Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA

Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC Quality Assurance

Annual Report of the VEGI Project 2016

PROJECT NAME Inclusive and Sustainable Vegetable Production and Marketing

Project (VEGI)

PROJECT NUMBER 7F-09387.01.01

REPORTING PERIOD 15 April, 2016 – 31 December, 2016

REPORTED BY T. Turmandakh and the Project Implementation Unit team

DISTRIBUTED TO Baigalmaa Gongor, National Program Officer, SDC Daniel Valenghi, Head of Programme, agriculture, food security, education, artisanal mining and gender, SDC

PROJECT SUMMARY Funding organisation Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation

Agriculture and Food Security domain

Phase duration April 2016 – December 2019

Target groups Small-scale vegetable farmers and vegetable seed producers Households in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan and Erdenet

Implementing organization Mongolian Association for Rural Development NGO

Implementing Partners Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association NGO – Outcome 3 Food and Agriculture Organization – Outcome 4

National Partners Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Ulaanbaatar city authorities Local governments Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences Institute of Plant Protection International NGOs Urban Governance Project (SDC) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Project EU/FAO Support Employment in Mongolia Business entities (wholesale markets)

Objective The project will contribute to the improved livelihoods of vegetable growers through the inclusive, gender-balanced and sustainable growth of the vegetable sector

Outcomes Outcome 1: Domestic vegetables production of farmers is increased Outcome 2: Income increased through improved marketing Outcome 3: Production and consumption of vegetables in ger districts Outcome 4: The policy/legal and institutional frameworks of the vegetable sector are improved

Target areas Tuv aimag: Bornuur, Jargalant, Batsumber and Bayanchandmani soums; Selenge aimag: Mandal, Shaamar, Khushaat, Zuunburen, Sant and Bayagol soums; Uvs aimag: Ulaangom soum; Darkhan-Uul aimag: Orkhon soum; Orkhon aimag: Jargalant soum Ulaanbaaar: Khan-Uul, Songino-Khairkhan and Nalaikh districts of four khoroos 12 soums in other aimags

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Contents 1. BASIC INFORMATION 5

2. PROJECT OUTCOMES 6

3. OUTPUTS AND PERFORMANCE 7

1.1. Output: Qualified seeds are available locally 7

1.2. Output: Vegetable production is increased 9

1.3. Output: Knowledge is shared among farmers 10

2.1 Output: Collective action for marketing (farmers’ groups/cooperatives) is enhanced 12

2.2 Output: Marketing channels are well managed 14

2.3 Output: Market stakeholders have access to market information 15

2.4 Output: Vegetable processing initiatives are supported 15

3.1 Output: Vegetable production by vulnerable and resource poor households in urban and peri-urban areas is promoted 17

3.2 Output: Consumption of vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas is encouraged 19

3.3 Output: Resource poor and vulnerable households have access to knowledge and training 19

4. SUMMARY OF FIGURES 21

5. COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROJECTS AND PARTNERSHIPS 21

6. LESSONS LEARNT 22

7. GENDER MAINSTREAMING 22

8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION 23

9. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT 23

10. ANNEX 25

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LIST OF ABBREVATIONS ELISA Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay ESD Education for Sustainable Development FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development IPAS Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences MFARD Mongolian Farmers’ Association for Rural Development MMCG Mongolian Marketing Consulting Group MNT Mongolian tugrug MoFALI Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry MOGFA Mongolian Organic Green Food Association MPP Mongolian Potato Programme MULS Mongolian State University of Life Science MUST Mongolian University of Science and Technology MWFA Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association PIU Project Implementation Unit SDC Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation SECiM Support Employment in Mongolia SVTC State Variety Testing Commission UB Ulaanbaatar VEGI Inclusive and Sustainable Vegetable Production and Marketing

Project

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1. BASIC INFORMATION Mongolia’s economy is highly dependent on a few major mining investments and as a consequence is poorly diversified. Although it has made considerable steps towards poverty reduction, the percentage of poor households remains high, particularly in rural areas (26.4%). Ten of thousands of households migrate annually from rural to urban areas in search of better livelihood opportunities. With more than 63’000 households cultivating vegetables on mostly small-scale farms and in backyards , the vegetable sector is crucial for both poverty alleviation

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and securing healthy food for an increasingly urbanised population. According to a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) survey in selected soums, more than 40 % of the vegetable farms are small scale (less than 1 ha) and the income of households is below the government poverty line (upgraded in April 2016). Although vegetable consumption in Mongolia

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has steadily increased in recent decades , the vegetable intake needed for a balanced diet is 3

still insufficient . Vegetables have traditionally never been the main dietary component for 4

Mongolians. The unavailability of healthy vegetables and the lack of knowledge on how to prepare vegetable dishes are additional challenges for the development of a strong demand. Following the shift from a centralised economy to a market-oriented economy, Mongolia’s crop sector regressed. The vegetable sector is not yet self-sufficient, and because of the agro-climatic conditions and short summers, reaching self-sufficiency throughout the sector is a challenge. However, there is untapped potential to increase and diversify vegetable production. The following challenges are affecting the sector: Old varieties are widespread; there is insufficient local seed production; poor technical advice and support; a lack of adapted equipment; poor collaboration among farmers; insufficient storage and processing facilities; a lack of market information; an absence of linkages between farmers’ organisations and the private sector; and little marketing know-how and poor economic approaches, based on an SDC cost-benefit analysis (source: Project Document of VEGI).

As one outcome of the exit phase of the Mongolian Potato Programme (MPP) addressed the vegetable sector, there was an opportunity to continue support in this sector. Based on the successful implementation of the MPP, SDC mandated the “Inclusive and Sustainable Vegetable Production and Marketing (VEGI) Project” with a total budget of MNT 8.8 billion to the Mongolian Farmers’ Association for Rural Development (MFARD) NGO as the main implementing organisation. The MFARD entered into a sub-contact with the Mongolian Women Farmers’ Association (MWFA) to implement Outcome 3 of the project. SDC mandated Outcome 4, policy, to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

According to the statistics provided by Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI), the vegetable planting area increased 18% from 2015 to 2016, from 6’803 ha to 8’342 ha. The average vegetable yield increased from 10.7 tonnes in 2015 to 11.2 tonnes in 2016. Vegetable production increased from 72’741 tonnes in 2015 to 93’529 tonnes in 2016, with domestic vegetable production providing 52% of total demand in 2016, up from 35% in 2015.

