seychelles rapport mission june 11...

Programme Agroecology IRACC

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Mission report

Place: Seychelles

From: 11 to 18 June 2011

Subject: Monitoring the implementation of IRACC (Initiative Régionale Agroécologie Changement Climatique/ Regional Initiative for Agroecology-‐Climate Change)

Par: Rakotondralambo Andriantahina,Regional Coordinator/IRACC

Ref projet:

22. Redynamizing, operating, animating a network on sustainable agriculture in the the Indian Ocean

41. Implementation of microprojets in agroecology within the ongoing rural development projects based upon the success in other islands.

Actions performed Results -‐ Support in the implementation of the Agroecology platform of Seychelles

-‐ Platform created

-‐ Conception and testing the implementation of planting system in the stations under control and in the pilot farming sites

-‐ Acroecology planting system conceived and implemented in the controlled stations and pilot farms.

-‐ Elaboration of a 2011 action plan with the main activities at midterm starting 2012

-‐ Draft of a 2011-‐2012 action plan initiated -‐ Main activities at midterm were defined but not finalized (platform)

13-‐06-‐2011: Meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Seychelles Agricultural Agency (SAA) and NFP at CEO office. The meeting gathered the CEO Moustache Antoine Marie, the NFP Keven Nancy, the NFP2 Barry Nourice and the Regional Coordinator (RC) of IRACC Rakotondralambo Tahina. The RC first explained the objective of his mission (ToR) and gave a general overview of the project progress and the expectation of the ePRPV via the Agroecology platform. The CEO then requested for some clarifications about the relationship between the IRACC and the former PRPV. The former NFP of PRPV always claims for the position of NFP in the Agroecology project as, according to him, it is the follow-‐up of the PRPV. It was clarified that there is no link between the 2 projects but both are implemented by the IOC. Nevertheless, the IRACC will reinforce the outputs from the PRPV and will cooperate with the ePRPV through updates of the regional data base of pets as well as the realization of other capacity building activities. The next logical step of the PRPV is ePRPV, which is presently being implemented by CIRAD Reunion. It consists of implementing an action that aims at sustainabling the results of PRPV and a transfer of responsibilities to the islands. This is both a normal and legitimate step as the members of the IRACC network have all recognized the significant results of the PRPV. Then, the discussions were focused on the week program, the sites to be visited and the availability of the persons to meet with.


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The remaining time of the day was spent visiting 3 farms that were chosen by the SAA extension officers where agroecology approach would be intiated. The problems existing in these farms are the same: weak soil fertility and invasion of weed, especially the Cyperus rotondus. The first farmer visited is Mr. Willy Confiance in Val d'Endor. It is a family farm par excellence. Located on a slope, Willy is practicing very diversified crops (we saw in his field cucumber, tomato, cassava, potato, beans, green beans, cabbage, bitter melon, maize and chilly), small chicken breeding and few cows. The second farmer is Mrs Tessa Rassool in Dame Loie. She is specialized in orchard on hills. She plants pine apples, mangoes, papayas, and passion fruits. Coconut palm and orange trees do not produce yet. The soil of her orchard is covered by a grass with very small leaves that we could not identify. She also has a goat farm of about 30 heads. The manure is packed in a corner without transformation. It is fully used to fertilize fruit trees. For the pine apples, she uses cinnamon leaf mulch, which is abundant in her farm. She found that cinnamon leaves are pest repellent and maintain the pine apples healthy.

