover a period of three weeks.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

TCDC - CONSULTANT (AGRONOMIST)

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the general supervision of the Chief, Special Relief Operations Service (TCOR), and in close collaboration with the consultant agricultural economist and other members of the Mission, the expert will:

- consult with Government officials, UN and bilateral agencies, farmers, NGOs active in the affected areas in order to obtain a global perspective of drought-induced damage;

- assess the extent of drought and related damage with special emphasis to the crop production;

- assess the adequacy of measures being undertaken by the Government to cope with the consequences of the drought and to effect emergency and rehabilitation projects;

- estimate the outstanding short-term agricultural requirements (mainly seeds) and formulate emergency interventions for the immediate rehabilitation of farmers productivity in the affected area;

- identify technical specifications of inputs to be provided;

- draft the relevant sections of the Mission's report;

- In collaboration with other Mission members, brief relevant Government authorities and donor representatives on the work and the findings of the Mission.

Qualifications and Experience
Advanced University degree in agronomy (MSc equivalent advanced post-graduate degree); substantial experience in crop assessment; good drafting and analytical skills; fitness and willingness to work in harsh conditions; substantial experience in food supply assessment; working experience in the region desirable.

Duration
The assignment will cover a period of 3 weeks.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

NATIONAL CONSULTANT

Under the general supervision of the International agronomist and in collaboration with other mission members, the consultant will assist the mission members in:

- collection and analysis of available information on areas planted during this main season;

- travel to main producing areas for inspection of crops and livestock and conducting interviews with farmers and extension workers;

- interviews with local traders, millers and consumers in urban areas;

- visit food storage facilities in various parts;

- assist the Mission in preparing the Report.

Qualifications and experience:
University degree in agricultural sciences (minimum BSc); working experience on the agricultural sector of the country.

Duration:
The assignment will cover a period of 2 weeks.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

SUPERVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES

The staff member will provide technical backstopping to the mission. Specifically he will:

- take the lead in all technical and organizational aspects of the Mission;

- assist with briefing Government and the international donor community on mission findings and attend to media interviews;

- supervise the preparation of the Mission report on the findings and recommendations to be issued to the international community.

Duration: 1 week.