suriname - assessment of agricultural information needs

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Disclaimer

This report has been commissioned by the CTA to enhance its monitoring of information needs in ACPcountries. CTA does not guarantee the accuracy of data included in this report, nor does it acceptresponsibility for any use made thereof. The views and opinions expressed in this report are those ofthe author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of CTA. CTA reserves the right to selectprojects and recommendations that fall within its mandate.


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ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS INAFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES FOR CTAS

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Phase 1: Caribbean

Country Study: Suriname

FINAL REPORT

Prepared by:

Dr. Ricardo. O. van Ravenswaay

&

Thania S. Chin-A-Lin BSc.

on behalf of the

Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA)

Project: 4-7-41-204-4/e

October 2005


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Table of Contents

List of Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................ . 2Executive summary....................................................................................... ............................................... 41. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 72. COUNTRY PROFILE ...................................................................................................... ................... 8

2.1 General Profile of Suriname ................................................................. ............................................. 82.2 Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry .............................................................................................. 8

2.2.1 Agriculture ............................................................................................... ................................... 92.2.2 Animal Husbandry ................................................................................................... ................... 92.2.3 Fisheries................................................................................................... ................................... 92.2.4 Forestry.................................................................................................... ................................... 9

2.3 Information and Communication Management Capacity .......................................................... 102.3.1 Communication Mechanisms .............................................................................................. ..... 112.3.2 Organizational Matters (staff, skills, qualifications)............................................................... 122.3.3 Shortcomings ............................................................................................ ................................ 12

2.4 Agricultural Information Services .............................................................................................. 133. NEEDS ANALYSIS ......................................................................................... ................................. 14

3.1 Information needs .................................................................................. ...................................... 143.1.1 Research and Policy Development Groups ............................................................................. 143.1.2 Interest Groups ................................................................................................. ........................ 143.1.3 NGOs Targeting Vulnerable Groups .................................................................................. ..... 15

3.2 Capacity Building Needs ....................... ..................................................................................... 164. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................... 18

4.1 Conclusions ......................................................................................... ............................................. 184.1.1 Extent of Key Problems* in the Field.................................................................................... 184.1.2 Information Needs ............................................................................................ ........................ 194.1.3 Capacity Building Needs ..................................................................................................... ..... 204.1.4 Potential Partners and Beneficiaries .................................................................................. ..... 20

4.2 Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 204.2.1 Information Products and Services ..................................................................................... ..... 214.2.2 Communication Channels and Services................................................................................... 214.2.3 ICM Skills and Systems ...................................................................................... ...................... 214.2.4 Potential Partners............................................................................................. ........................ 22

ANNEXES .............................................................................................................................................. ... 23ANNEX I. TERMS OF REFERENCE ............................................................................................... 24ANNEX II. COUNTRY PROFILE SURINAME ............................................................................. 28

II.1 General Agricultural Profile ....................................................... .................................................... 28II.1.1 Size of Agricultural Population (Male / Female / Youth)................................................. 28II.1.2 Farmed Land, Forests and Fishing Areas ........................................................................ 28II.1.3 Agricultural Systems ..................................................................................................... ..... 32II.1.4 Agriculture in the Economy (percentage GDP) ............................................................... 32II.1.5 Main Agricultural Produce and Secondary Products ...................................................... 32II.1.6 Main Export Markets ................................................................................... ...................... 36II.1.7 Trade Agreements that include Agriculture...................................................................... 36II.1.8 Sectoral Policy Related to Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests ........................................ 36

II.2 Socio-Economic Profile .................................................................................................................. 37II.2.1 Demographics............................................................................................ ........................ 37II.2.2 Literacy Level and Languages ..................................................................................... ..... 39II.2.3 Access to Services ........................................................................................ ...................... 40II.2.4 RuralUrban Drift....................................................................................... ...................... 42

II.3 Media and Telecommunications .................................................................... ........................ 42ANNEX III. PROFILE OF INSTITUTIONS ................................................................................... 44

III.1 List of All Institutions in the Agricultural Sector .................................................................. 44III.2 Select List of Key Institutions ................................................................................................ 46

ANNEX V. PERSONS / INSTITUTIONS CONTACTED AND/OR INTERVIEWED ....................... 68ANNEX VI. REFERENCES .......................................................................................... ........................... 69


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List of Acronyms

ACP African, Caribbean Pacific groupACS Association of Caribbean StatesADEK Anton de Kom University of Suriname Agricultural Production

ADRON Rice Research InstituteAPSS Association of Poultry farmers in SurinameCariCom Caribbean CommunityCELOS Centre for Agricultural Research in SurinameCSME Caricom Single Market and EconomyCPA Caribbean Poultry AssociationCTA Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural CooperationCVD Compact Video DiskEEZ Economic Ecological ZoneEU European UnionFAL Federation of FarmersFAO Food and agricultural Organization

FTAA Free Trade of Area the AmericasHI Ministerie van Handel en Industrie (Ministry of Trade and Industry)ICM Information and Communication ManagementICT Information and Communication TechnologyIDB Inter-American Development BankIT Information TechnologyKKF Chamber of Commerce and IndustryLVV Ministerie van Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij (Ministry of

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and FisheriesMERCOSUR Mercado Comun del Cono Sur/Common market of the SouthNAFTA North American Free Trade AreaNGOs Non Governmental OrganizationsNH Ministerie van Natuurlijke Hulpbronnen (Ministry of Natural

Resources)NTFPs- Non Timber Forest ProductsNVB National Women MovementPAS Pater Ahlbrinck StichtingPHS Platform Houtsector Suriname (Platform Forestry Sector)SBB Association for Forestry Management and PolicySSA Suriname Seafood AssociationUNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNICEF United Nations Children's FundUSA United States of America

VGz Ministerie van Volksgezondheid (Ministry of Public Health)VHB Veehoudersbond (Association of Cattle Farmers)VSMB Melkveehoudersbond (Association of Dairy Cattle Farmers)WTO World Trade Organization

Exchange rates (September 2005)1 US$ = SRD 2.751 US$ = Euro 1.265


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Key for institutionsAS-F Farmers association (includes co-operatives)

AS-W Womens associationAS-Y Youth associationBNK Bank or credit institutionCCI Chamber of commerce and industry

CHU Church-based groupEDU Educational institutionGOV Government department / ministryNGO Non-government organisationPRV Private enterprise, companyREG Regional organisation, project or networkSTA Statutory bodySTE State enterpriseOTH Other

Role EX Extension and outreachIN Information servicesFS Financial servicesPP Policy and planningPS-E Private sector Exporter (fresh, frozen and dried produce)PS-M Private sector Manufacturer (e.g. tannery, bottler, refiner,

roaster)PS-P Private sector Producer (e.g. commercial farm, fishing

company)PS-S Private sector Supplier (e.g. ag. chemicals, equipment, seeds)RD Research and developmentRG Regulation (compliance, standards)TR Training (at secondary, tertiary and vocational level)

TM Trade and marketing (include market development)RU Rural DevelopmentOT Other


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Executive summary

Introduction / Objectives

The assessment of agricultural information needs in African, Caribbean & Pacific

(ACP) States aims to assist the three operational departments of the CTA as well as itslocal representatives to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed atpotential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civilsociety organisations), to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in theelaboration of a strategy and framework of action. This assessment also highlightswhere there are specific needs for CTAs products and services it thereby enablingimprovement in the delivery these products for the agricultural sector.

Methodology

Aided by the questionnaire as given by the CTA as guideline for this study a numberof 14 institutions with a link to agriculture were interviewed on the subject of their

information needs.

