Improving food security and income for smallholder farmers through improved post harvest technology - Professor Kwame

Afreh- Nuamah Ghana

BACKROUND. Research efforts at reducing post harvest losses of grain have generated a number of technologies; a recent technology involves the use of hermetic triple layer bags for storage of cowpea. This technol ogy is currently being disseminated by Purdue University and is considered successful in control of the cowpea storage insect pest. The adaptation of this technology for storage of other important cere al crops as maize, paddy rice and sorghum which are also affected by same categories of storage pe st would require some adaptable research activities. In addition, the modification of the plastic mate rials which were used for the Purdue technology to biodegradable materials is considered laudable, due to its environmental friendliness and the need to extend the technology to countries where ordin ary plastics are outlawed.

On 4th of March 2011, a Memorandum of understanding was signed between the Forum of Agricult ural Research in Africa, Ghana (FARA), University of Ghana, Legon and Concern Universal for Pr oject REF: FARA-NSF5-SSACP HERMETIC BAGS MOU- February 2011. Under this MOU, FA RA provided funding to the University of Ghana for two MPhil students to conduct research on the effectiveness of the hermetic storage technology whilst Concern Universal, a U K registered NGO b ased in Ghana facilitated the identification and selection of site and farmer participants in field resea rch. Two MPhil students-Jacob Anakware Paarechuga an Entomology student and Francisca Aba Ansah a Postharvest student were identified for the research. Jacob explored the "Effectiveness of the three layer-hermetic bag in controlling the larger grain borer, prostesphanus trancatus (horn) and sitophilus zeamais (Mot) on stored maize" (See Attachment Q); whilst Francisca studied the "Environmental conditions and the use of Hermetic Triple Layer bags for Maize Storage" (See Appendix B) The results from these studies showed the potential of the biodegradable hermetic bags in protecting maize in storage. The high yielding maize varieties were found to be most susceptible and recorded the highest weight loss. Hermetic bags were able to preserve seeds with better quality and viabilty much longer than chemical treatment, conventional jute and polypropylene bags ( see attached docu ments). It was recommended that the triple-layer hermetic bag should be promoted so maize farmer s could use it to store their grains. Following this a consortium was formed, involving Concern Universal, University of Ghana,Legon, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, Abrono Organic Farming Project, A Julius Kuhn-Instiut, Fe

deral Research Centre, Germany on Cultivated Plants, Bio-Plastic Ghana Limited (Industry), and B vumbwe Agricultural Station, Malawi. A concept note based on the heading was submitted to PAE PARD which was reviewed to be of very good quality with a high potential to yield efficient partner ship that will promote innovation. Consequently, the concept note was accepted for further consider ation. Following that a partnership inception workshop was organised for three consortia selected b y FARA based on the earlier call for proposal. This meeting was held in Nairobi, Kenya from 6th -1 0th June, 2011. After this, a write-shop was organised at Entebbe, Uganda to finalise the developme nt of the full proposal (See Appendix A). Subsequently, our proposal was submitted to the AU call f or proposals in April 2012. Since then nothing has been heard about the proposal and the way forwa rd.

APPENDIX A

AFRICAN UNION

UNION AFRICAINE

UNIO AFRICANA

Annex A: Grant Application Form

African Union Research Grants Open Call for Proposals - 2012

Reference: [HRST/ST/AURG/CALL2/2012]

Deadline for submission of proposals: 20/04/2012: 1700 Hours Addis Ababa

Dossier No (for official use only)

10 European Development Fund The African Component of the ACP Research Programme for Sustainable Development Ref: EuropeAid/132-331/M/ACT/ACP

th

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Title of the action: [Number and title of lot] Location(s) of the action: Name of the applicant Nationality of the applicant1

Management of Pre- and Post- Harvest Insect Pests of Maize in Ghana and Malawi Lot 1-Post-harvest and Agriculture Ghana and Malawi Institute of Agricultural Research, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Ghanaian

Dossier No (for official use only) EuropeAid ID

2

Ongoing contract/Legal Entity File 3 Lumber (if available) Legal status

4

Governmental body Public University Insitution Name: Concern Universal Nationality: British

Partner(s) -1

Date of establishment: 1976 Legal status: Non profit making NGO: Company Limited By Guarantee, and Registered Charity.

Name: Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station Partner 2 Nationality: Malawi Date of establishment: 1940s Legal status: Government Research Station Name: Julius Khn-Instiut, Federal Research Centre on Cultivated Plants EuropeAid ID: 999494015 (PIC) Partner 3 Nationality: German Date of establishment: 1 January 2008 Legal status: Non-profit governmental research institute

For organisations, the statutes must make it possible to ascertain that the organisation was set up by an act governed by the national law of the country concerned. In this respect, any legal entity whose statutes have been established in another country cannot be considered an eligible local organisation. In this respect, see also footnotes of the Guidelines of the call. To be inserted if the organisation is registered in PADOR. This number is allocated to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/onlineservices/pador. If an applicant has already signed a contract with the European Commission and/or has been informed of the Legal Entity File number. If neither of this apply, indicate "N/A". E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation. Add as many rows as partners.

4 5

Applicant's contact details for the purpose of this action Postal address: Telephone number: (fixed and mobile) Country code + city code + number Fax number: Country code + city code + number Contact person for this action: Contact person's email: Address: Website of the Organisation: Professor Kwame Afreh-Nuamah knuamah@ug.edu.gh Institute of Agricultural Research, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG. 68, Accra, Ghana. Institute of Agricultural Research, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG. 68, Accra, Ghana. +233- 3202-50080 - Fixed +233-244873568 - Mobile

http://www.ug.edu.gh/cacs/

Any change in the addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and in particular e-mail, must be notified in writing to the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority will not be held responsible in case it cannot contact an applicant.

TABLE OF CONTENT PART A. CONCEPT NOTE .......................................................................................................................... 5 1 Instructions for the drafting of the concept note ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.1. Summary of the action .................................................................................................................. 5 1.2. Relevance of the action (max 3 pages) ......................................................................................... 6 1.3. Description of the action (max 1 page) ......................................................................................... 9 Checklist for concept note ................................................................................................................ 10 Declaration by the applicant for concept note ................................................................................ 12 Assessment grid for concept note ................................................................................................... 13

2 3 4

PART B. FULL APPLICATION FORM ...................................................................................................... 14 1 2 General information ........................................................................................................................... 14 The action ........................................................................................................................................... 15 2.1. Budget of the action, amount requested from the Contracting Authority and other expected sources of funding ..................................................................................................................................... 15 2.2. Description of the Action ................................................................................................................. 2.3. Applicant's experience of similar actions ..................................................................................... 33 The applicant ...................................................................................................................................... 36 3.1. Identity ......................................................................................................................................... 36 3.2. Profile .......................................................................................................................................... 37 3.3. Capacity to manage and implement actions ............................................................................... 39 3.4. List of the management board/committee of your organisation ................................................. 42 Partners of the applicant participating in the action ...................................................................... 44 4.1. Description of the partners .......................................................................................................... 44 4.2. Partnership statement ................................................................................................................. 49 Associates of the applicant participating in the action ................................................................. 50 Checklist for the full application form ............................................................................................. 54 Declaration by the applicant ............................................................................................................. 56 Assessment grid of the full application form .................................................................................. 57

5 6 7 8

P ART A. CO N C E PT N O T E SUMMARY OF THE ACTION Please complete the table below which should not exceed 1 page. Title of the action: Lot: - Please tick the box corresponding to the specific lot for which you are applying: Location(s) of the action: - specify country(ies), region(s) that will benefit from the action Total duration of the action (months): Amount of requested EU contribution The overall objective of this project is to improve household food security in Ghana and Malawi. The specific objectives are to: Develop crop management systems to enhance maize production and reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technology Develop Innovative strategy to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies to farmers Fifteen thousand small-holder maize farmers (10,000 in Ghana and 5,000 in Malawi)
7

Management of Pre- and Post- Harvest Insect Pests of Maize in Ghana and Malawi Lot 1 - Post-harvest and Agriculture Lot 2 - Renewable and Sustainable Energy Lot 3 - Water and Sanitation

Ghana and Malawi

36 months

Objectives of the action

Target group(s)

Final beneficiaries

Small-holder maize farmers in Ghana and Malawi, 3 farmerbased organisations, 1 hermetic bag manufacturer, Agricultural Extension Agents, Institutional maize buyers, NGOs Consumers and Researchers, 1. Sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems put in place. 2. Sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies put in place 3. Innovative ways of promoting and disseminating technologies put in place 1. Development of sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management system to reduce maize grain losses in the field 2.Development of sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies 3. Development of Innovative strategies to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage

Estimated results

Main activities

Target groups are the groups/entities who will be directly positively affected by the action at the action purpose level. Final beneficiaries are those who will benefit from the action in the long term at the level of the society or sector at large.
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technologies to farmers RELEVANCE OF THE ACTION (MAX 3 PAGES) 1.2.1 Relevance to the objectives/sectors/themes/specific priorities of the call for proposals. The project being proposed seeks to improve household food security in Ghana and Malawi. This will be achieved through research to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems and post-harvest technologies to reduce pre- and post-harvest losses of maize due to insect pests and st diseases. This proposal is therefore consistent with the 1 priority area: Post-harvest and Agriculture, of this nd 2 call of the African Union Research Grants. It is also consistent with the African Union (AU) Millennium Declaration (AU, 2006) in tackling challenges that currently hinder African countries from attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/), in particular, MDG 1 (Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger), and MDG 8 (Develop a global partnership for development). The proposed project contributes to the eradication of poverty and hunger by providing important complementary management tools for maize production through early detection of build-up of on-farm and post-harvest pests and diseases and to aid timely implementation of control to avert outbreaks (MDG 6), thus, minimizing loss of food and income generation (MDG 1). Scientific collaboration among all partners will be a significant contribution to technology transfer to the achievement of MDG 8. This project which will be implemented through collaborative research between scientific institutions in Ghana and Malawi will also promote intra-regional scientific collaboration and co-operation among scientists in west and southern Africa for sustainable development of the African continent. The proposal is thus consistent with the overall objective of improving science and technology re search to contribute to Africas sustainable development through: innovatively and sustainably building Africas research capacities through direct funding of the AU Science and Technology Policy, particularly the implementation of the Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA) and its lighthouse projects. This project satisfies the requirement of local ownership since the main applicant of the action is a member of African Union. It also satisfies the other requirements such as regional collaboration. This project which aims at improving food security by increasing maize grain output among small-holder maize farmers in Ghana and Malawi will address the issue of food security and food safety which are among the expected results mentioned in the priority area Post-harvest and Agriculture of this call. This action also addresses the issue of adapting a much large effects of climate change to African agriculture through the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems and storage technologies to reduce insect pests and safeguard yields of maize. 1.2.2. Relevance to the particular needs and constraints of the target country/countries, region(s) and/or relevant sectors (including synergy with other EU initiatives and avoidance of duplication). The worsening global food situation over the past couple of years is a matter of growing concern for most governments particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where a significant proportion of the populations still live below the poverty line. In addition to soaring food prices, the factors contributing to the challenging food situation for lower-income SSA countries, include persistently low productivity, difficulty in adapting to climate change, financial difficulties and inaccessible credit facilities, and increased dependency on food aid. Yet, there is an additional factor that exacerbates food insecurity: post-harvest losses (PHL) (World Bank, 2011). High PHL reduce real income for all consumers, divert essential income out of farmers pockets and undermine overall food availability. Insect pest infestation accounts for the bulk, about 20% to 50%, of all food crop losses, much of maize grain losses occur during pre-harvesting, harvesting, shelling, drying and storage (Komen et al., 2011; Agoda et al., 2011). Post-harvest losses may be caused by several factors including harvesting methods, handling procedures, drying techniques and moisture levels; types of storage; filth; attack by birds and rodents; insect damage; and infestation by food-borne pathogens. Grain losses do not only lead to weight loss but also reduces food quality as a result of contamination with mould, frass, dead insect bodies and fragments. Furthermore, studies in West Africa suggest that maize free of insect damage had no contamination with aflatoxin (a metabolic by-product of infection by the mould Aspergillus flavus, which is a serious human health hazard), but maize with 70% of the cobs damaged by insects had 30.3% of the cobs contaminated with aflatoxin. Timely harvesting, appropriate drying methods as well as storage methods that reduce insect attack and maintain optimum grain moisture content are a significant contribution to reducing grain loss and improving food safety. Small-scale maize storage in Ghana and Malawi is mostly in traditional cribs, platforms, store houses, rooms and mud silos. However, a few farmers store their maize in improved cribs. Most of the small-scale storage structures do not give protection to maize from insects, mites, rodents, atmospheric moisture and heat. Thus, there is great potential for the adoption of improved storage methods where these are economically feasible and culturally acceptable. An important option in this regard is triple bagging (also called the Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage or PICS). In this PICS, grain is stored in two gas-tight (hermetic) bags and a tough outer bag, so that due to natural respiration oxygen is depleted and carbon dioxide accumulates. In this environment insect pests will not survive. To date, the technology has been devoted to the storage of cowpea but recent research indicates that they can also be

