Crop diversification/irrigation

The project will strengthen Agro 21"s institutional capabilities and help it upgrade irrigation infrastructure and GOJ operation and maintenance (O&M) capabilities and link small and larger farmers. To strengthen its institutional capabilities, Agro 21 will receive funds to hire 21 long- and short-term technical staff (expatriates, third country nationals, and Jamaicans), and will also receive commodities such as vehicles, computers, reference materials, and technical and office equipment. These inputs will help Agro 21 conduct a series of irrigation rehabilitation projects aimed at preparing underutilized GOJ-owned sugar estates on the St. Catherine plains near Kingston for lease to commercial producers. During year 1, Agro 21 will: rehabilitate 7 wells and build (with electrical service) 12 others; build a new pumping station at Rio Cobre and 2 small canal pumping stations and underground works; rehabilitate canals, roads, and drainage works; and provide fencing. Agro 21 will conduct or contract out the needed engineering and planning studies and with the Rio Cobre Irrigation Works (RCIW) will monitor private sector construction. It is expected that private investors, possibly aided by GOJ-funded improvements, will diversify crops on 13,400 of the area"s 20,000 acres during the project period. TA, training, and commodities provided through Agro 21 will enhance RCIW"s O&M capabilities and enable it to organize water user associations and offer on-farm water management workshops to farmers. Funds will be set aside for RCIW small infrastructure works outside those of Agro 21. The Underground Water Authority will receive commodities to facilitate environmental monitoring. Aided by TA and training, Agro 21 will encourage small farmer/large producer cooperation (focusing on a "mother farm" model of one large producer and several satellite farmers) to provide small farmers with the technology, markets, and supplemental employment they need to use the lands made available under the GOJ diversification program. The linkage program will be supported by small farmer fees, and small farmers may receive TA and training to help them meet producer requirements. A fund for experimental projects will be created. Grant amendment of 7/6/90 initiates Phase II, which includes a land divestment component to cover transaction costs (e.g., surveying, titling, registration) related to the divestment of GOJ-owned lands at the project site. The project will continue to support (a) irrigation system rehabilitation, (b) institution building (now focusing on the National Irrigation Commission -- NIC -- as Agro 21 is being phased out as of 9/90), and (c) improved small farm water use efficiency. The PACD is extended to 9/93. (PD-ABB-668)