F ECCA - farmer-to-farmerfarmer-to-farmer.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/f2f-ecca... · ECCA: Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program FY2015 Annual Report: October 1, 2014-September

ECCA: Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program FY2015 Annual Report: October 1, 2014-September 30, 2015

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FARMER-TO-FARMER ECCA PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT

OCTOBER 1, 2014 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2015


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SUBMITTED TO:

USAID Gary Alex F2F AOTR 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20523 Email: [email protected]

SUBMITTED BY:

ACDI/VOCA Catherine Alston Program Manager, F2F 50 F St., NW, Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20001 T: +1 202 469 6072 F: +1 202 469 6257 E‐mail: [email protected]

WITH:

VISTAA

Submitted: October 30, 2015 This report covers activities under USAID Cooperative Agreement No. AID‐OAA‐L‐13‐00007


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CONTENTS

LIST OF ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................... i A. SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE WITH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ............................. 1 B. SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE ............................................................ 1 C. MAJOR IMPACTS OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE REPORTING PERIOD ............ 2 D. MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS AND/OR DEVIATIONS FROM EXPECTATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ................................................................ 3 E. SUMMARY OF VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS .................................................................... 4 F. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT SIX MONTHS .............................................................. 9 G. PUBLIC OUTREACH ............................................................................................................ 11 H. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ................................................................................... 12


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LIST OF ACRONYMS AMFI Association of Microfinance Institutions ARDI Armenia Advanced Rural development Initiative CARD Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development ECCA Europe, Caucus, Central Asia ENPARD European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development EU European Union F2F Farmer-to-Farmer FMCC First Micro Credit Company FTF Feed the Future FY Fiscal Year HACCP Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Point ICC Information Consulting Centers IPM Integrated Pest Management NEO New Economic Opportunities Project NGO Nongovernmental Organization PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan SDC Swiss Development Cooperation SEAS Strengthening Extension and Advisory Services Project SOW Scope of Work USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government


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A. SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE WITH PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

During FY2016 the Farmer-to-Farmer program in Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (F2F ECCA), ACDI/VOCA and our partner VISTAA mobilized volunteer technical assistance and forged partnerships with international and local partners including USG funded programs. The F2F ECCA program is implemented in Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Overall, F2F ECCA completed 70 volunteer trips out of 90 (78 percent) planned in the region totaling 1,244 volunteer days supporting 7,007 beneficiaries (48 percent women). The F2F ECCA field staff focused on engaging new partners and hosts and as a result 79 percent of the hosts that participated in FY2015 were new. Please see Figure 1 below for the status of F2F assignments in ECCA in FY2014. Figure 1. Overview of FY2015 Volunteer Assignments

Armenia Georgia Kyrgyzstan TajikistanNon‐CoreFlexible

Target 9 27 27 27 0

Completed Assignment 4 21 20 25 0

Accepted or In CountryAssignmets

2 6 10 4 0

In Recruitment 1 11 5 2 0

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

FY2015 Volunteer Assignment Status

B. SUMMARY OF IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCE

F2F Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Assignments Planned and Actuals by Subsector

Subsector FY2015 Target FY2015 Actual Assignments Accepted/

Recruitment Armenia

Producer Organizations 3 2 1 Rural Enterprises 6 2 2

Flexible 0 0 0 Georgia

Producer Organizations 8 7 6 Rural Enterprises 15 9 10

Agricultural Education 4 2 1 Flexible 0 3 0


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In FY2015 F2F Armenia worked with 177 (57 percent women) farmers throughout Armenia through four volunteer assignments. The high number of women participants is due in large part to the rate of men leaving the agricultural industry and their home for work in urban areas and in other countries. By working with these women, F2F is supporting an increase in incomes at the household level and encouraging the women to learn techniques that will provide stability to their family’s income. During the reporting period, the Georgia F2F project completed a total of 21 assignments with 24 host organizations. In Year One of the program, the Georgia F2F team established relationships with international and local partners to encourage hosts participation. Due in part to their efforts as well as the popularity of the program following the initial volunteer trips, the participation at the 21 volunteer led workshops were high with 565 individuals directly assisted (23 percent women). This exceeds the FY2015 targeted number of beneficiaries by nearly 10 percent. F2F Georgia will continue to develop close relationships with both partners and hosts to not only increase the number of scopes and volunteer assignments but also to encourage more women to participate in the workshops. In FY2015, F2F Kyrgyzstan completed a total of 20 volunteer assignments with 35 new host organizations and reached a total of 838 beneficiaries (38 percent women) with approximately 75% of total beneficiaries trained. During the reporting period the Country Director took family leave, and while she continued to work part time during her leave, we did experience a lull in scope of work development. In the first half of FY2015, F2F Kyrgyzstan hired a project coordinator to be based in Osh where we receive a high volume of volunteer assignments. With the full team in place we expect to meet the total targeted number of volunteer assignments for next year. During the reporting period F2F Tajikistan completed a total of 25 volunteer trips, working exclusively with fruit and vegetable growers of the Khatlon Province - the USG Feed the Future (FTF) targeted area. The F2F Tajikistan team worked with two types of hosts: commercially oriented registered farms and family consumption oriented/non registered household level farms. During Year One of F2F, we learned that the majority of the producer groups are loosely organized and weak. Due to this F2F Tajikistan is putting more emphasis on commercially viable farms to improve competition and increase indirect outreach, as well as household level farms to improve household level incomes and food security. Most assignments were focused on technical aspects of fruit and vegetable growing, like pruning, grafting, soil analyses, early vegetable growing, and irrigation.

C. MAJOR IMPACTS OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE REPORTING PERIOD

F2F Armenia is continuously looking for opportunities and using networking tools to identify viable medium size producers, farmers, farmer groups to reach out to. During the course of the FY2015

Subsector FY2015 Target FY2015 Actual Assignments Accepted/

Recruitment Kyrgyzstan

Agriculture Education 8 6 2 Rural Enterprises 14 12 13

Rural Financial 3 2 0 Flexible 2 0 0

Tajikistan

Producer Organizations 7 11 4

Rural Enterprises 20 14 2 Flexible 0 0 0


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reporting period a new partnership with the Armenian Nut Orchard Project was established. The assignment, which has been pushed to FY2016 due to availability of a volunteer in a niche area, will focus on walnut orchard development. The assignment is expected to have great impact throughout the country as experts in this area are not available in Armenia though there is demand for these products. One of the major accomplishments of this reporting period for F2F Georgia was the collaboration with farm groups and cooperatives seeking financial assistance from the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD). ENPARD seeks to boost food production and reduce rural poverty by strengthening family farms. The farming groups that F2F Georgia supported needed to scale up their production levels and improve their production technologies to become eligible to participate in ENPARD. Through the technical assistance provided by the F2F volunteers this is now possible. In total, F2F volunteers worked with five newly established cooperatives, three associations and five limited liability companies for these trainings. Georgia F2F also, assisted beneficiaries of the USAID-funded New Economic Opportunities (NEO) project. During the current reporting period, F2F Tajikistan directly trained and assisted 2,803, 51 percent of whom were female. This high volume of women participants is due to F2F Tajikistan’s collaboration with the USAID-funded Farmer Advisory Services Tajikistan (FAST) program that predominately works with women’s farming groups. F2F Tajikistan will continue to coordinate with the FAST during its last program year and establish relationships with its beneficiaries so that F2F can continue to provide technical assistance to these women’s groups and farmers.

D. MAJOR IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS AND/OR DEVIATIONS FROM EXPECTATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Many of our ECCA countries experienced challenges in mobilizing volunteers due to volunteer availability, identifying volunteers for assistance in technical areas not common for US farmers, staff turnover within the home office recruitment team, and seasonality of crops. Each country team is encouraged to develop a pipeline to plan the timing of all assignments in FY2016 and start recruitment early in the year and mitigate any last minute cancelations from volunteers. F2F Armenia continues to deal with the issue of the uncertainty of the Law on Cooperatives. Because of this delay many farmers with whom F2F work with, are not interested in joining cooperatives at this time. The law will create incentives for the development of cooperatives, which is an area of development that the F2F program is interested in, and will be well placed to provide significant assistance with the newly formed cooperatives. The field team continues to monitor the implementation of this, as well as potential developments of new EU funded projects in regards to other undecided Ministry of Agriculture programs. F2F Georgia works with potential host organizations as well as partner NGOs which identify groups of farmers in need of technical assistance. The attendance at F2F trainings may include up to 100 people. In many cases it becomes difficult to collect financial information from such large groups. Despite the fact that the training provided is of importance to them and the attendance and participation rate is very high, beneficiaries are reluctant to provide detailed financial and other baseline information in exchange for this assistance offered. Thus it is challenging to collect the full set of data at the. The team does its best to continue contact with hosts to enable communication and trust in order to receive this information as much as possible. As mentioned in the semi-annual report the F2F Kyrgyzstan program continues to work with potential host organizations to identify the most significant and immediate needs of the hosts. Hosts often express wishes to deal with all of their challenges at once and it takes time for the field team to work with the


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hosts to plan realistic expectations of each short term assignment and the level of expertise of the volunteer that may be asked to work in multiple topic areas. Another major challenge is a language barrier between the hosts speaking Kyrgyz or Russian and volunteers with English language. In most cases when hosts provided translation as an in-kind contribution the quality of translation was too weak to set good working conditions for both the hosts and volunteers. In order to overcome this issue the field team continues to look for partner organizations/projects which are capable of providing this valuable service. The main constraint faced with F2F Tajikistan is the seasonal limitations for volunteers travel. There is often a large number of volunteer assignments in the summer, and very few in the winter due to the crop calendars and holiday schedules both in the United States and Tajikistan. The team is working on improving the flow of assignments throughout the year, including working on business development assignments in months that have seasonality issues.

E. SUMMARY OF VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENTS

F2F Armenia completed a total of four assignments including two assignments in the Producer Organization Subsector and two assignments in the Rural Enterprises Subsector. Through these assignments the project worked with seven hosts, two of which were new. Volunteers directly assisted a total of 177 beneficiaries (of which 57 percent are women). Table 1. Armenia Assignments by Sub-sector

F2F Georgia completed 21 assignments during the reporting period, out of the 27 assignments planned for the year. The completed assignments included seven in the Producer Organizations subsector, nine assignments in the Rural Enterprises subsector, two assignments in Agricultural Education, and three flexible assignments. F2F Georgia encouraged assignments designed to have broader impact. Volunteers provided training to veterinarians on how to use ultrasound and x-ray equipment on cattle,

Volunteer Name

Assignment Title Host Assignment Dates

Number of Days on

Certification Form

Producer Organizational Development

Manik Jayakumar

Value Added Product Development for

Pomegranate

Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD), Markets for Meghri Project

November 15-30, 2014 16

Richard Funt Orchard Management for Fruit and Berries

Green Life Training Center April 25-May 9, 2015 15

Rural Enterprise Development

John Bobbe Improved Berry

Production/Quality Control/Marketing

Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NGO

October 7-23, 2014 17

Leonard Obaldo

Harvest Handling/Harvest

Supply Management in Fruit Cold Chains

Partner: Advanced Rural Development Initiative (ARDI) -

Hosts: Agro Shen Hogh; M. Ayrum Fruit Producers; AAAG

Fruit Producers; Bariq Fruit Producers

July 4-18, 2015 14


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trainings on soil science and plant nutrition to extension agents, strengthened newly formed cooperatives and agribusiness and linked them to the ENPARD program for continue assistance, and shared how to conduct artificial insemination to improve cattle and pig breeds in Georgia. Table 2. F2F Georgia Assignments by Sub-sector

Volunteer Name

Assignment Title Host Assignment Dates Number of Days on Certification

Form

Producer Organizational Development

Archie Devore Animal Nutrition and

Management

Shuakhevis Meurneoba LTD

IE Bidzina Shengelia

November 2-20, 2014

19

Bruce Bailey Hazelnut Orchard

Management & Post-Harvest Handling

Hazelnut Producers

Association Tsabashvili Familly orchard

November 28 -

December 22, 2014

25

Scott Stanley Beekeeping

Management and Honey Production Technology

Cooperative Tapli Sachino

May 9-25, 2015

17

Julie Engel Rabittry Management Cooperative Shroma

June 10-23, 2015

14 James Edward

Neibauer

Vegetable Production Technology

Cooperative Agro Sector

August 8-25, 2015 18

Roy Shawcroft Open Field Vegetable and herb Production

Vegetable Producer Farmers Association of

Shida Kartli Region

August 15-27, 2015

13

Jeff Kronenberg

Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Point Plan Development

Association Moferi Animal Slaughtering plant Ltd, Shula Meat Products

Ltd, IE Giorgi Tskrialashvili, Tsikara Ltd, Santa Ltd, Cooperative Dzevera

September 3-19, 2015

21


Robert P. Rice Processing Tomato

Practice Management Marneuli Agro Ltd

September 20-October

8, 2014 19

Greg Lenz Hydroponic Tomato Growing Technology

VT Agro LLC Farmer Service Centre Ltd

October 10-27, 2014 18

Nino Adams Embryo Transfer

techniques

Margebeli Ltd

Caucasus Genetics

October 10-27, 2014

18

Barry Shaffer Farm Service Centre

Management Agro Kartli LLC

November 15- December 6, 2014

22

Steve Morgan Gouda and Cheddar

Cheese Making Cheese House Ltd

May 8-23, 2015

16

Jhilson Ortiz Marketing Strategy Development for Slaughterhouse

Kotsakhura Ltd

May 15-25, 2015

11

Brent Van Dyke

Pig Genetic Improvement G&G LLC May 11-25,2015 15


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In FY2015, F2F Kyrgyzstan implemented 20 volunteer assignments, out of the 27 planned. The assignments included two assignments in the Financial Services sub sector, 12 in the Rural Enterprises sub sector and six in the Agricultural Education sub sector. The assignments covered areas such as development of new services and products, technical support in fruit and berry nursery management, and greenhouse operation and management. Over the reporting period the assignments were implemented country-wide, with nine assignments in North and the rest in the Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts. As the USAID-funded Agro Horizon program rolled out activities, F2F Kyrgyzstan began collaborating with this FTF program on opportunities for volunteer assignments to support Agro Horizon beneficiaries in FY2016. Table 3. F2F Kyrgyzstan assignments by Sub-sector

Roger Palm Rainbow Trout

Production and Disease Management

Geovet Ltd

June 26-July 22, 2015

27

Charles Bruce

Williams

Greenhouse Flower Production

Flowers Ltd

July 1-21, 2015 21

Agricultural Education and Training

Elisha Frye Animal Rectal Palpation

and Ultrasound Echoscopy

The Association for Agricultural Development


16, 2014 17

John D. Fouts Soil testing and Management

Extension Service Center of Zugdidi Municipality

October 17-Nov. 5,

2014 20

Flexible

Joseph Sullivan

Trout Production and Disease Management

Kartuli Tevzi Ltd


1, 2014 18

Bradley Perry Feasibility Study for Agro Processing Development

Grant Thornton

July29-August 15, 2015 18

Brent Bunte Feasibility Study for Agro Processing Development

Grant Thornton

August 3-15, 2015 13

Volunteer Name Assignment Title Host Assignment Dates Number of Days on Certification

Form


Bryce Malsbary Strategic Planning for

an Association

Association-Federation of Organic Development BIO-

KG

November 29 -December 14, 2014

16

Ross Penhallegon Improvement of Prunes Growing

Practices

Aksy Bio, Informal group of plum/prune producers and

processors

March 18-April 5, 2015

19

Kathryn Penhallegon

Improvement of the Rural Women’s

Family Budgeting Skills

Agrarian Platform March 18-April 5,

2015 19

Diana Lilla Organizational Development

Agroservice Abiyir LLC, Agricultural cooperative

Oroon Altyndary May 29-June 19, 2015 21

Dilip Nandwani Technical Support in

Fruits & Berry Nursery Management

Barskoon Nursery

Hafisa Nursery Kizil Alma Nursery

June 17-July 4, 2015 18


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Meerim-1 Nursery Star Plus Nursery

Temir-Bakyt Nursery

Bruce Hicks Greenhouse

Operation and Maintenance

Farmer Hakim Karimkulov, Farmer Rabiya Kazybekova,

Farmer Tilla Sadirova, Farmer Zulfiya Abdikerimova,

Farmer Zair Matkarimov

June 26-July 11, 2015 16

Mohamed Abdel-Rahman

Technology Transfer of Upgraded Skills in

Strawberry and Raspberry Production

Farmer Taalaibek Isakulov, Farmer Tynyshbek

Abdurasulov, Farmer Kairatbek Toktaliev, Farmer

Aichurek Zulpieva

July 4-17, 2015 14

Peter Hirst Dwarf Apple Nursery

and Orchard Management

Alma kg July 16-27, 2015 12

Archie Devore Livestock Farm Management

Farm Cholponai July 18-August 4, 2015

18

Gerald Nolte

Improved Marketing and Value-Chain Linkages of Small-Scale Poultry Farmers

Farmer Alaichi Alymkulov, Farmer Chynara Ubukeeva, Farmer Gulgaaky Zakirova, Farmer Guljan Bazarbaeva

July 18-August 4, 2015

18

Gustave Bonkoungou Improved Pullet Raising Technologies

“Mumkunchuluk” Farm August 18-29, 2015 12

David Roberts Improvement of Milk and Meat Production

Farmer/entrepreneur Emil Shamyrkanov

September 12-27, 2015

16

Agricultural Education and Training

Mohamed Abdel-Rahman

Fruit and Vegetable Post-Harvest Handling and

Storage

TES Center September 26-

October 13, 2014 18

Cathryn Kloetzli Technical Support in

Greenhouse Management

AVEP Public Fund October 10-25, 2014 16

Clifford Wener Introduction of

HACCP in Dairy Processing

Technolog Center December 6-21, 2014 16

Thomas Kimmel Development of New

Services and Products

Rural Advisory Services Jalal-Abad

February 2-14, 2015 13

Jennifer Himmelstein Training on Modern

Plant Protection Technologies

Plant Protection Department of the Faculty of Agricultural

of the Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas

May 21-June 7, 2015 18

Carmen Byce

Advancement of Vocational Farming

Curriculum and Practices

Alai Vocational School September 7-22, 2015 16

Rural Financial Services

Edward Doherty

Strategic Planning for Association of Microfinance Institutions

Association of Microfinance Institutions

September 20-October 3, 2014

14

Chris DiCarlo SMART Campaign Adviser

First Micro Credit Company July 31-August 16,

2015 17


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F2F Tajikistan completed 25 volunteer trips, including the Pesticide Safety Assessment assignment. Eleven assignments were completed under Producer Organization Development sub-sector and 14 assignments under Rural Enterprise Development sub-sector. The F2F volunteers worked with 22 new host organizations throughout both sub-sectors.

While in country on a single volunteer trip, Andrew (Bob) Johnson completed two assignments including a pesticide assessment assignment for the F2F Tajikistan program. This assignment was designed to better understand the pesticide usage in Tajikistan and safety measures. The findings should provide a guide to future work regarding pesticide use and safety training. There is a definite need to provide training to pesticide dealers about modern spray programs utilizing newer, less toxic, more effective chemicals. Future training should also focus on proper application techniques to increase efficacy and limit human exposure. The state of pesticide use in Tajikistan is very troubling. More modern pesticides with lower toxicities and more targeted active ingredients were not readily available. There are little or no safety precautions being taken by either the distributer or the applicator. There is no capacity or mechanisms for enforcement of pesticide laws. There are no major chemical manufactures operating inside the country thus there is no support. All the pesticides are coming from larger markets in the region and often consist of the leftover materials that were not salable in the local markets. Further details from Mr. Johnson’s assignment and his recommendations will be included in a separate report. Table 4. Tajikistan Assignments by Sub-sector

Volunteer Name

Assignment Title Host Assignment Dates Number of days on Certification form

Producer Organization Development

Kathryn

Penhallegon

Farm Business Management

Juyanchi Women’s Group

April 25-May 14, 2015

20

Bruce

Williams

Open Field Growing Technology for

Vegetables

Fidokor Women’s Group

March 28 – April 12, 2015

16

Usha Palaniswamy


Vegetables

Badakhshon Women's Group

March 27 – April 12, 2015

17

Kyung Yoo Drip Irrigation Design

for Lemon Greenhouse Haqnazarov Family Farm

May 12-29, 2015 18

Martin Connaughton

Vegetable Production in Tunnel Greenhouses

Amirbek Dehkan Farm

March 2-20, 2015 19

Norbert Zinck Open Field Growing

Technology for Vegetables

Obshoron Women's Group

April 25-May 10 17

Aboubacar Diagne


Vegetables

Qirgizobod-1 Women's Group

April 11-May 2, 2015 22

Robert Morris Fruit Orchard Management

Jovidon Women's Group

June 9-June 28, 2015 20

Michele Hubbard

Farm Business Management

Fidokor Women’s Group

August 18-September 2, 2015

16

Andrew (Bob) Johnson

Disease Management for Fruit and Vegetable

Production

Group of Farmers of Lohuti Village

July 18-August 1, 2015 15

Kathryn Penhallegon

Homemade Food Processing

Makhmadsalim Ergashev Rural

Household


17


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F. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT SIX MONTHS F2F Armenia Planned Activities FY2016

Sector Assignment Title Status

Rural Enterprise Development Greenhouse (High Tunnel) Mangement for Producer

Organization Approved (September-October 2015)

Rural Enterprise Development Dair Collection and Supply

Management Approved (September-October,

2015)

Rural Enterprise Development Post-Harvest Processing and Marketing (Fruits/Dried Fruits)

Approved (September-October, 2015)

Producer Organization Development Nut Orchard Improvement Planned

Producer Organization Development Greenhouse and Pesticide

Management Planned


Bruce Gregory Fruit Orchard Management

Alisher Dehkan Farm

November 1-21, 2015

21


Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm

September 24-October 18, 2014

25


Fruit Orchard Management

Badakhshon Dehkan Farm

December 23, 2014-January 10, 2015

19

Aboubacar Diagne

Early Tomatoes and Cucumbers Production

in Greenhouses

Serghayrat Dehkan Farm

December 6-December 21, 2014

16


Davlatshoi Mirzosho

Production Cooperative

February 8-March 1, 2015

22

Ross Penhallegon


Dilshod Dehkan Farm

April 25-May 14, 2015 20

Bruce Bailey Creation of New Fruit

Orchard

Davlatshoi Mirzosho

Production Cooperative

March 14-28, 2015 15

Wayne Williams


Hasan Dehkan Farm

May 13-June 7, 2015 26

Michael Lachance


Usmoni Fayz Dehkan Farm

August 10-23, 2015 14

Deron Beck Open Field Growing

Technology for Onion Ahyo Dehkan

Farm May 18-June 6, 2015 20

Ed Hubbard Fruit Orchard Management

Savri Sanavbar Dehkan Farm


16

Ross Penhallegon

Autumn Pruning and Bud Grafting

Gulbahor Dehkan Farm


17

Kenneth Bajema

Onion Production Improvement

Asomuddin Dehkan Farm

September 10-25, 2015 16

Bruce Bailey Fruit Orchard Management

Production Cooperative Temirkhon

September 10-29, 2015 20

Administrative


Pesticide Assessment for Tajikistan

Administrative F2F

August 3-16, 2015 14


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Rural Enterprise Development Marketing/Production Improvement Planned Producer Organization Development Orchard Management Planned

