AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY

Agriteam was built upon a foundation of agricultural and food security expertise, and the sector remains a core area of expertise today. We strive to contribute to ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Our experts advise on all aspects of agricultural development and food security, ranging from agricultural policy analysis and strategic planning to building the productivity, asset base and self-reliance of smallholders, including adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

OUR EXPERTISE INCLUDES:

Crop production and processing including bio-fuel analysis
Feedstuffs production, processing and marketing
Post-harvest handling, processing, marketing and agro-industrial enterprise
Pasture management including community-based co-management systems
Livestock production and processing
Animal health, epidemiology and information systems
Food safety, inspection and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
Land and water resources management including irrigation systems
Environmental impact assessment and management
Feasibility studies and strategic planning
Agricultural policy and economics
Agricultural credit
Agricultural market development, grading systems and commodity markets
Business planning and enterprise start-up
Farm management
Farm level commodity marketing and risk management
Climate-smart agriculture technologies
Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for international agri-food trade
Food safety certification

Agriteam has implemented more than 145 agricultural and food security projects in 40 countries around the world.

OUR AGRICULTURE & FOOD SECURITY PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS

ETHIOPIA: Support to Agricultural Growth in Ethiopia (AGP) (Global Affairs Canada, 2016-2021)

This agriculture project is supporting the second phase of the Government of Ethiopia’s Agriculture Growth Programme (AGP2) by strengthening the capacity of government staff and implementing agencies responsible for AGP2 to improve its delivery; thereby supporting the agriculture sector in Ethiopia, and the production, commercialization, research and small-scale irrigation sub-sectors. Agriteam staff are working to facilitate a common, systemic approach to AGP2 implementation and build the capacity of federal, regional, zonal, and woreda staff to facilitate and train, and to develop training programs based on adult learning principles and practices. At the same time, through a learning-by-doing approach, the project is supporting AGP2 Project Coordinating Units and key implementing agencies to implement AGP2 in an efficient and high-quality manner. The project is being implemented in 161 woredas in 35 zones, providing approximately 5,000 government and non-government personnel with new skills and competencies. These individuals will know how to develop, train and facilitate good capacity strengthening and application programs based on a well-defined, systematic capacity development approach, and be able to correctly apply the AGP2 administrative and management operations, systems and processes; promote linkages, coordination and collaboration; and ensure that gender, safeguards, nutrition and climate-smart initiatives are well-integrated across all program components.

ETHIOPIA: Technical Assistance to Strengthen Capacity Development for the Productive Safety Net Program Phase 4 (PSNP4) (World Bank, 2017-2020)

In June 2015, the Government of Ethiopia launched the fourth phase of a food security programme, which included a Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP4), in 318 rural woredas in 8 regions of Ethiopia. The expected outcome of the PSNP4 project is “enhanced participation in improved rural safety net, livelihood and nutrition services by food insecure female-/male-headed households.” Building on the success of the original Safety Net Support Facility (SNSF) project which supported the first phase of PSNP, Agriteam aims to provide technical assistance in a number of priority areas to strengthen government systems and processes for PSNP4. More specifically, by building the government’s ability to provide for its own capacity development needs in the areas of: human and physical resource management; adoption of program-wide systemic approaches; development and delivery of needs-based capacity development programs; program coordination and management; and institutionalization of capacity development within the government. Technical assistance, training and other job-embedded support provided by Agriteam will address issues of gender equality and social development, draw on international best practices, and develop the capacity of the Government’s capacity development resource pool.

ETHIOPIA: Small-Scale and Micro Irrigation Support (SMIS) Project Global Affairs Canada and the (Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, 2014-2019)

This five-year initiative supports efforts to improve food security in Ethiopia through the development of sustainable, gender responsive irrigated agriculture. Agriteam is working with government agencies at regional, zonal, and wordea levels to enhance their capacity to implement Ethiopia’s Small-Scale Irrigation Capacity Building Strategy. Through the project, these agencies will expand their capacity and skills in agricultural irrigation from a simple, implementation-based approach to one that emphasizes planning, coordination and supervision. The project has three key components: small-scale irrigation capacity building for key Government of Ethiopia agencies and personnel; capacity development of Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training (A-TVET) Colleges; and promotion of household micro-irrigation among local farmer groups and small-scale entrepreneurs. Watershed management issues are also being addressed as a secondary component

SOUTH SUDAN: Building Resilient Agricultural Production (BRAP) (Global Affairs Canada, 2015 –2017)

Women are the key agricultural producers and providers for household food security in South Sudan. BRAP focused on the role of women to increase agricultural production through programming targeted at field crops (cereal grains, vegetables and fruit), small and micro-scale irrigation development, aquaculture, and poultry/small ruminants. In addition to production assistance, Agriteam worked with producers and community groups to improve the value chain for food products through better post-harvest processing, storage and marketing. Support to farmers included inputs such as seeds, tools, and equipment, as well as training for farmers, agriculture extension workers and animal health workers designed to help farmers engage in planning and policy at the state and national level.

