maintains full time senior management staff to support activities in this sector, and is currently...

www.vak ak is.gr

COMPANY BACKGROUNDAND EXPERIENCE

COMPANY BACKGROUNDAND EXPERIENCE

VAKAKIS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS9-11, Laodikias Street, GR-11528 Athens, GREECETel.: (+30) 210 7475950, Fax: (+30) 210 7704370

Email: [email protected]

Vakakis Development Consultants

1. Company Background

4. Recent Project Experience

2. Fields of Specialisation3. Geographic Experience


5. Selected References

Company Establishment/Activities/Geographic Coverage: Vakakis International S.A., established in 1988, wholly owned by Vakakis and Associates S.A., founded in 1980, specialising in the provision of technical assistance and consulting services in the fields of: rural development (including rural infrastructure), agricultural production, agro-processing, restructuring and privatisation, SME development, water resources management and irrigation, agricultural credit and extension, regional planning and infrastructure development, rural health and social issues, environmental impact assessment of development projects and natural resources management conservation. In 2015 the two companies merged as Vakakis Development Consultants SA (Vakakis). To-date, Vakakis has been engaged in over 55 countries throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean basin, Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. To supplement its own staff and resources Vakakis draws upon its extensive international network of contacts and associations with major European training centres and research institutes, as well as consultancy companies to provide additional services required to meet the needs of the most complex assignments.

Professional Affiliations: Vakakis is currently a member of the Association of Greek Consulting Firms (HELLASCO), the European Federation of Consulting Firms (EFCA) and the Hellenic Association of Management Consultants (SESMA).

Approach to Development: The company’s approach to development is based on participatory techniques and methods, which facilitate a better understanding of the issues involved and a more responsive reaction to the beneficiaries’ real needs, while training is always provided, as a means towards sustainable development. The company has to-date successfully managed and co-ordinated a considerable number of large multi-disciplinary projects, many of them operating under difficult social and economic conditions, a fact that has allowed Vakakis to both obtain valuable experience and gain a reputation as being a highly professional company in the field of integrated rural development.

Databank of Training Modules in the Rural Sector: The Consultant has accumulated in excess of 150 targeted training modules, within the context of providing training to rural populations in over 57 countries over the last twenty years. The modules include targeted training programmes on a range of issues including: (i) formation and management of farmer co-operatives and associations, (ii) human resources assessment of farmer service institutions-organisations, (iii) farm management, (iv) agro-food processing, (v) farm mechanisation, (vi) agricultural marketing, (vii) use and development of computerized agricultural information systems, (viii) financial audit and management of agricultural enterprises, (ix) preparation of farm business plans, (x) project cycle management, (xi) creation of farm accounting data networks, (xii) practical aspects of animal husbandry, (xiii) establishment of agricultural market information services, (xiv) cost benefit analysis of agricultural diversification, (xv) participatory training and extension, (xvi) irrigation management practices, (xvii) implementation of micro-credit schemes, (xviii) organic farming, (xix) effective demonstration of production technologies, (xx) promotion of entrepreneurial spirit among farmers. All training modules are maintained in electronic form on a central database server, available to head quarters and project staff.

Corporate Database: A database accessible to all nodes of the corporate intranet is maintained with updated information to support the needs of Head Quarters and Project Staff, including; (i) complete biographical information on approximately 2,500 specialists covering all aspects of rural development, (ii) internet links to all European organisations in the rural sector, (iii) a complete library of contractual guidelines of International Donor Agencies, (iv) a complete technical library of both internal and external documents on numerous technical subjects, (v) a library of Terms of References which have been utilised for short term expert missions in past and on-going technical assistance projects.

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VAKAKIS GROUP


1. Company Background2. Fields of Specialisation

2. Fields of Specialisation

3. Geographic Experience 4. Recent Project Experience


RURAL DEVELOPMENT

· Participatory Rural Appraisals.· Institutional strengthening at provincial and community levels.· Comprehensive integrated rural development plans (National/ Regional).· EU Rural/Regional development planning.· Poverty reduction and the development of sustainable rural livelihoods.· Non-farm rural economy.· Rural infrastructure (buildings, access roads, rural sanitation etc.).· Pilot demonstration and training for technologies that preserve the environment.· Project/programme monitoring and evaluation.

Vakakis maintains full time senior management staff to support activities in this sector, and is currently operating EU funded rural development projects in Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Morocco, Egypt, Niger, Cambodia and Mongolia. The projects are often large, complex and in remote regions making effective backstopping/management critical.

NATURAL RESOURCES AND LAND MANAGEMENT

· Promotion of sustainable smallholder agriculture. · Introduction of soil / land conservation techniques. · Biodiversity conservation. · Participatory watershed development. · Policies - Strategies for forestry preservation / conservation. · Botanical wildlife surveys. · Project preparation - Financing proposals. · Land Use Planning. · Land mapping and cartographic registration · Land holdings and parcel boundaries. · GIS creation. · Environmental Impact Assessment. · Area Development Plans.

Vakakis activities in the NRLM sector are growing and currently encompass projects in Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean and Eastern Europe. A significant cadre of senior staff in this sector supports the ongoing projects and development in the sector.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY

· Institutional building/Training in the agricultural sector.· Agro-industries for processing and marketing.· Diversification of agricultural production.· Support to SME’s.· Marketing and farm produce.· Sustainable agricultural development.· Agricultural and livestock production.· Provision of policy advice in transitional economies.

As Vakakis was originally established as a Consultancy specialised in the agricultural sector, the Company experience and staff resources are deep and wide in this field of work. Projects have been implemented on almost every continent and every sub-part of the sector in Eastern Europe, the former NIS, the MEDA region, Asia, Latin America and Africa.






FINANCING THE RURAL SECTOR

· Development of operational credit schemes for agricultural activities and integrated rural development projects.

· Loan application analysis and evaluation; financial statements and analysis; forms and documents covering the whole spectrum of rural credit procedures; customer’s tailored financial studies.

· Facilitating access of rural communities and entrepreneurs to micro-credit.

EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

· Use and application of Instruments of Pre-Accession (IPA)· Acquis communautaire / CAP reform· Common Market Organisations (CMO’s) / Development of relevant market support and

regulatory bodies· EU agri-food legislative gap analysis and legislative work plans· EU legal and regulatory compliance assessments· Legal drafting /legal approximation of technical legislation· Stabilisation and Association agreements / Europe Agreements preparation· EU agri-food trade negotiations preparations / impact assessment· Development of EU Financial systems / Payment agencies · Integrated Administrative and Control System (IACS) design & development· EAGGF Guarantee financial management / EU Rural Development measures / other

structural funds · Agency accreditation support and guidance· Environmental protection and Green Agriculture

INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING

· Functional reviews· Training needs analysis· Training program design and delivery (senior and middle management)· Human resource management systems and practices· Continuous professional development program design and operation· Staff and skills audits /appraisals· Institutional SWOT analysis· Institutional budget appraisal, design, planning and operation· Financial performance reviews / cost effectiveness assessments

REGIONAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

· Natural, economic and social resources appraisal.· Evaluation of investment projects for regional development based on economic, social and

technical criteria according to EU Structural funds regulations.· Integrated plans for regional development (infrastructure, agriculture, livestock, forestry,

fisheries, social services).· Organisation/approval of loans to support investments, utilising EU revolving credit schemes.