Findings

The agricultural sector in Suriname can be divided into four (4) sub sectors, namely:agriculture, fisheries, forestry and animal husbandry. In Suriname, the Ministry ofAgriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) is the governmental bodyresponsible for policy development within the agricultural sector, excluding forestry,which lies under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The mainagricultural exports products are:shrimp and fish, rice, bananas (till 2001), timber.

Summarizing the information gathered through the survey (see survey results inAnnex III) a distinction can be made in the following type of information gained:Information resources, Communication mechanisms, Organizational matters (staff,skills, qualifications) and Shortcomings.

Results

Most of the organizations interviewed identified the Internet as their majorinformation resource. Most of the organizations were not aware of the CTA as aninformation resource for agricultural issues. Some of the organizations such as PHS,CELOS and the Ministry of LVV have permanent subscriptions to literatureinformation sources. The most important communication mechanisms identified along

the survey in the following order of importance are specific newsletters/ brochuresproduced by the organization and radio and television programmes. Most of theorganisations interviewed do have e-mail facilities through an individual member, butthis is often only used in order to correspond with third organisations, and not as atool to communicate information to its members. The majority of organizationsinterviewed, that have the status of a NGO, work with volunteers. The board membersare often volunteers with a specialized background in one of the agricultural sectors.Most organizations showed a lack in skilled personnel for the management ofinformation and communication and personnel with a technical background in the use


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of modern technology as means of information sharing and gathering andcommunication. The main shortcomings shown by this survey are: lack of financesand thus crucial equipment such as computers and other audio-visual material, lack ofskilled / qualified personnel, target groups or members being illiterate in the use ofcomputers. The agricultural information flow towards organizations shows a differentpattern for de the institutions interviewed. Most of the organisations gather

information as the need for information on a certain subject is relevant. A weakness inthe information flow seen in most organisations seems to be the information flowfrom the field to relevant policy development bodies/organisations.

The key institutions interviewed can be distinguished into 3 categories based on theirinformation needs: 1. Research and Policy Development group, 2. Interest groups, 3.NGOs targeting a vulnerable group. The source of information for the first group ismainly through Internet and international as well as regional collaboration. For thesecond group their main source of information is the groups mentioned 1, and theyalso get information from the Internet. For the third group, their need for informationseems to be targeted towards specific themes for starting projects. Their source ofinformation is mainly research institutes (local and international), the Ministry of

LVV and local as well as international project consultants.

In general, the situation in Suriname situation in terms of information needs can bedefined as one of high importance. The capacity building needs expressed are:Research and Policy Development groups: additional trained staff and or training ofstaff in techniques for management of information and communication, finances forinformation gathering. Interest groups: finances for information gathering, trainingin design and development of informational products (printed as well as audiovisual),training in the use of computers and Internet for their stakeholders. NGOs targeting avulnerable group: finances for information gathering, management of informationwithin the office.

The situation encountered in the field study on information and communication needswithin the agricultural sector in Suriname clearly shows a distinction in key problemswithin different categories of institutions identified. The 3 main information needs forthe agricultural sector in Suriname are: marketing, current/ updated agriculturaldevelopments in the Caricom, WTO. FTAA, cost price developments, qualitymanagement, updated prices of agricultural commodities, technical information (forthe different sub-sectors within agriculture).

The 3 main capacity building needs for the agricultural related institutions inSuriname in order of priority are: technical expertise, training in the use of IT andICM, training programmes including possibilities for. Both the information needs and

capacity building needs are driven by the fact that the information flow within thesector is slow and not constant mainly caused by the lack of finances and skilledpersonnel. Organisations slowly integrate new technological developments into theirdaily course of work because of the fact that there is no or slow access to currentinformation.


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Recommendations and conclusions

The Information needs for the 4 sub-sectors within agriculture should be specificallydocumented. High priority should also be given to development of an informationdata bank on international and regional developments on agriculture. This informationbank should contain information on all relevant market mechanisms It is important to

develop a national information technology policy for the agricultural sector as awhole. A central point for information gathering/analysis and information productionshould be created and could best be situated in one of the main research and/or policydevelopment organisations. By centralizing information product development at onecentral point the judicial status of research information (intellectual property rights,patents, etc.) can also be better safeguarded for the country and individualorganizations. The first step should aim at the development of a national multi-stakeholder information network starting by identifying the informational cycle forSuriname (agree on the priority issues demanding information, determine theinformation needs for decision-making, design strategic information products, agreeon stakeholder roles and responsibilities for information production, enablestakeholders to deliver the required information). As for the capacity building needs

mainly developing of expertise on the part of data collection systems, data analysistechniques, information product development, are urgent needs within the sector.


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1. INTRODUCTION

1. The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) wasestablished in 1983 under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African,Caribbean and Pacific) Group of States and the European Union Member States.

Since 2000 CTA operates within the framework of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement.CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to informationfor agricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACPcountries to produce, acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAsprogrammes are organised around three principal activities: providing an increasingrange and quantity of information products and services and enhancing awareness ofrelevant information sources; supporting the integrated use of appropriatecommunication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange(particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manageagricultural information and to formulate information and communicationmanagement (ICM) strategies, including those relevant to science and technology.These activities take account of methodological developments in cross-cutting issues

(gender, youth, information & communication technologies ICTs, and socialcapital), findings from impact assessments and evaluations of ongoing programmes aswell as priority information themes for ACP agriculture.

2. CTAs Strategic Plan (2001-2005) is executed by three operational programmeareas / departments: Information Products and Services, Communication Channelsand Services and Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems.These departments are supported by Planning Corporate Services (P&CS) which ischarged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACPenvironment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals fortheir translation into programmes and activities.

3. The following assessment of agricultural information needs in the Caribbean Stateswill assist the three operational departments of the CTA as well as its localrepresentatives to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed atpotential partners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civilsociety organisations); to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in theelaboration of a strategy and framework of action. This assessment will also highlightwhere there are specific needs for CTAs products and services thereby enablingimprovement in the delivery of the same.


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2.2.1 Agriculture

10. The key governmental institution for agriculture is the Department of Agriculturewithin the Ministry of LVV. This department is divided into subdivisions for cropprotection, research on seed, statistics, extension, plant breeding and agriculturalplanning. The different subdivisions have links to other governmental institutions,

mainly research institutions and semi-governmental companies for the various cropscultivated within this sector. See the list of key institutions in Annex III for examples.Within the private sector, agriculture is a profit driven activity through cultivation ofcrops and value adding by processing. Different non-governmental organisations(NGOs), both profit and non-profit organisations use agriculture as a main goal forstimulating entrepreneurship within vulnerable groups such as women, maroons andindigenous people. NGOs activities are mainly project funded and they mostly pickresearch and development tasks that cannot be done by the government due to the lackof finances and skilled personnel.

2.2.2 Animal Husbandry

11. Responsibility for animal husbandry in Suriname falls within the scope of theDepartment of Animal Husbandry within the Ministry of LVV, which is subdividedinto the following sections: slaughterhouse, extension, meat inspection, poultry,statistics and planning. Animal Husbandry has a few links to semi governmentalcompanies, although most of them are functioning at a low level due to the lack offinances and skilled personnel. A number of 12000 persons find there employ in thissector. Statistics on the overall production of animal husbandry are not available.

2.2.3 Fisheries

12. Fisheries in Suriname is coordinated and planned at the Fisheries Department ofthe Ministry of LVV, which is divided into the following main divisions: statistics andresearch, planning, exports, quality control, aquaculture, extension. The FisheryDepartment maintains links with the organisation of fish processing companies, theSuriname Seafood Association (SSA). Fishermen in Suriname are not organized inFishermen Union. The department of quality control has links to the Ministry of Trade(HI) and the Ministry of Public Health (VGz) and to various laboratories for watercontrol and types of bacteriological and hazard analyses. A number of 6815 peoplefind employ in the fisheries sector. This sector contributes has a contribution of 5% tothe GDP.