AFGHANISTAN: Kandahar Local Initiatives Program (Global Affairs Canada, 2009-2012)

The Kandahar Local Initiatives Program was a peace-building intervention designed to address livelihood issues related to food security, subsistence agriculture, agricultural production, irrigation management, domestic water supply and income generation activities. It was also designed to build the capacity of the provincial and district governments, as well as other institutions such as Kandahar University.

Within the Program, Agriteam led a number of initiatives designed and implemented in conjunction with the provincial and district government, community and district development committees, and the International Stabilization Assistance Force (ISAF). Project activities targeted food security and livelihood issues and included: irrigation rehabilitation; procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs (wheat seed, fertilizer and small ruminants); enhancement of agricultural extension services; domestic water supply through well drilling and hand pump installation, health and hygiene awareness for women, and vocational training in mechanics, masonry, carpentry or tailoring to create opportunities for young men, and also creating opportunities for women given the cultural context and the opportunities open to them.

CHINA: Canada-China Livestock Health Extension Services Project (Global Affairs Canada, 2005-2011)

This project contributed to improved public health, farm productivity and increased incomes for poor farmers by supporting China’s reform of its veterinary services, and promoting the development of livestock health through providing participatory, farmer-focused extension services to small-holder farmers and livestock operations. Led by Agriteam, the project implemented a series of farm pilot projects in livestock health and zoonotic disease control, linking them to national policy research and dialogue. Training in both Canada and China focused on decision makers at the national and regional levels, and contributed to more effective policy development and improved public-private dialogue, while direct training and extension service support to farmer associations and other private stakeholders focused on ensuring compliance with international WTO/OIE standards in livestock handling and processing, ultimately strengthening marketing opportunities for farmers.

Project results included innovations in the handling of waste from the veterinary and human medical systems, and the establishment of provincial initiatives to collect and dispose of syringes. Another highly successful result of the project was the massive reduction of insect populations in pig farms by improving animal care practices among rural farmers.

BANGLADESH: Poultry Sector Development Project (Global Affairs Canada, 1998-2005)

This Agriteam-managed project improved the profitability of the poultry industry and its contribution to poverty reduction and food security in rural areas of Bangladesh by working with poultry farms and feed mills to improve the manufacture, handling and use of quality feedstuffs, improve laboratory testing of feed products and ingredients, provide technical assistance, on-site training and demonstrations, and establish linkages with the Canadian poultry sector. Agriteam further worked with the Directorate of Livestock Services (DLS) of the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen government structures, policies and programs for the sector, and to establish appropriate regulations to control unsafe feed products and improve private sector capacity to manufacture, handle and utilize high quality feedstuffs.

Poultry farmers and feed mill operators were provided technical assistance via improved extension services, on-site training and demonstrations, and support from Canadian poultry sector specialists. These interventions were paired with infrastructure upgrades, national policy reform and new private-sector investment of approximately CAD $45 million.

A focus on women’s entrepreneurship ensured that women poultry farm owners shared equally in the economic prosperity generated by the growing poultry industry. To address gender inequality in the sector, seven women-owned poultry farms were piloted with linkages to market access.

MONGOLIA: Study of Extensive Livestock Production Systems (Asian Development Bank, 1996-1997)

Agriteam provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry to formulate policies and strategies and an action plan for sustainable management of extensive livestock production systems in the country. The team assisted the Ministry in developing participatory approaches to planning and management of the natural resources at all stages of project implementation so that the completed action plan would properly reflect the views, knowledge and needs of the many formal and informal groups involved in the sector. The range of activities, from research to policy development, required the full participation of all Mongolian stakeholders, from senior policy makers to local technicians and herders.

