A COMPLETE LIST OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY PROJECTS
AFGHANISTAN
Kandahar Local Initiatives Program
Global Affairs Canada, 2009-2012
The Kandahar Local Initiatives Program, under which Agriteam was contracted to undertake a number of initiatives, 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 government, as well as other institutions such as Kandahar University. Project implementation was focused in the Dand District which extends from the southern edge of Kandahar City up to and including both southern suburbs and villages which the city has grown to encompass as well as villages up to 25 km to the south.
Agriteam’s activities were designed and implemented in conjunction with the provincial and district government, community and district development committees (CDC/DDCs), as well as Global Affairs Canada 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.
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AFGHANISTAN
Kandahar University Support Project
Global Affairs Canada, 2010-2012
This intervention strengthened the institutional capacity of Kandahar University (KU) and the Government of Afghanistan by establishing a soil and water laboratory facility and training key personnel from KU, the Kandahar Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) to manage and operate the laboratory and develop broader capacity in soil science and other agriculture-related science disciplines (hydrology, environmental and earth sciences, geography).
Agriteam’s three-fold approach included providing technical training and ongoing professional development, developing information and communication technology support for distance education, and making critical improvements to laboratory facilities and equipment.
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BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Crop Diversification Program
Global Affairs Canada, 1990-1995
In partnership with Agrodev Canada Inc. and Prince Edward International Ltd, Agriteam implemented this wide-scale project which targeted Bangladesh’s poorest marginal farmers – those with less than one acre of land, low literacy levels and little or no access to extension, credit and marketing services – in 125 thanas (counties) throughout remote areas of the country. The project area encompassed more than one million farm families. The project’s goal was to improve the diet and nutrition of the Bangladeshi population by introducing the production and consumption of potatoes, pulses and oilseeds. The project developed and delivered a comprehensive crop production program integrating all elements of the production chain from basic and applied research to extension, post-harvest and marketing services. Crop production activities were based on sustainable intensification of seasonal land use using a farming systems approach. Income-generating projects were also introduced as a means for the rural poor to increase their capacity for poverty reduction and their household incomes.
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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.
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BRUNEI
Agrifood Innovation Centre Master Plan,
Brunei Government, 2012-2014
Agriteam was contracted by the Government of Brunei to lead the development of an Agrifood Innovation Center (AIC), including the planning, preparation of recommendations for activities, facilities, equipment and process mapping, human resources development, opportunities for international collaboration, study tours, environmental assessment and project appraisal, and preparation of inventory of materials and documentation. The master plan was a small but important piece of a broader economic diversification strategy of the Sultan/Government.
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CAMBODIA
Cambodia Agriculture Market Information Project (CAMIP)
Global Affairs Canada, 2006-2010
As increasing numbers of Cambodian farmers are moving from subsistence farming to farming with a marketable surplus, elements of farm management have become an increasing priority. In response, Agriteam developed CAMIP to improve the Cambodian Agricultural Marketing Information System and build the capacity of various government agriculture departments to provide useful market intelligence to farmers and agribusinesses in 11 provinces and Phnom Penh Municipality.
Key project activities included: upgrading and expansion of existing hardware and software infrastructure, including data collection/processing; building the capacity of national government personnel in market analysis and provision of market intelligence; building the capacity of extension providers to produce and disseminate agriculture market information; and increased farmer understanding of agriculture market information through the use of Farmer Marketing Schools. Due to the scarce technical and management capacity within the Cambodian agricultural market information sector, Agriteam adopted a strategy of using Canadian expertise to begin the project while recruiting and training Cambodians to replace the Canadians over the course of the four-year project.