2.2.4 Forestry

13. The forestry sector policy lies under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of NaturalResources (NH), within the department of Forest Planning. Since the year 1999,important sections of the planning for the forestry sector have been placed under theAssociation for Forestry Management and Policy (SBB), which is a project fundedbody independent from the government. The SBB is only dependent on thegovernment in a jurisdictional sense. SBB has a subdivision for production statistics,control and regulation and quality control. Several NGOs with a focus onenvironmental affairs (biodiversity, sustainable use of forests, etcetera) are linked tothe Ministry of NH. Environmentally based forestry policy is also a core job of the


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Ministry of Labour, Technological Development and Environment and its non-governmental operational unit, the National Institute for Environmental Affairs inSuriname (NIMOS). National as well as international NGOs are active in research anddevelopment within the forestry sector, for example, Conservation InternationalSuriname. The forestry sector employs 4380 persons and has a annual production of150m3 round wood.

14. It is noteworthy that Suriname has a University with a Faculty of TechnologicalStudies. Within this faculty there is a division on agricultural studies withspecialisation for agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, fisheries and environmentalstudies. The main activity of the university is education and research. Linked to theUniversity is the semi governmental research institution named the Centre forAgricultural Research in Suriname (CELOS), which has a long history in research anddevelopment in agriculture, forestry and lately also biodiversity linked projects andresearch on poultry diseases (monitoring and analyses).

2.3 Information and Communication Management Capacity

15. With the aid of questionnaires provided by CTA as guideline for this study, 14institutions linked to agriculture were interviewed on the subject of their informationneeds. The organisations were chosen based on different criteria namely:

CELOS plays a key role in research at the national as well as internationallevel. As a key organization it has links with governmental institutionstargeting production, research and educational activities. CELOS also doesresearch in collaboration with various NGOs targeting women, maroon andindigenous people.

The Ministry of LVV was chosen as a key institute due to the vital role itcould play in information sharing with producers and consumers. According tothe consultants, this role is still weakly fulfilled but needs crucial and effectiveinstitutional and capacity building in order to commit to its objectives. Inaddition, through the Ministry the highest level of commitment towardscapacity building in the use of ICT within agriculture can be obtained; thisrole is of major importance in setting the basis for policy development for ICTuse within Agriculture.

The KKF was selected as a key institution given the knowledge of thisorganizations capacities in being a strong link between production and themarket. Given that markets and marketing information are weak points intrade negotiations and with the need to enter international markets, KKF canplay an important facilitative role.

The NVB was chosen for this survey in order to also study the relation ofgender and the use of ICT within agriculture based on the experience thisorganization has in conducting people-focused agricultural activities.

The SSA was selected as a key institution since this is the only non-governmental organization with a focus on fisheries in Suriname.

The APSS was chosen as a key institution in order to also cover the poultrysub-sector within the animal husbandry sector. The poultry sub-sector plays apivotal role in the economy of Suriname and has potential for furtherdevelopment with some technical stimulation.


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The VSMB was chosen as a sub-sector within the animal husbandry sector ofSuriname, since it has great potential for both production and processing.

The VHB showed a lot of interest in the recent years in trying to create a betterproduction environment for cattle farmers. Information up till now was giventhrough a guideline for farmers and various extension meetings with farmers.According to the consultants it is a good opportunity to explore their needs

concerning information gathering and sharing. PHS as the overall institution representing the majority of the forestry sector

and the timber industry, could best voice the information needs for this sector.Recently PHS conducted a needs assessment of the 80 registered companies,which is a good input to this survey.

As an umbrella organization, the Bureau Forum NGOs plays a pivotal role ininformation sharing and gathering amongst mostly the grassroots NGOsfunctioning in all over the country. They also link to most NGOs active inagriculture mainly in rural areas and in the interior.

The PAS was chosen as a church-based organization which also conductsagriculturally related projects for vulnerable groups.

16. Note that no response was given by the Anton de Kom University of Surinamewhich was chosen because of its educational background and the FAL and ADRONchosen respectively for their link to cultivation of fruits and vegetables and rice.

17. Summarizing the information gathered through this survey (see survey results inAnnex III) may be grouped as follows:

1. Communication mechanisms;2. Organizational matters (staff, skills, qualifications);3. Shortcomings.

2.3.1 Communication Mechanisms

18. The communication mechanisms identified during the survey in the followingorder of importance are:

1. specific newsletters/ brochures produced by the organization;2. radio and television programmes;3. educational speeches (short trainings and workshops);4. e-mail;5. Internet (various websites).

19. Most of the organisations interviewed do have an email facility from a individual

member, but this is often just used in order to correspond with third organisations, butnot as a tool to communicate information to its members. PHS is the only organisationwith an email address list, which also communicates information through e-mail.Some of the organisations interviewed have a website and some have a website underconstruction.


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2.3.2 Organizational Matters (staff, skills, qualifications)

20. The majority of organizations interviewed, that have the status of an NGO, workwith volunteers. Most often the board members are volunteers with a specializedbackground in one of the agricultural sectors. Most organizations showed a lack ofskilled personnel for the management of information and communication and

personnel with a technical background in the use of modern technology as means ofinformation sharing and gathering and communication.

2.3.3 Shortcomings

21. The main shortcomings in order of significance shown by this survey:

1. lack of finances and thus crucial equipment such as computers and otheraudio-visual material;

2. lack of skilled / qualified personnel;3. computer illiterate target groups or members;4. large dispersion of target groups and the wide variety in their technological

capacity / capability;5. the language barrier (most information is in English while their mother

tongue is Dutch or a native language);6. the flow of information to maintain existing websites;7. building and maintenance of databases.


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2.4 Agricultural Information Services

22. The findings of the survey show that information is obtained from the followingsources:

1. Subscriptions to certain professional journals (hardcopies and electronicjournals);

2. Professional contacts and collaboration with third organizations;3. Seminars and workshops (national, regional and international);4. Project-related sources through the Internet, journals, brochures or through a

consultant;5. Research papers, data capture forms, computer databases. Often times,

research institutions have their own library for information storage and as asource of information gathering.

23. Most organizations interviewed identified the internet as their major informationsource. Other information sources frequently named are: CELOS and the Ministry of

LVV. Most organization collaborating with other national, regional as well asinternational organizations say that the nature of collaboration was also based oninformation sharing. Most of the organizations were not aware of CTA as ainformation source for agricultural issues. In their collaboration with third parties,they always come across relevant journals and booklets, bulletins, etc. Note that this isnot on a permanent basis but rather during the course of a project or as the need forinformation on a particular subject arises. Some of the organizations such as PHS,CELOS and the Ministry of LVV have permanent subscriptions to literatureinformation sources and demonstrate an aggressive way of information gathering inorder to stay on top of current affairs. The PHS as a relatively new organization inagriculture has adopted a pro-active approach to identifying information sourcesthrough networking and is successful in its approach.

24. A weak link in information flows occurs at the level of data collection in the fieldfor policy development bodies/organisations. The target groups or members oforganisations are seldom consistent in their data gathering and processing and so thereis mostly a gap in the information from the field. This gap is addressed by surveysdone at a later stage under project funding by research institutions or study projectsexecuted by educational institutions. Actual current information such as statistics onproduction and exports, prices, etc., is therefore seldom available beforehand.


