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The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (A Project of the Aga Khan Foundation)

INTERIM NARRATIVE REPORT

Strengthening Community Response to Food Insecurity in

Gilgit Baltistan1 and Chitral (GBC), Pakistan

January, 2011

1 Gilgit Baltistan is the new name for Northern areas of Pakistan

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Abbreviations

AKDN Aga Khan Development Network

AKF Aga Khan Foundation’ Pakistan

AKRSP Aga Khan Rural Support Programme

ASF Agribusiness Support Fund

COs Community Organisations

CSOs Civil Society Organisations

DFP Dry fruit Project

DoA Department of Agriculture

DoL Department of livestock

FFP Food Facility Project

FFS Farmer Field School

FSC&RD Federal Seed certification and Registration Department

EC European Commission

GAP Good Agriculture Practices

GB Gilgit-Baltistan

GBC Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral

HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

ISCSS Institutional Support Committee for Seed Sector

KKH Karakorum Highway

LSO Local Support Organisation

NGO No-Governmental Organisation

RSPN Rural Support Programs Network

UCs Union Councils

VOs Village Organisations

WOs Women Organisations

WPGs Women Producer Groups

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1. Description

1.1 Name of the

Beneficiary of

Grant

Contract

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP)

A Project of Aga Khan Foundation

1.2 Name and title

of the Contact

person

Izhar Ali Hunzai

General Manager/ CEO

1.3 Name of

partners in

action

CESVI , Europe Aid ID Number : IT-2007-CRP-271148746

1.4 Title of the

action

Strengthening community Response to Food insecurity in Gilgit Baltistan2 and

Chitral (GBC), Pakistan

1.5 Contract

number

K-PAK-1006-0006

1.6 Start date and

end date

January 2010 and October 2011

1.7 Target regions Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (GBC): Chitral3 district in KPK and Astore, Ghizer,

Gilgit, Ghanche and Skardu district in Federally administered Gilgit Baltistan

(FANA)

1.8 Final

beneficiaries

and target

groups4

The final beneficiary of the action would be around 240,000 persons (30,000

household in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral)

1.9 Countries in

which activities

take place

Pakistan

2 Gilgit Baltistan is the new name for Northern areas of Pakistan

3 Chitral district falls under the Khyber Phakhtoon Khwa (KPK)

4 Target groups are the groups/entities who will be directly positively affected by the project propose level and “final

beneficiaries” are those who will benefit from the project in the long term at the level of the society or sector 2008

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2. Assessment of implementation of action activities

2.1 Executive summary of the action

Food Facility project of European commission commonly referred to as “EC FFP” is a project executed since

January 2010 in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral through the institutional mechanism of the Aga Khan Rural

Support Programme (AKRSP). The FFP has two constitutive aspects; the first is regarding its capacity to

anticipate the existing food insecurities in the region, and the second relates to its capability and contribution to

mitigate the risks thereof.

The project primarily centres all of its activities on the overall objective of enhancing food and livelihood

security of the vulnerable communities living in the northern mountainous region of Pakistan. To achieve this

objective, on one hand, it has made conscious efforts to increase the availability of food from the existing

sources by improving the productivity of the staple crops and, on the other hand, it attempts to add value to the

means of income through local skill development and introduction of appropriate technologies, which

contributes to improve people’s ability to buy food from other sources. Besides, the project has implemented

activities to improve the nutritional status of the vulnerable population through various interventions in

livestock and dairy production sector. The key interventions under this project included; 1) land and water

resource development, 2) Enhanced seed security, 3) Value addition in Apricot Sector, 4) improved livestock

production, and 5) Feed improvement. All of these activities are integrated in such a way that it has created an

overall enabling environment for minimizing the food insecurity in project area.

The project is progressing at a satisfactory rate and most of project targets are being met, yet the pace of

activities was slowed down because of two major natural calamities during the year 2010. First incident

happened on 4th

January 2010 when a massive landslide blocked the Hunza river to make a 21 Km long natural

lake in lower Gojal valley. Consequently, many villages along the Karakuram Highway were submerged in

the lake and the Gojal area was disconnected from the rest of the Hunza valley. The second disaster came with

the summer monsoon rainfalls when heavy flooding swept across one fifth of the country including Gilgit

Baltistan and Chitral. Yet despite of both the factors, a rigorous team effort and serious commitment of

community participation has resulted in significant achievements against project plans.

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2.2 Activities and Results

Pre-project activities:

1. The initial phase of the preparation for the implementation of project activities included staffing for the three

respective regions, allocation of office space and project vehicles. This was followed by orientation exercises

for the staff. It was a detailed participatory exercise of project planning at activity implementation level where

debriefing sessions were conducted on proposed action plan, mechanism of project implementation outreach

and monitoring. A thorough account of possible stakeholders and efforts to involve and collaborate with them

has been focus of these exercises. Special consideration was given to incorporate the gender dimension

through involvement of women segment of the society in the consultation process. Once this orientation was

complete a second wave of orientation was started which was focusing implementation phase. All project staff

was deployed in field to facilitate orientation of LSOs in the field. It was further strengthened by intermittent

visits as well as workshops in field and it continues

till this phase.

One of the consequences of these communication and

consultation workshops has been that project has

developed various useful tools for instance poverty

score cards and a base line data in three project

intervention regions and also lead to the LSO bank of

community resolution from their tributary VOs and

WOs for projects on land terracing, link roads and

irrigation channels.

2. To integrate the gender aspect in the program development and implementation process, at first instance,

working sessions on gender were conducted with the selected LSOs. During these sessions the LSO

management and BoD were sensitized about the gender aspects of the project and its integration in the

implementation process. To develop the management and leadership capacities of the women, WOs were also

engaged in implementation of the infrastructure development initiatives under the project.

3. Identification of the target groups and projects has been an intensive exercise. The LSO and AKRSP team have

joint efforts in sorting the poverty score cards to justify the level of poverty and to identify the incidence of

vulnerability for each nominated community and household. Here key focus was also given to the women

headed households. The LSOs have remained particularly sensitive to serve the poverty ridden areas at priority

and to enhance the transparency and procedural accountability. This phase has been a serious dialectical

exercise where through verification and triangulation a final list of deserving households was finalised.

Another vital aspect is that project has remained inclusive in terms of bringing in needy communities at all

levels. For instance, in Chitral project intervention has been successful in one of the very conservative areas

where generally donors are resisted strongly. It started its interventions in the area by keeping the aspirations

of people and cultural sensitivities in consideration. Another example where social inclusion has been ensured

Community members with the project staff

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is at Mendi Baltistan where land development project and water channel projects have brought a socially

discriminated social class in the main stream. In a local context “Bruqpa” was the social class which was

included in project intervention for the first time and project in fact bridged “Bruqpa” to other mainstream

clans and tribes of the area. This religious and social inclusion is in fact a pointer to inclusive approach of EC

FFP and reflects a pro-poor identification of the communities who have never been involved in development

interventions before. Infrastructure development interventions are usually implemented through VOs but

through FF project, for the first time infrastructure development project were implemented through WOs. This

experiment has multiplayer effects on the women empowerment through building their confidence and

providing opportunity to enter into non-traditional sector which is considered to be the man job. Thus by

involving the women in infrastructure development interventions, the project has helped in mainstreaming the

marginalized women of GBC in development process.

This picture is depictive of stories of

numerous communities where a

mutual collaboration leads to a

safer livelihood of the beneficiaries.

In this picture AKRSP has given

communities a financial assistance

for channel development (1st left

side picture) which is utilized in

manual labouring efforts.

Communities in the absence of

mechanical tools cut and dig

through the rocky mountains to

build a decent sized water channel

(main picture).

This would create opportunity of

increasing the cultivation area and

would add value to the useless

thorny barren land. This added

land is expected to produce more

food and to relive the local farmer

from food shortage and allows him

to start selling the surpluses and to

initiate an additional economic

activity (2nd left side picture).

Execution of the project Activities

There were five major activities in this project namely;

I. Land and Water resource development.

II. Improved access to quality seed.

III. Value addition in apricot sub-sector.

IV. Improved livestock production.

V. Feed improvement.

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Activity 1: Land and water Resource Development;

Under land and water resource development activity there were three sub- activities: 1) land terracing and levelling, 2)

Construction of irrigation water channels, 3) Construction of market access roads. The detail of each activity and its

results is described in the following paragraphs.

1. Land terracing and levelling: Target for the year 2010 has been the levelling and terracing of 350 (17.5 Ha) new

farming fields worth 1 kanal5 each. Work on 380 (19 Ha) Farming fields was initiated and so far 85 % of the work is

complete and it can be expected that it will finish by the end of the year.

In terms of progress on land terracing and development activities it is important to understand that in the context of

GBC this activity involves an array of difficult manual activities of human labour to harness the underutilised

mountainous land into irrigable terraced farming fields. Soon after the poverty assessment exercises and identification

of ultra poor households from various VOs and WOs, the project in collaboration with the respective LSOs surveyed

the land proposed for the terracing and facilitated the farmers with the required inputs. The plots have been technically

supervised by the engineers and demonstrations have been given on appropriate depth of soil beds in rich gravely soils

and suggestion have been given on appropriate heights of the terraces for the stand point of land safety. As a result of

the gender sensitization sessions carried out with LSOs, it was recorded that in all three regions, apart from poor

households, special attention has been paid to find the female headed households or widows and orphans who are at

higher risk of food and social insecurity simultaneously.