Vakakis possesses extensive experience in the management of EU-funded investments in infrastructure to support rural populations and in the appraisal of future project beneficiaries’ views to proposed development. Vakakis is currently overseeing EU investments in infrastructure in Greece, Egypt, Morocco and Cambodia.






WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

· Water supply and distribution systems.· Irrigation schemes and systems.· Hydraulic and hydrologic analyses of River basin systems.· Participation in negotiations for international water resources agreements.· Simulation of river flows and comparison with actual data.· Preparation of Water Quality Monitoring Plans.· Prediction of cross-border flows due to large irrigation projects.· Installation/use of telemetry and instrumentation to collect water resources data.· Flood Monitoring and Control.

Within the framework of large Technical Assistance projects and studies funded by international donor agencies, Vakakis has acquired significant expertise in evaluating water resources in rural areas. Vakakis has implemented projects with important water resources components in Swaziland, Mauritania and Mauritius and Rodrigues. In addition to the implementation of projects in this sector, senior members of Vakakis staff assist in the preparation of projects for the United Nations-FAO, World Bank and the European Commission in the water resources sector. Fully modern GIS and mapping capabilities are functional in the Vakakis Headquarters and branch offices, to support the presentation/analysis of field data.





2. Fields of Specialisation3. Geographic Experience

3. Geographic Experience

MEDITERRANEAN BASIN: Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan, Yemen, Cyprus, Greece.

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN: Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Lesotho, Burkina Faso, Guinea Equatorial, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau Ivory Coast, Togo, South Africa, Sudan, Mauritius , Rodrigues.

ASIA: Laos, Cambodia, China, Mongolia.

CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Grenada, Guyana, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Surinam, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago.

CENTRAL / EASTERN EUROPE & CIS: Croatia, Serbia & Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Albania, Bulgaria, Fyrom, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania.





3. Geographic Experience4. Recent Project Experience



CENTRAL / EASTERN EUROPE & CIS

CROATIA: CAAC Project Monitoring and Evaluation. CAACP/M&E/QCBS/2 (2010-2012) Client: WB/Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, 0.102 mEuro

CROATIA: Institutional Capacity Building and Support for Implementation of SAPARD/IPA-RD Programme (2007-2009) Client: EU PHARE / CFCU CROATIA, 3.8 mEuro

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Support for Implementation of Functional Recommendations in the Agriculture Sector (Support to the establishment of the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) (2006-2008). Client: EU PHARE / DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, 1.2 mEuro

SERBIA & MONTENEGRO: Support to a Rural Development Programming and Payment System (2006-2008). Client: EC-CARDS / EAR / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND WATER MANAGEMENT (MAFWM), 2.0 mEuro

ALBANIA: Technical Assistance to the PMU of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food

(2003-2004). Client: EU-PHARE / PMU OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 0.40 mEuro

BOSNIA &HERZEGOVINA: Institutional Support to the Ministries of Agriculture (2001-2003). Client: EC-CARDS/MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY & WATER (Federation/RS/District Brcko), 1.6 mEurouro

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Bosnia & Herzegovina Forestry Programme (1999-2001). Client: EU-PHARE/MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTS AND WATER ECONOMY (FEDERATION/RS), 1.4 mEuro

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA: Technical Assistance for the Agricultural Strategy and Programming Unit (1999-2001). Client: EU PHARE / MINISTRIES OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND WATER (FEDERATION/RS), 1.0 mEuro

ALBANIA: Technical Assistance to the Phare Programme Management Unit-Agriculture (1998-2000). Client: EU-Phare / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 0.188 mEuro

ALBANIA: Adviser to the Extension Services (1996-1997). Client: EU-Phare / PMU / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, 0.226 mEuro

BULGARIA: Technical Assistance to SAPARD Agencies within the framework of the twinning programme of the Ministries of Agriculture of Greece and Bulgaria (1999-2000). Client: EU STRUCTURAL SUPPORT FUND / BULGARIAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY, 0.78 mEuro

BULGARIA: Technical Assistance to the Phare Programme Management Unit-Agriculture and the SPP (1997-1999). Client: EU-Phare / PMU MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY, 0.411 mEuro

FYROM: Institutional Strengthening of the Ministry of Agriculture (2002-2004). Client: EU EAR/MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY & WATER ECONOMY, 0.96 mEuro

ROMANIA: Crop Information System (1998-1999). Client: EU Phare / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 0.43 mEuro

ROMANIA: Restructuring/privatisation of industrialised pig and poultry breeding complexes (1995-1996). Client: EU-Phare, 0.920 mEuro

RUSSIA: Food Producers’ Competitiveness in Kuzbass (2001-2003). Client: EU-Tacis / KEMEROVO OBLAST ADMINISTRATION, 1.40 mEuro








RUSSIA: Promoting Co-operative Ventures by Independent Farmers (1998-2002). Client: EU-Tacis / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD, 3.30 mEuro

RUSSIA: Support to the Ministry of Agriculture in Developing Strategies Conducive to Reform (1999-2001). Client: EU Tacis / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FOOD, 1,44 mEuro

RUSSIA: Promotion of Agro-Industrial Reform at Oblast Level (1996-1999). Client: EU-Tacis/MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD RESOURCES, 3.023 mEuro

MEDITERRANEAN BASIN

TURKEY: Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Nitrates Directive (2010-2013). Client: EU-IPA/CFCU-TURKEY, 1,7 mEuro

EGYPT: Technical Assistance for the Support to Rural Development Programme (2011-2016). Client: EU-MEDA/EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND RECLAMATION, 1.245 mEuro

TURKEY: Technical Assistance for the Implementation of Nitrate Directive (2010-2013). Client: EU/CFCU, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 1.7 mEuro

MOROCCO: Watershed Management Project (2008-2013). Client: Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)/Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et a la Lutte Contre la Désertification, 1.12 mEuro

EGYPT: Provision of Technical Assistance to the Financial Investment and Sector Co-operation - Rural Component, Egypt (FISC) (2005-2009). Client: EU-MEDA/EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND RECLAMATION, 1.07 mEuro

EGYPT: Multi Sector Support Programme (MSSP) (1996-2004). Client: EU-DGIB / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 5.67 mEuro

TURKEY: Technical Assistance for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for the Preparation of a Rural Development Plan (2006 - 2007). Client: EC-Pre-Accession Financial Assistance Programme for Turkey 2004 / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE and RURAL AFFAIRS (MARA), 0.29 mEuro

TURKEY: Samsun Solid Waste Management Project-Training Consultant (2004-2005). Client: KfW / GREATER MUNICIPALITY OF SAMSUN, 0.56 mEuro

TURKEY: Regional development programme for the Kastamonu, Samsun and Erzurum NUTS II Regions’ (2005-2007). Client: EU-MEDA/CFCU WITHIN THE TURKISH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 2.34 mEuro

JORDAN: Horticultural Export Promotion and Technology Transfer Project (2005). Client: NATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, 0.05 mEuro

LEBANON: Establishment of the Economic and Social Fund for Development (2002-2005). Client: EU-MEDA/COUNCIL FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RECONSTRUCTION, 2.7 mEuro

MOROCCO: TA for the establishing the Commune Investment Programme in the Beni Ikhlef rural Commune, Khouribga (March 2005-February 2006). Client: PROVINCIAL DIRECTION OF AGRICULTURE, KHOURIBGA/WB, 0,18 mEuro