F2F Georgia Planned Activities FY2016


Rural Enterprise Development Animal Nutrition and Management In-Country (September 21-October

3, 2015)

Rural Enterprise Development Cattle Disease Management and AI In-Country (September 22-October

7, 2015)

Rural Enterprise Development Oyster and Button Mushroom

Production and Compost Preparation Approved (October 11-23, 2015)

Rural Enterprise Development Amaranth Grain Germination and

Post-harvest Handling Approved for October, dates to be

confirmed

Rural Enterprise Development Utilization of Grain Amaranth and

Production of Food Products Approved for October, dates to be

confirmed

Rural Enterprise Development Animal Nutrition and Integrated

Livestock Crop Production SOW, in recruitment

Rural Enterprise Development Walnut Tree Grafting Practical

Training Approved for November, dates to be

confirmed

Rural Enterprise Development Hazelnut Orchard Management and

Agro-Technical Operations Planned

Producer Organization Development Cooperative Formation and

Management Approved for January, dates to be

confirmed

Agricultural Education and Training Training in Agricultural Microbiology Approved for March, dates to be

confirmed

F2F Kyrgyzstan Planned Activities FY2016


Rural Financial Services Agricultural Financing Training SOW

Rural Enterprises Introduction to Technology of Growing Autumn Raspberries

Approved (October 5-17, 2015)

Agricultural Education Plant Disease Sampling Protocols

and Database Set-up SOW

Rural Enterprises Development of Dwarf and Semi-

Dwarf Nurseries Approved (October 17- October 29

,2014)

Rural Enterprises Financial Sustainability of an

Association Approved (September 27-October

12, 2015)

Rural Enterprises Orchard Management Approved for October, dates to be

confirmed

Rural Enterprises Improvement of Butchery

Techniques Approved for November, dates to

be confirmed

Rural Enterprises Improvement of Rice Production Approved for November, dates to

be confirmed

F2F Tajikistan Planned Activities FY2016


Rural Enterprise Basics of Pruning and Orchard

Management Approved ( October 26-November

16, 2015)

Rural Enterprises Fruit Orchard Budding and Grafting In-country (September 29-October

16, 2015)


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Rural Enterprises Open Field Onion Production

Technology SOW

Rural Enterprises Fruit Orchard Management Approved (November 14-

December 5 ,2015)

Rural Enterprises Onion Production Improvement SOW

Rural Enterprises Pest Control for Fruit Orchards SOW

Rural Enterprises Open Field Onion Production

Technology SOW

Producer Organization Open Field Vegetable Production

Technology Approved


Technology Approved

Producer Organization Home Canning Improvement In-country, October 15-November

1, 2015


Technology Approved

G. PUBLIC OUTREACH

The field team in Armenia is actively running the Farmer-to-Farmer Armenia Facebook page (URL: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Farmer-to-Farmer-Armenia/660241640703972). It is continuously updated to increase awareness among local partners and to keep the stakeholders informed about the ongoing assignments. In Georgia, volunteer, Jeff Kronenberg, a food safety instructor accredited by the International HACCP Alliance (IHA) from the University of Idaho gave an interview to online magazine, Europe for Georgia, in which he talked about his experience in former Soviet Union countries, obstacles and challenges that developing countries face during the process of implementation of Food Safety Standards. He also made recommendations for government and the private sector regarding to development of agricultural extension services that can play one of the key roles in the process of introduction of Food Safety Standards. HTTP://EUGEORGIA.INFO/KA/ARTICLE/283/HACCP--IS-SAERTASHORISO-ALIANSIS-WARMOMADGENLIS-SHENISHVNEBI-DA-REKOMENDACIEBI/ Five F2F Kyrgyzstan volunteers, Katherine Kloetzli, Jennifer Himmelstein, Carmen Byce, Archie Devore, Gerald Nolte shared their knowledge and experience on international trade and investments, and educational trends that lead into real world employment opportunities, lifestyle in U.S. at the American Corner in Bishkek. American Corners are full-service information centers with an audience primarily made up of young people, aged 14 to 25, who are eager to practice English and learn more about the United States. The Kyrgyzstan F2F team also shares brief information and photos from volunteers’ assignments to publish on the USAID Facebook page, and extends an invite to Mission representatives to attend debriefs. The F2F Kyrgyzstan team continues to send weekly updates on volunteer assignments as well as volunteer final reports to interested Mission personnel. After each assignment the F2F Tajikistan team sends a short informational brief and photos to the local USAID Mission for publishing in Mission related social media. Additionally, two articles in a


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local newspaper in the Khatlon Province were published regarding the F2F/USAID-FAST pruning trainings that were completed by Andrew Johnson and Bruce Gregory.

H. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

During the reporting period, ACDIVOCA certifies that for this project we have: a) used established indicators and definitions; b) participated in regular (annual) workshops reviewing indicators and M&E systems; and c) trained field staff on indicators and data collection systems. ACDI/VOCA has shared the online training modules for M&E data collection with each of the field staff to ensure consistency not only throughout the region but the global program as well. Over the next six months, the Country Directors will participate in an M&E workshop to prepare for the mid-term evaluations which will be conducted in FY16.

Farmer-to-Farmer Program Standard Indicator Reporting Tables

Table 1: Volunteer and Assignment Data

Ass

ignm

ent

(Tri

p)

Num

ber

Name Sex

Stat

e of

Res

iden

ce

Occ

upat

ion

Cat

egor

y

Rac

e/E

thni

city

Pri

or F

2F S

ervi

ce

Num

ber

of S

cope

s of

W

ork

Typ

e of

Vol

unte

er

Ass

ista

nce

Typ

e of

Com

mod

ity

Cha

in A

ctiv

itie

s

Cou

ntry

Cou

ntry

F2F

Pro

ject

Scop

e of

Wor

k St

art

Dat

e

Scop

e of

Wor

k E

nd

Dat

e

Num

ber

of V

olun

teer

D

ays

Com

plet

ed

Val

ue o

f V

olun

teer

T

ime

Lev

erag

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Host(s)

A-E-1 Ross Pehallegon M OR G D Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 12/14/2013 12/31/2013 18 8,460$ 270$ 242 8 250 619 38 657 0 7 1 0 8 Ulugbek 2010A-E-2 Michael Moscarelli M NY E D N 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 2/22/2014 3/14/2014 21 9,870$ 215$ 96 5 101 96 5 101 1 4 1 0 6 Dehkan Farm "Hoji Kamol"A-E-3 Clive Kaiser M OR E D Y 1 T P Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 3/8/2014 3/25/2014 18 8,460$ 500$ 12 4 16 27 9 36 0 7 0 0 7 Private Entrepreneur Said MakhmadalievA-E-4 Ramona McCord F CA C D Y 1 F S Kyrgyzstan Rural Financial Services 3/20/2014 4/5/2014 17 7,990$ 1,240$ 0 0 0 12 4 16 0 0 0 5 5 Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI)A-E-5 Aboubacar Diagne M LA E B/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 3/22/2014 4/15/2014 25 11,750$ 240$ 166 5 171 166 5 171 0 7 0 0 7 Safar Ghaniev Dehkan FarmA-E-6 James Edward Neibauer M MI F W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/29/2014 4/18/2014 21 9,870$ 1,050$ 0 0 0 8 0 8 5 0 0 0 5 Marneuli Agro LtdA-E-7 Loren L. Parks M CA P D Y 1 E P Armenia Producer Organizational Development 4/5/2014 4/19/2014 15 7,050$ 40$ 0 0 0 3 2 5 3 3 0 0 6 AVELIATS LLC A-E-8 Ross Pehallegon M OR G W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/19/2014 5/5/2014 17 7,990$ 260$ 118 24 142 118 24 142 0 3 0 0 3 Dehkan Farm “Khudoiberdy Sharipov”A-E-9 Kathryn Penhallegon F OR P D Y 1 O S Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/19/2014 5/5/2014 17 7,990$ 260$ 5 17 22 5 17 22 0 3 0 0 3 Dehkan Farm “Khudoiberdy Sharipov”A-E-10 Bruce Baily M WA F D Y 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 4/20/2014 5/6/2014 17 7,990$ 1,350$ 90 15 105 90 15 105 6 0 0 0 6 Hazelnuts Producers' Association of Samegrelo-Zemo SvanetiA-E-11 Brent Van Dyke M NM F D Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/21/2014 5/10/2014 20 9,400$ 1,020$ 0 0 0 11 1 12 13 0 0 0 13 Metskhoveleobis Bazari LLCA-E-12 Luisa Cabrera F CA E D Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/27/2014 5/10/2014 14 6,580$ 680$ 0 0 0 12 0 12 9 0 0 0 9 G&G LLCA-E-13 Deron Beck M ID F D Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/6/2014 5/22/2014 17 7,990$ 120$ 209 19 228 209 19 228 0 5 0 0 5 Dehkan Farm "Boboi Akhliddin" A-E-14 Bradley Perry M NE P D Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/9/2014 5/25/2014 17 7,990$ 300$ 6 4 10 10 4 14 0 7 0 0 7 Chui-Talas Rural Advisory ServicesA-E-15 John D. Fouts M WA E D Y 1 T S Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 5/11/2014 6/3/2014 24 11,280$ 3,040$ 21 20 41 21 20 41 11 0 0 0 11 Association for Agricultural DevelopmentA-E-16 Robert L. Morris M NV P W/N Y 1 T S Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/20/2014 6/5/2014 17 7,990$ 320$ 11 4 15 11 4 15 0 6 0 0 6 Parvozi Parastu NGOA-E-17 Wayne T. Williams M CA P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/14/2014 6/6/2014 24 11,280$ 320$ 70 11 81 70 11 81 0 2 1 1 4 Dehkan Farm “Boghi Jamoliddin”A-E-18 James Morse M VA P W/N Y 1 T F Armenia Producer Organizational Development 5/24/2014 6/8/2014 16 7,520$ 525$ 3 2 5 9 5 14 0 5 0 0 5 Farmers Assisted by Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) NGO in Aragatsotn and Armavir RegionsA-E-19 Richard A. Dale M WI F W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/1/2014 6/17/2014 17 7,990$ 2,850$ 0 0 0 15 20 35 9 0 0 0 9 VanriK Agro GroupA-E-20 Richard H. Leep M MI E W/N Y 1 T S Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 6/3/2014 6/19/2014 19 8,930$ 60$ 11 4 15 98 12 110 0 4 0 0 4 Mehrubon NGOA-E-21 Agnieszka Grocholski F TX P W/N N 1 E F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/2/2014 6/21/2014 20 9,400$ 1,836$ 0 0 0 2 1 3 7 0 0 0 7 Caucasus Genetics LtdA-E-22 James E. Rockis M WV P W/N Y 1 E M Georgia Flexible 6/7/2014 6/23/2014 17 7,990$ 1,130$ 0 0 0 4 1 5 3 0 0 0 3 Neitral Ltd

A-E-23 James Faber M UT P W/N Y 1 O S Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/13/2014 6/29/2014 17 7,990$ 1,370$ 42 78 120 42 78 120 0 5 0 0 5Debed Dairy Producers Cooperative, Ahnidzor Dairy Producers Cooperative, Shnogh Fruit Producer Cooperative, Mets Ayrum Fruit Producers Cooperative, Arpi Fruit Producers Cooperative, Gndevaz Dairy Producers Cooperatives, Qaraghlukh Dairy Producers Cooperative, Akhtala Farmer Cooperative

A-E-24 Brent C. Trela M CA P W/N Y 1 T P Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 6/26/2014 7/12/2014 17 7,990$ 1,990$ 19 4 23 49 9 58 0 4 0 0 4 Wineries Assisted by Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) A-E-25 Ross Pehallegon M OR G W/N Y 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/28/2014 7/15/2014 18 8,460$ 549$ 124 42 166 142 61 203 8 0 0 0 8 Ecoproduct Asia LLC, Sejil Bak FarmA-E-26 Mohamed Abdel-Rahman M NC P D Y 1 T P Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/4/2014 7/18/2014 14 6,580$ 1,248$ 10 0 10 10 0 10 6 0 0 0 6 NUKOK Cooperative, Erjigit Farm, Isak Dobulov Farmer, Zolotoi Plod CooperativeA-E-27 Edward Doherty M CO P W/N Y 1 O F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/12/2014 7/26/2014 15 7,050$ 185$ 27 12 39 30 19 49 0 7 0 0 7 Mol Tushum CooperativeA-E-28 Clifford R. Wener M IL P D Y 1 T P Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 7/12/2014 7/28/2014 17 7,990$ 1,350$ 15 35 50 15 35 50 17 0 0 0 17 Santa LLCA-E-29 Scott Stovall M NM F W/N Y 1 O F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/19/2014 8/1/2014 14 6,580$ 612$ 2 0 2 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 Alysh-Dan Agricultural CooperativeA-E-30 Aboubacar Diagne M LA E B/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/11/2014 8/7/2014 28 13,160$ 230$ 39 4 43 39 4 43 0 5 1 0 6 Muzaffar 2011 Producer CooperativeA-E-31 Leonard Obaldo M HI E W/H Y 1 T P Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 7/20/2014 8/10/2014 21 9,870$ 1,920$ 30 16 46 35 22 57 3 0 0 0 3 Kareli Ltd, Kartuli Chiri Ltd, Chibukhi Ltd, Dinastia Cooperative, Sobisi Youth CooperativeA-E-32 Paul Heinzen M AL P D Y 1 O M Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/24/2014 8/15/2014 23 10,810$ 150$ 1 1 2 16 1 17 0 3 0 0 3 Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm A-E-33 Edward (Jim) Valentine M CA P W/N Y 1 T P Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 8/9/2014 8/26/2014 18 8,460$ 458$ 0 0 0 4 2 6 1 5 0 0 6 Lchkadzor Agricultural Consumer Cooperative A-E-34 Firooz Taleghani M TX T D Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 8/15/2014 8/30/2014 16 7,520$ 1,308$ 4 7 11 4 8 12 0 6 0 0 6 AgroLead Public AssociationA-E-35 Thomas H. Kimmell M NC P D Y 1 T M Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 8/16/2014 8/31/2014 16 7,520$ 1,520$ 4 5 9 4 5 9 4 0 0 0 4 Association for Agricultural DevelopmentA-E-36 Scott Stanley M PA E D Y 1 T S Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 8/17/2014 9/7/2014 22 10,340$ 2,850$ 4 5 9 4 5 9 6 0 0 0 6 Association for Agricultural DevelopmentA-E-37 Barbara Pietuch F MO P W/N Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Flexible 8/22/2014 9/12/2014 22 10,340$ 80$ 1 3 4 1 3 4 0 7 0 0 7 Aiyl Demi NewspaperA-E-38 Clifford R. Wener M IL P W/N Y 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 8/26/2014 9/12/2014 18 8,460$ 433$ 1 7 8 1 11 12 3 3 0 0 6 Kut-Talkan LtdA-E-39 Kenneth M. Bajema M WA F D Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 9/1/2014 9/14/2014 14 6,580$ 60$ 47 2 49 47 2 49 0 7 0 0 7 Pesumchoh Production CooperativeA-E-40 Kevin Andrezejewski M CO N D Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 9/5/2014 9/21/2014 17 7,990$ 1,180$ 6 1 7 10 2 12 2 0 0 0 2 Agro Bazar Agricultural Service CooperativeA-E-41 Kaye A. Slusser F PA P D Y 1 T M Armenia Producer Organizational Development 9/11/2014 9/25/2014 15 7,050$ 109$ 0 39 39 0 39 39 3 6 0 0 9 Rural Women Councils in Aregnadem Community, Rural Womens Council in Vochchi, Rural Women's Council in ByaraknA-E-42 David Slusser M PA F W/N Y 1 T P Armenia Producer Organizational Development 9/11/2014 9/25/2014 15 7,050$ 109$ 9 9 18 12 9 21 0 5 0 0 5 Milk collection and processing cooperative in ArengnademA-E-43 Kathryn Penhallegon F OR P D Y 1 O M Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 8/30/2014 9/26/2014 28 13,160$ 560$ 10 261 271 10 261 271 0 5 0 0 5 Yusufien Dehkan FarmA-E-44 Ross Pehallegon M OR P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 8/30/2014 9/26/2014 28 13,160$ 270$ 206 81 287 206 81 287 0 3 0 0 3 Yusufien Dehkan FarmA-E-45 Jhilson Ortiz M NJ P W/H Y 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 9/12/2014 9/27/2014 16 7,520$ 450$ 2 12 14 22 75 97 0 7 0 0 7 International Master Center of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian UniversityA-E-46 David G. Adams M OR P D Y 1 T S Armenia Producer Organizational Development 9/13/2014 9/27/2014 15 7,050$ 1,575$ 25 15 40 25 15 40 0 2 0 0 2 Armenia Tree Project (ATP)A-E-47 Bruce Baily M WA G D Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 9/5/2014 9/28/2014 24 11,280$ 1,540$ 5 7 12 5 7 12 0 5 0 0 5 Agribusiness Competitiveness Center (ABCC)

FY14 Counts: 47 876 411,720 39,732 1,693 788 2,481 2,351 971 3,322 120 150 4 6 280

A-E-48 Joseph Sullivan M OK P D Y 4 T F Georgia Flexible 9/14/2014 10/1/2014 18 8,460$ 2,090$ 4 1 5 4 1 5 5 0 0 0 5 Kartuli Tevzi LtdA-E-49 Edward Doherty M CO P W/N Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Financial Services 9/20/2014 10/3/2014 14 6,580$ 550$ 3 7 10 4 12 16 0 4 0 0 4 Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI)A-E-50 Robert P. Rice M CA P D Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 9/20/2014 10/8/2014 19 8,930$ 1,050$ 6 0 6 6 0 6 6 0 0 0 6 Marneuli Agro LtdA-E-51 Mohamed Abdel-Rahman M NC P D Y 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 9/26/2014 10/13/2014 18 8,460$ 2,850$ 6 2 8 28 2 30 0 2 0 0 2 Training and Extension System Centre, TESA-E-52 Elisha Frye F NY P D Y 2 T F Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 9/30/2014 10/16/2014 17 7,990$ 960$ 15 13 28 15 13 28 5 0 0 0 5 Association for Agricultural DevelopmentA-E-53 Robert L. Morris M NV P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 9/24/2014 10/18/2014 25 11,750$ 240$ 180 36 216 180 36 216 2 4 0 0 6 Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm A-E-54 John Bobbe M WI E W/N Y 1 T M Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 10/7/2014 10/23/2014 17 7,990$ 303$ 0 15 15 0 35 35 0 5 0 0 5 Raspberry Producers Assisted by Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NGOA-E-55 Greg Lenz M MO P W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 10/10/2014 10/25/2014 16 7,520$ 1,190$ 16 1 17 16 1 17 9 0 0 0 9 Margebeli LtdA-E-56 Cathryn Kloetzli F VA E W/N Y 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 10/10/2014 10/25/2014 16 7,520$ 1,350$ 12 7 19 12 7 19 6 0 0 0 6 AVEP Public FundA-E-57 Nino Adams F OR P W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 10/10/2014 10/27/2014 18 8,460$ 995$ 6 15 21 6 15 21 6 0 0 0 6 VT Agro LLCA-E-58 John D. Fouts M WA F W/N Y 1 T S Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 10/17/2014 11/5/2014 20 9,400$ 2,925$ 58 29 87 58 29 87 1 0 0 0 1 Extention Service Center of Zugdidi MunicipalityA-E-59 Archie Devore M NE P W/N Y 2 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 11/2/2014 11/20/2014 19 8,930$ 1,060$ 7 0 7 7 0 7 3 0 0 0 3 Shuakhevis Meurneoba LtdA-E-60 R. Bruce Gregory M WA P W/N N 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 11/1/2014 11/21/2014 21 9,870$ 240$ 205 99 304 205 99 304 1 3 0 0 4 Alisher Dehkan FarmA-E-61 Jayakumar Manik M CA P D Y 1 T P Armenia Producer Organizational Development 11/15/2014 11/30/2014 16 7,520$ 508$ 13 11 24 15 12 27 5 0 0 0 5 Pomegranate ProducersA-E-62 Barry Shaffer M NC P W/N Y 1 E M Georgia Producer Organizational Development 11/15/2014 12/6/2014 22 10,340$ 240$ 4 3 7 4 3 7 5 0 0 0 5 Agro Kartli LLCA-E-63 Bryce Malsbary M NC P W/N Y 1 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 11/29/2014 12/14/2014 16 7,520$ 1,680$ 5 1 6 5 1 6 0 7 0 0 7 Association-Federation of Organic Development BIO-KG A-E-64 Clifford R. Wener M IL E W/N Y 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 12/6/2014 12/21/2014 16 7,520$ 1,540$ 1 25 26 1 25 26 0 5 0 0 5 Technolog Center A-E-65 Aboubacar Diagne M LA E B/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 12/6/2014 12/21/2014 16 7,520$ 150$ 36 2 38 36 2 38 5 0 0 1 6 Serghayrat Dehkan FarmA-E-66 Bruce Baily M WA G W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 11/28/2014 12/22/2014 25 11,750$ 1,480$ 91 15 106 91 15 106 4 0 0 0 4 Hazelnuts Producers' Association of Samegrelo-Zemo SvanetiA-E-67 Andrew (Bob) Johnson M CA E W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 12/23/2014 1/10/2015 19 8,930$ 170$ 96 54 150 96 54 150 3 0 1 0 4 Badakhshon Dehkan FarmA-E-68 Thomas Kimmell M NC T W/N Y 2 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 2/2/2015 2/14/2015 13 6,110$ 319$ 0 0 0 4 8 12 3 0 0 0 3 Rural Advisory Services Jalal-AbadA-E-69 Robert L. Morris M NV P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 2/8/2015 3/1/2015 22 10,340$ 210$ 215 87 302 215 87 302 2 1 0 0 3 Davlatshoi Mirzosho Production CooperativeA-E-70 Martin Connaughton M NM P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 3/2/2015 3/20/2015 19 8,930$ 180$ 125 289 414 125 289 414 3 0 0 0 3 Amirbek Dehkan FarmA-E-71 Bruce Baily M WA G W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 3/14/2015 3/28/2015 15 7,050$ 245$ 271 141 412 271 141 412 2 1 0 0 3 Davlatshoi Mirzosho Production CooperativeA-E-72 Kathryn Penhallegon F OR P W/N Y 1 O F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 3/18/2015 4/5/2015 19 8,930$ 680$ 0 138 138 0 138 138 2 0 0 0 2 Agrarian PlatformA-E-73 Ross Penhallegon M OR G W/N Y 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 3/18/2015 4/5/2015 19 8,930$ 680$ 193 0 193 299 17 316 4 0 0 0 4 Aksy Bio, Informal group of plum/prune producers and processorsA-E-74 Usha Palaniswamy F FL P As N 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 3/27/2015 4/12/2015 17 7,990$ 180$ 71 375 446 71 375 446 3 2 1 0 6 Badakhshon women's groupA-E-75 Charles Bruce Williams III M NC P W/N N 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 3/28/2015 4/12/2015 16 7,520$ 180$ 120 356 476 120 356 476 3 2 2 0 7 Fidokor women’s group A-E-76 Aboubacar Diagne M FL E B/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 4/11/2015 5/2/2015 22 10,340$ 210$ 169 239 408 169 239 408 1 3 3 0 7 Qirgizobod-1 Women's Group

