Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT 027/07VIE: Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) – a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities MS7: Training and Competency Improvement report June, 2010 Table of Contents 1.  Institute Information _ 1  2.  Project Abstract _ 2  3.  Trainng/workshop _ 2  4.  Meetings _ 4  5.  Exchange visiting 6  6.  Training for two CEDMA staff in Australia _ 8  7.  Second beneficial approach activities _ 10  8.  Individual visits 11  Institute Information Project Name Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) - a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities Vietnamese Institution Centre for Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture (CEDMA) Vietnamese Project Team Leader Mr Mai Van Tai (Project director) Mr Vo Van Binh (Project manager) Australian Organisation Date commenced Agriculture and Environment - Division of Science and Engineering-Curtin University of Technology (CUT) Assoc Professor Ravi Fotedar (Team Leader) Prof Graeme Robertson (Management) Dr Jane Fewtrell (Environmental Scientist) Mr Simon Longbottom (Aquaculture Scientist) 8th February 2009 Completion date (original) January 2010 Completion date (revised) June 2010 Reporting period Training and Competency Improvement (MS#7) Australian Personnel Contact Officer(s) In Australia: Team Leader Dr Ravi Fotedar International Program Director, A/Prof Organisation Muresk Institute, CUT Name: Position: Telephone: Fax: +61 92664508 +61 92664422 Email: r.fotedar@curtin.edu.au In Australia: Administrative contact As mentioned above Name: Position: Organisation Telephone: Fax: Email: In Vietnam Mr Vo Van Binh Name: Head of environment Department Position: Organisation Centre for Environment and Disease Monitoring in Aquaculture (CEDMA) Telephone: Fax: Email: 0983105537 0241840241 binhvanvo@yahoo.com Project Abstract This project is expected to make a significant contribution to the Government of Vietnam’s Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (CPRGS), which is aligned with the CARD program strategic framework The project is expected to improve the productivity of traditional VAC farming practices through the farming of high-value aquatic species and following better managed farming practices in an environmentally friendly manner The outcome of the project will assist in improving the management of all components of VAC farming Project activities have included; i) Surveys to collect base-line information on the economic status of farmers participating in traditional VAC farming systems in four selected districts of Vietnam ii) Selection of twenty (20) demonstration sites, of which, 18 are completely operational The set up includes semi-intensive culture systems based on recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technologies and have been stocked with local, high-value species including snake head fish, grouper, frog, brackish water white eel and soft-shell turtle iii) The operational plan for each site has been disseminated to local extension workers, the households of modified VAC systems and other interesting farming households Training/workshop Workshop in Hue The purpose of this workshop was to introduce a new concept to the improved VAC system This includes the introduction of earthworms to treat manure before release into ponds and gardens and the introduction of high valued species Introducing earthworms to the system has potential to increase the environmental sustainability of the system while high value aquatic species introduction plays an important role in generation and/or addition of income The number and background of workshop participants is shown in Table Discussion focused on the feasibility of the model RAS in rural areas, where electricity is not always available, is the main bottle neck for adoption of this system However, in most cases, the adaptation and modification of the traditional VAC by applying a RAS is possible Conclusion: With increasing demand on aquatic production, the traditional VAC system requires modification to increase efficiency The improved VAC system can address this issue, but prior to installation the financial cost of set up and operation must be considered on an individual basis Table 1: Participant composition of the inception workshop in Hue (4th December, 2008) Participant background Number Farmers from project provinces 20 Extension officials (Hue, Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, Nghe an and Quang Nam) Animal health management Provincial Aquaculture Division (six project provinces) Agricultural and Rural Development staff Aquaculture Development Department International experts Research Institute for Aquaculture No.1 12 Figure 1: Photographs of discussion during the inception workshop in Hue Training workshop in Quang tri This workshop was for participants among project provinces including; Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh Quang Tri and Hue The workshop gave participants a forum to discuss and share experiences, knowledge, skills and technology for introducing the RAS to the traditional VAC system The development of new guidelines for the improved VAC system was also discussed Objectives of workshop: The main objective of the training/workshop was to discuss; i) issues with adoption of the improved VAC system ii) advantages of the model in terms of environmental sustainability and economic aspects iii) continuation and dissemination of technology subsequent to project conclusion The participants included aquaculture extension officers from provincial, district and commune levels and farmers (Table 2) Conclusion: Extension staff agreed that the improved VAC systems installed at the demonstration sites