Agreed action Responsibility Agreed date Status as of October 2015
Overall assessment
Complete the remaining procurement as per IFAP and in line with AWPB
TPCT 30-Jun-15 All procurements were done as per IFAP. However, capital procurements were pended until MTR after Category 1 was overdrawn.
Develop the next AWPB along agreed milestones TPCT 30-Jun-15 Done. AWPB was submitted for final approval and was approved on 6th November 2015.
Outputs and Outcomes
Revise the modality of implementation and
demonstration protocols of the adaptive research trials to ensure:
DARS 31-Aug-15 DARS conducted a meeting to harmonize technologies/messages that will be promoted under SAPP
1) that trials are carefully designed to deliver the right message in the right way;
A DARS strategy was drafted to guide research and collaboration/coordination in all SAPP sites. The department received comments from IFAD and noted that there is inadequate capacity to address some of the comments that were made. The programme therefore needs Technical Assistance from IFAD.
2) that sufficient training is provided to the officers implementing the trials on the various GAPs
This is an on-going process; however training for staff (AEDOs, SMSs) who will be implementing trials was conducted in Salima to kick start the process. 3) that messages of the trials are not conflicting with
other messages or activities of SAPP, especially to what relates to CA and ridging
Harmonizing meeting for demonstrations and trials was conducted and trial and demonstrations protocols were developed to avoid advocating contradictory messages for the programme. Additionally the department of Land Resources trained all members of staff in the EPAs, districts and ADDs on CA to ensure that there is uniformity in implementation of activities relating to CA and ridging. 4) that the learning process and adoption by farmers
is enhanced through the trial
The programme has developed data collecting sheets as part of the trial protocols to assist farmers and all stakeholders to manage data and draw lessons out of it.
5) that the trials contribute to the enhancement of the M&E system
Done Carry out a core functional analysis of all MOAIWD
departments, prior to further capacity building programs
MOAIWD 31-Dec-2015 Being facilitated by ASWAp secretariat through ASWAp SP programme. A consultant has been engaged, and it is expected that the consultant will submit his recommendations by March 2016
Align the proposed capacity building activities for adaptive research with the existing institutional training plan of DARS
DARS 31-Aug-15 Done
Revise the draft Adaptive Research Strategy 2015- 2021 to ensure better coherence in presentation and highlight the integration of various research themes (especially nutrition, postharvest, socio-economics and GAP). Integrate the M&E framework of the strategy within the SAPP M&E system
DARS, SAPP 31-Aug-15 The draft strategy has been developed, awaiting incorporation of final comments. However, there is need for IFAD to provide technical support in the finalization phase to address issues of inadequate capacity to properly incorporate comments that were made by IFAD on the draft strategy.
Republic of Malawi
Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme Supervision report - Mission dates: 13-26-May 2015
Appendix 7: Knowledge management: Learning and Innovation
40
Agreed action Responsibility Agreed date Status as of October 2015
Ensure coherence in the data provided in the text with the M&E data in the progress reports. Mainstream MOAIWD and TLC activities within these reports (TLC to continue presenting separate reports to the MOAIWD for compilation and evaluation)
TPCT 31-Jul-15 Done and on-going
Enhance the design and management of on-farm demonstrations (refer to the same recommendations in Component 1 for the Adaptive research
demonstrations)
DAES and TLC Immediately Harmonizing meeting for demonstrations and trials was conducted and trial and demonstrations protocols were developed to avoid advocating contradictory messages for the programme.
Conduct training on nutrition-sensitive agriculture for extension workers, AEDOs, nutrition officers
TPCT/IFAD Nutrition adviser
July/August 2015
Done. Prepare a FFS training and rolling plan to include:
training of Master trainers, extension facilitators, farmer facilitators, refresher courses, curricula development. Technical support could be sought from FAO – Malawi.