MOROCCO: Participatory Development of forest and para-forest zones of the Chefchaouen province (2003-2006). Training component. Client: EU-MEDA / PROVINCIAL DIRECTION OF AGRICULTURE, 0.59 mEuro

MOROCCO: Participatory Rural Development in middle Atlas-Central Khenifra (2002-2009). Client: EU mEuroDA / PROVINCIAL SERVICE OF WATER AND FOREST OF KHENIFRA / MINISTRY OF WATER AND FORESTS, 2.90 mEuro








MOROCCO: Protection and participatory management of the forestry ecosystems of the Rif Mountains (1999-2001). Client: EU-DGIB / MINISTRY OF WATER AND FORESTS, 0.165 mEuro

MOROCCO: Management of EU investments in the water distribution and treatment sectors of rural centres in the North (1997-2001). Client: EU DGIB / OFFICE NATIONAL DE L’EAU POTABLE, 0.78 mEuro

MOROCCO: Feasibility study for small and mEurodium sized irrigation schemes in the Oujda Wilaya region (1997-1999). Client: KfW / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LAND RECLAMATION, 0.14 mEuro

YEMEN: Socotra Archipelago Master Plan Study (1999-2000). Client: EU DG1B2 / GOVERNMENT OF YEMEN, 0.94 mEuro

CYPRUS: Evaluation of the current status and provision of advice for operational changes in the Cyprus Co-operative Central Bank Ltd (1998-1999). Client: CO-OPERATIVE CENTRAL BANK LTD OF CYPRUS, 0.04 mEuro

GREECE: Management and Advisory Services on the Disbursement of the EU’s Structural Support Fund Programme to the Greek Agricultural Sector through the operation of a Programme Management Unit (1996-2001). Client: EU-DGVI/MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE/MINISTRY OF NATIONAL ECONOMY, 1.54 mEuro

GREECE: European Rural Agro-food: distinguishing characteristics of products processed in the farm (1996-1999). Client: EU-DGVI, XII, XIV

GREECE: Managerial and Operational systems introduction for dealing with the special environmental problems of protected areas-Lake Kerkini (1996-1997). Client: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LAND-PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS, 1.32 mEuro

GREECE: Managerial and Operational systems introduction for dealing with the special environmental problems of protected areas-Parnonas (1996-1997). Execution of a study investigating the natural environmental conditions of the area, Client: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LAND-PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS, 1,32 mEuro

GREECE: Environmental impact assessment of the diversion of the Acheloos River (1996-1997). Client: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, LAND-PLANNING AND PUBLIC WORKS

GREECE: Marketing Plan to Increase National and European Consumption of Table Olives (1993-1995). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, DEPT. OF MARKET ADMIN, 0.020 mEuro

GREECE: Property Register for Olive Tree and Vineyard Parcels (2001-2003). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 1.217 mEuro

GREECE: Market Research Inventory/Analysis of the Marketing Chain for Four (4) Agricultural Products; Tomatoes, Peaches, Grapes, Olives (1999). Client: ZENECA HELLAS S.A., 0.040 mEuro

GREECE: Establishment of a GIS based olive and vine producers’ Register on this island of Crete (2001-2004). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 5.5 mUSD

GREECE: Establishment of a GIS based olive and vine producers’ Register in the prefecture of Viotia (2001-2004). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 2.1875 mUSD

GREECE: Establishment of a GIS based olive and vine producers’ Register in the prefecture of Aitoloakarnania (2001-2004). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, 1 mUSD.








CARIBBEAN & LATIN AMERICA

CARIFORUM mEuroMBER STATES: Design of an Agricultural Credit Fund and Research and Training Fund in support of diversification initiatives in the agricultural sector (1995). Client: EU-DGVIII/CARIFORUM SECRETARIAT, 0.058 mEuro

JAMAICA: Technical Assistance to the Morant-Yallahs Agricultural Development Project (1996-1998). Client: EU EDF / RURAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 0.346 mEuro

PANAMA: Technical Assistance to Rural Self-Help Groups, SMEs in the Central region of Panama / Proyecto de Asociación de Pequeños y mEurodianos Productores de Panamá (1996-2001). Client: EU ALA / APEMEP, 1.30 mEuro

ST. LUCIA: Evaluation of the Mabouya Valley Development Project (2002). Client: EU-EDF/MINISTRY OF PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT & HOUSING, 0.079 mEuro

AFRICA & INDIAN OCEAN

GUINEA: Feasibility Study for Rural Development Programme in Boke Region (1998). Client: EU DGVIII / EDF, 0.143 mEuro

GUINEA: Development programme of the High West Valley of Guinea (PHGO) (1998). Client: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND FORESTRY

GUINEA: Technical Assistance for the construction of schools, within the framework of the project “Improvement of living conditions in the interior of the country - Component Education” (1997-1998). Client: EU EDF/REPUBLIC OF GUINEA, 0.14 mEuro

INDIAN OCEAN: Regional project for fisheries development in the Indian Ocean Region (1998). Client: COMMISSION OF INDIAN OCEAN, 0.162 mEuro

MALI: Support to the coordination of local development actions in the northern regions of the country (1999-2001). Client: EU-EDF/MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 0.532 mEuro

MAURITANIA: Pre-feasibility study for the diversification of agricultural production in the irrigated sector (1999). Client: EU-EDF/ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF MAURITANIA, 0.16 mEuro

MAURITIUS: Northern Plains Irrigation Project-Technical Assistance to Support Diversification (2003-2004). Client: EU-EDF / MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION UNIT, 0.85 mEuro

NIGER: TA to the PMU for the programme “Improving Food Security through Small Scale Irrigation” (2001-2006). Client: EU-EDF / MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT / COMITE DIRECTEUR DU PROGRAMME “APPUI A LA SECURITE ALIMENTAIRE PAR LA PETITE IRRIGATION” (ASAPI), 1.35 mEuro

NIGER: TA to the Grassland Farming Protection Project (PASEP) (2005-2009). Client: MINISTRY OF ECONOMICS & FINANCE / MINISTRY OF ANIMAL RESOURCES 2.34 mEuro

RODRIGUES: Integrated Rural Development & Anti-Erosion Programme (REP. OF MAURITIUS) (1999-2003). Client: EU EDF / MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTIVITY & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT, 0.83 mEuro








SOUTH AFRICA: Technical Assistance Consultancy Programme (1999-2001). Client: EU EDF, 1.8 mEuro

SWAZILAND: Environmental Impact Assessment Study on the Proposed Lower Usuthu Small- holder Irrigation Development Project (1999-2000). Client: EU EDF/MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, 0.45 mEuro

ZIMBABWE, MALAWI, ZAMBIA, SWAZILAND, LESOTHO: Improved Integration of Small Ruminants with a view to economical and ecologically sustainable production in smallholder crop/livestock systems in Southern Africa (1995-1998). Client: EU EDF. 0.08 mEuro

ASIA

CAMBODIA: Economic and Social Relaunch of Northwest Provinces (ECOSORN) (2005-2010). Client: EU-ALA/MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES, 5.9 mEuro

CHINA/IRELAND: EU-China Technical and Commercial Co-operation within the Dairy and Food Processing Sector-Dairy Farm Management Training Course (DAFAM) (2001). Client: ALA/CHN/95/17, 0.22 mEuro

