Cover design: We are following a two-entry-point strategy. We begin at the reference sites with strategic and participatory action research approaches, and scale up through training, the forrnation of national training tearns, and implementation of numerous and di verse local action plans. These lead to development i.mpact outside our reference sites on a larger scale. The second entry point is the regional view. Here we use DSS and GIS as important parts in the multi-disciplinary approach to larger areas like Central America linking to forrn a kind of continuum, which will help avoid repetition and fragmentation. . ¡: 'l- , ! OQO l-- . • PROJECT PE-3 1 t ' • • 1 J v:, _- . .. ... . ' ... \ .... . COM!\'IUNITY MANAGElVIENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN HILLSIDE AGROECOSYSTEMS OF LATIN AMERICA ANNUAL REPORT 2000 October 2000 Project PE-3: Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside Agroecosystems of Latin America CONTENTS Executive Summary Page 1 Project Overview 3 Project Work Breakdown Structure 4 Project Logical Framework 5 Major Highlights 7 Output 1: Production systems improved l.I · Ex-ante evaluate improved system altematives (identify markets, perform simulation modeling) Validate farm-level models in Honduras 9 Analysis of maize yie1d determinants in Yorito, Honduras 11 Identify improved bean cropping patterns with DSSAT 13 in the Tasca1apa watershed Production system analysis in San Dionisia, Nicaragua 15 Analysis of agro forestal production systems, Nicaragua 15 • 1.2 Participatively identify, investigate, and validate new altematives to improve production systems Evaluate new genetic materials ofannual crops (rice, beans, maize, 16 sorghum, cassava, and sweet potato) in SOL si tes Establish rotation systems of annual crops in SOL si tes 22 Evaluate and select multipurpose forages for crop/livestock 23 systems with farmer participation Quantify the performance of animals in traditional and 27 improved pastures in SOL Evaluate potential ofvarious tree/bush species for improved fallow in SOL 28 Evaluate the efficiency of combination of organic and inorganic 28 sources in annual crop production in SOL Fallow management for soil fertility recovery in tropical Andean 29 agroecosystems in Colombia .. 3 Valida te new alterna ti ves and improved practices 30 1.4 Promete and support multiplication of successful altematives validated at farm level 1.5 Monitor and evaluate the adoption of validated improvements Develop and implement a monitoring system of the adoption oftechnologies developed in SOL Follow-up ofsocioeconomic impact in level ofwell-being of beneficiarles (Plan Tierra) Output 2: More sustainable landscapes 2.1 Benchmark status report at the landscape level (study land use, analyze sustainability) Page 32 33 35 Research on collective natural resource management in Colombia 37 Elaborate a watershed management approach 3 8 Diagnostic of support systems for development of market options 39 Biophysical characterization ofLuquigue and Jalapa watersheds 42 Analysis and mapping ofLuquigue watershed vegetation 43 Ethnobotanic study of forest species in the Calico River watershed 44 Fitness of the Cabuya! River watershed as an "environmental filter" for 45 Water-borne chemicals as affected by altemative land use scenarios Analysis ofproduction systems in the Calico River watershed 47 Macroinvertebrates and other indicators as an "early warning" of 48 ecosystem change in hillside areas 2.2 Ex-ante evaluate altemative scenarios oflandscape management The Spatial Water Budget Model (SWBM) developed and applied to 50 the Tascalapa watershed, Honduras Application ofthe Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate 53 three scenarios oflandscape in the Jalapa River watershed Design and validate models of linear programrning at watershed leve! 55 Physico-geographic and socioeconomic characterization to establish 58 small seed enterprises Compile and analyze base line on crop/soil use systems of 59 Wibuse/Jicaro watershed 2.3 Develop and apply the methodological tools for natural resource management at landscape level 63 2.4 Promote and implement consortia for landscape management Support initiation of activities with consortium of 64 Manejo Integrado de Suelos (MIS) Consolidate annual operative plan of CLODEST 65 Opening of a Documentation Center in Y orito - support to consortia 67 activities at locallevel Page 2.5 Strengthen participation of grass-roots organizations in consortia for landscape management 69 2.6 Monitor and evaluate landscape changes Monitor water ofTascalapa River and Calico River watersheds 70 Monitor rainfall distribution at watershed leve! 72 Output 3: Organizations strengthened 3.1 Develop and/or validate methods and tools for developing and strengthening key organizations Develop a Guide for establishing small seed enterprises 75 Elaborate the second edition of Guides supporting decision taking in 76 NRM and new presentation posters of the Guides Develop a Guide on use of maquetas with the community 77 3.2 Train local, regional, and national organizations in the use of methodologies and/or tools developed by CIA T and its partners, using methods developed Training in managerial administration and postharvest management of seed 77 Action plans: Support their development, hold training workshops for 78 their follow-up and evaluation, and supervise, monitor, and document those elaborated by trainees Incorporate the use of methodological tools to support NRM organizations 79 through workshops with national groups 3.3 Strengthen small-scale producers, managers, and local, regional, and national organizations in aspects related to rural development using participatory investigative methods Training in the elaboration ofprojects at community level 80 Support the consolidation of Cornrnittees for Developing Rural 80 Agroenterprises in Yorito and Sulaco Consolidate Committees for Developing Rural Enterprises in 81 developing a local system of support for small rural agroenterprises Interchange experiences of development and rura) strengthening at local, 84 national, and international levels 3.4 Support, through incorporating processes of participative investigation, local organizations oriented to agricultura! investigation 85 3.5 Promote and support interinstitutional processes and plans for sustainable rural development 85 Page Output 4: Decision makers supported 4.1 Identify, at different levels, decision makers related with Project tasks and diagnose their needs in terms of support for their work 86 4.2 Support decision tak:ing at different levels using the information, tools, and methods generated by the proj ect Use of linear program modeling to support decision makers in Honduras 88 The Rural Atlas ofNicaragua 92 Methodologies for integrating data across geographic scales in a data 94 rich environment: Examples from Honduras Spatial determinants of labor productivity in Honduras 98 Determinant ofland productivity in Honduras 100 Decision support to the Inter-American Development Bank 101 ·4.3 Strengthen capacity for management and use of information, tools, and methods (train, diffuse, and follow up the process) Hold thematic workshops for divulging and evaluating information 102 generated by the project Other workshops 103 4.4 Provide technical support for decision taking The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA): Collaborative decision 104 making in the information age Data management strategy for the Cauca study region 105 Support punctual training on the use of decision-making tools 107 on the request of collaborating institutions Output 5: Efficient, participatory project management 5.1 F oster the active participation of partners in the planning of project activities in the region Develop an organizational structure for the SOL si tes Hold a SOL annual planning workshop 5.2 Actively and permanently coordinate the reference sites, projects, and 107 109 individuals