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CANADA
Traceability Costs for Three Phases of Cattle Movement in the Cattle Implementation Plan
Agriculture & Agri-food Canada (AAFC), 2013
The objective of this study was to promote improved compliance with Canada’s national traceability program by estimating traceability costs for three phase of cattle movement (feedlot, auction marts and other co-mingling sites such as assembly yards and community pastures). The approach and methodology took advantage of past research and existing traceability infrastructure (CIP Costing Steering Committee and Working Group) to collect information and data on traceability systems and traceability costs. The study provided a costing benchmark for the national Cattle Implementation Plan.
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CANADA
Musk Ox Meat Marketing and Slaughterhouse Development
Government of the Northwest Territories and the Inuit Regional Corporation (IRC), 1996
In response to a growing musk ox population that threated to exterminate the local caribou population, Agriteam was contracted to conduct a feasibility study, a business plan, and a sustainability strategy to determine potential markets for musk ox products and implement plans to sustainably capitalize on business opportunities arising from culling the over-populated musk ox. Based on extensive market research, meat, wool and leather were identified as potential markets for musk ok products. Agriteam arranged the pre-sale of meat from all 40,000 excess musk ox – netting over $800,000 in sales – and designed a portable abattoir and training program for local labourers. Following the development of a business plan with a value-added processing program and an international marketing and distribution strategy, Agriteam worked with the IRC to develop a method of shearing the wool to ensure the highest yield of long fibres, with minimum damage to the hides. Agriteam established a link with wool processors in Peru to process the wool into quiviut; a very fine, high quality fibre. This fibre was further processed and converted to handknits for scarves, gloves and hats. The hides were also marketed for further processing into leather, based on recommendations and studies by Agriteam.
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CANADA
Canadian Beef Breeds’ Council (CBBC) Board Governance Reform & Strategic Plan
Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), 2012
Agriteam conducted a detailed governance review for CBBC consisting of extensive consultations with members and industry stakeholders, an analysis of different constitution and election options, recommendations on the best options for CBBC, and revisiting the bylaws in accordance with structural changes made. The consultancy concluded with board elections and the recruitment of a new Executive Director and follow-up coaching and mentoring support on developing a strategic plan.
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CANADA
External Review of Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), Alberta Cattle Feeders Association (ACFA), and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD)
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD), $38,000, 2012
Agriteam was contracted by ABP, ACFA and AARD to undertake an independent, external review of the national organizations who receive Alberta’s component of the national beef levy – Canada Beef Inc. (CBI) and the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). The study focused on implementing three main review activities: 1) an organizational review of CBI, 2) a review of governance reform for CBI; and 3) measuring the value and return on investment to Alberta producers for CBI and the BCRC. The review was based on consultation of existing documentation and a survey of key individuals involved in CBI’s governance structure and reform process.
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CANADA
Measures Used to Assess the Results of the Market Development Funds Expended by the Beef Industry
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC)/Beef Value Chain Roundtable (BVCRT), 2012
Agriteam conducted an evaluation of AAFC’s existing system to measure the impact of market development activities undertaken by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and Canada Beef Inc. (CBI). The study was designed to evaluate the strength of the existing results measurement system used by BCRC and CBI and then develop an improved measurement system. Based on the results of the evaluation, Agriteam then undertook a participatory process with key stakeholders to develop a RBM-based system, including Logic Models and Performance Management Plans, with substantially revised indicators and reporting systems to better reflect the goals and results of the organizations. The results of the study and revised system were presented to senior stakeholders from government, industry organizations and the private sector at AAFC’s nationwide Beef Value Chain Round Table. The revised system is now being implemented by both organizations.
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CANADA
Greenhouse Feasibility Study
Alberta-Pacific Forestry, 2014
Agriteam conducted a pre-feasibility study – targeted at regional markets in northern Alberta – on the technical and financial viability of greenhouse production linked to the utilization of waste heat and CO2 from a pulp mill. Specialists worked closely with the pulp mill’s corporate planning group and engineers to integrate actual plant information regarding the method of capture and total available waste heat and CO2 into the study. Agriteam conducted market research combining supply and demand analysis and growth projections to determine the potential market size, target markets and market share required retailing the projected levels of production, as well as assessing human resource requirements.