LAOS: Phongsaly Forest Conservation and Integrated Rural Development (1998-2005). Client: EU-DGIB/ALA PROGRAMME, 3.61 mEuro

MONGOLIA: Establishment of a Collection and Distribution Network (2004-2006). Client: EU-Tacis / MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE OF MONGOLIA, 1.00 mEuro

MONGOLIA: Technical Assistance of EU-Mongolia Animal Health and Livestock Marketing Project, Mongolia (2008-2013). Client: EU-ALA Ministry of Food and Agriculture-Mongolia, 4.54 mEuro




3. Geographic Experience2. Fields of Specialisation


5. Project References

4. Recent Project Experience5. Project References

Ref. 1 MOROCCO TA to the Executive Agency of the Watershed Management Project in Oued Mellah and Allal El Fassi Dam Upper Watersheds

Name of legal entity Overall project value (Euro) Proportion carried out by legal entity Partners (if any)

Vakakis International S.A. 1,101,013 100% None

Number of staff provided Name of Client Origin of funding Dates (start-end)

10High Commissariat for Water

and Forest and combating Desertification (HCEFLCD)

Japan Bank for International

Cooperation (JBIC)

08/05/2009- 31/12/2013

In Morocco, climatic change and human pressure from over grazing and wood for fuel consumption are the predominant causes of significant forest degradation. In response to this national concern, the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco has given high priority to addressing forest conservation through interventions in forest regeneration / preservation and erosion control in mountainous areas. In 1996 the HCEFLCD, the execu.tive agency responsible for the management of all national forest land in Morocco, created the National Watershed Management Plan (PNABV) in order to implement watershed management operations in 22 top priority watersheds. This project targets 2 of the key watershed areas: the Oued Mellah Watershed and Allal El Fassi Dam Upstream Watershed. Central to the implementation of the plan is the involvement of all stakeholders and it’s implementation through participative and partnership approaches. The Project’s objective was to restore degraded land and improve the livelihood of local population by carrying out integrated management, including i) afforestation; ii) erosion control; iii) soil and water conservation measures; iv) improving the living conditions of local population, and, through the above, contributing to natural resources conservation and to poverty alleviation in the two regions concerned by the Project.

The main components of the Project were:

◊ Reconstruction of degraded forest ecosystem (Assisted regeneration, afforestation for protection, tending of plantations, sylvicultural works, high density plantations in unstable lands and badlands, forest management study, registration of agricultural lands, registration of farming activities).

◊ Assistance to the Project Management Unit (UGP) to formulate basic concept of optimal GIS utilisation for the Project and to assist HCEFLCD to set up monitoring and evaluation of Project activities; Thematic and land cadastre maps were produced, while a functioning M.I.S. was set up between, village, Province and Central Level.

◊ Improvement of grazing and cultivated lands (Sylvopastoral plantations, regeneration of natural grazing land, fruit trees plantation with erosion control measures, soil improvement, hydro-agricultural management)

◊ Treatment of lands affected by rill and gully erosion (Mechanical/biological treatment, masonry/gabion/dry stone check dams)

◊ Improvement of forest infrastructure (Nurseries, production of seedlings, construction and maintenance of infrastructures for forest protection: forest road, forest firebreaks, forest houses)

◊ Improvement of local population livehoods (Implementation of “Plans de Développement des Douars”-PDD), through support to SMEs in the region.

◊ Equipment for institutional strengthening (Purchase of vehicles/trucks/computers)

The objective of the consulting services was to provide the Executive Agency of the Project with overall managerial and technical assistance for the smooth implementation of the Project and to assist the reinforcement of the institutional capacity of the Executing Agency for the future sustainability of the Project. The consultant team carried out its services in close collaboration with the Project implementation structures set up by the HCEFLCD at central (Cellule), regional (Unité de Gestion du projet/UGP) and local (Unités Opérationnelles de Planification et de Suivi/UOPS) levels.

As a crucial element in achieving the improvement of local population livelihoods, special emphasis was given to the formulation and implementation of the PDDs. The TA specifically ensured women’s participation in the consultation for the PDD formulation and execution by providing specific consideration on women’s needs and working conditions.

The TA Team which is assisting the HCEFLCD, comprises the following Short-Term experts:• AProjectSupervisor(6M/m)• AnationalSocio-economist(8M/m)• AnInternationalSocio-economist(3M/m)• AInternationalGISExpert(1M/m)• AnationalGISExpert(4M/m)• Animators(641M/m)Scope of the Consulting Services:- To asses the progress of the project implementation and report to the Cellule and to assist Executive Agency when and if

necessary, especially by giving advice in the transfer of know-how.- To assist Cellule and UGP to formulate basic concept of optimal GIS utilization for the Project and to assist HCEFLCD to set

up monitoring and evaluation of the Project activities.- To assist in the selection of the Animators. To establish the implementation program for the formulation of PDD and

methodological guidelines. To ensure interface between forest administration and local population.








Ref. 2 EGYPT Technical Assistance to the Support to Rural Development Programme, Egypt


Vakakis International S.A.

1,345,920 (TA)(Grants scheme) budget

7,000,000 60%NSCE (EG),

LEI (NE)


1 LTVarious ST MoALR – EU Delegation,

Egypt EU

Original Period:Jan 2012 – Sep 2014

Extension Period: Oct 2014-Feb 2016

The primary target groups of the Technical Assistance are farmers who will benefit from the grant schemes and local operators who will be involved in the programme implementation (NGOs, PVOs, CBOs, FAs, COOPs). The specific objective of the project is to support MoALR at both the central and district level to test and apply the conditional incentive based approach in reforming the agricultural subsidies country policy and advise local operators to successfully participate in the process.

The services provided under the TA Contract include, inter-alia:

• DraftingProgrammeOperationalPlans,

• DesignofaTotalQualityManagementSystem,

• TraininginGrantSchemeManagement

• Set-upofM&Esystemandinternalcontrolsystem(softwarebased)

• SupportandCapacitybuildinginthe‘conditionalincentives’approachtoRuralDevelopment

• StrategicEnvironmentalAssessment,

• TrainingNeedsAssessmentofStakeholders,

• Strategicassessmentandpolicyadviceonexpandingincentivespaymentsystem,nationwide.

Provision of Services (1452 workdays)• KeyExpert1:Teamleader(longterm)• KeyExpert2:NaturalResourcesManagementExpert• KeyExpert3:VisibilityCommunicationExpert• M&EExpert• InternalControlsystemExpert• FinancialExpert• VariousInternationalandLocalSTexperts








Ref. 3 CROATIA Croatia Agricultural Acquis Cohesion Project – CAACP – Project Monitoring & Evaluation


Vakakis International S.A. 102,900 100% none


3Ministry of Agriculture,

Forestry and Water Management

World Bank Sept 2010-May2012

The CAACP, with financial support from the World Bank and the Government of the Netherlands, aims to assist the government of Croatia in its EU accession efforts in areas of agriculture and rural development. The overarching objective of the CAAC Project is to enable Croatia’s agricultural sector to capture benefits accruing from accession to the European Union.