Land development activities in three of the regions has been quiet satisfactory in terms of accessing the vulnerable

populations as well as creating new value added assets for those who are already at high risk of food insecurity. As a

matter of fact, this activity was one way of enhancing the status of livelihood assets of numerous poor households

especially during this year when the floods have destroyed the farming communities fields.

S.No Target Achieved Region Overall Progress

1. 136 Kanals land developed Gilgit 80% work done

2. 116 kanals land developed Baltistan 83% work is done

3. 128 kanals land developed Chitral 73% work done

Total. 380 (19 Ha) GBC

Another result of this activity is in terms of increasing the ability of the vulnerable population to bear the economic

shocks on a substantially long term scale. The farming community which has developed land has sown the seeds for

the next season and few who were earlier in terms of project completion had short span fodder crops sown on the land.

For coming season, it is expected that all the farmers who have completed the erecting and levelling of their lands

would grow food (wheat and maize) and cash (potato) crops which will increase their food availability and access

situation. Project aims to support the target farmers with agricultural inputs (seed and chemical fertiliser) to provide

them a chance to quick start cropping on the new lands. As a consequence it is expected that next year cash income

would increase their capabilities to bear the shocks as it would enhance the food production and would give returns on

surpluses. This would then enhance the overall economic profile of the target household. Though it is too early to

comment on the outcomes but immediate results have been reflective of farmers’ satisfaction and depict their hope for

the future.

5 1 kanal=1/20

th of a hector or there are 20 kanals in a hector

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Land development activities making food production process more secure for vulnerable families

Kahamida Bibi, wife of Jabbar got widowed in early years of her marriage. By the time her husband died she was left

empty handed when her three children only. Losing her husband was like losing everything in her life as his death

meant no bread earner for a family of four. She had neither education nor any skill to do a job. The land which she

had was slowly abandoned as there was no man to cultivate it and being a lady local culture did not allow her to do it

by herself. The only assets she had was a small shelter, an animal shed with few animals in and a piece of land.

Animal shed The house Few animals and Layer chicken

Slowly over years the assets she had started to get depreciated her house and a small animal shed are in a vulnerable

condition now and her cattle has been reduced to one milking cow alone. Her land was now a barren uncultivated

piece.

Because of poverty and deprivation she had to send her son off to the down town and her younger daughter had to

leave the school after class 3. Despite a dislike for child labor she had to choose this for her son.

This year the project of EC FFP came to her life as a new hope. She celebrated her luck and developed her land. At this

time of her life her son has grown into a young bread earner and has the capacity to rehabilitate his land. The timely

financial assistance of EC FFP helped her achieve her dreams. She has already prepared the land and has sown the

wheat seed for this upcoming season.

She says that she is 35 years old and she has so many years to reap her yields she looks forward that field would grow

her wheat, Maize , Barley. Her WO members also agreed that it is a winning promise that she has regained her lost

land after 15 years.

Source; Field notes on 15-12-2010 while visiting Shachar village for land development activities funded by EC FFP through KIDP

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2. Market Access link roads: The communities have made satisfactory progress on construction and repair of

market access link roads. Against a target of six link roads for 2010 work was initiated on seven link roads in the

project area. Out of the seven initiated activities, two in Gilgit region have been affected by the floods.

The repair and construction of link road activity is

logically connected to land development which

allows the transportation of product and services to

the existing and newly developed farm lands.

Main focus has been to connect farm lands to the

main valley or village road so that the seeds,

fertilisers and other inputs could be transported up

to the hilly terraced faming fields and the produce

could efficiently be transported down to the homes

and markets.

Since the project area is seriously deficient in required road infrastructure at farm level therefore it has been in high

demand by the communities as a significant means of making their agricultural system efficient. The link roads are of

two types; first one is to make inaccessible parts of the village connected to the main village and second is to link the

village with main valley roads which makes the markets accessible. There are numerous villages in Gilgit, Baltistan and

Chitral which fall under the first category and are living in isolation for generations. The only connection is through

“by foot” means and often these are not accessible through jeeps and other motor vehicles. It implies that all the

distance and the load has to be transported on human or animal backs. Tractors threshers and other machinery cannot be

taken to these farms and thereof all agricultural activities are manual in nature.

Other type of market access roads have been

constructed with the motive that the efficiency of

the agriculture produces would be enhanced

substantially by connecting these villages to the

nearby markets. There have been villages which

claimed that so far they had never been able to

utilise high yielding inputs because transporting

them to uphill villages was an impossible task.

One of a similar example is of a fertile village of

Kari which is at a higher elevation than the metal

road of Chitral. Despite having accessible metal

road to the main village the villagers farming in

the inaccessible part, had no facility to transport

quality seeds and fertilisers. Due to this activity

more than 3000 kanal (150 hector) of the farming fields at that higher altitude have been connected to down town

markets for the first time. The picture below depicts a massive population residing on uphill location where almost

3000 kanal of farming fields are main agricultural activity. Despite being at the brink of the Chitral road the

Communities engaged in construction of link road in Hunza valley

Kari market access road in Chitral

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Work on Mayoon (Gilgit) market access in progress

communities had minimal access to the down town market Red line depicts a portion of the height on which the

materials had to be transported previously.

Before project intervention this gradient height (depicted by a red line) was travelled manually which used to consume

almost three to three and half hours from the road. After the EC FFP intervention road has eased out the problem of

time and energy consumption and has improved the former conditions of road safety. Zigzag lines reflect the newly

made jeep able road to the top fields.

Mayoon link road in Gilgit region is another

example of bringing farmers closer to the

markets in this regard. As Mayoon is a village

rich as well as popular for its fruit production the

bad road conditions never allowed the farmers to

maximise the profits on their fruit production.

This year once the road is constructed a lot many

farmers have developed their hopes that in next

farming and fruit season they will earn at least

double the profits.

3. Activity on Water Irrigation channel; There were 9 targeted water irrigation channels for the year 2010 against

which work on 11 water irrigation activities were initiated. Out of these, six channels have been completed. The

community effort on water irrigation channels has been outstanding but has been hindered by the torrential rains and

floods which has also affected one on the key water channels.

In GBC, there is a complex and fragile system of water delivery for irrigation. This is because the area is arid to semi

arid and receives a minimal level of rainfall which necessitates a comprehensive mechanism of water delivery from the

water sources (streams, rivers, springs etc) to farm land. The communities have always played an important role in

developing and maintaining these mechanisms which are based on a complex network of water channels that are often

built by cutting the rocks above the irrigated lands. The project compliments these community efforts by widening and

expanding these existing irrigation systems in order to increase the carriage capacity of water channels by widening and

6 Access bridge to this road has been washed by floods

7 50% of the work done is eroded by the floods.

S.No Name of Link road Region Over all Progress

1. Bulaygash link Road

Mayoon link Road6

Moorkhun link Road7 .

Gilgit

Bulaygash 100%, Mayoon 95% complete.

Moorkhun 40 % progress was made when

flush floods erode 50% of the work done.

2. Dari Sadpara link Road

Tagari Thalley link Road Baltistan Sadpara 100%; and Tagari 70% complete

3. Kari Bala link Road

Rophop Booni link Road Chitral Kari 100% and Rophop 100% complete

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improve the weak engineering structures that keep on interrupting the smooth flow of water for irrigation and also by

increasing the length of the channels to carry water further to new lands.

Projects on “Water irrigation channels” in intervention areas

The widening and expansion of existing channels has been a very unique and complex undertaking, as it is vital to note

that often the channel to be improved is also the only source irrigation water for the village. Interrupting the water

channel for repair meant cutting the only available supply of water to the village. Hence in majority of the cases

communities worked on the channels intermittently in order to continue with both repair and cropping activities. In

other cases like Mendi water channel in Baltistan the nature of reconstruction work was such that it could not be done

simultaneously and communities had to wait until the crop harvest. The immediate result of repair and expansion of

water irrigation channels could be seen in terms of availability of more irrigated agricultural land for next cropping

season. In addition it has increased the water supply to existing farming lands which is intended to increase the

cropping intensity and productivity of the lands.

For instance, Baltistan has three irrigation

channels and it is being estimated that by the end

of the project more than 400 households would

benefit an increase in the irrigable landholding.

This increased landholding has been estimated to

be around 260 Ha. In terms of average

estimations every household is estimated to be

adding half an hector of land as new asset which

means a lot is land deficient mountain ecology.

The areas where the reconstruction of the channels

has been completed the change has started

becoming visible. The first indicator described by

the community members was an increase in cropping intensity.

S.No Name of Project Region Number Progress

1. Bulayghash water channels

Ispanj water Channel

Misgar water Channel

Famani water Channel

Gilgit 4 Bulaygash 100% Ispanj 100% Misgar

70% and Famani is 90% complete

5. Sondus water Channel

Thally water Channel

Mendi water Channel

Baltistan 3 Sundus 65%, Thally 85% Mendi 30%

complete

8. Reghan water Channel

Sachar water Channel

Mastuj water Channel

Karimabad water Channel

Chitral 4 Rehan 90%, Sachar 100%, Mastuge

100% and Karimabad 100% complete

10. GBC 11

Labour working on irrigation channel

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From the standpoint of sustainable livelihood framework irrigation channels have a deep social, economic and most

importantly an environmental impact. It’s vital to realize that at time of vulnerability people have their peculiar

strategies to cope with the economic and social stresses. In most of the cases when vulnerability increases there are two

main responses by the poor people. First is to sell the land holdings and other assets which could be traded and

secondly to start consuming the common property resources (CPR) in an irresponsible manner. Former though is a

quick survival strategy offers handy monetary assistance and rescues the acute risks of vulnerability but in most of the

cases damages a sustainable means of livelihoods for the agrarian population. When the period of shock and stress

prolongs it stimulates behaviour to turn to Common Property Resources, for instance turning to deforestation for timber

trade and fishing beyond protective limits. In other ways, this leads to the exploitation of the natural resources because

of absence of personal land holdings which are common assets for several future generations. Provision of cash for

work in the form of the construction of community based physical infrastructure has always been an effective strategy

to stop these detrimental behaviours in a socially sensitive and personally friendly way. The table mentioned below

depicts the output of above described infrastructure activities in terms of benefiting old farm lands, creation of new

arable lands and cash for work opportunities at the door step of poor people. In this case the cash for work particularly

improved the capacity of vulnerable households to buy food items from the village market.