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3. NEEDS ANALYSIS

3.1 Information Needs

25. The key institutions interviewed can be grouped into 3 categories based on their

information needs:

1. Research and Policy Development group (CELOS, Ministry of LVV. KKF,Bureau Forum NGOs);

2. Interest groups (SSA, VSMB, VHB, PHS, APSS);3. NGOs targeting a vulnerable group (NVB, PAS).

3.1.1 Research and Policy Development Groups

(CELOS, Ministry of LVV, KKF, Bureau Forum NGOs)

26.These groups show a need for information on more specific and detailed mattersas marketing, commodities, market access, as well as international market issues on

globalization, trade, international trade regulations, trade barriers, international andregional agreements on trade, quality control, environment, etc. They stated that theirneed for the above mentioned information is of high priority especially at present,since Suriname is being introduced at a very high speed to new market conditionsunder the CariCom Single Market Economy (CSME), the World Trade Organisation(WTO) and the FTAA.

27. The source of information is mainly through the Internet and international andregional collaboration. Problems encountered in information gathering are mainly:

Finances: due to a lack of finances the organisations are not always in aposition to participate in regional and international workshops and seminars.In addition, they cannot optimally contribute to regional or internationalorganisations which play an important role in developing policy strategies forthe agricultural sector in the region or globally. Lack of finances also results intheir inability to purchase crucial equipment to modernize communication andinformation technologies.

Payment barrier: sometimes information is available but only throughpayment by a credit card system. This usually not budgeted or not possible forinstitutes.

High costs for telecommunication: dial up costs, especially with a slowInternet connection.

3.1.2 Interest Groups(SSA, VSMB, VHB, PHS, APSS)

28.These groups showed a need for specific information within their own sub-sector.The information needed is mainly on price development, technical information suchas cultivation and breeding methods, feed conversions, product composition, qualitycontrol and best practices.


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29. Their main source of information is the groups mentioned in section 3.1.1, andthey also get information from the Internet.

30. Most of the organisations within this group stated that their possibilities forgetting information on the Internet is limited due to a lack of institutional

infrastructure, lack of knowledge about the use of computers and the Internet andlanguage barrier (information is mainly in English or French).

31. The PHS stands out within this group in terms of information gathering andmanagement. They have developed an informational CVD in Dutch which isdistributed amongst all their stakeholders. This CVD consists of all relevanteconomic-, jurisdictional-, product-, and quality control information relevant to thestakeholders within the forestry sector. It also contains information on sustainablemanagement of the forestry sector, the resources, guidelines and procedures forlogging, information on international export markets and a contact address list ofnational as well as regional and international companies. The aim of developing thisCVD was to literally force companies no matter what their technological state was,

into at least introducing the use of the computer into their administration. The step ofpublishing a newsletter was deliberately avoided.

32. The APSS and VSMB service their members through a monthly newsletter. Theinformation gathered is from the Internet and relevant field information fromstakeholders and sometimes research findings from specialists within the sector.

3.1.3 NGOs Targeting Vulnerable Groups(NVB, PAS)

33.The information needs of these groups seem to be focused on specific themes forstarting projects. These projects are mainly based on the needs of the communitybeing serviced by the project. These NGOs aim at eradicating poverty and thereforealso conduct projects with an agricultural background. The main goal is trainingvulnerable groups in techniques used for cultivation and processing. The informationneeds expressed by these groups are for training methods, marketing options for smallfarmers, identification of markets, transportation, cultivation of different crops,breeding methods especially for small livestock, post-harvest technology, equipmentsourcing, crop insurance systems, trade fairs and agricultural networks activities.Expertise on establishing marketing structures for small farmers, information on theavailability of volunteer experts, information on training programmes inclusive ofpossibilities for funding participation in these programmes.

34. Their sources of information are mainly research institutes (local andinternational), the Ministry of LVV and local as well as international projectconsultants. Information is also gathered from within the communities (grassrootsand/or traditional informational sources). They expressed the need for informationthat is tailor-made for the communities in the interior in order to overcome thelanguage barrier. The use of audio visual material is not always possible in remoteareas where electricity is not available. Information exchange with the communities orbranches within the communities is difficult due to poor telecommunication withsome of the areas in the interior; radio communication is not always possible either.


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The information flow is slow because of long travelling distances and poortransportation. To get information to and from a remote area is costly and dependenton having enough disposable finances, one of the shortcomings these NGOs alsoencounter.

3.2 Capacity Building Needs

35. Reporting on the capacity building needs will be done according to the same 3categories of institutions as mentioned in section 3.1.

36. In general, the situation in Suriname on information needs can be defined as oneof high importance. The information flow is not consistent due to several problemsmainly linked to shortcomings in capacity. Capacity building for Suriname refers tothe institutions as a whole, meaning that skilled people need to be trained or hired andinfrastructure facilitating information and communication needs to be purchased.

37. The capacity building needs expressed are as follows:

I. Research and Policy Development groups (CELOS, Ministry of LVV, KKF,Bureau Forum NGOs):

Additional trained staff and or training of staff in techniques formanagement of information and communication;

Finances for information gathering; Improvement of intranet use within the institutes; Technical advice and training on website design and maintenance; An in depth inventory of the technical needs for information and

communication equipments and appliances (computers, radio

communication equipments, audiovisual equipments, Internet facilities,intranet facilities);

Equipment or appliances that can make video conferencing possible,thereby reducing possible costs/budgets for travelling and facilitatingurgent consultations when required.

II. Interest groups (SSA, VSMB, VHB, PHS, APSS): Finances for information gathering; Training in design and development of informational products

(printed as well as audiovisual);

Training in the use of computers and Internet for their stakeholders; Training in website design and maintenance; Training in networking skills.

III. NGOs targeting a vulnerable group (NVB, PAS):

Finances for information gathering; Funding for hiring of the right expertise or volunteers with the right

expertise;


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Application of communication technologies in extension services; Management of information within the office; Extension of services to illiterate persons; Establishing and capacity strengthening of farmers

organizations/marketing structures.


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limited first-hand experience of pertinent developments in other countries andregions;

limited use and knowledge of ICTs for networking and dialogue.Interest groups and NGOs targeting vulnerable groups

weak networking services, such as newsletters, web sites limited contact between institutions with corresponding targets, due to rivalry failure to take full advantage of opportunities for using radio, TV and other

non-print media in communicating agricultural information and knowledge.

C. ICM Skills and Systems, the key problems identified for the 3 identifiedcategories are:

lack of expertise in the area of information and communication management(ICM) skills;

limited opportunities to acquire relevant information and communicationtechnology (ICT) skills;

weak ICM policies and strategies; limited knowledge of the design of cost-effective and participatory ICM systems

and limited management techniques for the implementation of ICM projects andservices.

4.1.2 Information Needs

40. The following list gives the overall information needs for the agricultural sector inSuriname in order of priority:

1. marketing;2. current/ updated agricultural developments in the Caricom, WTO. FTAA3. cost price developments;4. quality management;5. updated prices of agricultural commodities;6. technical information (for the different sub-sectors within agriculture);7. development of awareness and educational material;8. project funding for agricultural projects;9. local information from farmers and relevant institutions;10.database development for a libraries and statistics;11.production data;12.transportation;13.industrial profiles;14.water and sanitation.


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4.1.3 Capacity Building Needs

41. The overall capacity building needs for the agricultural-related institutions inSuriname in order of priority are:

1. Experts on establishing marketing structures and marketing management;2. Training in the use of IT and ICM;3. Training programmes including possibilities for funding the participation in

programmes related to ICM and IT use;4. Training and/or hiring of qualified technical staff and/or hiring of volunteer

experts (agricultural specialists for training, especially for the remote andsometimes secluded areas);

5. Training in website maintenance;6. Access to information on the Internet (funding for information only accessible

through credit card payments);7. Development of educational, informational and awareness material for

different target groups within a sector (difference in language and educationalbackground and organizational level);

8. Techniques for introduction of the use of modern technologies for informationsharing and/ or gathering within a population of aging farmers;

9. Techniques for information sharing among large to the large geographicaldispersed concession areas / farms.

42. Note that both the information needs and capacity building needs are driven by thefact that the information flow within the sector is slow and not constant mainly as aresult of a lack of finances and skilled personnel. Organisations are slow to integratenew technological developments into their daily course of work because of the factthat there is either no access or slow access to current information.

