USAID HAY TAO: JOB QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR VANILLA PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS (PPV) IN MADAGASCAR

The sector has experienced an expansion of vanilla cultivation in various regions, including Anosy and Sofia, with the emergence of new vanilla producers and processors (PPVs). In response to the upward trend in vanilla prices since 2013, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAEL) increased the number of training courses on vanilla production and processing. The National Qualifications Standards for Sustainable and Resilient Vanilla Producers and Processors (PPVs) were developed under the leadership of the Ministry, with support from USAID Hay Tao. This regulatory reference document provides guidance on the implementation of continuous training on the effects of climate change for sustainable and resilient PPVs and on the conduct of assessments. The objective is to promote efficient, climate-resilient practices that ensure sound management of natural resources through a competency-based approach. The National Qualifications Standards for Sustainable and Resilient PPVs is composed of three main sections: job and competencies standards, certification standards, and training standards. The job and competencies standards contain background information, a list of activities, and a description of the competencies required from PPVs. This section also highlights meaningful professional situations called "key work situations," which form the areas of competence. The certification standards describe the skills certified by the certificate as well as the skills assessment method used, and establish a contractual relationship between the certifier, the beneficiary, and the professional world. The training standards translate the competency requirements into objectives and into a training curriculum, which is broken down into six training modules. These training modules are included in the appendices as support materials and cover topics such as sustainable and resilient vanilla production techniques, vanilla processing, sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation to climate change in the vanilla sector, farm management, marketing and communication in the vanilla value chain, and professional structuring and organization. The vanilla value chain offers many opportunities for professional integration of youth and the unemployed, and the standards facilitate uniform training criteria and evaluation practices. The National Qualifications Standards document is intended mainly for training centers, trainers, programs/projects, and all technical and financial partners involved in building the capacity of sustainable and resilient PPVs. It aims to establish a common approach to capacity building for all vanilla producers and processors throughout the country, taking into account the eco-geo-climatic challenges of each region of Madagascar. The document is a regulatory reference that provides guidance on the implementation of continuous training and assessments for PPVs, with the objective of promoting efficient, climate-resilient practices that ensure sound management of natural resources.