A-E-77 Richard C. Funt M OH P D Y 1 T S Armenia Producer Organizational Development 4/25/2015 5/9/2015 15 7,050$ 116$ 15 13 28 16 15 31 0 3 1 1 5 Green Life Training Center A-E-78 Norbert Elmer Zinck M IL F W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 4/25/2015 5/10/2015 16 7,520$ 240$ 120 54 174 120 54 174 0 0 0 0 0 Obshoron women's group

A-E-79 Kathryn Penhallegon F OR P W/N Y 1 O M Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 4/25/2015 5/14/2015 20 9,400$ 210$ 17 136 153 17 136 153 0 2 0 1 3 Juyanchi women’s groupA-E-80 Ross Penhallegon M OR G W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/25/2015 5/14/2015 20 9,400$ 240$ 126 91 217 126 91 217 4 1 1 0 6 Dilshod Dehkan Farm A-E-81 Steve Morgan M WA N D Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 5/8/2015 5/23/2015 16 7,520$ 650$ 5 5 10 5 5 10 5 0 0 0 5 Cheese House Ltd

A-E-82 Scott Stanley M KS E W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 5/9/2015 5/25/2015 17 7,990$ 944$ 76 4 80 76 4 80 5 0 0 0 5 Cooperative "Tapli Sachino"A-E-83 Brent Van Dyke M CA F W/N Y 0 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 5/11/2015 5/25/2015 15 7,050$ 400$ 10 1 11 10 1 11 9 0 0 0 9 G&G LLCA-E-84 Jhilson Ortiz M NJ P W/H Y 1 T S Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 5/15/2015 5/25/2015 11 5,170$ 480$ 6 1 7 6 1 7 5 0 0 0 5 Kotsakhura LtdA-E-85 Kyung Yoo M AL P As Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 5/12/2015 5/29/2015 18 8,460$ 125$ 11 16 27 11 16 27 2 3 1 0 6 Haqnazarov’s Family FarmA-E-86 Deron Beck M ID F W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/18/2015 6/6/2015 20 9,400$ 120$ 55 15 70 55 15 70 1 2 2 0 5 Ahyo Dehkan FarmA-E-87 Wayne T. Williams M CA P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/13/2015 6/7/2015 26 12,220$ 180$ 36 87 123 36 87 123 3 0 2 1 6 Hasan Dehkan Farm A-E-88 Jennifer Himmelstein F VA G D Y 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/21/2015 6/7/2015 18 8,460$ $ 700 0 19 19 2 23 25 0 7 0 0 7 Plant Protection Department of Agricultural Faculty of the Kyrgyzstan-Turke Manas UniversityA-E-89 Diana Lilla F WA P D Y 2 O S Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/29/2015 6/18/2015 21 9,870$ 2,100$ 4 5 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 Agroservice Abiyir LLC, Agricultural cooperative Oroon AltyndaryA-E-90 Julie Engel F WI F D N 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 6/10/2015 6/23/2015 14 6,580$ 400$ 9 4 13 9 4 13 5 0 0 0 5 "Shroma" Cooperative

A-E-91 Robert L. Morris M NV P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 6/9/2015 6/28/2015 20 9,400$ 120$ 95 101 196 95 101 196 1 1 1 0 3 Jovidon women's group

A-E-92 Dilip Nandwani M TN E As N 6 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/19/2015 7/4/2015 16 11,840$ 1,395$ 24 7 31 24 7 31 6 0 0 0 6Meerim-1 Nursery, Temir-Bakyt Nursery, Hafisa Nursery, Kizil Alma Nursery,Barskoon Nursery

A-E-93 Bruce Hicks M CA P W/N N 5 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/26/2015 7/11/2015 16 6,580$ 405$ 6 10 16 6 10 16 5 0 0 0 5Farmer Rabiya Kazybekova, Farmer Tilla Sadirova, Farmer Zulfiya Abdikerimova, Farmer Hakim Karimkulov, Farmer Zair Matkarimov, Farmer Kairatbek Toktaliev, Farmer Zylpieva, Farmer Taalaibek Isakulov

A-E-94 Mohamed Abdel-Rahman M NC P D N 4 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/4/2015 7/17/2015 14 6,580$ 105$ 17 39 56 17 39 56 6 0 0 0 6 Farmer Tynyshbek AbdurasulovA-E-95 Leonard Obaldo M HI P W/N Y 4 T F Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 7/4/2015 7/18/2015 14 6,580$ -$ 40 36 76 45 39 84 0 8 0 0 8 Shnogh Fruit Producer Cooperative,Arpi Fruit producers cooperative, Mets Ayrum Fruit Producers Farmer's cooperative, Bariq Fruit producers Farmers cooperative

A-E-96 Charles Bruce Williams III M NC P W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 7/1/2015 7/21/2015 21 9,870$ 260$ 3 8 11 3 8 11 8 0 0 0 8 Flowers LtdA-E-97 Roger Palm M IO E D Y 1 T F Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/26/2015 7/22/2015 27 12,690$ 1,440$ 42 3 45 42 3 45 6 0 0 0 6 Geovet LtdA-E-98 Peter Hirst M IN P O N 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/16/2015 7/27/2015 12 5,640$ 1,400$ 10 0 10 10 0 10 7 1 0 0 8 Alma KGA-E-99 Andrew (Bob) Johnson M CA E D Y 2 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 7/18/2015 8/16/2015 29 21,460$ -$ 62 110 172 62 110 172 3 1 1 0 5 Group of farmers of Lohuti village, ACDI/VOCA F2F Program in TajikistanA-E-100 Archie Devore M NE P W/N Y 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/18/2015 8/4/2015 18 8,460$ 270$ 4 0 4 4 0 4 6 0 0 0 6 Farm "Cholponai"

A-E-101 Gerald Nolte M MN P D N 5 E F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/18/2015 8/4/2015 18 8,460$ 175$ 3 3 6 3 3 6 3 0 0 0 3Farmer Alaichi Alymkulov, Farmer Gulgaaky Zakirova, Farmer Guljan Bazarbaeva, Farmer Chynara Ubukeeva

A-E-102 Bradley Perry M NE P W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Flexible 7/29/2015 8/15/2015 18 8,460$ 1,090$ 2 2 4 2 2 4 5 0 0 0 5 Grand Thorton GeorgiaA-E-103 Brent Bunte M IN C D N 1 T F Georgia Flexible 8/3/2015 8/15/2015 13 6,110$ 680$ 2 2 4 2 2 4 5 0 0 0 5 Grant Thorton - GeorgiaA-E-104 Chris DiCarlo M MN N O N 1 F M Kyrgyzstan Rural Financial Services 7/31/2015 8/16/2015 17 7,990$ 951$ 6 4 10 6 4 10 0 4 0 2 6 First Micro Credit CompanyA-E-105 Michael Lachance M NY E D N 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 8/10/2015 8/23/2015 14 6,580$ 120$ 32 125 157 32 125 157 0 2 3 0 5 Usmoni Fayz Dehkan FarmA-E-106 James Edward Neibauer M MI F W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 8/8/2015 8/25/2015 18 8,460$ 520$ 7 0 7 7 0 7 5 0 0 0 5 Cooperative "Agro Sector"A-E-107 Roy (Wayne) Shawcroft M CO P As N 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 8/15/2015 8/27/2015 13 6,110$ 792$ 37 14 51 37 14 51 5 0 0 0 5 Vegetable Producer Farmers Association “Shida Kartli”A-E-108 Gustave Bokougou M MD N B/N Y 2 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 8/18/2015 8/29/2015 12 5,640$ 350$ 5 0 5 7 2 9 5 0 0 0 5 Public Organization "Mumkunchuluk", Private Entrepreneur TurganbaevA-E-109 Michele Hubbard F ID P D N 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 8/18/2015 9/2/2015 16 7,520$ 210$ 105 63 168 105 63 168 4 0 0 3 7 Fidokor women’s group A-E-110 Ed Hubbard M ID P D N 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 8/18/2015 9/2/2015 16 7,520$ 210$ 90 39 129 90 39 129 5 1 3 0 9 Savri Sanavbar Dehkan Farm A-E-111 Ross Penhallegon M OR G W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 8/29/2015 9/14/2015 17 7,990$ 110$ 80 36 116 80 36 116 4 2 0 0 6 Gulbahor Dehkan FarmA-E-112 Kathryn Penhallegon F OR P W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 8/29/2015 9/14/2015 17 7,990$ 120$ 38 122 160 38 122 160 0 3 0 0 3 Makhmadsalim Ergashev Rural HouseholdA-E-113 Jeff Kronenberg M ID E W/N Y 1 T F Georgia Producer Organizational Development 9/3/2015 9/19/2015 21 9,870$ 1,435$ 29 9 38 29 9 38 3 0 0 0 3 Animal Slaughtering Plant Ltd, Shula Meat Products Ltd, IE Giorgi Tskrialashvili, Tsikara LtdA-E-114 Carmen Byce F TX P D N 1 T S Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 9/7/2015 9/22/2015 16 7,520 720$ 57 10 67 77 20 97 0 3 0 0 3 Vocational School #67A-E-115 Kenneth M. Bajema M WA F W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 9/10/2015 9/25/2015 16 7,520$ 150$ 92 90 182 92 90 182 3 2 1 0 6 Asomuddin Dehkan FarmA-E-116 David Roberts M NY G D Y 1 T F Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 9/12/2015 9/27/2015 16 7,520$ 575$ 10 1 11 10 1 11 4 0 0 0 4 Farmer/enterpreneur Emil ShamyrkanovA-E-117 Bruce Bailey M WA G W/N Y 1 T F Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 9/10/2015 9/29/2015 20 9,400$ 120$ 177 40 217 177 40 217 2 1 1 0 4 Production Cooperative “Temirkhon”

FY15 Counts: 91 Totals: 1,242 594,950 40,062 3,494 3,288 6,782 3,608 3,312 6,920 229 90 24 9 352

LOP Counts: 138 Totals: 2,120 1,006,670 79,794 5,187 4,076 9,263 5,959 4,283 10,242 349 240 28 15 632

Fiscal Year 2015

Number of Persons Directly Assisted Number of Volunteer Recommendations MadeNumber of Persons Trained

Farmer-to-Farmer Program Standard Indicator Reporting Tables

Table 2: Host Data (Baseline)

Environmental Indicator

Organizational Indicator

Host Cou

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Dehkan Farm "Hoji Kamol" Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 10/11/2013 M F 1 12 0 69 82 2 1,836 1,192 0 $0 0 1.8Dehkan Farm “Khudoiberdy Sharipov” Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 10/11/2013 F F 1 4 0 27 32 7 3,279 1,025 0 $0 0 1.8Safar Ghaniev Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 10/16/2013 M F 1 8 0 48 57 1 984 167 0 $0 0 1.7Dehkan Farm “Boghi Jamoliddin” Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 10/17/2013 M F 1 7 0 42 50 5 1,230 861 0 $0 0 1.9Dehkan Farm "Boboi Akhliddin" Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 10/21/2013 M F 1 4 2 37 44 3 4,754 3,949 0 $0 0 1.9Ulugbek 2010 Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 12/1/2013 M P 1 4 0 27 32 3 1,335 369 0 $0 0 1.7Yusufien Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 1/9/2014 F F 1 8 0 48 57 4 2,541 1,423 0 2,000$ 0 1.9Marneuli Agro Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 1/20/2014 M P 2 21 50 204 277 70 85,867,247 -172,292 0 $0 0 3.5Caucasus Genetics Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 1/26/2014 F P 2 10 250 734 996 0 462,427 184,972 0 $0 0 3.2Private Entrepreneur Said Makhmadaliev Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 2/11/2014 M P 1 3 0 21 25 0 0 0 0 $0 0 1.7Chui-Talas Rural Advisory Services Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 2/17/2014 M N 0 12 0 44 56 0 191,592 0 0 $0 0 3Hazelnuts Producers' Association of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Georgia Producer Organizational Development 2/27/2014 M P 10 0 20 84 114 26 98,275 68,390 0 $0 0 2.3Alysh-Dan Agricultural Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 3/3/2014 M C 1,147 5 0 4,262 5,414 0 0 369 0 $0 0 1.3Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) Kyrgyzstan Rural Financial Services 3/3/2014 N/A R 34 385 0 1,550 1,969 0 0 60,000 0 $0 0 2.8Association for Agricultural Development Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 3/5/2014 F C 2 10 0 34 46 0 0 0 0 $0 0 2Santa LLC Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/11/2014 F P 2 12 10 67 91 0 253,142 42,857 0 $0 0 3Metskhoveleobis Bazari LLC Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/21/2014 M P 2 10 1,000 2 1,014 2 34,482 17,241 0 $0 0 2.6G&G LLC Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/26/2014 M P 1 5 20 73 99 21 76,640 29,644 0 $0 0 2.7Parvozi Parastu NGO Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 3/27/2014 F N 1 15 500 2,735 3,251 0 2,000 1,400 0 $0 0 3Neitral Ltd Georgia Flexible 3/31/2014 F P 1 70 6 2,834 2,911 0 23,700 17,950 0 $0 0 2.7Aiyl Demi Newspaper Kyrgyzstan Flexible 4/1/2014 N/A N 0 5 5,000 18,519 23,524 0 0 4,224 0 $0 0 2.4Mehrubon NGO Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/4/2014 F N 1 12 300 1,659 1,972 0 1,500 900 0 $0 0 3Mol Tushum Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/7/2014 M C 40 0 15 204 259 0 0 1,540 0 $0 0 2.6AVELIATS LLC Armenia Producer Organizational Development 4/9/2014 J P 2 68 50 372 492 0 51,678 - 0 $0 0 2.5Ecoproduct Asia LLC Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/11/2014 M P 1 12 0 48 61 5 0 12,600 0 $0 0 3.2Muzaffar 2011 Producer Cooperative Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/15/2014 M C 1 18 3 11 33 11 13,821 9,146 0 $0 0 1.9Alisher Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 4/16/2014 M F 1 7 0 42 50 2 4,450 3,650 0 $0 0 1.9Sejil Bak Farm Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/21/2014 M F 1 10 3 52 66 4 0 7,500 0 $0 0 1.1AgroLead Public Association Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/6/2014 N/A E 5 14 0 70 89 0 170,000 20,000 0 $0 0 3.8

VanriK Agro Group Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 5/8/2014 M P 1 11 0 34 46 40 0 -322,857 0 $0 0 2.7Agro Bazar Agricultural Service Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/22/2014 M C 7 4 9 74 94 0 20,217 1,164 0 $0 0 1.8Lchkadzor Agricultural Consumer Cooperative Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 5/22/2014 J C 43 18 2 195 258 0 29,927 23,940 0 $0 0 0Kareli Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 5/27/2014 M P 1 8 13 62 84 0 19,178 3,897 0 $0 0 2.3Kartuli Chiri Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/2/2014 F P 3 1 15 53 72 0 0 0 0 $0 0 1.9Farmers Assisted by Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) NGO in Aragatsotn and Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/5/2014 J P 7 5 141 474 627 0 35,460 24,300 0 $0 0 1.4Ahnidzor Dairy Producers Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/10/2014 J F 13 0 0 40 53 0 17,032 13,260 0 $0 0 0Debed Dairy Producers Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/10/2014 J F 18 0 0 56 74 0 18,400 14,650 0 $0 0 0Chibukhi Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/17/2014 M P 1 5 30 101 137 0 19,068 3,875 0 $0 0 1.8Dinastia Cooperative Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/17/2014 J C 4 11 15 84 114 0 320,723 8,117 0 $0 0 2.4Milk collection and processing cooperative in Arengnadem Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/18/2014 J P 4 0 0 12 16 0 9,392 6,570 0 $0 0 0Rural Women Councils in Aregnadem Community Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/18/2014 F N 13 0 0 40 53 0 0 0 0 $0 0 0Rural Women Councils in Byurakn Community Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/18/2014 F N 13 0 0 40 53 0 0 0 0 $0 0 0Rural Women Councils in Vochchi Community Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/18/2014 F N 13 0 0 40 53 0 0 0 0 $0 0 0Mets Ayrum Fruit producers cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/20/2014 J F 14 0 0 43 57 27 43,330 23,285 0 $0 0 0Shnogh Fruit Producer Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/20/2014 J F 20 0 0 62 82 29 31,230 21,660 0 $0 0 0Akhtala Farmer Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/21/2014 J F 4 0 0 12 16 0 12,410 6,812 0 $0 0 0Arpi Fruit producers cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/23/2014 J F 7 0 0 22 29 10 17,520 9,000 0 $0 0 0Margebeli Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/23/2014 M P 2 17 2 59 80 0 840 757 0 $0 0 2.3Sobisi Youth Cooperative Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/23/2014 F P 2 10 5 48 65 0 2,428 1,532 0 $0 0 2.1Gndevaz Dairy Producers Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/25/2014 J F 15 0 0 47 62 0 21,660 11,727 0 $0 0 0Qaraghlukh Dairy Producers Cooperative Armenia Producer Organizational Development 6/26/2014 J F 6 0 0 19 25 0 15,330 9,173 0 $0 0 0Agribusiness Competitiveness Center (ABCC) Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 N/A G 0 14 5 70 89 0 16,167 0 0 $0 0 3

International Master Center of the Kyrgyz National Agrarian University Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 6/30/2014 N/A E 0 2 33 130 165 0 12,750 439 0 $0 0 1.6Wineries Assisted by Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 7/1/2014 J P 9 313 732 3,267 4,321 0 34,550 10,370 0 $0 0 0Pesumchoh Production Cooperative Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/2/2014 M C 1 4 0 27 32 5 5,994 4,472 0 $0 0 2Erjigit Farm Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/7/2014 M P 8 15 5 104 132 1 48,076 19,230 0 $0 0 1.6NUKOK Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/7/2014 M C 267 0 0 988 1,255 2 1,923 1,154 0 $0 0 3.1Zolotoi Plod Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/7/2014 M C 17 0 0 63 80 1 0 34,615 0 $0 0 2.2Isak Dobulov Farmer Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/10/2014 M F 6 10 0 59 75 1 9,615 5,769 0 $0 0 1.6Kartuli Tevzi Ltd Georgia Flexible 7/15/2014 M F 1 20 25 8 54 0 1,328,000 249,000 0 $0 0 2.1Kut-Talkan Ltd Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/22/2014 F P 1 4 0 19 24 0 16,412 4,012 0 $0 0 1.5Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/28/2014 F F 1 4 0 27 32 5 3,560 2,120 0 $2,000 0 1.9Armenia Tree Project (ATP) Armenia Producer Organizational Development 9/17/2014 J N 4 21 0 78 103 25 0 0 0 $0 0 0

FY14 Count: Total: 1,790 1,248 8,261 40,376 51,675 312 $89,378,105 $511,120 0 4,000 0 3.0

Fiscal Year 2015

Alma kg Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 2/27/2014 M P 11 11 50 266 338 35 15,000$ 5,000$ 0 -$ 0 2.1Alysh-Dan Agricultural Cooperative Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 3/3/2014 M C 1,147 5 0 4,262 5,414 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.3Training and Extension System Centre, TES Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 4/3/2014 F N 0 38 0 113 151 0 $399,305 14,876$ 0 -$ 0 3.4Livestock Breeders Association Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/11/2014 M C 15 0 0 56 71 0 30,000$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.1NUR Farm Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/14/2014 M P 1 100 0 374 475 3 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.1AVEP Public Fund Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/15/2014 M N 0 14 23 110 147 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 3.6Plant Protection Department of the Faculty of Agricultural of the Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/23/2014 J E 0 5 20 93 118 3 577$ 385$ 0 -$ 0 3.6 Mets Ayrum Farmers' Cooperative Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 6/6/2014 J C 14 0 14 41 55 96 43,330$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.5Bariq Fruit producers Farmers’ cooperative Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 6/8/2014 J C 7 0 7 43 57 36 15,500$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Agro Shen Hogh Farmers’ cooperative Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 6/20/2014 J C 20 0 0 62 82 29 31,230$ 21,660$ 0 -$ 0 2.5AAAG Fruit producers Farmers’ cooperative Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 6/23/2014 J C 7 0 0 22 29 10 17,520$ 9,000$ 0 -$ 0 2Technolog Center Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 6/23/2014 F E 0 9 1 29 39 0 12,380$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.1Association-Federation of Organic Development BIO-KG Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M N 0 5 2,000 6,014 8,019 0 215,423$ 4,272$ 0 -$ 0 2Barskoon Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 F P 0 31 100 485 616 4 13,269$ 9,615$ 0 -$ 0 2.84Hafisa Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M P 0 2 40 155 197 1 5,961$ 4,808$ 0 -$ 0 2.7Kizil Alma Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M P 0 18 100 437 555 22 12,885$ 8,654$ 0 -$ 0 2.76Meerim-1 Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M P 0 2 30 118 150 1 2,885$ 1,923$ 0 -$ 0 2.2Serghayrat Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M F 4 4 4 35 47 2 12,617$ 8,789$ 0 -$ 0 1.8Star Plus Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M P 0 3 30 122 155 1 5,192$ 3,846$ 0 -$ 0 2.54Temir-Bakyt Nursery Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/30/2014 M P 0 3 70 270 343 1 7,692$ 5,769$ 0 -$ 0 2.3Usmoni Fayz Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/2/2014 M F 5 15 0 106 126 4 3,980$ 918$ 0 -$ 0 2Badakhshon Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/7/2014 M F 12 26 2 119 159 8 9,908$ 2,958$ 0 -$ 0 1.7CAMP Alatoo Kyrgyzstan Flexible 8/1/2014 M N 0 22 30 192 244 0 524,886$ 1,249$ 0 -$ 0 3.5Pomegranate Producers Armenia Producer Organizational Development 8/5/2014 J F 13 0 50 0 63 20 163,652$ 98,191$ 0 -$ 0 0Agro Kartli LLC Georgia Producer Organizational Development 8/28/2014 M F 3 24 30,000 10 30,037 0 12,000,000$ 120,000$ 0 -$ 0 3.4Shuakhevis Meurneoba Ltd Georgia Producer Organizational Development 8/29/2014 M P 2 10 5 7 24 2 15,805$ 4,046$ 0 -$ 0 1.4VT Agro LLC Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 8/29/2014 M P 2 19 10 10 41 2 104,046$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.8Gurmani LLC Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 9/18/2014 M P 2 25 0 76 103 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.7Extention Service Center of Zugdidi Municipality Georgia Agricultural Education and Training 10/9/2014 J G 0 7 0 20 27 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 3IE Bidzina Shengelia Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 10/15/2014 M F 2 8 30 112 152 1 18,000$ 8,333$ 0 -$ 0 2