Under Government Resolution #185, the custom tax on imported vegetables rose from 5-10% depending on the variety of vegetable to 20% in order to support local vegetable producers.

The first half of 2016 saw favourable weather conditions in most crop areas. However, drought in June and July and rain during the harvest period in central crop areas led to harvest losses in some areas. Hail at the end of July in Ulaangom, Uvs aimag, led to a 30% loss of turnip seeds (project data).

1 According to MoFALI (2013), the breakdown is as follow: 1) 43’240 households (68.6 %) on areas < 0.1 ha; 2), 18’440 (29.3 %) small farms on 0.1-3 ha; 3), 1’250 (2 %) medium-size farms on 3-30 ha, and 4) 60 large farms (0.1 %) on +30 ha. 2 The government’s poverty line for 2014 was MNT 146’650 MNT; for 2017 it is MNT 240’400 per person per month. 3 According to MoFALI, the per capita annual consumption increased from 48kg in 2010 to 58kg in 2013. 4 According to the National Research Centre, vegetable intake in urban areas is only 89g per capita per day; the minimum should be 200g

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According to a 2016 vegetable marketing study, more than 56 % of imported vegetables included cabbages, onions and carrots. More than 85% of imported potatoes and vegetables came from China.

According to a poverty assessment in the project target area, Ulaanbaatar, 3% of households (14’198 households) grow vegetables in their backyard, and the average household income is MNT 750’000.

The VEGI Project, launched in April 2016, will run for a four years with a total budget of CHF 5 million. The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) is set up and is being undertaken by the MFARD with with full-time staff. The total 2016 budget is MNT 2.4 billion.

The June 2016 general elections in Mongolia resulted in staff changes in key ministries and subsequent delays in project activities. For example, a project steering committee was not formed until November 2016; however, in general the transition was smooth.

2. PROJECT OUTCOMES Outcome 1: Domestic vegetables production of farmers is increased

Indicators: 1. Number of officially approved new varieties: B: 2 new varieties (2016); T: 8 new varieties

(2019) 2. Vegetable area in target region (ha) B: 3’929 ha (2016); T: >20% (2019) 3. Production of vegetables in target region B: 40’009 tonnes (2016); T:>20%(2019)

The State Variety Testing Commission (SVTC) approved 2 new varieties of cucumbers and tomatoes in 2016.

According to statistics provided by 12 target soums, the vegetable planting area increased by 31% from 2015 (from 2’708ha to 3’929ha).

The production of vegetables increased by 36% from 2015 (from 25’591 tonnes to 40’009 tonnes).

Outcome 2: Income increased through improved marketing

Indicators: 1. Average annual income per target household from vegetables (MNT) B: 67.4% of total

household income or MNT 793,095 MNT; T: >20% (2019) 2. Share of vegetables marketed through farmers’ cooperatives (%): B: 0.06% (2016); T:

>30% (2019) 3. Number of functioning contracts between cooperatives and the private sector: B: 0

(2016); T: 15 (2019)

According to a baseline study, the average annual income per target household from vegetable production is 54%. Vegetable market research conducted by the Mongolian Marketing Consulting Group (MMCG) in November 2016 found that the average monthly income of vegetable farmers was MNT 1’176’698, and 67.4% of total household income or MNT 793’095 came from the sale of vegetables.

During the “Green Days of Autumn” expo in September 2016, 0.06% or 165 tonnes of vegetables was marketed through farmer cooperatives. According to vegetable marketing studies, the volume of the vegetable market is 237’505 tonnes (Situation Analysis in Vegetable

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Value Chains in Mongolia, 2017)

Four farmers’ sales cooperatives with more than 50 members have been established, which has given them the legal status to enter into contracts with the private sector.

Outcome 3: Production and consumption of vegetables in ger districts

Indicators: 1. Households involved in vegetable production: B: 2’847 (2016); T: 2’400 (2019) 2. Value generated by vegetable production, marketing and consumption in MNT; B: MNT

33.5 million (2016); T: >30 % (2019)

According to the statistics from the Ulaanbaatar’s municipal Agriculture Department, the number of households engaged in vegetable production rose by 23% from 2015 to 2016, from 2’185 to 2’847 households.

The vegetable marketing study found that income from vegetable sales provided 67% of producers’ household income.

3. OUTPUTS AND PERFORMANCE

1.1. Output: Qualified seeds are available locally

Vegetable variety testing

In 2016, the SVTC approved two hybrid varieties of greenhouse cucumbers and tomatoes.

This means that in the past five years, for the main vegetable crops, six have been released, and 15 promising varieties and 12 hybrids have been approved. This has been a big step forward for vegetable growers as previously there were no tested and approved varieties. Larger-scale producers could afford to buy hybrids at their own risk, while small-scale growers bought seed from unsecure sources at a relatively high price. The new greenhouse hybrids have been welcomed by farmers, and are producing good yields, have marketable qualities, and are resistent to temperature fluctuations in plastic greenhouses.

Vegetable variety testing has been conducted for five years as a continuation of the MPP exit phase. This year, more than 71 varieties of 18 vegetable species are being tested. This time more emphasis has been placed on testing cucumber and tomato hybrids on request from the Association of Greenhouse Producers.

These varieties are being tested at five sites representing different agro-ecological regions, including the Institute of Plant and Agricultural Sciences (IPAS) in Darkhan, the Vegetable Seed-Producing Unit of IPAS in Orkhon soum, the Mongolian State University of Life Science (MULS) in Ulaanbaatar, and sites in Khovd aimag and some private entities.

Vegetable seed multiplication

In 2016 on request from vegetable growers, Cabbage hybrid seeds on 28ha, vegetables on 6.1ha, greenhouse cucumbers on 14’400m2, and tomatoes on 48’000m2 were supplied. 25 tonnes of onion sets imported from Netherlands were distributed to vegetable growers in 16 aimags and planted on 50ha. The project also mediated direct seed purchases for large

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producers.

Despite the high seed price, the high-yielding hybrid seeds from the Netherlands and Germany were welcomed by farmers, who praised their high yields, good appearance, marketability, good transportability and storage, and resistance to pest damage, which is result of seed-treatment and hybrid variety’s other specific qualities.