used to store maize. We are therefore proposing to test the effectiveness of these bags with the ultmate goal of recommending and promoting their use for maize storage in Ghana and Malawi. Triple bagging is currently promoted very successfully for cowpea storage in several West African countries but no consideration has so far been given to the disposal of plastic bags once they are no longer usable for grain storage. Besides demonstrating and extending the effective use of bag for maize storage, this project will also examine the potential for use of biodegradable plastics to reduce waste accumulation problems once plastic bags have reached the end of their useful life. 1.2.3 Problem statement Post-harvest losses continue to undermine food security and incomes of small-holder farmers in SSA, threatening livelihoods of vulnerable households. Post-harvest losses of cereals and grain legumes have been estimated to be between 10% and 30% in most SSA countries.. In Ghana, for instance, where annual average maize production is estimated at 1.6 million tonnes (MoFA, 2010), a 30% loss could translate to as much as 480,000 tonnes. Despite the efforts made by governments and donors in protecting stored grains against insect pests, about 200 million tonnes of stored food which is estimated at US $20 billion is lost annually in the world (Bengton 2005) with Eastern and Southern Africa having estimated PHL ofUS$1.6 billion a year. Losses due to improper harvesting methods, poor handling procedures, poor drying techniques and high moisture levels at harvest also pose major constraints to small-holder maize farmers in SSA.. Harvesting maize grain when grain moisture levels are higher than the recommended level creates a conducive environment for insects to thrive, at the same time the grain start developing moulds that leads to aflatoxin which posesgreat threat to human health. Delayed harvest could also result in insect infestation in the field before the crop is harvested thereforetimely harvesting is critical for reducing post-harvest losses through insect infestation. Cost of agrochemicals and the correct methods of application for the control of insects is also a major constraint to small-holder farmers in SSA, who in some cases have little knowledge on their use. Incorrect applications of agrochemicals pose serious health risks to both consumers and applicators. Some insects have also developed resistance to some of the chemicals used for their control, while some natural enemies of insects have been destroyed by them. Moreover, the poor storage facilities of traditional farmers in the developing countries are unsuitable for effective conventional chemical control e.g. the use of fumigants, as most storagestructures are open to re-infestation by insect pests .In the absence of cost effective, safe and user friendly storage technologies, farmers are compelled to sell their produce immediately after harvest when prices are lowest and often below production cost. However, few months later the same farmers will start to buy the grain at much higher prices. Therefore, storage of grains gives small-holder farmers the opportunity to increase their earnings sometimesby fourfold, while enhancing household food availability. Adoption of improved post-harvest practices and technologies needs to be better understood from the economic, technical and social perspectives. Most of the previous attempts to reduce post-harvest losses have largely been unsuccessful because they focused on the farm level (World Bank, 2011). Hence our intervention will focus on systemic interventions that link the small-holder to remunerative market. 1.2.4 Describe and define the target groups and final beneficiaries, their needs and constraints and how the action will address these needs The target group includes small-holder farmers and farmer-based organisations (FBOs) at village/community level. The final beneficiaries are the small-holder maize farmers, farmer-based organisations, agro-food processors, hermetic storage bag manufacturers, Researchers, Agricultural Extension Agents, Institutional maize buyers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Consumers and the Ghanaian and Malawian economy. The pre- and post-harvest constraints along the maize value chain and marketing of maize grain will be addressed in the table below.The study will adopt participatory action research approachesincluding field trials, joint assessment of technologies through participation in on-farm trials to ensure full engagement of target groups and-collective ownership of results. 1.2.5 Particular added-value elements The participation of private partners, Bio-Plastic Ghana limited, Poly-Pack in Malawi and Concern Universal (CU), an NGO in the project is an added value that ensures public/private partnership. The project seeks to focus on the development of biological control technologies such as the use of field pest attractants, trap crops and bio-degradable plastic liners to control pre and post-havest insect pests respectively, which promote environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the project will promote gender equality and equal opportunity through inclusion of female headed households who face labour and financial resource challenges when it comes to sourcing of external farm inputs.

STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS Target groups and beneficiaries Small-holder farmers and FBOs Description of target groups and beneficiaries Four hundred small-holder farmers of average landholding of up to 2 ha located in the transitional zone of Ghana. This will be repeated in Malawi. PFAG and ABOFAB are FBOs operating in the target area of Ghana. This will be repeated in Malawi World Food Programs, the Breweries and other Medium Scale Agroprocessors numbering about 20 would benefit from the program in Ghana. This will be repeated in Malawi. Bio-Plastic Ghana limited in Ghana and Poly Pack Malawi are prvate manufacturers producing Hermetic bags in the two countries There are about 60 extension officers in the target area in Ghana and about 40 in Malawi. Needs and constraints Improved maize varieties (high yielding, pests and disease tolerant, consumeracceptable), sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems, sustainable and environmentally friendly post- harvest technologies, access to remunerative markets Regular supply of good quality maize produce, sustainable post-harvest technologies How project will address needs Improved maize varieties with tolerance to insect pests will be identified and promoted. Sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems and post-harvest technologies will be developed and promoted. Farmers and other stakeholders will be trained in post-harvest technologies. Farmers will be linked to institutional grain buyers. Training in the use of hermetic storage bags at village and community level.

Institutional maize buyers, and agroprocessors Hermetic bag producers

Marketing of hermetic storage bags

Downstream impact of the project will lead to increased demand of their products

Extension workers

Consumers

Policy makers, district assemblies and donors NGOs

About 14.5 million and 7 million people in Ghana and Malawi, respectively are going to benefit from the action In Ghana five maize production districts located in the transitional zone will be involved in the project Concern Universal, a U.K International Non-Governmental Organisation which focuses on rural development and food security University of Ghana, Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station and Julius Kuhn-Institute, Federal Research Centre on Cultivated Plants

Adequate knowledge on appropriate sustainable crop management systems and sustainable post-harvest technologies to reduce post and pre-harvest loss due to insects Regular supply of safe, nutritious and high quality maize at affordable prices. Adequate information to inform food security policy formulation

Training

Downstream impact of the project will lead to ready availability of high quality maize that meets consumer preferences Awareness through demonstrations, workshops/seminars and policy briefs

Adequate technology and technical backstopping

Provision of appropriate technologies

Researchers

Networking among other scientists on the continent and in Europe, Research capacities
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Through collaboration, networking and cooperation

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DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION (MAX 1 PAGE) 1.3.1 Background to the preparation of the action and preliminary results. The action came out from work done with small-holder farmers in the target areas in Ghana by CU, Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and Abrono Organic Farming Project (ABOFAP) over the past four years. Participatoy needs assessment carried out with target farmers confirms documented high levels of grain losses at the pre- and post-harvest phases and its impact on farmers incomes and household food secuiry. Concern Universal and University of Ghana (UG) has been collaborating to evaluate post-harvest needs of farmers over the last two years and the proposed action seeks to buid upon this on-going collaboration. The projet partner, Malawi established the maize storage losses in the range of 10-15% through an FAO-Malawi funded project (survey on assessment of maize post-harvest losses in storage) conducted between 2008 and 2010. Based on that study, it was recommended that interventions aimed at reducing post-harvest losses be developed or identified and promoted. Therefore, BARS through its technical experts came up with the proposed actions in collaboration with its local associates and international partners (UoG and CU). 1.3.2 Describe the objectives of the action. (Elaborate here on the objectives mentioned in the table in Section 1.1 above). The project seeks to improve household food security in both Ghana and Malawi through increasing maize output among small-holder maize farmers. This will be achieved by implementing activities such as development of technologies and disseminating them to small-holder farmers that will result in addressing the problems farmers face during pre- and post-harvest period in maize as a result of pest infestations. 1.3.3 Describe the key stakeholder groups, their attitudes towards the action and any consultation undertaken with them. The stakeholder groups involved in this project include small-holder maize farmers, farmer-based organisations in Ghana and Malawi, Hermetic bag manufacturers, institutional maize buyers, Research Institutions (UoG, BARS in Malawi, and Julius Kuhn-Institute (JFI), Federal Research Centre on Cultivated Plants, Germany) and extension service organisation (Concerned Universal). A number of consultations took place among the partners (UoG, BARS, JKI and CU) including an initial partnership inception workshops held in Ghana and Nairobi as well as proposal development writeshop in Entebbe, Uganda. All the two workshops were facilitated and sponsored by Platform for African-European Partnership for Agricultural Resarch and Development (PAEPARD). 1.3.4 Provide brief information on the type of activities foreseen and specify related outputs and results, including a description of linkages/relationships between activity clusters. The action will develop sustainable and environmentally sustainable crop management options and post-harvest technologies with small-holder farmers to manage maize insect pests both in the pre and post- harvest chain of maize. Then after, technologies developed will be disseminated to small-holder farmers, agricultural extension agents, farmer-based organisations and other stakeholders through innovative approaches. The expected output of these activities is reduced losses attributable to insect pests in pre and post-harvest processing of maize.The action will lead to increase in maize grain output among small-holder farmers in the participating countries. 1.3.5 Indicate the broad timeframe for the action and describe any specific factor that has been taken into account. The project will be implemented approximately within 36 months because the action will include a number of research activities such as field trials, laboratory studies and some dissemination activities. On average research activities require approximately 18 months while another 18 months will be for dissemination and follow-up activities to maximise technology uptake and impact of the action and takes into consideration the number of target beneficiaries (15 000 farmers).

November 2010 (Update March 2011) Document1

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CHECKLIST FOR CONCEPT NOTE

AFRICAN UNION RESEARCH GRANTS / HRST/ST/AURG/CALL2/2012 / EuropeAid/132-331/M/ACT/ACP TH / 10 EDF

ADMINISTRATIVE DATA Name of the Applicant EuropeAid ID number Nationality /Country and date of registration Legal Entity File number Legal status Partner 1
11 10 8 9

To be filled in by the applicant University of Ghana (Optional) Ghanaian/Ghana, 1948

Governmental Body- Public University Name/EuropeAid ID number:Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station Nationality/Country of registration:Malawian/Malawi Legal status: Governmental Body

Partner 2 NB: Add as many rows as partners

Name/EuropeAid ID number: Julius Kuhn-Institute (JFI)Nationality/Country of registration: German/Germany Legal status: : Governmental Body Name/EuropeAid ID number: Concern Universal Nationality/Country of registration:UK/Ghana Legal status: Non-Governmental Organisation

Partner 3

8 9 10 11

For individuals. For organisations. If the applicant has already signed a contract with the European Commission. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation
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BEFORE SENDING YOUR CONCEPT NOTE, PLEASE CHECK THAT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS IS COMPLETE AND RESPECTS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA :

To be filled in by the applicant

Title of the Proposal: Management of Pre- and Post- Harvest Insect Pests of Maize in Ghana and Malawi PART 1 (ADMINISTRATIVE) 1. The instructions for concept note, published for this call for proposals, have been followed 2. The Declaration by the applicant has been filled in and has been signed 3. The proposal is typed and is in English or French. Where more than one language is allowed, the proposal is drafted in the language most commonly used by the target population in the country in which the action takes place. One original and 2 copies are included An electronic version of the concept note (CD-Rom) is enclosed

Yes

No

4. 5.

PART 2 (ELIGIBILITY) 6. The action will be implemented in an eligible country(ies) 7. The duration of the action is between 12 months and 36 months (the minimum and maximum allowed) 8. 9. The requested contribution is between 500,000 EURO and 750,000 EURO (the minimum and maximum allowed) The present Checklist and the Declaration by the applicant are filled in and sent with the Concept Note

November 2010 (Update March 2011)

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Document1

DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT FOR CONCEPT NOTE

The applicant, represented by the undersigned, being the authorised signatory of the applicant, and in the context of the present application, representing any partners in the proposed action, hereby declares that the applicant has the sources of financing and professional competence and qualifications specified in Section 2 of the Guidelines for Applicants; the applicant undertakes to comply with the obligations foreseen in the partnership statement of the grant application form and with the principles of good partnership practice; the applicant is directly responsible for the preparation, management and implementation of the action with its partners, if any, and is not acting as an intermediary; the applicant and its partners are not in any of the situations excluding them from participating in contracts which are listed in Section 2.3.3 of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions (available from the following Internet address: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/procedures/implementation/index_en.htm. Furthermore, it is recognised and accepted that if we participate in spite of being in any of these situations, we may be excluded from other procedures in accordance with Section 2.3.5 of the Practical Guide; the applicant and each partner (if any) are in a position to deliver immediately, upon request, the supporting documents stipulated under Section 2.4 of the Guidelines for Applicants.; the applicant and each partner (if any) are eligible in accordance with the criteria set out under Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 of the Guidelines for Applicants; if recommended to be awarded a grant, the applicant accepts the contractual conditions as laid down in the Standard Contract annexed to the Guidelines for Applicants (annex G); the applicant and its partners are aware that, for the purposes of safeguarding the financial interests of the European Union, their personal data may be transferred to internal audit services, to the European Court of Auditors, to the Financial Irregularities Panel or to the European Anti-Fraud Office.

Signed on behalf of the applicant

Name Signature

Professor Samuel Kwame Offei

Position Date

Provost, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana 20-04-2012

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ASSESSMENT GRID FOR CONCEPT NOTE

YES NO

(FOR THE USE OF THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY ONLY)

1. The submission deadline has been respected 2. The Checklist has been duly completed The administrative verification has been conducted by: Date: DECISION 1: The Committee has decided to evaluate the Concept Note after having passed the Administrative check.

The evaluation of the Concept Note has been conducted by: Date: DECISION 2: The Committee has decided to recommend evaluating the full application form.

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P ART B . F ULL AP P L I C AT IO N FO RM

4
Reference of the Call for Proposals Title of the Call for Proposals Name of the applicant Title of the action Location of the action -specify country(ies) region(s) that will benefit from the action [No. of the Lot]

GENERAL INFORMATION
HRST/ST/AURG/CALL2/2012 / EuropeAid/132-331/M/ACT/ACP

African Union Research Grants Institute of Agricultural Research, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon Management of Pre- and Post- Harvest Insect Pests of Maize in Ghana and Malawi Ghana (West Africa) and Malawi (Southern Africa)

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5
SOURCES OF FUNDING

THE ACTION 12

BUDGET OF THE ACTION, AMOUNT REQUESTED FROM THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND OTHER EXPECTED Fill in Annex B to the Guidelines for applicants to provide information on: the budget of the action (worksheet 1), for the total duration of the action and for its first 12 months; justification on the budget (worksheet 2), for the total duration of the action and, amount requested from the Contracting Authority and other expected sources of funding for the action for the total duration (worksheet 3). For further information see the Guidelines for grant applicants (Sections 1.3, 2.1.4 and 2.2.5). Please note that the cost of the action and the contribution requested from the Contracting Authority have to be expressed in EURO.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION 2.2.1 Description (max 14 pages) 2.2.1.1 Making reference to the overall objective(s) and specific objective(s), outputs and results described in the concept note elaborate on specific expected results indicating how the action will improve the situation of the target groups and final beneficiaries as well as the technical and management capacities of target groups and/or any local partners. Indicate in particular foreseen publications.