work:ing in the region 112 5.3 Maintain an efficient information system within the project and with its partners Monthly updating the project Web page Circulate the project bulletin Compile, systemize, and disseminate information and experiences generated in the reference sites 113 114 114 Page 5.4 Strengthenjoint work with other projects and organizations 114 5.5 Establish a participative system of monitoring and evaluation of the Project to monitor its performance and feedback to planning 123 5.6 Initiate on-site activities ofimpact evaluation Build a causality chain by product and define indicators of development 124 Impact assessment ofEl Cajon watershed 126 5.7 Establish an efficient and participatory administrative system within the Project 127 NOTE: The Seeds ofHope Project is reported separately this year. Publications 128 Donors 135 Collaborators 135 StaffList 136 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations U sed 138 Executive Summary Feeding into the natural resource management (NRM) logframe, the PE-3 logframe has five main outputs, which malee up what we see as the three main pillars of our strategy. They are innovative technologies (Outputs 1 and 2), strengthening organizations (Outputs 3 and 4), and decision support tools (used in Outputs 1 to 4). These three pillars are intercommunicated and link to the other expertise areas of agroenterprises, soils, participatory research, various crop commodities, and geographical information systems (GIS). We foster collaboration internally with other CIAT projects and extemally with other partners (Output 5) in order to achieve these three pillars of impact mentioned in the Central American report. We aim to achieve this through intercommunication, using the Supermarket ofTechnologies for Hillsides (SOL, its Spanish acronym) and the reference si tes as laboratories, and outside the reference si tes with training, consultancies, and partly with decision support systems (DSS) and other tools. Innovative technologies We start at the reference si te and landscape levels where our work is maturing into an integrated watershed management approach (CIAT-Hillsides 20001), into which the SOL system is being worked. This very new development has just begun in Central America and is slower to establish itselfbecause this participatory work deals with plants and the biological systems. Thus the SOL system needs time to grow and establish itself. Evaluations are under way on new genetic materials of annual crops (rice, beans, maize, sorghum, cassava, soybean, and sweet potato) in Honduras and Nicaragua Participative evaluations of grain and legume crops at farm level have also begun. Other investigations include quantifying the performance of animals in traditional and improved pastures, and evaluating the efficiency ofthe combination of organic and inorganic sources in annual crop production. Work with fallows includes evaluating the potential of various treelbush species for improved fallow and fallow management for soil fertility recovery. We are upscaling from this work through training. Strengthening organizations The strengthening of organizations is dealt with at the reference si te level. This output is the historical strength of the project and is now being reemphasized and moving outwards to other countries. The training of trainers is the hotbed of this upscaling. The eight Guides being used in training are soon to be published in an updated second edition, which will also be available in CD-ROM. Guide no. 1 on local indicators of soil quality now has an adapted African edition (in English). New Guides are being developed on demand and include establishing small seed enterprises, the use of maquetas, and the management of soil organic matter, among others. All the Guides are being translated into English and edited fo~ publication as new editions. Training has been given in managerial ad.ministration and postharvest management of seed as well as on the Guides. Fifteen action plans were made and follow-up is in process. In February and March so me of the Guides were presented in Asia, East Africa, and Pero. Support continues in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia To date, 18 training courses have been given since August 1 CIAT-Hillsides. 2000. Land discovery: Training and tools for decision support to stakebolder watershed resource management Working document no. 181, CIA T, Cali, Colombia. 57 p. of last year (Table 19). Support continues to local cornrnittees and organizations in many different ways on demand. Decision support systems and tools In the past, the project was strongly biased in the direction of developing DSS and DS tools and more progress in this field is shown in this report beca use of it. Historically this part of our work has been self-standing, but it needs more socialization that unfortunately was not done from the start. We see that we have sorne valuable tools that should be used at regional leve}, but this must be done with ground truthing and in a participatory manner. We look at GIS as an important part of the multi-disciplinary approach needed to move into the larger, regional view to find the main concentrations ofthe problems ofinterest The use ofmodels in ex-ante analysis is helpful to decision makers ( e.g., Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer [DSSAT] modeling, spatial water budget model, and linear programming and optimization models). Other tools were developed to solve differing needs. The spatial data exploration toolbox contains sorne ofthese, and the Accessibility Wizard is an example oftheir success (used after Hurricane Mitch). The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) builds on years of experience following the methodology of participatory planning by objectives to help build partnerships and expedite the planning process. Our strategy We are following a two-entry-point strategy. We begin at the reference sites with the SOL approach, upscaling through training, which in tum upscales through the training of trainers and the local work on action plans that translate into development impact. moving outwards to other sites. The second entry point is the regional view. Here we use DSS and GIS as important parts in the multi-disciplinary approach to this larger area, linking to form a kind of continuum, which will help avoid repetition and fragmentation. We believe that this linking approach will begin to glue the process together. We may be able to concentrate a lot of opportunities instead of spreading out, and we will be able to do so without ignoring our past. The reference si tes are usefullaboratories and are growing and have an input to give to the approach. The project management is also following the participatory pattem. Empowerment is the mainstay of our system, building a "self-directed" work team where constant monitoring and evaluation helps strengthen the process. We strongly believe in the importance of empowerment ofthe local people. We cannot continue to develop tools and the technology transfer approach without involving the local communities. The opportunities are clear. People are not empowered because of inadequate education, lack of farmer organizations, research development and extensiori organizations that focus on one-time technology transfer, and the formal agendas ofresearch and development are out oftouch with long-term processes. We see that CIAT is strong in separate disciplines, but that the new research frontier where CIA T has a great strength is in the multi-disciplinary approach. 