DAES 31-Aug-15 The training curriculum for FFS facilitators was developed with a focus on soya, pigeon peas, groundnuts, maize and conservation agriculture technologies. The training schedules for the Master trainers have also been developed focusing on the same technologies. Draft copies for the curriculum and training schedules are available. A draft manual has also been developed. However it requires some additions in line with the evolving approach.
Carry out an internal evaluation of lead farmers identified by the SAPP
MOAIWD and TPCT
30-Sep-15 A separate study was done on the same by a consultant, hence DAES is currently doing desk reviews/evaluation to draw lessons from the previous studies
Develop a strategy to ensure that seed production activities are linked to the seed private sector
DCD , SAPP 31-Aug-15 DCD has conducted meetings to consolidate issues to be drafted in the Legume Seed Strategy. Currently three seed companies (TASU seed company, Mbewu seed investment company and Fumwe seed company) have been engaged to adopt seed multiplication groups in SAPP operational districts depending on their comparative advantage. In addition the Ministry has developed a contract farming strategy which is being finalized to ensure that there is proper linkage between the seed producers and the seed companies.
Implementation progress
Revise the mechanism for supervision visits to include spot checks and meetings with beneficiaries
TPCT M&E officer
30-Jun-15 Done and on-going Upgrade the M&E system TPCT M&E
officer
30-Sep-15 Not done. The programme is suggesting to have an M&E specialist from IFAD to assist with upgrading the M&E system.
Implement the KAP survey on GAP TPCT M&E officer
31-Jul-15 Data collection was done but data entry and analysis have not yet started as the templates which were to be designed by TLC M&E Specialist have not yet been developed.
Devise a plan to capture programme outcomes TPCT M&E officer
30-Jun-15 The plan was drafted, it is awaiting technical review
Revise the logframe TPCT M&E
officer
30-Jun-15 Done. However there will be need to reduce the number of indicators during MTR.
Supervision report - Mission dates: 29-Nov – 10-Dec 2015
Appendix 8: Progress against previous mission recommendations – January/February 2015 Aide Memoire
Agreed action Responsibility Agreed date Status as of October 2015
implementation to include CGIAR-centres and NGOs TPCT Fiduciary
experts
Extend the tenure of the TPCT by one year, extend the contracts of the staff on the basis of performance evaluation
PS 15-Jun-15 The contracts of NPC and FMS have been extended for six months to December 2015. The contracts of M&E and Procurement Specialists were not extended as per recommendations of the Assessment Committee.
Resolve the financing gap of USD 71,000 PS 31-Jul-15 Done Complete migration of financial transactions data into
TOMPRO and reconcile accordingly
FC/Accountant 31-Aug-15 Done Adhere to GoM financial procedures in the
expenditure payments as per audit recommendation
FC/ Accountant Ongoing On going
Update the financial and Accounting procedures FC/Accountant 30-Sep-15 Awaiting finalization of the accounting manual by a consultant Prepare and submit to IFAD quarterly financial
statements
FC/Accountant 30-Jun-15 On-going
Follow up for payment of the VAT and bank charges FC/Accountant 31-Jul-15 The process is still under way. All VAT expenses have been compiled for refund to the programme through MRA
Remit to IFAD approximately USD 60,000 as the exchange loss arising out of the current balance of the Project Preparatory facility Grant
TPCT/MOF/MO AIR
30-Sep-15 Done
Sustainability Engage with local NGOs to support SAPP in institutional development of farmer groups
DAES and TPCT 30-Sep-15 Not done. The programme is however currently using decentralized structures such as Village Development Committees and stakeholder panels that would ensure continuity of programme activities once the programme phases out. Additionally, the use of lead farmers and farmer groups in implementation of activities would ensure sustainability of programme activities. Furthermore, there is institutionalization of programme activities since they are being implemented by government staff right from the grassroots.
Others Conduct Food KAP survey TPCT/IFAD
Nutrition Advisor
30-Sep-15 The survey was conducted but the report has not yet been submitted by the consultant
Plan and budget for income/asset and thematic surveys to assess programme impacts
Supervision report - Mission dates: 29-Nov – 10-Dec 2015