2.2.1.1.1 Overall objective(s) and specific objective(s) of the project. The overall objective of this project is to improve household food security in Ghana and Malawi. The specific objectives are to: Develop crop management systems to enhance maize production and reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technology Develop Innovative strategy to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies to farmers

2.2.1.1.2 The expected outputs from the overall and specific objectives. It is expected that this project will ultimately result in development of sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems that will reduce pre-harvest insect pests of maize. Furthermore, the project is expected to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly post-harvest technolgies to reduce maize grain losses due to insect pests. Through the implementation of the project, innovative ways of disseminating crop management options and post-harvest technologies to reduce maize insect pests during both the pre- and post-harvest phases of the crop will be made available to farmer-based organisations, NGOs, Agricultural Extension Agents and other beneficiaries. 2.2.1.1.3 Description of target group and other beneficiaries. The main target groups of the project will be small-holder maize farmers both from Ghana and Malawi. Additionally, other players in the maize production and delivery and marketing chains will also benefit from the Project such as commercial maize storage companies, extension agents, seed companies, agro-processors, development and relief NGOs are among the end-users of the technologies. Through the actions to be undertaken, the capacities and networks of African Researchers will be enhanced especially those from the IAR, UoG and BARS in Malawi. The project will also enhance AUs competitiveness in agricultural research for development. As the partners involved in the implementation of the project comprise of the private sector, the academia and the civil society, this will result in the establishment of sustainable partnership among the industry, academia and civil society. 2.2.1.1.4 Specific expected results indicating how each of the actions (Activities 1-3) will improve the situation of the target groups and final beneficiaries. As identified in the previous section, the main target group will be small-holder maize growers in Ghana and Malawi. The overall expected outcomes will

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The evaluation committee will refer to information already provided in the Concept Note as regards objectives and relevance of the action.
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include availability of sustainable crop management options to reduce maize insect pests in the field, sustainable post-harvest technologies to reduce maize insect pest infestation and innovative strategies to extend both pre and post-harvest technologies to small-holder maize farmers. Expected outcome 1: Sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems Ghana and Malawi small-holder maize farmers lose substantail amount of their maize crop in the field even before the crop is harvested due to insect pest infestation. The insect infestation in the field mostly occurs due to late harvesting because of transportation or labour problems or both. Therefore, late harvesting of the maize from the field predisposes the crop to insect infestation. The National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) both in Ghana and Malawi have developed several maize varieties some of which may be tolerant to insect pest infestation. Therefore developing sustainable and environmentally friendly crop management systems including the use of trap crops and maize varieties tolerant to insect pests as well as optimising planting and harvesting time for various maize varieties will not only reduce pest infestation but also increase maize output of farmers. Since the project will use participatory approachies in the development of the technologies, this will enhance the managerial capacities of the target beneficiaries. Expected outcome 2: To develop technologies to reduce maize storage pests and improve maize grain quality). Postharvest losses in maize in both Ghana and Malawi are estimated in the range of 10-30% commonly during storage due to major storage insects pests of maize such as Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais. Mostly these losses occur as a result of por storage methods applied by small-holder farmers. Most of the current storage structures used by farmers in both Ghana and Malawi are ineffective in reducing losses caused by insect pests as these structures are often prone to re-infestation even when the maize are treated with conventional chemicals. Cost of agrochemicals and the correct methods of application for the control of insects is also a major constraint to small-holder farmers in both Ghana and Malawi, who in some cases have little knowledge on their use. Incorrect use of agrochemicals poses serious health risks to both consumers and applicators. In the absence of cost effective, safe and user friendly storage technologies, farmers are compelled to sell their produce immediately after harvest when prices are lowest and often below production cost. Therefore introduction and promotion of environmentally friendly technologies such as the hermetic storage bags among small-holder farmers will not only enhance food security but also improve their income as they would be able to store their produce longer and sell at a later time when the demand for maize is high. Expected outcome 3: Development of Innovative strategy to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies to farmers. Strategies to disseminate sustainable crop management systems and postharvest technologies to farmers, farmer-based organisations and other users of the technologies are important if the technologies are to be used by the target beneficiaries. Farmers will also adopt improved postharvest practices and technologies if these technologies are technically, socially and economically feasible from their perspectives. Most of the previous attempts to reduce post-harvest losses have largely been unsuccessful because they focused on the farm level without looking at the marketing chain. Hence activities leading to this expected outcome will link farmers to institutional buyers which will ensure that farmers obtain remunerative price for their produce. This presents a two-pronged positive effect. Firstly, to introduce and generate farmer interest in the use of hermetic bags with the added benefits compared to current farmer practices and secondly, directly influence sales and eventually increase profit margins of the manufacturer. This will result in improved food security and increased household income for the farmer while the hermetic bag manufacturers will increase their output sales. Since Agricultural Extension Agents and farmer-based organisations are also partners, developing innovative strategies will also enable them to reach out to a larger number of farmers with these technologies. 2.2.1.2. Making reference to the overall objective(s) and specific objective(s), outputs and results described in the concept note identify and describe in detail each activity (or work package) to be undertaken to produce results, justifying the choice of the activities and specifying the role of each partner (and associates or contractors or sub-grantees where applicable) in the activities. In this respect, the detailed description of activities must not repeat the action plan (to be provided in Section 2.2.3 below) but demonstrate coherence and consistency in the project design

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Work package 1. Develop crop management systems to enhance maize production and reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage. Detailed Activities 1.1. Baseline survey Baseline survey including literature review will be conducted to determine production levels of maize, production constraints, and level of post-harvest losses at different stages of the crop along the value chain such as pre-harvesting, harvesting, transportation, dehusking, shelling, drying, storage and marketing. Information obtained from this survey will be used to fine-tune subsequent research activities to be carried out for greater impact. The information from the survey will also be used as baseline data against which impact of the project activities will be measured. This study will be carried out by the UoG and the BARS in Malawi. 1.2. Field sampling and monitoring of insect pests of maize Studies will be conducted to monitor population of insect pests of maize accross different production seasons in the two countries. These studies will enable us to identify peak insect pests population levels at which control measures should be targeted. It is expected that from these studies, more information will be obtained on the presence of pollinators, indigenous natural enemies and emerging pests in the maize cropping system, which will be useful to growers and policy makers on appropriate pest control options to use to manage these and other pests while conserving pollinators in the production system. These studies will be carried out by the UoG and BARS. 1.3 Identify and field test of host-plant attractants for maize field pest control Studies will be carried out in the laboratories and greenhouse to identify specific host plant based attractants which will be used as monitoring and mass trapping tools for maize insect pest control both in the field and in storage. After identifying the attractants in the laboratory, the efficacy of the attractant will be tested in a controlled environment in a screenhouse. The performance of the attractants will then be evaluated in the field as a monitoring tool to monitor pest population before initiating control measures and/or mass trapping tool to control insect pest population in the field or in storage. These studies will be carried out by JKI in collaboration with the UoG and BARS in Malawi. 1.4. Identification and field test of pheromone attractants for maize field pest control Pheromones from insects of interest will be collected in the lab. Active compounds will then be identified and the biological activity of the active compounds comfirmed in a controlled environment in a screenhouse. The promising active compounds and blends will then be evaluated in the field as monitoring tool and/or mass trapping tool to manage insect pest in the field and in storage. The field trials will then be validated in farmers fields. This study will be carried out by JKI in collaboration with the UoG and BARS i n Malawi. 1.5 Field trials of trap crop technology to manage insect pests of maize Field studies will be conducted on the use of trap crops to manage insect pests of maize. Push-Pull as this technogy is called is a novel approach in pest management that uses a repellent intercrop and an attractive trap plant. Insect pests are repelled from the food crop and are simultaneously attracted to a trap crop. The idea is to use the more attractive crops or a relatively less economically important crop to attract migrating insects or lure them away from the main (key) crops. The trap crop can then be treated with an approved IPM compatible insecticides to kill the pests. The most promising trap crops will then be evaluated with farmers and other stakeholders on farmers field. Manuals on best practices on the use of trap crops will then be developed for training farmers. Trap crop technology provides several benefits to small-holder farmers, including reduced run-off and soil erosion, enhanced soil fertility, minimized use of agrochemicals, improved food security and increased household income. This study will be conducted by UoG and BARS with technical backstopping from JKI. 1.6. Field trials to manage maize insect pests through crop management practices Several studies will be performed on-farm to test different agronomic practices geared towards reducing insect pest damage to maize in the field before harvest. Some of the studies that will be done will include evaluation of different maize varieties developed by the NARS for yield and tolerance to both pre and postharvest insect pests of maize. These studies will be carried out across seasons in the study areas. Maize varieties with high yield potential and tolerance to insect pests will not only increase farmers yield but also reduce loss of maize grain due to insect damage. Optimum time of harvesting for the different maize varieties with varying maturity periods (early maturing, medium maturing and late maturing) at different growing seasons will also be determined. This will enable farmers to incur minimum damage by insect pest in the field before maize is harvested. Optimum weeding regimes for the different maize varieties being
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grown by farmers that will reduce insect pest population in the field will also be determined. Such crop management options are less costly for both the farmer and the environment since they do not involve the use of any chemical for controlling insect pests. Work package 2. 2. Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technology Detailed Activities 2.1 Baseline study including desk study See 1.1 above 2.2 Assess losses of maize grain along the post-harvest chain Losses of maize grain occur at different stages of the post-harvest chain right from harvest until the maize is sold to the consumer. Currently the extent of losses at the different stages (transportation, dehusking, shelling, drying and storage and marketing) of the chain is not known. The assessment of the post-harvest losses in maize at various stages of handling would help in identifying the various factors responsible for such losses and their levels of losses which in turn would help in developing proper measures to minimize post-harvest losses at different stages. Studies will hence be conducted to determine losses of maize at different stages of the post-harvest chain. These studies will provide information on the critical stages along the post-harvest chain at which control measures should be targeted. These studies will be conducted both in Ghana and Malawi by UoG and BARS respectively, with support from the associate partners such as Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and similar organisations in Malawi. 2.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of three layer hermetic bags compared with three different storage practices in controlling storage pests and diseases The effectiveness of the three layer hermetic storage bags will be compared with the three most commonly used storage practices being used in each of the participating countries. The storage practices include use of barns, cribs and jute or polypropylene bags. These studies on the comparison of the effectiveness of the Hermetic bags with the existing storage practices will provide information that will assist farmers in coming up with informed choices when making decision on storage issues. 2.4 Determine optimum conditions (temperature, moisture levels) for using biodegradable liners for hermetically triple layer storage bags Sometimes, depending on the prevailing conditions farmers in Ghana and Malawi harvest their maize when the moisture content is high and dry the maize during or just before storage. However, storage of such maize grain with high moisture content above the recommended moisture content in hermetic bags commonly result in development of of mycotoxins which will render the grain unsafe for both human consumption and animal feed. In this regard, studies will be conducted to determine the optimal physical storage conditions such as grain moisture content, temperature and other external conditions ideal for use on biodegradable liners hermetically triple layers bags for safe storage against different storage insect species. These studies on temperature and moisture content of maize grain will focus mainly at the time of storage as practiced by small-holder farmers both in Ghana and Malawi. Based on the studies, the recommended temperature and moisture content of maize which will prevent development of mycotoxin within the grain will be identified. These studies will be carried out by both UoG and BARS with technical support from JKI. 2.5 Testing the gas permeability of various plastic liners at various degrees of bio-degradability Currently, proper disposal of the plastic liners of hermetic storage bags have not been generated. Furthermore, the gas permeability of various plastic liners at various degree of bio-degradability is not known, as such the project will study this in order to come up with plastic liners which are bio-degradable and at the same time will prevent gas leakages. Therefore, various liners will be tested to storage of maize at different moisture contents to determine gas-tightness because those with heavy gas leakages can potentially attract rodents due to the release of volatile gases. 2.6. Establish cost effectiveness of production and use of different storage technologies. The uptake of the hermetic bag technology by farmers and other end-users will depend on their affordability. Hence we will carry out studies to assess the cost effectiveness of the production and use of the hermetic bags compared with other storage methods currently being used by farmers. This study will be carried out by UoG, BARS, CU and PFAG.

Work package 3. Develop Innovative strategies to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies to farmers
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Detailed Activities 3.1 Evaluate socio-economic drivers of adoption of post-harvest technologies among small-holder farmers. Uptake of technologies by small-holder farmers depend on several factors including education, sex, production resources including labour, credit and land as well as production objectives. Therefore before the technologies are disseminated to the intended beneficiaries, studies will be conducted to evaluate factors that are likely to influence the adoption of the various technologies so as to enable us factor them into our dissemination strategies. These studies will be carried out together with all the partners involved in the project.

3.2 Capacity building of smallholder farmers for technology adoption: Uptake of technologies to manage both pre- and post-harvest insect pests by farmers will depend on the way these technologies are disseminated to them. The Action will employ participatory learning approaches to build the capacity of target beneficiaries to adopt technologies developed. In addition, field days, farmer field schools and use of lead farmers in a beneficiary-led model will be utilised to fine-tune the designing and conducting of field trials. 3.3 Carry out maize sub-sector study and market survey: adopting technologies by smallholder farmes involves investment of additional resources inlcluding time and financial resources. Given the very informal nature of the maize market in Ghana, small holder farmers are reluctant to make the needed investments since they cannot be sure of renumerative returns. Yet there are opportunites and and higher-end market including institutional food processors which provide renumerative prices for maize which smallholder farmers are currently unable to access. The project will carry out a conprehensive maize subsector study to identify the major players along the value chain as well as the challenges and opportunities in the sub-sector. This will be followed by an in-depth market research focusing on the potential markets incountry and internationally to identify demand trends, quality requirements and other barriers to entry to these markets. This will facilitate the design of strategies for smallholder farmers to access these markets. 3.4 Linkage of farmers/groups to institutional buyers Smallhoder farmer groups will be linked up with institutional buyers who buy high quality grains in large quantities. This will enable farmers to get remunerative price for their produce to serve as incentives for the farmers to invest in the production of good quality grains. 3.5: Development of manual and video documentaries: In order to make findings of the action available to the wider group of final beneficiaries and maximise the benefits of the action, simplified user and training manuals on the proposed technologies will be developed, published and made available to smallholder farmers through existing channels such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Farmer Association and other NGOs. In addition, video documentaries will be developed to further enhance communication and dissemination of the technologies. The launch of these manuals and videos will be given media coverage to faciliate greater awaness and also further enhance the visibility of the actions.

