Báo cáo khoa học nông nghiệp " Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) – a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities " MS8 ppt

1 Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development CARD PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT 027/07VIE : Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) – a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities MS8: Project Completion Report 5 th February 2008 to 18 th June 2010 July, 2010 2 Table of Contents 1.  Institute Information ___________________________________________________ 1 2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________________ 2 3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________________ 2 4. Introduction & Background _____________________________________________ 4 5. Progress to Date _______________________________________________________ 5 5.1 Implementation Highlights ________________________________________________ 5 5.2 Smallholder Benefits______________________________________________________ 5 5.3 Capacity Building ________________________________________________________ 6 5.4 Publicity________________________________________________________________ 6 5.5 Project Management _____________________________________________________ 6 6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues___________________________________________ 6 6.1 Environment ____________________________________________________________ 6 6.2 Gender and Social Issues __________________________________________________ 6 7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ____________________________________ 6 7.1 Issues and Constraints ____________________________________________________ 6 7.2 Options_________________________________________________________________ 7 7.3 Sustainability____________________________________________________________ 7 8. Next Critical Steps _____________________________________________________ 7 9. Conclusion ___________________________________________________________ 7 10. Statutory Declaration___________________________Error! Bookmark not defined. 1 1. Institute Information Project Name Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) - a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities Vietnamese Institution Centre for Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture (CEDMA) Vietnamese Project Team Leader Mr. Mai Van Tai (Project director) Mr. Vo Van Binh (Project manager) Australian Organisation Agriculture and Environment - Division of Science and Engineering-Curtin University of Technology (CUT) Australian Personnel Assoc. Professor Ravi Fotedar (Team Leader) Prof. Graeme Robertson (Management) Dr. Jane Fewtrell (Environmental Scientist) Mr. Simon Longbottom (Aquaculture Scientist) Date commenced 8 th February 2009 Completion date (original) January 2010 Completion date (revised) June 2010 Reporting period Project completion report Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Name: Dr Ravi Fotedar Telephone: +61 8 92664508 Position: International Program Director, A/Prof Fax: +61 8 92664422 Organisation Muresk Institute, CUT Email: r.fotedar@curtin.edu.au In Australia: Administrative contact Name: As mentioned above Telephone: Position: Fax: Organisation Email: In Vietnam Name: Mr Vo Van Binh Telephone: 0983105537 Position: Head of environment Department Fax: 0241840241 Organisation Centre for Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture (CEDMA) Email: binhvanvo@yahoo.com 2 2. Project Abstract 3. Executive Summary To achieve the goals of the project that is improving the income base to sustain livelihoods of poor coastal farmers in Central Vietnam through environmentally sustainable aquaculture , background information and data was collected in the provinces of; Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri. From the information gained through this information, 18 farms were selected to demonstrate new technology, which included earthworm culture to minimize pollution risk from husbandry wastes by making efficiently recycling materials within the VAC system, and the introduction of high value species to increase income. The operational plan for each modified site has been disseminated to local extension workers, the households of modified VAC systems and other interested farming households. Socio – economic analysis of the traditional VAC community has shown that the education levels of farmers is low, possibly leading to difficulty in approaching new technology. For example, a survey of 109 families showed that 29% of individuals completed secondary school (ie can read, write and basic calculation; but poor performance of basic analysis), 58% were attended primary school only (ie. can read and write; but poor in calculation), and up to 13 % were illiterate. Fifty eight percent of farms surveyed were involved in integrated fish farming, including fish pond/s, horticulture and terrestrial animal husbandry, while 58% of farms were without fish ponds. Different types of farming and provinces lead to the various investment and income. The average income from aquaculture was about VND million 3.859, whereas terrestrial animal husbandry and horticulture were VND million 7.538 and 3.688, respectively. After the results of the survey to acquire background information on the areas were analyzed, new or modified VAC systems were built on demonstration sites that were based on the modification and adaptation of current integrated systems. The new systems included the introduction of earthworm culture into the system and high value species. There were 3 demonstration farms built in the first year (in 2008) of the