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CONTENTS |
| 1 |
Introduction |
| 2 |
Field-testing of Questionnaire |
| 3 |
Criteria for Sustainability of
Agricultural and Rural Development Projects |
| 4 |
Low-cost Solar Crop Dryer |
| 5 |
Royal Netherlands: Small Embassy Projects |
| 6 |
Participation in SARD Network |
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1. INTRODUCTION
This issue of SARD Newsletter contains
another selection of project profiles, based on the receipt of completed Format A
questionnaires, and information on how to access our website. We have also presented
criteria for sustainability of agricultural and rural development projects, as suggested by
persons who had completed Format A questionnaires for various types of projects.
At least four of the project profiles submitted have involved an aspect of
agro-processing. Appropriate technology for agro-processing is of growing interest. In
this issue we have featured a low-cost solar dryer which can be used for food
preservation.
Readers are invited to suggest other topics for subsequent issues of this
newsletter.
2. FIELD-TESTING OF QUESTIONNAIRE
During April, Format B questionnaires
were completed for five projects in Costa Rica. These, plus those received earlier for
projects in Guyana, were considered when preparing the final revised version of the Format
B questionnaire.
This revised questionnaire, subject to approval of the SARD Project Management Committee,
will be used to collect information for case studies in the final project document.
Projects to be used as case studies will be those demonstrating evidence of sustainability
in contributing to agricultural and/or rural development.
3. CRITERIA FOR
SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
A selection of profiles, taken from
projects submitted as examples of innovative experiences of SARD, is presented in Table 1.
Among the criteria identified by respondents for the sustainability of agricultural and
rural development projects are:
- Involvement of direct beneficiaries (men and women) in the development of the project.
- Participation of women in various stages of the project.
- Recording and management of economic resources in a clear and transparent manner.
Your suggestions for SARD criteria would be greatly appreciated.
4. LOW-COST SOLAR CROP
DRYER
Traditionally, the sun's rays have been
used to dehydrate (dry) fruits, vegetables, condiments, fish or meat, in order to make
food available for longer periods. During dehydration, food has to be protected against
rainfall, bacteria, insects and other animals to prevent destruction or decay of the food.
Recent work in many developing countries to reduce food spoilage has resulted in a more
effective use of the sun's energy and reduced risk of contamination.
A solar "hot box" or solar crop dryer capable of drying food can
be constructed cheaply using locally available materials. As shown in Figure 1, the solar
dryer should consist of an open-top enclosure that is covered with a double layer of glass
or plastic. The box itself can be made of wood, plywood, stone, brick, cement blocks or
dried mud blocks (adobe). The glass/plastic covering should be removable and slightly
sloped towards the sun; this will ensure maximum heat energy and at the same time prevent
rain from entering the enclosure.
The agricultural produce or meat to be dried should be placed on a removable wire mesh
frame (chicken wire or metal mosquito gauze). Space should be available underneath the
mesh to allow air to circulate. Ventilation holes in the side of the enclosure, above and
below the mesh, must be provided to allow the air to circulate and remove the moisture
(water vapour) which is given off by the drying food. These ventilation holes should be
covered with mosquito gauze to prevent the ingress of insects. The use of solar dryers
extends the availability of some fruits and vegetables, even during out-of season periods,
and can form the basis of a sustainable agro-processing micro enterprise.
Additional information can be obtained from:
Ian Kennedy, P.Eng.
Volunteer Advisor
Canadian Executive Service
Organisation (CESO), Canada
E-mail: ikennedy@lonet.ca
Tel/fax: 416-423-4088
5. ROYAL NETHERLANDS:
Small Embassy Projects (SAP)
The SAP programme supports local initiatives and contributes to an improvement of the
socio-economic position of the poorest groups of the society. Projects range in diversity
from the formation of a small sowing enterprise to the restoration of a health post,
school or bridge.
Funding is provided for groups of persons who contribute to the project either money,
labour, materials, land. Please note that funds are not approved for projects which are
supported by other development organisations or those which are part of a much larger
project.
Financing per project:Maximum 15,000.= (Dutch guilders/approx. 1.6 guilders to a
US$).
Applications by the group should be sent to the local Dutch embassy or other Dutch
diplomatic representative. Information should be provided on the name(s), address(es) of
the applicants, contact persons or supervisors; a description of the project, including
its objectives, way of implementation, relevance for development and the contribution
(money, materials, labour, etc) to be made by the group.
For more information contact your local Dutch Embassy OR:
Information Service for Development Co-operation,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Postbus 20051
2500 EB Den Haag The Netherlands
Table 1 - Examples of Experiences/Projects of Sustainable Agricultural and Rural
Development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Name of Project |
Type of Project |
Direct Beneficiaries |
Indirect Beneficiaries |
Areas of Impact ** |
| Econ. |
Soc. |
Instit. |
Tech. |
Env. |
| Costa Rica: Organic Milk
Production From Cows Fed Organically Grown Forage. |
Livestock production, crop
production, marketing |
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| Dominican Republic:
Production and Commercialisation of Grape By-products. |
Crop production, technology
development/transfer, human development, credit. |
17 female heads of families |
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| Dominican
Republic: Participatory Community Development. |
Institutional
strengthening, human development. |
10,000 men
10,000 women
25,000 youths |
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| Dominican
Republic: Control of white fly through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). |
Crop production,
technology development/transfer, human development, instit. strengthening. |
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| Dominican Republic: Integrated
Management of Citrus Pests. |
Crop production, technology
development/transfer, human development. |
500 men
200 women
300 youths
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| Guyana :
Supporting the development of Livestock Production in Guyana. |
Livestock
production, marketing, human devel. , inst. strengthening, technology
development/transfer. |
563 farmers
772 students
229 technicians |
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** Econ. = Economic; Soc.
= Social; Instit. = Institutional;
Tech. = Technological; Env. = Environmental
6. PARTICIPATION IN SARD NETWORK
Become an active participant in our SARD Network! Your
participation can be by way of identifying examples of innovative SARD
experiences and/or agencies which support SARD activities. Additionally, please
send your ideas on the type of information you would like to see posted on the proposed
Web Site. The SARD Project at IICA's Guyana Office can be contacted via:
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