Output in terms of net increase in arable land and opportunities of Cash for Work

REGION EMPLOYMENT (Man-days) LAND BENEFITED (Ha)

SKILLED UNSKILLED OLD NEW

GILGIT 4598 31095 200 100

BALTISTAN 3810 11676 192 68

CHITRAL 2984 21885 206 140

TOTAL 11392 64656 598 302

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Famani channel project is an example where communities have directly benefited from the water irrigation

project. Famani channel is almost 16,404 ft long with an effective cross sectional area of 9 ft, width of 3 ft

and depth of 3 ft. The channel has been designed on relatively modern lines in an energy efficient manner.

Use of cement and concrete has ensured that the channel be resistant to seismic effects and might sustain

the pressure of thigh volumes of water. Secondly it has been designed in a way to minimize the water

losses by the seepage.

Famani channel at work (Left) and 200 Ft of work was destroyed in floods (Right) Communities have a

realization that it is a costly project with an expected cost of more than one million where almost 0.8

million has been provided by EC and more than 0.2 million by the communities. In this season farming

community has experienced the benefit from the project on a relatively small scale. By now almost 12,500

kanal of land have access to sufficient irrigation water because of this channel which ultimately would

contribute to improved inputs to the fields for next farming season.

Barren land which will be irrigated through Famani channel

Because of seasonal delays it is being expected that by next year more value would be added to the

existing scale of food production. By next season an additional 1000 kanal would be under fodder

cultivation and 800 kanal would be in wheat and Maize cropping and almost 700 is expected to be used for

the potato cropping.

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4. Distribution of crop inputs: In

connection to improving the productivity on the

lands developed under the infrastructure activities

and also to improve the productivity of the 35%

ultra poor households the project intends to provide

high quality seed and fertilizer. During the

selection of the poor households, special

consideration has also been given to households

with women heads, widows and orphans. This is

an important core activity which is being carried

out on the need basis in the first year. The full scale

operation will be carried out in 2011when majority

of water channels and other infrastructure activities

will be completed. Owing to diversity of climate

each region has developed its own distribution

strategy according to the availability of the existing

agricultural prerequisites. The basic principle has

been to concentrate first on the areas which had

sufficient land, water and accessibility. Under this

strategy an input package consisting of 16 kg of

Seed 16 Urea, 30 kg Nitrophos was distributed to 4295 households the details of which is given in the table below;

REGION

NO OF HOUSEHOLDS BENEFITED

LAND PLANTED

SPRING SOWING WINTER SOWING

GILGIT 406 1284 3380

BALTISTAN 115 310 850

CHITRAL 340 1840 4360

TOTAL 861 3434 8590

Crop inputs been transported by helicopter

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A Challenge in delivery of crop inputs:

A major challenge encountered on January 4, 2010 when a major landslide happened in Hunza river gorge which

brought a village named Attabad down to the river right below it, inflicting losses to human life and property. Yet the

grievances did not remain confined to the Attaabad village because heavy rocky debris restrained the water route. As a

result, water started to accumulate and a huge water reservoir started to form which submerged many villages creating

IDP’s. Though aesthetically water reservoir formed a beautiful 27 kilometre long and 120 m deep lake but it hindered

the communication and transportation routes. The only highway on this route came under the water and became a dead

end road. This situation completely isolated one of the major target areas of EC FF project upstream this lake creating a

serious threat to food security. At this point on the request of AKRSP Aga Khan Foundation mobilized its helicopter

fleet and crop inputs were airlifted to the project area.

Later the government started the boat service over the Lake for the population starnded up-stream. This service has

been seriously unsufficent and inefficent besides being higly risky. However owing to the seriousness of nature in terms

of the food security of the communities the EC FFP material was delived through this boat in very small consignmnets

distributed over a longer period of time. In additio the project has also established a small office up-stream to facalitate

the contact of the community with the project staff.

An overloaded boat in Attabad hunza lake

An overloaded boat in hunza lake 1

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Activity 2; Improved access to quality seeds in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (GBC)

Local seed security is a pre-requisite for food security in the context of GBC. Therefore, Sustainable seed system

development is the only way forward to achieve this objective which involves many public and private sector players.

Hence, there was an intensive planning before hand at office level as well as well as with other stakeholders particularly

with Department of Agriculture (DoA), Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD), private

seed enterprises and LSOs. As the activity comprises of series of interconnected activities an elaboration is provided in

the subsections below.

a) Workshop to review the previous research on Wheat and Maize crop improvement in GBC

AKRSP staff ran three regional level workshops in Gilgit, Baltistan

and Chitral where various stakeholders were invited together to

review the research work done on wheat and maize crops

improvement in the region. The participants were selected from;

i) Public sector (DoA and FSC&RD ii) NGOs agri-professionals

and researchers iii) Private Sector; managers of private seed

enterprises iv) progressive farmers from the agricultural

community .

The purposefulness of the activity was revealed in terms of

identification of the gaps in the former research and short listing of

the existing potential varieties for inclusion in proposed seed

multiplication and distribution system. Secondly the need of

strengthening the entrepreneurial sector for seed industry was

discussed and actions were proposed.

Another key output of this activity has been an agreement with all

the major stakeholders for mutually coordinated efforts to continue

the variety introduction research, consensus on mutual sharing of

the resources required for the R&D, and providing support to the

private sector in establishing forward and backward linkages to provide quality seed in the targeted areas on

commercially sustainable basis. The roles and responsibilities between project, DoA and FSC&RD were specified and

agreed in which LSOs have also been involved in the processes of seed multiplication and dissemination.

b) Meeting with ISCSS-NA

Institutional Support Committee for Seed sector development is a high level body in Gilgit Baltistan that is mandated to

provide policy level support to develop the seed sector in GB. The idea of including this activity in the project was to

take the project level decisions to a policy level forum so that public private partnership at lower level could be

facilitated. However, due to continued disasters the key members from government remained engaged in emergency

and relief activities and could not spare time for this meeting. It is anticipated that this meeting will be convened before

the start of next cropping season.

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c) Collection of new varieties from various global mountain area research sources

This activity involved collection of suitable seed varieties from various national and international mountain research

sources. Over 10 varieties of wheat and maize from national research sources and similar number of varieties from

international research sources have been collected. The variety collection exercise from international sources also

provided an opportunity to the project staff to learn from the experiences of other mountain regions in the neighbouring

countries of Tajikistan and China. A team of 4 professionals (3 men and 1 woman) visited Tajikistan to collect the

wheat and maize seed and learn from the experiences of AKDN’s works in high mountainous regions of Tajikistan.

This visit also provided a chance to meet with the public sector research professional. One of the important outputs of

this visit was a realization between the professionals of Tajikistan and Pakistan for sharing the indigenous germplasam

of staple crops. In the follow-up of this visit the project received seven varieties of wheat and 3 varieties of maize with

desired characteristics from Tajikistan.

Similar objectives were accomplished when a team of seven professionals from the seed value chain visited China in

2010 to attend training in buckwheat seed production and processing. This training opportunity was built around the

former research activities of AKRSP and it provided a chance to develop a way forward to revive a crop which has

critical importance in food security strategies of poor households in remote valleys. The training was organised in

collaboration with Institute of Plant Genetics and Breeding at Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China. The

training resulted in enhancing the knowledge about seed production technology in general and Buckwheat seed

production and processing in particular. In addition, the participants also take this opportunity to collect the germplasam

of wheat, maize and fodder

d) Adoptability trial and Seed multiplication at LSO level

Adoptability trials were run in all three distinct climatic zones in GBC. The primary aim had been to test the exotic

varieties for their adaptability in the local context. Each LSO was given an opportunity to participate in these trials.

The experts from the DoA and FSC&RD were involved in these trials and in rectification of the results. Two varieties

for each region were selected for multiplication and dissemination.

In addition the LSOs were involves in multiplication of “Basic seed” through contracting the seed production of the

varieties identified during the review workshop to the progressive growers. This resulted in production of 4 tons of

Local variety Improved Variety

18

High quality seed which was purchased from the farmers by the local seed enterprises. The enterprises will multiply

this seed in the next season through contract growing in the same area and will market in the same LSO jurisdiction.

e) Capacity building of farmers in seed production

through Farmer Filed schools (FFS)

The project has been successful in producing a cadre of

“Trained Seed Producers” during the first year of project

cycle. There was a target of training 350 seed producers (

Men and Women) through 18 FFSs on wheat, maize and

buckwheat. Out of 18 FFSs, 17 have been achieved. In each

FFS the number of participants has been 17-20. Keeping in

view the key role of women in agricultural production

system, special consideration has been given to the women.

Thus in most of the areas mix groups of the men and

women were developed to impart training. However in

some conservative parts of GBC FFS were organized

specifically for women. Conducting separate FFS for

women has only been possible through due to the special

gender sessions on gender by the project team. Hence over

320 persons (Men and Women) have been trained through FFS.