project (2 in Quang Tri and 1 in This project is expected to make a significant contribution to the Government of Vietnam’s Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (CPRGS), which is aligned with the CARD program strategic framework. The project is expected to improve the productivity of traditional VAC farming practices through the farming of high-value aquatic species and following better managed farming practices in an environmentally friendly manner. The outcome of the project will assist in improving the management of all components of VAC farming. Project activities have included; i) Surveys to collect base-line information on the economic status of farmers participating in traditional VAC farming systems in four selected districts of Vietnam. ii) Selection of twenty (20) demonstration sites, of which, 18 are completely operational. The set up includes semi-intensive culture systems based on recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technologies that have been stocked with local, high-value species including snake head fish, grouper, frog, brackish water white eel and soft-shell turtle. iii) The operational plan for each site has been disseminated to local extension workers, the households of modified VAC systems and other interesting farming households. To date, all project objectives have been successfully implemented, some exceeding expectations. The results of the social – economic analysis indicate that the modified VAC systems installed at demonstration sites resulted in an increase in income and better environmental conditions when compared with those of the original systems. 3 Nghe An province) and the rest were built in the second year (2009) (3 in Hue, 3 in Quang Binh, 4 in Ha Tinh, 1 in Nghe An, and 4 in Thanh Hoa). See Appendix 1 for the final economic analysis summary. Six high value aquatic species were introduced into integrated systems that is, snake head fish (in 8 demonstration sites), frog (in 3 sites), soft-shell turtle (in 2 sites), grouper fingerlings (in 2 sites), white eel and goby (in 1 sites each). In addition, a hatchery which can produce grass carp, silver carp and common carp larvae has been included in a demonstration site in Quang Binh. It was found that snake head fish in tanks resulted in higher economic return and were more suitable for farms situated in Central provinces than other species such as turtle and frog. In addition, it was found that collecting grouper fry from rivers and rearing them to fingerlings has potential to generate income. However, to successfully rear the grouper, farmers must acquire higher skills in aquaculture techniques. It cannot be expected that the farmers can acquire the necessary level of skill within the time limits of this project (ie. 2 years) (Appendix 2). During project implementation, there were two training/workshops carried out in Hue and in Quang Tri provinces. The first workshop was to introduce the concept proposed in the project, discussing the alternative modification and adaptation for feasibility of successful demonstration. There second training/workshop was to disseminate information and expand on the improved VAC model with information gained from local extension, interested farmers. Exchange visits presented an efficient way for farmers to learn and applythe new technology. The visits gave opportunities for interested persons to achieve the goal of modifying their system just by “mimicking” what other farmers do. The exchange visits were implemented in 2 levels, that is, within province and inter-provinces. Seven trips within provinces were organized for more than 200 farmers that were both involved and not involved in the project. Three trips were conducted for 16 farmers in each province to visit other provincial demonstrations. A series of formal meetings amongst farmers operating demonstration sites and farmers interested in incorporating aspects of the new VAC system into their existing system were successfully conducted. Also, each visit to demonstration sites conducted by CEDMA’s staff, was used as an opportunity to share knowledge and skills for making further modifications in the management and/or design of the system to adapt the new technology. So far, the project has produced a number of significant benefits to integrated farming methods. Some notable examples are; • In Thanh Hoa province, one farmer involved in the project has successfully cultured worms for his snakehead fish in tanks and cages. All manure from his pigs and chickens has been used as a food source for the worm culture instead of being allowed to flow into his pond therefore reducing the organic load on his pond. The changes have resulted in a significant income being generated which has been recognized by neighboring farmers and local authorities. This year the farmer has been able to use the RAS from the project to nurse fingerlings and then use the fingerlings o stock his grow out tanks and cages. He has also provided 17 other farmers with fingerlings from his new RAS system. Together with this, local authorities have realized the potential of the model and thus planed to support farmers in the commune to participate in training and applying the technology used in this system. 