4.1.4 Potential Partners and Beneficiaries

43. The survey interviews and the analysis of the information gathered for this study,indicate that there is a wide variety in the goals and targets of the different institutionsactive within the agricultural sector of Suriname. It is important to direct theinformation flow towards a few focal points. These focal points already function asthe main source of information for the other acting parties within the agriculturaldevelopment. The focal points identified in this study are the institutions under theearlier so called Research and Policy Development groups namely: CELOS,Ministry of LVV, KKF, Bureau Forum NGOs.

4.2 Recommendations

44. Information needs for the 4 sub-sectors within agriculture should be specificallydocumented. The overall conclusions as stated in the paragraph 4.2.2 are relevant tothe different sub-sectors, but each sector has its own specific information needs basedon its technical and scientific background. It is recommended that an in-depth studyon the specific needs for each sub-sector be conducted and following this study andpossible strategies for addressing these needs should be devised.


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4.2.1 Information Products and Services

45. For the agricultural sector in Suriname as a whole it is important to createincreased access to information products. Not only access to information on theInternet, but also informational brochures, are in great demand. It is recommended

that the main institutions on policy and research have a regular access to informationproducts and that they see to it that the information is communicated downward toother stakeholder groups. For this to be possible it is recommended to train people todevelop easy to read and understand information products (newsletters, brochures,website) so that the information reaches the stakeholders groups without the problemof the language barrier. The overall stakeholder groups can then be the source forspreading the information towards farmers. This way of centralizing the informationflow will also help in guiding and managing what information is available within thesector and will help to overcome the problem of individuals experimenting within thesector, based on any information they can gather through any source.

4.2.2 Communication Channels and Services

46. High priority should be given to the development of an information databank oninternational and regional developments on agriculture. This is relevant for keepingtrack of market and price information for different agricultural commodities and formonitoring the dynamics of global trade issues which are important if Suriname is tocompete on the Global Market. This information bank should contain information onall relevant market mechanisms such as: prices, new production technologies, totalquality management developments, transport routes and prices, etc.

47. It is also important to make it possible for the main target groups within the sector(local people, farmers, etc.) to get access to training courses in the use of newcomputer technologies in order to also be able to keep up with new developments forinformation sharing, data collection and basic data processing. Training courses onthe use of computer technology and development of simple administrative proceduresare highly demanded within the sector and therefore it is recommended that projectfunding be identified to assist in addressing these needs.

4.2.3 ICM Skills and Systems

48. It is important to develop a national information technology policy for theagricultural sector as a whole. This policy should ensure that an informationmanagement infrastructure is developed to work efficiently and that it serves bothnational agricultural policy development as well as the obligations of international

treaties to which the country is a signatory.

49. Through the survey and interviews with relevant experts it was evident that thereis a problem with the basics for data collection. Data is not accurately documentedand therefore inputs for data analysis and for the generation of reports and statisticsfor policy development are weak. It is recommended that a multi-stakeholderinformation system, in which all stakeholders are empowered to submit their data to acentral data collection point for agriculture, should be implemented. Collective datagathering, analysis and information production will result in greater efficiency in


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decision making processes for the sector as a whole and in a more transparentagricultural policy as well as a broader scientific base for the formulation andexecution of this policy.

50. Specifically, it is recommended that a national committee of experts be convenedto brainstorm on this issue and to work towards a national multi-stakeholder

information network for Suriname. A central point for information gathering/analysisand information production could best be situated in one of the main research and/orpolicy development organisations. Terms of reference for the recommended nationalcommittee of experts are suggested below:

1. Determine and agree on the priority issues requiring information;2. Determine the information needed for decision-making;3. Design strategic information products;4. Determine and agree on stakeholder roles and responsibilities for information

production;5. Determine and agree on the resources that will enable stakeholders to deliver

the required information.

51. By centralizing information on product development at one central point thejudicial status of research information (intellectual property rights, patents, etc.) canalso be better safeguarded for the country and individual organizations

52. The overall capacity building needed for Suriname is dependent on the availabilityof funding. As recommended for the information needs it is important to first set acadre for an information network in Suriname, and parallel, also identify whichexpertise and equipment is needed in order to support this network. Specifically, thedevelopment of expertise for data collection systems, data analysis techniques andinformation product development are urgent needs within the sector.

4.2.4 Potential Partners

53. Since there is a wide variety in the goals and targets of the different institutionsactive within the agricultural sector of Suriname, it is important to direct theinformation flow towards a few focal points. These focal points already function asthe main source of information for the other acting parties within the agriculturaldevelopment. It is recommended that the institutions under the earlier so called Research and Policy Development groups namely: CELOS, Ministry of LVV,KKF, Bureau Forum NGOs, operate as focal points for ICM within the agriculturalsector in Suriname. These institutions already function as organisations with leadingroles in policy development and research and could therefore act as gateways for

information gathering and dissemination. The Anton de Kom University of Surinameshould also be added to this group since it is one of the main research and educationalfocal points on agricultural science in Suriname. These focal points should function asthe institutions which identify the main information needs within the relevant targetgroups in the agricultural sector and give feedback to them after getting theinformation. They can also ascertain the relevance of information and projects.Centralizing the information flow could assist in preventing Wild West situations(development of irrelevant projects) along the execution of the national agriculturalpolicy.


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ANNEXES


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ANNEX I. TERMS OF REFERENCE

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS INAFRICAN, CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC (ACP) STATES

Phase 1: Caribbean

1. Introduction The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) was established in 1983under the Lom Convention between the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) Group of Statesand the European Union Member States. Since 2000, it has operated within the framework of theACP-EC Cotonou Agreement.

CTAs tasks are to develop and provide services that improve access to information foragricultural and rural development, and to strengthen the capacity of ACP countries to produce,acquire, exchange and utilise information in this area. CTAs programmes are organised aroundthree principal activities: providing an increasing range and quantity of information products andservices and enhancing awareness of relevant information sources; supporting the integrated use

of appropriate communication channels and intensifying contacts and information exchange(particularly intra-ACP); and developing ACP capacity to generate and manage agriculturalinformation and to formulate information and communication management (ICM) strategies,including those relevant to science and technology. These activities take account ofmethodological developments in cross-cutting issues (gender, youth, information &communication technologies ICTs, and social capital), findings from impact assessments andevaluations of ongoing programmes as well as priority information themes for ACP agriculture1.

In January 2002, CTAs Strategic Plan (2001-2005) was implemented and CTAs activities weredistributed among three operational programme areas / departments:

Information Products and Services Communication Channels and Services Information and Communication Management Skills and Systems

These operational departments are supported by Planning Corporate Services (P&CS) which ischarged with the methodological underpinning of their work and monitoring the ACPenvironment in order to identify emerging issues and trends and make proposals for theirtranslation into programmes and activities. This current exercise, therefore, falls within themandate of P&CS.

2.Background A comprehensive regional information needs assessment was undertaken in the Caribbeanregion, by CTA and the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI),over the period 1995-1997. This study detailed the information needs, habits and priorities, ofeleven sub-groups of users relevant to the agricultural and rural development sector, presented in

sixteen national reports and a regional overview. The results of the studies were followed by aseries of national consultations, missions and regional meetings, as well as pilot studies ininformation and communications management all aimed at arriving at or designing a strategy tomeet information needs within the sector. The strategy proposed the development of aCaribbean Agricultural Information Service (CAIS) with a two pronged approach to improvingaccess to information within the Caribbean region:

1 Priority information themes for ACP agriculture have formed the basis of various several studies, workshops andseminars bringing together various stakeholders, organisations and institutions active in the field of agriculture and

rural development. The documents (or extracts thereof) will be provided to the consultants .