Within this broader framework, the objectives of this CAAC Project Monitoring and Evaluation contract are threefold: (i) to monitor the activities and results of the CAAC Project and especially in the collection elaboration and recording of data for policy making and assessment of policy impacts, especially related to agricultural subsidies and payment system implementation ;(ii) to monitor the state of preparation of MAFRD as well as the Croatian Agricultural sector for accession to EU membership in order to ensure timely implementation of reforms and preparatory steps necessary regarding the registering and internal control systems applied; and (iii) to assess the impact of all preparation steps taken as regards the capacity of Croatia’s Agricultural sector to capture benefits accruing from accession to the European Union.

To achieve these objectives the following activities are being undertaken by the TA team provided technical expertise on:

• Databaseuse/ITintegrationsurvey

• Staffcompetencysurvey:Thissurveywillinvolve3typesofinvestigations:(i)Conveningof“focusgroups”ofselectedstaffperinstitution, to discuss present status as regards dissemination of necessary knowledge and know-how,(ii) Complementary qualitative analysis through a sample of face-to-face interviews,(iii) This predominantly qualitative assessment being further cross-checked by a purely quantitative survey – under the form of a direct rapid knowledge appraisal using quick-to-fill MCQ

• PreparationofTechnicalQuarterlyReportsand2010AnnualMonitoringReportfortheWB

• DeliveryofWorkshoppresentingthe2010Monitoringreport:Theconclusionsofthe2010YearlyMonitoringReportwerepresented to all national stakeholders during a national workshop.

• TerminalImpactAssessment:AnassessmentofCAACPimpactandofthecapacityofMAFRDandthenationalagriculturalsector to capture benefits accruing from accession to the EU.

Provision of a TA team comprising of 3 experts including:1 International Team Leader/ Monitoring Expert.2 Local Monitoring Experts;i) M&E Expert: Agricultural Economist ii) M&E Expert: Agriculture Information Specialist.








Ref. 4 TURKEY Technical Assistance for the Implementation of the Nitrates directive


Vakakis International S.A. 1,700,000 90% IOW (Fr), BRGM (FR), Teagasc (Irl),


3 LT CFCU, Turkey EU-IPA23.01.10 –

11.02.13

The primary target group of the Technical Assistance was the farming community in Turkey, while the secondary target group was staff within the public sector who had a need to better understand the Policy Impact of implementing the Nitrates Directive. The beneficiary was the General Directorate of Protection and Control of MARA who was responsible for the implementation and the harmonization of the Nitrates Directive at the national level.

The Project Purpose was to provide Technical Assistance in order to reduce nutrient pollution caused by the agricultural sources on surface and ground water resources and soil by strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) for implementation of EU Nitrate Directive. The Expected Results of the Project include the following;

• Result1:Effectivemonitoringonsurfaceandgroundwaterforagriculturalnitratepollutionisachieved,bydeterminingNitrate Vulnerable Zones and developing a network system,

- Task1 : Preparation of a National Action Plan for the Nitrates Directive and an Action Plan for each one of the selected Nitrate Vulnerable Zones. Outputs:

- Task 2: Establishment of a Reporting System. Despite the fact that Turkey is not yet an EU Member, numerous guidance documents and draft documents were produced in line with the Policy Reporting requirements under the Nitrate Directive. Documents included; (i) a Draft 4 Year Country Report to the EU, (ii) a Draft Annual Report to the EU, (iii) a Draft Annual Country Report to the EU.

- Task 3: Designation of Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

- Task 4: Drafting of Codes of Good Agricultural Practice and connecting them with an integrated agricultural payments/ subsidization strategy for farmers.

- Task 5: Establishment of a surface and groundwater Monitoring Network

• Result2:TheInstitutionalandtechnicalcapacityofMARAwasstrengthened,resultinginincreasedfarmerawarenessandknowledge in pilot areas and shared information and knowledge developed by MARA to MoEF and GD of State Hydraulic Works. Significant training was provided to public sector ministry staff in all areas in which the Nitrates Directive Policy would impact their ministries.

- Task 6: Develop a capacity building programme for the implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive.

- Task 7: Design and assist in the implementation of awareness programmes for Farmers and the Public on Nitrates Pollution

• Result 3: An operative Data Acquisition and Monitoring Software have been developed is operational. The system isconnected with land registration and land use and farm registration systems .

Provision of a TA team comprising:1 x Team leader (long term)1 x Deputy Team Leader1 x Software Developer

Services Provided by the TA Team; • Preparation of numerous Policy Documents and Action Plans required by the EU for Implementation of the Nitrates

Directive,• SoftwareDevelopmentfordataacquisitionandmonitoringofpollutants,• ElaborationofCodesofGoodAgriculturalPractice,• Organizationoffarmertraininginenvironmentallysoundfarmingmethods,• DevelopmentanddeliveryofacapacitybuildingprogrammetosupportNitratesDirectivePolicy.








Ref. 5 MONGOLIA Technical Assistance to EU – Mongolia Animal Health and Livestock Marketing Project


Vakakis International S.A. 4,543,632 40%

ABG GmbH (DE) (Lead)Atkins International

(UK)


167 mm long-term218 mm short-term Ministry of Food and

Agriculture-Mongolia EU / ALA Jan. 2008 – Jan 2013

The purpose of this project is to improve the livelihoods of rural population living on livestock production by establishing a productive and market oriented livestock sector. In this framework, the local government inspection authorities are supported in regards to their capacity in the implementation of the regulatory framework related to animal origin food production. This includes topics such as animal health, control, products standards, food safety, production, business management, meat marketing chain as well as the development of a nation-wide vet inspection and control system

The main areas of project intervention include:

1. Enhancement of institutional capacity in the agricultural sector related to food safety:

• Improvementofthelegalframeworkrelatedtofoodsafetystandardsinspection;

• Development and implementation of sector policy, with a view to preparation and implementation of a sector-wideapproach;

• Betterdeliveryofgovernmentservicesrelatedtofoodsafetyinspectionandanimalhygieniccontrol.

• Capacity building through training of State Inspection Agency and other relevant government agencies in policy andregulatory framework implementation including disaster risk analysis and reduction, food and feed safety, animal health control, products standards, hygienic slaughtering, livestock and livestock products marketing, feeding and animal nutrition, animal identification system trials, etc

2. Animal health improvement:

• Improvementofveterinaryservicesthroughbetteravailabilityadvisoryandinspectionservices,feedstuff,drugsandlab.equipment;

• ReliableanimaldiseasecontrolandsurveillancesystemharmonisedwithWTO/OlEstandards;

• Upgradeofveterinaryinspectionservicesforfoodsafetyandveterinaryfeedanddrugqualitytesting.

3. Increase of the quality/safety and efficiency of the livestock production and marketing:

• ProvisionoftechnicalsupporttotheMinistryofFoodandAgricultureandStateInspectionAgencyforanimalidentificationand traceability system trials

• Developmentofdatabase

• Efficiencyofmarketingoflivestockproductsimprovement;

• Livestockfeedsystemdevelopment.

Technical Assistance: Both international and national long term experts are provided encompassing the specialisation of:A. Long term- Team Leader/Agricultural Policy Expert- Veterinary Expert- Marketing Expert- Livestock ExpertB. Short term in various fields such as: procurement, policy planning, legislation, training, meat processing, food quality

standards, veterinary, animal breeding, marketing, information/communication, research-surveys, etc.








