1. INTRODUCTION
This issue of SARD Newsletter contains information on how to access
our SARD Project website. Also presented are criteria for Sustainablity of Agricultural
and Rural Development projects, as suggested by persons who completed Format A
questionnaires for varied projects.
In view of the growing interest in agro-processing, we have provided additional
information on the use of solar dryers for food preservation.
Readers are invited to suggest other topics for subsequent issues of this
newsletter.
2. SARD PROJECT WEB SITE
Information that can be
accessed from the web site includes current and previous issues of the SARD Newsletter
(both English and Spanish versions), background to the project, agencies supporting SARD
projects and brief profiles of projects following SARD criteria.
Spanish readers can access information in their native language, by simply clicking on the
icon marked ESPANOL.
Please use the link provided on the home page to send us your comments, questions
or suggestions for information you would like to see on the SARD web site.
3. CRITERIA FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
PROJECTS
In our April, 1999 issue, the criteria
identified as contributing to the sustainability of agricultural and rural development
projects highlighted the importance of early ownership of projects by the direct
beneficiaries, thus allowing them to be part of the decision-making process. The
significance of including women in the decision making process was also recognised.
Another three criteria for sustainability of agricultural and rural development projects,
as identified by respondents are:
- Persistence is necessary to achieve project objectives, an open mind is a prerequisite.
(A change of attitude may also be necessary)
- Capacity building is essential to enable beneficiaries to integrate environmental
aspects into projects.
- Flexibility in modifying strategies, according to the situation, is necessary to better
utilise resources and achieve greater impact.
WOULD
YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR VIEW ON CRITERIA FOR SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS ?
Then, send us a brief article (150 – 250
words) for publication in subsequent issues of our newsletter. |
4. AGENCIES
SUPPORTING PROJECTS WITH SARD CRITERIA
An analysis of completed questionnaires
(Format A) received to date has revealed that not only international agencies promote
projects with SARD criteria. In several Caribbean and Latin American countries, national
organisations do support projects that contribute to agricultural and rural development.
Table 1 shows a selection of these agencies.
Table 1
Agencies, in five countries, supporting projects with SARD criteria
COUNTRY |
NAME OF AGENCY |
COSTA RICA |
- Integrated Institute for Social Assistance
|
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC |
- Investment Fund for Natural Resources
- Association for the Development of San
Jose of Ocoa (ADESJO)
- National Foundation for the Development of
Rural Youth (FUNDEJUR)
|
GRENADA |
- Agency for Rural Transformation (ART)
- National Development Foundation of Grenada
(NDFG)
|
| URUGUAY |
- National Institute for Agricultural
Research (INIA)
- Rural Society of River Negro
|
5. FORMAT A QUESTIONNAIRES
Two more completed Format A questionnaires were received for projects in Guyana. A
total of 57 completed Format A questionnaires has now been received from
Caribbean and Latin American countries.
Five profiles, taken from projects submitted as examples of innovative experiences of
SARD, are presented in Table 2.
6. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON SOLAR DRYING
In our April issue of the SARD newsletter, we shared information on a low-cost tray type
solar dryer. It is advisable for the inside of the dryer to be painted black (using
lead-free paint) to increase the absorption of the sun's energy. Countries that are
located near to the equator do not need to use insulation on the walls of the dryer nor
double layers of glass or plastic.
Persons wishing to produce, for commercial use, dried fruit and vegetables (only fresh,
unblemished fruit should be used) can use a dryer with an area of approximately 11 m2 (100
ft2). A dryer of this size can dry between 23 and 34 kg (50-75 lbs) of fresh produce. The
actual drying time ranges from 2 to 4 days - depending on the temperature within the dryer
and the type of produce being dried.
Books containing additional information on solar drying can be obtained from:
- United Nations Fund For Women (UNIFEM)
- Natural Resources Institute, United Kingdom
- Intermediate Technology Publications Ltd, UK
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
Readers with experience in the construction and/or use of
low-cost solar dryers are invited to share their experiences with us. Please submit your
information to the SARD Project Coordinator. |
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. |
| Dominican Republic:
Agroforestry Programme - Zambrana Forestry Microenterprise |
Natural resources management,
human development |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Dominican Republic: Cruz
Verde Project |
Crop production, natural
resources management, environmental protection, human development, technology transfer |
2,000 men
2,000 women including youths |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ecuador:
Production, Postharvest management and marketing of maize in the organisation Limon de
Cascol |
Crop production,
technology development/transfer, marketing |
25 men |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Guyana: St
Deny’s Rural Development Project |
Crop production,
agro-forestry, human dev. , agro-processing |
550 persons (90
households) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Guyana :
Coconut Fibre Products. |
Processing,
marketing, technology development/transfer |
20 men
140 women (30 are Amerindians), |
|
|
|
|
|
|
** Econ. = Economic; Soc.
= Social; Instit. = Institutional;
Tech. = Technological; Env. = Environmental
7. 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:
|