Vegetable seed production is a private business for farmers (in the pre-transition era it was the domain of state enterprises) in some specific regions where the agro-climatic conditions were conducive for the production of vegetable seeds. The absence of a seed supply system has meant that farmers in remote areas lack access to high-quality and high-productivity seeds. The MFARD, through branches in all aimags, and seed shops are delivering seed at wholesale prices.

The seeds of 14 recently approved varieties of 11 vegetable species are being multiplied at the IPAS seed multiplication field. The VEGI Project is supporting seed multiplication by improving irrigation equipment.

Licensed vegetable seed producers from the MFARD branch in Uvs aimag supplied about 50-60% of seed demand for the main vegetable crops in 2015, such as carrots, beetroot and turnips; in 2016 that figure reached 80%.

2015 saw widespread drought in the main agricultural regions of Mongolia which impacted on yields. This affected total crop production in Uvs aimag, main vegetable seed production area; carrot crop losses reached 60-70%. The project supported seed producers by supplying 11.3 tonnes of carrot mother plants from the central agricultural region, selected by IPAS researchers, aimag agronomists and the project team. Given that a 1kg mother plant produces 200g of seed, more than 2’260 tonnes of carrot seed was produced from these 11 tonnes of mother plants.

Seed production of newly approved varieties of root crop vegetables and cabbages has also been carried out in Uvs aimag; watermelon, melon and tomato seed production in Khovd,

Dornogobi and Bayankhongor aimags respectively. A total of 76.5kg of warm-weather crops were allocated to the vegetable seed reserve fund for further distribution.

Vegetable seed reserve fund

The vegetable seed reserve fund has allocated 6’964kg of seeds of the main vegetable crops for the next planting season. Seed producers fulfilled 92.7% of seed multiplication contracts made with the fund. Some losses in seed multiplication were the result of hail storm in August.

The vegetable seed reserve fund at the MFARD for the 2016 planting season distributed an estimated 4’500kg of vegetable seeds of 7 vegetable crops to MFARD branches in 17 aimags and 2 seed retailers. MFARD aimag branches serve as seed retailers and distributors to small-scale farmers and association members in aimags. A total of 53 seed orders were received and available seeds were equitably distributed. The vegetable seed fund is working to supply seeds of the main vegetable crops to farmers in remote areas at wholesale prices. As a result, vegetable seed quality and origin is monitored on a national level.

The project supported two research activities:

Testing of garlic virus diseases - ELISA tests for 3 common garlic viruses have been imported from Germany. IPAS carried out testing of garlic samples from western, eastern and central agricultural regions for the presence of virus and nematode infection. In 192 test samples

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collected from 8 soums in 6 aimags, the virus infection rate was 0-40%, a medium severity of infestation. The next step will be to ensure multiplication of clean garlic seed material in order to improve domestic garlic production.

Biological method for controlling the insect-pests - Preliminary studies on the use of predatory insects to control insect pests in greenhouses and open field has begun in collaboration with MULS researchers. 2 stains of predatory insects are re-reared (multiplied) and released in greenhouses and open fields and the results compared with bio-insecticide and mechanical pest control methods. Released predatory mites actively fed on mites and successfully naturally reproduced. The most effective was the combination of predatory mites and the plant-derived insecticide Neem oil (a yield increase of 28.7%). Planned next year is the development of mass rearing technology for predatory mites, methods of conservation and transportation, and technology for their release.

A vegetable seed marketing study was conducted by external vegetable specialists in November that determined seed production, seed demand and seed imports, assessed the capacity of vegetable seed producers and the economic feasibility of vegetable seed production for each vegetable crop, developed recommendations to improve seed production technology, and analysed all changes that had taken place in the past 4 years. It also analysed the economic return rate of hybrid seeds introduced and supplied at discount prices by the MPP and VEGI projects since 2012 and the economic feasibility of further hybrid seed markets, and financially evaluated the MFARD’s vegetable seed reserve fund, develop basis of financial sustainable operation and business plan.

Vegetable seed shop

Totally 12 seed shops in 12 soums of 9 aimags serve farmers in remote areas. Hence, vegetable seed quality and origin is monitored on a national level. A total of 2’213kg of vegetable seeds valued at MNT 53.2 million has been distributed to these farmers though the seed shops.

In 2016, vegetable seed shops had been established in 4 soums of 4 aimags to supply seeds of the main vegetable crops to farmers in remote areas at wholesale prices. The project supported seed shops with shop counters, scales, shelves and other necessary supplies. Prior to this, farmers had no option but to buy vegetable seeds of questionable quality at higher prices from vegetable seed retailers. In addition, all seed shops were located in Ulaanbaatar and sell expensive seeds in small seed pouches, while farmers prefer to buy loose seeds.

1.2. Output: Vegetable production is increased According to the National Statistical Office, from 2015 to 2016, cabbage imports from China fell by 972.2 tonnes, but import costs increased by USD $126’500, which means this year’s imported cabbages were more expensive than those produced locally.

The establishment of cabbage seedling nursery centres, the introduction of new cabbage hybrids, and the construction of specialised cabbage storage with a total capacity of 1’000 tonnes in Ulaanbaatar is the basis for the increase in national cabbage production.

According to the seed orders, the hybrid cabbage planting area will reach 155.8 ha in th next planting season.

In 2016, two additional cabbage seedling nurseries were organized in Murun soum, Khentii aimag, and Buyant soum, Khovd aimag, in addition to 7established in the central agricultural region in 2014. The new approach of growing cabbage seedlings under plastic tunnels in plastic greenhouses was introduced in traditional cabbage-growing soums. Along with this new approach, Bejo cabbage hybrids, new cabbage

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pesticides, and 2 row seedling planters were tested at seedling nursing centres.

In 2016, the VEGI project, the MFARD branch in Mandal soum and the soum government concluded a joint agreement for the long-term renting of newly constructed 300 tonnes capacity cabbage storage for farmers of the soum’s MFARD branch. The project and the soum government provided such equipment as a fork lift and cages for cabbage storage.

Marketing is the most important challenge for cabbage growers. Cabbage seedling growing starts in mid-March. With nursing, transplanting and irrigation, it is the most labour-intensive crop; however, when it comes to marketing, the price can drop to MNT100/kg. This forces some farmers to abandon their cabbage fields to avoid additional financial losses as the price doesn’t cover the production costs.