2.2.2. Methodology (Max 4 pages) The methods of implementation and reasons for the proposed methodology Work package 1. Develop crop management systems to enhance maize production and reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage. 1.1 Baseline survey Focus group discussions, key informant interviews, participant observations and semi-structured questionnaires would be used to determine production levels of maize in the target area and extent of losses of maize grain at different stages of the crop along the value chain as well as existing post-harvest storage facilities being used by small-holder farmers in the study areas. 1.2. Field sampling and monitoring of insect pests of maize Sampling procedures used will be similar to that common to most insects including use of baited and unbaited traps, visual observations, use of sweep net, jarring and tapping of plants etc. Samples of all insects (Sesamia calamistis, Busseola fusca and Eldana saccharina, herein referred as maize pests) will be done in 20 maize farms established by the project in Research Centers and growers farms across selected ecological regions where maize is mainly grown in Ghana and Malawi. Maize insects collected will be kept in properly labeled zip-lock bags and transported to the laboratory for further identification. Maize insect data
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will be collected on 100 randomly selected maize plants observed at each location. Numbers of all insects will be analyzed separately and also pooled to obtain the total abundance of all insect species including pollinators and natural enemies per plant per location. We will use the Shannon-Wiener Index or the Shannon-Weaver Index, which is one of several diversity indices used to measure diversity in categorical data. At harvest cob damage assessment will be done on 100 randomly selected cobs. Damage due to maize insect pests will be recorded. In addition HOBO data loggers will be set in each location to record temperature, humidity and precipitation within the period of the experiment. We will use appropriate statistical methods to analyze insect numbers and weather variables. Some of the analyses to be used include simple and multiple regression analyses, multivariate repeated measure analysis, one and two analyses of variance etc. We will also use cumulative degree-days and insect numbers to develop predictive models using polynomial, Weibull and logistic functions. These models will be used to advise growers on possible timing of control. The results from this study will also reveal the presence of pollinators, indigenous natural enemies and emerging pests in the maize crop system, which will be useful to advice growers and policy makers on appropriate pest control options to use to manage this and other pests while conserving pollinators in the production system. Data will represent baseline information to assess the long-term impact of climate change and other environmental parameters in the maize cropping systems at these sites. In order to generate high resolution insect count and weather data for predictive models, data will be collected two to three days in a week. 1.3 Identify and field test host-plant attractants for maize field pest monitoring We will do this work in the laboratory, greenhouse and research and farmers fields. Laboratory studies will involve use of analytical [(gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)], electrophysiological [(gaschromatography-electroantennogram (GC-EAG)] and behavioral (olfactometers) research techniques to identify active compounds that can attract maize pests in the field and storage facilities. Volatile collections from host plants. Headspace volatiles will be collected from different maize varieties using protocols which have previously been used by members of the team. Headspace volatiles will be collected from each maize variety at two growth stages (vegetative and fruiting) after planting. An individual plant will be placed in a headspace volatile collection chamber consisting of a glass jar which is large enough to contain a single maize plant at the different growth stage. Headspace volatiles from the different maize plants will be collected for 24 h by pulling purified air at a rate of 1 liter/min through the jar. Volatiles will be trapped using 100 mg of Super-Q (Alltech Associates Inc., Deerfield, IL) or Porapak-Q (Supelco, Bellefonte, PA) adsorbent traps and eluted with 1 ml of an appropriate solvent. The solution will be concentrated by evaporation to ~ 50 L and stored in the freezer (-20C) until use. Headspace volatiles will be collected from uninfested and insect infested plants and stored maize of each species to identify herbivore-induced volatiles. Greenhouse studies will be done to determine the performance of the attractant in controlled environments. The field studies will involve evaluation of the identified attractants in the regions where the work will be implemented. We will use the attractants to develop an effective trapping (monitoring) program for small-holder maize producers. 1.4. Identify and field test pheromone attractants for maize field pest control Analytical procedures described in section 1.3 above will be used to identify pheromone compound from the insects. We will do this work mainly in the laboratory after which the identified compounds will be tested in the field. In this experiments, we will select two insect pests found to be a major problem in maize production in Ghana and Malawi. Insect will be obtained from Ghana and Malawi to collect the volatiles. Headspace volatiles will be collected for 24 hours from virgin males and females and mated and unmated adults. Compounds that will be trapped in using 100 mg of Super-Q (Alltech Associates Inc., Deerfield, IL) or Porapak-Q (Supelco, Bellefonte, PA) adsorbent traps will be eluted with an appropriate solvent such as methylene chloride. The solution will be concentrated by evaporation to ~ 50 L and stored in the freezer (20C) until use. To identify the composition of all compounds in the headspace volatiles from the insects, we will inject a known amount of the solution into an Agilent GC-MS 5975C GC-MS system (Agilent Tech. Inc., Santa Clara, CA) and all peaks obtained will be identified. To identify active compounds from the peaks obtained from the GC-MS mass spectra, we will use a coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD) familiar and have previously been used by the some of the project personnel. The GCEAD system is equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). For lack of adequate space details of the GCEAD system and the program which will be used will not be provided in this proposal. Compounds idetified as active for the insects will be further evaluated as attractants using two-way and four-choice olfactometer bioassays. Synthetic compounds of high purity (>98%) will be purchased (or synthesized) from chemical suppliers and serially diluted in appropriate solvents. The purity of these compounds will be confirmed by GC and GC-MS. We will test different doses to determine the best dose. Compounds (at the optimal doses) will also be tested as blends to determine possible synergistic interactions. Novel compound will further be evaluated after which a patent will be applied for the attractant.

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1.5 Field trials on trap crop technology to manage insect pests of maize Trap crops have been developed for many insect pests. The idea is to use the more attractive crops or a relatively less economically important crop to detect migrating insects or lure them away from the main (key) crops. The trap crop can then be treated with an approved IPM compatible insecticide to kill the pests. In accomplishing this, we will first, conduct trials at resear ch centers and growers farms to evaluate the attractiveness of various maize varieties and other preferred plant of some of these pests like sugar cane. High population densities of maize pests are typically recorded annually on fields in the region ensuring high insect pressure necessary for the trials. Attractiveness of plants will be evaluated by sampling all pests and by vacuuming in predetermined length of row on a weekly or biweekly basis. Depending on land availability, each maize field will be more than one acre. Trap crop to be selected will be based on a preliminary study. The main crop (maize) will be planted at the same time in the inner rows. In some trials, the trap crop will be planted ~ 2 weeks before the main crop so that the trap crop is available at the beginning of maize pests migration and activity. The control plots (non-trap cropped plots) will be similar but without the trap crop planted on the border and will be located at least 100 m away from trap-cropped plots. There will be four replicates each for trap-cropped and non-trap cropped plots. Insects will be controlled in the trap crop either by vacuuming daily (or as necessary) or by weekly spray of an approved IPM compatible insecticide such microbials and biopesticides. Plots will be evaluated weekly by sampling 50 randomly selected plants from each inner row for maize pests densities and feeding holes (damage ratings). Plants will also be sampled for non-target beneficial insects. At harvest, 100 plants will be selected randomly from each inner row and rated for insect damage. Damage ratings will be based on a scales developed for maize in other studies. A similar evaluation will be carried out in the control (non-trap cropped) plots. The average number of larvae and adults of insect per plant and damage ratings will be compared using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer Honesty Significance Difference (HSD) test (P < 0.05). Also, we will investigate factors that will help reduce the attack of maize by insect pests through intercropping of maize with other crops. Intercropping maize with cowpea, pigeonpea or desmodium and Napier grass (push-pull technology) are possible options. The pushpull technology involves use of behaviour-modifying stimuli to manipulate the distribution and abundance of stem borers and beneficial insects for management of stem borer pests. The odors from the desmodium will repel the stem borers from attacking the maize and get attracted to the napier grass for egg laying and production although their development will be inhibited by the napier grass. It is based on in-depth understanding of chemical ecology involved in this process. 1.6. Field trials to manage maize insect pests through crop management practices. Eight maize varieties of varying maturity periods developed by the NARS and four local varieties will be evaluated for yield and their tolerance to insect pests in the field. These varieties will be planted at six weekly intervals beginning from the onset of the rainy season to determine optimum time for planting the various varieties. The various varieities planted at the different planting dates will also be harvested at different periods beginning from the time of physiological maturity to determine the optimum time of harvesting. These studies will be conducted in three different locations within the study regions on farmers field. In each location the experiment will be conducted on the fields of four different farms which will be considered as replicates. Plots will be evaluated weekly by sampling 20 plants from each inner row for maize pest densities and feeding holes. At harvest, 50 plants from each treatment will be randomly sampled and rated for insect damage based on scales developed for other studies. In addition data such as days to flowering and maturity, and maize grain yield will be determined. The data collected will be analysed statistically using ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer HSD test (P < 0.05). Work package 2. 2. Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technology 2.1. Baseline and desk study Baseline and desk studies will be carried out to assess the current post-harvest management technologies in use in the study regions. The studies will be carried out using participant observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. The data will be analysed using SPSS. 2.2 Assess losses of maize grain along the post-harvest chain Studies will be carried out to assess losses of maize grain along the post-harvest chain using a survey. A multi-stage and systematic sampling technique will be used to randomly select 200 farm households for the survey. Data will be collected using semi-structured questionnaire and a checklist for individual and key informant interviews respectively. Both qualitative and quantitative data on maize production, agronomic practices, input use, yield levels and grain losses along the post-harvest chain and type of losses (economic and qualitative losses). We will use SPSS to analyse the data.

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2.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of triple layer hermetic bags compared with three different storage practices in controlling storage pests and diseases Experiment will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of triple layer hermitically sealed bags with that of the three most commonly used storage methods used in the study regions identified through the baseline study. The storage methods include barns, cribs and jute or polypropylene bags. These methods will be compared with that of the hermitically sealed bags. The studies will be laid both on-station and on-farm where samples will be collected for analysis in the laboratory on the following parameter; number of live insects, number of dead insects, weight loss, number of damaged grains by insects, number of moulded grains and number of undamaged grains will be used as a measure to determine the effectiveness of each storage option. These studies will be conducted for a storage period range of 3 to 12 months commonly practiced in Ghana and Malawi respectively, where sampling will be conducted on monthly basis so that performance of the tested technology can be observed at different stages along the storage period. Furthermore, this will provide information on the build up of storage insect pests at different stages along the storage period. In considering that the technology (hermetic bag) is based on the principle of gas tightness, the project shall use destructive type of sampling to avoid affecting the outcome of the study as frequent opening of the hermetic bags (for sampling) can affect the performance in controlling the storage insect pests. 2.4 Determine optimum and critical conditions (temperature, moisture levels) for using biodegradable liners for hermetically triple layer storage bags Experiments will be conducted to test the efficacy of hermetic storage at various moisture and temperature conditions common in Ghana and Malawi. Depending on the results of the baseline survey, experiments will be carried out to determine how long it takes to achieve a protective atmosphere at given moisture contents, temperatures and levels of insect infestation. The gas-tightness of bags or plastic liners will be tested after mechanic twisting. Furthermore it will be tested if attractive volatiles from maize can penetrate the plastic liners. The upper limit of grain moisture content above which hermetic storage of maize would no longer be safe (due to risk of mycotoxin formation) will be determined. A mechanism to render gastight bags resealable after grains have been removed and to keep a maximum of the low-oxygen atmosphere while removing grain will be developed. 2.5 Testing the gas permeability of various plastic liners at various degrees of bio-degradability It will be determined for how long plastic liners stored in the open in Ghana or Malawi can be utilized for hermetic storage when they contain various amounts of metal to render the plastic bio-degradable. This will be done by testing the liners in an exsiccator and one side (above the liner) will be flooded with nitrogen, while the other side remains ambient air. Oxygen contents in the nitrogen atmosphere will be determined by an oximeter (Servomex 570 A or Toray oximeter, JKI) 2.6. Establish cost effectiveness of production and use of different storage technologies The cost of production of hermetic bags as well as the various distribution channels will be determined by a comprehensive assessment of the entire production process of the hermetic bags to determine the gross profit at various retailer prices which are sustainable (i.e. to the producer and the consumer). The benefit/cost ratio approach which determines the viability of a project will be used in establishing the profitability and sustainability of production of hermetic bags in terms of gross margins for the manufacturer and cost effectiveness of use by the farmer. Assess the marginal benefits for storage of grains using hermetic bags compared to current farmer prac tices. Since a persons marginal benefit is the maximum amount they are willing to pay to consume that additional unit of a good or service, it is important to determine this level of utility (with reference to the marginal utility theory) in using the hermetic bags for maize grain storage and also determine the willingness to pay for such a product vis a vis the traditional methods of grain storage. This will be undertaken by UoG, BARI, Concern Universal (CU) and Bio-Plastic Ghana (BP).

Work package 3. Develop Innovative strategy to promote and disseminate sustainable and environmentally friendly storage technologies to farmers developed . 3.1 Evaluate socio-economic drivers of adoption of post-harvest technologies among small-holder farmers A multi-stage and systematic sampling technique will be used to randomly select 200 farm households for the survey. This study will be carried using semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative data on sources of income and income levels, access to credit, household size, production objectives, input use, yield levels and grain losses along the post-harvest chain and type of losses (economic and qualitative losses). We will use SPSS to analyse the data.
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3.2 Develop innovative strategies for disseminating technologies to farmers We will investigate the possibilities of establishing distribution networks for storage bags. We will also develop training materials for farmer training on hermetic storage bags and train farmers on the use of hermetic storage bags. We will mobilize and sensitize farmers, and train them on improved storage pest and disease management for quality grain production. Farmers will also be trained on proper grain handling techniques. We will also develop a participatory model for technology transfer using a harmonized outreach plan and continuous feedback system. We will do this by using field days, training, meetings, focus groups, and games means to reach farmers, and other local stakeholders. 3.3 Linkage of farmers/groups to institutional buyers These actions are not prolongation of a previous action and therefore no explanation in given to how the action is intended to build on the results of this previous action.