CHINA: China-Canada Integrated Lean Swine Project (Global Affairs Canada, 1992-2003)

This large, long-term, geographically diverse project contributed to rural economic development and poverty alleviation by significantly increasing the efficiency of pork production in China through the establishment of a modern, commercially viable and integrated lean pork industry. Agriteam built the capacity of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau to strengthen pork production in China by transferring and disseminating lean swine genetics, animal husbandry techniques, safety and quality practices and awareness and processing and marketing systems for Chinese pig farms and specialized pig households. This led to the establishment of breeding farms, feed mills, feed labs and veterinary lab facilities at three project sites across China.

Go To Our Expertise Page

Go To Our Project Map

alinea’s whistleblower policy

1.1 Purpose

The following Whistleblower Policy has been established to provide guidance to Alinea International employees and sub-contractors on how to deal with known or suspected improper conduct within the organization. The objectives of this Policy are to:

Create awareness of the Policy and available whistleblower protections
Act as a reference guide to potential whistleblowers wishing to make a disclosure
Define the structure of the whistleblower system, including reporting and investigation procedures, whistleblower protections, and confidentiality, among others
Improve the communication and transparency in the processes associated with whistleblowing and assure protection against derogatory consequences, namely reprisals and detrimental action
Complement the current communication channels between employees, sub-contractors and immediate managers, and hierarchical channels flowing to the President and Senior Management team
Provide guidance to all parties involved in either whistleblowing or whistleblower protection.

1.2 Scope

Alinea requires all employees and sub-contractors to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. All employees and sub-contractors of Alinea are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations of Canada and the countries where we operate. Any allegations of known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources will be dealt with in accordance with this Policy, and reasonable steps will be taken to protect those who come forward with allegations. Alinea’s Whistleblower Policy covers both internal and external whistleblowing, and establishes the controls and procedures for dealing with allegations of malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is intended to encourage employees and sub-contractors to report known or suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources and to enable Alinea’s Senior Management team to address and correct inappropriate action. It is the responsibility of all Board of Directors’ members, the Senior Management team, employees and sub-contractors to report concerns about known or suspected malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. This Policy is applicable to all employees and sub-contractors of Alinea International.

1.3 Reporting Procedures

Alinea recognizes the value of transparency and accountability in its administrative and management practices and supports the making of disclosures that reveal improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. Our internal controls and operating procedures are intended to detect and prevent malpractice, fraud and violations of our code of ethics and/or laws or regulations that govern our operations. As detailed in Alinea’s Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals, employees and sub-contractors are encouraged to share complaints and/or concerns regarding ethical or legal violations with their immediate managers. If the employee or sub-contractor is not comfortable speaking with their immediate manager or is not satisfied with the response, they are encouraged to speak with the Gatineau or Calgary Office Managers, the Vice Presidents or, as required, the Chief Financial Officer. All members of the Senior Management team are required to report complaints and/or concerns about suspected ethical or legal violations in writing to Alinea’s Ethics Committee who has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints and/or concerns. In the event that the complaint and/or concern is about the President, it should be raised by the employee or sub-contractor to their immediate manager or the Ethics Committee who will determine how the investigation will proceed. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective measures will be taken if warranted by the investigation. Alinea’s Ethics Committee is responsible for acknowledging receipt of the suspected violation and notifying the whistleblower of the outcome of the investigation. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Personal grievances or complaints related to employment are not covered under Alinea’s Whistleblowing Policy. For cases such as this, employees and sub-contractors are advised to first refer to Alineas Employee Policy and Onboarding manuals when considering a disclosure under the Whistleblowing Policy. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

1.4 Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial to ensure reprisals are not made against the whistleblower. Alinea is committed to safeguarding the identity of the whistleblower and to protecting the whistleblower against detrimental action taken in reprisal for allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources. The Ethics Committee is responsible for ensuring whistleblowers are protected from direct and indirect detrimental action, and that the culture of the workplace is supportive of suspected allegations being made. Any employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

1.5 Review

Alinea is committed to implementing ‘best practice’ policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of suspected improper conduct or mismanagement of organizational resources (as defined by this Policy) and the management and protection of whistleblowers making allegation(s). This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it meets the objectives of relevant legislation and remains effective for Alinea, and may be changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors at any time. For allegations of fraud, securities law, or human rights concerns, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable with following the Company’s open door policy, individuals should contact the Company’s Ethics Committee directly.

Click here to close window