These leaves are thick and strong and there is little humus on the soil. In any case, the agricultural research center of Anse Boileau is ready to conduct some tests on the subject. Tessa wants to produce fully organic fruits. An idea was launched to combine the cinnamon leaves with other leaves of legumes or grass that should be planted locally if she wants. This practice will increase the quantity of humus on the soil. Being a very active woman, Tessa is continually innovating in her farm. She would like to expand it by producing vegetables and medicinal plants. To fight against pests, she sets up traps. She complains that her neighbors are using chemical products, which increase the number of insects between treatments. The last farmer visited was Mr. Samson Alain whose farm is located at Petit Barbaron. His plots are fully infested by the Cyperus. Four days after tillage and total cleaning, the ground is covered with buds of Cyperus. He has the advantage of having a sandy soil that facilitates weeding action but soil is too permeable. It mainly produces tomato, lettuce, cabbage, beans and squash (giromon) by using mini-‐sprinkler irrigation. Water is pumped from a source located in his field. The extension officer who is in charge of these 2 first farmers is Mr. José Guerreiro whilst the third one is assisted by Mr. Gérald Monthy.

14-‐06-‐2011. The day started with the visit of the laboratory of the National Plant Protection Office in Union Vale. This visit is scheduled within the framework of the cooperation with ePRPV and the


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integration of plant protection in the agroecological systems. There is a data base server but it does not work anymore. The PCR Lab equipment is visible but never used. The two persons in charge of the lab, Randy Straven (Main Officer) and Samuel Brutus (Research Officer) stated that they do not have the manuals for some devices. In any case, they do not how to use them. They also stated that they have never received the list of devices; so it is impossible for them to make a precise inventory. The other materials procured under the PRPV are visible in the room and are functional. For a better efficiency of its future activities, the lab has just received another room to which this equipment will be transferred.

The afternoon was spent visiting the Agricultural Research Station of Anse Boileau. Sandra Sinon and Yuna Madeleine, research assistants, guided the visit and explained the ongoing tests. The tests concern the effectiveness of new organic pesticides products and fertilizers introduced in Seychelles, the performance of new variety of seeds, the effectiveness of various irrigation systems used by farmers, the effectiveness of fertigation compared to conventional method of fertilization, and the production of plants (fruits, vegetables) for sale to the public. The two assistants were delighted by the idea of conducting on-‐plot crop tests in association with cover crops and cropping rotation. They also want to test new varieties of crops to improve the existing species. The visit of cropping soil cover systems researchers is required to assist the test start up. A plant, the Phyllantus amarus (kerneli in creole) has invaded the spaces between the rows of maize in the station (see picture below). The station will conduct testing to see its effects in association with other crops. The plant looks like a legume with a taproot that can unpack the soil and let in-‐depth mineral elements and underground water ascend.


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15-‐06-‐2011. Visit of an hydroponic tomato farm of M. Dany Agathine, in Val d'Endore. The facilities are made with simple products that are available in the market. The shade house is made of wooden stakes and plastic sheeting; the plant support is made of degraded coco fibers that have high level of water retention. These products are broken and boiled to become the physical plant support. They are placed in flower boxes. The drip irrigation system is installed, in which fertilizers and chemicals are transported. During the visit, few tomato plants were wilted. The cause is probably related to the presence of a pathogenic bacterium that goes into the vascular system. Barry has tested the pH of the irrigation water and took a sample to have it analyzed in the soil laboratory in the SAA.

The mission then assisted a workshop on Water Conservation in Agriculture & Leptospirosis at Val D’endore Community Centre, organized by The Agricultural Extension Services Section within The Seychelles Agricultural Agency in collaboration with the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) and the Ministry Of Health. The agenda of the meeting concerned water and health management in the community of farmers. The different presentations highlighted the problem of water that the island is facing, awareness of farmers on efficient water use, and vigilance against the presence of bacteria (leptospirosis and tetanus) due to lack of hygiene.

The mission then moved to Victoria to meet the responsible person at the SGP/GEF UNDP at the office of the Program Coordination Unit in Victoria. The Program Coordinator, Mrs Veronique Herminie, kindly received the missionaries. This meeting was an opportunity to present each project (Sustainable Land Management SLM financed by the SGP and IRACC) and to identify areas of collaboration. The RC/IRACC informed UNDP that the IRACC is an action toward the adoption of agroecological approach in agricultural production face to climatic change. The cooperation could happen at the level of technical and scientific exchanges by joining the Agroecology platform in the Seychelles. In spite of their confirmation, they could not assist the platform meeting scheduled on 16-‐06-‐2011. It is expected that the program offers financial supports to mini-‐projects related to agroecology as the Mauritius SGP/GEF does.