Give the main conclusions and recommendations of evaluations that might have been carried out; where the action is part of a larger programme, explain how it fits or is coordinated with this programme or any other possibly planned project. Please specify the potential synergies with other initiatives, in particular from the European Union; the procedures for follow up and internal/external evaluation This is a new project which will be implemented by partners and build upon it in subsequent years to ensure sustainability The role and participation in the action of the various actors and stakeholders (local partner(s), target groups, local authorities, etc.), and the reasons for which these roles have been assigned to them. The main actors of the project are small-holder maize farmers, Research Scientists from UoG, CU, BARS, JKI etc. (Please add more to this). The main organisations will be reponsible for the execution of the project. Given the expertise and capacity of each organisation the following are described. Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), College of Agrciculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana. The IAR consists of three Research Centres, namely Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Kpong, Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade, and Livestock and Poultry Research Centre, Accra. The Institute mainly conducts research but also contributes to the teaching and learning of pertinent areas of agricultural science at the University of Ghana. Additionally, the Institute develops agricultural technologies for the various agro-ecological zones of the country as well as trains farmers, extension agents and other stakeholders in the agricultural industry. Over the years, the Research Centres of the Institute have developed and disseminated some improved technologies to farmers nationwide for increased agricultural productivity, poverty reduction and attainment of food security in Ghana. Several agricultural professionals and students (both undergraduates and postgraduates) have also been trained for the improvement of the national agricultural sector. Also, the University of Ghana in general and the Institute in particular, have had collaborative projects with a number of fronts in Africa and reputable world organizations like FAO, IMF, World Bank to mention a few. A number of projects focusing on major production constraints have been jointly implemented by the the Institute under the College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences. Furthermore, we collaborate with other universities and advanced institutions to employ cutting-edge science for developing products that offer better resistance to biological and environmental stresses as well as improved nutrition. The alliances with universities and advanced institutions have been created based on compatibility of activities and comparative advantages. Concern Universal. Is an international development organisation tackling poverty from the grassroot. We create opportunities for people around the world to improve their lives and shape their own futures. By building skills and connecting people at all levels in society, we help communities deliver practical solutions with long term impact. Working with partner organisations, we support community projects that improve livelihoods, reduce vulnerability and promote greater equality.To achieve this, we also influence policy, pioneer business partnerships and engage public support for our approach. (Include organizational structure here). Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station (BARS). Is the second largest agricultural research station of the ten research stations under the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) within the Ministry of Agriculture, Irigation and Water Development (MoAIWD) in Malawi. One of BARS mandate is to conduct research related activities in post-harvest management of crops, and the research problems are identified by farmers themselves which are channelled through extension departments both public and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs). Some of the research areas involved include development of technologies such as storage structures, botanical storage insecticides, synthetic storage insecticides,
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biological agents just to mention a few. Up on development of the technologies, they are cleared by the Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee. This is followed by training of extension staff on the developed technologies who take them to the smallholder farmers as beneficiaries. The organisational structure and the team proposed for the implementation of the action (by function: there is no need to include the names of individuals). Organisational Structure of applicant Institution College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Central Admnistration- Registry, Finance and Provost

Institute of Agriculture

School of Agriculture

School of Veternary medicine

Three research centres: Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Institute, Soil and Irrigation Research Centre, Livestock and Poultry Research Centre - Research Team is made up of 2 Agricultural field pests Entomologists, 2 stored product pests entomologists, 2 Socio-economists, 1 Agronomist, 1 Soil Scientist, 1 Chemical Ecologist,

The main means proposed for the implementation of the action (equipment, materials, and supplies to be acquired or rented) The project funds will support the purchase of the needed equipments, materials and supplies. The college will also support the successful execution of the project with the existing infrucstructure, and technical expertise. The attitudes of all stakeholders towards the action in general and the activities in particular; the planned activities in order to ensure the visibility of the action and the EU funding. All the partners have shown commitment and contributed to the preparation of the action through the support of Platform for African European Partnership for Agricultural Research for Development (PAEPARD).We endeavour to strictly follow the UK guidelines in the financial expenditures and procurement policy on project activities.

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2.2.3

Duration and indicative action plan for implementing the action (max 4 pages)

The duration of the action will be <36> months. Applicants should not indicate a specific start up date for the implementation of the action but simply show "month 1", "month 2", etc. Applicants are recommended to base the estimated duration for each activity and total period on the most probable duration and not on the shortest possible duration by taking into consideration all relevant factors that may affect the implementation timetable. The activities stated in the action plan should correspond to the activities described in detail in Section 2.2.1 The implementing body shall be either the applicant or any of the partners, associates or subcontractors. Any months or interim periods without activities must be included in the action plan and count toward the calculation of the total estimated duration of the action. The action plan for the first 12 months of implementation should be sufficiently detailed to give an overview of the preparation and implementation of each activity. The action plan for each of the subsequent years may be more general and should only list the main activities foreseen for those years. To this end, it shall be divided into six-month interim periods (NB: A more detailed action plan for each subsequent year will have to be submitted before receipt of new pre-financing payments, pursuant to Article 2.1 of the General Conditions of the grant contract).

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The action plan will be drawn up using the following format: Year 1 Semester 1 Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 Semester 2 7 8 9 10 11 12 Implementing body

Preparation and Execution of Activity 1: Develop technologies to reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage 1.1. Mobilization and sensitization of farmers 1.2 Baseline/Diagnostic Study 1.3 Field sampling and monitoring of insect pests of maize 1.4 Identify and field test host-plant attractants for maize field pest control 1.4.1 Laboratory studies to identify attractants 1.4.2 Greenhouse studies to determine the performance of the attractants in a controlled environment 1.5. Identify and field test pheromones attractants for control of maize postharvest insect pests 1.5.1 Pheromone collection from insects of interest 1.5.2 Identification of active compounds by GC-EAD and GC-MS 1.5.3 Confirmation of biological activity of identified GC-EAD active compounds in a screehouse 1.6 Field trials on trap crop technology to manage insect pests 1.6.1 Field studies on the use of trap crops for managing insect pests of maize 1.7.Studies to determine optimum time of harvesting of different maize varieties 1.8. Field trials to manage maize insect pests through crop managent practices 1.8.1 Assessing tolerance of maize varieties to insect pests 1.8.2 Determination of optimum time of planting maize to reduce maize pest 1.8.3 Determination of optimum time of harvesting different maize varieties for reducing maize pest 1.8.4 Determination of optimum time of weeding to reduce maize grain losses due to insect pests CU, PFAG, ABOFAP UoG, BARS, CU UoG, BARS, CU UoG, BARS, JKI JKI, UoG, BARS UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS, JKI UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS,

UoG, BARS UoG, BARS UoG, BARS UoG, BARS UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

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Execution of Activity 2: Developing and evaluating sustainable storage technologies 2.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the triple layer hermetically storage bags and 3 other storage methods 2.2. Determination of optimal and critical moisture, temperature and other external conditions for using biodegradable liners for hermetically triple layers bags 2.3. Testing of the gas permeability of the various plastic liners at various degree of biodegradability 2.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the triple layer hermetically storage bags and 3 other storage methods 2.2. Determination of optimal and critical moisture, temperature, infestation rate and other conditions for using biodegradable liners for hermetically triple layers bags UoG, JKI

UoG, JKI

UoG, JKI

UoG, JKI

UoG, JKI

Year 2: Semester 1 Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 Semester 2 7 8 9 10 11 12 Implementing body

Execution of Activity 1 continues 2: Developing and evaluating sustainable storage technologies 1.3.3 Conduct field test to assess the effectiveness of the attractants 1.4.4 Field evaluation of promising compounds and blends 1.4.5 Validating of field testing of active compounds 1.5.2 Evaluation of trap crops technology 1.5.3 Development of manuals for best practices 1.6. Field trials to manage maize insect pests through crop managent practices 1.6.1 Assessing tolerance of maize varieties to insect pests

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

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1.6.4.2 Determination of optimum time of planting maize to reduce maize pest 1.6.4.3 Determination of optimum time of harvesting differet maize varieties for reducing maize pest 1.6.4.4 Determination of optimum time of weeding to reduce maize grain losses due to insect pests 2.1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the triple layer hermetically storage bags and 3 other storage methods 2.2. Determination of optimal and critical moisture, temperature and other conditions for using biodegradable liners for hermetically triple layers bags for stored product 2.3. Testing of the gas permeability of the various plastic liners at various degree of biodegradability Execution of Activity 3: Transfer sustainable storage technologies to farmers 3.1.Establish distribution networks for storage bags 3.2.Development of training materials for farmer training on hermetic storage bags 3.3. Train farmers on the use of hermetic storage bags

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, BARS

UoG, JKI, BARS

UoG, JKI, BARS

UoG, JKI, BARS

CU, ABOFAP, PFAG, BARS CU,

CU

3.5.Evaluate socioeconomic drivers of adoption of postharvest technologies among small-holder farmers

CU, UoG

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3.6.Training farmers on improved storage pest and disease management for quality grain production 3.7. Training of farmers on proper grain handling techniques 3.8.Linking farmers/groups to institutional buyers and remunerative markets

CU

CU, ABOFAP

CU

Etc.

Year 3: Semester 1 Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 Semester 2 7 8 9 10 Implementing body Local partner 2 CU, UoG, BARS CU, UoG, BARS

Execution of Activity 4: Establish the cost effectiveness of production and use of hermetic bags 4.1.Assess profitability of production and distribution of hermetic bags to smallholder farmers 4.2. Assess the marginal benefit for storage of grains using hermetic bags compared to current farmer practices

4.3. Develop effective communication and promotion strategy for linkage to institutional grain buyers Etc.

CU, UoG, BARS

2.2.4 Sustainability of the action (max 3 pages) Provide all information requested below: Describe the expected impact of the action with quantified data where possible, at technical, economic, social, and policy levels (will it lead to improved legislation, codes of conduct, methods, etc.?). Commercial maize storage companies, small-holder maize farmers, farmer-based organisations, hermetic storage bag manufacturers, Researchers, Agricultural Extension Agents, Institutional maize buyers, seed companies, grain and feed processors, development and relief NGOs are among the final beneficiaries of the technology Expected Impacts Food security and income of about 1 million small-holder maize farmers in Ghana and Malawi will be increased Reduce post-harvest maize losses, due to storage pests and diseases, by 20% of baseline levels among small-holder grain farmers in Ghana and Malawi by 2015
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Reduction in the use of chemicals for preserving maize grain by small-holder maize farmers by 50% Reduction in the development of hazardous toxins in the environment by 20% Reduction in the menace of plastic waste from storage bags on the environment by about 50%. The capacities of FBOs built in sustainable storage of maize grain The capacities of Scientists in Ghana and Malawi strengthenedEstablishment of network among scientists, civil societies and the private sector

Describe a dissemination plan and the possibilities for replication and extension of the action outcomes (multiplier effects), clearly indicating any foreseen dissemination channel. Provide a detailed risk analysis and contingency plan. This should include a list of risks associated for each proposed action, accompanied by relevant mitigation measures. A good risk analysis will include a range of risk types including physical, environmental, political, economic and social risks. Describe the main preconditions and assumptions during and after the implementation phase. Explain how sustainability will be secured after completion of the action. This may include aspects of necessary follow-up activities, built-in strategies, ownership, communication plan, etc. In so doing so, make a distinction between the following 3 dimensions of sustainability:

a. Financial sustainability: financing of follow-up activities, sources of revenue for covering all future operating and maintenance costs, etc; b. Institutional sustainability: including structures that would allow the results of the action to continue to be in place after the end of the action, capacity building, agreements and local "ownership" of action outcomes; c. Policy level sustainability: where applicable) including the structural impact of (improved legislation, consistency with existing framework/s, codes of conduct, methods, etc.). Evolving general public attitudes

d. Environmental sustainability (what impact will the action have on the environment have conditions put in place to avoid negative effects on natural resources on which the action depends and on the broader natural environment)

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Dissemination Plan Stakeholder Group Farmers Kind of information Sustainable storage technologies for storing maize grain; Technologies for reducing maize grain loss before storage Scientific knowledge in sustainable technologies for reducing maize grain losses Sustainable Post-harvest management technologies Research Outputs Strategy Farmer handbooks Factsheets/Posters Participatory field trials Visits and tours Community fora Farmer field fora Mass media Institutions (Partners) Farmer groups NGOs FBOs

Researchers

Project reports Journal articles Workshop proceedings

Universities National Research Institutions CGIAR Institutions

Policy makers

Annual reports Policy Briefs Seminars

Ministries of Agriculture Ministries of Science and Technology NGOs Ministries of Agriculture Ministries of Agriculture NGOs FBOs

NGOs

Production/Training guides Factsheets/ folders/Posters Seminars Production/Training guides Factsheets/ folders/Posters Seminars/Workshops Participatory Field Trials

Extensionists (field extension workers)

Research outputs

Risk Analysis

Activity 1. Develop technologies to reduce maize grain losses in the field before storage

Associated Risk Stable political and social environment in the participating countries; absence of natural disasters; timely release of project funds. Stable political and social environment in the participating countries; absence of natural disasters; timely release of project funds Stable political and social environment in the participating countries; absence of natural disasters; timely release of project funds Stable political and social environment in the participating countries; absence of natural

Mitigation measures Institute can prefinance some aspects when the release of funds is delayed

2. Developing and evaluating sustainable storage technologies

3. Transfer sustainable storage technologies to farmers

4. Establish the cost effectiveness of production and use of hermetic bags

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disasters; timely release of project funds

Preconditions and Assumptions During Project Implementation Phase Timely release of project funds Absence of natural disasters (e.g. floods, fire) Availability of Laboratory equipment After Project Implementation Phase Stable political environment in the participating countries Stable political environment in the subRegion Favourable agricultural policies in Ghana and Malawi Farmers ability to access credit, inputs, ready markets etc Technology remains available and affordable Sustained availability of institutional market

Continuous and healthy collaboration among partners Continuous availability of resources (human, material and financial)

Securing sustainability Financial Increase in income of participating and other farmers through spread of technology will safeguard longterm financial sustainability of the farmers Since Concern Universal is already operating in the area; they willcontinue to monitor the progress of work after the action Institutional This will be ensured through strengthening of the partnership during and after the project. Mechanisms to be put in place to strengthen the partnership are: (i) periodic meetings of key stakeholders implementing the actions to take stock and monitor activities to adapt the strategies implemented. (ii) Capacity building of farmers and FBOs of the project to ensure community ownership of the technologies developed. Policy level The project will be implemented based on the existing agricultural and financial policies in Ghana and Malawi Environmental The technologies developed will reduce the impact of climate change as reduction in losses of grain will reduce the necessity to clear more land to increase production. Reduction in losses will also mean optimization of production inputs. Since the technologies to be promoted will reduce the need for use of chemicals in grain storage, the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment will be reduced.

