(TCP PROJECT EXAMPLE)

I. PROJECT SUMMARY

(Brief description of the project expectations and outcomes.)

II. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

At independence in 19--, Country XXX was one of the poorest countries in the African region. Living conditions were periodically worsened due to frequent droughts. The rapid expansion of the mining sector transformed the previously agriculture-based economy. yet 70% of the population continue to live in rural areas and derive a large part of their income from agriculture. In order to promote diversification of agricultural production and increase employment opportunities, the current National Development Plan has adopted the following strategies in irrigation and water development:

• Construction of ... small agricultural dams, weirs and sub-surface dams
• Maintenance and rehabilitation of existing dams
• Introduction of water harvesting technologies
• Award leases on about ... hectares of irrigable land near multipurpose dams
• Assist farmers in establishing small-scale irrigation schemes and promote the utilization of treated effluent for irrigated crop production such as pastures and fodder
• Private sector participation in irrigation development; and
• Introduce and promote efficient irrigation technologies.

Towards this end, the Government has earmarked the sum of US$... million for the six-year period of 199-. to 200-. Additionally, through the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) administered by the National Development Bank, funding in the form of grants is available up to US$12,000 per year for small-scale individuals undertaking irrigated crop production that is financially viable. Individual farmers are required to contribute at least 10% of the investment from their own resources. For investments above US$12,000 the farmer’s contribution increases to 60% of the investment cost. FAS provides also for two annual expansions of these enterprises with the same conditions.

The country’s potential for irrigated crop production has not been fully assessed. The area developed for horticultural production is estimated at ... hectares. So far, most studies have been undertaken at reconnaissance or pre-feasibility level and in order to identify water resources for domestic and industrial purposes. These studies have concentrated mainly on major surface water resources, ignoring the potential for small-scale irrigation from minor surface or groundwater resources. Nevertheless, ...000 hectares have been identified as suitable for irrigation on the basis of soil and water availability in the ..., ... and ... river basins. Much of this potential is found in small and scattered areas that do not exceed 100 hectares.

More recently water resources were developed through the construction of ... multi-purpose dams between 19--. and 19--, with assistance from UNDP/FAO. The potential of these dams, estimated at ... hectares, is expected to be realized during the current National Development Plan, with the construction of the irrigation infrastructure. Additionally, several hundreds of boreholes developed for primary purposes or the construction of roads have become available for irrigation either because of the development of alternative water resources for primary purposes or because of nitrate pollution of the boreholes.

Ample scope exists for irrigation development of high value crops, including horticultural crops, fodder for the dairy industry and other. However, the irrigation sub-sector is confronted with several constraints, among which the lack of an Irrigation Policy and Strategy to guide the country’s irrigation development.

Technical assistance from FAO (TCP/XXX/.... and UTF/XXX/...) provided training courses in planning, design and construction of various types of small-scale irrigation schemes. Additionally, the introduction of feasibility studies for the development of irrigation projects is expected to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in the adoption of farmer participation in irrigation development. Also, the initiated effort by the Irrigation Section to train farmers in the management of the introduced technologies, is expected to gradually improve the performance of irrigated crop production.

Furthermore, the Government has embarked in the preparation of a National Plan for Crop Production. This plan, currently under preparation, is expected to identify potential resources and areas for irrigation development, among other types of farming. The development of the National Irrigation Policy and Strategy, to guide the country’s irrigation development, has become necessary. The Ministry of Agriculture does not have the technical expertise to undertake the formulation of the Irrigation Policy and Strategy alone.

In view of the sensitivity of the issues covered in the formulation of such a document, the need for this document to reflect national aspirations and FAO’s proven neutrality and experience with the development of such documents in other countries in the sub-region, the Government of XXX has requested FAO technical assistance through TCP to assist in the formulation of the National Irrigation Policy and Strategy.

III. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSISTANCE

Development Objective:

Facilitate the development of the irrigation sub-sector on a sustainable basis.

Immediate Objective:

The core objective of the project is to formulate a National Irrigation Policy and Strategy, with active participation of stakeholders.

IV. PROJECT OUTPUTS (RESULTS)

The output of the assistance consists of the document on National Irrigation Policy and Strategy. This document will aim at identifying problems and constraints affecting the development of the sub-sector such as equitable water distribution, capital, institutional capacity, water legislation, land tenure, markets and infrastructure, low level of water use efficiency, water quality, health aspects of irrigation development, environment, etc. The national objectives for the development of the sub-sector will be established, policy action to remove the constraints will be identified and the policy elements for sustainable irrigation development elaborated. Moreover, the measures to operationalize this policy through a strategy will be set. Such measures may include the reform of the legal framework and possibly the adoption of the river basin planning approach, water resources inventories, proposals for institutional arrangements, human resources development, environment and health planning, irrigation research and other. Finally, the project will result in enhanced capacity of the counterpart staff.