4 • By applying the project RAS model it is possible for a family who does not have any ponds (eg farms in Ha Tinh) to secure protein and generate income through high value aquatic species in tanks. The overwhelming success of the demonstration model has generated interest throughout the district, resulting in an agricultural program on district TV covering the new RAS model and demonstration sites for material in their extension programs. • Project funding has enabled a hatchery to be constructed on a demonstration site in Quang Binh. This hatchery now provides 1/3 of the carp fry and fingerlings to the Le Thuy district. • The media in Quang Tri (provincial level) has broadcasted the two snake-head fish demonstrations in Trieu Phong and Trieu Hoa several times. The provincial extension office uses the project trials as visiting sites in their aquaculture extension programs; • By including earthworms in the integrated system, a demonstration site for producing frog larvae in Hue reduced feed costs by 50% while increasing survival from 30% to 80%. The farmer has now doubled his farm size and has introduced a new species (Notopterus chitala) for breeding (copying the protocol for culturing frog). 4. Introduction & Background The farming communities in the Central coastal areas of Vietnam have very limited productive land, and marine aquatic resources are overexploited. Further, about 80% of the households in coastal communities rely heavily on income from fishing and aquaculture activities (contributing up to 95% total family income). In recent times, natural marine resources have declined due to over fishing and destruction of mangroves for the construction of shrimp ponds leading to the loss of income and livelihood for already poor communities. An integrated farming system, encompassing gardening, fish pond and livestock pen (under Vietnamese acronym VAC) is the most popular practice in the rural communities of Vietnam. Usually, in the VAC system, the fish pond ecosystem utilises either raw animal manure or compost to improve the natural primary and secondary productivity for carp aquaculture. This project aims to improve the efficiency of the traditional VAC system while decreasing environmental impact through the application of current farming technologies and introduction of local but higher value species. The objectives are: i) To carry out an analysis of current economic status and practices of household farming (includes aquaculture, horticulture and animal husbandry practices) and identify incentives and constraints for improved VAC application. ii) To develop appropriate improved VAC guidelines and manuals for household aquaculture in the North Central of Vietnam. iii) To build capacity for improved VAC application among stakeholders involved in aquaculture product market chains, especially smallholder producers. As outlined in the log frame, the performance measures are; • Collection of improved VAC materials available regionally and internationally; • Construction of questionnaire and interviewing of existing farming communities who are participating in the traditional VAC systems; 5 • Selection of 18 households/farms to demonstrate improved VAC practices; • Drafting of action plans for VAC demonstration systems which including farming of high-value species in an environmentally sustainable manner. Additional demonstration farms selected represent traditional VAC systems where, introduction of new high-value species and production intensification by incorporating a new recirculating system into the existing VAC was either not feasible or not necessary. These situations involved VAC systems where plenty of good quality water was available and it was felt that, with modifications in the operation protocols and changes in the species, the desired objectives could be achieved. In making such decisions, markets and skills available were also considered. An example of such a situation is a farm in Ha Tinh where the water surface area was greater than three hectares and instead of intensification, a new worm production system was established in order to convert waste organic manure into a useful by- product (earth worms). This meant that raw manure was not being released directly into the water body and thus prevented the future possibility of eutrophication and subsequent loss of productivity. 5. Progress to Date 5.1 Implementation Highlights Main achievements for this reporting period were; i) Completion of data collection of the implementation eighteen (18) VAC demonstration farms; ii) Completion of the economic analysis of these demonstration sites including earthworm and high value aquatic species; iii) Implementation of 2 more workshops, that is, training/workshop held in Quang Tri and the project closing workshop in Nghe An; iv) Implementation of 3 exchange visits at inter-provincial level. All project farmers and many interested farmers in six project provinces have had the chance to visit other farms and learn more for their farm modification; v) Organizing the visit for 2 of CEDMA’s staff to Australia. The visit was for consolidation and completion of the project; vi) Inviting Curtin’s experts to visit Vietnam two times, first visit organized in 5 th – 15 th , April and second visit was between 15 th – 25 th , June 2010; vii) Completion of the final report and closing the project. 5.2 Smallholder Benefits The project created a new income generation for many farmers in Central Costal communities. Many farmers, who did not have aquaculture as a part of their VAC system before the project, can now include aquaculture and generate more profit from the production of aquatic species by applying the RAS introduced through this project. It has been sown that the modification and adaptation of the traditional VAC using the technology introduced through this project has generated an increase in income for the farmers involved and has contributed to the environmental sustainability of the system. It is obvious that the benefits achieved to the household farmers as outlined in section 2.2 of the project proposal have been achieved. The benefits will be quantified during the second year of the project. To date, the direct benefits in terms of knowledge and skills used in 6 modified VAC operations to small-scale farmers have been achieved through the workshops and exchange visits run in various provinces and at demonstration sites. 