2 Project PE-3: Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside Agroecosystems of Latin America Objectives: To develop generic biophysical and socioeconomic databases, decision-support tools, and social organizational models that interest groups can improve, institutionalize, and adapt for planning research and development activities for specific locations. Outputs: Procedures for databases to target problems, priorities, and beneficiarles in watershed resource use management. Techniques for location-specific diagnosis, monitoring, and impact assessment of environmental problems and interventions. Interactive ( computer- assisted) decision-support tools established for community-managed development ofwatershed resources. Gains: System.ization of organizing, goal-setting, planning, gaining representation, and conflict resolution among communities seeking economic and social growth while protecting their environmental resource base. Teclmological and methodological advances in information technology for use by members of agricultura! communities. Milestones: 1998: 1999: 2000: Instructional materials for cornmunity-based resource planning organizations and use of environmental databases. Methods to incorporate indigenous biophysical and socioeconomic indicators in decision-support tools. Planning and policy workshops with stakeholders, incorporating simulation analysis for negotiating collective community action. Case studies of improved watershed resource planning and management by comrnunities in Colombia, Honduras, and Nicaragua Users: Farming families and rural communities ofthe Andean and Central American hillsides. Project sites profit from increased community action aimed at sustaining the productivity ofthe resource base. As a result, off-site stakeholders benefit. National and international development organizations involved in priority setting and investments in development. CGIAR system linkages: Protecting the Environment (60%); Crop Production Systems (25%); Strengthening NARS: Networks (10%); Livestock Production Systems (5%). Participate in the Tropical America Ecoregional Program. Linked to the Systemwide Water Management and Mountain Initiatives. CIAT project linkages: Inputs from soils (PE-2), Land lJse (PE-4), and participatory methods (SN-3) projects. Collaboration with smallholder systems (PE-5) and agroindustries (SN-1) projects. 3 1 Output 1 Project PE-3: Production systems improved 1.1 Ex-ante evaluate improved system altematives (identify markets, perform simulation modeling) 1.2 Participatively identify, investigate, and validate new altematives to improve production systems 1.3 Validate new altematives and improved practices 1.4 Promote and support multiplication of successful altematives validated at farm level 1.5 Monitor and evaluate the adoption of validated improvements Community Management ofNatural Resources in Hillside Agroecosystems ofLatin America 1999 Project Objective To improve the standard of living and food security of hillside fanners in Tropical America and malee their interaction with the environment more sustainable 1 Output 2 More sustainable landscapes 2.1 Bencbrnark status report at the landscape level (study land use, analyze sustainability) 2.2 Ex-ante evaluate alternative scenarios of landscape management 2.3 Develop and apply the methodological tools for natural resource management at landscape level 2.4 Promote and implement consortia for landscape management 2.5 Strengthen participation of grass-roots organizations in consortia for Jandscape mana~ement 2.6 Monitor and evaluate landscape changes 1 Output3 1 Organizations strengthened 3.1 Develop andlor validate methods and tools for developing and strengthening key organizations 3.2 Train local, regional, and national organizations in the use of metbodologies andlor tools developed by CIA T and its partners, using methods developed • 3.3 Strengthen small-scale producers, managers, and local, regional, and national organizations in aspects related to rural development using participatory investigative rnethods 3.4 Support, tbrough incorporating processes of participative investigation, local organizations oriented to agricultura! investigation 3.5 Promote and support interinstitutional plans for sustainable rural development T Output4 Decision makers supported 4.1 Identify, at different levels, decision- rnakers related with Project tasks and diagnose tbeir needs in terms of support for their work 4.2 Support decision taking at ditTerent levels using tbe inforrnation, tools, and methods generated by the project 4.3 Strengtben capacity for management and use of information, tools, and methods (train, diffuse, and follow up the process) 4.4 Provide technical support for decision taking 1 Output S Efficient, participatory projectmanagement 5.1 Foster the active participation of partners in the planning of project activities in the region 5.2 Actively and permanently coordinate the reference sites, projects, and individuals working in the region 5.3 Maintain an efficient inforrnation system within the Project and with its partners 5.4 Strengthen joint work with other projects and organizations 5.5 Establish a participative system of monitoring and evaluation of the Project to monitor its performance and feed back to planning 5.6 Initiate on-site activities of impact evaluation 5.7 Establish an efficient and participatory administrative system within the Project Narratlve summary Verifiable iodicators Mea os of ver ificatioo Risks/assumptions Long-term objective/ GOAL • Reduced soil erosion • Natiooal and local To improve the standard of living and food • Improved water quality in rivers and streams statistics security ofhillside fanners in Tropical • Increased income (monetary afidlor in kind) • Local research America and make their interaction with the environment more sustainable. Short-term objective/ PURPOSE • Groups residing at five work sites in Honduras • Field verification • That the environmental, To strengthen local processes of sustainable and Nicaragua are successfully implementing • Institutiooal reports social, economic, and rural development in the hillsides ofTopical land management initiatives consistent with political conditions, on a America, based on the experiences of natural those validated by the Project and its partners macro level, are maintained resource management at benchmark sites. • At least 15 key entities of the regioo ha ve access to at least three tools and methods developed bv the Proiect OUTPUT 1 • Screeoing alteroatives in demonstration plots in • Field verification • Local collaborators maintain Productioo systems improved San Dionisia, Yorito, and Cabuyal • Project reports activities related with the Fanners use technologies developed by CIA T (Supennarket of options for hillsides [SOL]) • CIAL reports project and its partners to establish sustainable and • Validating altematives in at least 25 • Donor interest and support profitable production systems. Committees for Local Agricultural Research maintained for proposed (CIALs, the Spanish acronym) in San Dionisio objectives and Yorito • Altematives adopted by at least 100 fanners at Project work sites • Successful altematives being transferred to at least 12 sites other than the initial work sites OUTPUT2 • Three local consortia ofNRM operating at • Consortia reports • Local collaborators maintain More sustainable landscapes work sites in Honduras, Nicaragua, and • Monitoring reports activities associated with the Land use has irnproved across the landscape Colombia project because 1ocally organized farrners are using • Three local consortia ofNRM in formation at • Donor interest and support the tools and methods developed by the other si tes of Central and South America maintained for proposed Project and its partners. • Stable water quality (sediments and objectives contaminants) as integrating indicator ofthe status of natural resources in at least three watersheds at the work sites • Environmental monitoring initiated in at least two work sites in Honduras and Nicara2ua Continued. • For acronyms and abbreviations, see page 138. PE-3 Project logframe for 1999-2001• (Continued). Narratlve summary Verifiable indicators Means of verific:atlon Risks/assumptions OUTPUT3 • At least 25 CIALs operaring at Pioject work • CIAL