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CANADA
AgFITT Curriculum Development Project
Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), 1996
Agriteam designed and developed a course to introduce small to medium-sized agri-food producers to the export marketing process. The course was designed to be delivered in eight modules over an eight-month period, and combined home study with one-day workshops. Materials for each module included a textbook, participant’s workshop guide, instructor’s guide and workplace assignments, as well as a comprehensive bibliography, list of government and industry contacts, guide to government assistance programs and other resource material. Agriteam managed the project and coordinated a team of 10 curriculum development specialists with expertise in agricultural economics, agri-food export markets, international finance, business planning, international trade regulations and adult education.
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CANADA
CBBC Export and Domestic Market Development Plan
Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), 2012
Agriteam worked with the Canada Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) to develop a market development plan that considers domestic and export markets, takes into consideration the needs and requirements of CBBC members, responds to current market opportunities, and establishes the connections both within Canada and abroad to leverage a better bottom line for Canadian purebred producers. The consultancy was implemented in three phases: Phase 1 involved developing cooperation frameworks for the CBBC with Canada Beef Inc., the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, and CANFAX, as well as thematic summaries of interviews with the CBBC membership (breed associations and exporters); Phase 2 involved developing a report outlining international competitors’ marketing strategies, cooperation protocols between breed associations and exporters and a stock presentation for Canadian purebred cattle genetics; and Phase 3 involved developing a draft market development plan (domestic and export) as well as a final project report.
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CANADA Understanding Sustainable Northern Greenhouse Technologies
Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), 2012-2013
Agriteam conducted a study to provide a comprehensive picture of the commercial, technical and social feasibility of developing greenhouses in northern communities with limited populations and extremely high food costs. Based on a review of technologies, demand, human resources and economics, Agriteam identified the most appropriate technologies and practices for northern greenhouse production. The report included extensive market analysis, and modelling of various greenhouse technologies and scales of development that would fit within different sized markets and northern communities, including a cost/benefit analysis and identification of greenhouse funding proposals most likely to be successful. This foundational study was used in the development of a $20 million northern greenhouse development program by AAFC.
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CANADA
Greenhouse Feasibility Study
Northern Fresh Greenhouses, 2012-2013
Agriteam recruited and managed a team of economic and greenhouse specialists to conduct a feasibility study on a proposed 10-acre commercial greenhouse in northern Alberta. The assessment included: a) a production product mix, cycle time plan and volume forecast to optimize the facility; b) a production forecast by month for three years for inclusion in the business plan; c) identification of production risks and critical success factors; d) a start-up plan and production phase-in schedule along with a projection of product availability for sale; e) recommended equipment, materials and supplies; f) risk management and quality assurance processes; and g) recommendations for distribution and packaging options based on preferences identified in the market assessment.
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CANADA
Business Plan for Multi-Use Greenhouse Facility
Iqaluit Community Greenhouse Society, 2015-2016
Agriteam developed a conceptual design for a business plan for a greenhouse and multi-use community facility in Iqaluit. The business plan includes a review of available technologies for utilization in extreme northern climates, as well as an energy analysis to identify lower-cost heating options using waste heat sources (diesel plant emissions, waste wood, etc.). The business plan also includes a full economic analysis and modeling based on a five-year timeframe for this multi-million dollar facility.
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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.
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CHINA
China-Canada Integrated Lean Swine Project
Global Affairs Canada, $18M, 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.
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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 (AGP-2) by strengthening the capacity of government staff and implementing agencies responsible for AGP-2 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 AGP-2 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, and through a learning-by-doing approach, the project is supporting AGP-2 Project Coordinating Units and key implementing agencies to implement AGP-2 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 to improve the quality of AGP-2 implementation. 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 AGP-2 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.
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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.