16-‐06-‐2011. A full-‐day workshop was organized for the platform. It consisted of establishing the 2011-‐2012 action plan, sharing activities between the responsible members and constituting the list of the members of the competence Centre. The day started with the presentation made by the NFP


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Keven Nancy about the three projects implemented by the SAA: 1) IAEA project SEY 5004 -‐ Development of Improved Nutrient and Management Practices Using Nuclear and related Techniques for Enhancing Sustainable Agricultural Productivity, 2) Sustainable Land Management Project financed by GEF UNDP and 3) COMESA Regional Seed Harmonization Project. The presentation of the Agroecology project was focused on climate change (The Seychelles had faced a severe lack of rainfall this year 2011) and the technical propositions being proposed within the IRACC, such as the biological control of diseases and insects pests, the cropping permanent soil cover systems, the “tsabo nohatsaraina”, tied out cow…. In any case, the IRACC will not change the objectives defined for the activities of all partners (extension service, projects,…). It provides alternatives to improve the impact of the interventions on agricultural installations as well as a new working method both at national and regional levels through platforms. The platform was already constituted and the meeting of 4/03/2011 (refer to report in appendix) consisted of reporting about the resolutions from the IRACC steering in Mauritius and clarifying the context of Agroecology compared with PRPV.

17-‐06-‐2011. The morning was spent working with the research assistants at the station of Anse Boileau to establish a draft of research protocol. Being interested by agroecology, like all the other participants of the 16-‐06-‐2011 workshop, the two assistants wanted to show their skills in conducting tests. Taking the advantage of the availability of some free plots, they want to fill them very quickly. This is very encouraging but requires a great care. Tests on the repellent effects of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum will be conducted within various conditions to check the behavior of many crops, using it as mulch, burying it in the ground and see the effects on nematodes, bacterium and mushrooms. The station will also extract components from barks and leaves and see the effects of spraying on plants. Such tests must be performed by the other countries to compare the results. It would have been interesting to see how to perform the tests from other plants (neem, comfrey, tobacco…).

In the afternoon, a courtesy visit to Mr. Michael Nalletamby, Principal Secretary of Investment and Natural Resources was done. The PS and Mrs Moustache Mermedah, Policy Analyst received the missionary and the two NFP. The RC/IRACC briefly introduced the Agroecology project, how the platforms operate and how the networking is performed, and the definition of agroecology in the IRACC context. There are so many definitions of agroecology and the IRACC has defined it as practices that promote carbon sequestration and water infiltration, and that reduce the use of chemical inputs, soil erosion, irrigation flow, the use of fossil energy and GES emission…. The NFP has then outlined the work progress in the Seychelles: constituting the Steering Committee of the Agroecology project (i.e. the national platform) and the competence center; establishing the tests protocols to be installed at the Researh Station of Anse Boileau, the activities to be carried out in the framework of the ePRPV, the 2011-‐2012 action plan and the mid-‐term action plan for 2013-‐2018 (5 years). The discussions on agroecology and the intensive conventional techniques were very animated. The PS and Mrs Moustache had both expressed their enthusiasm for the project and the progress of the work carried out by the two NFP. The RC/IRACC will come back as soon as all the tests will be installed. At that time, he will visit the Praslin Island, an agriculture-‐oriented island, which will be included in the action zones for the development of the agroecology in the Seychelles.