Ref. 6 CROATIA Institutional Capacity Building and Support for Implementation of SAPARD/IPA-RD Programme in Croatia


Vakakis International S.A. 3,822,200 90% Teagasc (IE)


4,004CFCA, Ministry of

Agriculture, Forestry & Water Management

EU-Phare 09/10//2007–09/08/2009

The purpose of this contract was to strengthen capacities of the SAPARD and IPA-RD Paying Agency, enabling them to carry out tasks and responsibilities linked to coordination and management of EU co-financed rural development programmes, and also to build up and strengthen institutional capacities of the SAPARD/IPA-RD Paying Agency, enabling implementation of EU co-financed rural development programmes and preparation for the transfer of nationally funded schemes to an EU-compatible paying agency. The main areas of activity included:

• Prepare the National Agriculture & Rural Development Plan for IPA-RD, assist in the negotiationswith EC services andfacilitate its acceptance as a basis for programming in the pre-accession period

• Provideassistanceinpreparingtheinstitutionalpreconditions(guidelines,procedures,andmanuals)foraccreditationandimplementing of new RD measures to be established;

• Assist Directorate for Market and Structural Support in Agriculture (DMSSA) at MAFWM to carry out tasks of IPA-RDimplementation Agency;

• AssistinadaptingNationallegislation/regulationsonIPA-RD;

• Adviseonadjusting,streamliningandsimplifyingthefinancialmanagementandimplementationproceduresangpaymentsystem of SAPARD/IPA-RD Paying Agency in accordance with EU practices;

• Providecomprehensiveprocedurestrainingtothestaffofinvolvedinstitutions(incl.SAPARD/IPA-RD/PayingAgencystaff);

• Assistance in adjustingNational support agricultural subsidies schemes, including their IT platform in the area of ruraldevelopment to be made compatible with EU supporting schemes;

• Provideguidance&assistancetopotentialprogrammefinalbeneficiaries;

• Establish LEADER initiative, assistance on preparation of rural communities to conceive and implement local ruraldevelopment strategies and integrated rural development strategies through local partnerships (LEADER type projects);

• Prepareinformationcampaignstosupportprogrammes/measures;

• Assistinsetting-upPilotschemesforselectedRDmeasuresandfornationallyfundedpilotschemes;

• Preparemonitoring&evaluationsystemsforIPA-RD:(i)delivertrainingstoinvolvedbodiesandauthoritiesonM&EofIPA-RD programme and projects, (ii) establish a technical steering committee, (iii) organise meetings for IPA-RD monitoring committee

Provision of a TA team comprising:Six international long term experts:1 Team Leader / Public Accounts Auditing expert;1 Long term CMO expert.1 Long-term Senior Adviser to IACS/Paying Agency;1 long term Programming, Accreditation, Monitoring and Evaluation of RD measures Expert;1 Long term Agri-environmental schemes Expert;1 Long term LEADER, communication, information, PR expert;Provision of International and Local short term experts in the following areas: Rural and community development planning and programming, Public Finance Management Systems development and administration, Monitoring and evaluation of finance and grant schemes, Procurement services, ICT, Cost-benefit analysis, HRM, Anti-fraud and audit, Project management and backstopping.Services provided by the TA team: Development of appropriate ICT systems and procedures, Procurement and procedures, Regional appraisals and surveys, Economic Studies, Environmental Studies, Sociological Studies, Project Management/Administration, Technical Assistance and Advisory Services, Institutional Strengthening/ Restructuring, Training and Transfer of Technology, National legislation adjusting, training on NATURA 2000 issues, whole-farm agri-environmental plan, M&E systems for agri-environmental measures, LEADER , rural networks, CMOs








Ref. 7 SERBIA Support to a Rural Development Programming and Payment System


Vakakis International S.A. 2,000,000 85%TEAGASC (IR)

SAAMRD (SL) ALTEC (GR)


3 Long-term (60 mm)12 Short-term (14 mm)

EAR / Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water

Management (MAFWM)EC-CARDS 2006 –2008

The objectives of the project are to establish an effective rural development programming and monitoring capacity in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management (MAFWM) & to ensure that the financial management and control system of the MAFWM provides for the efficient and effective use of agricultural subsidies, rural development support schemes and other payments to third party organisations. Both of these specific objectives are part of the process of gradual harmonisation of Serbia with the EU Acquis. The main areas of activity include:

Component 1 - Rural Development Programming:

• PreparationofaNationalRuralDevelopmentPlanforSerbia,includingthedefinitionofruralareas,followingthecompletionof a detailed baseline analysis of rural areas.

• Development of procedures and tools to support the programming, monitoring and evaluation of the national ruraldevelopment plan and operational programme.

• CapacitybuildingofthestaffoftheRuralDevelopmentDepartment(ProgrammeManagementAuthority)withinMAFWMin the techniques and procedures to identify rural development needs, design interventions (measures) to be funded from the national budget (and potentially other sources of external assistance including EU) and establishment/ operation of an effective Rural Development monitoring and evaluation system.

Component 2 – Payment system:

• EstablishmentanddevelopmentofanoperationalDirectorateforPayments.

• Developmentofproceduresand tools, inaccordancewithSerbianpublicfinance legislationand institutional structuresfor the implementation, sound financial management and control of agricultural subsidies and rural development support schemes and other payments to beneficiaries, funded from the budget of the Ministry (and potentially other sources of external assistance including EU).

• SupportforthedesignandestablishmentofanITsystem,inlinewithrelevantEUregulations(namely1663/95)includingthe design of an IT strategy, security policy and introduction of a procurement plan, policies, processes and routines to assure effective system operation and maintenance.

• Institutional planning and capacity building ofMAFWMandMoF staff in the effective operation of theDirectorate forPayments, ensuring effective segregation of functions and the establishment of the basic institutional framework for future accreditation of the Paying Agency.

Provision of a TA team comprising:Three international long term experts:1 Team Leader / Public Accounts Auditing expert;1 Senior Rural Development Policy expert;1 Agricultural / Rural Payments Expert;Provision of short term expertise in the following areas: Rural and community development planning and programming, Public Finance Management Systems development and administration, Monitoring and evaluation of finance and grant schemes, Procurement services, ICT, Cost-benefit analysis, HRM, Anti-fraud and audit, Project management and backstopping.Services provided by the TA team: Development of appropriate ICT systems and procedures, Procurement and procedures, Regional appraisals and surveys, Economic Studies, Environmental Studies, Sociological Studies, Project Management/Administration, Technical Assistance and Advisory Services, Institutional Strengthening/ Restructuring, Training and Transfer of Technology, Women & Development, Local Community Involvement, Decentralisation.








Ref. 8 CYPRUS “The effects of accession to the EU, the future and the dynamics of the rural sector of Cyprus”Rural Development Policy – Development Strategies


Vakakis International S.A. 100,000 100% None


4Ministry of Agriculture

Environment and Natural Resources of Cyprus

EU and national funds 31.08.09 - 31.04.10

The purpose of the project was to review and assess the current situation in the Rural Sector of Cyprus, understand the Impacts of Rural Development Policy which have occurred since the accession of Cyprus to the EU, and contribute to the elaboration of Local Development Strategies through the recommendation of prospects for growth and empowerment of the Rural Sector. Strategic Policy Documents were elaborated detailing the prospects for the future of the Rural Sector including; (i) Draft Vision for Cyprus Agri-food and the Rural Sector in 2020, (ii) Proposals for Rural Policy Measures to Support Rural Development in Cyprus, including the agricultural subsidies and payments to farmers

The study identified sustainable agricultural products, methods of production and/or services which can be provided by the agricultural sector in the next fifteen years, with a view to advising Cypriot farmers which products and crops will adapt most successfully to the expected future climate changes in Cyprus.