reports • Local collaborators maintain Organiutloos streogtbened si tes • Trainiog reports activities associated with the Local and national organizations involved in • At least 30 CIALs in fonnation at other work • Institutional reports project sustainable rural development at various levels sites in the region • Donor interest and support (local, regional, national) use the tecbnical and • At least 20 national technicians trained and maintained for proposed methodological resources developed by the promoting CIALs objectives Project in their decision making and other activities. Interinstitutional coordination is enhanced. OUTPUT4 • At least two tecbnicians of each collaborating • Training reports • Local collaborators rnaintain Oec:islon makers supported institution trained and using tools developed by • Institutional reports activities associated with the Decision rnakers at various levels use and the Project and its partners Project have access to more information, tools, and • Digital information (CD-ROM and Web site) • Donor interest and support methods to use in decision rnaking, planning, available and accessible in Honduras and maintained for proposed and monitoring. Nicaragua, and in process in other countries objectives • Local decís ion makers at the level of three municipalities with access to site-specific information on natural resources and trained to use this infonnation OUTPUTS • Plans and reports opportunely prepared and • Planning documents • Local collaborators rnaintain Effic:ient, partic:ipatory projec:t approved by previously established authorities and reports activities associated with the management • Partners are well inforrned and actively • Proceedings of Project Different interna) and externa) partners participate in fieldwork at the Project sites Consultative Group • Donor interest and support directly participa te in project rnanagement to (local consortia) or elsewhere and Executive rnaintained for proposed ensure adequate and efficient use of the • Support existing or create new national hillside Committee meetings objectives Project's resources. consortia in Honduras and Nicaragua • Collaborators and • Experiences and lessons leamed by the Project consortia reports and its partners disseminated in Latin America • Dissemination through different channels (networks, rnaterials and Project publications, meetings, etc) reports • New projects adopt methods, techniques, and • Direct verification in experiences generated by the Project and its networks and partners consortia - • For acronyms and abbreviations, see page 138. Major Highlights Output 1: Production systems improved > Fann-level models are being developed to help simulate new technology options and the likely etfect of new policies at local and nationallevel and will help decision makers choose the best options. )> New genetic materials of annual crops (rice, beans, maize, sorghum, cassava, soybean, and sweet potato) are being evaluated in the Supermarket of technology options for hillsides (SOL, the Spanish acronym) sites in Colombia, Honduras, and Nicaragua. )> Multipurpose forages for crop/livestock systems are being evaluated and selected with farmer participation. )> Continuous support to Committees for Local Agricultura! Research (CIALs, the Spanish acronym) has made them a key component in the process of identification and evaluation of technological innovations. They also form an important linkage between formal research carried out in the SOL and farmer perspective for a given technology. Output 2: More sustainable landscapes )> Information was generated relevant to developing scenarios of use and extrapolation of SOL technologies and is expected to contribute to the diagnostics of sustainability of current land use systems and as an entry point to extrapolate improved land use systems generated at the SOL sites. )> The spatial water budget model (SWBM) was developed and is available for download at the Intemational Consortium for Agricultura! Systems Application (!CASA) Web site. It is intended to support local decision making and for teaching local stakeholders about basic functions of multiple-community watershed components such as relationships between land and water resources, etfects of land use, demographic changes on future water accessibility, and upstream-downstream relationships. )> Hydrological maps oí Honduras were produced to help decision makers in locating the best areas for location of small seed enterprises (PES, the Spanish acronym) and what irrigation is needed in less optimal areas. )> Consortia activities supported include initiation with the Manejo Integrado de Suelos (MIS) and consolidation of annual operative plan with the Local Committee for Sustainable Development ofthe Tascalapa River watershed (CLODEST, the Spanish acronym). Work with Campos Verdes in San Dionisio and the Network of Local Organizations in Yorito and Sulaco (REDOL YS, the Spanish acronym) better identified demands at locallevel and their effective linkage with institutional work at different levels. Output 3: Organizations strengthened )> A Guide was developed and elaborated for the establishment ofPES with aspects of marketing, feasibility, and revised managerial administration. It includes basic and essential . concepts of orientation to the market, profitability, and sustainability. )> A CD-ROM ofthe Guides in use will be available soon. New Guides on local indicators of soil quality and management of soil organic matter are being developed. )> During the year, 15 action plans were elaborated and national teams oftrainers trained in their evaluation. )> Workshops on the Guides were held in Africa, Asia, the Andean zone, Central America, and Colombia 7 ::;> Two local committees for the development of rural agroenterprises were established. The committees are strengthened by attending to support demands. They should be able to mount a support system that is sustainable in the future thanks toan offer of services adapted to the area's demand and with the establishment of a payment mechanism for services. >- Lessons leamed, hypotheses, principies, and spaces to be filled by future research activities were identified for CLODEST and REDOL YS in Honduras and the Asociación Campos Verdes in Nicaragua. Output 4: Decision makers supported );:> Following visits to collaborating organizations, an inventory of needs was made from which agreements of collaboration were drawn up and signed with seven organizations of national importance in Honduras. );:> Linear programming models were developed and used in various scenarios to help decision makers with questions of land use practices and soil conservation. );:> An agreement of collaboration was established between CIAT, the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC, the Spanish acronym), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAGFOR) to complete the rural National Atlas ofNicaragua. Sixty thematic maps were elaborated describing and analyzing the most important environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects in the rural environment ofNicaragua. );:> The project ''Methodologies for integrating data across geographic scales in a data rich environment: Examples from Honduras" was completed. It has made a substantial and innovative contribution to the development of methodologies that will allow researchers and policy makers to conduct user-controlled and purpose-specific cross-scale analysis using large and complex sets of georeferenced data. It has also produced a valuable extensive database for Honduras. );:> Over 39 workshops, meetings, and training and other collaborative events were held to help train decision makers at different levels and establish and maintain links with partners. );:> The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) version 1 is available. The ITDEA helps build partnerships and expedí tes the planning process. It advantageously replaces participatory planning by objectives, and can be used for strategic planning. );:> W e are providing decision support to top leve! decision makers to try and influence policy and approaches of those providing funds. Output 5: Efficient, participatory project management );:> An operational structure was designed and is being implemented to ensure effective coordination of activities among SOL si tes in Honduras. The main activities were defined for SOL sites in Nicaragua. The SOL initiative is beginning to play an important role in fostering collaboration among research and development institutions. );:> Project plans and research results were diffused through the project Web page, the quarterly bulletin, and publications. The project's Center ofDocumentation stores all documents, slides, and photos relevant to the project and makes them easily available to interested users. );:> Collaborations were strengthened through the many meetings and workshops held throughout the year (Table 19). );:> The Hillsides Strategic Planning Workshop was held at Montelimar, Nicaragua for a participative evaluation of project performance, readjustrnent of its vision and purpose, and strategy planning. 