Monitoring and evaluation plan Conduct half yearly field visits and evaluations by scientists and farmers Mid-term review and results presented in a workshop for farmers and participating organisations End of project review and results presented in a workshop for farmers and participating organisations Evaluation of quarterly, progress (bi-annual), annual reports and training manuals Undertake ex-post impact assessments.
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Number of farmers, extension agents, graduate students trained Results of economic analysis of post-harvest technologies Multi-institutional steering committee meetings (twice a year)

2.2.5 Logical Framework

13

Please fill in Annex C to the Guidelines for applicants.

ATTACHED (see Annex C)

APPLICANT'S EXPERIENCE OF SIMILAR ACTIONS Maximum 1 page per action. Please provide a detailed description of actions managed by your organisation over the past three years. This information will be used to assess whether you have sufficient and stable experience of managing actions in the same sector and of a comparable scale to the one for which a grant is being requested. Project title: Convergence of

Sciences-Strengthning Innovation Systems In West Africa

Sector (see Section 3.2.2 of Section 3):

13

Explanations can be found at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/reports//index_en.pdf

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Location of the action Accra, Ghana

Cost of the action (EUR) 4.5 million

lead manager or partner College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana

Donors to the 14 action (name) Directorate

Amount contributed (by donor) 4.5 million

Dates (from dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy)

General for International Cooperation (DGIS) of the Netherland Government

01-092008 to 01 2013

Objectives and results of the action

The purpose of the Convergence of Sciences (CoS-SIS) project is to carry inter-disciplinary policy experiments with a view to elaborate, apply and as an approach to sustainable rural poverty alleviation and food security, base Innovation System (IS) thinking. This project works with partners in Be Ghana and Mali to experiment with and learn about changing instituti conditions. The Programme works with three priority domains in each count Benin: oil palm, cotton and integrated water management; Ghana: oil palm, cocoa and food security (in the North); Mali: water management, integration of agriculture and an production and Karit (Shea nut). Each domain has a Domain Advisory Group comprising a post-doc (Rese Associate or RA), a PhD researcher, and social and natural science acade supervisors, which engages in multi-stakeholder experiments with crea opportunities for smallholders. In each country, a Programme Managem Team (PMT) of key national decision makers has final responsibility. CoS-SIS partnership of the Universit dAbomey Calavi in Cotonou, The Universit Ghana in Legon, the Institut de Formation en Recherche Applique/Ins Polytechnique Rurale (IFRA/IPR) in Katibougou, and Wageningen University and Agriterra. See www.cos-sis.org

14

If the Donor is the European Union or an EU Member State, please specify the EU budget line, EDF or EU Member State.
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Project title: Leventis

Foundation Farmers Training Programme

Location of the action Accra, Ghana Cost of the action (EUR) 669,322.50

Sector (see Section 3.2.2 of Section 3):

lead manager or partner University of Ghana

Donors to the 15 action (name) Leventis Foundation

Amount contributed (by donor) 503,250.00

Dates (from dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy)

01-07-2009 to 01 2014

Objectives and results of the action

The LEVENTIS Foundation Farmers Training Programme (LFFTP) was establish in 1989/90 by Leventis Foundation, London in collaboration with the Univers of Ghana to train and equip young Ghanaian farmers with the requisite knowledge and skills to enable them improve their farm businesses. The join project is sponsored by The LEVENTIS Foundation, London and implemented the Institute of Agricultural Research of the College of Agriculture and Consu Sciences, University of Ghana. The objective of the programme is

To provide young men and women with the requisite knowledge and skills required to undertake modern agricultural practices and Encourage graduand trainee farmers to go back to practice in their farm business enterprises upon completion. To date nearly 1,000 Ghanaian young farmers across the country have benefite from the training.

15

If the Donor is the European Union or an EU Member State, please specify the EU budget line, EDF or EU Member State.
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7
EuropeAid ID number
16

THE APPLICANT
(Optional)

Name of the organisation

IDENTITY Information requested under this point need only be given in cases where there have been modifications or additions as compared to the information given in the Concept note form. The applicant's contact details for the purpose of this action: Legal Entity File number Abbreviation
17

Registration Number (or equivalent) Date of Registration

Place of Registration Official address of Registration

18

Country of Registration / 19 Nationality E-mail address of the Organisation Telephone number: Country code + city code + number Fax number: Country code + city code + number Website of the Organisation Any change in the addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and in particular e-mail, must be notified in writing to the Contracting Authority. The Contracting Authority will not be held responsible in case it cannot contact an applicant.

16

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm If the applicant has already signed a contract with the European Commission For organisations. [If not in one of the countries listed in Section 2.1.1 of the Guidelines, please justify its location]. For individuals. [If not in one of the countries listed in Section 2.1.1 of the Guidelines, please justify its location].
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17 18 19

PROFILE Legal status Profit-Making NGO Value based

20

Is your organisation linked with another entity?

Yes No Yes No Political Religious Humanistic Neutral Yes, parent entity: (please specify its EuropeAid ID:) Yes, controlled entity(ies) 21 Yes, family organization / network entity No, independent

7.1.1.

Category
22

Category

Public Public Administration Decentralised representatives of Sovereign States International Organisation Judicial Institution Local Authority Implementation Agency University/Education Research Institute Think Tank Foundation Association Media Network/Federation Professional and/or Industrial Organisation Trade Union Cultural Organisation Commercial Organisation

Private Implementation Agency University/Education Research Institute Think Tank Foundation Association Media Network/Federation Professional and/or Industrial Organisation Trade Union Cultural Organisation Commercial Organisation Other Non State Actor

7.1.2.

Sector(s)23 11 111 11110 11120 11130 11182 112 11220 31166 Education Education, level unspecified Education Policy & Admin. Management Education Facilities And Training Teacher Training Educational Research Basic education Primary Education Agricultural extension

20

Please choose only one set of values. E.g. confederation / federation /Alliance. Please specify 1) the Sector to which your organisation belongs, as defined in its statutes (or equivalent document): Public (established and/or funded by a public body) OR Private (established and/or funded by a private entity); 2) in the appropriate column, the Category to which your organisation belongs (ONE CHOICE ONLY).

21
22

23

Please tick the box for each sector your organisation has been active in the past 7 years. The sectors come from the DAC list set up by the OECD
Page 37 of 67

31181 31182 31191 31192

Agricultural Education/Training Agricultural Research Agricultural services Plant and post-harvest protection and pest control

7.1.3.

Target group(s)

Community Based Organisation(s) Consumers Educational organisations (universities) Non Governmental Organisations Research organisations/Researchers Students Women Other (please specify): Small-holder farmers..

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CAPACITY TO MANAGE AND IMPLEMENT ACTIONS 7.1.4. Experience by sector Year(s) of Experience Less than 1 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years + Experience in the past 7 years Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years + Number of Projects in the past 7 years 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200 Estimated Amount (in thousand Euros) in the past 7 years Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Unknown Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Unknown Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Unknown

Sector

Less than 1 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200

Less than 1 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200

7.1.5.

Experience by geographical area Estimated Amount (in thousand Euros) invested in this geographical area in the past 7 years Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Unknown Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Indicative list of regions Europe EU Europe non-EU Eastern Europe Central America South America South-East Asia North-East Asia South Asia Central Asia Mediterranean Gulf Countries Eastern Africa Central Africa Western Africa Southern Africa Indian Ocean Caribbean Pacific

By Geographical area (country or region)

Year(s) of Experience

Number of Projects in this geographical area in the past 7 years 1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200

Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200

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 Less than 1 year 1 to 3 years 4 to 7 years 7 years +

1 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20 21 to 50 51 to 200

Unknown Less than 1 1 to 5 5 to 20 20 to 50 50 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 1.000 1000+ Unknown

Cross-reference of experience by Sector and by Geographical area: Sector(s) (as selected in 3.2.2) Geographical area(s) (country or region, as identified previously)

7.1.6.

Resources Financial data Please provide the following information, if applicable, on the basis of the profit and loss account and balance sheet of your organisation, amounts in thousand Euros Shareholders equity or equivalent

Year

Turnover or equivalent

Net earnings or equivalent

Total balance sheet or budget

Medium and long-term debt

Short-term debt (<1 year)

24

N-1 N-2

24

N = previous financial year.

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Financing Source(s) Please tick the source(s) of the revenues of your organisation and specify the additional information requested Source Percentage (total for a given year must be equal to 100%) Number of feepaying members (only for source = Member's fees) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Number of fee-paying members (only for source = Member's fees) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Year

N N N N N N N N N Year

EU Member States Public Bodies Third Countries Public Bodies United Nations Other International Organisation(s) Private Sector Member's fees Other (please specify): Total Source

100% Percentage (total for a given year must be equal to 100%)

N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N1 N2 N2 N2 N2 N2 N2 N2 N2 N2

EU Member States Public Bodies Third Countries Public Bodies United Nations Other International Organisation(s) Private Sector Member's fees Other (please specify): Total EU Member States Public Bodies Third Countries Public Bodies United Nations Other International Organisation(s) Private Sector Member's fees Other (please specify): Total

100%

100%

Please provide the references of the external audit report established by an approved auditor for the last financial year available. This obligation does not apply to international organisations nor to public bodies.

Year N N1 N2

Name of approved auditor

Period of validity From dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy From dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy From dd/mm/yyyy to dd/mm/yyyy

Number of staff (full-time equivalent) please tick one option for each type of staff

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Type of staff HQ Staff: recruited and based in Headquarters (located in Developed Country)

Paid <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A

Unpaid <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A <5 < 10 > 10 and < 50 > 50 and < 100 > 100 N/A

Expat Staff: recruited in Headquarters (located in Developed Country) and based in Developing Country

Local staff: recruited and based in Developing Country

LIST OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD/COMMITTEE OF YOUR ORGANISATION Name Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta Profession Banker Bussiness man Lecturer Function Chairman Member University council representative, Member Member Country of Nationality Ghana Ghana Ghana On the board since 2010 2010 2010

Mr. John Awuni Dr. Elsie Kaufmann

Prof. S. K. Offie Mr. P. B. Yarquah Dr. A. B. Salifu Prof. Naa Ayikailey Adamafio

Professor, College Provost, College Registrar DirectorGeneral, CSIR Professor

Ghana

2010

member

Ghana

2010

Member

Ghana

2010

University Council representative, Member Member

Ghana

2010

Mr. Seth A. Botchway

Finance Officer, MoFEP

Ghana

2010

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Name

Profession Professor

Function Member

Country of Nationality Ghana

On the board since 2010

Prof. E. OwusuBennoah Mr. Kwaku Nicol Mr. Davies N. Korboe Dr. P. Y. Kuranchie Dr. Angelina Danquah Mrs. Norah A. Sowah Prof. M. Duwiejua

Chief Director, Mofa Farmer

Member

Ghana

2010

Member

Ghana

2010

Banker Lecturer

Member Member

Ghana Ghana

2010 2010

College Finance Officer Professor

Member

Ghana

2010

Member

Ghana

2010

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PARTNERS OF THE APPLICANT PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTION

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARTNERS This section must be completed for each partner organisation within the meaning of Section 2.1.2 of the Guidelines for Applicants. Any associates as defined in the same section need not be mentioned. You must make as many copies of this table as necessary to create entries for more partners.

Partner 1 EuropeAid ID number Full legal name Date of Registration Place of Registration Legal status
26 25

GB-2007-CRX-2711165274 Concern Universal 1976 United Kingdom Non Governmental Organization 21 King Street, Hereford, HR4 9BX United Kingdom

Official address of 27 Registration Country of Registration / 29 Nationality Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources
28

British Matthew Lake +441432355111 +44 870 705 9578 Matthew.Lake@concern-universal.org 7 (in Ghana) Office space, vehicles, long standing relationship and extensive network with farmer organizations in Ghana. Concern Universal has been working with smallholder farmers in Ghana for more than 12 years in the Brong Ahafo, Upper West and Northern Regions. CU is adopts community led participatory approaches to building the capacity of smallholder farmers to adopt technologies and practices which will improve their productivity and consequently improve their livelihoods. In a commitment to make research work for smallholder farmers, CU Ghana has been collaborating with research institutions such as the University of Ghana, to bring the needs of the farmers to the research agenda, facilitate the participation of farmers in research activities and also disseminate appropriate technologies In collaboration with the University of Ghana and FARA, CU is currently implementing a research for development project which is aimed at adapting the triple layer hermetic bags, with bio-

Experience of similar actions, in relation to the role in the implementation of the proposed action

25

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/work/europeaid/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation. If not in one of the countries listed in Section 2.1.1 of the Guidelines, please justify its location. For organisations For individuals
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26 27 28 29

degradable liners, for storing maize among small holder farmers in Ghana. CUs role in this project include: Coordination of overall project implementation Facilitating identification and selection of site and participants in field research Facilitating linkages among all other relevant stakeholders e.g MOFA, private sector supplier of hermitic bags. Coordinate the transfer and accountability of funds to various stakeholders Monitoring and reporting In addition, Concern Universal Ghana is also currently implementing a three-year AGRA funded project aimed at improving access to post harvest services and markets for smallholder farmers in the Brong Ahafo region, targeting 10,000 maize farmers. CU is leading this project and working to promote bring smallholder utilization of appropriate post harvest technology to improve household food security and incomes. Furthermore CU Ghana is in the third year of promoting the use of small-scale drip irrigation technology among smallholder vegetable farmers in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, working with 150, farmers in a project funded by the Irish Aid in Abuja.

