HISTORY

MANAGEMENT OF PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES :

Ximenia Oil Trial Intake and Commercialisation (X-Otic Project), Namibia

· This project aims to establish the environmental, socio-economic, technical and financial parameters of producing oil from the nuts of Ximenia spp.; to identify secure, high-value local and export markets for the oil, and to enter into product development agreements with buyers; funded by SIDA’s Swedish Environmental Small Grants Fund through NNF; (Jan.-Dec. 2001)

Project co-ordinator: Mr P. du Plessis - Field researcher: Mr N. Shikongo

Local Marketing of Namibian Natural Products

· Project to establish a sustainable local market for Namibian natural products (e.g. Marula and Melonseed oils and soaps, Devil’s Claw tea) in order to increase the economic opportunities of the primary producers of these products; funded by the Embassy of Finland; (Feb.-May 2001)

Project co-ordinators: Ms S. den Adel & Ms J. Gatsi

Population Status and Methods for Sustainable Use of the Medicinal Plant Harpagophytum (Devil’s Claw) in Namibia

A 3-year research project to measure growth rate of tubers and monitor impact of harvesting on plant growth, set up in collaboration with Devil’s Claw harvesting communities on 3 sites in the Omaheke region; funded by BfN (Germany); (Oct. 2000-Dec. 2003)

Project co-ordinator: Mr D. Cole - Ecologist: Mrs M. Strohbach

Wild Silk Project - Phase 1: Pre-Feasibility Study and Trial Purchase, Namibia

· Pilot project to collate preliminary data on the availability and distribution of wild silk (Gonomita postica) cocoons and the socio-economic issues of harvesting cocoons in the south-east of Namibia, and to evaluate a range of silk processing methods; implementing a Phase 2 was recommended at a report-back workshop in Feb. 2001; funded by OXFAM Canada; (Aug. 2000-Feb. 2001)

Project co-ordinator: Mr D. Cole - Consultant: Mr I. Cumming

Strategic Support to Marula Oil Enterprise Development in Namibia and Southern Africa.

With the aim of securing sustainable income and long-term development opportunities for rural producers/custodians of the Marula resource through value-adding and commercialisation of products from the Marula tree for the local and export market, a focused regional co-operation framework is established between service providers (representing local Marula producers) in countries of Southern Africa to facilitate the delivery of strategic support to Marula oil enterprise development and to develop a regional marketing strategy that ensures maximisation of benefits to and protection of the primary producers; funded by DfID - Enterprise Development Department; (May 2000-Apr. 2002)

Project Co-ordinator: Mr C. Lombard (with support from Mr M. Mallet & Mr R. Gamond)

Sustainably Harvested Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Programme, Namibia

The Sustainably Harvested Devil’s Claw (SHDC) project aims at assisting harvesters to maximise benefits from the sustainable harvesting of tubers, through improved harvesting techniques, setting up of sustainable quotas, certification, and direct marketing to exporters at a fair price; the project also builds capacity of SHDC communities and strengthens rural harvesters representation at national level.

· Expansion of the SHDC project in the Omaheke region; sponsored by 1995 EC Food Aid Counterpart Funds;

Phase-II (Oct. 2000-Dec. 2001), Phase-I (Nov. 1998-Jan. 2000)

· Expansion of the SHDC Project in the Aminuis and Corridor areas in the Omaheke region; funded by INTERMÓN (Spain) and OXFAM Canada; (May 1999-July 2001)

· Pilot SHDC project in Omaheke region directed at the marginalised San communities, notably !Xo and Ju/'hoansi;

funded by INDISCO (ILO); (Jan.-Dec. 1999)

Project Co-ordinator: Mr J. Leith / Mr D. Cole (from Mar. 1999) - Field Officer: Mr M. Motlhaping

· Pilot project at Vergenoeg in the Omaheke region to examine the potential benefits to marginalised communities of the sustainable harvesting and export of Devil's Claw; funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (Jan.-Aug. 1999 & Jan.-May 1998), NAMDEB Social Fun

Cyril Lombard & Mr J. Leith

Trial Marula Oil Production (TMOP) Project, Namibia

· Phase 4: 1st export order of Marula oil and Eudafano Women Co-operative development; funded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development (MWACW); (Apr. 2000-Mar. 2001)

· Phase 3: Founding of the Eudafano (Marula Women Service) Co-operative, capacity building and business planning support, Marula oil production at KAP, market and technical research; supported by NAMDEB Social Fund, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Division of Co-operative Development (MAWRD); (Jun. 1998-Mar. 2000)