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En annexe:

-‐ Program of the mission

-‐ The Competence Center of Seychelles

-‐ The persons in charge of the activities related to e-‐PRPV

-‐ Minutes of the Seychelles Agroecology Platform Meeting held on Friday 04th March 2011at 9.15 am at the SAA Union Vale Compound


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Propose Program for the visit of Mr. Tahina with regards to the Launching of the Regional Agroecology Project in the Seychelles, 11th to 18th June 2011

Date Activities Person Responsible Saturday 11th June

Arrival

Kenneth Labiche, Keven Nancy

Sunday 12th June

Free

Barry Nourice, Keven Nancy

Monday 13th June 8.30 am – 9.00 am 9.00am – 12.00pm 1.30 pm -‐ 4.30pm

Meeting with CEO SAA and NFP at CEO office Visit to Farmers field to have familiarize further with the type of Agriculture Being perform in the Seychelles and to indentify best suited area for the trial Lunch Continue with visit

Barry Nourice, Keven Nancy, CEO SAA Barry Nourice and Authorized Driver with the assistance of Extension Services (Gerald Monthy) Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Tuesday 14th June 8.30 am – 12.00pm 1.30 pm – 4.00pm

Visit Plant Protection Laboratory, server PRPV Lunch Visit research station

Barry Nourice, Mr. Gerald Monthy Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Wednesday 15th June 9.00 am 12.00 pm

Visit to one hydroponic farmer at Val D’Endore. Attend half presentation by local bodies on Water management and Health issues in Farming community. Lunch

Keven Nancy, Barry Nourice, Keven, Barry


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1.30pm Meeting with SGP/GEF de l'UNDP à Victoria.

Meeting with the national agroecology project committee at SAA

Barry The project team Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Thursday 16th June

Action Plan (2011-‐2012, MT) Workshop at the Seyfa meeting room

Keven, Barry, Sandra, Norbert, Gilbert and Gerald. Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Friday 17th June 8.30 am – 12.00 pm 1.30 pm -‐ 2.00 pm

Finalize work on Action Plan to be implemented for the Agroecology project. Lunch Courtesy visit to PSNR Independence House (Need confirmation from PS office)

Barry Nourice, Keven, Gerald and Mr. Port Louis Barry Nourice, Keven Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Saturday 18th

Departure Driver: Kenneth Labiche

Note: The highlighted texts are inclusion to help propagate the ideology of the project to wider ground of people at different level and for better understanding of the Seychelles agricultural community.

Prepared By: Barry Nourice for Mr. Tahina


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Agroecology project meeting 16 June 2011 Platform of National expertise Subject matter

National expertise Organisation

Entomologist Bobb Petrousse Randy Stravens Wills Dogley Samuel Brutus

National Plant Protection Organisation

Plant pathology Bobb Petrousse Randy Stravens Wills Dogley Samuel Brutus


Quarantine Allan Suzette Randy Stravens Nigel Chang Liseng Wills Dogley


Nematodes Samuel Brutus National Plant Protection Organisation

Weeds Randy Stravens Wills Dogley


NPPO policy and regulation Randy Stravens Wills Dogley


Extentionist Gilbert PortLouis Jose Quereiro Gerald Monthy

Extension Services

Soil Fertility Barry Nourice Sandra Sinon Keven Nancy

Research and Development

Sustainable Land Management

Barry Nourice Sandra Sinon Keven Nancy


Irrigation and Drainage Roy Govinden Andre Volcy Monette Nourice


Controlled environment Andre Volcy Roy Govinden Joseph Victor

Research and Development Extension services

Crop Variety screening Sandra Sinon Janine Jean


Crop water requirement Roy Govinden Andre Volcy Monette Nourice


Agricultural Land Management

Linetta Joubert Serge Larue Gilbert Port Louis

Agricultural land management Extension services


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Plant Genetic Resources Barry Nourice Wilven Payet Mermedah Moustache