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Working with institutions at the national level to improve capacity in various aspects of

information and communication management (e.g. network development, training,sensitisation).

Developing information products and services to meet specific information needsidentified.

The CAIS strategy has been implemented since 2001. A number of capacity building exercises were executed including workshops and training courses; provision of technical assistance;network development, policies and systems. Since the implementation of this strategy in 2001,there have also been a number of changes within institutions in the region with respect to theirawareness and use of information and communications tools and technologies.

3. Main issuesCTA works primarily through intermediary organisations and partners (non-governmentalorganisations, farmers organisations, regional organisations, ) to promote agriculture and ruraldevelopment. Through partnerships, CTA hopes to increase the number of ACP organisationscapable of generating and managing information and developing their own information andcommunication management strategies. The identification of appropriate partners is therefore ofprimordial importance.

The Evaluation of the Implementation of the Mid-Term Plan (1997 2000) emphasised theneed for CTA to develop a more pro-active approach and elaborate criteria for decision-makingwith regard to the choice of partner organisations and beneficiaries. Based on this evaluation, theStrategic Plan and Framework for Action 2001 2005 identifies strategic issues for CTAbeing: improved targeting (including partnerships and beneficiaries), geographical coverage,decentralisation, regionalisation and thematic orientation. The Plan also expresses concern about:the extent to which CTAs activities are relevant to and reach the poor, gender awareness andhow to identify potential partners especially in the independent sectors.

Besides partner identification and selection issues, the observation has also been made that, theCaribbean region could benefit further from CTAs programme and activities.Finally, various national and regional partners with whom CTA has had a long-standing

relationship have requested the current study which would serve to update the earlier studiesdone and allow them to provide more targeted assistance to their beneficiaries.

4. Objectives and scope of the studyThe objectives of the study are as follows:

to identify agricultural information needs of key actors / beneficiaries for CTA productsand services;

to identify needs of potential actors / beneficiaries of CTA activities and services interms of building capacity for information and communication management;

to identify potential partners / beneficiaries for CTA activities and services; to develop some baseline data to facilitate subsequent monitoring activities.

The study should assist the three operational departments of the CTA as well as its localrepresentatives to improve and better target interventions and activities aimed at potentialpartners and beneficiaries (including women, youth, private sector and civil society organisations);to have a more informed picture of their needs and aid in the elaboration of a strategy andframework of action. The study should also highlight where there are specific needs for CTAsproducts and services thereby enabling improvement in the delivery of the same.


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5. Methodology The consultant will use a combination of qualitative and quantitative rapid appraisal methodsincluding:

the desk review of available literature and information sources including the findings ofprogramme evaluations;

the conduct of face-to-face interviews with relevant stakeholders / concerned parties; the limited use of questionnaires.

The rapid appraisal approach will allow a general overview of the key issues and company /organisational profiles on a per country2 basis and may give rise to more in-depth studies as andwhen needed in the future.

6. Expected outcomes / outputOne main report per country not exceeding 20 pages according to the following table ofcontents:

Main report1. Executive summary2. Introduction3. Country profile summary structure and economic characteristics with particular

attention to agricultural sector (includes fisheries and forestry): Summary of how agriculture, fisheries and forestry is organised in the country Summary of the information and communication management capacity The current source of agricultural information and services (synthesise Annex 3)

4. Needs analysis Information needs Capacity building needs (skills, training, media, ICT, equipment)

5. Conclusions and recommendations6. References

Annexes1. Terms of reference

2. Country profile

2.1 General agricultural profile (from available documentation)

Size of agricultural population (male / female / youth) Farmed land, forests, fishing areas Agricultural systems Agriculture in the economy (percentage GDP) Main agricultural produce and secondary products Main export markets Trade agreements that include agriculture Sectoral policy related to agriculture, fisheries and forests2.2 Socio-economic profile (from available documentation)

Total active population, demographic breakdown

Literacy level and languages Access to services (health, schools, electricity) Rural urban drift2.3 Media and telecommunications (update / check)

Newspapers, periodicals, magazines, radio stations, television channels, Telecommunication services (fixed, mobile, etc.)

2 Out of 16 countries comprising the Caribbean ACP, only selected number will initially be the subjects of studies, withdomestic consultants conducting country-specific assessments. Country selection will be done by CTA on the basis ofspecific criteria.


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Computers and Internet access3. Profile of institutions

List of all institutions involved in agriculture and rural development activities,including private sector and civil society organisations, with name, contact details,type and role of institution

Select list of key institutions involved in agriculture and rural development, withextensive data and information on the institution, the problems faced and why it isconsidered a key actor

It is also expected that the results of this study will lead to identification / update of somepriority agricultural information themes which will feed into a possible priority-setting exercise inthe region in 2004.

7. ReportingThe country reports will not exceed 20 pages (excluding annexes). The annexes should include alist of acronyms, of persons/institutions interviewed with addresses, phone, fax numbers, e-mailaddresses (if any) as well as bibliography.

8. Timing Draft final report is to be submitted within three months after contract signature by CTA Final report due two weeks after receipt of comments from CTA.9. Expertise needed The expert should have a university degree or equivalent by experience. In addition, he/sheshould have at least 10 years experience in field of agriculture, rural development or social /economic sciences. He/she must have in-depth knowledge of the agricultural sector in his/hercountry and be able to identify key players and institutions / organisations active in this area. Theability to communicate and write clearly in English is essential, while knowledge of at least one ofthe local languages for communication / interview purposes is an added advantage.

The overall coordination will be carried out by Ms Christine Webster, Deputy Head, Planning

and Corporate Services CTA, assisted by Mrs. Lola Visser-Mabogunje, Project Assistant.

10. Implementation schedule (CTA) Preparation/Finalisation of ToR; Identification/ short-listing of (potential) consultants;

Call for offers: February June 2004 Selection of consultants & contractual arrangements: July/August 2004 Briefing: August 2004 Start date of contract: 1 September 2004 Implementation period 1 September February 2005 End date of contract: 28 February 2005

11. Key documents to be made available to consultantsDocuments include:

Cotonou Framework Agreement Excerpts of relevant sections of CTAs Strategic Plan and Plan of Action (2001-2005) Annual Reports Documents on priority information themes identified for the Caribbean region Documents on products & services provided by CTA Information Needs Relevant Country and Regional Reports 1997 CAIS Stakeholders Meeting Reports

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ANNEX II. COUNTRY PROFILE SURINAME

II.1 General Agricultural Profile

The Republic of Suriname is situated on the NorthEast coast of South America,bordering French Guyana in the East, Guyana in the West, Brazil in the South and theAtlantic Ocean in the North. The country covers an area of 163,820 square kilometers(163,820 km2) of which only 1.5 million ha. is suitable for agricultural use. 85% ofthe land suitable for agriculture is situated in the coastal area, while the other 15% isalong the riversides in the interior.

While Suriname is a relatively small country, it is internationally quite significantbecause of its extensive tropical forest cover. The country has one of the highestpercentages of tropical rainforest cover in the world with nearly 90% of the total landarea covered by forests (14.8 million ha) and a rate of destruction under 0.1 %annually in the interior.

II.1.1 Size of Agricultural Population (Male / Female / Youth)

According to estimates the agricultural population of Suriname per 1000 persons is 81(Source: FAO, 2000). No figures are available for breakdown into male, female andyouth groups.

The agricultural sector in Suriname can be divided into four (4) sub sectors, namely:agriculture, fisheries, forestry and animal husbandry. Employment within each ofthese sectors is given in the next table.