· Phases 1 & 2: Feasibility study commissioned by the Office of the President (and the Department of Women Affairs), sampling, collating and pilot processing of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) kernels into quality oil for export markets, with the aim of securing sustainable income and development opportunities for northern Namibia rural women; funded by NAMDEB Social Fund and MTI; (Aug. 1996-May 1998)

Project Co-ordinators: Mr C. Lombard & Mr M. Mallet (with support from Mrs Sigried Mwaala)

Processing R&D at KAP: Mr R. Gamond

Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) Project, Namibia

· Feasibility study examining the potential of the sustainable exploitation of botanical resources (notably the Manketti nut and Melon seeds) in the Kavango Region to benefit poor rural, especially marginalised communities; funded by CARE Austria/Austrian Development Co-operation; (May 1998-Jul. 1999)

Project Co-ordinators: Mr J. Leith / Mr D. Cole

Katutura Artisans’ Project (KAP), Namibia

· Service and Technology Development Centre for the small scale and informal industries (leather, metal, food and other plant processing, and light engineering sectors); (since Jun. 1996), see insert below

Administration: Mrs J. Leclercq / Ms J. Gatsi - Technical Expertise: Mr R. Gamond

* RESEARCH, CONSULTANCIES AND SMALL PROJECTS:

Promotion of Indigenous Fruit in Namibia (Phase 1-A)

· As the 1st phase in the implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan for Promoting Indigenous Fruit in Namibia, this project co-ordination consultancy aims to improve the data resolution pertaining to indigenous fruit utilisation and commercialisation by conducting a series of trials purchases in the Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, Kavango, Omaheke and Erongo regions. The aim of the project is to gather information required to plan a wider commercialisation process over the next four years. Priority species targeted for promotion include Sclerocarya birrea, Berchemia discolor, Citrullus lanatus, Hyphaene petersiana, Acanthosycios horridus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Adansonia digitata, Vangueria infausta, Diospyros mespilliformis and Ximenia spp.; commissioned by the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) for MAWRD and the Indigenous Fruit Task Team (IFTT); (Mar.-Sep. 2001)

Consultant: Mr P. du Plessis

Small Millers Training Programme Material, Namibia

· Phase 3-A of the project ‘Technical Support to the Small Scale Mahangu and Other Grain Processing and Marketing Industry in Northern Namibia’; preparation of training materials for 7 training modules, and procurement and adaptation of demonstration equipment; commissioned by NAB for the Directorate of Planning (MAWRD); (Dec. 2000-May 2001)

Consultants: Mr R. Gamond, Mr M. Mallet & Mr P. du Plessis

Training and Consultancy Services at COSDEC Centre in Ondangwa, Namibia

· Designing and manufacturing equipment (grain cleaner, improved grain soaking/fermenting unit, drying platforms) for a pilot mahangu processing unit, commissioning of processing equipment, on-the-job training of operators and trainers; (from Nov. 2000)

· Assessment of building renovation and lay-out for a pilot mahangu processing unit; (Apr. 2000)

Commissioned by the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Employment Creation (MHETEC)

Consultant: Mr R. Gamond

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Capacity Building Project, Namibia Component

· As part of the Kyoto Protocol to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), meetings with key industry and government stakeholders to identify and assess capacity gaps and develop strategies for addressing training needs around CDM project design, development and baselines, organisation of a national workshop (40 participants) and production of a workshop report; funded by the SHELL Foundation through the Minerals & Energy Policy Centre (MEPC) in South Africa; (Mar. 2001)

Consultant: Mr P. du Plessis

Swedish Agricultural University’s Field Methods Course in Namibia

· Local co-ordination, logistical arrangements and field research facilitation through the Sustainably Harvested Devil’s Claw (SHDC) project in the Omaheke Region, for a group of 14 students and accompanying lecturer from the Department of Rural Development Studies, Swedish Agricultural University, Uppsala; (Feb.-Mar. 2001)

Project co-ordinator: Mr D. Cole

Promotion of Indigenous Fruits Strategy and Action Plan, Namibia

· Following the ‘Workshop to Develop a Strategy for the Promotion of Indigenous Fruits in Namibia’ (17-18 Apr. 2000), preparation of a comprehensive strategy and a workable action plan document for the Directorate of Agricultural Research and Training (DART) - MAWRD, and the IFTT; (Sep. 2000 - Jan. 2001)

Consultant: Mr P. du Plessis

Support to the Project Identification Mission to Namibia of CIRAD’s Consultants

· Preparation of mission itinerary, accompanying and assisting the 2 CIRAD-AMIS consultants, support in data collection and information provision, and organisation of end-of-mission de-briefing to stakeholders; commissioned by DART (MAWRD); (Oct./Nov. 2000)