12 pcs of 120m2 and 52 pcs of 32m2 plastic greenhouses (3’824m2) were distributed to 25 soums in 16 aimags – adding up to a 5% increase in areas under greenhouses in the target areas. Small-scale hand-driven vegetable planters from Hungary and other tools were also distributed, as were mineral and organic fertilisers and high-quality pesticides.

Vegetable production is the least mechanized industry compared with wheat and potato production. Only 40%of vegetable production operations are mechanized. Small-scale hand-driven equipment are more useful than larger equipment given that most vegetable plots are small and located in river valleys.

10 small-scale fertiliser dispensers and 12 small-scale pesticide spreaders for 25hp mini-tractors were imported from Poland. This equipment was supplied to vegetable producers in Tuv and Selenge aimags and in those aimags where is the shortage of agricultural equipment such as Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd and Uvs.

Small-scale vegetable growers don’t have the equipment needed to spread mineral fertiliser, so they do it manually. Also use a knapsack sprayer for pesticide application. These small scale equipment designed for 25HP mini-tractors enables farmers to avoid coming into contact with fertilisers and pesticides. All these equipment are available on a rental basis for all soum vegetable growers. In Jargalant soum, Tuv aimag, farmers used the small scale pesticide spreader on 200ha of growing fields.

A 4 row onion set planter was designed by farmer from Mandal soum, and is capable of planting 700m2 per hour and designed for a 25hp mini-tractor. He has successfully tested it on his fields. The project visited him several times during the growing season to evaluate its performance, and after harvesting 3 sets of the planter were ordered and built for 3 extension centres to serve farmers on rent basis.

1.3. Output: Knowledge is shared among farmers The first pilot extension centre was established in Orkhon soum, Darkhan-Uul aimag. It has 500m2 of open fields and a building with a training room, seed shop and office. It is estimated that more than 1’000 farmers will be able to receive farming services at the centre (Orkhon, Shaamar and Khushaat soums).

The purpose of pilot extension centre:

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1. Organise for soum farmers field days, trainings and demonstrations of new vegetable production technologies, new varieties, and the application of plant protection measures.

2. Host consultants on new vegetable production technologies, new varieties and plant protection to provide on-site coaching.

3. Demonstration of newly released and promising vegetable varieties. 4. Supply newly released and promising vegetable variety seeds and other inputs for farmers. 5. The rentand servicing with small-scale equipment (such as sprayers, planters, spreaders,

etc).

The land issues to establish pilot extension centres in Mandal soum of Selenge aimag, and Bornuur soum of Tuv aimag, are being finalised. The local administration is providing land for the pilot extension centre for free.

Table 1: Trainings and study tours of Outcome 1:

# Training Date & location Number of participants (% female)

Output of the training

1 “Greenhouse vegetable production” training

2-4 May 11 soums in Tuv, Selenge, Darkhan-Uul & Orkhon aimags

166 (52.4% F)

Farmers received theoretical and practical knowledge on greenhouse production of cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplants, sweet peppers and other crops. Preferable plant-protection biological methods and techniques were presented. Consultants from the Association of Greenhouse Producers served as resource persons during the training. Farmers were very satisfied with the training and the technology transfer from the greenhouse consultants.

2 “Greenhouse vegetable production” training

1-4 August 11 soums in Khentii, Dornod & Sukhbaatar aimags

104 (58.7% F)

3 Greenhouse training

9-10 June 5 soums of Tuv, Selenge, Darkhan-Uul aimags and UB

11 (63.6% F)

Farmers received theoretical and practical knowledge on the greenhouse production of different crops. Training was co-organised by the KOKIA Project.

4 “Onion and garlic production technology”

22-24 August Uvs, Khovd and Zavkhan aimags

59 (32.2% F)

Farmers received theoretical and practical knowledge on the latest technology for onion and garlic production. Plant protection measures were also presented.

5 “International training workshop on demonstration and promotion of new vegetable varieties and technologies”

5-25 June Hefei, PRC

Sponsored by the Chinese Government under the Foreign Assistance Program for developing countries

3 researchers from IPAS (100% F)

Gained new knowledge in vegetable breeding, gene engineering in horticultural breeding, the control of pests and diseases through transgenic and RNAi strategies, key culture technologies for the production of new vegetable varieties, development of the international vegetable seed industry, and plant variety protection.

6 Study tour to South Korea

1-6 November - KIEMSTA 2016 (Korea International Exhibition of Machinery, Equipment, Science and Technology for Agriculture) - Garak Market, Garak’s agricultural market, - Hongik Bio Llc, (vegetables and potatoes)

14 representatives (53.9% F)

Learned about greenhouse production, various modern machineries, materials, tools and equipment of farming activities that can be introduced in Mongolia, and made contact with relevant companies in Korea. As a result, project staff and MoFALI officials prepared public an agricultural market project document and submitted it to the Development Bank of Mongolia for financing.

TOTAL 357 people (51% female)

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The first VEGI publication on greenhouse vegtable production was published and distributed. It featured production technology with illustrations of the 5 main greenhouse crops, and some leafy vegetables and plant protection measures.

Table 2: Total direct/indirect farmer beneficiaries and plant area and production in 2016

Aimag/soum Beneficiaries Plant area (ha) Production (ton) Direct In direct 2015 2016 2015 2016 Tuv aimag 1 Bornuur 51 (51% F) 629 206 212 2’080 2’250 2 Jargalant 89 (22% F) 954 19 123 3 1’285 3 Batsumber 21 (52% F) 126 52 72 107 435 4 Bayanchandmani 32 (28% F) 317 88 139 483 511 Sub total 193 (34% F) 2’026 365 546 2’673 4’481 Selenge aimag 5 Mandal 17 (24% F) 1’710 456 430 7’885 6’625 6 Shaamar 33 (48% F) 183 187 248 2’539 3’685 7 Khushaat 62 (55% F) 110 117 161 1’169 1’862 8 Zuunburen 23 (57% F) 220 173 298 1’627 2’641 9 Sant 31 (26% F) 314 171 259 2’297 2’474 10 Bayangol 43 (60% F) 189 117 87 1’390 832 Sub total 209 (48% F) 1’016 1’221 1’483 16’907 18’119 Other aimags 11 Ulaangom, Uvs 35 (14% F) 12 Orkhon, Darkhan 18 (61% F) 531 942 1’664 3’801 14’294 13 Jargalant, Orkhon 55 (45% F) 342 181 235 2’210 3’115 Sub total 108 (38% F) 873 1’123 1’899 6’011 17’409 TOTAL 510 (41% F) 3’915 2’708 3’929 25’591 40’009

Source: project M&E data 2016 and data from soums agriculture/statistic departments

Total 8 (2 male) consultants and researchers were hired on a short-term basis for Outcome 1.