8 Output 1: Production systems improved Activity 1.1. Ex-ante evaluate improved system alternatives (identify markets, perform simulation modeling) V alidate farm-level models in Honduras Highllght ./ Models on market options developed in 1999 were validated and results diffused toa sample of producers from different comnnmities Objectives The aims were to: l. Evaluate how profitable and sustainable are the production systems that include the market options that were the most preferred in the participatory evaluation with small-scale farmers, and 2. Develop and apply a method for improving farm-level planning by using mathematical simulation to determine crop combinations that will maximize income while protecting the natural resource base. Methods In 1999, eight base models representing eight producer categories were designed to support the participatory method for instant farm modeling with small-scale farmers using linear programming. Based on these models, scenarios were developed to aid in decision making relative to which options were the most profitable, taking into account the resources available for each farm type and making different hypotheses. An example of a hypothesis is changing the available capital to simulate a credit system and evaluate its impact on the optimum production system and the resulting income. Full details on methods are given in García ( 1999), Escolan (2000), and Totobesola et al (2000)2• In 2000, the use of the models is being validated and improved in order to consider the influence ofrisk factors on the results. Nine more farms were analyzed to improve the significance ofthe 2 García R. 1999. Evaluación de productos con potencial de mercado con pequeños productores de Yorito y Sulaco: Uso de la Programación Lineal. Thesis for ingeniero agrónomo, Escuela Agronómo Panamericana (EAP) El Zamorano, Honduras. Escalan J. 2000. Asesoría de ftncas para pequeños productores de laderas en Yorito y Sulaco: Uso de modelo de programación lineal. Thesis (Ingeniero) in process. Escuela Nacional de Agricultura (ENA), Olancho, Honduras. Totobesola M, Barbier B, García R. 2000. Evaluación económica de productos con potencial de mercado para pequeños productores: Uso de la Programación Lineal con fincas de los municipios de Yorito y Sulaco. CIA T, Honduras. 9 results. The database was completed with data on the new sample and risk parameters needed to run the models. The models are designed and run properly. Further results will be available and analyzed by the end ofNovember 2000. Results Table 1 shows results. The overall conclusion is that diversification with short-cycle crops may result in increased erosion, but the difference would be relatively small because new crops cause less soil erosion than do the traditional crops. Further, perennial options such as avocado, coffee, and pastures contribute directly to soil conservation. Table l . Most profitable market options for each category of farmer and farm as per models designed in 1999: Fann access Economic level Low Intermedia te High" Permanent With current Tomatoes None ofthe market options will result in higher .Tomatoes, fmancial resomces: income than the traditional production system avocado With more capital: Semi-technified beans, tomatoes, dairy products Temporary With current Avocado, tomatoes financial resources: With more capital: Dairy products Non e ( only trails) Sweet chili, tomatoes, dai:ry products Semi-technified beans, avocado Semi-technified beans, red onions, plantains, avocado With current Semi-technified beans, Avocado, toma toes financia! resources: cassava, avocado, cabbage With more capital: Semi-technified beans, Semi-technified beans, tomatoes dairy products a. n.a. Farmers ofhigh economic level usually live in accessible arcas. Output Cassava, toma toes, avocado, dairy products n.a. n.a. The results from these models were given to a sample of producers from different communities to diffuse them among other producers and use them to make better decisions as to which market options (for each category ofproducers) suit them best. ('~ ~t.. . 9,. '¡ \ 1 .¡ l 1) ) (~' . ' '\l '). ' Contributors: 1f Barbier, M'Totobesola, R0García (Escuela Agrícola Panamerican [EAP]- Zamorano), J Escolán (Escuela Nacional Agricola de Olancho [ENA]) Collaborators: ENA, SN-1, (EAP)-Zamorano 10 Analysis of maize yields determinants in Yo rito, Honduras Highlight ./ Limits ofmaize yield detennined for the Tascalapa watershed Objective In the region ofYorito, developers and researchers who are members of the SOL questioned whether rainfall, soil nutrients, or gennplasm-limited maize and bean yields. The aim was to discover the limitants first of the maize yields. Methods and Results The DSSAT model was applied with a soil organic matter (SOM) module from the CENTURY model. Because little weather data are available for the watershed ( only 2 years of rainfall data) the new MarkSim weather generator program was used (Jones and Thomton 2000i. Soil analyses were available from sites near the three weather stations. Missing parameters were estimated with a non- DSSAT soil utility. The maize cultivar PB-8 was selected because of its similarity to those used in the watershed whose genetic coefficients are not known. Figure 1 shows results ofmaize yields from optimum planting conditions. The limitations ofwater and N stress were assessed. Irrigation is likely to be a yield-increasing operation and eliminating both water and N stress further increases yield (Figure 2). Output Irrigation is not an unrealistic situation for farmers in the hillsides. These simulations give a good reference production level and may help in determining where to put the emphasis. If farmers are able to just irrigate once or twice during the season, a set of model runs can determine at which date or crop growth stage irrigation would give its maxim~impact. t.ot' ~. v?..,,, O o-1\ A> (f) · o Contributors: ~Gijsman (PE-5), M'ftrrejo, d~ejía, P ones (consultant), s1farbier 1 Jones PG, Tbomton PK. 2000. MarkSim: Software to generate daily weather data for Latin America and Africa. Agron J 93 :445-453. 11 Figw-e l. Figure2. 10000 9000 8000 7000 ~· ·~ ~~~---r-· , 1 !-.;.· __ ._ ~......J • • • '7- 8000 • • • ID z; ~ 5000 -'g li > 4000 3000 2000 1000 o 40 50 60 40 so eo 40 50 60 Water-filled pore hction at planting (%) Modeled maize yields resuhing ftom optimum planting conditions, Y orito, Honduras. 10000 -- . ! l 3Z ~ 90IXl • • 8000 • • 7 • • • • • 6(XX) • • 5000 ..000 • 3000 2000 . - l 1 J o Olllult N H20N+H20 o.taul N H20 N+H20 Dlfallt N H20 N+H20 No«esa tntatment Modeled potential maize yield under conditions of no N stress {N), no water stress (H20), and neither N nor water stress (N+H20) as resuJts from optimum planting conditions of 500/o water-filled porosity. The yields under unfertilized and non- irrigated conditions are indicated as reference points (Defauh). 