South Pacific commercial agricultural development (CAD) project (AID contract no. 879-0000-C-[00]-2191-00) : 1992-1995 -- final report

ACDI provided long- and short-term advisors. The project terminated early when USAID"s Regional Development Office for the South Pacific closed in 9/94. Nonetheless, significant accomplishments were made, including: (1) introduction of high-temperature, forced-air quarantine treatments in Fiji and Tonga, involving the sale of U.S. technology in previously "closed markets" (the equipment and treatment service are now owned and operated by farmer-owned enterprises); (2) development of a farm supply business in Vanuatu which is operating profitably and providing good services to farmers; (3) support of "quick curing" vanilla techniques and provision of vanilla testing equipment in Tonga, enabling the Friendly Islands Marketing Cooperative (FIMCO) to generate profits despite a substantial decline in world prices; (4) start-up of a certification process for organically grown vanilla and link-up with a lucrative market which led to increased incomes for certified producers; (5) six marketing workshops; (6) publication of a root crop manual and an indigenous nuts manual; (7) assistance to Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands, and Niue exporters in taking advantage of opportunities created by taro leaf blight in Western Samoa--within 2 years, taro become Fiji"s second most important agricultural export industry, with sales of US$4 million; (8) design of nutcrackers to make nuts a viable export product; (9) introduction of bait spray attractant for female fruit flies to decrease crop losses. The project"s private sector emphasis of CAD was adhered to, and many enterprises and organizations throughout the region received direct assistance and benefit. All activities were specifically designed with a sound environmental aspect. Lessons learned and recommendations are as follows. (1) The use of local "Management Resource Persons" was a very effective way to sponsor private sector development in broad-based organizations. ACDI highly recommends the use of local expertise for similar future activities. (2) The project"s early termination disrupted relationships and negatively affected project work. ACDI strongly recommends that in any future Mission closings, every effort be made to complete project activities so long as work is progressing satisfactorily and the benefits are cost effective. On the positive side, the USAID project coordinator continues to advise many of the participating organizations and individuals on a pro bono basis. This assistance will help to ensure the continued success of many of the entities ACDI worked with. (3) The South Pacific nations are good development partners and deserve a moderate level of continued USAID assistance. Due to the small size of the nations (except Papua new Guinea) such assistance can be cost-efficiently delivered through PVOs. (4) Additional short-term assistance is recommended to ensure that the high temperature, forced air quarantine component achieves its full potential. (Author abstract, modified)