Raspberry Producers Assisted by Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NGO Armenia Rural Enterprise Development 10/15/2014 J N 35 0 0 109 144 9 20,539$ 19,374$ 0 -$ 0 0.8Fidokor women’s group Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 10/30/2014 F F 47 41 7 504 599 1 441$ 249$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Obshoron women's group Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 10/31/2014 F F 64 0 3 355 422 1 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.5Qirgizobod-1 Women's Group Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 11/4/2014 F F 75 60 9 763 907 1 182$ 167$ 0 -$ 0 1.4Agrarian Platform Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 11/20/2014 M N 5 0 100 389 494 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.8Aksy Bio, Informal group of plum/prune producers and processors Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 11/20/2014 J F 5 0 6 41 52 20 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.1Badakhshon women's group Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 11/20/2014 F F 75 0 7 435 517 2 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.3Rural Advisory Services Jalal-Abad Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 12/8/2014 M N 0 30 0 111 141 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 3.2IE Marine Tsatsabashvili Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 12/22/2014 F F 2 10 30 118 160 8 15,900$ 8,637$ 0 -$ 0 3Davlatshoi Mirzosho Production Cooperative Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 12/30/2014 M C 5 5 0 53 63 5 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Dilshod Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 1/22/2015 M F 4 10 2 85 101 5 4,423$ 961$ 0 -$ 0 1.8Hasan Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 1/26/2015 M F 2 12 0 74 88 2 3,396$ 2,617$ 0 -$ 0 1.9Group of farmers of Lohuti village Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 1/27/2015 M F 130 72 19 1,171 1,392 5 2,960$ 1,676$ 0 -$ 0 1.33Jovidon women's group Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 1/29/2015 F F 105 0 2 567 674 2 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.5Haqnazarov’s Family Farm Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 1/30/2015 M F 21 17 2 212 252 0 327$ 96$ 0 -$ 0 0.9Amirbek Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 2/3/2015 F F 6 5 2 69 82 0 3,700$ 2,780$ 0 -$ 0 1.3Ahyo Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 2/16/2015 M F 11 14 2 143 170 3 4,630$ 2,907$ 0 -$ 0 1.4Cooperative "Tapli Sachino" Georgia Producer Organizational Development 2/16/2015 M C 80 80 200 1,008 1,368 0 80,000$ 32,000$ 0 -$ 0 3Kotsakhura Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 2/16/2015 M P 2 4 30 101 137 0 14$ 777$ 0 -$ 0 3.5Cooperative "Shroma" Georgia Producer Organizational Development 3/4/2015 M C 8 10 15 92 125 0 63,000$ 18,900$ 0 -$ 0 3Flowers Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/6/2015 M F 1 4 0 14 19 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Farmer Sultakeev Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 3/12/2015 M F 3 0 2 19 24 0 4,865$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.3Cooperative "Dzevera" Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/13/2015 M C 4 8 70 230 312 3 416,640$ 217,000$ 0 -$ 0 2.5Cooperative "Shamatia" Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 3/13/2015 F C 5 8 0 36 49 2 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2.5Green Life Training Center Armenia Producer Organizational Development 3/27/2015 J N 3 0 3 19 25 11 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Cheese House Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/1/2015 F P 2 6 60 190 258 0 3,663$ 7,325$ 0 -$ 0 3Cooperative "Agro Sector" Georgia Producer Organizational Development 4/1/2015 M C 4 10 20 95 129 2 6,800$ 5,000$ 0 -$ 0 3Private Entrepreneur Akmatov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/3/2015 M F 8 0 2 37 47 9 5,008$ 4,000$ 0 -$ 0 2.1Contracting Center LLC Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/10/2015 F P 2 5 104 411 522 0 15,649$ 3,912$ 0 -$ 0 3.3Anaseuli Tea Factory Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/14/2015 M P 4 16 30 140 190 62 133,929$ 17,857$ 0 -$ 0 3Association "Moferi" Georgia Producer Organizational Development 4/14/2015 M C 2 10 50 174 236 0 1,786$ 700$ 0 -$ 0 3Association ''Moferi" Georgia Producer Organizational Development 4/14/2015 M C 2 10 50 174 236 0 1,786$ 700$ 0 -$ 0 3Agro House Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/16/2015 F P 3 14 30 132 179 0 26,667$ 3,556$ 0 -$ 0 3Bereke Farm Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/21/2015 M F 4 0 0 15 19 45 4,892$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.7Farmer Zair Matkarimov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/21/2015 M F 2 0 10 44 56 0 1,958$ 1,305$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Farmer/entrepreneur Emil Shamyrkanov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/21/2015 M F 3 2 5 37 47 20 16,305$ 8,153$ 0 -$ 0 2.8Farmer Hakim Karimkulov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/22/2015 M F 3 0 1 15 19 1 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.2Farmer Rabiya Kazybekova Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/22/2015 F F 3 3 7 48 61 1 409$ 327$ 0 -$ 0 1.7Farmer Tilla Sadirova Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/22/2015 F F 4 0 101 389 494 1 1,637$ 1,146$ 0 -$ 0 2.5Farmer Zulfiya Abdikerimova Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 4/22/2015 F F 2 0 3 19 24 0 2,455$ 1,637$ 0 -$ 0 2.3NFA (National Food Agancy) Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/27/2015 M P 5 6 50 171 232 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 3Roqi Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 4/27/2015 M P 8 55 0 176 239 0 2,217,402$ 110,689$ 0 -$ 0 3Agricultural Cooperative Top Agro Group Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/4/2015 M C 21 2 1,350 5,080 6,453 6 3,353$ 671$ 0 -$ 0 4

Potential Beneficiaries Economic Indicators Financial Services

Indicators

Farmer Taalaibek Isakulov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/4/2015 M F 2 10 4 59 75 1 20,120$ 15,090$ 0 -$ 0 1.7Farmer Tynyshbek Abdurasulov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/4/2015 M F 4 0 4 30 38 4 5,030$ 3,353$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Cooperative Green King Georgia Producer Organizational Development 5/6/2015 M C 4 7 15 73 99 0 43,478$ 8,696$ 0 -$ 0 3Farm "Cholponai" Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/6/2015 M P 5 10 35 185 235 16 33,635$ 8,409$ 0 -$ 0 2.3Vocational School #67 Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 5/14/2015 J E 0 48 165 788 1,001 3 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 4Agricultural cooperative Oroon Altyndary Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/19/2015 M C 60 7 208 1,018 1,293 367 83,842$ 11,365$ 0 -$ 0 3.2Agroservice Abiyir LLC Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/19/2015 M C 5 5 206 799 1,015 0 39,582$ 3,732$ 0 -$ 0 2.6Farmer Alaichi Alymkulov Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/21/2015 M F 1 4 12 63 80 0 6,838$ 2,564$ 0 -$ 0 2.5Farmer Chynara Ubukeeva Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/21/2015 F F 1 3 15 70 89 0 8,369$ 3,138$ 0 -$ 0 1.4Farmer Gulgaaky Zakirova Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/21/2015 F F 2 3 8 48 61 0 5,470$ 2,564$ 0 -$ 0 1.5Farmer Guljan Bazarbaeva Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 5/21/2015 F F 1 3 10 52 66 0 8,369$ 4,185$ 0 -$ 0 1.4First Micro-Credit Company Kyrgyzstan Rural Financial Services 5/22/2015 M R 7 218 13,983 52,570 66,778 0 15,176,284$ 119,700$ 0 8,892,020$ 11,760 3.7Savri Sanavbar Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 5/28/2015 F F 11 0 2 69 82 4 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.3Makhmadsalim Ergashev Rural Household Tajikistan Producer Organizational Development 5/30/2015 M F 11 5 3 100 120 0 2,875$ 1,150$ 0 -$ 0 1.7Gulbahor Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 6/2/2015 M F 6 6 2 74 88 3 1,917$ 800$ 0 -$ 0 1.8Berry Producer Farmers Association of Shida Kartli Region Georgia Producer Organizational Development 6/4/2015 F C 2 26 0 78 106 6 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Eco Baghi Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/4/2015 M P 1 7 15 64 87 3 23,913$ 3,000$ 0 -$ 0 3Vegetable Producer Farmers Association “Shida Kartli” Georgia Producer Organizational Development 6/4/2015 M C 2 65 40 300 407 19 18,260$ 8,695$ 0 -$ 0 3Geovet Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/10/2015 M P 2 6 15 64 87 0 13,100$ 3,500$ 0 -$ 0 3Grant Thorton - Georgia Georgia Flexible 6/10/2015 M P 8 30 50 246 334 0 726,700$ 58,125$ 0 -$ 0 3

IE Zaal Chimakadze Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/10/2015 M F 1 7 10 50 68 0 6,550$ 3,056$ 0 -$ 0 3Geovet Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/11/2015 M P 2 6 15 64 87 0 13,100$ 3,500$ 0 -$ 0 3Khar-Phuri Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 6/17/2015 M P 2 7 0 25 34 26 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Ethno Village Almaluu Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 6/21/2015 M F 8 0 8 59 75 6 4,245$ -$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Asomuddin Dehkan Farm Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/9/2015 M F 7 15 1 122 145 18 3,200$ 2,400$ 0 -$ 0 1.7Farmer Kairatbek Toktaliev Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/11/2015 M F 3 4 4 41 52 4 2,714$ 1,596$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Farmer Aichurek Zulpieva Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 7/12/2015 F F 2 4 4 37 47 4 2,714$ 1,596$ 0 -$ 0 1.6Production Cooperative “Temirkhon” Tajikistan Rural Enterprise Development 7/29/2015 M C 10 10 2 117 139 12 8,007$ 4,792$ 0 -$ 0 2.1Public Fund Bio Service Kyrgyzstan Agricultural Education and Training 8/20/2015 F N 0 10 500 1,887 2,397 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 3.3Agromax Beef Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 8/27/2015 M P 2 4 5 31 42 0 5,416$ 2,916$ 0 -$ 0 2Loqo Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 8/27/2015 M P 2 8 15 70 95 0 2,916$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2Natural Organic Substances Ltd Georgia Rural Enterprise Development 8/27/2015 M P 1 5 40 129 175 0 25,000$ 8,334$ 0 -$ 0 3Public Organization "Mumkunchuluk" Kyrgyzstan Rural Enterprise Development 8/27/2015 M P 7 2 6 56 71 1 8,010$ 1,090$ 0 -$ 0 3.2Disveli Women Cooperative Georgia Producer Organizational Development 9/3/2015 F C 10 15 0 70 95 0 -$ -$ 0 -$ 0 2

FY15 Count: Total: 2,217 1,459 50,281 87,332 141,455 1,005 33,045,413 1,096,757 - 8,892,020 11,760 2.3

LOP Count: Total: 4,007 2,707 58,542 127,708 193,130 1,317 122,423,518 1,607,887 - 8,896,020 11,760 2.6

F2F Standard Indicator Reporting Tables - Targets - Table 4: Outreach and Leverage - FY14-18

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FY2014 12 65 0 77 $ 81,068 FY2015 23 148 1 172 $ 244,263 FY2016FY2017FY2018

Total To-Date (March 2015): 35 213 1 249 325,331


1

ANNEX I: VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT SUMMARIES ARMENIA Armenia: Producer Organizational Value Added Product Development for Pomegranate, Manik Jayakumar, November 15- November 30, 2014 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Mr. Manik Jayakumar worked with the Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD). His assignment focused on developing tea production techniques, which included analyzing existing opportunities and performing cost/benefit calculation. He also developed strategy/ report on pomegranate tea production technology including both technical and business information. Dried arils usage options were presented as well. After his suggestions, samples of dried arils/shell and blooms collected were shown to some of the tea companies. Targeted Host Organization: Individual farmers and farmer groups Summary of Recommendations:

Increase the awareness of health benefits particularly among the youngsters Introduce some new items such as tea blossoms, dried aril, dried shells, tea bag standard dried arils

and shell to the US specialty tea market to any prospective exporter Use pomegranate arils and shells same machinery for drying

Best Practices of Orchard Management, Richard Funt, April 25- May 9, 2015 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Mr. Richard Funt, worked with the Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NGO. His assignment focused on pre-plant soil preparation and dissemination of pre-plant soil preparation using raised beds and compost, which included sending a soil sample to the Pennsylvania State University Soil Testing Laboratory and initiating soil preparation prior to planting fruit plant. Fruit plants were planted either on raised beds or on flat to demonstrate the management of water percolation in clay loam soils. Mr. Funt transferred his expertise to the trainer. Small land owners learned from the on-site training and received non-biased recommendations. Targeted Host Organization: Green Life Training Center Summary of Recommendations:

Establish a Soil Water, Tissue and Compost testing laboratory in Armenia Create funding either public or private advising or combination of each, for grower information on

best management practices to create a sustainable high quality fruit production system for the local and export market

Conduct annual field pruning demonstration and showing year-to-year effects of proper pruning

Armenia: Rural Enterprise Development

F2F volunteer Richard Funt (left) in the filed with the farmers


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Improved Berry Production/Quality Control, John Bobbe, October 7 – October 23, 2014 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Mr. John Bobbe worked with the Green Lane Agricultural Assistance NGO. His assignment focused on berry production and marketing which included site visits and market survey of all the village women’s groups and the current status. Mr. Bobbe conducted three meetings and all six villages were represented. The concept of complimentary products such as juice or wine to increase sales when the fresh berries are sold, leaflet to promote the women as producers of raspberries was discussed. He also suggested to develop ideas of complimentary products to sell along with fresh berries was presented including a sample fruit dip, pie recipe and pictures of display products in two U.S. farm markets. Targeted Host Organization: individual women’s group Summary of Recommendations:

Usage of pectin to reduce cooking time for jam and jellies and experimenting with fruit mixes, and incorporation of raspberries into pastries such as pie

Proposal of an additional label the size of a larger mailing label that gives a list of four or five health benefits

Look for opportunities to further facilitation the women’s groups in the benefits including introduction of black raspberries in some test plots

Harvest Handling/ Supply Management in Fruit Cold Chains, Leonard Obaldo, July 4- July 18, 2015 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Mr. Leo Obaldo worked with Advanced Rural Development Initiative (ARDI). His assignment focused on harvest supply management in fruit cold chains. He trained (class-room training) a group on newly established cooperatives in the area of harvest handling, harvest supply management, international standards and regulations for cold storages (Global GAP, ISO, HACCP), and international best practices with a focus on cooperatives. A set of recommendations was provided for each of the cooperatives. Targeted Host Organization: Agro Shen Hogh, M. Ayrum Fruit Producers, AAAG Fruit Producers and Bariq Fruit Producers cooperatives. Summary of Recommendations for all four cooperatives:

Conduct training on food safety, good agricultural practices and international standards Use the principles of postharvest processes as a guide in managing the supply chain and maintaining

quality of fresh fruits To accomplish the recommendation above, implement: a) proper harvesting, b) pre-cooling

immediately or within 24 hours after harvest, c) maintain proper storage conditions; d) avoid mixing ethylene sensitive products with non-sensitive products during storage and transportations; e) use controlled atmosphere and modified atmosphere packaging and f) reduce the effects of other external factors throughout the postharvest supply chain.

F2F volunteer John Bobbe site visiting


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KYRGYZSTAN Kyrgyzstan: Rural Enterprises Strategic Planning for an Association, Bryce Malsbary, November 29-December 13, 2014 Assignment Description: The host, Association-Federation of Organic Development BIO-KG (FOM BIO KG), has been implementing since 2012, awareness building activities to support organic agriculture, greenhouse production and study tours. The organization was in need of a strategic plan for 2015-2017, in accordance with the goals and objectives stated in its charter. This document was to build on the achievements of the previous strategic plan, which covered 2012-2014. The major issues that the organization faces is a lack of qualifications and skills in the development and designing/drafting of the longer term strategic plan in a professional manner. In addition to working with the organization on the strategic plan, the expert suggested new and innovative ideas and approaches in public-private partnerships, targeted communication protocols, methods to ensure timely feedback from farmers and rural communities, cooperation with advocacy/international organic movement groups and financial sustainability. Targeted Host Organizations: Association-Federation of Organic Development BIO-KG (FOM BIO KG) Summary of Recommendations:

Continue to develop methods to promote the health benefits of consuming organic products to create demand

Develop a recordkeeping system to record all financial activities of BIO-KG and require each Aymak to utilize this system to assure consistency in monitoring all revenues and expenses

Create a stakeholder/member communication process which will frequently inform members of BIO-KG activities.

Improvement of Plum Trees Growing Practices, Ross Penhallegon, March 18-April 5, 2015 Assignment Description: In 2012, an informal group of local producers and processors of plums/prunes was formed, made up of producers and processors from eight villages of the Aksy district in the Jalal-Abad Oblast. The main goal of Aksy Bio group was to work on the development of the region through the improvement of quality and increase of volume of plum/prune production and the group was realistic about the amount of support needed for this undertaking, including training, internships, exchange programs and technical assistance. F2F volunteer Ross Penhallegon was sent out to assist Aksy Bio group and he visited seven villages in the Aksy and Ala-Buka districts. During his visit, he conducted theoretical and practical trainings. Farmers-beneficiaries of this assignment were trained on all aspects of plum orchard management including pruning, disease and pest control, plant care, irrigation plan, spacing, soil preparation and management, soil fertility and harvest management. In addition to demonstrating the pruning equipment (secateurs) to rural plum growers, he had brought secateurs and pruning knives to transfer to the leaders of the Aksy-Bio group in the seven villages as there were no acceptable pruners or saws in four of the local markets in Bishkek. Targeted Host Organizations: Aksy Bio, informal group of local producers and processors of plums/prunes Summary of Recommendations:

Pruning – trees need to be pruned each year, starting with the first year the trees are planted and painted white with paint or lime

Fertilizer - a good fertilizer is 4 tons of compost or organic manure per hectare applied each year. This fertilizer need to be applied year in April

Irrigation to fill the trees roots in July and August


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Improvement of the Rural Women’s Family Budgeting Skills, Kate Penhallegon, March 18-April 5, 2015 Assignment Description: The Aksy region of Kyrgyzstan, which includes the Aksy, Alabuka and Chatkal rayons [districts], is a remote mountainous region in which mountains make up about 94% of the total land area and the main income-generating activities are the production of prunes and livestock.

Previously implemented projects in Kyrgyzstan have shown that the mountains are an area in which activities such as producing wild mountain berries, honey, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and herbs. Trainings and meetings held with local communities show solid potential which needs a comprehensive approach to develop the women's green entrepreneurship by processing and producing the mountain home products.

In order to support the local female initiatives regarding production of a variety of high quality home products partner organization Agrarian Platform requested for a professional who would train the local women’s groups on how to plan a home budget and to diversify household income sources, e.g. through producing mountain-based cottage industry products (jams, juices, herbal tea and balsams, etc.).

The volunteer expert Kate Penhallegon worked with ten local women’s groups and helped them to improve their skills in planning the home budget, book keeping practices and producing indigenous home-products as well. Targeted Host Organizations: Female Members of the Agrarian Platform Summary of Recommendations:

The biggest problem is with money and how it is allocated. Budgeting better, proving the need for more money through budgeting

Saving money and reprioritizing what is important

Organizational Development, Diana Lilla, June 1 – 12, 2015 Assignment Description: The two host organizations for this assignment, Agroservice Abiyir LLC and Agricultural cooperative Oroon Altyndary, worked with the volunteer on organizational development in order to increase effectiveness and to achieve strategic goals. Both organizations face difficulties in providing quality services due to lack of experience, poor management, poor accounting skills, poor business development skills etc. The assignment was completed through the partner organization, Training & Extension System-Centre (TES). TES is a Kyrgyz Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that aims to increase individual’s incomes from farming with the help of qualitative training and advisory work. Targeted Host Organizations: Agroservice Abiyir LLC and Agricultural cooperative Oroon Altyndary Summary of Recommendations:

Establishment of a fully functioning accounting by end of 2015 in order to provide information of major analysis and decisions

Agroservice Abiyir: Solve short term problems that will become big issues if not resolved, and explore replacing machinery (tractor/seeder/cultivator) that has not been functioning well

Oroon Altyndary Cooperative: Work with long term strategy to bring a product to market for the cooperative. Approach members with cooperative and role education to avoid setting pattern of expectations from them like other cooperatives that ended up failing in area

Technical Support in Fruits & Berry Nursery Management, Dilip Nandwani, June 19-July 4, 2015 Assignment Description: During the assignment, the volunteer expert worked with six nurseries - Meerim, Temir-Bakyt, Star Plus, Hafisa, Kizil Alma, and Barskoon and their staff – on fruit and berry nursery


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management. The assignment was completed through the partner organization, the newly formed Association of Nurseries in the Issyk-Kul oblast. Prior to commencing training, the association’s president arranged a two-day trip for the expert to the nurseries. During the visit of the nurseries, the volunteer had the opportunity to get a better understanding of the current practices being used by nurseries, their constraints, and opportunities for growth. The hosts envisioned the trainings being both theoretical and practical. Most of the nursery owners are not formally educated on agricultural development. As a result, they rely on their experience within the field to make nursery management decisions. The trainings were hands-on in the nursery, with the consultant and all trainees working together inside of a local nursery. Targeted Host Organizations: Six nurseries - Meerim, Temir-Bakyt, Star Plus, Hafisa, Kizil Alma, and Barskoon Summary of Recommendations:

Weeds management: Using hand tools for weeding is the best method for weed control given the local situation. Mulches such as wheat straw is recommended to use between rows and would help control weeds

Soil test: Not all the farmers were conducting soil tests, which is recommended Compost: It is highly recommended that farmers begin making their own compost and apply it to

their fields. Do not use fresh manure for the crops. Sundry fresh manure for 2-3 weeks before application to crops

Greenhouse Operations and Maintenance, Bruce Hicks, June 26 – July 11, 2015 Assignment Description: Small-scale greenhouses are becoming more popular, with the realization that this is a very profitable business. In the meantime many entrepreneurs starting this business "step on the same rake". They invest a considerable amount of money in the greenhouse but revenues are consumed by the cost of heating and inputs. Local farmers lack experience and do not possess knowledge of the technical details regarding energy conservation and technological processes to run a greenhouse operation successfully. The volunteer expert, Bruce Hicks, visited two villages Kenjekul and Ak-Tash, and provided technical assistance to small scale greenhouse vegetable producers. Targeted Host Organizations: Greenhouse vegetable producers Summary of Recommendations:

Greenhouse Design: Focus should be energy (heat) conservation and ventilation Heaters: The best heating system is the “Boiler” system. Boiler systems heat water that is pumped

into pipes that are placed throughout the greenhouse near the soil to produce uniform temperatures. Boilers can be modified to run on lower cost fuels such as coal, wood, and fuel oil

Seed: Use hybrid, indeterminate (tomato) seed varieties developed for greenhouse conditions. greenhouse cultivars have substantial disease resistance

Technology Transfer of Upgraded Skills in Strawberry and Raspberry Production, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, July 10-20, 2015 Assignment Description: Strawberries and raspberries are a very popular and nutritious snack for both children and adults. The production of these berries is very profitable in Kyrgyzstan because of this popularity, but about one-third of the yield of these berries is lost due to lack of knowledge and kills in proper production and identification of diseases and pests. The four host organizations, or farmers, for this assignment included Tynyshbek Abdurasulov, Kairatbek Toktaliev, Aichurek Zulpieva (a female farmer) and Taalaibek Isakulov, requested technical assistance on improved technology in strawberry and raspberry production, through local project partner, Rural Advisory Services Jalal-Abad (RAS JA). The RAS JA is


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one of six Public Foundations that facilitate access to information, credit and agricultural inputs through the network of advisors in order to support and promote agricultural development, agribusiness, development of women and youth initiatives, sustainable and efficient use of natural resources etc. Technical assistance was requested to provide a series of practical and theoretical trainings on improved technologies in the production of berries, including soil preparation, planting of seedlings, proper irrigation, additional fertilizing with bio-organic fertilizers, production of strawberries in greenhouses, information on high-yield varieties, pruning and other related issues. Targeted Host Organizations: Strawberry and raspberry producers Summary of Recommendations:

Use straw mulch on existing strawberry beds. The benefits will be better grass control, conserving soil moisture, cleaner berries (not contacting the soil) and better disease and insect controls

Manure should be used before planting when completely incorporated in the soil and before making plant beds. If must be applied after planting, only completely composted organic manure can be applied on the sides of strawberry beds and away from the plants

Weeds must be controlled and a complete mineral fertilizer should be applied

Dwarf Apple Nursery and Orchard Management, Peter Hirst, July 16-27, 2015 Assignment Description: Host organization, Public Union ‘Alma Kg’ has dwarf apple nursery (M9 rootstock), dwarf and local apple orchard in Chui oblast (Chon-Daly village Issyk-Ata rayon 25 km) and apple orchard in Issyk-Kul oblast (Cholpon-Ata foothill zone, Kara-Shaar village in Ton rayon). The area of nursery is 6-7 ha with 15 – 20 thousands rootstocks per hectare. Nursery provides seedlings for local farmers. F2F volunteer expert spent most of his time at the nursery and orchard of the host. In the orchard he demonstrated correct pruning techniques that focus on “thinning” cuts and eliminating “heading back” cuts. Changing pruning in this way would reduce vegetative growth and increase cropping. In some cases trees were planted at incorrect tree spacing. This has big implications for long-term management of orchards. Volunteer also gave a seminar to eight farmers at the Ministry of Agriculture building in Issyk-Kul area and visited three other orchards in that area. The volunteer spoke to farmers about how to decide upon correct spacing between trees, and also emphasized the importance of correct tree planting technique to avoid the problems of scion rooting.