12 ldentih improved beon cropping pottern with .D..S&4 T in the Toscalllpa walershed Bipt¡pt -/ Optimal planting date for bean determined for Tascalapa watashed, Honduras Objective The aim was to discover limitants ofbean yield in the T ascalapa watershed, Honduras. Tbe same metbod was used as for the analysis of maize yield determinants. Tbe bean cultivar Rabia de Gato was used to siJDJiate the native varieties wbose genetic coefficients were not known. Differeut planting dates and maturity times were plotted Growth limiting factors were also examined. For San Antonio (Jow ahitude) the planting date is crucial, with the first 2 weeks of October clearly the optimum planting dates. The peak yields ofEJ Guaco (mid altitude) are not strongly affected by planting dates betweeu early September and late October. In Las Lagunas (high altitude) planting date bas no major impact on yields. Overall time to maturity ranged fiom 55 to 75 days. Besides the yield in terms oftotal bean weight, the size and weight ofindividual bean grains is also an importaol factor for farmers. Figure 3 sbows that for San Antonio and El Guaco the grain weight can vary considerably. Tbe decision conceming the optimum planting date may not only depend on the e:xpected yield. but also on the size of the individual graim. D ~ 1 • • ........ 150 g E Cll • J100 1 . ~ 1 ~ ¡ • ~ ~ ...... j - j e ~ • • • ~ • ~ j ~ o 1 Sltlt 15 Sltlt 1 Oct 15 Oct 1 Noo 1 Sltlt 15 Sltlt 1 Oct 15 Oct 1 Noo 1 Sltlt 15 Sltlt 1 Oct 15 Oct 1 Nov Ptanmg ctate Figme 3. Modeled weight of individual bean seeds &om various plaming dates at three sites in the Tascalapa watersbcd, Honduras. 13 The high SOM content ofthe soils makes N2 fixation by the bean crop ofümited importance and N hardly a growth-ümiting factor. Figure 4 shows clearly that in San Antonio and El Guaco water was the main growth-limiting factor, but oflimited importance in Las Lagwútas. The application ofN onJy hadan impact ifthe water limitation was also eliminated. Tbus fertilization alone seems a blast of resources, while fertilization combined with irrigation can give an enonnous yield increase. : r¡-S-an_A_n-to-n-io-----11; g?•.::--1 ~ 2000 i ~ 1500 - 'tS ¡; 1000 > 500 1 Sept. 15 Sept. 1 Oct. ~----------- ----- 2500 3000 2500 -~ 'a~ 2000 S:. ~1500 "' Ci 1000 > 500 o El Guaco 1Sept. ~ Las Lagunita.s 1 ,~ · ~ ~ ~: ~ ~ 1 Sept. 15 Sept. 1 Oct. ---- 1 ~ ' 1 -" 15 Sept. 1 Oct. Planting date 150ct. 15 Oct. ' ¡[: ; 150ct. 1 Nov 1 Nov. - y t 1 Nov. Figure 4. Modeled median bean yield of20 years' runs [i] under normal conditions, [ii] without N stress, [iii] without water stress and [iv] without N or water stress at three sites in the T ascalapa watershed, Honduras. l .. Output The simulations give a good reference production level and may help in determining which growth limiting factors need attention. The information from the simulations can help farmers increase their bean yields. Contributors: A Gijsman (PE-5), MT Trejo, O Mejía, P Jones ( consultant), B Barbier Production system analysis in San Dionisio, Nicaragua Highlight ../ Farm-level models being developed to help simulate new technology options and the likely effect of new policies at local and nationallevel Objective The communities of the Calico River watershed in central Nicaragua have a serious problem of degradation oftheir natural resources. Population density is high and extensive use oftechnology Jeads to deforestation, erosion, and contan}.ination. Severa} new technologies have been promoted over the years by local organization and sorne are currently tested in the (SOL). The adaptability ofthese technologies needs to be tested among the different types of farmers. Simulation tools can help technicians and farmers envision the likely outcomes of different decisions. Method In collaboration with professors and students from the Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), Nicaragua, CIA T developed severa! models of representative farms. A typology was drawn from 70 farm interviews. The analysis is complete, but the students are still developing the models for each type of farm. Results will be reported when the models are completed and tested. ~ Contributors: R Wchardo (UNA student), ~uniga (UNA student), L Balmeceda (UNA professor), M1~altodano, B~Barbier Q (\ .l. V' _.M,(. •' 1 V\' o Analysis of agro forestal production systems, Nicaragua Higbligbt ../ Six farm-level models developed that help assess profitability of severa} agro forestal techniques such as organic coffee 15 Objective The aim is to investigate the irnpact of agroforestry on production systems. Although agroforestry techniques have been promoted for sorne time in the Calico River watershed, little is k:nown as to how widely techniques have been adopted and even less is known about their impact. Method and Results Two students from the UNA supported by CIAT developed six fann-level models ti help assess the profitability of several agroforestry techniques such as organic coffee (Moreno and Calderon 20004). Results are encouraging and should be ready in December. Activity 1.2. Participatively identify, investigate, and validate alternatives to improve production systems Evaluate new genetic materials of annual crops (rice, beans, maize, sorghum, cassava, and sweet potato) in SOL sites HONDURAS Highlights ./ Severa! improved bean lines have shown good adaptation and yield potential under the conditions of the SOL- Luquigue . ./ Fanner preferences are an important aspect within the selection process of improved crop cultivars Objectives A main objectives ofthe SOL initiative is to develop technologies aimed at establishing profitable, sustainable production systems through multi-institutional alliances, using a participatory approach in the design, planning, and evaluation of different options. The introduction ofimproved crop and pasture germplasm is a key component ofthis strategy. During the participatory planning exercise held last year with farmers in the watershed they emphasized the need to improve productivity of grain crops (beans and maize) and diversify production systems introducing other crops or developing innovative production systems. Cassava and sweet potato can improve food security and do not require extensive use of inputs. The specific aims were to: l. Determine the yield potential and adaptation of local and improved bean, cassava, and sweet potato materials to the soil and climate conditions ofthe SOL-Luquigue, and 4 Moreno N, Calderon G. 2000. Modelo de simulacion agroforestal para el manejo de la subcuenca del río Calico, San Dionisio, Matagalapa. Draft Thesis, Universidad National Agraria, Managua. Nicaragua. 16 2. Evaluate potential acceptance of improved materials by farmers incorporating participatory evaluation methods. Bean adaptation tria/ Methods An Ensayo Centroamericano de Apaptacion y Rendimiento (ECAR) trial was established at the SOL in Luquigue including 14 bean lines in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three reps. Seed was provided by the EAP-Zamorano. The objective was to further test most prornising red bean lines within the network supported by the Proyecto Regional de Frijol para Centro América, México y el Caribe (PROFRIJOL). Pararneters evaluated were grain yields, physiological maturity, and disease pressure. Seventy- two farmers conducted a participatory evaluation ofthe materials at three stages ofthe crop: befare planting, at physiological maturity, and at han est. Evaluation criteria used by farmers focused on grain characteristics and plant growth habit. Results EAP 9508-93 was the best line in terms ofyields followed by PM 94223 (Figure 5). Other EAP lines yielded more than 1.4 tons per ha, which is considered good for the region. Behavior of the EAP lines in this trial was similar to those obtained in the other 16 locations where the same trial was established (EAP-Zarnorano 2000i. Grain yields and nurnber ofpods per plant showed a clear correlation. Physiological maturity was similar arnong most lines and varied between 84 and 88 days. The local control, Catrachita, was the earliest maturing. Disease tolerance to rust and angular Jeaf spot was higher for EAP 9509-93 and lower for EAP 9510-77. Most lines were moderately affected by diseases (12%-14% in terms ofincidence). Farmers preferred the EAP 1ines among the materials tested (Table 2). Table 2. Ranking of bean lines according to farmer evaluation. Ranking Seed At physiologica1 maturity Grain at harvest EAP 9510-77 EAP 9510-l EAP 9510-77 2 Catrachita UPR 9609-2-2 SRC 1-12-1 SRC 1-1-18 SRC 1-12-1 3 SRC 1-18-1 (A) PM 9422-3 PTC 9558-17 DICTA 117 Catrachita SRC 1-18-1 (A) 4 EAP 9508-93 DOR364 EAP 9510-1 EAP 9510-1 SRC 1-18-1 (A) EAP 9508-93 5 EAP-Zarnorano (Escuela Agrícola Panamericana). 