Climate change Barry Nourice Roy Govinden Monette Nourice


Crop research economic profitability

Yuna Madelaine Terry Jules

Research and Development Extension Services

The Agroecology project Steering Committee Keven Nancy Principal Officer (Research and Development) (NFP) Barry Nourice Senior Lab Tech (Research and Development) (Assist. NFP) Gilbert Port Louis Principal Officer (Extension Services) Randy Stravens Principal Officer (NPPO) Wills Dogley Manager (Plant and Animal Health) Linetta Joubert Manageress Agric. Land Management Serge Benstrong Seychelles Farmers Association Bob Petrousse NPPO Samuel Brutus NPPO Sandra Sinon Research and Development Monette Nourice Research and Development Roy Govinden Research and Development Jose Quereiri Extension Services Georgie Belmont SAHTC Michel Nalletamby PSINR Antoine Moustache CEO SAA Mermedah Moustache Policy Analyst (INR)


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COOPERATION WITH CIRAD REUNION (ePRPV)

Organize implementation of each fiche action

Actions Forms Themes Responsible

ePRPV Responsible Seychelles Organisations

F.A.1 Training BD Inventory of cop pests in the Indian Ocean

Henri Brouchoud, Chloé Schmitt, CIRAD

Bobb Petrousse

Sandra Sinon

NPPO

Research

F.A.2 Installation of the PCR analysis equipment and completion of an inter-‐laboratory test

Emmanuel Jouen, FDGDON

Bobb Petrousse

Samuel Brutus

NPPO

NPPO

F.A.3.1 Control and management of the population of fruit flies

Serge Quilici, CIRAD, (with AEIA)

Marc Nicholas

Jose Quereiro

Roy Govinden

NPPO

Extension

Research

F.A.3.2 Control and management of the populations of vegetable flies

Serge Quilici, CIRAD

Verna Leon

Gerard Monthy

Monette Nourice

NPPO

Extension

Research

F.A.3.3 Control and management of the populations of aleurodes with spiral laying

Serge Quilici, CIRAD

Bobb Petrousse

Andre Volcy

Georgie Brizillia

NPPO

Research

Extension

F.A.4.1

The approach of co-‐composting: basic principles and adaptation at farm scale or pool production scale

Willy Suzanne, FARRE Réunion

Barrry Nourice

Gilbert Port Louis

Keven Nancy

Research

Extension

Research

F.A.4.2

The reasoned Agriculture approach: to what extent can it be applied to any type of farm?

Willy Suzanne, FARRE Réunion, Rachel Graindorge, ARMEFLHOR

Barry Nourice

Joseph Victor

Sandra Sinon

Keven Nancy

Research

Extension

Research

Research

F.A.7

Quality of agricultural products and the environment : control of the pesticides residues in honey and biological characterization

Nathalie Becker, MNHN

Samuel Brutus

Monette Bonne

Gilbert Port louis

NPPO

Research

Extension


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of the bees


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Minutes of the Agroecology Meeting held on Friday 04th March 2011 at 9.15 am at the SAA Union Vale Compound Present Michel Nalletamby PSINR Keven Nancy Principal Officer (Research and Development) Gilbert Port Louis Principal Officer (Extension Services) Randy Stravens Principal Officer (NPPO) Linetta Joubert Manageress Agric. Land Management Bob Petrousse NPPO Samuel Brutus NPPO Sandra Sinon Research and Development Monette Nourice Research and Development Roy Govinden Research and Development Terry Jules Extension Services Georgie Brizillia Extension Services

1.0 2.0

Introduction with regards to Agro-ecology project Members were made aware that the activities of PRPV ended in 2008 and the project is officially closed with the EC. The “PRPV2” has not taken shape as planned, however there is the agro ecology initiative funded by FIDA is playing an intermediate role and is focusing more on research work undertaken in agro ecology in the countries of the region. It is a very small grant of 750,000 USD which will not be sufficient to do a full size programme for the region. CIRAD Réunion and Madagascar is closely associated as it would appear that they are undertaking some activities in that field. CIRAD/ Réunion had developed a project entitled “E PRPV) and it would also appear that under the FEDER, funds will be made available to finance these activities. With regards to the regional projects, the aspect of plant protection is included in the proposed Regional Biodiversity programme. But the project proposal is still being developed with the EC to be funded under the 10th EDF. The consultant working on the project proposal was in Seychelles in December 2010. Suggested project which Seychelles could benefit from