During the assignment the expert identified several issues and provided recommendations for addressing these issues. These recommendations were based on likely beneficial outcomes using the most practical and cost-effective approaches. Targeted Host Organizations: Public Union Alma KG Summary of Recommendations:

The location of the nursery should be rotated each year so that trees are planted in a site that has not been planted in apple trees previously

Ensure all new trees are planted in orchards with graft unions 10-20 cm above ground level. For existing trees where scion rooting has occurred, remove soil from the base of tress and cut off scion roots flush with the tree. Do not replace soil or scion roots will regrow.

Weeds should be controlled, especially in young apple tree plantings. While there are a number of herbicides that will control weeds, probably the most practical method is the use of a hoe or other manual weed control methods. This will likely result in trees producing fruit at least one year sooner, which obviously has large economic benefits to the grower


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Livestock Farm Management, Archie Devore, July 18 – August 4, 2015 Assignment Description: Mechanization of farms is of great economic significance. It increases productivity, reduces production costs and timing, frees a person from the heavy and labor-intensive work. Removal of manure from the stalls is one of the important problems farmers face currently. Annually considerable amount of manure accumulates on their farms, and most of the farmers do not know the proper way to mechanize the process.

The host, farm Cholponai, has been working in livestock production since 1996 and requested this assignment to improve technical capacity in general small-sized farm management, including dairy cattle farm management, nutrition and feeding, mechanization of feeding and manure removal systems by increasing adoption of efficient and feasible farm management practices that would result in the production of high quality milk. Targeted Host Organizations: Dairy Farm Cholponai Summary of Recommendations:

Install a mechanical manure removal system in the gutters of the dairy barn, similar to what was in the barns previously

Initiate machine milking as a way to improve milk quality and to save labor Apply for a grant with USAID Agro Horizons Project to start a yogurt processing and packaging

operation as a way to add value to his dairy business and to provide employment opportunities for additional family workers to be involved in the business

Improved Marketing and Value Chain Linkages for Small-Scale Poultry Farmers, Gerald Nolte, July 18 – August 4, 2015 Assignment Description: Market oriented, small-scale poultry sector development is a feasible means to support livelihoods of rural farmers in Kyrgyzstan. As a result, the number of small poultry farms (farms with less than 1,000 birds) is on the rise. Farmers recognize the income potential of a viable poultry sector, but lack the knowledge required for marketing of the locally produced products, market analysis, consumer evaluation, collection and use of market information, and improvement of client services.

The host farmers were linked, through partner project Bai Alai, to credit for chicken coops and purchasing chicks and equipment, as well as improvement of their facilities. These farmers were also linked to fodder producers, and began jointly purchasing fodder. The farmers were trained at the Oasis Agro poultry school on business plan development, coop construction, poultry management, record keeping and financial literacy.

Targeted Host Organizations: Alai Poultry Farmers Summary of Recommendations:

Do not spend time on looking for markets outside the region, costs of producing eggs, especially feed costs, will not let eggs be competitive outside the region. In fact a very importing egg marketing strategy for these hen-keepers is to work with Oasis Agro, the major supplier of feed, to encourage more production and more efficient production of high energy seeds, especially maize in the region

Form an egg marketing association to do a significant amount of promoting of fresh locally-sourced eggs

Number of promotional activities that can best be done collectively through an association but can be done individually but less efficiently and effectively by individual hen-keepers

Improved Pullets Raising Technologies, Gustave Bonkoungou, August 18-29, 2015 Assignment Description: Poultry is mainly kept in the rural area for eggs and meat production. It provides income for smallholder poultry producers especially in Kyrgyzstan, where the business is developing. In


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Naryn, a town located in the northern part of the country, two hosts Public Organization, Mumkunchuluk [Opportunity], and private entrepreneur, Turganbaev, worked with the volunteer on improving pullet raising technologies at two small poultry farms.

The hosts are being supported to start a new poultry venture. They have been trained on ever laying hens management or on poultry raising in general. Nowadays, the hosts have started their poultry farming activities with layers for egg production. As beginners, they do have an interest on poultry production as a business, but they do have little information in setting up a profitable poultry enterprise, especially in egg production on a small and commercial scale basis. For a poultry enterprise to be profitable, it should have a sustainable chain value: it needs to have a reliable market for the products, as well a steady poultry supplies such as quality feed locally available at a low or moderate price to boost the production.

Feed quality appears to be a limiting factor in poultry production development in Naryn. It was for this reason, the hosts were keen to learn basic poultry farm management skills, in regarding feed formulation and feed production using local ingredients as substitutes to keep down the production cost in order to be competitive.

The volunteer Gustave Bonkoungou shared his knowledge and experience in the field of pullet raising technologies with Kyrgyz farmers wishing to improve their poultry farming. During the training they have discussed on several aspects of egg production that can be improved. The hosts have learned how to formulate and produce local feed at a lowest cost, using local ingredients.

Targeted Host Organizations: Public Organization, Mumkunchuluk and Private Entrepreneur Turganbaev Summary of Recommendations:

Initiate a training on poultry business plan elaboration to allow the hosts to profitably farm poultry. This will help them to strengthen their knowledge and skills on doing business so they will be more prepared in marketing, and compete with other farmers in egg production.

The hosts in their co-operative organization are recommended to make a comprehensive inventory of all ingredients used in animal feeding in Kyrgyzstan and their nutritional value. They will use this table to calculate their diet.

It is necessary to train one or two farmers in the use of feed formulation software. The organization of this special training in this domain of feed formulation using computer is completely useful and beneficial to them in several ways: easy and fast calculation, use of many ingredient, accurate, less time consuming, etc. This is achievable in the short term, within six months and might include local feed mills producers. The University of Central Asia (UCA) in Naryn, especially the School of Professional and Continuing Education may also be an opportunity for the farmers. This institution could train model poultry farmers.

Improvement of Milk and Meat Production, David Roberts, September 12-25, 2015 Assignment Description: Management of livestock farms encompasses a multitude of disciplines including record keeping, business planning, nutrition, feeding, reproduction, breeding, housing, environment (as it pertains to cow cleanliness and comfort), economics, cow health, and milking management. Farmers in Kyrgyzstan lack access to modern techniques and knowledge in raising cattle, which makes it a less profitable venture, affecting their incomes and having negative impact on the overall situation with the production of milk and meat in the country.

The host, private farmer/entrepreneur Emil Shamyrkanov requested this assignment to improve his and his employee’s technical capacity in dairy and meat cattle farm management, and to upgrade the farmer’s technical knowledge to be able to produce high quality milk which is demanded by Kyrgyz dairy processors, such as the cheese making plant, Siut-Bulak Company, in Issyk-Kul oblast. The host also was interested to get recommendations on the introduction of mechanization in the milking process.

The expert stayed with Emilbek Shamyrkanov and his family for eight days in the village of Koochu in Issyk-kul oblast. He reviewed the host’ farming practices including the summer mountain pastures and then


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discussed potential opportunities for improvement which host would be able to change easily in the short term along with future long term goals.

Targeted Host Organizations: Private Farmer/Entrepreneur Emil Shamyrkanov Summary of Recommendations:

Mobile Milking Parlor: The host was interested in improving his farms capabilities to increase milking efficiency. Research studies have demonstrated that the time spent milking the herd should be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours per milking. This reduces the time the cows are waiting to be milked and increases the time they are feeding, ruminating and resting, thus producing more milk. It is impractical to construct milking facility since the cows are being moved large distances between summer pasture and winter feeding area

Feed Rations: Cow Nutrition is directly related to milk production, though in this region sources of various feeds is limited and overall feed supply is both costly and not able to be increased. By feeding the cows based on their milk production level, the host will be able to increase milk production with only small adjustment to his feed management. Note: changes in feed ration need to be done slowly and over time as the microbes (bacteria) in the rumen need to adjust to the change in feed. Large amount of grain should be avoided as this can cause a low pH level in the rumen resulting in acidosis and death

Salt and Trace Minerals: Salt blocks are an easy and efficient means to allow the cows to obtain the necessary minerals. Note: Copper is highly toxic to sheep and when purchasing mineral blocks be certain the block label states it can be used for sheep

Kyrgyzstan: Agricultural Education Fruits and Vegetables Post-Harvest Handling and Storage, Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, September 26-October 13, 2014 Assignment Description: The host, Training & Extension System-Centre (TES), is a Kyrgyz non-governmental Organization (NGO) that aims to increase people’s incomes from farming with the help of qualitative training and advisory work. TES was founded in 1999 jointly by the GTZ (now GIZ, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) project and the Osh State University. TES provides a variety of services, including in the areas of horticulture production and orchard management.

The Nookat apple producers have limited knowledge on best practices in cold storage equipment, including for apples. There are several entrepreneurs in the area, who have mini cold stores (with refrigerators). For example, farm Erjigit has cooling storage with the capacity for 100 MT volume, and cooperatives Zolotoi Plod and NUKOK have storage with a volume of 400 MT each. There are three newly established cold storages but not yet fully equipped. Each storage house has about 5-6 employees, and 10-12 seasonal (80% women). Volunteer expert Mohamed Abdel-Rahman provided practical coaching on post-harvest product handling and storing technologies for local farmers, with the particular focus on apples. He also assisted the host to build capacity of its agronomists on such technologies to provide these services to their clients in future.

Another focus area of the assignment was seed potato which is one of the expertise of TES-Centre. In 2014 TES-Centre set a demonstration plot on growing of virus free seed potato in Chon-Alai rayon (2,500 m above sea level). Volunteer provided recommendations for seed potato production and, particularly, storage.

Targeted Host Organizations: Training & Extension System-Centre (TES Center) Summary of Recommendations:

Elaborate separate SOW for disease and pest control at fruit orchards to get higher yield and better quality product

Capacity building of potato growers by TES agronomist


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Technical Support in Greenhouse Management, Katherine Kloetzli, October 10-25, 2014 Assignment Description: The host, AVEP Public Fund, was seeking technical support in the area of greenhouse management. This assignment fit into AVEP’s three-year Karagat+ project aimed at increasing the income of over 1,200 rural farmers. Greenhouses are relatively new phenomena in Kyrgyzstan. Successful greenhouses are even rarer. Most rural men and women of Kyrgyzstan are familiar with field growing, put have no practical experience working with intensive crop production – like in a greenhouse.

The expert worked with the eight agronomists from four vocational schools in Issyk-Kul oblast, and seven individuals from two or three primary schools and orphanages and shared her technical and practical knowledge in greenhouse management technologies. AVEP gained additional educational tools to continue to focus its efforts on developing the rural areas of Kyrgyzstan.

Targeted Host Organizations: AVEP Public Fund Summary of Recommendations:

Incorporate ‘Integrated Pest Management (IPM)’ techniques Manage the humidity and temperature of the greenhouse Water crop carefully, prepare the soil and practice sanitation

Introduction of HACCP System in Dairy Processing, Cliff Wener, December 6-21, 2014 Assignment Description: The host, Education and Training Center of the Food Processing Industry "Technolog", under the I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU), is one of the most modern educational institutions in the vocational education system in the Kyrgyz Republic. The center was established on January 1, 2012 under a World Bank Agribusiness and Marketing Project. The project was implemented by the Agribusiness Competitiveness Center and KSTU. The purpose of this project was to ensure the economic development of the processing industry in the country by providing producers with innovative and modern technologies based on advanced research using modern equipment. The project supported the establishment of four training and production workshops – on meat, milk, fruit and vegetable processing and on manufacturing bakery products, pasta and confectionery.

Four students in the technology program were the main recipients of training. Volunteer Cliff Wener gave them hands on training on how to write Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, the flow of foods from receiving to storage, traceability system, and recall system. The students successfully took the initiative to write good quality SOP’s from the templates and mentoring volunteer provided. They also wrote a comprehensive job description for the HACCP management team. Additionally, Cliff discussed the codependence between food safety and quality.

He also discussed the need for the instructors and instructor technologists to be able to demonstrate food safety leadership and quality leadership. In addition to the original SOW volunteer introduced professional bakery processing technology and formulas. The bakery technology laboratory had significant quality control challenges. And their practices did not meet industry practices. Cliff demonstrated new recipes and techniques to achieve high quality to earn market acceptance and fair profits. Targeted Host Organizations: Education and Training Center of the Food Processing Industry "Technolog" Summary of Recommendations:

Learn to differentiate between the concepts and activities of HACCP and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), Pre-Requisite Programs (PRP’s) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Complete the SOP’s and PRP and the HACCP plant for dairy year 1. Year 2 apply/practice the HACCP system. Year 3 apply for certification


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Establish world class policies and procedures for food safety including local government standards. Purchase and use guidance documents ISO 22000-2005, ISO 22004-214, and ISO 22002 (PRP for food manufacturing standards)

Write relevant Standard Operating Procedures incorporating GMP’s for Personal Hygiene; Product Flow from Receiving to Customer; Traceability and Recall systems, Management of Food Safety Team Job Description and Organizational Structure

Learn how to apply the 7 steps of HACCP using the decision tree to determine CCP’s, Critical Limits, and Corrective Actions for dairy processing

Development of new services and products, Thomas Kimmel, January 31-February 12, 2015 Assignment Description: The host organization for this assignment, Public Foundation ‘Rural Advisory Services Jalalabad” (RAS JA) is one of six regional public foundations (PFs) engaged in extension: Chui-Talas, Naryn, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Osh and Batken, with regional offices in each oblast center. RAS JA was registered in 2008. The head office is located in Jalal-Abad and sub- offices in all rayons [districts] of Jalal-Abad oblast [province]. RAS JA facilitates access to information, credits and agricultural inputs through the network of advisors in order to support and promote agricultural development, agribusiness, development of women and youth initiatives, sustainable and efficient use of natural resources etc.

Volunteer, Tomas Kimmel, reviewed and suggested revisions of the host’s current business development plan, and provided training on proposal writing. In addition to this, the volunteer assisted the host in development of new services in greenhouses, drip irrigation and veterinary services were developed. Targeted Host Organizations: Public Foundation ‘Rural Advisory Services Jalal-Abad’ Summary of Recommendations:

Administratively, separate the grant funded RAS JA from the for-profit RAS JA business Construct a program where farmers would pay a monthly/yearly fee for a set of services that

would cost them significantly more if purchased separately Partner with processors/packagers of food stuffs to be the field representative providing

training and quality assurance between the farmer and processor/packager

Training on Modern Plant Protection Technologies, Jennifer Himmelstein, May 21-June 5, 2015 Assignment Description: The majority of small and medium farms in Kyrgyzstan grow crops such as beans, grains and potatoes. Due to insufficient areas of land farmers hardly use crop rotation and lack knowledge of agricultural technologies on crop cultivation. Because of this the soil is losing its productivity and major agrochemical properties. Farmers from many regions were requesting information from the host in the identification and assessment of soil phytopathological conditions. The host, the Plant Protection Department of the Faculty of Agricultural of the Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University, received from farmers soil samples, conducted tests for the presence of pathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, weeds by the classical methods of phytopathology, hematology and herbalogy etc. Those testing was very time consuming and costly. To provide timely assistance to farmers from different regions of the country, the host got from a volunteer expert Jennifer Himmelstein knowledge and skills to develop fast, affordable and modern methods for diagnosis of the soil conditions under agricultural crops such as grain, potato and tomato, particularly training for lecturers and students on the diagnosis of plant pathogens and pests and nematodes. She conducted a short, intensive lecture and laboratory course on plant disease diagnostic methodologies for second year students at Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University on plant diagnostic techniques. Additionally, Jennifer worked with faculty on new plant disease diagnostic methodologies to help them improve their capacity to evaluate disease.


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Targeted Host Organization: The Plant Protection Department of the Faculty of Agricultural of the Kyrgyzstan-Turkey Manas University Summary of Recommendations:

Utilize ouchterlony as a substitute for more expensive and time consuming immunoassay techniques

Set-up own multi-Baermann funnel in lab for nematode analysis (as shown) instead of purchasing more costly equipment

Acquire more quality linkages to laboratory equipment providers who can deliver materials in a timely, affordable manner so that best practices and demonstrated techniques can be utilized in the laboratory

Advancement of Vocational Farming Curriculum and Practices, Carmen Byce, September 10-20, 2015 Assignment Description: The host organization, Alai Vocational School, along with similar schools throughout the country, are responding to the challenge posed by the growing demand for highly skilled workers and qualified professionals through training local youth who are able to quickly acquire knowledge, experience and business skills for the successful operation of private business activities in rural areas. Currently vocational schools are not well-aligned with the labor markets, which, due to a growing economy require increasing numbers of skilled workers. The main purpose of the requested assignment was to assist the school management to improve the school curriculum, create modern teaching methods, update, revise, strengthen and modernize teaching materials, develop strategies for long-term sustainability, obtain information about international vocational schools. Targeted Host Organization: Alai Vocational School #67 Summary of Recommendations:

Form an advisory/steering committee

Establish demonstration and learning areas on the school grounds

Update existing curriculum

Kyrgyzstan: Rural Financial Services Strategic Planning for Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI), Edward Doherty, September 22-October 2, 2014 Assignment Description: The Union of Legal Entities, the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI), was established as an industry association (please see the host description below) with the aim of coordinating members’ interaction in the field of microfinance of the Kyrgyz Republic, implementing the joint projects by the members, such as Finca, Kompanion Financial Group and Mol Bulak Finance, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of the members.

This assignment was a follow up of previous volunteer work with AMFI in Year 14 with a goal of updating strategy to guide future of AMFI and to provide basic Strategic Planning skills for development of small and medium MFI’s. Part of a review of Strategic Plan was to assist MFI in developing a growth strategy and funding resources to support the Plan goals. Also volunteer provided training in leadership and team skills to better communicate and coordinate activities of members and the Executive staff of AMFI.

Targeted Host Organizations: The Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) Summary of Recommendations:


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Capacity building for members: Since developing and conducting training for members and others is a major function of AMFI, the Executive Director should work with partners and other financial organizations to use their programs and talent to meet needs of AMFI.

Regional Council: Effectively coordinating training and information exchange needs improvement. AMFI should establish a Regional Council consisting of four volunteer leaders in major areas such as Osh, Batkin, Jalalabad, and Bishkek.

Membership Growth: Relying on commercials and posters to increase members is a costly and inefficient way to grow. To recruit new members, AMFI should consider partnering with a donor organization such as GIZ to provide a bonus for existing members who sponsor new members.

SMART Campaign Adviser, Christopher DiCarlo, August 3 – 13, 2015 Assignment Description: The First Micro Credit Company (FMCC) is a successful, established microcredit provider based in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. There are 13 branches and 90 loan officers throughout the country. FMCC is part of the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, which includes 11 other microfinance institutions in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

The FMCC has been looking to obtain Smart Campaign certification. The Smart Campaign is an international certification program spearheaded by Accion International, a global U.S. based leader in microfinance. Smart Campaign Certification is akin to industry accreditation, and has a focus on 95 standards related to Client Protection and ensuring that borrowers (almost always low-income individuals) are not harmed throughout the process of acquiring loans and repaying them.

In order to achieve Smart Campaign Certification, micro lenders must meet minimum guidelines on all 95 standards. The best way to achieve this is embody the seven client protection principles throughout the entire organization. To date, there are 28 microfinance institutions that have received certification, including the three largest micro lenders in Kyrgyzstan. Smart Campaign Certification is a prestigious designation in the field and therefore conveys recipients a competitive advantage. Moreover, certification affirms the use and inclusion of industry best practices, which of course strengthens any institution.

The volunteer, Chris DiCarlo assisted by FMCC staff members conducted a two week audit and assessment of the organization’s inclusion of these standards and its readiness to undertake the certification process. Targeted Host Organizations: First Micro-Finance Company (FMCC) Summary of Recommendations:

Client Protection standards should be more directly included in FMCC policies and manuals (P3): FMCC clearly has an underlying commitment to not harming their clients. Illustrating this commitment throughout written policies and related manuals is a Smart Campaign guideline. FMCC can make their existing commitment more explicit through a revision of their manuals with this in mind. It is recommended that Department Heads revisit their respective policy documents and more overtly include the appropriate 95 Smart Campaign standards or at least the seven overriding Smart Campaign principles. As one FMCC manager put it “allow the owners of these polices” to take correction action by revising documents to fill in the existing “gaps.”