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GHANA
Community Driven Initiatives for Food Security (CIFS)
Global Affairs Canada, 2004-2011
Implemented by Agriteam, CIFS increased household food security in Ghana’s Northern Region through strengthening the capacity of communities and governments to develop and manage food security initiatives and support participatory, community-driven development. Agriteam worked with 250 local communities in 12 districts to identify, design and implement effective food security projects and plans, while providing direct technical assistance to the Government of Ghana to help build their capacity to evaluate, implement, and monitor community-identified priorities and improve agricultural infrastructure and production. A second project component provided budgetary support through which funds were provided to local governments and communities to implement the food security initiatives. At the end of the project, 74 Area Councils produced Action Plans which are now used to inform district and regional-level planning for food security, and communities were working together with their district-level government agencies in achieving sustainable improvements in household food security.
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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.
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PERU
Improving the Quality of Granulated Panela and its Efficient Marketing
Conference Board of Canada, 2011-2012
Through the Canada-Americas Trade-Related Technical Assistance program (CATRTA), Agriteam implemented this project to improve revenues for small-scale panela producers in the Northern Peru region of Piura. Panela is unrefined whole cane sugar containing most of the nutritional components (vitamins and minerals) normally removed from refined white sugar. Increased revenues for panela were achieved by working with farmers on selecting better varieties of cane, as well as introducing improved cultivation and processing techniques. The project also enhanced product marketing by providing support for producer groups including reinforcing “organic” and HAACP certifications. In order to establish a reliable market for panela in Canada with Canadian retail partner La Siembra, Agriteam carried out a financial analysis to assess the competitiveness of Peruvian panela on the Canadian market. The analysis established benchmark prices for a range of inputs, allowing producers to ensure competitive pricing of their product.
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REGIONAL WEST AFRICA
The Systems Approach to Improve and Sustain Food Security in West Africa (SATISFY)
Global Affairs Canada, 2012-2017
Agriteam partnered with World Vision on the implementation of this value chain development project in Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone and Senegal. This five-year program improved food security by building the capacity of local farmer organizations so that farmers, the majority of whom are women, can actively participate in markets, develop and manage their businesses, and improve their livelihoods.
Through our Agriculture as a Business program, Agriteam provided rural farmers and community-based organizations with agricultural training and inputs, training in strategic planning, organizational management, and governance, as well as marketing and business support. Government and private extension officers developed skills in participatory, gender-sensitive extension that allow them to assist farmers in identifying issues and opportunities and develop their own approaches to develop sustainable, local agricultural economies.
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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 focuses 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 is working with producers and community groups to improve the value chain for food products through better post-harvest processing, storage and marketing. Support to farmers includes 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.
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VENEZUELA
Valuation of an Integrated Cattle Operation in Venezuela
Global Affairs Canada, 2012-2013
Agriteam conducted an independent review of an integrated cattle operation in Venezuela. The review involved extensive literature and documentation reviews as well as peripheral research and first hand observations and experience regarding the various external factors affecting the value of the cattle operation’s assets. As part of this work, Agriteam produced an expert report that contained a forecast of the cash flows generated by the various components of the cattle operation, provided an estimate of the fair market value of the cattle inventory, assessed the value of the intellectual property associated with the genetics laboratory, and provided an assessment of the fair market value of the land assets held by the client.
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WEST AFRICA
Systems Approach to Improve and Sustain Food Security in West Africa (SATISFY),
Global Affairs Canada, 2012-2017
Agriteam is working with World Vision on the implementation of a food security project in Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone and Senegal. SATISFY builds the capacity of community-based and farmer-based organizations (CBOs/FBOs) in terms of organizational structure, management and financial transparency, conflict resolution, strategic planning and fundraising through the Agriculture as a Business Program. CBOs/FBOs are able to develop commodity-based marketing and business development initiatives and strengthen their value chain linkages through the Responsive Training Program. Government and private extension officers develop skills in participatory extension that allow them to facilitate CBOs/FBOs in identifying issues and opportunities and developing their own approaches to problem solving and business development.
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