NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK

TCP PROJECT FORMAT

"Improved Cereal Production"

 

I. Project Summary

This is a concise statement of the results stemming from the problem statement (below) that are expected by the end of the project. 

Data Needs:

  • Main features of the project with emphasis on expected outcomes.
Data Sources:
  • Individual sections of project report

 

II Background and Justification

Identify the problem for which assistance is requested and provide evidence that TCP criteria – which govern eligibility for TCP funding – are met. Text should cover the following issues:

  • describe concisely the importance of the agricultural sector in the country and particularly the cereal sub-sector;
  • indicate the degree of self-sufficiency in food production and major food exports and imports;
  • state the Government’s policies and strategies which are in support of the main food crops;
  • indicate the trends of the major production parameters (area, yield, total production) of the cereal crop;
  • state the production problem;
  • describe the constraints which are hampering crop production (e.g. lack of quality seed, improved varieties, appropriate crop management information, efficient technology transfer and trained R&D manpower, and poor agronomic practices etc.)
  • state the problem for both society and the environment resulting from the production constraints;
  • describe the primary target farming system or farmer groups affected by the production problems, with special reference to low-income groups or gender impact;
  • clearly document that the production problem is associated with unusual risk factors beyond the control of the Government. Describe actions and programmes that the Government has initiated/is implementing to eliminate the major production constraints. State why the assistance is particularly urgent and cannot be met from other sources;
  • describe on-going or planned donor assistance (particularly if related to the Special Programme for Food Security) provided to the country in the cereal sub-sector, and state how TCP assistance links up with these activities;
  • state why the TCP assistance is needed and how it fits into the Government development plans and strategy;
  • describe the strategy and activities of the proposed TCP assistance to address the production constraints;
  • point out clearly the elements of capacity building which would allow the Government to be able to address similar constraints in future without external assistance;
  • state how the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production intend to build upon the technical assistance provided, and what the expected long-term and sustainable advantages are resulting from the TCP assistance;
  • describe the Government contribution to realizing the TCP assistance.
Data Needs:
  • How, when and where was the problem diagnostic made.
  • Share of cereal sub-sector in: GDP, agricultural GDP, foreign trade, agricultural employment.
  • Cereal production by geographical concentration and production system (smallholder/commercial; intensive/extensive).
  • Geographical extent of the cereal production problem.
  • Number of hectares under cereals affected by the production problem.
  • Estimated effect of production problem on total area under cereals, crop yields and total production.
  • Estimated effect on trade in cereals with loss of foreign exchange earnings.
  • Estimates of financial losses at national and farm level.
  • Government development objectives for the cereal sub-sector.
  • On-going programmes and other relevant activities.
Data Sources:
  • FAO web site (www.fao.org)
  • FAOSTAT
  • Technical Cooperation Department "Field Programme Management Information System"
  • Office of FAO Representative concerned
  • The World Bank (www.worldbank.org/data)
  • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production (central and provincial levels)
  • Ministry of Planning/Finance
  • Ministry of Commerce/Foreign Trade
  • Farmers groups
  • Country reports and sector reviews of major international financing institutions

 

III. Objectives of the Assistance

"This section will state briefly but in specific terms, the particular objective(s) which the project is expected to achieve. The project objective is defined as a specific aim to be achieved and formulated as the expected future improved situation after the successful completion of the project. The statement should be drafted wherever possible in terms permitting subsequent verification of project accomplishments." (TCP Guidelines)

A concise statement of cereal production status (with reference to the particular production problems in question) to be reached by the end of the project. This status would include strengthened national capabilities in cereal production technologies which would contribute to sustainable food production and higher and stable farm income. Training and equipment inputs should result in: (i) training of farmers in better crop management practices; (ii) training of extension staff in improved production technologies and technology transfer methodologies; and (iii) training of R&D staff in development of high-yielding varieties.

Quantitative indicators should allow verification of: (i) reaching the planned improved crop production status and (ii) achieving stated outputs by the end of the project.

Data Needs:
  • Quantitative indicators to monitor the crop production status.
Data Sources:
  • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service

 

IV. Project Outputs (Results)

"Outputs (results) to be defined in this section, are the specific products of activities undertaken, the combined use of which by project beneficiaries will achieve the objective of the project, provided assumptions about external factors are correct. They should be defined in terms that permit their verification in quantity, quality and time, and should be consistent with the project objective and design, and provide the basis for the elaboration of a clear, detailed work plan." (TCP Guidelines)

This section is a simple, concise listing, using quantitative terms, of the specific outputs expected from the project. These tangible outputs can be elaborated in bullet points.

Data Needs:

  • Number of extension and R&D staff and farmers trained.
  • Number of workshops held.
  • Number of study tours undertaken.
  • Quantity and type of material and equipment provided to farmers.
  • Names and types of manuals/guidelines or reports prepared.
Data Sources:
  • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service
  • Team Leader/National Project Coordinator

 

V. Work Plan

A timetable, sufficiently specific to serve as a practical guide for the national experts and consultants on what activity should be carried out at what time, what place and be implemented by whom.

The timetable and any accompanying narrative should also serve as an instrument for monitoring project implementation and achievement for both the Government and FAO.

Data Needs:

  • Estimate and logical sequence of the major project activities and input needs.
Data Sources:
  • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production /National Agricultural Extension Service

 

VI. Capacity Building

A paragraph describing how TCP assistance is expected to enhance the capacity of national crop production experts and/or consultants in terms of future improved cereal production. It should include details of how the use of such experts will contribute to building capacity in the national institutions and country.