2000. Informe Tecnico Annual. Presentado por el Programa de Investigaciones en Frijol, EAP-Zarnorano al Programa Cooperativo Regional de frijol para Centramenca, Mexico y el caribe (PROFRIJOL), Mayo, 2000. 11 p. 17 Grain yield - " • • e .., ... ~ .., • ... ... • " " - -- ~ ... ., " o ... • - • .., - • ... ... • • ... o ... - o .., - ... : :! :! o o - ... = ~ • ., ~ - .., .., • 00 &! w ~ ~ ~ ~ r • A. t • U) u U) A. ~ ~ ~ A. A. U) o o ~ ~ :;:) A. Varieties evaluated ... : ~ -• ~ - X .., g ~ u g ~ A. e u 1 SRC11i1 - 1 UPRHOI22 1 PCEI3511 1 SRC1111 1 SRC1111A o PMI4223 I~MCTA117 I ~MCTA141 IEAPt50113 1 EAPHOt21 1 EAPI5111 I EAPH1m 1 PTCI557tl 1 PTCI55117 l nJDOR314 1 CATRACHITA, Figure 5 Grain yields (t ha"1) of 14 red bean lines planted in an adaptation trial in the SOL- Luquigue, Honduras. Main criteria for selection were related to grain characteristics ( small size, red color, and rounded shape) Further testing wiJI continue in the SOL during the second season ofthe year and in farmer' s fields. The best eight lines were distributed for thls purpose to several CIALs in the region Output Results ofthe bean trial indicate that EAP lines are well adapted to the conditions ofthe region and produce higher yields than the local controls (DOR and Catrachita). However. their susoeptibility to diseases may be a problem, especially for EAP 9510-77 Cassava and sweet potato introduction and evaluation Methods aod Results Thirty-two cassava cultivars and eight sweet potato species were planted in the SOL sites at Luquigue and Mina Honda to evaluate adaptation to the soil and climate conditions of each site. Most cassava cultivars were introduced from the CIA T Core Collection 2 years ago The rest 18 were collected in the region. All sweet potato materials were introduced from the Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP) core collection in August 2000 and planted in small plots for multiplication. Materials were recently planted and are in the establishment phase. Perfonnance will be reported next year;/\v ~ .\ \ ct- 0 ~<. ~ t f)ot • (){' p."~ .\ f Contributors: C'~Yr\zuela, ~ilina. M' yarza, dGiraldo Collaborators: JC Rosas (EAP-Zamorano), J Jimenez (Investigacion Participativa en Centro America [IPCA]), CIP / NICARAGUA\ Highlights ./ Improved upland rice has potential to become a feasible option for small-scale farrners in hillsides ./ Producers visiting the SOL trial perceived the high genetic diversity and potential adaptation ofpromising bean materials ../ Seven red bean lines selected for further evaluation in farmers' fields ./ Preliminary evidence suggests soybean is a prornising option for diversifying agricultural activities in the San Dionisio region Objectives Results ofthe participatory workshop conducted with farrners at the Calico watershed showed that upland rice could be an important option to diversify crop options in the region. Materials developed by CIA T and the centre de coopération intemationale en recherche agronomique pour le dévelcppement (CIRAD) in the region show promise. The present objectives were to: • Evaluate the adaptation of 11 rice cultivars to the soil and climate of San Dionisio, Nicaragua, • Expose 92 advanced bean lines to the conditions of San Dionisio, • Evaluate the yield and adaptation of 16 advanced red bean lines, • Evaluate grain yields and adaptation of three soybean varieties, and • Evaluate the grain and characteristics of 10 improved varieties ofmaize in San Dionisio, Nicaragua. Testing of adaptation of upland rice varieties to the hillsides of San Dionisio Methods and Results Eleven rice lines were planted in small plots in June 1999 in the SOL site at San Dionisio, Nicaragua. The Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) and CIRAD provided seed. Seed was planted in the field in rows 40 cm apart using a seed rate equivalent to 60 kg per ha, the research norm for rice varieties 1999. Rice yields can be grouped into three categories (Figure 6). The most responsive variety was CT- 8553, followed by a group of seven varieties that produced between 4 and 5 tons per ha. The 19 lowest yielding varies were INT A Dorado, IRA T -301 , and IRA T -90 with less than 2 tons per ha. These results contrast with those from the farmer-made evaluation. Best variety according to farmer perception was IRA T 376. Selection criteria were based on size ofthe panicle, grain size, and market acceptability. CT-8553 was rejected because ofits short size and slow growth •cr-assJ . INTA NI .IRAT-364 CIRAT-361 CIRAT-366 .IRAT-362 . IRAT-349 .IRAT-367 O INT A Dorado CIRAT-301 . IRAT-90 Figure 6 Rice yields (t ha'1) from adaptation testing ofupland rice varieties, San Dionisio, Nicaragua. To continue the process, IRAT-367 variety is being multiplied and given to eight CIAL committees for further testing under farm conditions. Results reported here are preliminary. They constitute one step ofthe process that will lead to the adoption ofhigh yielding, pest-resistant. and farmer-accepted rice varieties for the upland conditions ofhillsides. ~,1'' ~\rJ'~ Contributon: T R~es, N Espinoza, P Orozco (Proyecto de Desarrollo de San Dionisio [PRODESSA]) Collaborator: J Obando (INT A) Bean eva/uation trials - Vivero de Adaptación Centroamericano de grano rojo (VIDAC) 1999-2000 Metbf the systems of soil use in the watersheds based on edaphic parameters (geology, soil type, current and potential use). 3. Guide the extrapolation of SOL technologies at watershed level within biophysical parameters. Methods Agronomic commodity-constraints research has focused on improving cropping productivity. This approach is an undeniably important element in predicting the acceptance and rejection of new technologies by individual decision makers. However, an arguably more relevant task for assessing the impact of soil degradation within a watershed context is the identification ofland management practices and inherent soil characteristics that put the soil resource at risk of exceeding a threshold ofirreversible loss ofsoil productivity. The work consisted of a preliminary phase in which the different landscape units were de.fined. During the field phase the actual use of the units and soil conditions were verified. A map of current and recommended use was later elaborated based on the soil characteristics. Results The studied watersheds are composed ofhighly defined morphological units. Mountains predominate (60%), then ridges (23%), and terraces (17%). Acidic sedimentary materials prevail 42 in the Luquigue basin and calcareous materials in upper Jalapa. The lower parts ofthe Luquigue watershed have rainfall sediments. Laboratory analyses are pending. Big differences exist between the two watersheds in terms of soils and land use. Upper Mina Honda has.moderately good fertility for crops, but is highly susceptible to erosion. Upper Luquigue is suitable for agroforestry systems, but has low fertility. The lower part is suitable for agricultura! activities. The presence of SOL si tes in each watershed is justi:fied because of the edaphic, climatic, and risk differences found in each. Output The information generated in this work is expected to contribute to the diagnostics of sustainability of current land use systems and as an entry point to extrapolate improved land use systems generated at the so~ sites. - )f-.