2.1 Output: Collective action for marketing (farmers’ groups/cooperatives) is enhanced

“With a focus on smallholder vegetable producers, the project must address the marketing issue as it is a key bottleneck for these farmers. Collective marketing improves the bargaining power of the suppliers (due to larger volumes), which leads to higher farm gate prices, thus better returns for vegetable crops.”

EXPOS – Four expos, 80 farmers/cooperatives from seven aimags, MNT 335.5 million in sales.

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The three-day “Greenhouse Vegetable Expo” was organised in Ulaanbaatar by the Association of Greenhouse Farming in conjunction with the United Nations, Global Communities (a USAID project), MoFALI, Chingeltei District Office and the VEGI Project. The purpose of the expo was to increase greenhouse farmers’ sales, to create sales channels and to build loyal customer bases. Sixteen entities took part and about 5’000 people visited the expo. Total gross sales were estimated at MNT 100 million.

The seven-day “Autumn Green Days” expo was organised by MoFALI and contributing organizations. The VEGI Project took part to introduce new vegetable varieties, to advertise cooperatives and to increase consumers’ knowledge of vegetables. Forty farmers (55 % female) from seven aimags participated in the expo and made MNT 165 million in sales. As a part of the expo, the project organised a vegetable event entitled “Green food – healthy life” in conjunction with Global Communities. The goal of the event was to promote vegetables and to educate consumers about healthy eating. The project was named best organisation of the expo and five project beneficiary farmers also received recognition.

The “Farmers Open Fair” was organised by the MFARD in the Songino-Khairkhan district of Ulaanbaatar from September to November 2016. Twenty-four farmers from six soums sold vegetables worth of MNT 70.5 million.

The three-day “Korea-Mongolia Agricultural Energy Expo and K-Food Fair 2016” was organised by MoFALI, ULMS and the Korean Mongolian Business Centre in ULMS. The project took part in the event and distributed brochures, and Orkhon and Shaamar soum farmers promoted their products.

Support for Bornuur soum’s onion storage restoration and equipment: The project supported the restoration and expansion of Bornuur soum’s onion storage to 150-200 tonnes of capacity. The project also supported the installation of onion storage equipment. As a result, the “Bornuur Urgats” cooperative now can store onions during the winter and sell them at higher price during

seasonal shortages. The estimated additional income will be MNT 200 million.

Transportation support for Khovd aimag’s watermelons and melons and Umnugobi aimag’s tomatoes: The project financially supported the transportation of 15 tonnes of watermelons and melons from Khovd (1’580km) and 1.2 tonnes of tomatoes from Umnugobi (553km) to Ulaanbaatar during the “Autumn Green Days” expo. Khovd aimag’s farmers were able to sell their products for double the price in Ulaanbaatar, resulting in an additional income of about MNT 15 million.

2.2 Output: Marketing channels are well managed

“Market transparency as well as competition among suppliers and buyers are needed to ensure

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well-functioning value chains and fair market conditions. Well-functioning value chains are characterised by a fair distribution of margins along the chain, including vegetable producers”. Sales channel and wholesale market

Vegetable wholesale market: After visits to and meetings with the management of four leading wholesale markets, the Tenger and Selenge markets expressed their willingness to collaborate with the project to strengthen the vegetable market chain. A collaboration contract is being finalised.

A “Vegetable Marketing Forum” was organised to build trust and collaboration among market stakeholders, to facilitate discussions with authorities, to organise farmers’ tours to wholesale markets and warehouses, and to organise workshops to analyse market bottlenecks and failures. A total of 161 people from 30 organisations took part in the forum, including SDC, UNFAO, the Ulaanbaatar city government, Global Communities, MWFA, the Greenhouse Association, the Organic Mongolia National Movement, MMCG LLC, MULS, Modern Nomads, Delta Holding, Mish Mash LLC, Nomin, Max Group, MTS Agro, vegetable wholesalers, the World Bank, IFAD, the Mongolian Organic Green Food Association NGO, the VEG NGO, GERES, MUST, and the Mongolian National Association of Food and Agriculture and Rural Investment NGO. They discussed issues and built the foundation upon which to work together in the future. The project reached 248’313 people through media, helping to raise awareness.

Vegetable marketing research was conducted by MMCG LLC, covering vegetable market size, supply and demand, stakeholder and value chains, sales and distribution channels, and prices. As a result of this research, the project has a comprehensive understanding of the current vegetable market situation and is able to develop a marketing strategy and action plan for upcoming years.

Highlights:

● An average of 132’629 tonnes of vegetables were produced domestically in the past three years.

● 56’949 tonnes of vegetables were imported, 74% from China. More than 56% of imported vegetables are cabbages, carrots and onions.

● 46.7 % of farmers accept the need to cooperate to produce and sell their produce. ● The food service sector uses 157’743 tonnes of vegetables per month. ● The average monthly vegetable consumption of households is 31.2 kg. An average

person consumes 260g of vegetables daily, which is 60g lower than the recommended amount.

Support for the applied research of international and national intern students: The project hosted an internship student, Lisa Epars from HAFL in Switzerland, whose assignment was to analyse vegetable production and marketing with a special focus on small-scale farmers. The findings were relevant and provided solid input for the project, contributing to improvements of the marketing component. The highlighted result was a vegetable value chain analysis.

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2.3 Output: Market stakeholders have access to market information

“Market information is crucial to ensure transparency. Value chain stakeholders must have access to up-to-date information that is provided by an independent provider. The institutional anchoring of the Market Information System will need to be carefully set up.”

Website and social media

Vegetable website: Vegetable price information is neither transparent nor available to the public. Information related to production, processing, marketing and the sale of vegetables are as yet not readily available. To breach these gaps, the project is creating a website that will contain relevant information and data under the optional www.mfard.mn domain. The website will enable potential buyers and producers to connect and will include information about producers, vegetable varieties, consumer educational material, cooking videos, vegetable infographics and health articles.