The project developed in three phases:

• Phase1:AnalysisofthecurrentsituationintheRuralSectorwhichincluded:

i) evaluation of results and impacts of Rural Development Policy / Programs implemented to date,

ii) undertaking of targeted analysis of particular features of the Cypriot agricultural sector i.e. rural population, agricultural employment, farm income, agricultural structures, main agricultural products and their competitiveness, the environment and natural resources and the contribution of water in agriculture, payments system to farmers under CAP.

• Phase2:Basedontheresultsofpreviousanalysis,aneffortwasmadetoidentifysustainableagriculturalproductsaswellasto develop a Draft Vision for Cyprus Agri-food and the Rural Sector in 2020 which was finalized in consultation with the social partners;

• Phase3:PreparationofareportthatsetsoutthefindingsandconclusionsoftheaboveanalysisandincludesProposalsforRural Policy Measures to Support Rural Development in Cyprus.

Provision of a TA team comprising the following• 1xTeamLeader• 3xSeniorAgro-Economists&EconomistsServices provided by the TA team included:• DevelopmentofDraftStrategicPolicyDocumentsforAgri-foodandtheRuralSector.• Elaborationof Strategic Recommendations to support LocalDevelopment Strategies and specifically, in the selectionof

future investments by Cypriot farmers.• EvaluationofRuralDevelopmentprogrammes.• Analysisofagriculturalsector,includingdatacollection.• Assessmentofclimatechangeimpact.• Identificationofsustainableagriculturalpracticesandproducts.• Draftingofrecommendationsforinstitutionalcapacitybuilding.








Ref. 9 CAMBODIA Economic and Social Relaunch of Northwest Provinces (ECOSORN)


Vakakis International S.A.TA 5,913,627

Programme 26,000,000 61% Sher (BL), WYG Int.(UK)


6 long-term (220mm)short-term 40mm

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries EU-ALA Nov. 2005 – Dec. 2010

ECOSORN is an integrated rural development project aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing incomes and improving food security and food safety of target rural communities. The project and the technical assistance team is providing support to the Economic and Social Relaunch of 3 Northwest Provinces in Cambodia. The project tasks are implemented under 6 components, namely, (i) agriculture, livestock and fisheries; (ii) economic re-launch and local income development; (iii) local community empowerment; (iv) rural infrastructure rehabilitation; (v) land resources management & land parceling and (vi) improving management capacity. Main services provided:

Crop production and marketing

◊ Preparation & delivery of improved technology packages on safer crop production (rice, fruits & vegetables and other high value crops) introducing also production standardization and phytosanitary methods

◊ New agricultural land registered and titles provided to farmers.

◊ Extensive training and on-the-field demonstrations for pilot farmers and government extensionists on quality input production and supply though providing demo inputs and establishing input and feed centres.

◊ Development of fruit nurseries and application of an Integrated Pest Management Programme;

◊ Intensification, diversification & expansion of high quality market production of Fruit & Vegetables and other high value crops.

• Livestockproductionandmarketing

◊ Creation of animal banks, giving proper attention to animal identification system, animal health and nutrition;

◊ Carrying out animal vaccination campaigns;

◊ Establishing animal feed production centres;

◊ Providing training to local Animal Health Workers (Vets) on inspection methods and practices giving emphasis also to crisis management and animal disease control (e.g swine & avian flu).

◊ Introducing quality and hygienic methods in production/processing of animal origin products (e.g. slaughtering, meat production, processing, handling and marketing)

• Fisheriesproductionandmarketing

◊ Establishment of fish aquaculture, small scale fish hatcheries, nurseries and fish processing units;

◊ Training on fish processing practices, handling and marketing of fish products. Capacity building of 5 community fisheries related to quality fish production, processing and marketing.

• Capacitybuildingprogrammes

◊ Delivery of extensive capacity building programmes to various stakeholders such as staff of government agencies, community councils, local extensionists, farmers organization in areas related to improving methods that enhance production, processing and marketing quality and safety of food and feed products of crop, animal and fish origin.

◊ Provision of market surveys, identification of market opportunities, design and operation of MIS systems.

A long term technical assistance team including:A Team Leader / Rural Development Expert; Finance and Procurement Experts (2); Agricultural Extension Adviser; a Community Development Expert; and a Rural Engineer.

Short-term experts in a range of disciplines including: Crop production, Livestock, fisheries, silk production, gender mainstreaming, marketing, market information systems, meat production/processing, abattoirs, capacity building for the local government, rural infrastructure development (domestic water supply, irrigation, roads, small buildings), environment and rural credit.








Ref. 10 GREECE Consultancy Services related to a Phil-Eco-Culture Approach on a Greek island


Vakakis & Associates S.A. 680,190 100% None


12 Expert Team Private Private investment 06/2014-11/2017

The main purpose of the project is to optimise the utilisation of the island resources, so that combining the culture, the history and its natural resources, to ensure the island’s sustainable development. The project reflects the owner’s concerns related to the protection of the natural resources through ecological stability, protection of biodiversity, animal welfare, and production of safe food epitomising thus corporate social responsibility. Within the framework of the project consultancy services are provided so that the whole eco-system of the island to be converted, through a Phil-Eco-Cultural (PEC) approach , into a macro-eco-farm.

The Project is implemented in 2 Phases:

I. Preparatory Phase. Results achieved:

R1: Existing natural resources and attached facilities, equipment, etc. for developing eco-farming activities are properly identified and assessed;

R2: Potential agricultural production and light processing activities are examined and presented in detail, using a holistic approach relevant to the overall development of the island;

R3: Diagnostic study on the Forest protection, rehabilitation and management;

R4: Formulation of specific proposal including detailed and well documented implementation plans and budgets

II. Implementation Phase. The main tasks include coordination and technical support for efficient implementation and installation of the overall agricultural facility and forest management plan, including inter-alia the following:

• Preparationofdesignandplanforimplementationofaself-sustainedhorticulturalandlivestockfacility

• Managementprogramofthefacilitywithmax.utilizationofrenewablesourcesofenergy,minimumimpactonenvironmentand positive multiple effects on humans according to principles of permaculture

• Designandpreparationoflandscapinginterventionsandrecreationalactivitiespromotingeco-life.