proved to be beneficial, both economically and environmentally and that they will adopt the model into their national program The training/workshop met the expectations of the extension workers and farmers Table 2: Participant composition of the training/workshop in Quang Tri (6-8th April 2010) Participant background Number Farmers 12 Extension officers of provinces 11 Extension station staff 11 Provincial Aquaculture Division staff Agriculture and RD staff from each province Commune Extension staff International experts 3 Research Institute for Aquaculture No1staff Research Extension staff stationed in North-Mid- Provinces Peoples Committee of Commune Figure 2: Photographs from the workshop in Quang Tri and the subsequent visit to a demonstration site Meetings Meetings in Ha tinh In this province, there are demonstration sites The species cultured at each site are; i) grouper (rearing), ii) white eel larvae, iii) snake head fish in tanks, and iv) turtle together with snake head fish in tanks A total of 41 farmers participated in these meetings, contributing to the development of the model These meetings have provided the opportunity at each stage of system construction for farmers on demonstration sites to approach project staff and discuss aspects of the adoption of the improved VAC system that should be considered and modifications that have the potential to improve system efficiency while minimizing costs Figure 3: Photographs of training activities in Ha Tinh Meetings in Nghe An There are demonstration sites in this province One site was developed in 2008 for eel (Anguilla macmorata) culture, however, it is now used for snake-head fish culture The meetings were designed for farmers in the village in which the demonstration sites were situated The meetings included 30 participants, of which were leaders of the village, extension staff and the remainder were farmers The outcomes from the meetings included that there be an emphasis on minimizing the financial investment from farmers for the construction and operation of the improved VAC system Also, it was recommended that species such as eel might not be suitable for culture in the improved VAC system due to the relatively long period of time taken to reach marketable size (ie 24 months) Meeting in Thanh Hoa Discussions were held in Thanh Hoa on the expansion of the improved VAC system at the demonstration site (Mr Thu) to include earthworm culture and snakehead fish in cages and tanks A meeting has been organized to take place on completion of the expansion The participants will include 16 farmers and commune leaders Discussion also included the implementation of a plan for many of the farmers in this province to include snakehead fish in their VAC systems despite it being winter Figure 4: Group discussion in Quang Xuong Thanh Hoa on expanding the improved VAC model at the demonstration site Exchange visiting Exchange visits that included farmers from demonstration sites and other farmers interested in learning more about the improved systems were an important learning tool The visits provided the opportunity to discuss issues and experiences with construction and operation of the improved VAC system These visits were organised and conducted both within each province and between different provinces While visits between provinces were time consuming to organise and implement, they provided farmers with valuable information on a diverse range of issues and ideas that could be applicable to their situation Under the supervision of CEDMA staff, local extension officers were given the opportunity to coordinate and lead exchange visits Details of the exchange visits to date are; Within provinces; • seven exchange visits (each province has visit, especially Quang Tri had visit) • 16 participants in Hue, 60 participants in Quang Tri, 16 participants in Ha Tinh, 30 participants in Nghe An, and 85 participants in Thanh Hoa Between provinces; • Three exchange visit • 16 participants (8 famers and extension staff) each province selected to gather into three group to visit demonstration from other provinces Exchange visit in Hue • Purpose of the exchange - Knowledge transfer to end users (ie farmers involved with the project, farmers interested in being involves and extension staff) - Encourage the link between farmers on sites with common elements and could therefore, benefit from each other’s knowledge and experiences - To give extension staff an opportunity to organize the extension activity, providing them with experience that will enable them to continue organising and implementing these activities without supervision after the completion of the project • Address of the visit - All project sites • Developed aquaculture sites from which farmers can learn relevant methods and technologies for possible adoption in their improved VAC Participants - Farmers involved in the project and farmers not involved but who were interested in developing and using the technology shown at the project sites - Leaders of the communes (Chairman, Head of Agriculture Division, and Leader of Farmer Union) - Extension staff - Provincial Aquaculture Division staff Figure 5: Photographs of exchange visit activities in Hue province Exchange visit in Quang Tri • Purpose of the visit - The system at the demonstration site in Quang Tri has successfully cultured snake-head fish in tanks This knowledge gives farmers who not have fish ponds the potential to generate new income from aquaculture in tanks Thus, project staff encouraged farmers in the area to visit demonstration site - Farmers learn through observation directly, and in turn they can apply the technology to their farms • Sites to be visited - Two project demonstration sites - Frog culture in Quang Tri • Participants - Farmers who want to adopt the improved VAC system - Provincial, district and commune extension staff - Leaders of communes • Achievements: - Knowledge gained by farmers during the demonstration visits - Creating a relationship between farmers and extension staff Figure 6: Photographs of visiting two demonstration sites and other developed aquaculture systems in Quang Tri Training for two CEDMA staff in Australia Duration: The training in Australia took place between February 13th to March 8th 2010 Venue: Curtin University, Perth, Australia Purpose: Consolidation and implementation of project data and information Trainees: Mr Vo Van Binh, project manager (Head of Environment Department, CEDMA) and Mr Dao Van Phu, project staff (staff of Environment Department, CEDMA) The training was successful, the trainees acquired knowledge and skills that will prove useful in future projects The itinerary of the training visit is shown in Table Table 3: Itinerary of CEDMA staff training visit to Australia Date Visit place Feb 24th th Feb 25 Activities Remarks Arrived Perth Introduction of Curtin Visit the lab at Curtin Curtin University Discussion of project Data consolidation Feb 26th Farm visit in Busselton Farm visit: Crayfish culture and business Feb 27th Busselton Farm visit: Crayfish culture How Crayfish are and business exported to Singapore Feb 28th Bridgetown Farm visit March 1th Bridgetown Hester dam visit Water quality management for a newly dam established March 2th Curtin University Discussion of project Data consolidation th March Curtin University Water quality management Improve analysis (practices) skill for visit staff March 4th CARL Hatcheries visit March 5th Visit zoo Farm show March 6th Perth in a Shopping/preparation to leave for Vietnam March 7th Environment consideration hatchery Back to Vietnam Learn the farming in Western Australia Figure 7: Photographs of visit to a hatchery in Fremantle (Challenger TAFE) to learn water quality management for newly hatched fish species Figure 8: Learning water quality analysis and interpretation of the results in the CARL laboratories at Curtin University Secondary beneficiary activities During the implementation of the demonstrations, there were meetings with farmers who were not part of the project but had visited the demonstration sites and wanted to apply the technology of the improved VAC to their facilities For example, at least four farmers that visited the snake-head demonstration site in Thanh Hoa used the technology and methods shown to prepare ponds and earthworm houses on their farms (winter) Early in summer (2010) they stocked worms into the earthworm houses and snake-head fingerlings into the cages and tanks Table lists the current secondary beneficiaries of the introduced technology and their activities Table 4: Current second beneficiaries of the project Farmers’ name Address Thanh Hoa Mr Dung Quang Giao, Quang Xuong, Thanh Hoa Mr Hieu Quang Giao, Quang Xuong, Thanh Hoa Mr Nam Quang Giao, Quang Xuong, Thanh Hoa Ms Phuong (Extension staff) 23 Phan Boi Chau, Thanh Hoa town Nghe An Mr Ta Van Hop Quynh Lap, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Mr Ho Van Luong Quynh Lap, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Mr Truong Quang Trat Quynh Lap, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Mr Nguyen Van Tong Quynh Lap, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Mr Nguyen Duc Hoa Quynh Lap, Quynh Luu, Nghe An Mr Nguyen Sy Linh relative Thanh Cat, Thanh Chuong Ha Tinh Nguyen Van Thuong Thach Ha town Ms Nguyen thi Dieu Thanh Ha town Mr Nguyen Viet Nhat Thach Ha Town (Business promotion, Thach Ha) Quang Binh Agriculture new-paper Quang Binh Quang Tri Mr Tung (Vice Director, Quang Tri Extension Centre Models Snake-head in tanks and cages Snake-head in tanks and cages Snake-head in tanks and cages Proposal of Improved VAC for Farmers in Thanh Hoa Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Snake head in tanks Snake head in tanks Earthworm Business Earthworm + snake head fish Writing proposal of improved VAC (already accepted) Use Mr Huy demonstration as extension material (video and visiting place) Use Mr Tuan hatchery as material for an extension article Use Mr Thieu and Mr Sinh 10 Extension Centre) Hue VTV Hue demonstrations as extension material (TV, video and visiting place) Aquaculture division Hue Use Mr Truc demonstration as extension material (TV) Individual visits The project encouraged farmers to visit aquaculture centres/institutes, such as RIA and its centres, and farms that demonstrated examples of advanced earthworm culture The visits were to address specific requirements of some farmers who want to develop a system similar to the improved VAC • Mr Tuan (Le Thuy, Quang Binh) has visited RIA to learn relevant aquaculture principles and techniques With the knowledge gained in the constructed and operates a successful hatchery based on the principles of the improved VAC system • Mr Dung visited RIA as part of the CARD project to gain knowledge in fingerling nursing in hapas and tanks Figure 9: Photographs of discussion about the implementation of the hatchery for Quang Binh (Mr Tuan) 11 ... Institute Information Project Name Improving traditional integrated farming systems (VAC) - a new livelihood option for poor farmers in the coastal communities Vietnamese Institution Centre for. .. cages Snake-head in tanks and cages Proposal of Improved VAC for Farmers in Thanh Hoa Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Earthworm + Snake head in tanks Snake head... improve the productivity of traditional VAC farming practices through the farming of high-value aquatic species and following better managed farming practices in an environmentally friendly manner The