Social media channels: The project is posting all news and consumer education content on Facebook (MonVEGI) and Youtube as social media channels have a significant level of public outreach. As of early January, the Facebook page had 15’300 followers.

2.4 Output: Vegetable processing initiatives are supported

Vegetable processing unit in Dornod aimag: The “Queen Ant” farmers’ group in Dornod established a vegetable processing unit in December 2016 and is now producing vegetable salads, juice, kimchi and fruit salad. On-site coaching, processing and functioning of whole process of unit has been provided to the farmers of “Queen Ant” farmers’ group. The unit has produced 3’200 products worth MNT 1.7 million in 1.5 months.

A Veggie Cook Show campaign was jointly organised with MOGFA with the aim of increasing consumer education on vegetables via a edu-tainment approach. As a part of the campaign, the project organised cooking training, a Facebook cooking contest and conducted a series of interviews on Mongol TV’s morning program. The project also prepared a cooking video with celebrities, and short videos and infographics. The campaign has reached about 1.5 million people.

− Mongol TV interviews: Five professionals took part in Mongolia’s top-rated morning television program. There were a total of 10 interviews conducted during the campaign.

− Veggie Cook Challenge cooking show hosted by celebrities reached 1.2 million people on Facebook.

− Veggie Cook Challenge Facebook Contest invited people to cook vegetable meals and share the recipes with others. Twenty-seven entries were received. The contest advertisement and contents reached 299’583 people on Facebook.

− Creative contents: A total of 40 different kinds of vegetable, 17 food infographics and 10 short videos were produced during the campaign.

− Gogo.mn article about the project and the vegetable market situation in Mongolia reached 12’500 people.

Media

The project collaborated with media during the Vegetable Marketing Forum and Autumn Green Days expo. The vegetable cooking show also served as a consumer education media campaign. Eighteen media outlets, including nine TV stations, three newspapers, one website, 2 FM radio stations and two social media channels were used with a total reach of more than 1.5

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million people. As a result, 83 artworks and 18 videos were produced by the project. See the table below for more information. Table 3: Media

N Event Date Media Estimated reach Remarks

1 Vegetable Marketing

Forum 25-Nov

7 outlets 438’313 Project coordinator, officials from SDC, MoFALI and farmers gave interviewd to four TV stations and one newspaper. All the interviews were posted to the project’s Facebook and YouTube channels. As a result of the interviews, project awareness has risen.

TV5 100’000 TV8 100’000 NTV 100’000 SBN 100’000

Tomorrow of Agriculture newspaper 1’000

Facebook 37’313

2 Autumn Green

Days expo

Sep 14-20

9 outlets 510’000 Expo promotion was advertised through two FM readio stations, Daily News and the project’s Facebook page, reaching 200,000 people. The “Green food – healthy life” event was broadcast on four TV stations and in one newspaper. As a result, farmers were able to make sales of MNT 165 million and project awareness rose.

ETV 100’000 Za TV 50’000

Mass TV 50’000 TV 9 100’000

Mongolian Info newspaper 5’000 Daily Newspaper 5’000

FM 96.9 50’000 FM 104.5 50’000 Facebook 100’000

3 Veggie

cook show campaign

Nov 2016 - Jan 2017

4 outlets 1’519’179 5 officers from project participated top rated morning show. Popular celebrities attended cook show videos and shared the campaign as well. The campaign increased consumer education about vegetable and its usage.

Mongol TV 300’000

gogo.mn 12’500

Facebook 1’205’856

Youtube 823

4 Creatives Jun - Dec, 2016

Total 83

Total of 101 artworks and videos are produced for various events, campaigns and vegetable varieties as well.

Food infographic 17 Sort infographic and posters 8

Drying instruction 1 Vegetable infographic 40

Stand 7 Banner, posters 10

5 Videos Jun - Dec, 2016

Total 17 Cooking videos 10

Facebook Live Videos 5 Vegetable forum video 1

Project intro 1 GARAK video 1

TOTAL (cumulative) 2’467’592 Training

Nine trainings related to cooperatives, marketing and vegetable processing were conducted in four months; 431 farmers (62 % female) from 13 aimags participated in the training.

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Table 4: Training conducted Outcome 2

N Training Date & location Number of participants ( % female)

Output of the training

1 Cooperative training

8-18 Aug, 8 soums in central region

173 (65% f)

Four cooperatives officially established and the remainder are in the process of being registered.

2

Cooperative management and business planning training

22-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 25 (32% f)

Cooperative leaders improved their management skills and learned to develop business plans.

3 Marketing training 23-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 60 (66 % f)

Farmers learned basic marketing knowledge, sales and planning skills.

4 Vegetable processing training

15-Sep, Orkhon soum, Darkhan-Uul aimag

25 (60% f)

Farmers from Selenge, Darkhan, Orkhon and Bayan-Ulgii aimags took part in the training and learned to make 10 kinds of processed vegetable products.

5

Value-added production and vegetable drying method training

22-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 30 (63% f)

Farmers from 13 aimags learned the business side of vegetable processing and drying technology.

6 Value chain training 23-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 53

(66% f)

During value chain training, farmers were able to discuss problems and solutions along the vegetable value chain. Value chain training was provided by UNFAO Secim2 project officers.

7 On-site coaching 8-Nov, Dornod 3 (100% f)

The project supported Queen Ant’s processing unit in Dornod by sending experts to provide on-site coaching on technology and production.

8

Farmers’ tour to wholesale market and warehouse facility

24-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 41 (39% f)

Farmers from 13 aimags took part in the tour and visited E-mart hypermarket, Modern Nomads restaurant, Tenger and Selenge markets, and Delta Holding’s cabbage storage. As a result, farmers learnt how the market worked and understood private sector interest in business contracts.

9 Vegetable cooking class 24-Nov, Ulaanbaatar 21

(100% f)

Female farmers from 13 aimags participated in the training and learnt about nutrition, vegetable benefits, processing and cooking.

TOTAL 19 days 431 (62% f)

A total of three (1 male) trainers were hired on a short-term basis for Outcome 2.

3.1 Output: Vegetable production by vulnerable and resource poor households in urban and peri-urban areas is promoted

Model farming street

The purpose of a model farming street is to demonstrate backyard farming activity in ger districts. Backyard farming provides households with increased nutrition and income. With support from the project, these model farming street households demonstrate the effective use of “khashaa” space to plant vegetables. A model farming street will be an ideal/model street with backyard farming that provides advice to neighbourhoods about farming.