In other countries in Africa, CU is actively implementing agricultural research for development actions including the DfID funded DLISP project in the Dedza District, of Malawi where participatory extension system have been developed and introduced While new and improved agricultural practices have also been introduced to target 10,000 households. Concern Universal Ghana has been collaborating with the University of Ghana over the past two years to facilitate participatory agricultural research for development, focusing on environmentally sustainable and cost effective post harvest technologies for controlling insect grain pest among smallholder farmers in the Brong Ahafo and Upper West Regions of Ghana. Concern Universal has played an active and leading role in the preparing the action including needs assessment, coordinating the consortium of partners and the actual preparation of the action. Concern Universal activity participated in the write-shop organized by FARA to develop the action. Concern Universal will lead the research-development interface of the action, ensure mobilization and participation of target beneficiaries, in work package 1 and 2 and also lead on most of activities in work package 3 focusing on dissemination of dissemination and adoption of technologies.

History of cooperation with the applicant

Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action

Role and involvement in implementing the proposed action

Partner 2
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EuropeAid ID number Full legal name Date of Registration Place of Registration Legal status
31

30

Not registered Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station 1940s Limbe, Malawi Government Research Station P. O. Box 5748, Limbe

Official address of 32 Registration Country of Registration / 34 Nationality Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources Experience of similar actions, in relation to the role in the implementation of the proposed action History of cooperation with the applicant Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action Role and involvement in implementing the proposed action
33

Malawi Thomson Chilanga/Charles Diverson Singano (265) 471 207/334/527 or 9999557618 or 999307474 (265) 471 323 tchilanga@yahoo.co.uk or chasinga2001@yahoo.co.uk 350 Laboratories, Office buildings, equipment, Government vehicles and staff The research station has been operational for over 70 years conducting various research activities which include postharvest handling of crops, varietal development and development of production practices Bvumbwe has worked with FARA during the implementation of the SSA-CP project on vegetable crops for a period of 4 years Fully involved in development and designing of the proposed activities Country project contact persons and leader of the implementation team for Malawi

30

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/work/europeaid/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation. If not in one of the countries listed in Section 2.1.1 of the Guidelines, please justify its location. For organisations For individuals
Page 46 of 67

31 32 33 34

Partner 3 EuropeAid ID number Full legal name Date of Registration Place of Registration Legal status
36 35

999494015 (PIC)
Julius Khn-Instiut, Federal Research Centre on Cultivated Plants 1 January 2008 Quedlinburg, Germany Non-profit governmental research institute Julius Khn-Institut (JKI) Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants Erwin-Baur-Str. 27 D-06484 Quedlinburg

Official address of 37 Registration

Country of Registration / 39 Nationality Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources Experience of similar actions, in relation to the role in the implementation of the proposed action History of cooperation with the applicant Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action Role and involvement in implementing the proposed action

38

Germany/German Cornel Adler +49-30-83042502 +49-30-83042503 Cornel.Adler@jki.bund.de 1200 (all JKI)

Have been working and supervising students in the area of chemical ecology and managing projects for Germans and other International Organisations. Research contacts with Univ. Ghana through A.v.Humboldt scholarship Developed the objectives and methodologies for extraction of insect/plant volatiles, identication and synthesis Will implement the aspects on the plant and insect volatiles extraction, identification and synthesis.

35

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/work/europeaid/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation. If not in one of the countries listed in Section 2.1.1 of the Guidelines, please justify its location. For organisations For individuals
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36 37 38 39

Important:

This application form must be accompanied by a signed and dated partnership statement from each partner, in accordance with the model provided.

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PARTNERSHIP STATEMENT A partnership is a relationship of substance between two or more organisations involving shared responsibilities in undertaking the action funded by the African Union Commission (Contracting Authority). To ensure that the action runs smoothly, the Contracting Authority requires all partners to acknowledge this by agreeing to the principles of good partnership practice set out below. 1. 2. All partners must have read the application form and understood what their role in the action will be before the application is submitted to the Contracting Authority. All partners must have read the standard grant contract and understood what their respective obligations under the contract will be if the grant is awarded. They authorise the lead applicant to sign the contract with the Contracting Authority and represent them in all dealings with the Contracting Authority in the context of the action's implementation. The applicant must consult with its partners regularly and keep them fully informed of the progress of the action. All partners must receive copies of the reports - narrative and financial - made to the Contracting Authority. Proposals for substantial changes to the action (e.g. activities, partners, etc.) should be agreed by the partners before being submitted to the Contracting Authority. Where no such agreement can be reached, the applicant must indicate this when submitting changes for approval to the Contracting Authority. Where the Beneficiary does not have its headquarters in the country where the action is implemented, the partners must agree before the end of the action, on an equitable distribution of equipment, vehicles and supplies for the action purchased with the EU grant among local partners or the final beneficiaries of the action.

3. 4. 5.

6.

I have read and approved the contents of the proposal submitted to the Contracting Authority. I undertake to comply with the principles of good partnership practice.

Name: Organisation: Position: Signature: Date and place:

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10 ASSOCIATES OF THE APPLICANT PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTION

This section must be completed for each associated organisation within the meaning of Section 2.1.2 of the Guidelines for Applicants. You must make as many copies of this table as necessary to create entries for more associates.

Associate 1 Full legal name EuropeAid ID number

41 40

Peasant farmers Association of Ghana

Country of Registration Legal status

Ghana

Non-profit making NGO: Company Limited By Guarantee C/O PMB 56, KIA Accra, Ghana
Victoria Adongo +233-244657451

Official address Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources Experience of similar actions, in relation to role in the implementation of the proposed action

victoria@peasantfarmersghana.org 150 farm organisations

PFAG has been involved in promoting sustainable agriculture; farmer to farmer extension in Ghana for the past 10 years. Currently working with 150 different Farmer Organisations country wide and currently working with FAO/MOFA cowpea project in the Northern and Upper East Regions. The Association is working with some of its members on the soya bean value chain in the Northern Region. PFAG is also involved in evidenced based agricultural policy advocacy (through research).
Have been working with the applicant on some project collaboration with Concern Universal for the past three years Have played a key role in developing the proposal making sure farmer needs have been addressed

History of cooperation with the applicant

Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action Role and involvement in implementing the proposed action

PFAG will act as link to farmers.

40

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation.
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41

Support mobilisation of farmers Participate in field level testing of the innovation Participate in the dissemination of the technology among other farmers

Associate 2 Full legal name

42

Abrono Organic Farming Project ( ABOFAP)

Ghana

EuropeAid ID number
43

Country of Registration Legal status

ABOFAP is non-profit making organization registered with Registrar General Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Social Welfare and District Assemblies
P. O. Box 360, Techiman, Brong-Ahafo Nana Kwaw Adams +233-244767695

Official address Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources Experience of similar actions, in relation to role in the implementation of the proposed action

abofap@yahoo.com 60

Successfully implemented a livelihoods and environment project 2008 2009 in partnership with Concern Universal. *On-going implementation of Brong Ahafo Rural Livelihoods Enhancement project (BARLEP) May 2010 to June 2012 in partnership with Concern Universal. *Work as a team in successful implementation of the sustainable farming system (FASE) with CARE International from 2004 to 2008. *Currently implementing Local Extension Services for Agricultural

42

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation.
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43

Development (LEAD) in partnership with CARE International 2009-2014

History of cooperation with the applicant Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action Role and involvement in implementing the proposed action Have been working with the applicant through Concern Universal. Have been keenly involved in developing this proposal taking into consideration the farmers needs assessments. Will help link farmers to adopt and use the developed technologies

Associate 3 Full legal name

Chinthebe Farmers Group

44

EuropeAid ID number
45

Country of Registration Legal status

Malawi

Farmer based Organization in Malawi

C/o Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station, P. O. Box 5748, Malawi Charles Singano

Official address Contact person Telephone number: country code + city code + number Fax number: country code + city code + number E-mail address Number of employees Other relevant resources Experience of similar actions, in relation to role in the implementation of the proposed action

Chasinga2001@yahoo.co.uk 50

Chinthebe Farmers group has been promoting sustainable crop production in Malawi over the last fifteen years. Our group works actively with the Farm Income Diversification Programme(FIDP), Farm Concern International and other organizations that promote crop production
Have been collaborating with them through Concern Universal. Was involved in identifying farmers needs that need solution throughthe development research interventions. Will link farmers to adopt the technologies

History of cooperation with the applicant Role and involvement in preparing the proposed action Role and involvement in implementing the proposed
44

This number is available to an organisation which registers its data in PADOR. For more information and to register, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/onlineservices/pador/index_en.htm. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation.
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45

action

developed

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11 CHECKLIST FOR THE FULL APPLICATION FORM

AFRICAN UNION RESEARCH GRANTS / HRST/ST/AURG/CALL2/2012 / EuropeAid/132-331/M/ACT/ACP/10
TH

EDF

ADMINISTRATIVE DATA Name of the Applicant EuropeAid ID number Nationality Country and date of registration Legal Entity File number Legal status Partner 1
49 48 46/ 47

To be filled in by the applicant Institute of Agricultural Research, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana

Ghanaian/ Ghana/ 1948

Govermental body Name/EuropeAid ID number: Concern Universal Nationality/Country of registration: UK/ Ghana Legal status: Non-Governmental Organisation

Partner 2

Name/EuropeAid ID number: Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station Nationality/Country of registration: Malawian/ Malawi Legal status: Govermental Research Institute

Partner 3 NB: Add as many rows as partners

Name/EuropeAid ID number: Julius Khn-Instiut, Federal Research Centre on Cultivated Plants Nationality/Country of registration: German/ Germany Legal status: Non-profit Governmental Research Institute

46 47 48 49

For individuals. For organisations. If the applicant has already signed a contract with the European Commission. E.g. non profit making, governmental body, international organisation
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BEFORE SENDING YOUR PROPOSAL, PLEASE CHECK THAT EACH OF THE FOLLOWING POINTS IS COMPLETE AND RESPECTS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: Title of the Proposal: <indicate the title> PART 1 (ADMINISTRATIVE) 1. The correct grant application form, published for this call for proposals, has been used 2. The Declaration by the applicant has been filled in and has been signed 3. The proposal is typed and is in English or French. Where more than one language is allowed, the proposal is drafted in the language most commonly used by the target population in the country in which the action takes place. One original and 2 copies are included An electronic version of the proposal (CD-Rom) is enclosed Each partner has completed and signed a partnership statement and the statements are included. [if partnership is not mandatory: <Please indicate Not applicable (NA) if you have no partner >] The budget is presented in the format requested, is expressed in and is enclosed The logical framework has been completed and is enclosed

To be filled in by the applicant Yes No

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

PART 2 (ELIGIBILITY) 9. The duration of the action is between 12 months and 36 months (the minimum and maximum allowed) 10. The requested contribution is between 500,000.00 EURO and 750,000.00 EURO (the minimum and maximum allowed) 11. The requested contribution is between 50 % and 80% of the estimated total eligible costs (minimum and maximum percentage allowed) 12. If applicable, the requested contribution is equal or less than 80 % of the estimated total accepted costs (maximum percentage allowed)]

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12 DECLARATION BY THE APPLICANT

The applicant, represented by the undersigned, being the authorised signatory of the applicant, in the context of the present call for proposals, representing any partners in the proposed action, hereby declares that the applicant has the sources of financing and professional competence and qualifications specified in Section 2 of the Guidelines for Applicants; the applicant undertakes to comply with the obligations foreseen in the partnership statement of the grant application form and with the principles of good partnership practice; the applicant is directly responsible for the preparation, management and implementation of the action with its partners, if any, and is not acting as an intermediary; the applicant and its partners are not in any of the situations excluding them from participating in contracts which are listed in Section 2.3.3 of the Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions (available from the following Internet address: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/procedures/implementation/index_en.htm. Furthermore, it is recognised and accepted that if we participate in spite of being in any of these situations, we may be excluded from other procedures in accordance with Section 2.3.5 of the Practical Guide; the applicant and each partner (if any) is in a position to deliver immediately, upon request, the supporting documents stipulated under Section 2.4 of the Guidelines for Applicants.; the applicant and each partner (if any) are eligible in accordance with the criteria set out under Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 of the Guidelines for Applicants; if recommended to be awarded a grant, the applicant accepts the contractual conditions as laid down in the Standard Contract annexed to the Guidelines for Applicants (annex G); the applicant and its partners are aware that, for the purposes of safeguarding the financial interests of the EU, their personal data may be transferred to internal audit services, to the European Court of Auditors, to the Financial Irregularities Panel or to the European Anti-Fraud Office. The following grant applications have been submitted (or are about to be submitted) to the European Institutions, the European Development Fund and the EU Member States in the last 12 months: <list only actions in the same field as this proposal> The applicant is fully aware of the obligation to inform without delay the Contracting Authority to which this application is submitted if the same application for funding made to other European Commission departments or European Union institutions has been approved by them after the submission of this grant application.

Signed on behalf of the applicant Name Signature Position Date Provost 19-04-12 Professor Samuel Kwame Offei

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13 ASSESSMENT GRID OF THE FULL APPLICATION FORM

(TO BE USED BY THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY) YES
OPENING &ADMINISTRATIVE CHECK AND CONCEPT NOTE EVALUATION

NO

1. The submission deadline has been respected 2. The checklist of the Application form has been duly completed The administrative verification has been conducted by: Date: DECISION: A. The Committee has decided to evaluate the Concept Note after having passed the Administrative check. B. The Committee has decided to recommend evaluating the full application form The evaluation of the Concept Note has been conducted by: Date: ]
EVALUATION OF THE FULL APPLICATION FORM DECISION

A. The Committee has recommended the proposal for Eligibility verification after having been provisionally selected within the top ranked scored proposals within the available financial envelope. B. The Committee has recommended the proposal for Eligibility verification after having been put on the reserve list according to the top ranked scored proposals The evaluation of the proposal has been conducted by: Date:
ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

3. The checklist of the Application form has been duly completed. 4. The supporting documents listed hereunder, submitted according to the Guidelines (Section 2.4), satisfied all the eligibility criteria of the applicant and its partner(s) (if any) a. The applicant's statutes b. The statutes or articles of association of all partners c. The applicant's external audit report (if applicable) d. Copy of the applicants latest accounts. The assessment of the eligibility has been conducted by: Date:
DECISION:

The Committee has selected the proposal for funding after having verified its eligibility according to the criteria stipulated in the Guidelines for Applicants.