V. WORK PLAN

In developing the national policy and strategy document, the principles of national character and the use of the consultative process will be adhered to. In order to meet these requirements, the consultants and the national counterparts will formulate ideas based on identified constraints and consult with leaders of the farming community, relevant government departments, NGOs and other stakeholders on their views. Based on the inputs from the stakeholders the first draft will be prepared and distributed to the stakeholders for their comments. This draft will then be discussed and finalized in a national workshop of stakeholders before it is submitted to the Government for consideration. Therefore, the work plan consists of two phases with the following activities:

Phase I

The following activities will be undertaken by a multi-disciplinary team of FAO international and regional consultants jointly with national counterparts to be assigned to the project by government:

Activity 1

Activity 2

Activity 3

Phase II

This phase is concerned with the holding of a national stakeholders' workshop to discuss and finalize the policy and strategy document. The specific activities include:

Activity 4

Activity 5

Activity 6

VI. CAPACITY BUILDING

While the objective of this project is limited to the formulation of an irrigation policy and strategy document using the consultative process, the exposure of the national counterparts and the stakeholders to the processes of developing a national policy and strategy will strengthen the national capacity in this area.

VII. INPUTS TO BE PROVIDED BY FAO

Personnel services

International and Regional Consultants

Senior International Irrigation policy and Strategy

The cost estimates for the consultants are presented in Annex 2. Terms of reference are presented in Annex 3.

National Administrative support

Secretarial assistance will be required during the workshop and for the finalization of the Irrigation Policy and strategy document. The sum of $2,000 has been budgeted for this purpose.

Official Travel

Within country travel will be required during the consultations with stakeholders in different parts of the country, and visits to irrigation sites to identify constraints. A provision of US$4,000 is made in the budget.

General Operating Expenses

The sum of US$6,715 is earmarked to cover the cost of telecommunications, photocopying and the preparation of the Terminal Statement.

Direct Operating Expenses (US$13,000)

Training

Four one-day workshops are envisaged for the rural centres to solicit the views of the stakeholders and one two-day workshop in the capital to discuss the draft irrigation policy and strategy with all stakeholders. The cost is estimated at US$4,400 for the rural workshops and $5,350 for the two-day workshop in the capital (see Annex 2).

VIII. REPORTING

The team leader will prepare a brief mission report, and the final version of the National Irrigation Policy and Strategy document. He will also prepare the Terminal Statement in accordance with TCP procedures, for submission to the Government. All consultants will prepare technical reports in their respective fields.

IX. GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTION AND SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The project will be supervised by a National Programme Steering Committee (NPSC) composed of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as Chairman and representatives of other institutions concerned with the implementation of the project, as well as the FAO Representative in the country concerned. The NAPS will oversee, guide and closely supervise the implementation of the project including the coordination of the project funding from FAO and GOV XXX. At MOA, the Department of Fieldcrops and Horticulture and in particular its Irrigation Branch will be entrusted with the overall day-to-day responsibility for the implementation of the project. MOA will appoint a National Project Coordinator who will be responsible for advising the NPSC and act as its secretary.

The Government of XXX will also provide:

1. A senior counterpart to the mission leader
2. Provision of counterparts to the members of the multi-disciplinary mission
3. Driver and transport to the mission
4. Adequate office accommodation and secretarial support
5. Access to all necessary reports, data and maps
6. Transport and travelling allowances for all counterparts; and

7. Logistic support and assistance for the organization of the workshop.

PROJECT BUDGET COVERING FAO INPUTS

(in U.S. Dollars)

ANNEX 1

WORK PROGRAMME AND TIME SCHEDULE

IRRIGATION POLICY AND STRATEGY FORMULATION

ANNEX 2

Cost estimates of consultants and workshops

Senior International Policy and Strategy Consultant

Regional Consultants

National Consultants

Rural Workshops

Workshop in the capital

ANNEX 3

TERMS OF REFERENCE

SENIOR INTERNATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY AND STRATEGY CONSULTANT – TEAM LEADER

Duration 7 weeks: 5 weeks in XXX (first mission), 2 weeks in XXX (National Workshop)