The lack of water has been a bottleneck of

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effective backyard farming and livelihoods in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. Recent project support for the construction of four borehole wells is helping to address this issue. The well, which is of prime importance in this neighbourhood, was made available to 61 households in four khoroos in Songino-Khairkhan, Khan-Uul and Naliakh districts of Ulaanbaatar.

The availability of water in the ger districts provides an opportunity for many households to take up home farming as an alternative source of household income. Even those who lacked farming experience are now growing a range of vegetables for their household needs and to sell at market.

As a result of focused trainings on vegetable growing, consumption and food nutrition, beneficiaries cultivated 8 ha (2 ha greenhouse) of vegetable fields and harvested 16.3 tonnes of vegetables with a value of MNT 6.7 million.

The project ensured the water quality in project target areas (a total of 84 points) and results demonstrated that it was both drinkable and able to be used for farming.

Each beneficiary households made at least a 10% contribution for the construction of the borehole well.

Model farming household

Like model farming streets, model farming households are an ideal/model household for backyard farming that provide advice to neighborhoods about farming. Selected households need to be willing to share, teach and demonstrate backyard farming as an advisory service point. Six households from three districts were selected as model farming households in 2016.

Success story: “L. Todgerel’s family are jobless. Living in Nalaikh district, they earned MNT 0.3 million annually from their backyard farming until they became one of the beneficiaries of the project. They received a 4x8m plastic greenhouse that included a drip irrigation set and 200 seedlings that helped her to learn growing techniques for strawberries. She is also learning to grow seedlings. By the end of the 2016 growing season, she managed to grow 300 strawberry seedlings for sale to neighbours valued at more than MNT 2 million.

She said she also learnt drying techniques for different varieties of vegetables, so she will be able to sell her own dried vegetables. Drying vegetables is another way of adding value to vegetables, and she looks forward to selling them at up to three times the price of raw vegetables from her backyard. She is confident she will earn another MNT 2 million from the sale of dried vegetables.

Taking part in field trip to the farms of fellow small holders and larger operations gave her hope that she would be able to take her backyard farming to new heights. “Learning new technologies for vegetable drying and growing new plants for additional income will make this job feasible. However, nothing can match seeing my children beam with delight as they nibbled strawberries. That was real happiness”.

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Farming activities in schools and kindergartens

Awareness-raising activities among senior members of the households were carried out by their school and kindergarten-aged children. The project organised special trainings and farming activities for three schoolchildren and three kindergarten children.

Table 5: Summary of investment and support to beneficiaries (MNT)

District Tools and greenhouse

Seed and seedlings

Contribution from households

Total investment

Songino-Khairkhan 38’396’427 2’945’858 3’486’199 44’828’484 Khan-Uul 24’346’280 1’244’036 4’559’996 30’150’312 Nalaikh 40’203’330 2’635’807 8’045’000 50’884’137 102’946’037 6’825’701 16’091’195 125’862’933

3.2 Output: Consumption of vegetables in urban and peri-urban areas is encouraged

Trainings on vegetable processing, food and nutrition, and vegetable marketing were held six times in districts of Ulaanbaatar, reaching 643 beneficiaries (75% female).

As a result of processing and nutrition training, 126 processed vegetables and 423 packages of dried vegetables were produced, selling for MNT 386’000 at market. Four households of two model streets were also able to sell 1.3 tonnes of potatoes for MNT 650’000.

Training organised four times for three schoolchildren and three kindergarden children, with a total of 472 beneficiaries (70% female). Of the 472 beneficiaries, 28% were pupils from eco clubs at secondary schools.

3.3 Output: Resource poor and vulnerable households have access to knowledge and training

Table 6: Trainings

N Training Date & location Number of participants (% female)

Results

1 Planting 21 times in Ulaanbaatar

888 (76% f) Households in nine districts received

training and planted a total area of 898 ha and harvested 10’600 tonnes of vegetables, according to the Agriculture Department of Ulaanbaatar city data in 2016. As a result of focused trainings on vegetable growing, consumption and food nutrition, beneficiaries cultivated 8 ha (2 ha greenhouse) of vegetable fields and harvested 16.3 tonnes of vegetables worth MNT 6.7 million.

2 Workshop for farmers

2 times in May, Khan-Uul,

Songino-Khairkhan

384 (60% f)

3

Nursing and plant protection in open fields and greenhouses

9 times in Ulaanbaatar

474 (63% f)

4 Compost fertiliser training

1 time in Ulaanbaatar

90 (60% f)

5 Economic and marketing training

1 time in Ulaanbaatar

65 (18 % f)

6 Vegetable processing training

1 time in Ulaanbaatar

153 (99% f)

As a result of processing and nutrition training, 126 processed vegetables and 423 packages of dried vegetables were produced, selling for MNT 386’000. Four households of two model streets sold 1.3 tonnes of potatoes for MNT 650’000.

7 Food and nutrition training

3 times in Ulaanbaatar

171 (89% f)

8 Domestic study tour in UB

1 time in Ulaanbaatar

87 (56% f)

An experience-sharing study tour in Ulaanbaatar. Participants were comprised of representatives from donor

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agencies, national NGOs, MoFALI, the Ulaanbaatar city authority and farming households. The event was well received by participants.

9 Stakeholder meetings

2 times in Ulaanbaatar

42 (67% f)

Collaboration between stakeholders (Ulaanbaatar city authority and MoFALI) improved.

10

Eco school study tour in UB

1 time in Ulaanbaatar

104 (56% f)

Schools and kindergardens of project beneficiaries learnt from eco schools under the Education for Sustainable Development Project.

11

Study tour to abroad

1 time in Ulan-Ude,

Russia

28 (90% f)

Experiences on land shafting, tree gardening and eco gardening were learnt from Russian farmers.