• Minimum and no-tillage cultivation. • Intercropping using legumes such as cowpeas and beans. • Sustainable agriculture using cover crop. • Composting method for backyard farmers. • Bio-pesticide promotion and utilization taking into consideration the

white issue. • Continuation of inventory of the National weed database weed initiated

under the previous PRPV project.


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3.0 4.0 4.1 4.2

• Continuation of the inventory of the data pest list which was initiated under the initial PRPV1 project.

• Harmonisation of the regional whitefly and fruit fly programme. • Database on the natural enemies found in Seychelles.

Plant protection aspect The issue of harmonisation of the regional whitefly and fruit fly programme was raised whereby Seychelles requested to be informed of what is happening on the regional scene. This could be in form of exchange visit There was request for the continuation of the inventory of the data pest list that was initiated under the initial PRPV1 project. There was the mention that there was staff trained for the inputting of data and a refresher training in the domain is required. For this reason it is required to get the internet server functional so as to work on inventory and database related subjects for the eventual validation. There was also request for the continuation of inventory of the National weed database weed initiated under the previous PRPV project. Members were made aware that there was a steering committee with regards to the issue. A database on the natural enemies found in Seychelles was requested. It was made aware that there countries in the region who are at an advance stage, hence Seychelles could learn from them. This could be in terms of on job training programme or exchange visit. The inventory will lead to the means of biological control locally available. A PCR was received under the PRPV 1 project and the equipment is yet to be installed. Therefore on job training is required on the installation and use of the PCR. Sustainable Land Management Subject areas which Seychelles could share with the region Seychelles has experience in certain areas the practices could be documented and shared with the region.

• Cucumber on trellis(growing on support) • The local way of building terraces • Building of shade house on terraces • Intercropping both open field and under shade house

Areas of where Seychelles could learn from the region/Exchange visits

• Minimum and no-tillage cultivation • Intercropping using legumes such as cowpeas and beans • The use of cover crop


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5.0 6.0 7.0

• Composting method for backyard farmers Communication/ internet issues It was mentioned that the internet server acquired under the PRPV 1 project has not been functioning for while, it was stated that the problem is with regards to the programming of the server. With this regards Seychelles would require the help from expertise in the region for the programming of the server. The internet server is a crucial aspect of the problem as the means of communication will be internet based such as using website for the dissemination of information to the farmers and individuals working on the project region wide. Linkage with other project The project may be linked with other ongoing project so as to derived the maximum benefits:

• IAEA projects • GEF UNDP SLM project • GEF UNDP Bio-security project

Setting up of the Agro-ecology project steering committee Keven Nancy Principal Officer (Research and Development) Barry Nourice Senior Lab Tech (Research and Development) Gilbert Port Louis Principal Officer (Extension Services) Randy Stravens Principal Officer (NPPO) Wills Dogley Manager (Plant and Animal Health) Linetta Joubert Manageress Agric. Land Management Serge Benstrong Seychelles Farmers Association Bob Petrousse NPPO Samuel Brutus NPPO Sandra Sinon Research and Development Monette Nourice Research and Development Roy Govinden Research and Development Jose Quereiri Extension Services Georgie Belmont SAHTC Michel Nalletamby PSINR Antoine Moustache CEO SAA Mermedah Moustache Policy Analyst (INR) The steering committee will meet monthly or as when required during the progressing of the project


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There being no other business the meeting adjourned at 11.30 a.m. The date of the next meeting has been set for Friday 11th March 2011, As agreed the next meeting will be chaired by Randy Stravens as I will be on official overseas mission.

seychelles rapport mission june 11...

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