Báo cáo định kỳ: Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) – a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities (MS7)

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT 027/07VIE: Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) – a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities. MS7: Training and Competency Improvement report June, 2010 1 Table of Contents 1. Institute Information ___________________________________________________ 1 2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________________ 2 3. Trainng/workshop _____________________________________________________ 2 4. Meetings _____________________________________________________________ 4 5. Exchange visiting______________________________________________________ 6 6. Training for two CEDMA staff in Australia_________________________________ 8 7. Second beneficial approach activities _____________________________________ 10 8. Individual visits ______________________________________________________ 11 2 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 Australian Organisation Australian Personnel Date commenced Completion date (original) Completion date (revised) Reporting period Mr. Mai Van Tai (Project director) Mr. Vo Van Binh (Project manager) Agriculture and Environment - Division of Science and Engineering-Curtin University of Technology (CUT) Assoc. Professor Ravi Fotedar (Team Leader) Prof. Graeme Robertson (Management) Dr. Jane Fewtrell (Environmental Scientist) Mr. Simon Longbottom (Aquaculture Scientist) 8th February 2009 January 2010 June 2010 Training and Competency Improvement (MS#7) Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Name: Position: Organisation Dr Ravi Fotedar International Program Director, A/Prof Muresk Institute, CUT Telephone: Fax: Email: +61 8 92664508 +61 8 92664422 r.fotedar@curtin.edu.au In Australia: Administrative contact Name: Position: Organisation In Vietnam Name: Position: Organisation As mentioned above Mr Vo Van Binh Head of environment Department Centre for Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture (CEDMA) Telephone: Fax: Email: Telephone: Fax: Email: 0983105537 0241840241 binhvanvo@yahoo.com 1 2. Project Abstract 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 and 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. 3. Training/workshop Workshop in Hue The purpose of this workshop was to introduce a new concept to the improved VAC system. This includes the introduction of earthworms to treat manure before release into ponds and gardens and the introduction of high valued species. Introducing earthworms to the system has potential to increase the environmental sustainability of the system while high value aquatic species introduction plays an important role in generation and/or addition of income. The number and background of workshop participants is shown in Table 1. Discussion focused on the feasibility of the model. RAS in rural areas, where electricity is not always available, is the main bottle neck for adoption of this system. However, in most cases, the adaptation and modification of the traditional VAC by applying a RAS is possible. Conclusion: With increasing demand on aquatic production, the traditional VAC system requires modification to increase efficiency. The improved VAC system can address this issue, but prior to installation the financial cost of set up and operation must be considered on an individual basis. Table 1: Participant composition of the inception workshop in Hue (4th December, 2008) Participant background Number Farmers from project provinces 20 Extension officials (Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe an and Quang Nam) 7 Animal health management 1 Provincial Aquaculture Division (six project provinces) 6 Agricultural and Rural Development staff 4 Aquaculture Development Department 1 International experts 2 Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 12 2 Figure 1: Photographs of discussion during the inception workshop in Hue. Training workshop in Quang tri This workshop was for participants among project provinces including; Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh Quang Tri and Hue. The workshop gave participants a forum to discuss and share experiences, knowledge, skills and technology for introducing the RAS to the traditional VAC system. The development of new guidelines for the improved VAC system was also discussed. Objectives of workshop: The main objective of the training/workshop was to discuss; i) issues with adoption of the improved VAC system ii) advantages of the model in terms of environmental sustainability and economic aspects iii) continuation and dissemination of technology subsequent to project conclusion. The participants included aquaculture extension officers from provincial, district and commune levels and farmers (Table 2) Conclusion: Extension staff agreed that the improved VAC systems installed at the demonstration sites proved to be beneficial, both economically and environmentally and that they will adopt the model into their national program. The training/workshop met the expectations of the extension workers and farmers. Table 2: Participant composition of the training/workshop in Quang Tri (6-8th April 2010) Participant background Number Farmers 12 Extension officers of 6 provinces 11 Extension station staff 11 Provincial Aquaculture Division staff 2 Agriculture and RD staff from each province 2 Commune Extension staff 2 International experts 3 3 ... - tailieumienphi.vn