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APPENDIX B
Assessment of Storability of two maize varieties in a hermetic Triple Layer Biodegradable Bag
F .A. Ansah Department of Crop Science School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon D. Obeng-Ofori, K. Afreh-Nuamah and J.P Anankware African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University of Ghana, Legon. F. A. Oluwole and A.A. Adekunle Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra - Ghana

A.S. Budu Department of Nutrition and Food Science University of Ghana

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Keywords: hermetic, biodegradable, storage, maize, polypropylene bags

Abstract
Storage of maize is very important for food security, especially in developing countries, like Ghana. However, several abiotic and biotic factors cause considerable losses during its storage. Therefore, the work studied the efficacy of hermetic triple layer biodegradable bags (HTLBB) and polypropylene interwoven bags (PIB) to reduce losses in stored maize. Experiments were conducted in a small holder farmer storage crib and in a laboratory. A factorial combination of HTLBB, PIB and maize varieties, improved Obatanpa and local Denkye were used. The samples were stored for six months at an average temperature of 27oC and 58 % rh. The moisture content, hidden infestation, weight loss, germination capacity and colour were assessed. A significant increase in the moisture content of both varieties (12.4% - 15.4%) was found in HTLBB- stored samples probable due to airtight conditions and the respiratory activities of grains, while in PIB no significant differences were found (12.4% - 12.9%). Laboratory and field assessment of percentage germination and emergence was higher in Obatanpa than in Denkye. However, HTLBB-stored samples, kept 90% of germination capacity while in PIB-stored, a maximum of 60%. Weight losses were also lower in HTLBB-stored Obatanpa and Denkye at 7.4% and 3.8% than PIB-stored at 15.1% and 9% respectively, attributable to varietal type and hidden infestation. Colour changes were observed in both storage bags which were related to possible increase in carotenoid content during storage. As main conclusion, HTLBB has the potential to protect stored maize better than PIB without any chemical treatment; provided its moisture content is very low.

INTRODUCTION
Efforts to improve maize production through plant breeding and improved management options have made remarkable progress in increasing yields during the past century (Cairns et al., 2012). However, with limited attention on storage of the grains, Ghana like other developing countries, experiences serious problems with availability of quality maize, which often arise from poor storage (Armah and Asante, 2006). This situation is most common among small holder farmers who produce the bulk of maize in Africa. The use of chemical treatment methods to control storage pests is effective but expensive for use by smallholder farmers. Besides, the incorrect applications of these chemicals pose health threats to both farmers and consumers, while promoting the development of resistant strains, making this method unsustainable and less affordable. On the other hand, the use of botanicals for control of insects is highly positive in terms of its microeconomic and environmental benefits. However, it has several limitations which includes, technical problems related to collection, processing and storage (Obeng-Ofori, 2008), in addition to the need toxicological and safety data for registration and use (Navarro, 2006). Therefore, there is need for storage technologies that are environmentally sustainable and suitable for small holder farmers use to maintain quality of grains in store. Hermetic storage in plastics, have proven to be successful in recent years (Villers et al., 2008; Jonfia-Essien WA et al., 2010; Anon, 2011; Navarro et al., 2012). But pollution from plastics poses threats to marine biodiversity, already at risk from overfishing, climate change and other forms of anthropogenic disturbance (Derraik, 2002). Owing to this, the research focused on assessing the effectiveness of biodegradable plastic bags in hermetic storage (Hermetic triple layer biodegradable bags - HTLBB) for the storage of two commonly grown maize varieties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two maize varieties (obatanpa and denkye) were cleaned, dried and subjected to air tight storage in two bagging technologies (HTLBB and PIB). Triplicates of the bagged samples were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) in a small holder farmers crib.
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Grains were assessed before and after storage of six months for changes in moisture content, weight loss, germination capacity of grains in the laboratory and in the soil dug about 3cm in triplicates. The color of the grains was determined with a Minolta Chroma meter using its colour measuring attachment (CR 310, Japan). The colorimeter was calibrated using a white standard tile on which (L= 97.51, a = +5.45 and b = -3.50) before the all (L a b) color values of the samples were measured. The samples for color measurements were taken at five locations chosen randomly on the surface and averages found for the triplicate treatments. The colour change, E was determined as follows; E = [(L*- L) 2 + (a*- a) 2 + (b* - b) 2] Hidden infestations of grains were determined before storage using an acid-fuchsin test. The mean monthly temperature and relative humidity measurements were recorded using ELUSB LCD 2 thermo hygrometer data loggers. All data unless specified was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA.) using Genstat version 9.2 Statistical Software (Genstat, 2007). The means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). The data from percentage germination or emergence was transformed using arcsine transformation to obtain a normal distribution

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

It was observed that the biodegradable polyethylene liners began to fragment after 6 months at maximum and mean temperatures of 44oC and 30oC (Figure 1), in store. This could be due to oxidative degradation of the d2w pro-oxidant additive of the biodegradable bag, as its exposure to the suns radiation results in degradation as reported by Kato et al. (1969); Arnaud et al. (1994); Satoto et al. (1997); Koutny et al. (2006) and Ojeda et al. (2009). Moisture Content The hermetic triple layer biodegradable bag (HTLBB) was found to increase the moisture content of grain stored in it (Figure 3). This increase could be due to water generated from respiratory activities of the grains, insects or fungi. In contrast an overall moisture content decrease was observed in all the polypropylene interwoven bags after storage. This could be low relative humidity as observed in (Figure2), resulting from its poor barrier to external environmental conditions. A similar phenomenon has been observed by (Fonseca et al. (1995); Bulaong and Dharmaputra (2002) and Shindano (2007) in storage. Germination The study showed that HTLBB storage of grains resulted in substantially higher germination than PIB in both laboratory (Figure 4A) and soil (field) (Figure 4B) tests. However, slight reduction in the germination of seeds observed in HTLBB could be attributed to increased moisture content, promoting the growth of fungi which may have fed on the germ of grains and reduced its germination capacity (Copeland and McDonald, 1995; Pradhan and Badola, 2012). The poor barrier protection of the polypropylene interwoven bag to oxygen in the environment increased insect activity. This led to low germination capacity of grains as report by Quezada et al. (2006). Weight loss Although slight levels of hidden infestation was observed in grains before storage. Weight loss of grains in the HTLBBs was lower than that of the PIBs (Figure 5). The reason for the increased weight loss in the polypropylene interwoven bag could be due to its permeability to both insects and oxygen. Consequently, new infestations probably occurred as a result of favourable oxygen conditions, allowing insects to continue to feed and proliferate leading to increased weight loss (Caneppelle et al., 2003). Colour
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Generally the whiteness of the grains decreased while yellowness increased after storage. This lead to high colour change (E) values after storage (Figure 5). The observed phenomenon could be due to increased carotenoid level in grains over the storage period. Malik (2009) explained that carotenoid content increases with increasing storage period of grains in polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride bags.

CONCLUSIONS
It has been established from the study that internal and external environmental conditions of storage bags affects the storability of maize; the oxo-biodegradable liner in the triple layer bag, fragments when exposed to high environmental temperatures. Irrespective of bagging technology, the denkye maize variety is more resistance to weight loss caused by insect infestation than obatanpa. The hermetic triple layer biodegradable bag reduces insect reproduction and growth in maize storage, and can effectively maintain grain quality for food and seed during storage, provided it is well sealed, well dried (12% moisture content) and protected from rodents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors are most grateful to Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa for their support. Literature cited Anon. (2011) Airtight Post-harvest Storage Helps African Farmers. African Farming and Food Processing. Jan/Feb 2011: 32-33 Armah, P.W. and Asante, F. (2006). Traditional maize storage systems and food security in Ghana. Journal of Food Distribution Research 37:1. Arnaud, R., Dabin, P., Lemaire, J., Al-Malaika, S., Chohan S. and Coker, M. (1994). Photooxidation and biodegradation of commercial photodegradable polyethylenes. Polymer, Degradation and Stability Journal 46: 211224. Caneppele, M.A.B.; Caneppele, C.; Lzzari, F.A.; Lzzari, S.M.N. (2003).Correlation between the infestation level of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) and the quality factors of stored corn, Zea mays L. (Poaceae). Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, Curitiba, v.47, n.4, p.625-630. Copeland, L.O. and McDonald, M.B. (1995). Seed longetivity and deterioration. Principles of Seed Science and Technology, 3rd Edition Chapman and Hall, New Yorks pp 181-220. Derraik, J.G.B. (2002). The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review. Marine pollution Bulletin 44(9): 842-852. Fonseca, H., Cllori-Domingues, M.A., Gloria, E.M., Luiz Neto, M., Zambello, I.V. (1995). Influence of bag materials on moisture loss and final aflatoxin content of in-shell peanuts stored moist first studies. Food Additive Contamination 12: 337341. GenStat (2007). Genstat for windows, release 9.2. VSN International Limited, 9th edition, Oxford. Jonfia-Essien WA, Navarro S, Villers, P (2010) Hermetic Storage: A novel approach to the protection of cocoa beans. African Crop Sci 18(2): 59-68. Koutny, M., Lernaire, J., Delhort, A-M. (2006). Biodegradation of polypropylene films with pro-oxidant additives. Chemosphere 64: 1243-1252. Malik, T.P (2009). Effect of Different Polythene Bags on Plw and Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Content of Pea Grains During Ambient and Zero Energy Chamber Storage. Annals of Horticulture 2(2): 155 160. Navarro, H, Navarro, S Finkelman, S (2012) Hermetic and modified atmosphere storage of shelled peanuts to prevent free fatty acid and aflatoxin formation. Proceedings of the Conf Int Org Biol Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants (IOBC). Work Group on Integrated Prot Stored Prod Bull. Volos, Greece. July 4-7, 2011.
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Navarro, S. (2006). Modified atmospheres for the control of stored-product insects and mites. in: insect management for food storage and processing, AACC International, Second edition.,St. Paul, MN, 146pp. Obeng-Ofori, D. (2008). Postharvest science and technology. In Cornelius, E.W., and Obeng-Ofori, D.(ed). Major stored product arthropod pests. First edition. College of Agriculture and Consumer Science, University of Ghana. 146pp. Ojeda, T.F.M., Dalmolin, E., Forte, M.M.C., Jacques, R.J.S., Bento, F.M. and Camargo, F.A.O. (2009). Abiotic and biotic degradation of oxo-biodegradable polyethylenes. Journal of Polymer Degradation and Stability 94: 965970 Pradhan, B.K. and Badola, H.K Effect of Storage Conditions and Storage Periods on Seed Germination in Eleven Populations of Swertia chirayita: A Critically Endangered Medicinal Herb in Himalaya. The Scientific World Journal, Article ID 128105, 9 p Quezada, M.Y., Moreno, J., Vazquez, M. E., Mendoza, M., Mendez-Albores, A. and Moreno-Martinez, E. (2006). Hermetic storage system preventing the proliferation of Prostefanus truncates Horn and storage fungi in maize with different moisture contents. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 39 (3):321-326.Stability. 56:275 279. Satoto R, Subowo, W.S., Yusiasih, R., Takane, Y., Watanabe, Y. and Hatakeyama, T. (1997). Weathering of high-density polyethylene in different latitudes. Polymer, Degradation and Stability. 56:275279. Shindano, J. (2007). Functional properties of white maize meal stored under tropical conditions. Thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of doctor (PhD) in Applied Biological Sciences: Chemistry. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University 177pp Figures
31 30 Mean temperature oC 29 28 27 26 25 24 1 2 3 4 in months 5 6 Storage time Inside Outsid

Figure 1: Changes in temperature during storage of obatanpa, ob and denkye, den maize samples for six months in a smallholder farmers crib

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90 80 Mean Relative humidity % 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1 2 3 4 5 Storage time in months 6 Inside store Outside store

Figure 2: Changes in relative humidity during storage of obatanpa, ob and denkye, den maize samples for six months in a smallholder farmers crib
18 16

% Moisture Content

14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 ob, tb ob, poly den, tb den, poly

Before storage After six months of storage

Storage maize samples Figure 3: Changes in moisture content of stored obatanpa, ob and denkye, den maize samples after six months of storage in a smallholder farmers crib

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100

% Laboratory germination

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ob,tb ob,poly den,tb den,poly Before storage After storage of six months

Stored samples Figure 4A: Changes in laboratory germination capacity of stored obatanpa, ob and denkye, den in HTLBB (tb) and PIB (poly) after six months of storage in a smallholder farmers crib
80 70

% Field germination

60 50 40 30 20 10 0 ob, tb ob, poly den, tb den, poly

Before storage

Stored Samples

Figure 4B: Changes in field germination of stored obatanpa, ob and denkye, den in HTLBB (tb) and PIB (poly) after six months of storage in a smallholder farmers crib

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18 16 14 12

% weight loss

10 8 6 4 2 0 ob,tb ob,poly den,tb den,poly

weight loss

Stored samples Figure 5: Variation in weight loss of obatanpa, ob and denkye, den maize samples in HTLBB (tb) and PIB (poly) after six months of storage in a smallholder farmers crib
40 Colour Changes (E ) values 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 ob,tb, crib ob,poly, crib den,tb, crib den,poly, crib Stored samples
Before Storage After six months of storage

Figure 6: Changes in grain colour of stored obatanpa, ob and denkye, den maize samples in HTLBB (tb) and PIB (poly) after six months of storage in a smallholder farmers crib

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