Enhance Training (P3): Training is an existing core function of the Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department could hold an annual focus group with clients so as to receive ideas directly from borrowers that could improve training. Management should consider Operations taking a larger role in training design. Finally, Ethics training should be mandatory for all employees within the first three years of employment

Reinforce proper behavior towards client (P3): While the assessment did not reveal any egregious inappropriate behavior, several Loan Officers did admit to raising voices at clients. This clearly should not be the case and FMCC will need to remind Loan Officers of this and perhaps place special emphasis on this in training or through mentorship. Appropriate collection of late payments should always be featured


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GEORGIA Georgia: Rural Enterprise Development Animal Nutrition and Management, Archie Devore, November 2 – November 20, 2014 Assignment Description: For promoting modern techniques in nutritious livestock feed production and improve existing dairy nutritional ratios, USAID newly Economic Opportunities project (NEO)actively collaborated to small-scale livestock feed producers (Shuakhevis Meurneoba Ltd and IE Bidzina Shengelia). Shuakhevis Meurneoba Ltd is closely linked with a large number of meat processing farms and owns a pellet mill for cattle. During the tour of the mill, F2F volunteer Archie Devore discouraged the host to use inferior quality of alfalfa hay, which was apparently 90 % weeds and less than 10 % alfalfa and presented for both hosts, three standards feed ratios: fattening ratio for cattle, growing ratio for young cattle and ratio for lactating cows. Mr. Archie Devore also provided a special formula for feed ingredients evaluation in accordance to body score, percentage dry matter intake and nutrient density determination and also stated to increase fattening ratio gradually in order to prevent upset stomach or off feed conditions. Targeted Host Organizations: Shuakhevis Meurneoba Ltd, IE Bidzina Shengelia Summary of Recommendations: Shuakhevis Meurneoba Ltd

Use recipe formulas developed for three feed Recipe formulas that can be manufactured with ingredients readily available to the host

Use listed feed ingredients and take under consideration: nutritional value, nutrient density and percentage body weight

Develop satellite locations for distribution, feed marketing and promotion Summary of Recommendations: IE Bidzina Shengelia

Use fattening ration for fattening bulls; Use growing ration for developing dairy heifers or bulls for fattening; Use lactating cow feed for small size dairy herds

Processing Tomato Practice Management, Robert Rice, September 20 – October 8, 2014 Assignment Description: Marneuli Agro Ltd, one of the most technologically advanced vegetable growing enterprise, produces tomato and cucumber seedlings and wide range of fresh vegetables: tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, garlic, broccolis, onions and sells them to Marneuli Food Factory, one of the largest operating canning factory in Georgia. Due to the uprising local market demand on fresh and processed products, the company enlarged its production area, but faced shortage in tomato and cucumber yield. The volunteer, Robert Rice suggested disease resistant and double cropping varieties of tomatoes and cucumbers, also suggested to use air blasting sprayer for reducing chemical application rates. Mr. Robert Rice clearly stated that implementation of his recommendations would result a better quality yield due to a decrease in blossom end rot and off-site fertilizer movement, which has a harmful environmental impacts on the operation. Targeted Host Organization: Marneuli Agro Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

Apply recommended fertilizer rates according to timing recommendations Consider an air-blast sprayer for insecticides and fungicides which will facilitate improved crop

coverage, reduced pesticide usage, and separation of herbicide contaminated sprayers from those used for other sprays. Increase use of reduced risk pesticides as a replacement for more toxic alternatives;


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Purchase a wipe-on herbicide applicator and implement timing recommendations on spot treatment of bindweed and nut sedge in combination with cultural recommendations for control

Hydroponic Tomato Growing Technology, Nino C. Adams, October 10 -October 27, 2014 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Nino C. Adams, a vegetable specialist visited the VT Agro LLC and Farm Service Center Ltd. VT Agro LLC was at the stage of understanding the Hydroponic tomato growth specifics. The volunteer gave recommendations to the host on appropriate Hydroponic tomato growth conditions, nutritional programs, disease management and cultural control. During the assignment, the volunteer provided information on the great potentials of growing Hydroponic tomatoes by the VT Agro LLC and the appropriate operational approaches, by controlling temperature variables and conducting PH and Electrical Conductivity test. The volunteer recommended conducting follow up assignments to help the host in dealing with shortages of nutritional uptake, disease prevention and business planning. Targeted Host Organization: VT Agro LLC Summary of Recommendations: VT Agro LLC

Maintain optimum temperature and humidity in the greenhouses

Provide proper nutritional program

Use Bio-insecticide and cultural control

Summary of Recommendations: Farmer Service Centre Ltd

Maintain Optimum temperature between 24°C-26°C

Set the timer for watering to find out how much time it takes before soil gets slightly wet (Farm Service Ltd);

Purchase tensiometers;

Embryo Transfer techniques, Gregory Lenz, October 10 - October 25, 2014 Assignment Description: Margebeli,Ltd. is a well-managed dairy farm, milking approximately 100 primarily Brown Swiss cows in confined housing and planning to extend the number of their milking herds by using the embryo transferring techniques in the nearest future. Even though the local veterinarians quoted that they achieved a 100% pregnancy rate, by using an artificial insemination, F2F volunteer Gregory Lenz discovered that several cows were wrongly identified as a pregnant ones, which can be very harmful and costly in terms of additional feed costs and loss of milk production. To avoid drawbacks, he recommended to the host to perform reproductive exams on cows twice a month and to use cattle chute or similar devices for adequately restrain and caw examination. The volunteer also gave recommendations on proper corn silage harvesting periods and agricultural procedures. Two days were spent with the management of Caucasus Genetics, F2F volunteer followed up on some previous volunteer assignments to see if recommendations from previous assignments were followed, as well to see if gaps in AI existed. Targeted Host Organization: Margebeli Ltd Summary of Recommendations: Margabeli Ltd

Use a cattle chute or similar device for adequate restrain the cows during the examination

Perform reproductive exams on cows twice a month that fit certain parameters listed in the body of the report

Purchase the ultrasound machinery for veterinary use


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Summary of Recommendations: Caucasus Genetics

Use of artificial insemination to improve genetics, progeny of existing local cattle

Use the ultrasound to do reproductive exams on caws

Use the same embryo transferring techniques that were ready to accept embryos

Gouda and Cheddar Cheese Making, Steve Morgan May 8-May 23, 2015 Assignment Description: Cheese House Ltd is a female-owned cheese production facility and shop selling different varieties of cheeses and other dairy products. Since 2011 the host has been involved in Georgian cheese making and wanted to learn technologies for production of alternative cheese varieties. F2F volunteer, Steve Morgan educated the host about each step in cheese (Gouda and Mozzarella) making process. This included but was not limited to: improvement of raw material sourcing, collection, transportation, handling; processing technology, consistency, operation efficiency; new product development, packaging, storage and labeling. Steve Morgan also described the importance of food safety and sanitation standards in the US dairy Industry. Targeted Host Organization: Cheese House Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

After completion of the cheese plant, acquire the correct equipment for the production of multiple cheeses

Improve pasteurization - host was unable to properly pasteurize the milk with the equipment they have. Unpasteurized milk products can lead to severe illness and even death

Use chlorine dip stations to sanitize hands and equipment during the production Marketing Strategy Development for Slaughterhouse, Jilson Ortiz, May 15 –May 25, 2015 Assignment Description: Kotsakhura LLC maintains slaughterhouse facility, slaughtering 5-15 head of cattle per day. As the National Food Agency regulates and requires to process meat products in licensed facilities, number of clients increases daily. During the assignment, F2F volunteer Jilson Ortiz helped Kotsakhura Ltd staff to develop marketing plan, and targeting consumer’s needs. Targeted host: Kotsakhura Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

Create a short term marketing goals and timeline chart that will help to synchronize the economic goals with the operational strategic points

Delineate a list of items that need to be addressed in order to bring the slaughterhouse to top HACCP performance, including, but not limited to: HACCP Plan, GPS, etc

Adjust retail and distribution practices for the maximization of business goals Pig Genetic Improvement, Brent Van Dyke, May 11-May 25, 2015 Assignment Description: The objective of this particular assignment was to conduct a follow up evaluation of the embryo process conducted in spring 2014 and to provide training in livestock evaluation, genetics and improved feeding techniques and nutrition. Returned F2F volunteer, Mr. Brent Van Dyke evaluated results of his previous work and found out that one year after using boar semen purchased from the United States, the pigs that had 50% American genetics were far above the Georgian average in body condition and frame score of U.S. No. 4 (Less than 54.4% yield), the average carcass score on these pigs were over the U.S. No. 3 grade (54.4%- 53.7% yield). The pigs that had 75% American genetics had an average U.S. No. 2 (57.4%-60.3% yield grade). During this particular assignment, breeding of the next generation began. Six females were selected for breeding and it is anticipated that as a result of insemination, next generation


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will be 87.5% U.S.A genetics. The anticipated impact from this breeding is that 80% or more of this generation will meet the minimum requirements to reach the U.S. No. 1 grade. Targeted host: G&G LLC Summary of Recommendations:

Improve Bio Security to avoid spread of diseases in their herds Improve nutrition and develop a minimum of four different feed rations Receive training in the sanitary processing of porcine carcasses and a comprehensive training on

the processing of Bovine and Porcine that follows the standards set forth in HACCP

Rainbow Trout Production and Disease Management, Roger Palm, June 26 - July 22, 2015 Assignment Description: “Geovet” Ltd provides consulting services to the farmers involved in trout production operations. Though, due to high mortality of fish and inability to diagnose reasons of death properly, F2F volunteer was invited. During the farm visits, F2F volunteer, RogerPalmobserved numerous fish disease problems and obstacles, which the farmers were facing in their fish farming operations. By looking at the clinical signs of fish diseases and examining internal organs, Mr. Palm identified the pathogens that might be causing high fish mortality rates at the hatchery and raceways. Dr. Palm trained one of the representatives of GeoVet on using API 20E Biochemical strip and in reagent applications. Targeted host: Geovet Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

Establish small size laboratory for identification of pathogens which causes the high mortality rate Train the microbiologists in providing laboratory diagnostic and basic extension services Provide technical assistance for a reticulation aquaculture facility that deals with the problems

related to water quality and the biological filtration systems Greenhouse Flower Production, Bruce Williams, July 1- July 21, 2015 Assignment Description: Flowers Ltd is a small scale company producing and distributing herbs and vegetables grown in greenhouses. In addition to production of herbs of the company’s future development, Flowers Ltd planned to expand its business and start growing flowers in the greenhouses. The volunteer, Bruce Williams observed the host’s greenhouse seedling operation, vegetable production, fruit production (apple, pear), and the rudimentary beginnings of their flower production (roses, bedding plants) and recommended to use sterile media to grow flower seedlings to avoid spreading of diseases in young plants. By the host’s request, F2F volunteer Bruce Williams visited fruit orchard to evaluate existing disease and insect problems, and recommended treatment of dormant plants with fungicides, insecticides, and dormant oil next January/February immediately after pruning. Targeted host: Flowers Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

Use one of the many chemical management tools for bedding plant height control (stature retardants) such as B-Nine, Ancymidol, or Bonsai

Begin fertilizing established plants in late March with blood meal, composted manure or similar organic nitrogen source, simply apply 1-2 cups per bush! Use one application of a quick release rose fertilizer in March and a time release fertilizer applied in May

Water weekly during the blooming season (April-October) with 20-25 liters of water per bush. DO NOT USE A SPRINKLER, which encourages black spot and mildew. Do not spray when the temperature is over 28C because this will burn the foliage. Spray should be applied to the underside of the foliage as well as on top and inside the blooms


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Georgia: Producer Organizational Development Hazelnut Orchard Management &Post-Harvest Handling, Bruce Bailey, November 28 - December 22, 2014 Assignment Description: With the assistance of the USAID New Economic Opportunities (NEO) Program, F2F volunteer, F2F volunteer, Mr. Bruce Bailey visited and gave recommendations to Hazelnut Producers Association of Samegrelo –Zemo Svaneti Region, a privately owned Tsabashvili Family Orchard.The Hazelnut Producer`s Association of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region is a very well established organization, which unites 83 hazelnut growers in west part of Georgia and was seeking to develop the most appropriate ways of hazelnut orchard management, advanced post-harvest handling, pruning and other hazelnut in shell or shelled, natural or dried, sliced or diced handling techniques. F2F volunteer, Bruce Bailey emphasized on the significance of correctly conducting green operations, pruning techniques, its operational timeliness and seasonableness. He helped farmers to learn and utilize improved technical and cultural advances to improve their management practices, orchard thrift, and crop yield and quality standards to gain more profitable returns from their orchards. He also stated the importance of correctly choosing hazelnut cultivars in terms of pollination and more profitable gain returns. The volunteer held field trainings for local wide range of farmer groups in the region. Targeted Host Organization: The Hazelnut Producers Association Summary of Recommendations: The Hazelnut Producers Association

Pruning operations should be initiated during the dormant season Use insect damage identification and monitoring methods Establish adequate and quality-oriented input service supplier`s network

Summary of Recommendations: Tsabashvili Family Orchard

Monitor the peach orchard for insect type and damage identification Use standardized Pruning Techniques during the dormant season Make the soil and leaf analyses

Beekeeping Management and Honey Production Technology, Scott Stanley May 9- May 25, 2015 Assignment Description: Cooperative Tapli Sachino was registered in January 2015. About 80 beekeepers are united in the cooperative, mostly operating with 20 beehives, but only several of them are running up to 100 beehives. Farmers were interested in maintaining the colony seasonal activity cycles, producing bee milk, extracting bee poison, wax and propolis, as well as improving and reproducing rare breeds of Caucasian and Mukhuri type of queen bees. F2F volunteer, Scott Stanley fully studied the current condition at farms and suggested to implement modern techniques and helped them with the bee disease identification through PSU, evaluation and treatment. Mr. Stanley introduced modern techniques, educated on bee biology, equipment and rearing. Provided recommendations on background and needs for A.I, queen rearing evaluation steps for their operation, and selection methods to use. Suggested solar wax preparation in exchange to stove for wax melting. Targeted Host Organization: Cooperative Tapli Sachino Summary of Recommendations:

Use of varroa assay text to assess varroa levels for possible treatment Continue trainings in disease identification and treatment


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Implement record keeping for each hive to identify favorable characteristics: minimal defensiveness, propolis use, swarming tendencies, overwintering ability, colony growth in spring, brood production disease tolerance and honey production

Rabbitry Managment, Julie Angel, June 10 - June 23, 2015 Assignment Description: Cooperative Shroma was registered in December 2014. The cooperative unites 13 farmers, 4 female and 9 male farmers on average operating with 80 rabbits (per farmer), primarily utilizing Californian breeds. The farmers have limited access to technical information in rabbit farming and this is reflected in the poor design, construction and lay out of the rabbit hutches. F2F volunteer, Julie Engel observed their rabbit farming practices and questions regarding to overall farm management were discussed. She explained that the objective of small-scale units is not to make the greatest possible profit, but to achieve satisfactory productivity with a low-input system by using local resources and family labor sources. She addressed all the problems concerning the sanitation issues, ventilation system, heat stress that might affect the growth and health conditions of the rabbits at the various production stages. Targeted host: Cooperative Shroma Summary of Recommendations:

Daily cleaning of cages, weekly sanitizing of cages and equipment, and, if applicable, the building Increase fiber in feed Develop doe and buck records as outlined in training

Vegetable Production Technology, James Neibauer August, 8- August 25, 2015 Assignment Description: “Cooperative Agro Sector” is a recently established union of five vegetable producers in the Samegrelo region. The cooperative produces various vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, sweet peppers, salad leaves) in a greenhouse and an open field area. The cooperative was facing a number of issues in weed control management and fruit and flower dropping, causing yield reduction and deterioration. One of the main obstacle that the host was facing and needed assistance of the volunteer, was diseases widely spread at the stage of crop growth. F2F volunteer, James Neibauer suggested to use of disease resistant varieties of cucumbers and tomato cultivars. Herbicide application while growing carrots, strawberries, eggplants and peppers was discussed. James Neibauer also suggested to the host to bring in a F2F expert who would assist the cooperative in development and implementation of business plan, help to develop organizational documents and forms necessary for the cooperative functioning, distribution of responsibilities among members and the management. Targeted host: Cooperative Agro Sector Summary of Recommendations:

Develop a business plan and supporting organizational documents for the co-op indicating purposes and goals

Provide a cold treatment to lettuce seed prior to seeding If additional land is purchased or present land is expanded under production, kill all perennial weeds

before planting any crop

Open field Vegetable and Herb Production, Roy Showcroft August, 15–August, 27, 2015


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Assignment Description: Vegetable Producer Farmers Association Shida Kartli Region is currently involved in vegetable seedling and herb production. The major goal of the association is to initiate open field vegetable production growth under the protected Environmental circumstances. To gain sufficient knowledge and understanding of open field vegetable farming operations, F2F volunteer Roy Shawcropt provided consultations on various tomato and other vegetable diseases, specific chemical applications, crop rotations, fungicides, disease control and prevention. In addition, he mentioned about the seed availability, choice and the decision about hybrid inherent disease resistance. Most farmers understood how to build genetic disease resistance cultivars, but were confused to some extent on GMO vs. Hybrid. Targeted host: Vegetable Producer Farmers Association Shida Kartli Region Summary of Recommendations:

Increase knowledge about irrigation, fertilizer application, disease control and prevention Obtain soil testing kits and instructions to interpret results Obtain Soil moisture monitoring instruments, install and obtain instructions for use Encourage search on internet for herbicide recommendations for various vegetable crops of specific

importance such as potato weed control

Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Point Plan Development, Jeff Kronenberg, September 3- September 19, 2015 Assignment Description: Association “Moferi” develops the comprehensive service packages, online consultations, specialized training courses and 24 hour hotline service for farmer` counseling and advocacy. While compliance with international Food Safety Standards regulated by the Georgian government becomes a must, the interest among entrepreneurs to implement HACCP in their production facilities grows tremendously. Association management organized HACCP workshop and it was conducted by F2F volunteer Mr. Jeff Kronenberg. Nine female and twenty nine male participated in theoretical and practical trainings. 38 farmers, 9 female and 29 male participated in theoretical and practical trainings. Attendees mainly were dairy and livestock producers as well as food processors and slaughterhouse business operators. The workshops included extensive coverage of prerequisite food safety programs, the HACCP preliminary tasks and principles, interactive team exercises and testing programs. Participants worked in teams to build HACCP plan, providing an opportunity to apply concepts learnt to practical food processing systems. The instructor and the course were accredited by the International HACCP Alliance (IHA). After the workshop completion, 25 participants 9 female and 16 male participants received certificates of completion accompanied by the IHA certified seal. Some of the farmers showed their interest to take further steps and to implement ISO (FSSC) 22,000 standards. Targeted host: Members of Association Moferi Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: Animal Slaughtering Plant Ltd.

The bird activity areas to be netted to prevent bird access. A small mesh plastic bird net can be fastened to the building

Mechanical traps or rodent poison in locked bait stations to be used

F2F volunteer Roy Shawcropt (right) with the Host


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Walls need to be coated with impervious food grade paint, such as epoxy or other water resistant coatings. Ensure that coating is compatible with food plants

Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: Shula Meat Products Ltd.

All the nests to be immediately removed and these areas to be netted to prevent bird access. The bird excreta needs to be cleaned and areas sanitized with sodium hypochlorite

Boot dipping mats are suggested at all entry points to the plant. These can be filled with sodium hypochlorite or iodine solutions. Concentration of sodium hypochlorite should be 1000 ppm (0.1%). Don’t exceed this concentration or odors will develop

Replace framework of corroded table, including wood bottom. The floor and walls should be sanitized regularly with 1000 ppm sodium hypochlorite after it is cleaned with detergent. Once a week, the floor can be sanitized with 1000 ppm quaternary ammonium compound to kill Listeria vectors, such as drains, cooling units in the refrigerated storage, wheels, legs of equipment, walls, and other areas

Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: IE Giorgi Tskrialashvili

The facility to eliminate the use of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs. These contain mercury, and if broken could cause hazardous waste inside the processing facility

A backflow device is needed on the hose station used for washing to protect the water supply

To ventilate the processing rooms with filtered air, under positive pressure. Air should be filtered with a 50 micron filter media

Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: Tsikara Ltd.

All nests to be removed, droppings be cleaned out and areas sanitized, and doors must be kept closed

All equipment should be made from stainless steel so it can be cleaned and sanitized

A written cleaning schedule is needed for the facility. This is a checklist for all areas that need to be cleaned, such as equipment, floors, walls, ceilings, toilet areas, and outside grounds

Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: Santa Ltd.

Investigate the facility to detect the level of parasitic wasps

Use biological control to reduce the usage of pesticides on the farm

Establish environmental monitoring program

Summary of Recommendations during practical trainings: Cooperative Dzevera

Use mechanical traps or establish bait stations where the rodent poison will be locked

Install drip pans in the cooler and a drain tube to prevent dripping of condensation onto the floor

Prevent molding

Farm Service Centre Management, Barry Shaffer, November 15 – December 6, 2014 Assignment Description: Agro Kartli LLC is a trade company that deals chiefly in agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, seed materials, veterinary medications and small agricultural implements. F2F volunteer, Barry Shaffer clearly identified an obvious gap in currently offered product range and recommended to include and sell the above mentioned items in a new upcoming store in Gori. To create close collaboration and attract more clients, he suggested developing text messaging system and clear differentiation and distribution of responsibilities from the top of the hierarchy to the bottom at the


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operational level. Barry Shaffer drew a couple of layouts for the host to show proper shelving and displaying characteristics and major principles of business expansion. Mr. Barry Shaffer spent a significant amount of time developing a new organizational chart, with description of roles and responsibilities. Targeted Host Organization: Agro Kartli LLC Summary of Recommendations:

Design new flagship store, farmer bulletin board and animal health products

Develop and use text messages to their existing clients base

Spread responsibilities across the employees for better handling the retail expansion plans

Georgia: Agricultural Education Animal Rectal Palpation and Ultrasound Echoscopy, Elisha Frye, September 30 – October 16, 2014 Assignment Description: The Association for Agricultural Development is an agricultural extension service center in the Samegrelo Zemo Savneti region. The goal of the association is to develop agricultural extension services and activities to provide complex support to the farmers of the region. Host organization was planning to improve their technical skills in veterinary by using of a portable ultrasound and x-ray machines. F2F volunteer, Elisha Fry trained the farmers and veterinarians of Association for Agricultural Development on how to obtain practical experience in early stage of cattle disease identification, prevention, treatment and AI. Elisha also assisted staff in using portable ultrasound machinery techniques which is used in caws for trans-rectal detection of pregnancies and cystic ovary determination. Targeted Host Organization: The Association for Agricultural Development Summary of Recommendations:

Train newly hired veterinarians (ToT) on heat detection and pregnancy check in caws Conduct more trainings for diagnosis and caw disease treatment Use the x-ray machine as a diagnostic tool for a variety of musculoskeletal and visceral (thoracic

and abdominal) diseases Soil testing and Management, John Fouts, October 17 -November 15, 2014 Assignment Description: The assignment was conducted in partnership with USAID funded Strengthening Extension and Advisory Services (SEAS) project and the project’s intention was to develop agricultural extension services and to provide comprehensive support to the farmers in different regions of Georgia.

F2F volunteer, John Fouts successfully conducted five trainings. 29 female and 58 male attended the theoretical and practical trainings in Extension Service Center of Zugdidi Municipality and 4 other regional extension service centers on basic groundings in soil science and plant nutrition principles related to implementation of good soil fertility management practices. According to the volunteer, four workshops went extremely well and participants were very active and collaborative. The volunteer, John Fouts gave

F2F volunteer Elisha Frye (front right) with Veterinarians


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detailed information on soil issues and upcoming challenges and gave suggestions to conduct such type of hands-on training workshops in all regions of Georgia.