The basic principle of the FFS approach has been learning by doing. Hence, the format of the FFS sessions was

informal and provided an opportunity to the participants to understand the mechanism of seed production in existing

highly integrated cropping systems. Each FFS was extended over a whole production cycle of the target crop in which

biweekly sessions were conducted. For instance; wheat FFS was completed through 14 to 15 sessions.

Generally the FFS group has been heterogeneous in terms

of age and gender however in few areas like Mendi in

Baltistan the FFS was exclusively conducted for men

keeping in view the cultural sensitivities.

Some of these trained seed producers who have better land

and human resources will work as seed producers for the

seed enterprises who have been involved in the process of

seed system development by the project.

Trained seed producers in project area

Region No. of trained seed producers (TSPs) through FFS

Wheat FFS Maize FFS Buckwheat Total

Gilgit 60 20 0 80

Baltistan 146 20 24 190

Chitral 55 75 0 130

Total 261 115 24 400

FFS participants in the field

19

One of the results of these FFS had been an increase in the communal knowledge on improved agricultural practices.

In addition, it strengthened farmer’s relation with the seed value chain actors (DoA, FSC&RD and private seed

enterprises) who were involved in FFS by design. Economic aspect of these FFS could be estimated from the fact that

the farmers who had sown the new exotic seeds had a differentially high yield and quality. FFS participants in Mendi

Baltistan harvested almost double the yield compared to the traditionally managed plot.

In terms of results these FFSs have contributed significantly in enhancing the communal knowledge. As the design

In terms of food security it is vital to share that in double cropping zones estimated improved practices have been

reported as maximising up to 80%. From improved practices grain production has been reported as up to 6.8 Mond as

compared to 3.5 Monds from traditional practices. In fact this increase in yield is a vital step towards the food security

in the area which has been already declared as at high risk of food insecurity.

HRSO in Gilgit region has an estimated calculation on inputs and output for a cost benefit analysis which was carried

out during the sessions of Farmer Field Schools. A summary of the economic returns of this calculation is as under.

Type of Inputs INPUTS COSTS (PKR)

Traditional plot FFS Plot

Tractor 300 300

Labour 300 300

Seed cost 336 1120

NP and Urea 450 1320

Manure 300 300

Irrigation charges 400 400

Weeding charges 480 480

Harvesting charges 300 300

Collection charges 150 150

Threshing charges 600 900

Threshing labouring 600 1200

Total Cost of Inputs 4216 7770

Type of outputs

OUTPUTS INCOME (PKR)

Grain/Seed 3600 8160

Straw 3500 4500

Gross income 7100 12660

Net income 2884 4890

F) Capacity Building of Seed Enterprises

Seed enterprise development being a critical link in sustainable seed supply system has been an important focus areas

under enhanced seed security activity. The project interventions have been at two levels.

20

1. Capacity of existing seed enterprises (in Gilgit and Chitral) and their support agencies have been built in seed

production and marketing

2. Entrepreneurs (in Baltistan) have been supported to

start a local seed enterprise.

The capacity building process included provision of 10 day

training in seed production and marketing for seed enterprise

staff and their support agency staff (DoA and FSC&RD) in

China. Besides, training opportunities there have been common

liaison activities among these enterprises, community and

project. These activities have been designed (e.g. contract seed

production with LSOs) to develop market oriented model of

production.

In Baltistan, in addition to training and inclusion in on-going activities, an entrepreneur has been provided with part of

seed money to establish the seed enterprise. It is being anticipated that the project will provide more support in 2011 on

the basis of the initial progress.

In year 2011, the seed enterprises will collect demand from the LSOs for the seed (wheat, maize and fodder) and will

produce demanded seed through contract growing in the same locality with the seed growers trained by the project, will

get the seed certified as seed from FSC&RD after a series of inspection, will process, pack and label the seed and

finally will deliver it to the LSOs. As this is an ongoing activity one can see the necessary interventions being taken yet

further efforts to consolidate the activity in 2011 will be critical for the success which has been planned accordingly.

e) Reasons for delay or modifications in activities at improving access to quality seed

It can be said that project has contributed significantly in improving the status of access of farmers to quality seed.

There have been efforts on institutional scale where capacity if farmers have been developed and besides this farmers

are given seeds to grow their own crops by having a direct or immediate access to quality seed. Having discussed the

calamities and flood disasters this year there have not been serious delays in terms of project implementation but one

can say that at few places transportation delays lead to few procrastinations.

In fact delays in reaching farmers means slipping the harvesting time and loosing the whole cropping seasons away.

For this reason the seed delivery delays have been observed frequently yet the provision of fertilisers has been

compensated relatively because it is added to the crop inputs on later stages of crop development too.

In some areas of Gilgit and Chitral there have been modifications in target LSOs. For instance in Chitral, Torkhow

there have been minor modifications on the need basis because Torkhow received a seriously heavy valley snowfall

which wasted the whole cropping season. This loss has two direct effects firstly the main crop of the season was lost

but more worrying was that farmers had no seed for the next cropping cycle too. It made people doubly vulnerable and

put them at risk of serious food insecurity. ECFFP conducted the survey of all the households and figured that 137

households in two different LSOs, would be facilitated.

Seed Production training participants in China

21

Activity 3: Value addition in Dry Apricot sub sector

This component of the project solely aims at enhancing the quality of life of the poor and marginalized women. Thus

under this activity 252 women have been trained in improved apricot drying. In addition, essential equipment needed to

dry the apricot has been provided to the 225 successful trainees. These women have already marketed processed dry

apricots in the market at a premium price. This activity was accomplishes in several steps which are discussed in the

following paragraphs;

To initiate this activity there were two important pre-requisites; 1) formation of women producer groups 2)

Manufacturing of prototypes for drying equipment. The first pre-requisite was achieved in time in collaboration with

target LSOs and their partner WOs. However, identification of beneficiaries has been a long and highly consultative

process. The project had planned to form a total of 15 women producer groups in the target LSOs to facilitate the

process of apricot drying as a women targeted group activity. ECFFP has managed to have 23 “women producer groups

(WPGs). The strategy while forming WPGs has been building on existing potential for future entrepreneurial

development calculated on the basis of the availability of apricots for drying and entrepreneurial acumen in the

participants. Each WPG was consisted of 10 to 12 women in the project village and each group was given individual

attention in terms of building their capacities for an organized entrepreneurial activity. The team had a team leader

nominated/elected by the group members.

Due to availability of comparatively better skills the prototypes of drying equipment which included wooden trays,

solar tunnels, smokers, nut crackers and kernel graders were developed in Gilgit. However, demonstrations were held in

Chitral and Baltistan for concerned staff as well as private sector technicians who were willing to replicate the

dehydration equipment. As a result of these demonstrations, initially a process of mobilisation and commitment started

to appear among the facilitators and secondly a technical skill was transferred to local people, who had the capability to

replicate the equipment. As a matter of fact this added to an increased probability of making the required equipment

available during the project implemented in Chitral and Baltistan. Yet some of the equipment like washers, graders and

crackers are still being developed in Gilgit region alone and it is being expected that these skills would also be

transferred to these areas in coming years.

a) Apricot drying Training

The apricot drying training was completed in two steps, in the first step a centralized training of 10 days was imparted

to the staff and selected women (already involved in apricot drying) in improved apricot drying techniques to become

master trainers. This was followed by engagement of this cadre of trainers to train members of WPGs in their respective

villages across project area. This process was carried-out in close supervision of the project staff. Impact of the training

was visible from the fact that in all regions women producer groups have produced the apricots on modern techniques

this year. The following table shows the number of WPGs formed and WPG members trained.

ACTIVITIES GLT BLT CHLT TOTAL

Number of WPG formed 9 6 8 23

Master trainers trained 8 8 8 24

No of WPG members training 109 75 75 259

22

Following Picture trail depicts the process of Apricot value addition training that was imparted to the participants.

1. Fruit on the tree is collected on a spread sheet to avoid dust

2. Sorting/Grading for remove diseased, under-sized, de-shaped and discoloured Apricots.

4. Sorted fruits are ready to be staked together for Sulphar fumigation.

5. Apricots are stacked on the trays in dehydration tunnel and kept for drying for three days till it gets ready for pitting.

23

6. After pitting trays are rearranged in the tunnel for next three days.

7. Dried Apricots go through an initial grading.

8. Apricots are washed which helps in getting rid of dust . Wet apricots are dried once again in the dehydration tunnels.

After dehydration these partially processed dried Apricots are stored in a neat place till further grading. So far activities are

out door but now processing takes place under in-house conditions.

24

9. Grading the marketable Apricots takes place once again under hygienic conditions and product is weighed.

10. A “ready to be marketed” sample

There were few interesting outputs of this training process; firstly in the above stated steps, the first seven 7 steps were

followed in all regions unanimously but steps involved after that were piloted only in Gilgit region. The purpose

though was to raise funds for flood hit populations but being a successful value addition it has been decided that in 2011

it would be replicated in the other regions through WPGs.

Secondly an underlying theme associated with this training had been to bring a sense of cohesiveness and to enrich the

women’s commitment to initiate a wave of social change where women are expected to adopt new roles in the society.

Reason for such social dynamics are in fact grounded in the idea that, gender roles in any society have been developed

and devised as a result of socio-cultural practices over years of experiences and established through practicing it over

generations. Involving women in this sector at the level of marketing the

product means bringing women into public domain or to give them a

manly role in the society.