Consultant: Mr M. Mallet

· Preparation of the mission terms of reference: Mahangu Sorghum and Indigenous Fruits Processing and Promotion in Namibia; for the French Co-operation and DART (MAWRD); (Aug./Sep. 2000)

Consultant: Mr P. du Plessis

Regional Natural Products Development Initiative: Project Identification Mission, Southern Africa

· Participation and support service provision as part of a team of natural products development and marketing experts, formulation of project incorporating participants from Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, leading to the establishment of SANProTA - regional co-operation through networking, technical R&D, and marketing; commissioned by SAFIRE (Zimbabwe) with funds from IFAD; (Aug.-Sep. 2000)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Winners and Losers in Forest Product Commercialisation, international and Namibia

· Namibian component of a Forestry Research Programme (FRP) project including studying beneficiaries along the market chain of commercialised Marula products, and impact on various users groups; linked to the study of Carapa species (crabwood) in Guyana; funded by DfID’s FRP through the Institute of Hydrology/Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford (UK); (Jul. 2000-Jun. 2002)

Local co-ordinator: Mr C. Lombard

Potential for the Development of Marula Products in the Bushbuckridge Area, South Africa

· Technical assistance in the implementation of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s Community Forestry Project in the Mpumalanga Province; commissioned by DARUDEC with funds from DANCED/Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy; (Jun.-July 2000)

Consultants: Mr C. Lombard & Mr B. Allanic

Southern Africa Regional Consultation for a Joint Approach to Technical, Market and Benefit Sharing Issues With Common Botanical Resources

· Research and consultation in Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, exchange of information between and consultations with community-based producers, their representative service NGOs and country stakeholders with a view to assess the potential and constraints to jointly develop common botanical resources, and maximising benefits for the rural producers; supported by The Gaia Foundation (UK) and Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN); (Sep. 1999-Aug. 2000)

Consultants: Mr C. Lombard & Mr M. Mallet

Service Mill Training at Myl 20, Kavango Region, Namibia

· 4-day on-site technical and management training to a community project; commissioned by Lux-Development; (Jun. 2000)

Consultant: Mr R. Gamond

Sustainable Commercialisation of Likwama Mill, Katima Mulilo, Namibia

· Preliminary investigation and participatory study into possible options for developing the commercial milling of grains from the Likwama service mill; commissioned by LFCU; (Apr. 2000)

Consultant: Mr M. Mallet

Technical Support to the Small Scale Mahangu (Pearl Millet) and Other Grain Processing and Marketing Industry in Northern Namibia, Phases 1 & 2

Consultancy commissioned by NAB for the Directorate of Planning (DoP) - MAWRD:

· Phase II-C: Additional assignments: preparation of a funding proposal for the training programme and a synthesised document on future options for the Mahangu Marketing Intelligence Unit (MMIU), updating of the small millers database, compilation of a research report on post-harvest issues for DoP, and technology development of a simple hand-operated millet pre-cleaner; (Sep. 1999-Oct. 2000)

Consultants: Mr P. du Plessis, Mr R. Gamond & Mr M. Mallet

· Phase II-A & -B: Complementary research into technical and economic issues, quantification of the recommendations, consultation with the industry and formulation of a training delivery strategy; (Dec. 1998-Jul. 1999)

Consultants: Mr R. Gamond & Mr M. Mallet

· Baseline Study (Phase I): Comprehensive field study involving the MMIU to clarify and quantify the demand and requirements for improving the efficiency of the sector; (Jul.-Oct. 1998)

Consultants: Mr R. Gamond & Mr M. Mallet

Promotion of Indigenous Fruits Programme, Namibia

· Programme concept formulation, organisation of a national stakeholders’ workshop, reporting and follow-up

· Organisation of an information and demonstration stand at the SADC Women-In-Business International Trade Fair in Ongwediva (3-7 May 2000)

Commissioned by NAB for DoP and DART (MAWRD); (Feb.-June 2000)

Consultants: Mr M. Mallet, Mr R. Gamond, Mr P. du Plessis & Mr C. Lombard

Mid-Term Evaluation of Netwise (Namibia)

· Netwise is a computerised database of organisations working with natural resources in Southern Africa; commissioned by DRFN with funds from SIDA; (Nov./Dec. 1999)

Consultants: Mr D. Cole & Mr P. du Plessis

Opportunities and Support Services Capacity for Rural Micro-Enterprise Development in the Kavango and Caprivi Regions, Namibia

