paul sommers tree crop management in conflict zones
DESCRIPTION
: Many regions of Afghanistan were areas of significant fruit and nut production and/or woods lands or forests. Returning these once productive lands will help stabilize these areas. Furthermore, the potential of returning areas to previous land uses has the potential to improve multi-generational interaction amongst the Afghans in agricultural/horticultural practices proven to work in these landscapes. A fundamental understanding of tree planting and care will give participants useful knowledge as a basis for providing further assistance/support to tree planting efforts.TRANSCRIPT
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Tree Crop ManagementDeveloped by
Paul SommersCalifornia State University, Fresno
psommers.csufresno.edu
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My Background
• International agricultural development specialist. 34+ years in over 55 countries
• Worked in agricultural conflict zones (Philippines, Lebanon, Somalia, Armenia)
• Post conflict- Sri Lanka, Armenia, Georgia
• Poppy substitution- Burma
Core belief: incremental change in partnership with farmers = sustained/genuine progress
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Session Outline
1) Discuss the importance of fruit trees
2) Identify a set of quality improvement practices farmers can undertake immediately at no additional cost within one crop cycle
3) Ways to work with the DAIL to engage farmers in discussions on how as a group they support each other to meet the quality needs of buyers
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Key Messages• Afghans planting fruit trees = stability
• Most fruit and nut trees are grown inside home compounds
• Fruit trees are multi-purpose
• What-There are several quick impact actions you can take to make a difference during your deployment. How -Identifying audiences, communication channels and tools at each level is crucial.
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The Mission
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Where are Tree Fruits Grown?
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How are trees viewed by society?
•AF considered sacred•Represent permanence -a belief in the future•Multipurpose- food, income, social events
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Trees in War
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Tree Fruit and Nut Crops with Economic Value
•Pomegranates
•Pistachio
•Mulberry
•Apricot
•Grapes
•Almond
•Plum
•Citrus (East)
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Horticultural Skills
• Traditionally passed down by family. Pride in knowing how to farm their land.
• Knowledge and skills link broken with 30 years of conflict.
– Farmer as refugee
– Trees cut (Taliban)
– Bombed ( Soviets )
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Major Challenges
1. Water use /moisture conservation
2. Using pruning tools
3. Harvesting (when & how to harvest, food safety)
4. Post harvest (grading standards, temperature control, storage, packaging, transport)
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Case Study: Importance of Pomegranate
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Low Input/High Output Crop
Very adaptable to difficult conditions:
48 different varieties grown including cold tolerate Russian variety
Poor soil fertility
Limited irrigation
Pest and disease tolerant
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4 actions to improve productivity
• Manage tree growth
• Moisture conservation
• Fruit thinning
• Harvesting
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Manage Tree Growth
The tree is mature after 6 years from planting.
First fruits within 3 years.
a) Start at soil level. Look for root suckers
b) Remove cross branches and dead wood as they affect fruit quality. Look for ways to thin out the thick growth.
c) Light pruning each winter to control height will help produce a healthy crop the next year. A taller tree will not produce more fruit
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Managing Tree Growth
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Water Conservation
Mulching is the best way to retain moisture
in the soil.
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Fruit Thinning
Remove any fruit that set after June. It will not mature and draws value nutrients from existing fruit.
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Harvesting
Fruits are fully ripe when, by tapping the fruit, it should have a metallic type sound.
Use of a harvesting bag will protect quality
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Harvest Bag- Pomegranate
USA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G9YW9rCq0U&feature=related
Afghan 2:10min.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zqxvpcxkf4http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Zqxvpcxkf4
12/21/11
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Income
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Suggestions for Action
• Look at key activities along the production cycle and discuss with key players which are their priorities for quality improvement.
• Understand potential barriers to change.
• Ensure your action does not contribute to on going community conflict.
• Use “Do No Harm” Framework.
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Interventions: Do No Harm
“..it seems the only thing we ever learn is that we never learn.”
1.Aid is not neutral in the midst of violent conflict and into a resource-scarce environment.
2.How it is administered within local communities can either drive conflict or can strengthen peace capacities.
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Reachback: On line Resources• ADT
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=general/generalsearch.php&table=news&query=ADT&type
• USAID- http://afghanistan.usaid.gov/en/Program.20b.aspx
• Roots of Peace http: //www.rootsofpeace.org/programs/countries/afghanistan/
• USDA http://www.fas.usda.gov/country/Afghanistan/us-afghanistan.asp
• E-Afghan Ag. www.eafghanag.edu
• PHPD http://www.afghanistanhorticulture.org/Implementing_Partners.aspx
• NGO Map http://foodsecurity.ngoaidmap.org/location/31?force_site_id=2
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Advice that will Stick
“Priority needs to be given to projects that are small, inexpensive and easy to sustain,” (ADT official)