• PreparationandimplementationofForestProtectionRehabilitationandManagementPlan

Provision of Services:

• ProjectManagement• Cropproductionexpert• Soil/fertilizationexpert• AnimalBreedingexpert• Vineyard/winetechnologyexpert• LandscapingArchitect• Foodtechnologyexpert• Dairyexpert• Forestryexpert• NaturalDevelopmentResourceExp.• FireProtectionExpert• ITexpert








Ref. 12 EGYPT Financial Investment and Sector Co-operation – Rural Component (FISC)


Vakakis International S.A. (i) 18,000,000 (ii) 1,077,000 60% AHT Group AG (DE)

NSCE (EG)


1,556 EU wd Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MoALR)

EU/MEDA 2005-2009

Following the successful implementation of the Agricultural Sector Support Programme (ASDP), which disbursed loans to over 70,000 farmer beneficiaries through the commercial banking system, between 1991 and 2004, the EC agreed to finance a similar follow-on project: the Financial Investment and Sector Co-operation – Rural Component. The Project, which commenced in early 2005 has its own management and sub-sectors identity and has been designed to:

• Raise awareness and access to credit facilities, for small-scale farmers and processors, by enhancing the systems andprocedures already developed by ASDP;

• Providetrainingandcapacitybuildingwithinboththebankingsectorandrelevantintermediaryorganisationsincludingagricultural co-operatives, associations and NGOs, to enable them to more actively support the Project’s target group;

• Enablecontractedcommercialbankstoprovideloanstothetargetgrouptofinanceactivitiesgenerallyinthefieldsofpost-harvest operations and agricultural input supply and marketing.

The Project’s credit system, like the one previously developed by ASDP, includes:

• ABoardofTrusteestogovernthecreditsystempolicyandoperations;

• ATechnicalSteeringCommitteetooverseeProjectimplementation;

• ThecontractingofanAgentBankandanumberofParticipatingBanks;

• TheutilisationoftheexistingFundManagementUnittomanageandadministertheloans.

The support provided to the Participating Banks includes:

• Trainingofbankbranchmanagers’andcreditofficers’inordertoattainabetterunderstandingandsupportforagriculturallending;

• Specialattentiontoapproaches,whichcanfacilitateeasieraccesstoloansforSMEsincludingwomen’senterprisesinruralareas;

• Developmentofsub-sectorprojectprofilestoassistbankersandclientsinprojectpreparationandloanappraisal;

• DevelopmentofanenhanceddialoguebetweentheParticipatingBankheadofficesandtheirbranchesinordertocreateanenvironment of more determined and proactive support for the credit scheme.

The support provided to the Project target groups includes:

• Projectpromotionandawarenesscampaigns;

• Developmentoffocalpointsandcapacitybuildingwithinselectedintermediaryorganisations;

• Improvingprojectriskmanagementbyfacilitatingbetteraccesstoexistingcreditguaranteeschemes;

• Assistingselectedintermediaryorganisationsindevelopingtheirownloanguaranteesystems,whichcanbeusedtosecureloans provided to their members.

In due course an appropriate handing over plan will be developed with the objective of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the credit system as well as of the institutions, organizations and management structures involved.

Provision of a TA Team comprising both long term and short term experts in the following disciplines:Team Leader; Banking/Credit Expert; Short-term experts (including specialists in: sector studies of post harvest activities and agricultural input supply and marketing; training of Participating Bank branch managers and credit officers in agricultural lending). Services provided by the TA include:• ProjectSecretariatset-upandmanagement;• DetailedSectorSurveysandtargetgroupidentification;• Tenderevaluation,selection&contractingofAgentBank• SecretariattotheCreditLineBoardofTrusteesincooperationwiththeexistingFundManagementUnit;• ProgrammePromotion&AwarenessActivitiesincludingtargetingofCooperativesandWomen’sgroups;• Developmentoffocalpointsandcapacitybuildingwithinselectedintermediaryorganisations;• Improvementofprojectriskmanagementbybetteraccesstoexistingcreditguaranteeschemes;• LoanApplicationProceduresdevelopment;• LoanAssessment,MonitoringandImpactEvaluation;• MonitoringofAgentandParticipatingBanksOperations;• Developmentofsub-sectorprojectprofilesorformatstoenableimprovedprojectpreparationandloanappraisal;• TrainingofBankersinAgriculturalSectorLending;• InstitutionalSupportforthefurtherdevelopmentandinstitutionalisationoftheFundManagementUnit.








Ref. 13 CROATIA Institutional Capacity Building and Support for Implementation of SAPARD/IPA-RD Programme in Croatia/ EuropeAid/123170/D/SER/HR


Vakakis International S.A. 3,822,200 90% Teagasc (Ireland)


6 Long term ExpertsCFCU, Croatia

Ministry of Ag, Forestry and Water Management

EU-Phare10/ 2007- 6/ 2009

The purpose of this contract is to strengthen capacities of the Program Managing Authority for SAPARD and IPA-RD programmes, enabling them to carry out tasks and responsibilities linked to coordination and management of EU co-financed rural development programmes, and also to build up and strengthen institutional capacities of the SAPARD/IPA-RD Paying Agency, enabling implementation of EU co-financed rural development programmes and preparation for the transfer of nationally funded schemes to an EU-compatible paying agency.

• Assist Directorate for Market and Structural Support in Agriculture (DMSSA) at MAFWM to carry out tasks of IPA-RDimplementation Agency;

• Assistance in adjusting National support schemes in the area of rural development to be made compatible with EUsupporting schemes;

• PreparetotheNationalAgriculture&RuralDevelopmentPlanforIPA-RD,assistinthenegotiationswithECservices;

• Provideassistanceinmeetingtheinstitutionalpreconditions(guidelines,procedures,andmanuals)foraccreditationandimplementing of new RD measures to be established;

• AssistinadaptingNationallegislation/regulationonIPA-RD;

• Adviseonadjusting,streamliningandsimplifyingthefinancialmanagementandimplementationproceduresofSAPARD/IPA-RD Paying Agency in accordance with EU practices;

• Providecomprehensiveprocedurestrainingtothestaffofinvolvedinstitutions(incl.SAPARD/IPA-RD/PayingAgencystaff);

• Provideguidance&assistancetopotentialprogrammefinalbeneficiaries;

• Establish LEADER initiative, assistance on preparation of rural communities to conceive and implement local ruraldevelopment strategies and integrated rural development strategies through local partnerships (LEADER type projects);

• Prepareinformationcampaignstosupportprogrammes/measures;

• TostrengthenpartnershipsbetweenMAFWMandeconomic/socialpartners;

• Assistinsetting-upPilotschemesforselectedRDmeasuresandfornationallyfundedpilotschemes;

• Preparemonitoring&evaluationsystemsforIPA-RD;

• EstablishingbasicsforCMOs.

Provision of a TA team comprising:Six international long term experts:- 1 Team Leader / Public Accounts Auditing expert;- 1 Long-term Senior Adviser to SAPARD/IPA–RD /Paying Agency;- 1 long term Programming, Accreditation, Monitoring and Evaluation of RD measures Expert;- 1 Long term Agri-environmental schemes Expert;- 1 long term LEADER, communication, information, PR expert;- 1 Long term CMO expert.Provision of International and Local short term experts in the following areas:Rural and community development planning and programming, Public Finance Management Systems development and administration, Human Resources Management, Monitoring and evaluation of finance and grant schemes, Procurement services, ICT, Cost-benefit analysis, Anti-fraud and audit, Project management and backstopping.Services provided by the TA team:Development of appropriate ICT systems and procedures, Procurement and procedures, EU approximation, Regional appraisals and surveys, Economic Studies, Environmental Studies, Sociological Studies, Project Management/Administration, Technical Assistance and Advisory Services, Institutional Strengthening/ Restructuring, Training and Transfer of Technology, Women & Development, Local Community Involvement, Decentralisation, Preparation of Agri-environmental measures, pilot schemes, National legislation adjusting, training on NATURA 2000 issues, whole-farm agri-environmental plan, M&E systems for agri-environmental measures, LEADER , rural networks, CMOs.