Targeted Host Organization: Extension Service Center of Zugdidi Municipality Summary of Recommendations:

Conduct training workshops in all regions of Georgia. All SEAS extension agents had the same basic trainings in soil science

Spread the plant nutrition, deficiency detection knowledge to their farmer clientele

Introduce district Extension Personnel to use the Luster leaf and soil test kits for screening test and guide them in their applications and limitations

FLEXIBLE: Trout Production and Disease Management, Joseph Sullivan, September 14 - October 1, 2014 Assignment Description: Kartuli Tevzi Ltd is a fish hatchery enterprise, located in Shida Khartli region. According to the director of the organization, the major water source vie gravitation, flew to the hatchery directly from the canal, (450 to 500 liters per second), which was totally unfiltered water source and caused different disease problems in trout farming, in both incubation and pond operational system. The F2F volunteer, Joseph Sullivan fully studied the current conditions of the trout farm, its rearing units and made suggestions to bring limnologist for water quality determination. Mr. Joseph Sullivan also recommended to install appropriate size of drum filters for water filtration and revamp muddy ponds into the concrete ones. The host totally agreed to implement the above mentioned recommendations which would significantly increase the fish quality and decrease acute chronic and gas bubble diseases, which is less harmful for the gill lamellae consistent. Unfortunately, the most important part of the assignment was not completed as Joseph Sullivan was not an experienced Ichtyo pathologist, therefore he was not able to identify the type of diseases and thus suggest any medicines for treatment. Targeted Host Organization: Kartuli Tevzi Ltd Summary of Recommendations:

Modify water intake to avoid whirlpool vortex and use gas stabilization devices to eliminate gas super saturation

Improve sanitation through installation of drum filters, using separate cleaning and other equipment for each rearing unit

Use floating feed to increase profits, improve sanitation and decrease disease risks

Feasibility Study for Agro Processing Development, Brent Bunte and Braddly Perry July 29-August 15, 2015 (two assignments) Assignment Description: This particular project was completed by two F2F volunteers, Brent Bunte and Braddly Perry who worked as a team but spited different tasks between them. During the assignment, Mr. Bunte and Mr Perry conducted feasibility study for agro-processing development in Georgia, and evaluated the agro-processing potential in Georgia as well as identified catalyst productions, which have the highest potential for growth taking into account factors including, but not limited to market attractiveness, availability of raw materials for production (current, potential, or imported), high indicative profitability and IRR, and high impact on economic development of Georgia. Fifty two page report was prepared and


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submitted to GT as well as Partnership Fund that plans to invest US$ 3 million for the development of identified sectors/products if they find them viable for investment. Targeted Host Organization: Grant Thornton (GT) LLC Summary of Recommendations: Cereal industry products, starches and starch products

Cereal products other than wheat or meslin Starches Cereal grains (rolled, hulled, flaked, pearled) and cereal groats (meal and pellets)

Summary of Recommendations: Dairy Industry

Natural honey (upon request of the host honey was not separated as independent sector) Milk and cream, containing added sugar or concentrated Buttermilk

Summary of Recommendations: Finished food production for cattle

Flours, meals, and pellets of meat, fish, molluscs Oil cake and other solid residues Residues of starch manufacture

Summary of Recommendations: Fruit and vegetable processing and canning

Dried vegetables, whole cut, sliced Dried leguminous vegetables Fresh or chilled vegetables

Summary of Recommendations: Vegetable and animal fats & oil

Not chemically modified coconut, palm kernal Fats of bovine animals, sheep & goats Wool grease and fatty substances from wool

Other recommendations included considerations for: Capital Costs

A facility must be efficient, to compete against existing imports (import substitution) and to be competitive in export markets and must also meet basic food safety requirements of any importing country.

Inadequate port & rail facilities for bulk ag commodities

Invest in projects with fast capital turnover

TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan: Rural Enterprise Development Fruit Orchard Management, Robert L. Morris, May 20 – June 5, 2014 Assignment Description: The Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm was established in 2007 and is located in the Vakhsh District of the Khatlon Province, not far from the provincial capital Qurghon-Teppa. The area of the host’s farm is 4.5 hectares, with seven permanent employees (one man, six women), all of whom are family members. During the harvest, the owner hires three to five women as seasonal laborers. The farm’s main crops are potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic and lucerne. All of these crops are planted between the rows of the fruit orchard trees. A fruit orchard measuring four hectare was planted in 2010 with peaches, bing cherry, apricots, cherries and some apple trees. The orchard has been out of production over the last two


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years due to the cold weather at blossoming time. Vegetable production covers all of the host’s expenses and gives some income as well. Every year, the farmer prunes his orchard, but due to lack of pruning knowledge and good pruning tools, it takes 15-20 days to prune all trees in the farm. The farmer purchases all needed fertilizer and chemical from the local market. She uses organic manure from own cow’s herd. The host’s orchard has some diseases problems, and there are no specialists who can identify and diagnose it. Each season, farmer uses fungicides and pesticides as a prophylactic treatment.

The F2F volunteer, Robert Morris visited commercial orchards and kitchen gardens and taught both men and women the best methods of pruning trees. He delivered two presentations for the USAID FAST Project agronomists.

Targeted Host Organization: Boboi Sabza Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Teach orchard site selection paying particular attention to cold air drainage, winter freezing and preventing fruit loss from late spring freezes

Teach spacing of fruit trees within rows; moderate density, high density and ultrahigh density orchard spacing. Give farmers latitude in the spacing of fruit trees and the knowledge how to adjust spacing dependent upon needs and conditions.

Teach the importance of soil and water analysis, drainage and the location of water tables in site selection.

Fruit Orchard Management, Bruce Gregory, November 1 – November 21, 2014 Assignment Description: Alisher” Dehkan farm was established in 2009 and is located in the Bokhtar District of Khatlon Province, Tajikistan, surrounding the provincial capital Qurghon-Teppa. Alisher Dehkan farm grows apples, plums, bing cherry, pears, apricots, peaches and almonds. Some of the orchard has been inter-planted with cotton in order to diversify crop income. The host’s orchard is 1.5 hectares; with some of the orchard only five years old, other parts around ten plus years old. The F2F volunteer worked with the host as well as local agronomists who are involved in extension service. During this assignment, the volunteer conducted one-day training for more than 10 groups of farmers of Khatlon Province. Mr. Gregory trained 205- Male and 99- Female participants. This assignment helped the local community of neighboring farms to increase their fruit trees’ yield and quality by utilizing appropriate cultural management practices specifically designed for orchard management. Targeted Host Organization: Alisher Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Importing high quality tools from leading manufacturers in the EU, Japan and the US would require a major commitment to funding or setting up an entrepreneurial situation to reduce costs by buying in large lots. Perhaps this is something that USAID and other available NGO’s could assist with

F2F volunteer Bruce Gregory (right) donating tools to his Host


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and by crossing over through the many rural farm programs available, a co-operative could be created for the farmers that would solve this limitation in the long-run. The action required for this would be a long-term process to ferret out the necessary channels that will lead to organizational funding, procurement and distribution

Continue to assist orchardists and encourage them to begin the process of pruning overly tall and spindly trees within the orchard. Provide them with illustrated, printed documents

Reduce fertilizer inputs to stabilize tree growth by changing from current inter-cropping practices with cotton (or other high nitrogen crops) and establish a permanent grass sward with a diverse mix of legumes, grasses and low growing, flowering species

Early Tomatoes and Cucumbers Production in Greenhouses, Aboubacar Diagne, December 6 – December 21, 2014 Assignment Description: The focus of the “Serghayrat Dekhan Farm” is of producing early tomato and cucumber plants in greenhouses. Presently, tomato and cucumber growers have difficulties providing good greenhouse equipment withstanding temperature, light requirements and, guarantying quality irrigation water. Further, most growers are having difficulties in basic agronomic practices such as the choice of varieties, sowing density and accuracy, growing medium and fertilization, pruning, pollinating, harvesting and post-harvest.

The assigned tasks are to conduct trainings for the farmers engaged in greenhouse production. Topics to be covered are: different methods of seedling production, transplantation and husbandry, and best practices for fertilizer usage.

The volunteer underlined the need for soil testing and demonstrated how to utilize soil test kits for that purpose. After this demonstration, growers were able to effectively determine the pH of their own fields and to assess the nutrient level of the three main nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium).

The volunteer explained the cultural operations and varietal choices associated with growing greenhouse vegetables. Remedies were provided on how to implement the greenhouse structures. The volunteer dealt expansively with the best practices linked to growing greenhouse vegetables.

Targeted Host Organization: Serghayrat Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Growers need to invest in the operating tools (PH/EC meters, thermometers, pollinators) necessary in routine greenhouse operations and to learn how to operate them

Prune all lateral shoots before they enlarge. Do this pruning early morning to allow plant healing. Conduct this operation at least once a week

Incorporate matured organic matter in ground culture. Mineral fertilizers should be given to plants on time and in the required amounts

Fruit Orchard Management, Andrew Johnson, December 23, 2014 – January 10, 2015 Assignment Description: “Badakhshon” Dehkan Farm was organized by the Badakhshon family members in 2008. Previously, the family was involved only in cotton and vegetable production as collective farm members. In 2008, the family members decided to separate themselves from the collective farm and organized their own private farm by privatizing land and starting their own production. Today, there are twelve holders of land- all of whom are family members, and four of them (2 women) are working on the farm. The area of current farm is 8 hectares, with 3 ha cotton filed, 1 ha of land under the grain crops (wheat and corn), 3 ha under the onion and 1 ha orchard. At the beginning of the family private ownership, the main crop in the farm was cotton, but cotton production was requiring big investment every year and this


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was reducing the farm’s profit. So to increase their profit back up, they created a small 1ha fruit orchard site.

The F2F volunteer, Andrew Johnson, trained local farmers as well as local agronomists who are involved in extension services on young plant husbandry, grafting techniques, fertilization, irrigation and pruning.

Targeted Host Organization: Badakhshon Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Make sure that all of the trees are grafted with good varieties so they don’t waste time, money, and energy taking care of trees that will not bear saleable fruit

Reduce the vigor of the trees and keep them as healthy as possible as there is no good management strategy for disease

If orchard was not pruned a long period, do the pruning entire orchard over the course of three years as to not create a drastic yield reduction

Fruit Orchard Management, Robert L. Morris, February 8 – March 1, 2015 Assignment Description: The idea of the assignment was to introduce Tajik farmers from the Khatlon Province to the modern and effective ways of orchard management. The volunteer taught local farmers the basics of pruning and grafting, demonstrated how to choose good quality seedlings, how and when to plant them, and how to do the first pruning of a newly planted fruit tree. The topics he demonstrated or discussed about pruning included:

Importance of sharpening, adjusting and sanitizing tools Proper pruning cuts; outside buds, removal of buds to reduce interior growth Proper timing of pruning and summer pruning Establishing tree architecture; open center versus modified central leader, establishing

loadbearing limbs and scaffold branches Light distribution into the canopy without encouraging sunburn Reduction in thinning by pruning

Targeted Host Organization: Davlatshoi Mirzosho Production Cooperative Summary of Recommendations:

Continue pruning education and training in the field Consider establishing buyer cooperatives for the purchase of good pruning equipment and grafting

supplies Consider establishing a pest database using multiple techniques outlined in this report

Vegetable Production in Tunnel Greenhouses, Martin Connaughton, March 2 – March 20, 2015 Assignment Description: The Amirbek Dehkan Farm is a small operated family farm with just 0.4 hectares of land. The farm produces tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower, bell peppers, pumpkins and carrots. The most profitable crops for the host are early vegetables. The host uses temporary plastic tunnel greenhouses to grow early vegetables. The design of such greenhouses is very simple. It is bend metal rods, covered with the plastic sheet.

With the help of the F2F volunteer, the host organization wanted to learn the basic and necessary agronomy skills for vegetable production, including some basic soil testing (NPK consistent soil test, salinity and PH level).

Targeted Host Organization: Amirbek Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:


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Modify several greenhouses to a solar (‘Chinese‘) greenhouse to serve as a transplant production greenhouse re-purposing existing structural materials without purchase of additional materials

Implement trials of grafted vegetable transplant utilizing open pollinated tomato stock (or Fi hybrid) grafted onto locally available open pollinated root eggplant as well as F-1 Hybrid seed or local stock of cucumber grafted onto pumpkin root stock

The simple no\low cost trails will immediately demonstrate the viability of technology as well as the appropriateness of the use of local or Fi hybrid root and/or scion

Creation of New Fruit Orchard, Bruce Bailey, March 14 – March 28, 2015 Assignment Description: During the assignment, the volunteer participated in creating new orchard. The volunteer, along with Tajik agronomists provided instruction in the selection and buying process of apricot and peach seedlings, orchard design and sapling planting. The volunteer conducted seminars and trainings for the host’s employees and for members of neighboring farmers.

Targeted Host Organization: Davlatshoi Mirzosho Production Cooperative

Summary of Recommendations: Propagation tools are needed in order for growers to confront the absence of appropriate varieties

and cultivars complimenting their particular orchard makeup/mix. With the absence of quality propagated nursery stock to the orchardists, and various cultural issues faced in the field, growers will not be able to take timely/efficient advantage of their propagation needs without the tools needed to do the job

Bees are needed in the field for pollination. They basically do not exist, and without adequate pollination, crop yields will only be a fraction of potential

Sustained, well managed, strategically located, field example blocks are needed. The existing ones observed are not using efficient/effective cultural practices that growers can observe as examples to blend into their orchard practices. Unpruned trees and blocks without bee hives present are examples of needs/observations made

Fruit Orchard Management, Ross Penhallegon, April 25 – May 14, 2015 Assignment Description: The host organization is a medium scale farm that produces fresh fruits on a 5 ha orchard. The farm was established in 2006 and is operated by family members. The main fruits are plums, and there are three ha of orchard area under plum production. Plums are the host’s only fruit with an export potential. The remaining 2 hectares are under pomegranate, peach and apple production. The host received a good yield two years ago. However, in the last two years, because of the spring frost, most yields were destroyed during the blossoming time.

The F2F volunteer, Ross Penhallegon worked with local farmers and local agronomists who are involved in extension services. During this assignment, the volunteer conducted a one-day training for more than 200 farmers (Female – 91; Male – 126) on: young plant husbandry; grafting; pest and disease control through IPM; fertilization and irrigation, and pruning.

Targeted Host Organization: Dilshod Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Fertility is needed as the growth on the trees are on average 3-6 centimeters. Trees need, if organic material are being done, 4 tons per hectare to get good growth. Good growth should be in the 30 cm range. Most of tree are growing 3-6 cm; by simple fertilizing, they can double, triple or quadruple their production

Trees need to be pruned; summer prune in July and August and winter prune Dec. thru March.


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Most irrigation ditches need to be moved so the water can be applied to the drip line of tree where the roots are located

Fruit Orchard Management, Wayne Williams, May 13 – June 7, 2015 Assignment Description: The F2F volunteer, Dr. Wayne Williams visited many deciduous fruit orchards, met with farm owners and operators to investigate the fruit industry situation and make recommendations toward improving yields and quality of future crops. He interacted with the USAID FAST program and implemented six workshops on the above assigned topics, primarily to local women on fruit growing and organic gardening methods. In addition, Dr. Williams visited several onion farms and worked with F2F volunteer Deron Beck on onion growing and soil fertility. Onions are a common inter-row crop with all deciduous fruit species and closely interrelated with fruit trees in the region. In total, ten deciduous fruit farms and gardens were visited and assessed for young plant horticulture, fertilization, harvesting, including brix (total dissolved solids) determinations, and pruning. Targeted Host Organization: Hasan Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Reliable water of good quality is mandatory New credit lines are essential to proper development. USAID MUST supply gardeners and farmers

with proper pruning tools, and ladders. The local farmers and gardeners can raise seed money (suggested 20% of costs) for $500 grants to purchase pruning tools. Two sets of tools per 150 families would be a good start

Integrated pest management practices must be totally implemented to protect the workers and the environment

Open Field Growing Technology for Onion, Deron Beck, May 18 – June 6, 2015 Assignment Description: The host organization, Ahyo Dehkan Farm is a small-scale producer of vegetables. One of the main crops on the farm is onion and they also grow potatoes, cotton and different fruits. Onion is one of the major export commodities in Tajikistan. Early varieties have strong market demand in Russia and Kazakhstan. The most popular and locally recognized onion varieties have been growing in Tajikistan since the Soviet era. The local farmers prefer these old varieties because of the high yields, between 30-45 tons per ha. The farmers do not understand the advantages of growing hybrid varieties of onions; with some believing that the new hybrid onion seeds give high yields only by using modern planters. Unfortunately, many farmers still use hand sowing, which requires a large amount of seeds per hectare (up to 18 kg for 1 hectare). The cost of new hybrid seeds also discourages farmers.

Traditionally onion planting in southern Tajikistan is not uniform. Seeds are thrown on the surface soil before earthed up furrows are opened and the seeds covered. Consequently, onion seedlings emerge competing in clusters or may not be in the proper rows. Growers also tend to use more seeds than needed for planting, which is not cost effective. Very narrow spacing has a tendency to produce smaller onion bulbs than distant spacing. Conversely, wide spacing will promote a strong vegetative growth and larger bulbs. There is a need to define proper plant spacing given the conditions of southern Tajikistan.

Considering the above information, the F2F volunteer Deron Beck was sent out to assist the host, demonstrate the use of a hand planter to plant onion seeds, and to work with the host on onion husbandry, proper fertilization and provide some training to the host and local agronomists on best production practices.

Targeted Host Organization: Ahyo Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Continue testing the Cole Planter as an alternative planting method Improve grower understanding of adequate fertilizer rates and better method of incorporation


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Improve grower understanding of basic onion physiology, varieties appropriate for the region and reaction to water stress

Fruit Orchard Management, Michael Lachance, August 10- August 23, 2015 Assignment Description: The F2F volunteer, Michael Lachance worked with local farmers and local agronomists who are involved in extension services. During this assignment, the volunteer conducted a one day training for more than 10 farmers in several districts of the Khatlon Province. This assignment helped the local communities of farmers reduce fruit orchard disease and increase their fruit trees’ yield and quality by utilizing appropriate technical management practices specifically designed for orchard management. Targeted Host Organization: Usmoni Fayz Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Correct deficiencies in availability of quality basic tools needed for pruning and training, grafting, and spraying

Work with agriculture material distributors to make bio-rational insecticides and fungicides more readily available

Better integrate youth education to include basic fruit tree biology, husbandry, and protection through biological control

Fruit Orchard Management, Edward Hubbard, August 18- September 2, 2015Assignment Description: F2F volunteer, Edward Hubbard taught basic and necessary agronomic skills of fruit orchard management, including nursery practives, pruning and grating methods, some basic soil testing, harvesting and storing to the Host “Savri Sanavbar Dehkan Farm,” and to the farmers of different districts of Khatlon Province. The purpose of this assignment was for the F2F volunteer to introduce modern and effective methods of pruning and grafting to the Tajik farmers. Targeted Host Organization: Savri Sanavbar Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Emphasis on Orchard sanitation. Minimize competing vegetative growth from under the trees. All rotting fruit and pruned material need to be removed from the orchard by the farmer to prevent reinfection

A spray program for each orchard should be created by the farmer/ orchard manager. At a minimum, a dormant oil spray needs to be applied in the late winter after pruning, prior to flower. In addition, any early identification of pests and diseases above normal levels would be treated with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide. Applications should be verified with local agronomists and extensionists and recorded in Orchard record

Soil tests for each farm should be done, prior to random fertilizer application. Absence of this, a balanced fertilizer (NPK) should be applied in early spring by the farmers, after winter pruning. Based on our farm visits, Nitrogen only fertilizer should be avoided

Autumn Pruning and Bud Grafting, Ross Penhallegon, August 29-September 14, 2015 Assignment Description: F2F volunteer Ross Penhallegon trained local orchard owners on basic and necessary agronomic skills of fruit orchard husbandry, including nursery practices, pruning and grafting methods. “Before the assignment, Host had never done pruning of his fruit trees. Targeted Host Organization: Gulbahor Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Improve the application of fertilizers in the orchards Increase the number of orchard management volunteers coming to Tajikistan to assist in the

improvement of orchards in Tajikistan


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Increase the equipment that can be brought into the country to assist farms with task such as pruning grafting and budding

Onion Production Improvement, Kenneth Bajema, September 10- September 25, 2015 Assignment Description: During the assignment F2F expert, Kenneth Bajema provided information on fertilizers, soil management, insect and weed control, seeding rates, advantages of raised beds and cultural practices. He also demonstrated the use of pH meters and soil testing kits to determine soil nutrient levels and pH. Seven seminars and three field trainings were given to 179 participants, 112 males and 67 females, on soils, fertility and onion production. Three of the seminars were given for women groups involved in a food and nutrition program and provided extensive information for them to use in household gardens. Targeted Host Organization: Asomuddin Dehkan Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Practice a three year or longer crop rotation Avoid poorly drained soils Manage plant density to the recommended spacing

Fruit Orchard Management, Bruce Bailey, September 10- September 29, 2015 Assignment Description: During this assignment, the F2F volunteer, Bruce Bailey conducted seminars and trainings for the host’s employees, as well as the members of the neighboring farms. The goal of this assignment was to introduce modern and effective fruit orchard management techniques to the Tajik farmers. The volunteer taught local farmers the basics of pruning and grafting. In addition, he demonstrated how to choose good quality seedlings, how and when to plant them and lastly how to complete the first pruning of a newly planted tree. The volunteer showed extensive experience in all the areas desired by the host, and conducted a total of classroom and field seminars offering practically oriented instruction and demonstration to well over 217 beneficiaries during the assignment. Targeted Host Organization: Production Cooperative “Temirkhon” Summary of Recommendations:

Quality, certified, propagated nursery stock needs to be made available to the growers Propagation tools are needed in order for growers to confront the absence of appropriate varieties

and cultivars within their particular orchard makeup/mix. Bees are needed in the field for pollination Value added post-harvest product handling and marketing assistance/direction was requested by

orchardists. It is realized that an abundance of product will be progressively produced from the many new orchards planted, and growers want to be prepared for the inevitable

TAJIKISTAN: PRODUCER ORGANIZATIONAL Open Field Growing Technology for Vegetables, Usha Palaniswamy, March 27 – April 12, 2015


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Assignment Description: The Badakhshon women’s group was established in 2013 and is located in the Jilikul District of Khatlon Province. The members of the group grow different vegetable crops like cucumbers, eggplants, greens, onions, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. The total area of the Badakhshon women’s group is 1.89 hectares. Every year, due to the lack of agronomy knowledge, farmers lose up to 30% of their yield. With the help of the F2F volunteer, the hosts wanted to improve the technology of vegetable production. Ms. Palaniswamy conducted trainings for Host organization and additional 12 women’s group (Male-75; Female – 375) on growing technology of locally most popular plants (tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, onions, cabbages and etc.). Targeted Host Organization: Badakhshon women's group Summary of Recommendations:

Provide good quality seeds of the vegetable crops; Healthy seedlings at the right stage for transplanting may also be provided to the households. More frequent training on best practices need to be conducted on site with demonstration of each step in cultivation

Participants need to be trained in composting and vermicomposting that can enhance productivity and also help in maintaining soil structure and fertility essential for a good crop

Design and develop garden calendars to include garden plans based on sound scientific principles of crop rotation

Open Field Growing Technology for Vegetables, Charles Bruce Williams, March 28 – April 12, 2015 Assignment Description: The Fidokor women’s group is made up of eight women from the Fidokor village in the Vakhsh district (Khatlon province). These women have rural households on approximately 0.05– 0.6 ha area, with the total group area measuring about 1.29 ha. These farmers grow beans, carrots, chickpeas, cucumbers, greens, onions, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. Every year, due the lack of agronomy knowledge, farmers lose up to 30% of their yield. Many farmers do not know how to do simple soil testing, which often leads to inappropriate use of fertilizers.Due to absence of soil testing services, most of the farmers did not know the consistent of their soil and added nitrogen fertilizers only. Volunteer, Charles Williams taught local farmers how to identify deficiency or surplus of needed nutrients by the leaf colors. Targeted Host Organization: Fidokor women’s group Summary of Recommendations:

The development and use of a standardized Best Management Practices (BMP) for vegetable production should be developed and used

Use of calcium sulfate or water leaching to correct sodic soil problems. Encourage small farmers to practice rotation of crops

Open Field Growing Technology for Vegetables, Aboubacar Diagne, April 11 – May 2, 2015 Assignment Description: The Qirgizobod-1 Women’s Group is made up of ten women from the Qirgizobod village in the Yovon district (Khatlon province). These women have rural households, on approximately 0.08– 0.15 ha area, with the total group area measuring about 1.09 ha. They grow cabbage, carrots, corn,

F2F volunteer Usha Palaniswamy (center) with Badakhshon women's group


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eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes. Every year, due to lack of agronomy knowledge, farmers lose up to 30% of their yield. The following are the reasons why they lose these crops:

Use of uncertified seeds Incorrect use of fertilizers Lack of knowledge on the technology of cultivation.