5.3 Capacity Building As a result of several visits from Australian teams and interaction with CARD officials of Vietnam, together with the visits of CEDMA’s staff to Curtin University, the knowledge and skills necessary for successfully using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) has been strengthening. The transfer of technologies in the areas of RAS, efficient nutrient recycling across various farming components of VAC practices, production of additional farming by- product (earth worms) and environmental monitoring programs have been completed but will continue as a part of capacity building exercises with the demonstration VAC site householders. To monitor the progress in capacity building, workshops/meetings in all project provinces for the local Extension Officers were conducted. Additionally, the exchange visits led by local extension staff, under the supervised support of CEDMA and Curtin expertise, enhanced the capacity of the local extension system. 5.4 Publicity Extension material including brochures, posters and single page pamphlets have been published and distributed to local extension offices in all project provinces. The guidelines for implementation of an improved VAC system have also been published and distributed to farmers who are both involved and not involved in the project. 5.5 Project Management Management of the project has been satisfactory and no major constraints were encountered. 6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues 6.1 Environment The protocol for monitoring the environmental impacts of the improved systems has been formulated and monitoring activities have commenced. 6.2 Gender and Social Issues As significantly higher males participated in the meetings and workshops, gender participation was not balanced. However, this has not created or was not due to any social issues. It was felt that the timing of the workshops was not conducive for females due to their other engagements. No other social issues were faced which would have had an adverse impact on the progress of the project. 7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues 7.1 Issues and Constraints During this reporting period, the project activities were concentrated on dissemination of information on the improved VAC through training/workshops, exchange visits, and 7 meetings. On occasion the activities have been postponed as a result of coinciding with the heaviest production cycle for the farmers. Farmers had to spend more time, looking after their farms and some of them could not attend the events as planned. Also, the final records for the environmental parameters that were measured by farmers, were lost at some demonstration sites. 7.2 Options No issues to report. 7.3 Sustainability The main aim of the project was to improve the economic status of the farmers practicing traditional VAC practices. This is achieved by improving the productivity and thus the income base from the traditional VAC system in an environmentally sustainable way. The modified VAC system envisages minimum adverse impacts on the surrounding environment and diversifying the production base so that disease and production and marketing risks are minimised. The established environmental protocol will also help householders to recycle the nutrients from one production base to another and hence reduce the cost of overall VAC operations. This will have a positive impact on the sustainability of the farming practices. Furthermore, activities and research aimed at improving the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the improved integrated systems will continue after the project has finished. This will include two CEDMA staff members commencing PhD studies at Curtin University, Australia. In addition, the environmental monitoring of the improved VAC will be strongly linked to the National Environment and Disease Monitoring program, and will be carried out once per year. 8. Next Critical Steps On completion of the project, the project outcomes will be developed further by; 1. Continuation of the dissemination of project results and further assessment of the socio-economics of the integrated system through the PhD at Curtin University (Mr. Nguyen Van Suc); 2. The RAS system will be reviewed and adapted further to increase efficiency of the VAC system through another PhD at Curtin University (Mr. Vo Van Binh); 3. The continued environmental monitoring of the new VAC systems will be linked closely into the National Mission for Aquaculture Environment and Disease Monitoring; 4. The training in the environmental sustainability of aquaculture will be continued through CEDMA’s activities. 9. Conclusion The project has been successfully implemented. All objectives proposed have been achieved. . improved VAC materials available regionally and internationally; • Construction of questionnaire and interviewing of existing farming communities who are participating in the traditional VAC systems; . aquaculture , background information and data was collected in the provinces of; Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Quang Tri. From the information gained through this information, 18 farms. Executive Summary To achieve the goals of the project that is improving the income base to sustain livelihoods of poor coastal farmers in Central Vietnam through environmentally sustainable aquaculture