TOTAL 46 days 2,458 (70 % f)

Four female trainers were hired on a short-term basis for Outcome 3. Three handouts - “Gardening in the Ger District”, “Household Economy” and “Household-Level Integrated Pest management” were developed and distributed to beneficiaries (5’000 in total)

Table 7: Total direct/indirect household beneficiaries and plant area and production in 2016

Duureg/khoroo Direct

beneficiaries

Plant area (ha) Production (tonne)

Songinokhairkhan 1 Model street, 24th khoroo 15 1’416 4’292 2 Model street, 25th khoroo 11 1’138 2’929 3 Model household, 11th khoroo 1 84 69

4 Model household, 22th khoroo 1 80 69

6 65th secondary school 3’535 540 497 7 117th kindergarden 875 223 307 Sub total 4’438 3’481 8’163 Khan-Uul 8 Model street, 10th khoroo 12 853.5 1’497 9 Model household, 16th khoroo 1 10 Model household, 5th khoroo 1 11 34th secondary school 977 382 538.4 12 71th kindergarden 319 247 254.4 Sub total 1’310 1’483 2’290 Nalaikh 13 Model street, Uvurshand 8 23 2110 3442 14 Model household, 3th khoroo 1 281 773 15 Model household, 5th khoroo 1 103 255 16 Seedling nursing household 1 386 1’280 17 Golomt secondary school 2’400 412 75 18 123th kindergarden 335 Sub total 2’761 3’292 5’825 TOTAL 8’509 8’256 16’278

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4. SUMMARY OF FIGURES

59 trainings/workshops/study tours/forums over a total of 77 days for

3’550 participants (66% female) conducted by 14 (21% male)

trainers/researchers. 2 study abroad tours in Ulan-Ude, Russia, and South Korea.

4 (6’000 units) books published and 8 study/assessments carried out.

124 greenhouses 230 hand tools distributed.

5. COORDINATION WITH OTHER PROJECTS AND PARTNERSHIPS Collaborations to link rural labour markets with the European Union-funded Support for Employment in Mongolia (SECiM) has begun. In collaboration with the SDC-funded Education for Sustainable Development Project, vegetable promotion activities (production and consumption) at schools has been implemented. The project is closely collaborating with Ulaanbaatar city authorities for the selection of neighbourhoods in ger districts. Exchanges/synergies with international organisations in the promotion of vegetables in the ger districts, such as WorldVision, ADRA, Caritas and Global Community, have been successfully undertaken.

Specific synergy activities

The “Greenhouse Vegetable Expo” from June 24–26, 2016 was organised by the Association of Greenhouse Farming in conjunction with the UN, Global Communities, MoFALI, the Chingeltei District Office and the VEGI Project in Ulaanbaatar. The purpose of the expo was to increase greenhouse farmers’ sales, to create sales channels and to build a loyal customer base. A total of 16 entities took part and about 5’000 people visited the expo. Total gross sales made during the expo were estimated at about MNT 100 million.

A greenhouse training by KOIKA was held in June in Tuv aimag, attended by 11 beneficiaries of the VEGI Project.

Ten participants - artisanal miners/SAM project beneficiaries - attended the greenhouse training organised by the VEGI Project in May in Bornuur and Mandal soums, Tuv aimag.

One eco school from Uvurkhangai aimag, four eco schools from Ulaanbaatar received potato and vegetable seeds costing MNT 3 million, 70 books/handouts and technical advice.

A joint activity with the ESD and Green Gold projects, Piloting the School, saw a herder children-based education module for herders on resilient rangeland management organised for secondary school students in Undurshireet soum, Uvurkhangai aimag, and four schools in Ulaanbaatar. The project provided 510 handouts, DVDs, potato and vegetable seeds and hand

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tools worth MNT 2.9 million. A joint study tour among eco schools was also held.

Joint trainings on the vegetable value chain were conducted by FAO with the EU-funded SECiM Project.

6. LESSONS LEARNT

Because the project began in April, at the start of the planting season, the PIU was under pressure to launch all the activities earmarked for the first and second halves of the year, which led to delays in activities focused on marketing, Outcome 2, and presented difficulties in the procurement of greenhouses.

The project should avoid distributing goods free of charge and instead try to support beneficiaries through a cost-sharing approach.

7. GENDER MAINSTREAMING

A gender assessment among small-scale vegetable growers in urban and peri-urban areas was conducted by external gender specialists. The report will be finalised and shared with relevant partners in February 2017. Findings and recommendations will be taken up and integrated into the project’s Yearly Plan of Operation in 2017. A gender action plan will also be elaborated based on the assessment findings.

Highlights of the assessment

- The mean of hours for reproductive daily activities (such as cooking and cleaning) for female household member is an hour higher than the time spent by male members for the same activities. There is generally no significant gender differences in time use for paid activities.

- Household-level farming is the most common form of vegetable farming activities, but very few are registered as a company. The majority of the farmers who are responsible for vegetable businesses are male.

- 50 % of respondents are vegetable farmers growing vegetables in greenhouses; this figure increased greenhouse vegetable production was supported by the project. The majority of the households engaged in vegetable farming have greenhouses.

- The majority of respondents have changed vegetable varieties. - The arable land of a nuclear or extended family is registered to be owned or used by

men. - More than 50 % of respondents have mechanised equipment, which are mainly used by

men. Women have almost no agricultural tools to alleviate the burden of female-dominated activities.

- The farmers who predominantly sell vegetables in autumn and winter are women; in spring and summer it is men. Women play a more important role in the selling of vegetables.

- Female respondents mainly participated in trainings and meetings and joined with different communities and groups to grow vegetables.

- Husband or wife-dominated decisions related to vegetable production were made in more than 50 % of households who participated in the survey. One-third of respondents make decisions in consultation with their spouse and involve equal participation.

- Most of resources are registered under a husband’s name but household financial decisions are made by wives. Decisions related to mechanical equipment are primarily made by husbands or male household members. As a result, decisions related to labour-saving equipment for women are dependent on male attitudes. It can hence be concluded that there are pronounced gendered stereotypes.

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8. MONITORING AND EVALUATION

A baseline study was carried out in the second quarter of 2016, and a poverty assessment in the project’s target area in the third quarter. A monitoring and evaluation plan and a database of the project was elaborated and is regularly updated.

9. MANAGEMENT The Project Implementation Unit is comrpised of eight core staff, based on the Mongolian Potato Programme team. A Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and Marketing Specialist were also hired. The project also provides internship opportunities for Swiss and local interns in Ulaanbaatar.

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10.ANNEX - VEGI Project baseline study - VEGI Project poverty assessment - VEGI Project vegetable marketing study - VEGI Project gender assessment - VEGI Project database of 2016 (M&E)

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