Disturbing long standing traditions is like challenging the authority and

autonomy of mightier segment of the society which is men in case of

Gilgit Chitral and Baltistan. At this point efforts to enhance the

entrepreneurship of women might develop a socio-political aspect and it

becomes difficult for single women to be a change agent. Making an

effort as a group helps all the women in the group to progress as a single

entity. It makes it easier to bear the social pressure too as no single

women could be held responsible for bringing in a new practices.

In terms of results, an immediate strong sense of ownership prevails in the group. WPGs in project area had a

consensus that prices they got for the apricots processed through new techniques using improved equipment have been

better as compared to the older prices which they used to have for the traditionally dried apricot. The old prices last year

has been PKR 50 – 80 per KG and how it has been negotiate don prices between PKR 200-250 Rs per Kg for A and B

grade apricots. Even the wild apricots processed on new techniques are being sold at a better than the last years A

grade apricots.

Wooden trays been loaded

25

b) Distribution of the dehydration tunnels and other equipment

Dehydration kits which included dehydration tunnel, wooden trays and sulphuring kit have been distributed to the

successful Apricot training participants through their respective LSOs. In addition, 27 nutcrackers have been

distributed among the WPGs through respective LSOs.

The project initiated the process of equipment delivery to WPGs in their respective areas soon after the training to

master trainers was delivered and they were back to their respective stations. The delivery process was remained

challenging primarily due to poor weather conditions and non availability of tunnels making material in Chitral and

Baltistan region due to road blockades. One thing could be nevertheless, ensured that equipment was delivered in the

region as soon as it was available and it is

being expected that maximum people would have complete kit by the next

season.

Each member of WPGs (75 in each region and a total of 225 women) has

been given a dehydration tunnel with an inbuilt frame to stake the trays, 12

wooden trays and one

sulphuring kit. In addition

each group has received one

nut cracker, three buckets to grade the dry apricots, one weighing

machines and 100 food grade sacks. The project plans to provide 3

grading table to each WPG in year 2011 and 9 nut graders to 9 selected

WPGs. After the delivery of equipment the food technologist are

ensuring the efficient and safe use of the equipment and their storage

during winter when they will not be in use.

At personal level, the differences created by the provision of equipment

have been substantially significant. All the women in WPG consider

that the dry apricot tunnel is a big asset for them and they feel that they

can reap more benefits from it. They dried the apricot in it and when

their whole lot finished they dried other seasonal fruits and vegetables like mulberry, green leafy vegetables, turnips,

tomatoes, apples and grapes which added substantially to their basket of food that they consume during dormant winter

months.

Similar practices point to the fact that women being the owners of these

dehydration tunnels can process more fruit and vegetables. It can bring

efficiency in processing local produce. Piloted households would therefore

add more quality and quantity to their nutritional status. This practice is a

useful strategy to make winter food supply more secure than before.

From health and safety point of view these tunnels have saved women from

loads of extra fatigue. In traditional farming styles, if the orchards are at a

longer distance, women used to have ad hoc arrangements for apricot drying Apricot kernel Grader

WPG members working in the dehydration tunnel she has received from project

26

in their own orchards. In case of rainy season women had to safeguard their produce which required women to cover

long distances in order to cover the dried apricots with plastic sheets. Under severe weather conditions this could risk

the human lives or in fact women’s lives because in a gendered division of labour apricot drying was a task associated

to the women only. Now women have just to climb their ladder and reach to the roof to cross check the already covered

apricot drying tunnel.

Similarly (WPG) were given nut crackers (left) and nut graders (Right)

which is aimed at saving the time and human labour force by a quicker

nut cracking a sorting process. In olden days these two steps had to have

numerous human working as a group to sort the nuts separate from the

wooden cover as mentioned in the figure below where even today (Gilgit

Region) women are busy in manual labour.

Another, interesting dimension of this is directly linked to the gender

roles and responsibilities within society. Now a days one can observe a persistent change in gender roles in the apricot

drying practices. As there is an economic aspect associated to this sector now all age groups are seen as working in

collaboration. Now men and women, elders and younger all group together to reap the economic benefits for the

common good of the family.

As a matter of fact, cash for work was a minor but significant part of this exercise for more than three months time in

Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. In case of Chitral, it is on relatively long term bases because as consequences of this

emerging need a small manufacturing unit has been established in Chitral. The unit has been providing AKRSP with the

required number of tunnels since the apricot season. The unit has now developed the skill in making tunnels and it

could be expected that the production of tunnels would be serving the general community next year. So one can see it

as innovation where new technology and knowledge is being transferred and a stimulus is given to the economic

structures. It might continue to an extent in few areas in next season as well. People who were involved in this type of

work were primarily designer and carpenters and their helpers who delivered it as a complete kit in field.

c) Market exploration for the dry apricot in EU and Italy

The aim of this activity was to have an outside evaluation of the potential of the dry apricots on the national and

international markets as well as to start an exploration of the international one, especially in Italy in order to find buyers

for the apricots. The expatriate Marketing Expert hired by CESVI came in August 2010 and was able to study all the

phases of the process: the fresh fruit, the tunnel system, the dry ones and the final product. He visited the WPGs, the

facilities for the processing and the local market to see the different kind of apricots available. The consultancy

continued in Itlay for the research of suitable marketing linkages.

During August the country was still in the middle of the flood crisis and in the project’s area the main problems were

the fuel shortage and the roads’ conditions, because of this the initial schedule needed to be reduced. The consultant

was able to visit only the Baltistan area, but this area gives a good idea of Chitral as well since, as they have the same

level of facilities’ conditions. Gilgit area instead is in better conditions from the point of view of existing facilities, in

fact there is already a factory that sells the apricots in the British market. The consultant has identified a market for wild

natural apricots and has facilitate the contact of local entrepreneurs with demand in the market. In this regards the

Apricot kernel cracker

27

samples of required demand has been sent to Italy and further discussion are expected when the group of entrepreneurs

will visit Italy in early 2011 as part of market exploration exercise.

e) Training on HACCP & Global GAP

A 4-day training for 48 participants (men and women) was organised by CESVI to create awareness regarding the

quality standards required to access the export markets for dry fruits. The training has been centred on understanding of

the concepts and practices of Good Agricultural Practices GAP (GAP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control point

(HACCP) which aim specifically at improving the quality of dried apricot sector.

The activity was conducted during the month of

September when HACCP and GAP training have been

held by the expatriated Food Technologist hired by

CESVI. The participants were selected mainly from the

people directly involved in dry apricot value chain like;

dried apricot processors, AKRSP food technologists,

progressive farmers and selected members of WPGs.

The training was organized using a participatory

approach meant to strengthen the learning process.

During the workshop the groups composition have been

modified to help participants to share their own

experiences and knowledge and to facilitate everyone’s` involvement. Since the training took place in Gilgit and as part

of it processors showed their factories and facilities to the other participants. These visits have been a good occasion to

see the real conditions of the process facilities and to elaborate, for the participants, the possibility to put what they

learnt into practices. As a result of the training a manual has been delivered to the participants to help them to apply the

new knowledge in their working places and on their processing systems.

Activity 4 : Livestock improvement activities

Livestock is a local natural asset and a personal capital for

majority of the households in the GBC. Having argued that

the overall asset base of the region is constitutive of

agricultural products, livestock becomes a strong component

with strong role in household food security especially of poor

families. Generally speaking each household has a milking

animal which fulfils the household requirements of milk.

Besides, one or two small animals serve as the source of cash income at the time of dire need and also the source of

food during special occasion i.e. marriage and deaths. The detailed information carried-out under livestock

improvement component is as follows;

a) Need analysis of the introduction of the improved bulls

The Livestock Expert (LE) selected by Cesvi conducted a study on the local livestock conditions in order to get a better

understanding of the livestock scenario in terms of different breeds and crossbreeds and conditions of health and

nutrition of the animals. The study followed an accurate field visit in the three regions with meetings with both

Participants of Global GAP and HACCP workshop

28

beneficiaries from the involved LSOs and the government. It was also important to know which kind of services is

available for farmers, such as quantity and quality, in the different geographical areas.

According to the report of the Livestock Expert “The crossbreeding intervention area should be close to urban or

periurban areas or where a suitable through road is available in order to capitalize on the increased milk production thus

facilitating the transfer of milk, butter and live animals to market places at a reasonable cost. Under extreme conditions

in terms of pasture, climate and altitude the choice animals would be progressively small ruminants, Yak and finally

wildlife. In isolated areas and where the possibility of increasing fodder production, veterinary assistance and access to

market would be limited by the road network and distance, the Achai or non-descript breeds should remain the

backbone of cattle production. In these areas consensus should be reached in trying to start a breed selection scheme

oriented towards increased milk production in the local breed.” A one day consultative workshop on breed

improvement was carried out in 2010 which was attended by veterinary professionals from government, NGOs, private

sector and the progressive farmers from the communities. nalised for Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral breeding and AI

activities.

The activity resulted in finalisation of few recommendations of Breed improvement activities according to contextual

needs which are as follows;

Local Breed Breed improvement Activity

1. Local Achai breed cross Local Achai breed for milk production in remote and isolated areas.

2. Jersey cross Jersey cross in medium to good fodder areas specially where a market for milk is

present

3. Holstein- Frisian cross Holstein-Frisian could be targeted to urban or peri-urban farmers with proven track

record and experience in dairy farming.

