NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK

TELEFOOD SPECIAL FUND PROJECT FORMAT

"Establishment of School Orchards"


Target group
Primary school children that would benefit by: a) increasing their consumption of fruits, and b) utilizing earnings in the improvement of the school (maintenance of buildings, purchasing of teaching materials, etc.).

Background and justification
Fruit consumption helps to prevent lack of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Children in school age in poor rural areas are very often an at-risk group. Fruit production and consumption in those areas is normally low. Establishment of school orchards is deemed necessary to improve nutritional status of rural children.

Voluntary work of a well-organized school community (teachers, students and parents) in establishment and management of school orchards would ensure consumption of fruits by children. Surplus production would be sold in the local market and earnings utilized for school improvement. During the academic year teachers and children could take care of the orchard while during the holidays parents will.

Pre-requisites
A number of pre-requisites need to be satisfied before project assistance should be considered, specifically:

  • a local willingness to participate in and contribute to the programme both at governmental ad community level;
  • an institution (government or NGO) capable of initiating and supervising the programme in the project area, as well as providing other essential inputs not covered by TeleFood;
  • Advisors/extension staff trained in horticulture, preferably with experience in orchard management, and with a good understanding of the local cultural environment and farming system practices.

Objectives
To provide planting materials and inputs for establishing school orchards (approximate area - 1 hectare).

Duration of the project: Typically one year.

Outputs
A fruit orchard established and technically well managed.

Activities

  • Selection of site for the orchard.
  • Identification of species and varieties to be cultivated.
  • Orchard layout.
  • Procurement of fruit plants.
  • Planting.
  • Maintenance of the orchard.

Activities
The project should start two-three months before the planting season.

Linkages with other (FAO) projects
To be defined in each country.

Inputs/Budget

  • Tools (rakes, shovels, etc.) and irrigation materials
US$1,500
  • Pruning shears and knives
US$500
  • Fruit plants
US$750
  • Living fences
 US$1,000
  • Fertilizers/pesticides*
US$1,350
  • Seeds for intercropping vegetables*
US$400
  • Sundry supplies
US$500
TOTAL US$6,000

* Enough quantity for at least two years.

Monitoring and reporting
The national implementing agency will be responsible for providing FAO with quarterly and final reports in an agreed format. The FAO Representation will be responsible for monitoring the progress of the project and ensuring, through independent audit, that the funds are used correctly. The school community (teachers, parents and children) should provide detailed information when the planting activities are over. It should include number of trees per specie and variety, planting distances and irrigation facilities, and status of the orchard.