· Desk top study for the Kavango-Caprivi Farming System Research & Extension Units project; commissioned by DfID Southern Africa (Namibia Field Office); (Oct. 1999)

Consultants: Messrs P. du Plessis, D. Cole, C. Lombard & M. Mallet

Nutritional Survey in the North Central Regions of Namibia

· Study of the diet behaviour of rural communities in the North Central Division (NCD) in terms of quality, quantity and meal composition; commissioned by the French Mission for Co-operation (French Government) for the NCD Farming System Research Unit of the MAWRD; (Mar.-Oct. 1999)

Project Co-ordinator: Ms Lisbeth Labetoulle

Technical and Market Research and Development Components for the Improvement and Promotion of Selected Indigenous Fruit Trees in Namibia

· Consultancy to develop the market and technical research and development components to contribute to the Directorate of Forestry’s (DoF) project - Improvement and Promotion of Selected Indigenous Fruit Trees in Namibia - earmarked species include Sclerocarya birrea (caffra), Berchemia discolor, Strychnos cocculoides and S. pungens, Grewia spp., Garcinia livingstonii and Syzigium cordatum; commissioned by FAO and DoF (MET); (Aug.-Sep. 1999)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Preliminary Feasibility Study on the Sustainable Harvesting of Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) in the Nyae-Nyae Conservancy (NNC), Namibia

· Participatory research commissioned by the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) for the NNC in the former East-Bushmanland (Otjozondjupa Region); (May 1999)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Trade Survey on Harpagophytum in Namibia

· Research for the University of Cologne and BfN (Germany); (Dec. 1998-Sep. 1999)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Kalahari Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) Marketing Consultancy, Botswana

· Participatory research to develop a three year strategic marketing plan for Thusano Lefatsheng and the Devil’s Claw supply from Botswana; commissioned by Pact-Botswana/IRCE (Institutional Reinforcement for Community Empowerment) through NRMP-USAID; (Sep.-Dec. 1998)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Investigation Into the Potential Market for Bauhinia petersiana and Tylosema esculentum Products from the Khwee and Malatswae Settlements, Central District, Botswana

· Short market potential study for these products in the Fair Trade and Natural Foods markets in the UK; commissioned by the NRMP for the Permaculture Trust of Botswana; (Jul. 1998)

Consultant: Mr C. Lombard

Consultancy Looking Into a Beneficial Symbiosis Between New (Developing) and Established Co-operatives in Namibia

· Feasibility study to evaluate the potential and modalities of possible co-operation (rather than competition) between the old, established co-operatives and the new co-operatives; commissioned by the EU sponsored Co-operative Support Services Project, Division of Co-operative Development (DCD) - MAWRD; (Nov. 1997-Jul. 1998)

Consultants: Mr M. Mallet & Mr C. Keulder

The Marketing of Mahangu by the Northern Namibia Farmers’ Co-operative Ltd (NNFC)

· Participatory feasibility study with the NNFC leadership and research in the North Central Regions for DCD (MAWRD) and NNFC; (Aug.-Nov. 1997)

Consultants: Mr M. Mallet & Ms S. El Obeid

Likwama Farmers’ Co-operative Union (LFCU) Capacity Building, Namibia

Building on similar work undertaken by CRIAA from 1990 to 1996, CRIAA SA-DC has been supporting LFCU in the Caprivi region, with funds from OXFAM Belgium:

· Administrative capacity building for LFCU's Head Office: administration procedure audit and advice; management and staff training; bookkeeping follow-up and support; (Jun. 1997-Feb. 1998)

Consultant: Ms J. Leclercq

· Technical training and support for repairing and maintaining the Likwama Mill; (Oct. 1997)

Consultant: Mr R. Gamond

Gender Development, Namibia

· Technical assistance to the Likwama Women’s Group (LWG) in the Caprivi region for developing skills training, income generating, and management skills; sponsored by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives; (Jan. 1996-Jun. 1997)

Consultant: Ms J. Gatsi

* ATTACHMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO OTHER PROJECTS :

Khomas Women In Development (KWID), Namibia

· Centre Management; funded by the Royal Norwegian Consulate and CARE Austria/Austrian Development Co-operation; (Jan. 1998-Mar. 2000).

· Organisational Capacity Building of the Women Centre managed by the NGO KWID; (Nov.-Dec. 1997).

Consultant: Ms J. Gatsi

Environmental Profile of the North Central Regions, Namibia

· Study of the agriculture and economic issues as part of the Profile, with special focus on relationships between income, production and land acquisition, and how different farming practices are likely to develop in future; the Environmental Profiles Project is attached to the Department of Environmental Affairs (MET), and funded by the Dutch Government through NNF; (Mar. 1998-Apr. 2000).