4. Red Sindhi cross Red Sindhi could be appropriate for the dryer areas

b. Identification of target household for provision of bulls

This activity has been carried out successfully by AKRSP in consultation with LSOs/VOs/WOs. A careful selection

criterion was devised which was implemented through several meetings and dialogue sessions in the field. Though,

project is aimed at poor and vulnerable in general but bull rearing itself is an expensive activity and demands a

reasonable level of fodder security for the exotic bull. Hence, selection process was biased towards the individuals with

capabilities to rear the bull by being self sufficient producer of fodder crops. Secondly it was emphasized that the

framer should be a local resident with strong social capital in his own area which is important to build the trust of the

farmers in the introduced breed. A total of 45 farmers with ample fodder resources and relative level of information

about basic principles and practices of animal husbandry have been selected.

c. Purchase and import of exotic bulls for breed improvement

This activity was planned for 2010 however, it couldn’t be accomplished due to the delay in finding the international

Livestock Expert to study the local breeds by CESVI and the difficulties related with the flood situation. It also took

substantial time of CESVI staff to find the different kind of breeds with the required characteristics, specially because

some of the breed are local and they are not usually available in the big market and need to be checked for the health

29

situation and vaccination status; this because it’s very uncommon to do vaccination and treatment on regular bases in

the area, especially for the local breeds. The activity is now rescheduled or 2010 which couldn’t be has been scheduled

for spring 2011 yet the selection of the bulls through pedigree and other prerequisites has been finalised by CESVI in

Consultation with the AKRSP veterinarians. A total 45 bulls would be purchased next year. Proposed households have

been briefed about the prerequisites during the 3-days bull management training arranged for them in Gilgit.

d.) Model Animal shed construction

A total of 45 Animal sheds have been initiated successfully in GBC. The design of these animals sheds was finalized in

a one day consultative workshop organised by the project.

The focus of this workshop was to develop a replicable

design that could substantially improve the living conditions

for the animals with special emphasis on space, drainage,

ventilation and feeding. Thus, the new model animal sheds

offer sufficient space per animal, air and sunlight to keep

the animal warm and healthy, space to store the foliage and

fodder during long winters, inbuilt water troughs, fodder

mangers and drains to expel moister. Nevertheless, it is vital

to know that barns and shed in Skardu have been double

story where this in Chitral is on ground but offering the

same features.

Impact of constructing model animal shed could be

justified on the basis that traditional animal shed does

not offer sufficient open air area or any peculiar fodder

place for mangers. The fodder is generally placed on

wet manure filled floor on which animals have to eat

defecate and sleep. In winters animals do not get

sufficient sunlight their bones get less opportunity for

vitamin D and less calcium deposition in bones.

Lactating animals have to deposit calcium in milk by

decomposing it from the bones as precursor.

Existing animal sheds Improved animal shed

New features added to the animal sheds

30

Animal’s skin colour and filthy hair which is a common feature of animals in GBC reflect that animals are always

prone to disease attack because of unhygienic conditions. The obvious consequences of such unhealthy practices are

lower yield of milk and more expenditure on disease control or often losses in terms of animal mortality.

Model animal shed introduced by the project has better space management. The picture above depicts the wooden

compartments which are basically to separate bull, cow and small animals in front of their respective feeding troughs.

Beside the compartments when a milking cow is being milked the wooden compartments allow the eye contact of the

calf with its mother cow allowing a feeling of comfort which renders ease in milking the cow in a more animal friendly

manner.

S.No Region Target achieved Status

1 Baltistan 15 70 % completed

2 Gilgit 15 80% completed

3 Chitral 15 100% completed

Total 45

One animal nutrition side the new animal sheds allows the storage of preserved foliage and fodder in a very efficient

manner. The inclusion of manger in animal shed allows less wastage of the dried fodder. Secondly, it allows clean

supply of fodder. For lactating animals, a water tank becomes a new value addition. In traditional practice of animal

rearing there is a minimal amount of water given to the animals, assuming that it makes animals feel colder. Yet

physiologically water being a major constitutive element of milk needs more water supply. This practice of providing

sufficient water supply to animals has added significantly to the milk production. Moreover, less fodder waste adds

efficiency to utilization of fodder input.

d) Study on Artificial Insemination (AI) and training in AI services

An expatriate expert hired by CSVI visited GBC in October 2010 and conducted a comprehensive study on possibilities

of creating more efficient Artificial Insemination service provision for the communities in GBC. In this regards, the

consultant visited all the target areas and met with the farmers, members of community organisations, officials of

department of livestock (who are currently providing AI services) and community based AI workers. She also visited

the physical facilities and observed the services been provided. At the end she submitted her report on the current

situation and gave future recommendation. According to these recommendations the project will strengthen both

government services by providing its field staff, training in improved AI techniques and helping them with increasing

their liquid nitrogen and semen storage capacity. At the same time interested persons from the community will also be

trained in AI and then will be linked with the facilities in the government for the provision of semen and liquid

nitrogen. For the purpose of caution these newly trained community based AI workers will work with the experienced

government technicians for the period of one year before they start providing the services independently. CESVI has

identified the institute for the training and the participants for this training have also been identified. The 3-month

training will commence in end of February 2011 in which a total of 15 persons (6 persons from government and 9

persons from community) will participate.

31

e) purchase and distribution of AI kits

The AI kit will be distributed in the successfully participants therefore, purchase of AI kit is awaited till the start of the

training

Activity 5; Feed Improvement

a) Workshops on identification of most

suitable fodder crops.

At the inception of the project activities a one-day

consultative workshops was organised in which fodder

experts from Department of Agriculture, Department

of Livestock, NGOs, private sectors and progressive

farmers were invited. The objective of this workshop

was to discuss the previous research on fodder

development and short list the most successful fodder

varieties. The priority was given to such fodder crops which are more quick growers and offer multiple cutting in a year

cycle. The participants of the workshop recommended multi-cut varieties of alfalfa, sorghum, oats and lucerne for mass

scale seed production and dissemination through the community organisation. The workshop also recommended fodder

maize in the areas where a complete fodder crop after main crop can’t be harvest. The representatives of the local small

seed multiplication enterprises who actively participated in the workshop requested the project in developing basic seed

system in the region so that the companies could buy basic seed from local sources for multiplication.

b) Farmer Field Schools on Animal husbandry

Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have been very useful institutional platforms for men and women where a season long

hands-on training has been imparted to the participants. FFS in livestock more like the seed adaptability trials and seed

multiplication trials has initiated a process of bringing awareness on the animal husbandry practices aiming at efficient

use of existing resources for higher yield which in return directly adds to the nutritional status of the population.

Women, being custodians of livestock in rural economy of GBC, have been key focus of this capacity building

interventions through FFS initiated under the project.

The FFS has been designed in such a way that the participants could intrinsically motivate themselves to switch to best

practices in animal rearing. Besides theoretical aspects, practical demonstrations have been used to provoke learning

things by doing, observing and analysing. For this purpose, a comparative study has been designed in which two

almost similar milking cows have been selected, one of which has been managed on improved techniques of animal

husbandry and has been allowed to grow on a traditional style.

Also, to highlight the importance of better housing on groups is allowed to rear the animals in an existing animal shed

on traditional lines and the other group is allowed to rear the animal in new improved animal shed with more controlled

arrangements where it has been ensured that the basic animal husbandry principles were taken into account especially

with reference to feeding, disease control and animal hygiene. And over the project period, women groups have been

given the task to compare the general animal health and yield. For instance, one of the lessons that the participants

learned during the FFS was that, the water supply to animals added significantly to milk production. In this regards,

FFS on livestock in progress

32

one of the group of participants reported that with proper supply of water their cow milk yield improved significantly.

Others group observed immediate differences in quality of hair of animal under improved management which suggested

a healthier status as compared to traditionally looked after animal. FFS also created internal competitions in the

participants on who follows the new practices and notices a difference. Another immediate aspect of this came from

the fact that farmers have developed a skill in disease identification. They can at least detect symptomatic problems and

can take their animals to doctors or can ensure quarantine measures. Since, animal rearing is a task gendered as

exclusively women task it requires women to know about importance and expected impacts of improved practices.

Secondly, having evidenced the differences, women become careful, responsive and analytical in terms of bringing a

difference to the overall yield. This means adding value to their own household income or means of livelihoods.

From a point of view of sustainable livelihoods framework, one can see that low yielding animals are vulnerable to

disease attack and any mortality or morbidity loss and can push the household into the poverty trap. By securing the

lives of cattle and increasing their yields actually means of livelihoods are strengthen. These personal assets are equally

tradable and convertible into other forms of capital. Now farmers barter trade or sell their milk and butter which pays

wholesome amount of money in times of overall scarcity of milk production. So, investment in these activities is in fact

creating a mechanism of food security at a house hold scale.

c) Provision of fodder seed

Besides improving the living conditions of the local animals and training of women and men in animal husbandry

efforts have also been made to improve the quality feed in the project area. In this regards, trials of improved fodder

varieties have been conducted and seed of improved fodder varieties (alfalfa, maize, luceren ) has been distributed

among the progressive farmers. The local seed enterprises were lined to these farmers who have purchased the first

years yield and the project has assisted the seed enterprises in packing of the seed. This newly produced seed stock will

be purchased by project in 2011 and will be distributed in 35% poor household to improve the fodder situation in target

area. The benefits of using improved fodder varieties has also been shared on comparative basis with the FFS

participants and due to having a visible difference in yield of new alfalfa and Lucerne varieties the demand for these

quality seeds have been significantly high in all regions. This small initiative has become a linking factor between

farmers, communities and seed suppliers at local level which was important for the sustainability of this activity.