Table 1. Employment in the 4 agricultural sub-sectors in Suriname

Sub-sector Employment (2003) % of the labour force

Agriculture 12000 13

Fisheries 6815 7

Forestry 4380 5

Animal Husbandry 7000 8

Sources: Agricultural Sector Plan, Statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department of the Ministry of

Agriculture, Forestry Policy 2003, www.fao.orgincluding foreigners

Female employment in agriculture (as % of female labour force), between 1995-2002is 2% and the female employment in agriculture (as % of male), 1995-2002 is 21%(Source: UNDP)

II.1.2 Farmed Land, Forests and Fishing Areas

Suriname is divided into four (4) distinct zones, more or less parallel to the coast; azoning reflected in vegetation cover and land use. These zones are:


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Fisheries data(Source Fisheries Department of Suriname; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal husbandry and fisheries

Table 2. Commodity (2003)

Production

(1)

Import Export

(2)

Fish for humanconsumption (tons)

16,000 726.6 16,711

Estimated employment (2003)6,815 (including foreigners)

Trade (2003): (total of fish, shrimp and crustaceans)Value of Imports: 0.899 million US$Value of Exports: 37. 2 million US$

Contribution to the GDP (2003): 5%

Total industrial fleet (2004):182

Total coastal fleet (2004): 386

Total inland and estuary fleet (2004): 562

State of the industry

The fishing industry has been based on the shrimp fishery since 1956, when the firstshrimp processing plant, SAIL, became operational. A second venture, SUJAFI, was

created in 1973. The proclamation of the 200 nautical miles EEZ by the countries ofthe region (1975-1977) did not result in a significant change in the number oftrawlers, which remained at around 130. Most of the shrimp fishing companies, areforeign owned. They employ mainly foreign crew, although the Government ofSuriname requires each boat to take one Surinamese crew member for the first year.

The fish and shrimp industry needs to intensify its efforts with regard to qualitycontrol and assurance to meet the USA and EU regulations to ensure continuingacceptance of their products in those markets.

There is no fishing gear factory in the country. The sea fishing vessels are constructedabroad. Only the hull, in the case of artisanal boats (Guyana types), is built inSuriname. Maintenance and repair facilities are insufficient and the supply of parts is

problematic, for both industrial and artisanal fishing vessels, their motors and fishingequipment.


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Management

All fisheries in Suriname are currently regulated by the Decree on Marine Fishery(Decree C-14), operational since 1 January 1981. The legislation is being revised anda new fisheries law has been submitted, based on a new concept. This new fishery lawwas drafted in 1993 with the assistance of the FAO. This law has still to be passed by

the Assembly. This law supports a Management Plan that will be revised annually.

The Government of Suriname is promoting biological research on the most importantstocks, such as penaeid shrimp, large demersal finfish species and red snapper.Guidelines for fisheries management have been prepared.

II.1.3 Agricultural Systems

There are three types of farming systems in Suriname: farmland for permanentcultivation, shifting cultivation and grassland. There is no agricultural land use plan.There are approximately 12,000 small companies most of which have mixedproduction systems of livestock, fruits and other commodities. Most farmers are part-

time farmers.

Besides the small companies there are several large companies (joint venturesbetween the government and the private sector) which are into rice, cattle (forslaughter), bananas, shrimp and fish

II.1.4 Agriculture in the Economy (percentage GDP)

According to the UNDP the GDP per capita was 6,590 in 2002.The contribution of agriculture to the GDP has been around 10% during the last 5years.

II.1.5 Main Agricultural Produce and Secondary Products

The main exports products are (Source: Central Bank of Suriname):

alumina: 72% shrimp and fish: 12.6 % crude oil: 10.6% rice: 3.5 % bananas: 3% (till 2001) timber: 1.1%

Note that this ranking is based on the net currency earnings from exports.


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The main agricultural products in Suriname are:

rice 60% of the total agricultural production; shrimp (from fisheries and aquaculture) and fish; bananas (till 2001); timber; vegetables and fruit; flowers and other botanicals.

Note that this ranking is based on land use, employment and investments in the subsectors.

Other agricultural produce besides those mentioned above include palm oil, peanuts,cacao, coffee, tuberous plants, citrus, and coconuts.

The rice producing companies are categorized according to the following table.(Please name and number the table)

Table 3. Categorization of rice companies by size

Size of the area ( ha) # of companies

0.1-12 4,300

13-24 110

25-75 17

76-250 28

251-750 19

> 750 8Source: ADRON (rice research institute 2001)

As the main agricultural produce, rice accounts for 60% of total agricultural

production (land use and employment). It is one of the four main foreign exchangegenerators (alumina 72.2%, fish and shrimp12.6% and crude oil 10.6%, rice 3.5%).Rice production has slowed down in recent years due to increasing costs anddecreasing incomes. The price mainly dropped because of a decrease in consumptionand processing quality of cargo rice. In addition, world market prices influence riceproduction in Suriname.

The industrial processing of fish and shrimp

These processing plants are those that, according to Surinamese standards, applyproduction means involving labour, capital and technology on a relatively large scaleto convert raw material to end products or semi-manufactured products. The activities

of these industrial plants are mainly aimed at the processing of fish and shrimp; theend product for fish, either frozen or fresh, is as gutted and cleaned fish with orwithout head, or as steaks or fillets; for shrimp, the output is frozen head-on/head-offshell on shrimps. The industrial processors also produce smoked and salted products.

These fish products are mainly for export to Europe (54%), USA (30%), theCaribbean (9.5%) and others. The shrimps are exported mainly to Japan (90%) and10% to Europe and USA. The industry buys its raw material from artisanal fishermen,by-catch from the shrimp trawlers, the fish trawlers and Venezuelan handliners.


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Since 1997, processing plants exporting to Europe and USA must have a writtenHACCP- programme and it must also be implemented. These requirements are fromthe importing countries.

Vegetables and fruits

There are around 12,000 small farming companies in the cultivation of vegetables andfruits. These farmers are often part-timers producing a variety of products.

Bananas

In 1970 the banana industry in Suriname started with the export of fresh fruit toEurope. This sector contributed for almost 30 years to the national production andeconomy of Suriname, it was the third main export product with foreign exchangeearnings at around 3%.A restructuring plan is now being implemented in order to rehabilitate the bananasector in Suriname. This plan focuses on reopening the company, the creation of a

new company (new production and management organization) and the gradualwithdrawal of the government from primary production processes.

Timber production

Forests are one of the main natural resources within Suriname. Annual nationalproduction is around 150 m3, controlled by foreign investors. This production figure isin great contrast to the potential production of this sector, being 600,000 million m3.

The government leases concessions for logging and timber production. Concessionsare distributed in various area sizes 5 150,000 hectares for periods of 5-20 years.Besides privately owned businesses, there are two joint ventures (government/private

sector) namely Bruynzeel Suriname Houtmaatschappij and the N.V. BOSMIJ.Bruynzeel is the main logging company and has the biggest impact on the forestrysector. Over the past years the contribution to national production of the so calledconcessions in community forests is rapidly growing.

Almost 20 % of the total round wood production is being exported without any formof processing. Most of the exports are to Asia (65 %), Europe and the USA (30 %).Annual foreign exchange earnings from export in the forest sector amount to 4-5million US$. Some import of wood/ timber takes place, 3,250 m, this beingespecially plywood materials, with a value of 1.5 million US$.

The wood processing industry consists of around 70 sawmills, including mobile saw

installations and has a capacity of 600,000 m round wood per year. This is almostthree times the capacity of the current production level. Most of these sawmills arequite old and inefficient. This sub-sector has not seen much over the past years.

Since the seventies, the contribution of the forestry sector, including the woodprocessing industry, has been limited to less than 3 % of the GDP and less than 2 % ofthe total export earnings. The main reason for this undervaluation of the resource isthe low utilization level of the forest production and the low level of levies.