The Senior Irrigation Policy and Strategy consultant and Team Leader will perform his/her duties in close consultation with the Chief Land Utilization Officer of the Department of Fieldcrops and Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, and in collaboration with the members of the mission, the national counterparts and the FAO backstopping officer. He/she will be responsible for the specific technical output of the mission, namely the Irrigation Policy and Strategy. In order to maintain the complementary role of this effort to the preparation of the National Plan for Crop Production, the team leader will liaise closely with the team preparing that Plan. His/her specific duties include:

1. Planning and coordination of the mission activities in the country.
2. Review the agricultural policy and strategy, water master plan, the water development guidelines, the water act and environmental policies as they are relevant to irrigation policy and strategy.
3. Jointly with the national counterparts, identify constraints and problems faced by the irrigation sub-sector with emphasis on constraints that can be removed through policy action.
4. Jointly with the national counterparts, develop policy and strategy ideas and relevant questionnaire in preparation for the consultations with stakeholders both at district level and in the capital. Issues to be considered include:

• Water as a scarce good
• Economically efficient use of water
• Water pricing
• Efficiency and social acceptability
• Political and public acceptability
• Equity of distribution of irrigation water
• Health and environmental aspects of irrigation
• Water or food imports or a mix of both
• Macro-economic policies as related to irrigation
• Domestic versus international concerns
• Centralized or decentralized management
• Administrative arrangements
• Land tenure
• Water rights

FAO Irrigation and Drainage Technical Paper 52 "Reforming Water Resources Policies" can be used for further guidance.

1. Enunciate policy elements that would foster economically viable and sustainable irrigation farming, without undue negative environmental impact.
2. Formulate a draft National Irrigation Policy and Strategy incorporating his own input together with the inputs of mission members and counterparts.
3. Prepare a programme for the National Workshop.
4. Participate and lead discussion in the National Workshop.
5. Prepare the final version of the irrigation policy and strategy document; and
6. Prepare a report on the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the mission.
7. Prepare the Terminal Statement for the project.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess at least a MSc degree in Water Resources Management or Irrigation and have 10 years of professional experience in Water Resources Management and substantial experience with the formulation of water/irrigation policies and strategies.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

WATER MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONS CONSULTANT

Duration: 5 weeks , 4 weeks (mission to XXX), 1 week (national workshop)

The Water Management and Institutions Consultant will perform his/her duties in close consultation with the Team Leader and his/her counterpart and in collaboration with the members of the mission and the other counterparts. His/her specific duties are to:

1. Review information pertaining to water resources and the demand on them, on-going and planned irrigation development in relation to size, management, source of water and delivery methods, land tenure, etc., and the policy implications of such developments.
2. Examine how the current and future agricultural water demands could be met on a sustainable basis and in a cost-effective manner.
3. Analyze the planning, implementation and management process of small-scale and commercial irrigation schemes, with respect to organizing crop production, water use and overall efficiency of the schemes and identify constraints which should be addressed through policy action.
4. Identify policy and strategy elements that are relevant to water resources development and protection that would support sustainable agricultural development.
5. Evaluate policy and institutional and human resources development requirements relating to technology transfer, research and extension systems for irrigation development.
6. Contribute to the formulation of national irrigation policy and strategy with specific reference to the above areas.
7. Assist the team leader in writing the draft national policy and strategy document.
8. Participate and lead discussion in the National Workshop; and
9. Prepare a report on the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the mission.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess at least a MSc degree in Irrigation or related area and have 10 years of professional experience in Water Management Institutional Development and/or Reforms, preferably with some experience with the formulation of irrigation policies and strategies.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

REGIONAL IRRIGATION ECONOMIST

Duration: 4 weeks, 3 weeks (mission to XXX), 1 week (national workshop)

The Irrigation Economist will perform his/her duties in close consultation with the team leader and his/her national counterpart and in collaboration with the members of the mission and the other counterparts. His/her specific duties are:

1. Review economic studies and evaluations carried out in the country on the irrigation sub-sector.
2. Review the present financial arrangement for irrigation projects.
3. Evaluate the methodologies used in XXX to assess the economic and financial viability of irrigation projects as they apply to small-scale irrigation schemes.
4. Examine the concept of water pricing as means to improve water use efficiency and the implications of such pricing on the economic viability of small-scale irrigation.
5. Evaluate the economic and financial feasibility of small-scale irrigation and propose policies and strategies to make the sub-sector an economically and financially viable venture.
6. Contribute to the formulation of national irrigation policy and strategy with specific reference to the above areas.
7. Assist the team leader in writing the draft irrigation policy and strategy document.
8. Participate and lead discussion in the National Workshop; and
9. Prepare a report on the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the mission.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess at least a MSc degree in Agricultural Economics and have 10 years of professional experience of which at least 5 years on the assessment of the financial viability of irrigation projects and or monitoring and evaluation of the performance of such projects.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

