NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK

TELEFOOD SPECIAL FUND PROJECT FORMAT

"Establishment of Community Fruit Tree Nursery"

Target group
About 15 to 20 associated poor rural farmers, male or female, willing to diversify their agriculture activities and to start a typical income-generating activity.

Background and justification
The most frequent limiting factor for increasing fruit production, and thus consumption, in poor rural areas, where agro-ecological conditions are suitable, is the lack of healthy, high quality planting materials. Fruit production is mostly erratic with low quality fruits. The establishment of a technically supervised fruit nursery in the community, as an income generating activity, has an immediate benefit in the group of associated farmers who diversify and increase their income by selling plants. The local population has access to improved, well-adapted and productive varieties at a reasonable price. Short-term benefit is the increased availability of fruits for both family consumption and sale.

Pre-requisites
A number of pre-requisites need to be satisfied before project assistance should be considered, specifically:

• a local willingness to participate in and contribute to the programme both at governmental ad community level;
• an institution (government or NGO) capable of initiating and supervising the programme in the project area, as well as providing other essential inputs not covered by TeleFood;
• Advisors/extension staff trained in horticulture, preferably with experience in orchard management, and with a good understanding of the local cultural environment and farming system practices.

Objectives
To provide improved vegetative material and inputs for establishing a fruit nursery in the community.

Duration of the project: 18-24 months.

Outputs
Establishment of a technically well-managed fruit nursery and plant propagation process initiated.

Activities

• Identification of species and varieties suitable for cultivation in the project area.
• Identification and procurement of source of high quality vegetative materials (seeds and scions).
• Selection of nursery site (approx. 0.5 ha, with a small storeroom, capacity for producing between 2,000-5,000 plants per year, depending on the species).
• Procurement of small equipment, tools and materials.
• Design of nursery and construction of essential infrastructure (seedbeds, shades, etc.).
• Initiation of plant propagation (sowing, planting cuttings, budding/grafting, plant hardening, etc.).

Activities
Activities in a fruit nursery are highly influenced by the seasons. A work plan should be prepared locally according to the actual starting date of the project.

Linkages with other (FAO) projects
To be defined in each country.

Inputs/Budget

Monitoring and reporting
The national implementing agency will be responsible for providing FAO with quarterly and final reports in an agreed format. The FAO Representation will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the project and ensuring, through independent audit, that the funds are used correctly.