Data Needs:

  • Numerical data on crop production-related training under the project.
Data Sources:
  • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service

 

VII. Inputs to be Provided by FAO

See TCP Guidelines, Annex 1, pages iii to vi.

A concise description of each input under the respective numbered line items below. Sufficient detail on each budget line should be provided. The sum of related amounts of each sub-category under each line item should add up to the total for the line item. Supplies and Materials and Equipment line items can be detailed, item by item, in an annex. The number to be procured and estimated costs of each item need to be shown. A "miscellaneous" item is not accepted, but "miscellaneous laboratory glassware" is acceptable.

1. Personnel services

Technical services of international and/or national experts/consultants

  • International consultants/experts
  • FAO Advisory Technical Services (ATS)
  • National experts and consultants
  • International expertise under Partnership Programmes (i.e. TCDC/TCCT or Retired experts and consultants)
  • Administrative support
  • Supervisory Technical Services (STS)

    Priority and preference should be given to the employment of competent experts under the TCDC/TCCT programmes in countries that have signed these agreements. There are specific limits to the use of international expertise at UN rates. Project drafters are advised to consult with the TCP Unit before preparing the staffing inputs and budgets.

    2. Official travel

    3. Contracts, Letters of Agreements or Contractual Service Agreements

    4. General operating expenses (GOE)

    5. Materials, supplies and equipment:

    Materials and supplies

    Equipment

    6. Direct operating cost (DOC)

    7. Training: Study tours, In-country workshops, Fellowships and academic training, Young Professionals for on-the-job training.

    Data Needs:

    • Number, type and cost of each input (numbers of staff participating, of items, internal trips, cost per day, DSA rate, monthly consultant rate etc).
    Data Sources:
    • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service
    • FAO
    • UNDP
    • Local suppliers

     

    VIII. Reporting

    See TCP Guidelines.

    Periodic and Mission reports are required for operational monitoring of projects so that technical and operating divisions of FAO can monitor the delivery and utilization of inputs. These reports give a TCP project the required flexibility to meet changing needs and are used to make decisions about project extensions and budget revisions. Technical reports add to the body of technical knowledge about solving specific constraints in cereal production.

    It is essential that the document specify who is to prepare these reports and at what intervals. This is particularly true for the Terminal Statement. If the writer of this document is not specified, the technical officer assumes this responsibility.

    Data Needs:

    • Operation-related data/information on specific crop management problems, validated appropriate technologies to overcome the crop constraints, R&D and extension services’ capacity related to the country concerned.
    • Findings and facts relevant to the crop management constraints in question.
    • Consultant’s itinerary, persons met, terms of reference, lists of additional equipment etc.
    Data Sources:
    • Project records
    • Project staff
    • Records from Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production at regional, national, provincial and local level
    • Participatory rapid rural appraisal exercises

     

    IX. Government Contribution and Supporting Arrangements

    This paragraph needs to clearly set out: (i) the resources to be contributed by the Government; (ii) designation of Government responsibility for arranging for duty-free customs clearance, full access to laboratories and their test results, and access to the field – which may be under provincial or district authority. All need to be included in this section as they might apply.

    See in particular TCP Guidelines, Annex I, page vii and the following excerpts:

    Request must be accorded high priority by the Government, which must also ensure that the required local support facilities and services will be available and that follow-up action will be taken...

    Requests must provide assurance of the fullest possible participation of the Government in project execution, through such means as the use of national institutions, personnel and resources. (Annex IVa, page i).

    Each project should be supervised by a National Project Coordinator nominated and paid by the Government. National Project Professional Personnel or consultants recruited by FAO are fully accountable to the Organization and cannot be on the Government payroll at the time of their assignment. (page 10, par 46) They may not be recruited from the counterpart institution/cooperating agency. (Annex 1, page iv).

    Data Needs:

    • Government contribution in terms of cash, personnel time, facilities, vehicles, laboratories, building and office space (for workshops and other), secretarial and translation/interpretation expertise.
    Data Sources:
    • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service

     

    X. PROJECT BUDGET

    The project budget covering the FAO contribution is prepared by FAO, based on elements received from the requesting country.

    Data Needs:

    • Numerical details on FAO contribution in US$ by budget line.
    Data Sources:
    • Team Leader, plus national and international project staff
    • FAO
    • UNDP
    • Equipment suppliers
    • Travel agents

     

    XI. ATTACHMENTS TO PROJECT AGREEMENT

    1. Description of the training programme
    2. Description of Advisory Technical Services and Supervisory Technical Services
    3. Description of services to be provided under contracts
    4. Itemized list of equipment
    5. Itemized list of materials and supplies
    6. Terms of reference including description of required qualifications for each international and national consultant/expert and where appropriate for the National Project Coordinator.
    Data Needs:
    • Quantitative estimates and descriptions/specifications as relevant to the above attachment.
    • Terms of Reference (TOR) for each national and international project staff member including FAO technical staff members contributing to the project. TORs for short-term staff inputs (weeks to several months) need to describe precise, time bound activities and outputs expected. Longer-term staff inputs should be more generally phrased to allow some flexibility and cover unforeseen occurrences.
    Data Sources:
    • Team Leader, plus national and international project staff
    • Ministry of Agriculture/Department of Crop Production/National Agricultural Extension Service
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