Though, the scale and scope of the intervention is very small but it has significant impacts on local means of livelihood

and could be seen as a modest contribution to the food security conditions in the region.

d) Support to seed enterprise in fodder seed production

A local market demand has been created for fodder seed through

awareness created by FFS and through demonstration plots. In

addition, the private seed enterprises have been involved in the

project activities right from the beginning. This has provided

them an opportunity not only to link with the basic seed sources

but also to the market demand. In year 2010 the project has also

supported the local seed enterprises in developing packaging

material that will help them in preserving the quality of seed

during transportation and sales.

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In few regions, the seeds produced by local seed growers have been purchased, cleaned and packed by the seed

enterprises and hence it is assumed that by the next season a more pronounced seed system would be in place.

2.3 List of activities that were planned but not implemented

The following activities which were planned for 2010 couldn’t be accomplished due to various reasons. The detail of

which are as under;

1. Meeting of ISCSS-

2. Purchase and import of bulls

3. AI training and purchase of AI kit

4. Training to seed enterprises in fodder seed production.

1. Meeting of Institutional Support committee for seed sector (ISCSS)

ISCSS is a high level policy making body in GB that supports the promotion of seed system development in GB. The

meeting of this committee is organised once a year to discuss the seed system development process in GB. There was a

plan to host this meeting in 2010 to get support for the project activities from the policy makers so that the sustainability

of project activities could be further ensured. However, due to back to back disaster in the country the high ranking

government officials who are the member of this committee could not offer time for the event. The activity will now be

accomplished in 2011.

2. Purchase of bulls

The pre-requisite for the purchase of bulls was the study on current situation of the existing breeds in GBC by a

livestock expert (LE) . The delay in finding the international LE and the difficulties related with the flood situation

postponed this activity. It also took time to find the different kind of breed with the required characteristics, specially

because some of the breed are local and they are not usually available in the big market and need to be checked for the

health situation and vaccination status; this because it’s very uncommon to do vaccination and treatment on regular

bases in the area, especially for the local breeds.

3. AI training and purchase of AI kit

The pre-requisite for this activity was the study by AI expert on current situation of AI services in GBC. However, the

expatriate consultant could make it to GBC until late in the year owing to the floods and road blockades. This delayed

the AI training and purchase of AI kits. However, preparations have been completed to initiate the training in Feb.

2011. The purchase of AI kit will coincide with this activity.

4. Training of seed enterprise in fodder seed production

This activity was postponed due to non-availability of the enterprise staff due to increased family obligations after the

flood incidences. The activity has now been planned for spring 2011.

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1.2 Assessment of the results so far

1 Through a series of interconnected activities the availability and access to the food was increased in the project

area. The progress on infrastructure activities which were aimed at increasing the availability of food through

increased area under production and increased productivity has been significant and visible. In quantitative terms,

over achievement (302 Ha) against the target of 150 Ha in land development activity has considerably contributed

in improving the availability of food for the targeted households in project area. In addition, it has created 11392

man-days skill labour and 64656 men-days of unskilled labour. The cash income earned by hundreds of poor

households through these employment opportunities has been vital in achieving the overall project objectives.

2 In terms of increasing productivity, the next season would reflect the net changes but various case studies

conducted against the crop inputs distributed during 2010 reflect that by use of high quality seed together with

adoption of improved agricultural practices has resulted in doubled yield with 100% increase in rate of returns.

For instance in two LSOs in Gilgit region have evidence of net increase eon productivity.

3 The foundation to enhance the seed security in the region has been laid. The gaps along the seed value chain have

been changed into hooks. Through partnership with public and private sector over 10 exotic high yielding wheat

and maize varieties have been collected from mountain region sources of China and Tajikistan and some of which

have already been put to the trials in collaboration with DoA and FSC&RD. A germplasam unit at DoA has been

established under an agreement signed between AKRSP and DoA to store the new seed for future experiments and

multiplication. Seed enterprises have been linked with basic seed sources in DoA and with market demand in

LSOs/VOs/WOs. Under this engagement the seed enterprises have locally produced, processed and packed over 5

tons of seeds produced by the seed growers trained by the project.

4 The progress under apricot value chain has been highly encouraging despite the fact that the unexpected heavy

rains during growing season had resulted in reduced apricot production and reduced quality of apricots. In addition

CESVI couldn’t engage the planned international trainer for apricot drying training. The target of training 250

women was achieved in-time using the in house expertise of AKRSP. The equipment needed for apricot drying

was manufactured locally and was distributed to women immediately after the completion of training. This

enabled the targeted women to produce substantial quantity of Grade A and Grade B apricots which the women

sold at 5 times more price. In addition, the women also sold the wild varieties for the first time. The output in

terms of the quantities processed and marketed by women have been relatively below the expectations because of

damages to the crops due to rains and also heavy rains and floods during the apricot drying season. Nevertheless,

the project assisted households were the only ones in the regions who managed to produce high quality apricot in

extremely unfavourable weather conditions because they had owned the polyethylene covered dehydration tunnels

provided by the project. In this way the equipment provided by the project has been a source of reducing weather

related vulnerabilities of small scale apricot drying women. Furthermore, the only company in Gilgit region that

export dry apricot to Europe bought apricots from these groups and for which the project also provided financial

support in their fair trade certification by contributing to the service charges of the inspectors.

5 The progress on improved livestock production has been encouraging in some areas and challenging in other

areas. For instance, the target of the construction of 45 model animal sheds was achieved successful which not

only created short term employment opportunities but also provided improved housing to the animals of the

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targeted households which in turn improved the milk availability in those households. The FFS in livestock has

been another successful intervention which significantly improved the animal management skills of over 250

women in first year which increased the milk availability in the targeted households. The activities aimed at

introduction of improved bulls and training in artificial insemination couldn’t be achieved due to difficulties in

finding expatriate staff by project partner (CESVI). The pre-requisites (studies) for the above activities were

however accomplished at the end of the year. The preparatory work for the introduction of 45 bulls and training of

15 AI workers has been completed. The sources for the purchase of bulls and training of AI workers have been

identified. The activities will be accomplished in the first semester of 2011.

6 Improved fodder varieties have been identified and local multiplication of fodder seed has been initiated with the

involvement of the local enterprises. The yield of the improved varieties is almost double of the existing varieties.

The actual result of this activity will be visible next year when seed will be distributed on large scale.

7 Involvement of women in different activities under the FF project has not only reduced their vulnerability to the

food insecurity but it has also contributed in mainstreaming them in development process. After having

knowledge and skills of agricultural/livestock production they feel more confident. Experiment of involving WOs

in infrastructure development interventions has also helped building their leadership capacities especially in non-

traditional areas. Though the improved production levels of the dried apricot is less, however, the market price

achieved by the product is encouraging and women were of the view that it would be a sustainable mean for their

economic empowerment and they are hopeful that through this sector their dependency on male counterpart would

be reduced.

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2.5 REVISED ACTION PLAN FOR 2011

Year 2

Semester 3 Semester 4

Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Implementer

1.1.1 Development of land and water resources in GBC

- Identification of target households/projects LSO/AKRSP

-Survey of the projects AKRSP

-project approval and grant allocation AKRSP

-Execution of project VO/LSO/AKRSP

-purchase of crop inputs AKRSP

-Transportation and distribution of inputs AKRSP

1.1.2 Improved access to quality seed.

Meeting of ISCSS-NA AKRSP/DoA

-Adoptability trials and Seed multiplication AKRSP/DoA/

-Feasibility study for seed enterprise in Baltistan. AKRSP

1.1.3 Value addition in dry- apricot sub-sector

-Strengthening of women producer groups LSO/AKRSP

Feasibility study for Apricot enterprise in Chitral. AKRSP

-Apricot drying/processing training Cesvi

Organizing WPGs into associations Cesvi

- Creation of product aggregation centres Cesvi/AKRSP

-Market exploration visit to Italy AKRSP/Cesvi

1.1.4 Livestock Improvement

-Purchase/import and distribution of bulls. Cesvi

- Training in AI for service providers. Cesvi

-Purchase and distribution of AI tool kit AKRSP/LSO

1.1.5 Feed Improvement

- procurement of basic seed of fodder varieties AKRSP

-FFS on animal husbandry and feed improvement AKRSP

-Training to seed enterprise fodder seed product AKRSP

-Support to seed enterprises for fodder seed. AKRSP

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3. Partners and Cooperation

Food facility project has been among those projects which have not been conducted in isolation. It has embraced a

consultative strategy since the inception of the idea. Project has focused on developing mutual cooperation among

various stakeholders at local level and at international level with an assumption that it would add value in the project

and will lead to the sustainability of key activities.

In fact, AKRSP has a long standing existence in the region and has implemented several activities aimed at improving

the soci-economic conditions of the poor communities in the region including food security. During this period AKRSP

has benefited from several partnerships. In this on-going project a deliberate effort was made to create partners with the

objective to bring in new and innovative ideas from other parts of the world for testing and rectified in the conditions of

GBC.

3.1 CSVI as a Food Facility Project partner

Partnership with CSVI dates back to the pre-project phase when a detailed Need Analysis exercise was conducted by

AKRSP for the project proposal in which CESVI staff had also joined. This collaboration lasted for almost two months

in which a joint team of professionals visited GBC. The project proposal thus developed had utilized the results of this

Need Assessment as baseline to propose measures on improving the food security of most vulnerable population. So,

one can say that this collaboration has been the foundations which allowed AKRSP to retain this partnership on longer

basis.

Soon after the project initiated CESVI remained in close coordination with the AKRSP team in two main activities.

First one was regarding apricot sector and second one has been regarding the Livestock improvement through importing

bulls for indigenous breed improvement and for Artificial Insemination (AI) trainings and techniques in the area.