REGIONAL SOCIOLOGIST

Duration: 2- week mission to XXX

The sociologist will perform his/her duties in close consultation with the Team Leader and his/her national counterpart and in collaboration with the members of the mission and the other counterparts. His/her specific duties are:

1. Review available studies and existing social policies and strategies as they are relevant to irrigation policy and strategy.
2. Analyze the social aspects of small-scale irrigation both for individual and group projects in the light of achieving food security, equity, and improvement of living standards of small farmers.
3. On the basis of this analysis, identify relevant constraints and prepare a framework on the participation of farmers in the planning and development of irrigation projects.
4. Contribute in the formulation of the national irrigation policy and strategy in the above areas.
5. Assist the team leader in writing the draft irrigation policy and strategy; and
6. Prepare a report on the findings, conclusions and recommendations and recommendations of the mission.

Qualifications

The candidate should possess at least an MSc degree in Social Sciences and have 10 years of professional experience in addressing social issues in rural development. Experience in the area of social issues as related to irrigation development is a must.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

NATIONAL LEGAL CONSULTANT

Duration: 2 p/m

In close collaboration with government counterparts and the other experts, and under the general direction of the Backstopping Officer and the Development Law Service, the national legal consultant will:

1. Collect all legislation in force or under consideration on water and land issues, including, in particular, legislation on water resources management in general, on irrigation and drainage, and on charging for water and services; on associations in general and on farmers’ or water users’ groupings in particular; on land tenure in Country X in general and on irrigated lands in particular.
2. Review, assess, and analyze existing legislation relevant to land tenure issues.
3. Identify any respects in which the legal framework governing land tenure (either elements of existing laws or gaps in existing legislation) constrains the development of the irrigation sub-sector.
4. Arrange and facilitate meetings between the relevant counterpart officials and the Backstopping Officer during the latter’s missions to XXX.
5. Attend and participate in the National Workshop dedicated to developing the national irrigation policy and strategy;
6. Before the Backstopping Officer’s second mission, submit a final report containing analysis and recommendations arising from points (2)-(3).

Qualifications

Experienced lawyer, specialized in land and environment legislation.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

SUPERVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES (AGLW BACKSTOPPING)

Duration: 3 weeks, in two missions of three weeks.

In close collaboration with government counterparts, the Team Leader and the other experts and under the general direction of AGLW, the Backstopping Officer/s will:

1. Identify and select international and regional consultants.
2. Brief the Team Leader and consultants.
3. As Lead Technical Unit, coordinate FAO inputs of this multi-disciplinary project.
4. Participate and serve as a resource person in the consultations ;
5. Participate and serve as a resource and speaker/panelist person in the National Policy Review workshop. 
6. Take part in the final stages of the preparation of final documents.
7. Review and clear consultants’ technical reports.
8. Review, clear and submit the terminal statement.

Qualifications

Water management officer, specialized in water resources policy formulation.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

ADVISORY TECHNICAL SERVICES (LEGN BACKSTOPPING)

Duration: 1.5 p/m, in two missions of three weeks.

In close collaboration with government counterparts, the other experts, and the national legal consultant, and under the general direction of the Development Law Service, the Backstopping Officer will:

1. Review and assess existing legislation relevant to the development and management of water resources for irrigation (water rights, etc.) including legislation on the formation of water users’ associations.
2. Identify any respects in which the legal framework in XXX (either elements of existing laws or gaps in existing legislation) constrains the development of the irrigation sub-sector.
3. Review the report of the national legal consultant on land tenure issues and incorporate relevant elements into any observations to be made at points (d) - (f).
4. Advise the other team members on the legal issues that may arise in connection with the policy options being considered.
5. Discuss legal aspects of the irrigation policy and strategy at the national workshop.
6. Suggest options for proposed legal measures (e.g., amended or new legislation) necessary to put into place the irrigation policy and strategy.
7. Submit a final report containing analysis, recommendations, and conclusions.

Qualifications

Experienced lawyer, specialized in water resources legislation.