Consultant: Ms Selma El Obeid

* CONSULTATION AND TRAINING WORKSHOPS ORGANISED :

Wild Silk Project Workshop, Namibia, held on 16 Feb. 2001 in Windhoek, to report back to stakeholders (17 participants) on the 1st phase of the project; convened by CRIAA SA-DC, MAWRD and the OXFAMs

Workshop facilitator: Mr D. Cole

Co-operative Development Workshops for Eudafano Women Co-operative (EWC), Namibia

· 1-day co-operative development workshops at each 9 member-associations of EWC in the North Central Regions of Namibia; (Sep. 2000)

· 3-day business development workshop (18 participants) at Ongwediva for EWC board members and associations’ representatives and assistance to the 1st AGM of delegates of EWC; (Sep. 2000)

· 3-day annual planning workshop (20 participants) at Ongwediva for EWC board members and associations’ representatives; (Mar. 2000)

Workshops funded by the EU-sponsored Co-operative Support Services Project, DCD (MAWRD)

Workshop facilitators: Mr M. Mallet & Mrs S. Mwaala, assisted by Ms F. Amutse

Workshop to Develop a Strategy for the Multiple Use of Mahangu and Sorghum in Namibia, held on 27 & 28 June 2000 at Mokuti Lodge, Namibia, (52 participants), organised by CRIAA SA-DC and NAB for MAWRD

Workshop facilitators: Mr D. Cole, Mr M. Mallet & R. Gamond - Workshop proceedings: Mr P. du Plessis

Workshop to Develop a Strategy for the Promotion of Indigenous Fruits in Namibia, held on 17 & 18 April 2000 at Greiter’s Conference Centre, Windhoek, (38 participants), organised by CRIAA SA-DC for MAWRD and NAB.

Workshop facilitators: Mr D. Cole & Mr M. Mallet - Workshop proceedings: Mr P. du Plessis

Namibia National Devil’s Claw Stakeholders Workshop, held on 25 Nov. 1999 at Greiter’s Conference Centre, Windhoek; one-day consultation workshop involving government, rural community, private traders and NGO representatives (59 participants) looking into the future of this internationally marketed indigenous botanical medicinal resource; organised by MAWRD, MET and CRIAA SA-DC; funded by NNF, Oxfam Canada and MET.

Workshop facilitator: Mr D. Cole - Workshop proceedings: Mr P. du Plessis

Manketti Project Workshop, held on 9 July 1999 in Windhoek, to provide feed-back to stakeholders on the results of the 1st phase of the NTFP project implemented in the Kavango region with the support of CARE Austria

Workshop facilitator: Mr D. Cole - Workshop proceedings: Mr P. du Plessis

Small-Scale Millers Consultative Meetings, in Windhoek, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Eenhana, Outapi and Oshakati, on 26 June, 29 June, 1 July, 5 July, 6 July and 7 July 1999 respectively, (a total of 125 participants), organised by CRIAA SA-DC, MMIU and NAB for DoP (MAWRD)

Consultants: R. Gamond & M. Mallet

Co-operative Business Plan Training for the Namibian Co-operative College, 17-19 Mar. 1999 at Tsumis College: elaboration of business plan models and guidelines for a co-op. grain mill and for a consumer shop, and training delivery, for the Co-operative Support Services Project, DCD (MAWRD)

Consultant: M. Mallet

Livestock Production and Marketing in Caprivi: « New Trends, New Challenges », held on 11-13 Aug. 1998 at Katima Mulilo (20 participants), for Likwama Farmers’ Co-operative Union (LFCU) and OXFAM Belgium

Livestock Production and Marketing in Caprivi: Third Annual Workshop for Likwama Local Associations and Stock Agents, held on 1-5 Sep. 1997 at Katima Mulilo (51 participants), for LFCU and OXFAM Belgium

Crop Marketing in Caprivi: Third Annual Workshop, held on 2-6 June 1997 at Katima Mulilo (64 participants), for LFCU and OXFAM Belgium

Likwama Strategic Planning Workshop, held on 9-12 September 1997 at Katima Mulilo (50 participants), for LFCU and OXFAM Belgium

Likwama Farmers’ Co-operative Union (LFCU) Business Planning Workshop, held on 5-9 May 1997 at Katima Mulilo (27 participants), for LFCU and OXFAM Belgium

Co-operative Business Planning Workshop for Likwama Local Associations, held on 28 Apr.-2 May 1997 at Katima Mulilo (32 participants), for LFCU and OXFAM Belgium

Workshops’ facilitator: M. Mallet