The partnership with CESVI could be seen as a satisfactory intervention at level of various activities. For instance, in

apricot drying subsector, we see CESVI as training local entrepreneurs and potential farmers on HACCP and Global

GAP. This exercise on capacity building is an inputs contributed by qualified international experts where trainers have

focused on imparting a knowledge which aims at retention of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The overall aim was

to widen the vision of the local producers that the whole food production chain should be aligned on the modern lines

for maximum efficiency and income. CESVI is working on the exploration of the possible apricot markets in Italy so

that local farmers produce could be marketed in Italy. At this stage one cannot visualize this as a successful intervention

but can accept its future prospects as a means of reducing farmer’s vulnerabilities by contributing significantly to their

economic profile.

The international consultants engaged by CESVI for analysing the animal breeds and provision of training for AI

workers provided basis to further the livestock focused activities.

With these positive things there have also been challenges with this partnership for instance; it took much longer for

Cesvi to find a team leader for the Cesvi led activities. The lady who came couldn’t adjust and left after spending six

months. Since then the post remained vacant and couldn’t be filled till the compilation of this report. Due to serious

travel advisories from home governments the engagement of international experts has remained mission impossible for

CESVI. As a result, some of the international experts couldn’t make it to the project area at all (in case of apricot drying

technology consultant) and others arrived very late in the season (in case of live stock breeding expert and AI expert)

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which significantly affected the progress on some key activities and the late completion of these projects are likely to

impact the project results.

3.2 Partnership with Government departments

AKRSP and the relevant state departments have remained long standing partners in the development of GBC. It is

important to acknowledge that in rural development, cooperation and partnerships is an essential tool to sustain the

interventions on a long term basis. It widens the base of stakeholding and creates a mechanism where a common vision

is shared among various actors of the society. More specifically, partnership with the state actors is vital to sustain the

long term progress oriented actions for the common good of larger community.

In the context of food facility project, the main state actors with whom partnerships have been established includes

DoA, DoL and FSC&RD. These partnerships are based on a common vision to which this project is a contributor. For

instance, the project and DoA have signed a formal term of partnership for the long term sustainability of basic seed

production cycle initiated by the project. The seed production activity required seed certification services therefore,

FSC&RD has been taken on-board to ensure the quality of seeds. At this instance, one can refer to former several

attempts where new varieties have been lost because of lack of consistent input from state departments to retain the

genetic makeup of the exotic varieties according to principles of genetic breeding. From the government side DoA is

the only organisation that can take hold of this activity because it has infrastructure as well as technical staff who can

ensure that the maintenance of the selected varieties under controlled procedures of selection.

Furthermore, the project is working very closely with DoL to improve the public sector AI services in GBC. In this

regards six DoL technicians will be trained in new AI techniques. In addition, the liquid nitrogen and semen storage

capacity of DoL will also be enhanced substantially. This will substantially increase the access of communities to AI

services. During first year of implementation the project has joint ventured with DoA, DoL and FSC&RD in research,

exposure visits, trainings and workshops.

3.3 Relationships with other associates

3.3.1 Target group and beneficiaries as long term partners

It is vital to note that AKRSP has a very sensitive social development approach which enables a condition where

communities are seen as equal status partners. This is reflected in all procedural styles of AKRSP intervention. It holds

partnership dialogues and consultation workshop in a way that ensures that both parties can negotiate on terms and

conditions as equal partners. To ensure this equity AKRSP has been proactively engaged in looking for possible

collaborative efforts according to the contextual needs and circumstances.

There are numerous occasions where AKRSP and communities have resolved their own issues by identifying the most

effective actors in the field. As an example of this partnership one can reflect upon two emergency situations of

different types which refer to joint ventures and collaborative intervention aiming at soci-economic development of the

target communities.

First situation is about a deadly disease outbreak in the project area in Chitral region. The project responded on

emergency grounds held a meetings with DoL and took quick actions which included advising farmers to keep healthier

animals in separate from the sick and dead animals. In addition the DOL took the responsibility of vaccination and

39

provision of antibiotics to increase the immunity in the healthy animals. In the meanwhile, the investigation of dead

animals revealed the presence of Anthrax, an infectious disease capable of infecting human populations. The carcases

were disposed off according to scientifically advised methods. In this effort AKRSP and DoL vaccinated more than

1500 animals benefiting 500 households. This timely action might not have been possible if concerned LSOs and their

respective VOs and WOs might not have joined hands with AKRSP and DoL.

On January 4, 2010 a landslide in the project area affected a key village and inflicted losses to human lives and

property. Furthermore it completely cut-off access to a population of 1200 households. The landslide blocked the main

river in the valley and created a 27 KM artificial lake which submerged further villages making people homeless as a

secondary implication. As a consequence inhabitants became IDPS in their own areas and reached out to their formal

VOs and WOs to devise a support mechanism. AKRSP negotiated with community as partners and raised a campaign

to bring awareness among people that intensity of the losses could be subsided by incorporating high yielding quality

crops during the remaining agricultural season. Despite bad weather conditions, floods and road blockade team has

remained successful in disseminating necessary inputs regarding seed and fertilizers by engaging the Aga Khan

Foundation’s helicopters. Besides, providing inputs the farmers were trained and advised on appropriate techniques of

cropping. The second line of interventions that was ran on emergency basis was training in dry apricot subsector which

was used as a safety net for vulnerable populations. Unlike the prescribed procedure of apricot drying, in this region, a

further value addition was done and the product was washed and packed in consumer size packaging. This product was

marketed and distributed across different parts of the country as a relief campaign and funds were collected for the

common good of the community.

Indeed at a time when most parts of the country were hit by the disaster, waiting for government was a time wasting

lack lustred approach. Communities came forth as a viable competent partner and contributed significantly.

3.3.2 Partnerships with private sector

On a commercial and entrepreneurial scale strong partnerships have been established with experienced and progressive

local entrepreneurs. For instance, Mountain Fruit private limited is a leading firm in apricot sector in Gilgit region

which has been involved in the process primarily to strengthen the dry apricot value chain and also to create the linkage

between the WPGs and the enterprise. In Gilgit and Chitral similar efforts have been made to integrate the seed

enterprises (Mountain Seed Limited in Chitral and Mountain Seed leaders in Gilgit) into the process of seed system

development in GBC. Some of the WPG members who have previously been involved in apricot marketing have

shared that they are hunting opportunities to market their products directly to potential consumers. Yet the significance

of these activities at this stage is very petite and AKRSP would have to adopt protectionist policies till they develop

their skills and competencies according to competitive market standards. However, appreciable is the fact that these

private sector representatives have vision and high hopes which motivate them to remain to develop connections at their

own end with national and sometimes international markets.

3.4 links and synergies

Linkages and synergy development does not seem to be a new term for AKRSP and the project at all levels. There is a

relatively significant level of understanding on topic and a commitment on developing networks and synergies across

various institutions. As a representative fact we can refer back to various integrated efforts with Department of livestock

and department of agricultural. At many other instances, government research stations and seed certification authorities

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have been invited for common causes. In numerous FFSs many government senior staff have been invited to deliver

lectures on improved agricultural and animal husbandry practices.

Moreover it is vital to note that AKRSP has extended the formerly done research activities by the help of these

meaningful linkages. For instance, a former research activity in seed security sector was funded by DFID known as

Participatory Variety Selection for wheat. Once the project ended there was a threat that the research produced by this

special task might get lost. Connected to the same activity was another project called as (PPB) plant Breeding project

which also forwarded the scientific research to keep the genetic makeup of varieties intact. By the virtue of AKRSP’s

realisation that the continuity of such projects is vital for long term development, it hooked these two projects to this

ECFF project.

On international scale, the project has created linkages with indigenous mountain seed sources in Tajikistan and China.

Linakge with the Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang China under this project was a major breakthrough which will

go long way in reviving the buckwheat crop in GBC. Yet the project does not intend to stop at this point and further

linkages will be made in 2011 to sustain the project activities on longer and sustainable basis.

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4. Visibility

Visibility of EC project is significantly felt and discussed in all project activities and community dialogues. In most of

the project sites Sign boards, banners, leaflets, picture trails and displays are some of the means used to acknowledge

the EC support.

In case of seed security and multiplication activities seed

entrepreneur in Baltistan Gilgit and Chitral have printed

the EC logo on seed packaging acknowledging EC

support. The seed bags are supposed to be transported

and distributed in various parts of the region and it

advocates the support rendered by the project to poor

farming communities.

On an institutional scale training course has been one of

the effective way of reflecting the nature and extent of EC

support. At all training occasions, it has been ensured that

the acknowledgment be expressed verbally and through

displays. For instance, the banners at the venue are one of

the illicit examples.

This acknowledgment has not been confined to the local

trainings rather in international trainings too a formal sharing

of the EC support has been discussed in communication

documents. For instance, training on Buckwheat in China

was a costly research exercise which was only possible

through a generous financial support of EC and this support

was expressed candidly by the AKRSP. In other words it has

been acknowledged through the training that EC has a

realization that Research and development in agriculture

sector is vital for future strategic needs of developing countries like Pakistan. Few pictures from the field are

representative of this effort.

Posters developed for the project activities

Seed pack with acknowledgement to EC

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EC presence besides a visible appearance could

easily be felt in its tacit forms. Each project site

has a recorded narrative at official documentation

and at project sign boards but in reality its existence

at communal forums is more important.

Communities attribute their success to project

funding and to its technical support.

As an integral part of visibility action the digital

documentation of the processes followed in the

implementation of this project and the outputs that

it has produced is in progress which will be

released in the form of a short documentary at the

end of the project