With the help of the F2F volunteer, the host organization wanted to learn the basic and necessary agronomy skills for vegetable production. This would help them to increase their yield and their income.

Targeted Host Organization: Qirgizobod-1 Women's Group Summary of Recommendations:

Utilize large amounts of matured organic matter and compost on vegetable plots. These additions need to be worked in soil during soil preparation. These applications are part of grower’s task and duty

It is recommended that permanent records be kept about the cropping history and cultural practices in the fields over the years. Growers should keep greenhouse records indicating the soil types, the cultivated plants per field, the varieties, the fertilizer types, the quantities utilized, the pesticides utilized, the weather conditions, and other observations

Add calcium sulfate (gypsum) in heavy doses with controlled leaching. Overtime, soluble calcium will replace soluble sodium, loosen the soils. Finally, this addition will reduce soil alkalinity and turn sodic soils into non-sodic ones

Open Field Growing Technology for Vegetables, Norbert Elmer Zinck, April 25 – May 10, 2015 Assignment Description: The Obshoron women’s group (10 households) was established in 2013 and is located in the Abdurahmoni Jomi District of Khatlon Province, Tajikistan, surrounding the provincial capital Qurghon-Teppa. The host grows different vegetable crops, like beans, carrot, chickpeas, cucumbers, greens, onions, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes. The total area of the group farm is 0.78 hectares. The Obshoron women’s group includes eight rural household with different area of production. The minimum is 0.06 ha, and the maximum is 0.16 ha. The group uses all crops for their own needs or for canning. The volunteer, Elmer Zinck worked with groups of women, introduced them to the value of soil testing, and demonstrated for the farmers the utilization of soil testing equipment. With the help of the F2F volunteer, Norbert Zinck the host organization learned the basic and necessary agronomy skills for vegetable production, which would later help them to increase their yield and their incomes in future. Targeted Host Organization: Obshoron women's group Summary of Recommendations: Unfortunately, the assignment was not completed as Norbert Zinck fell Ill and had to return home before the assignment completion. Farm Business Management, Kathryn Penhallegon, April 25 – May 14, 2015 Assignment Description: The Juyanchi women’s group comprised of 12 households was established in 2012, all from Juyanchi village of Shahrituz District (Khatlon province). Each household owns a small land parcel that ranges from 0.15 – 0.32 ha, with the total territory of 2.38 ha under the group’s control. Popular crops are cabbage, carrots, onions, peppers, potatoes, radish, tomatoes, wheat, and alfalfa, also called lucerne. The group sells about 60 % of produced goods in the local market, with the remaining 40 % for family consumption. The volunteer, Kathryn Penhallegon met with the group of women and discussed the need to keep a business budget and a family budget separate. Volunteer tought them to keep track of food prices at the store, and period of high demand. The volunteer went beyond the SOW to address the needs of several local women’s groups on canning and home processing as well. The following trainings were conducted:


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Farm management basics Record keeping Business planning Domestic canning Food safety in home processing

Targeted Host Organization: Juyanchi women’s group Summary of Recommendations:

The women should keep track of not only who earned, but what the material costs were and the hours it took to complete a project

Take into consideration what the market will carry in price and not charge more than the customers would be able to pay

Keep a business budget and a family budget separate. Keeping track of food prices at the store, and what months are leaner than others

Drip Irrigation Design for Lemon Greenhouse, Kyung Yoo, May 12 – May 29, 2015 Assignment Description: The host has a small fruit and vegetable garden of 0.1 ha which provide a portion of income and own consumption for 21 family members. The area has no water available from wells or canals. The nearest site where they can fetch water is 10 km. The host irrigate the garden partially using the water harvested from rooftop of the main house structure. The total storage capacity of the concrete tanks is 36 cubic meters. However, the primary water source for the irrigation is truck-loaded water purchased during the dry growing months (June, July, and August). In 2014 the host purchased 80 cubic meters of water at 1200 TJS which is 71% of the gross sale from the garden. The F2F volunteer helped the host to develop and install a simple inexpensive but effective micro irrigation system made from the locally available materials. The system provided irrigation water for the small fruit orchard, small vegetable plot and lemon greenhouse which are located on the 0.1 ha household plot. In addition, the volunteer conducted training on drip irrigation for the farmers and water engineers in this area.

Modification of SOW – Due to lack of drip irrigation materials only three rows of fruit trees, two outdoor and one greenhouse were installed with drip irrigation system. Most of the volunteer’s time was used to help install the irrigation system no formal workshops were presented but the host and his two sons were instructed for the system operation; irrigation scheduling, maintenance, preparation after the end of the irrigation season and preparation for winter. This site will be used as a demonstration of drip irrigation in the community and the host will be the point man to introduce and train the community.

Targeted Host Organization: Haqnazarov’s Family Farm Summary of Recommendations:

Enlarge or expand the existing water storage tanks and improve gutters and downspouts to harvest rainwater more efficiently

Use drip irrigation of the fruit trees. Drip irrigation provides irrigation efficient >90% through precise application. This means that the host will save up to 70% of the water cost, 800 TJS per year

Install drip irrigation the remaining four rows of pomegranate - Purchase additional materials from a local market to complete the remaining four rows of pomegranate trees. The volunteer will have the following material which are not locally available, emitters and reducer tees, end plugs when return to U.S

Fruit Orchard Management, Robert L. Morris, June 9 – June 28, 2015


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Assignment Description: The host, Jovidon women’s group was established in 2014. The host grows different vegetable and fruit crops, like apple, apricot, beans, cabbage, carrots, cherry, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, greens, onions, peach, peppers, persimmon, plum, potatoes, strawberries, and tomatoes. The total area of the group farm is 1.5 hectares. Due to the absence of agronomic knowledge and weak extension services, the host organization does not trust local entrepreneurs who sell seeds, chemicals and other goods. It should be noted that many products are sold without certificates and without warranty. Local agronomists are not always familiar with new agro commodities and modern technologies. They have some knowledge but their practical skills are very poor. In the past, most of the local agronomists were involved in cotton production as cotton was the main crop in Khatlon Province. Farmers have started to grow fruits during the last several years. Generally, most of the farmers are still producing cotton and vegetables, and have started growing fruit trees as an additional income source.

The F2F volunteer, Robert Morris visited both commercial orchards and kitchen gardens. He taught both men and women in separate and mixed groups in outdoor classrooms, indoor classrooms and in the field. He assisted USAID FAST project, compiled a list of orchard management priorities for developing into short videos for distribution to farmers on CDs or DVDs and helped produce them.

Targeted Host Organization: Jovidon women's group Summary of Recommendations:

Continue pruning education and training in the field Consider establishing buyer cooperatives for the purchase of good pruning equipment and grafting

supplies Consider establishing a pest database using multiple techniques outlined in this report

Disease Management for Fruit and Vegetable Production, Andrew Johnson, July 18 – August 1, 2015 Assignment Description: The F2F volunteer worked with a group of local farmers who own small household plots used for growing fruits and vegetables. The dimensions of these household plots ranged between 0.03 and 0.9 ha. The current group of farmers controls 4.89 ha. The volunteer investigated, developed and evaluated sustainable and biologically based pest management strategies for small-scale fruit and vegetable producers. This assignment was conducted in the Khatlon Province with collaboration of USAID FAST project. The objectives of the assignment were:

Training on the main areas of disease control in fruit and vegetable production Diseases identification Plant problem diagnosis and use of IPM strategies Testing of sustainable, low-input principles and IPM strategies Discovery and dissemination of local traditional practices for disease control Extensive training sessions for local agronomists Presentation of safe pesticide techniques

Targeted Host Organization: Group of Farmers of Lohuti village Summary of Recommendations:

Do more pruning heavily and thin fruit. Not only does this allow for adequate flower bud development, but leads to less limb breakage, larger fruit, and generally a healthier tree

It was recommended that growers prune their grapes, and while they are still little and growing, remove old wood as it creates a very large reservoir for the pathogen. Meaning that disease progression is very fast. Application of a sulfur material once the first infection is evident was recommended every 14 days

Follow the needed dormant season orchard activities, like sanitation, dormant oil using and pruning. It was recommended that growers practice good orchard sanitation by removing any leftover fruit


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from the orchard and apply a dormant oil spray to deal with overwintering larvae in the crotches and cracks of the tree. Appropriate pesticide sprays should be made. But, owing to the unavailability of proper materials this recommendation was left up to what the pesticide distributors would recommend

Homemade Food Processing, Kate Penhallegon, August 29-Septmber 14, 2015 Assignment Description: The F2F canning specialist, Kate Penhallegon spent two week period and shared her experience with Tajik housewives during process of making jams and jellies, pickled products, stewed fruits etc. Mrs. Penhallegon conducted workshops on home food processing for the group of local farmers and developed recommendations on how to minimize the costs of food processing while improving quality and product presentation. A heavy emphasis was placed on appropriate handling and sterilization techniques to ensure food safety. Targeted Host Organization: Mr. Mahmadsalim Ergashev, the head of the small family farm Summary of Recommendations:

Use less or no salt and sugar. It will result in better health, lessens the cost of purchasing salt/sugar, and improves the taste and quality of the food

Start to use correct processing: Housewives should completely cover the jars with water when processing and actually time the process. It will result in the jars sealing better, less jar loss and the food will not overcook/undercook in the jars. This alone will save money in the purchasing of new jars and seals. It will improve the quality of the food and the taste

Sterilization: Sun sterilization still allows for insects, dust etc. to enter the jars causing bacteria. Placing the jars upside down in a pan of water and simmering till used will save time and reduce contamination of the jars. Washing with hot water and soap, rinsing will create a better jar of food with less chance for anything to go wrong

Pesticide Assessment for Tajikistan, Andrew Johnson, August 3- August 16, 2015 Assignment Description: The F2F Tajikistan program and F2F specialist conducted Pesticide Safety Assessment to gain a better understanding of key constraints and possible solutions, which the F2F program could address in future volunteer recruitment. The volunteer, F2F Program Coordinator and local consultants conducted interviews with knowledgeable sources and verified the information by going to the field to gather data, and make observations firsthand. The assessment took place in Dushanbe and the western part of the Khatlon Province - USG Feed the Future targeted area, specifically focusing on fruit and vegetable value chains. Targeted Host Organization: ACDI/VOCA, F2F Program in Tajikistan Summary of Recommendations:

The findings should provide a guide to future work regarding pesticide use and safety training There is a definite need to provide training to pesticide dealers about modern spray programs

utilizing newer, less toxic, more effective chemicals Future training should also focus on proper application techniques to increase efficacy and limit

human exposure Farm Business Management, Michele Hubbard, August 18- September 2, 2015 Assignment Description: This assignment was conducted with women who are part of the Fidokor Women’s Group. F2F volunteer, Michele Hubbard provided the skills and tools necessary to practice appropriate farm management of small household plots. The skills included marketing strategies, planning and record keeping. The volunteer specialist,worked with the women of the Juyanchi village, who own small household plots, where they grow different varieties of vegetables primarily for their own consumption.


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Targeted Host Organization: Fidokor women’s group Summary of Recommendations:

Utilizing a simple exercise book, writing down what the household is spending might be the easiest way to understanding where the money goes. Just recording one month of expenses usually results in a surprise of where their money actually goes

Revenue – Have the farmers calculated how much their sales were? Then talk about ways they can increase their revenue?

Profit – Have the farmers calculate their profit for each product. Revenue minus cost = Profit. What are the most profitable products? Using your records, what changes can you make to increase your profits?


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ANNEX II: PERSUAP REPORTING Over the period covered by this report, ACDI/VOCA has had the following experience in implementing the F2F PERSUAP:

A. Assignments with Pesticides: The following Type 1 or 2 volunteer SOW were completed during the reporting period for F2F ECCA.

1. Volunteer Dilip Nandwani for assignment “Technical Support in Fruits & Berry Nursery Management” in Kyrgyzstan The volunteer expert worked with six nurseries and their staff on fruit and berry nursery management. The volunteer conducted a training session on pest control and composting to reduce pest and disease problems. The volunteer talked about following natural pests and diseases control methods:

o Soaps, Oils and Minerals o Horticultural oils s o Sulfur/mixed with lime o Baking soda (1 teaspoon) mixed with dishwashing liquid (a few drops) and water

(1 quart) (to prevent mildew). o Biocontrols Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (to control caterpillar pests) o Botanicals: Neem leaves extract and neem oil o Compost tea o Beneficial insects

The volunteer had no comments or recommendations on limitations/success of the F2F PERSUAP.

In this assignment, there was no recommendation for F2F for additional support to improve pest and pesticide management practices.

2. Volunteer, Andrew Johnson completed a disease management for fruit and vegetable

production assignment. The volunteer investigated and evaluated sustainable and biologically-based pest management strategies for small scale fruit and vegetable producers.

Do more pruning heavily and thin fruit and follow recommendations on orchard sanitation by removing any leftover fruit from the orchard and apply a dormant oil spray to deal with overwintering larvae. Appropriate pesticide sprays should be made. But owing to the unavailability of proper materials this recommendation was left up to what the pesticide distributors would recommend.

B. Assignments with SOWs in IPM and pesticide safer use: The following volunteer SOWs in

IPM and pesticide safer use were undertaken for the F2F regional program, country program, or country project area as a whole. These differ from the individual assignments addressing pesticide use with specific hosts, which should be included in the table below. These will be relatively limited.


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1. Volunteer Andrew Johnson completed a pesticide assessment for Tajikistan. The F2F volunteer conducted Pesticide Safety Assessment to gain a better understanding of key constraints and possible solutions, which the F2F program could address in future, volunteer assignments. The volunteer, F2F Program Coordinator and local consultants conducted interviews with knowledgeable sources and verified the information by going to the field to gather data, and make observations firsthand. The assessment took place in Dushanbe and the western part of the Khatlon Province - the USG Feed the Future targeted area, specifically focusing on fruit and vegetable value chains.

The state of pesticide use in Tajikistan is very troubling. More modern pesticides with lower toxicities and more targeted active ingredients were not readily available. There are little or no safety precautions being taken by either the distributer or the applicator. There is no capacity or mechanisms for enforcement of pesticide laws. There are no major chemical manufactures operating inside the country thus there is no support. All the pesticides are coming from larger markets in the region and often consist of the leftover materials that were not salable in the local markets.

This was more a fact finding assignment than an outcome oriented one. The findings should provide a guide to future work regarding pesticide use and safety training. There is a definite need to provide training to pesticide dealers about modern spray programs utilizing newer, less toxic, more effective chemicals. Future training should also focus on proper application techniques to increase efficacy and limit human exposure.

C. Needs for a PERSUAP amendment: There are no recommendations at this time for a PERSUAP amendment to add pesticides for any ECCA F2F core country. F2F PERSUAP Assignment Data Table:1

Ass

ignm

ent (

Trip

) N

umb

er

Volunteer Name Country Country F2F Project P

ER

SU

AP

A

ssig

nmen

t Typ

e

Wor

k D

irect

ly w

ith

US

AID

Mis

sion

or

Mis

sion

-fu

nded

P

roje

ct (

Typ

e 4

) –

Che

ck fo

r Y

es

Tra

inin

g S

ylla

bus

S

ent

to F

2F A

OR

/ M

issi

on

Env

ironm

enta

l Offi

cer

(Typ

e 1)

– C

heck

for

Yes

Tra

inin

g A

ttend

ed b

y U

SA

ID (

Typ

e 1

) –

Che

ck fo

r Y

es

Dilip Nandwani Kyrgyzstan 2 No Yes No

Andrew Johnson Tajikistan 2 No No No

Andrew Johnson Tajikistan No No No

Counts: 3

Certifications of assignment and office compliance with PERSUAP guidelines:

1 Required only for PERSUAP Type 1 & 2 SOWs, and for Type 4 SOWs that follow Type 1 & 2 requirements


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A. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Assignments ACDI/VOCA certifies that all volunteers have received the F2F Environmental Brochure. For all PERSUAP Type 1, 2 and relevant Type 4 SOWs, ACDI/VOCA further certifies the following have been provided to and developed by the relevant volunteers:

Type 1 SOWs2 Type 2 SOWs2

Provided to Volunteer

F2F PERSUAP with Attachments A - H SUAP briefing with F2F field staff Implementing Partner F2F PERSUAP Questionnaire List of any IPM practices and any tools, forms, protocols, plans

from previous volunteers

Host country list of approved pesticides3 Approved pesticide list from any other applicable PERSUAPs

F2F PERSUAP with Attachments B, C, F, H

SUAP briefing with F2F field staff Implementing Partner F2F

PERSUAP Questionnaire List of IPM practices from previous

volunteers

Developed/ Provided by Volunteer

Syllabus for training event Material Safety Data Sheets (filed in field office) Any pesticides that the F2F program should be able to

recommend/use which are included on an approved list Limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP Recommendations for additional support on pesticide

management practices Recommendations/feedback on local IPM practices Highly Toxic Pesticides (Attachment E)/poor pesticide

practices witnessedTools, forms, protocols, plans for implementation of pesticide-related recommendations

Limitations/successes of F2F PERSUAP

Recommendations for additional support on pesticide management practices

Recommendations/feedback on local IPM practices

B. PERSUAP Compliance – F2F Offices ACDI/VOCA and partner VISTAA certifies that all F2F staff have reviewed the F2F Environmental Brochure for staff the fiscal year and that the following have been updated and kept on file:

Home Office Field Office

Documents Updated and on File

F2F Environmental Brochure for staff

PERSUAP with Attachments A-I

Any USAID Mission- or sector-wide PERSUAP(s) for relevant country/sector

F2F Environmental Brochure for staff PERSUAP with Attachments A-I4 USAID Mission- or sector-wide PERSUAP(s) for relevant

country/sector Host country list of approved pesticides3 Implementing partner F2F PERSUAP Questionnaire, with any

volunteer additions

Material Safety Data Sheets for relevant pesticides4 Tools, forms, protocols, plans developed by volunteers

2 If governed by F2F PERSUAP, Type 4 SOWs should follow requirements for Type 1, 2, or 3 SOWs, as most relevant 3 Or, letter from host country government stating that there is no list of government-approved pesticides and noting any specific measures that should be taken when F2F volunteers recommend pesticides 4 It is recommended that these documents be translated into local languages for distribution to relevant hosts and partners. Please note if they have been translated (in whole or in part), and if not, why.


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CONTENTS ANNEX II: SUCCESS STORIES

KYRGYZSTAN: POSTHARVEST KNOWLEDGE IMPROVES INCOME AND LIVELIHOODS OF FRUIT

AND VEGETABLE FARMERS IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Nuridin Erjigitov, an apple farmer in the Nookat rayon in the Osh province located in the South of the Kyrgyz Republic, faces a problem every autumn: he has more apples than he can sell at a good price. Thousands of other small-scale farmers in Nookat rayon, a major apple producer for the Kyrgyz market, also face this same challenge. They can choose to sell the apples when market prices are low due to high supply, or store the apples and sell later when supply is low and prices are high. Many small-scale farmers, however, sell when prices are low because they lack access to suitable storage facilities and knowledge of proper postharvest techniques. USAID has been supporting small-scale farmers, such as Mr. Erjigitov, in the Kyrgyz Republic for over two decades. Through the USAID-funded Local Development Program (2010-2013), farmers in the Nookat rayon now have access to over 1900 metric tons of cold storage facilities. Cold storage significantly increases the storage life of products grown in the Nookat region such as apples, apricot, peaches, cherries, potatoes, and carrots, and allows farmers to increase their incomes by selling when prices are higher. Previously, Mr. Erjigitov sold his apples at 35 Kyrgyz soms ($0.60) per kilogram in January, but now sells his stored apples for 60 Kyrgyz soms ($1.04) in March.

To maximize the proper usage of these cold storage facilities, the Training and Extension System Center (TES), a local NGO providing extension services to farmers, requested USAID’s support in training farmers on postharvest best practices. The USAID-funded Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program brought Dr. Mohamed Adbel-Rahman, a postharvest technology expert from the U.S., to work with TES and Nookat farmers.

Having completed five F2F assignments in the Kyrgyz Republic since 2005, Dr. Adbel-Rahman arrived in Nookat in June 2014, where he visited storage facilities belonging to cooperatives and farmers. He identified issues, such as poor temperature control, inability to manage humidity, bad quality of wooden storage crates, and poor roads that contributed to the damage of crops during storage and transportation. Dr. Adbel-Rahman gave tailored recommendations regarding these and other issues and led training sessions for farmers and local trainers to develop their skills and knowledge in postharvest storage and handling. Dr. Adbel-Rahman’s expertise was so well-received that at the farmers and TES’ request. He returned in September 2014 at the beginning of apple harvest season to provide practical guidance on when and how to pick apples for optimal storage.

Dr. Adbel-Rahman says, “Since my first visit in 2005, cold storage capacity has increased by 500% in the Nookat region. Farmers are now

Dr. Mohamed Adbel‐Rahman (right), answers questions from Training and Extension System Center staff and a local apple farmer. Photo Credit: Alice Chan


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investing in cold storage themselves without USAID’s support. This means that the intervention is sustainable and farmers now understand the full benefits and necessity of proper postharvest techniques.”

TAJIKISTAN: SHARED KNOWLEDGE GROWS PROFITS

Alisher Dehkan Farm was established in 2009 and is located in the Bokhtar District of Khatlon Province, Tajikistan. Alisher Dehkan Farm grows apples, plums, bing cherry, pears, apricots, peaches and almonds. Some of the orchard has been inter-planted with cotton in order to diversify crop income. Before the F2F assignment, the local farmer did not possess any orchard management skills. Each year he would hire a pruning specialists in his area, but paying for this service cut into his profits. The small income that the farmer was receiving from his produce nearly convinced the farmer to sell his land and get into another business.

But a local agronomist mentioned to him there was a volunteer consultant training local farmers on orchard management skills.

F2F volunteer Bruce Gregory from Washington State, worked with producers including Alisher Dehkan as well as local agronomists who are involved in extension services in the area. During this assignment, the volunteer conducted one-day training on appropriate cultural management practices specifically designed for orchard management to more than 10 groups of farmers in the Khatlon Province. Bruce Gregory, taught the Alisher Dehkan the basics of orchard management and pruning techniques for different types of trees. The men worked together through the farmer’s orchard, with the volunteer demonstrating and the farmer learning on the job. At the end of the assignment, the volunteer donated the pruning shears to the host farmer, as an expression of his thanks for his hospitality.

As a result of the techniques learned from Bruce Gregory, Alisher Dehkan Farm nearly double its production over the year, seeing an increase in each of the tree crops he grows. Due to the improvement in his yields, Alisher Dehkan also has increased his annual sales by 25 percent to 27,390 TJS ($4,150).

Alisher Dekhan and Bruce