Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDSEA)

Managing Institute:
Atkins Land and Water Management

Project Code: 167-500-014	Start Date: 01-May-92	End Date: 01-Mar-93
Commitment: £280,384	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
DFID has been supporting the implementation of agricultural extension in the Koshi Hills since the start of Phase 2 (KHARDEP) in 1979. During that phase agricultural extension was strengthened mainly through building 12 ASCs, taking resource inventories, provision of in-service training of JT/JTAs and training of leader farmers, provision of financial support to ADOs and the establishment of new staff positions. During Phase 3 (1987-1989) activity has focused on improving the effectiveness of the extension services at district and regional level integrating the KHAP programme with the DOA's and DOH's regular programmes, supporting the Group Approach to extension as directed in HMGN guidelines, enhancing in-service training for major programme activities. The KHAP mid-term review of May 1989 recommended a modified approach to agriculture extension which involved focusing on groups of farmers rather than individuals. Of particular importance during Phase 3 was the promotion of the local production of improved seeds aimed at increasing the self sufficiency in Koshi Hills. The programme noew operates in 23 out of the 36 ASCs of the Koshi Hills through 36 SPGs as well as through individual producers. Project activities have been fully incorporated in HMGN regular programmes and project staff cooperate closely with ADO and HDO. Since 1989, KHAP has given increasing attention to the targeting of women and of poor farmers living at higher altitudes. The needs of women farmers have been addressed by female JTAs working with ADO and HDO staff mainly in connection with the production of fresh vegetables and seed.

Project Objectives:
The wider objective of the project is the improvement within the Koshi Hills, of scio-economic status of rural households through increased production of the mai food crops and from increased cash incomes from the sale of crops and crop seeds. The immediate objectives are: To increase and sustain local production and supply of improved quality seeds. To enhance sustainability of Women Farmers' Groups To support DOA and DOH to carry out the seed programme. The provision of logistical and financial support to both the KHAP and KHCFP.

Intended Outputs:
A. Technical Programme. Cooperative, 36 SPGs and 40 WFGs supported with regular supervision, field training, tour and supply of extension materials. 8 SPGs supported in seed marketing. 8 new seed potato groups formed. 12 WFGs involved in vegetable seed production. 200 tons of seeds of cereals, legumes and potato, and 1 ton of vegetable seeds produced and marketed through SPGS, WFGs and Cooperatives. Recommendations of Seed Programme Evaluation (e.g. emphasis on maize and potato seed production, seed marketing, seed extension kits, source seed, seed storage) implemented (Annex E). 1000 seed extension kits, 400 vegetable packets distributed, 20 seed storage demonstrations performed. Seed handling and storage equipment provided to and 18 of the existing cooperatives. Eight seed stores constructed through SPGs participation with partial project support. Sprinkler irrigation systems, with 50 percent subsidy, provided to SPGs in 20 potential areas. 8 rustic stores constructed for seed potato storage demonstration. Programme implementation agencies supervised and monitored district meeting and workshops. The Project staff attend NARC and PAC organised workshops conferences and regional meetings. Project-prepared extension materials effectively distributed and used (15 items and 30000 copies). Budgetary support provided to ADO and HDO offices. 2 residential courses for 40 JT/JTAs on seed related technical aspects 4 district workshops for 80 SPGs and WFGs leaders on management and organisation of groups 150 field-level training sessions on fresh vegetable, potato and seed production provided by KHAP seed staff and female JTAs. 20 Sajha managers and seed traders trained in seed storage and quality control 2 HMGN and one Project staff trained overseas through TCTP. One India tour for 36 of the agency staff involved in SP conducted. One Nepal tour for 20 women and 20 male farmers involved in seeds conducted. B. Financial and logistical support. Provision of financial and logistical support to both KHAP and KHCFP. Maintenance and operation of resthouse, offices and staff houses. Employment of programme staff and personnel management. Provision of transport services - operation of fleet of vehicles and provision of porterage service. Procurement of supplies and equipment. Provision of book keeping and accounting services, payment of staff and suppliers. Provision of office services. Operation and maintenance of library. Operation of computer services management and maintenance of equipment and consumability for projects.