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Non Timber Forests Products (NTFPs)

NTFPs such as plant materials, meat, fish products are very important for peopleliving in the forest communities. This type of income is not yet valuated in thenational budget. Some of the NTFPs are commercially traded (meat, fish, gamebirds, ornamental plants, fruits, herbs, medicinal plants, etc.) Private companies are

also developing income generating activities such as bio-prospecting and ecotourism,as alternative uses of the forest.

Forestry and the wood processing industry employ about 4,000 people, which isalmost 5% of the labour force in Suriname. An estimated 50% of these people findtheir employ in forestry management and logging activities.

Vegetables

Around 3,000 4,000 full-time and part-time farmers cultivate vegetables. The areacultivated yearly by the farmers is relatively low (0.08 2.0 ha). Main problems inthis sector are water management and dependence on wholesale buyers and

merchandisers as well as high air transport prices. Prices of the end products arerelatively high due to the high input costs in this sector (machinery, pesticides, andfertilizers). The quality of vegetable exports has improved over the past 5 years.

Animal Husbandry

The animal husbandry sector in Suriname comprises: cattle, goats, sheep, pig farmingand poultry. The cattle sub sector can be subdivided into the meat (slaughter) andmilk production. Most of the farms are small. There are some large meat producingcompanies however this is not the case for milk production. Milk prices are regulatedby the government in order to keep the product within reach of consumers. Thismakes it less attractive for farmers to go into milk production. The milk productionsector faces the following problems which hinders its development: a great variety incompany sizes, poor pasture management, weak cattle management, no improvementin the cattle stock.

The pig farming stock remained quite stable over the years and production isconcentrated within few large companies which also control the other links within theproduction chain (processing, etc.)

Poultry can be divided into egg production and meat production. Over the past yearsunder utilization has been visible in this sector. This was mainly caused by theimportation of chicken parts from the USA. These are usually lower in price than

locally produced chickens. At the beginning of the nineties the local market was fullysupplied by locally bred chickens.

The local demand for eggs is almost fully covered by local egg production. Localproduction of breeding eggs for layer hens keeps the market fully provided, so that noimports are needed.


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products, thereby incorporating the whole agro-chain from production toconsumption);

3. Agricultural production planning based on the demand of the market (toguarantee pay off);

4. Export orientation (e.g. Caricom) ;5. A new role for the Government, namely that of facilitator.

Ii.2 Socio-Economic Profile

II.2.1 Demographics

Suriname a relatively small country is administratively divided into ten (10) districts.Based on settlement characteristics, Suriname can also be divided into urban, ruraland interior settlements. Around 70% of the population lives in the urban districts ofParamaribo and Wanica (0.4 % of the total land area), while less then 10% lives in theinterior district of Sipaliwini (80% of the land area).

The official language is Dutch, the lingua franca (Sranantongo) and other local andethnic languages (e.g. Sarnami Hindi, Bahasa/Javanese, indigenous and maroonlanguages).

According to the 2003 Census the total population was 481,146 ( March 2003,General Bureau of Statistics). A multi-ethnic population with 16 ethno-linguisticgroups can be distinguished in Suriname. The population consists of nativeindigenous people (Amerindians), maroons (direct descendants of former Africanslaves, still living traditionally in the hinterland), Creoles, Hindustanis, Javanese,Chinese and all possible mixes of these groups, and nowadays an increasing numbersof immigrants from Haiti, Guyana, China and Brazil. The largest groups are theCreole (35%), Hindustanis/East Indian (34%) and Javanese (16%).

Population growth is marginal, due to the significant decrease in fertility rate and theongoing high rate of external migration, mostly to the Netherlands. Fertility ratesdropped from 7.1 in 1960 to 2.2 in 2002 (2004, Ministry of Health-Basic Indicators).Suriname has a pyramid shaped population structure with 52% of its populationyounger than 25 years. The male/ female ratio is around 1:1. Life expectancy for menis 68.7 years and women 73.9 years (2003, PAHO- Basic Indicators). Fifty-twopercent (52%) of the Surinamese population is younger than 25 years (2003). The ageclass 0-14 years represents the relative highest level of poverty.

Family

Around 40% of households consist of 3-4 members. Of children ages 0-14, 62.2% livewith both parents, 22% live with their mothers and 7% live with neither parents(MICS2000, Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing and UNICEF).


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Table 7. Economics

GNP per capita (US$), 2003 1,940

GDP per capita average annual growth rate (1960-1990) (%) -0.6

GDP per capita average annual growth rate (1990-2003) (%) 0.5

Average annual rate of inflation (1990-2003) (%) 75

Table 8. Women

Life expectancy: females as % of males, 2003 108

Adult literacy: females as % of males, 2000 97

Gross enrolment ratios: females as % of males, primary school (1998-2002)

98

Gross enrolment ratios: females as % of males, secondary school (1998-

2002)

139

II.2.2 Literacy Level and Languages

Overall literacy rate is estimated at 94.2%. Female and male literacy are almost equal,with 95.9% male and 92.6% female.

Table 9. Literacy level and enrollment

Adult literacy rate, male (1990) 94

Adult literacy rate, female (1990) 89

Adult literacy rate, male (2003) 96

Adult literacy rate, female (2003) 93

Primary school enrolment ratio, gross, male (1998-2002) 127

Primary school enrolment ratio, gross, female (1998-2002)

125

Primary school enrolment ratio, net, male(1998-2002) 97

Primary school enrolment ratio, net, female (1998-2002) 98

% of net primary school attendance, male,(1996-2003) 88

% of net primary school attendance, female,(1996-2003) 91

Secondary school enrolment ratio, gross, male (1998-2002)

62

Secondary school enrolment ratio, gross, female (1998-2002)

86


43/72

40

II.2.3 Access to Services

Health

Extended primary care system, reaching the majority of the population. Well-developed under-five care system with under- five clinics throughout the

country.

Over 80% coverage for health care payer systems (SZF/ governmental healthinsurance fund, social card/ Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing, privateinsurance).

Suriname is currently in the process of health sector reform. The measures in thehealth sector plan are expected to consolidate and further improve health. The adultHIV sero-prevalence in Suriname is estimated at 1.7% (UNAIDS).

The number of annual births in Suriname is around 10,000. The 2001 number of livebirths was 9,717 (Bureau of Central Registry) and in 2002 a total of 10,188 live birthswere registered. The coverage of antenatal and obstetric care is high. According to the2000 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), 90.6% of all pregnant womenreceived antenatal care from skilled personnel at least once during their pregnancy,and 85% received delivery assistance from a qualified health worker.

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) was relatively high, at 154.4 per 100,000 in 2001.There is evidence of some improvement in this area, with a MMR of 136.5 and aprovisional 2003 MMR of 90.9 (2001-2002, Bureau of Central Registry). Effortstowards improved maternal care include strengthening of primary care services andoutreach programmes.

Overall child immunization increased significantly over the past years, due toconsistent efforts to improve primary care outreach and annual immunization

campaigns over the past three years, targeting under-served populations.Immunization rates increased from around 60% in 1996 to 83% for DPT and 78% formeasles.

Table 10. Commitment to health: resources, access and services (Source, UNDP )

Public health expenditure (% of GDP), 2001 5.7

Private health expenditure (% of GDP), 2001 3.8

Health expenditure per capita (PPP US$), 2001 398

One-year-olds fully immunized against tuberculosis (%), 2002 ..

One-year-olds fully immunized against measles (%), 2002 73

Oral rehydration therapy use rate (%), 1994-2002 24

Contraceptive prevalence rate (%), 1995-2002 42

Births attended by skilled health personnel (%), 1995-2002 85Physicians (per 100,000 people), 1990-2003 50

Population with sustainable access to affordable essential drugs (%), 1999 95-100

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