(1~ ft.r.P\ ,} o .('1 Contributors: M 'Ayarza, MTrejo \ R ~ c..t Collaborators: J Martinez ( consultant) Analysis and mapping of Luquigue watershed vegetation Highlight ./ Analysis showed that most ofthe watershed is covered with forests ofpine and broad-leaved species airead y intervened by production of wood and coffee and that the diversity of forest species and bushes of the watershed is relatively low Objectives The aims were to describe the floristic and structural composition ofthe watershed's tree and bush vegetation and elaborate a map of its distribution. Methods The Luquigue watershed is located in the central-northern region ofthe Yorito municipality, Y oro Department. The work included field and laboratory phases. The field information began with an identification ofthe watershed through participative mapping together with 21 producers of the watershed. Th~ information gained was coordinated with air photos of 1:10,000 scale. Later, 14 transects of 100 m length and 4 m width were de:fined in so me points of the watershed to identify the predominant vegetation. The detailed characterization of the vegetation was made in four plots of 1 O x 1 O m selected in sorne points of the watershed. In these plots the type ofvegetation and its age and composition were identified. 43 The laboratory information consisted of identifying the predorninant species in the watershed. The collected field samples were identified in the herbarium ofEAP-Zamorano. The land use maps and vegetation maps were elaborated at the GIS laboratory of EAP-Zamorano. Results Most ofthe vegetation is young pine (<15 years, about 39%) and broad-leaved forest (about 27%) that is mostly (90%) mixed with coffee. The area in pasture is about 18% and gallery forest is about 3%. Results indicate that most of the watershed area has been intervened. The predonü: mee of young pine confirms that the original pine forest was deforested about 15 years agL . On the other hand, most ofthe broad-leaved forest is sown with coffee. In these high areas serious erosion problems are observed. In the low parts of the watershed only some small gallery forests remain. The rest has been incorporated in agricultura! production. Overall the vegetation is not very di verse. Output The diagnostic of vegetation coverage gives information that can be used to propose strategies for recovery of degraded lands and the sustainable management of areas WÍth agroforestal potential. ~ Contributors: ~erra, J Pilz (EAP-Zamorano) Ethnobotanic study of forest species in the Calico River watershed Objective The purpose of the study was to generate and improve knowledge on the ethnobotanic and productive uses of the forest species of the watershed. Methods The work was divided into three stages, fieldwork, laboratory work, and analysis of the information. Dendrological, ecological, and usage records were completed for 31 fanns distributed in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the watershed. Results Seventy-one different forest species were encountered, corresponding to 32 botanical families. The most representative were Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, and Caesalpiniaceae. The greatest representativeness is in the lower part ofthe watershed, diminishing as one moves upwards. This is because of the edaphoclimatic changes of the si te. Consequently, the flora appears in the form ofbushy patches in the highest parts, altered by the extensive pasturing and agricultura! crops. 44 Also, 15 different uses were found, the most frequent being firewood, posts, rural construction, beams, and shade for coffee. Table 7 shows the type of results obtained in this investigation. Table 7. Number ofspecies present by type ofuse in areas ofthe Calico River watershed, San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 1998. No. Uses Number of species in areas• Upper Middle Lower Total 1 Firewood 22 40 44 63 2 Posts 22 22 16 37 3 Construction 14 20 14 31 4 Beams 7 12 8 22 5 Shade for coffee 15 - 13 20 6 Roadside stalls 4 5 7 14 7 M.A.C 9 5 3 12 8 M.A.N.C 7 7 1 11 9 Forage 9 6 5 10 10 Foodstuff 3 4 6 10 11 Livestock feed - 3 5 7 12 Tools 1 2 1 4 13 Medicine 1 - 2 3 14 C. V - - 1 1 15 Bird feed - 1 - 1 a. Total number of different species: 33 in upper area, 43 in middle area, 50 in lower area, 71 in whole watershed. No forest tradition exists in the watershed; thus knowledge regarding the best use, management, and conservation of forest resources is lacking. Output A better knowledge of the ethnobotanic and productive use of forest species in the Calleo River watershed was obtained. This will be helpful to decision makers regarding land use and sustainability. Contributors: RA Martinez, UNN Facultad de Recursos Naturales (F ARENA) CoUaborators: B Barbier, :ME Baltodano 1 \ \...v~ TV'J\.0 ~ 0 Fitness ofthe Cabuyal River watershed asan "environmentalfilter" for water- borne chemicals as affected by alternative land use scenarios Highlight v" Laboratory and fieldwork completed and thesis drafts will be completed by year-end 45 Objectives Intellectual tradition assumes intensive, detailed measurements of fine-scale processes are necessary to predict consequences ofbroad-scale pattems such as changing land cover/use in complex tropical hillside agroecosystems. The strategic goal of this activity is to infer effects of trends of ecological processes at the landscape scale for tropical hillside agroecosystems using . observations and procedures appropriate for local-leve!, community stakeholders. The research activity reported here focuses on "soil and water" - valued ec;:osystem resources. Our intent is to explicitly address responses of soil functions in scenario analysis. We are interested in characterizing the responses of the critica! functions of environmental filtering and water retention as well as productivity for different scenarios. Methods Figure 8 shows a hierarchical framework for soil quality assessment proposed by The Canadian Center for Land and Biological Resources Research (CLBRR). The figure illustrates relationships for in situ measurements associated with nutrient retention and ultimately productivity. The work on determining spatial and temporal variability of selected soil chemical properties, with emphasis on organic carbon. total exchangeable bases and exchangeable acidity, for selected land-uses has been ongoing since 1993 (see PE-3 Annual Reports from 1994 to date for methods). Results then showed that clear differences in organic-e, total. exchangeable bases (TEB) and exchangeable acidity (ExAc) existed between the fi.ve si tes and their land-use types (LUTs). The original sites were resampled in 1998 to assess whether significant changes and trends in the soil properties could be identified. Data analyses were made in 1999. Results The trends the data show reinforce the earlier findings that intensive cultivation in the Cabuya! River watershed is actually improving important soil chemical properties, most significantly, TEB presumably as a result of increasing applications of organic fertilizer. The "bad news" is the increased poten tia! for leaching of ions and concomitant nutrient loading of the Cabuya! River. Output These soil chemical properties will be evaluated as proxies of landscape risk and fitness during scenario analysis. \ ~ \ frk .il- ~" ~()- \_Y'.,\ . t)oO'~~ .,~' Contributor: CM'Bwtrago 4J-l' CoUaborators: ;(Oberthur, PE-4, EB Knapp (Oregon University), Universidad Nacional de "'\ lombia ~~ 46 8 SOIL QUALITY MAPPING UNITS • SOIL ASSOCIATION • WATERSHED • FIELD • PLOT CRITICAL FUNCTIONS: QUALITY CLASSES COMPOUND ELEMENTS: INDEX CLASSES SITE PROPERTIES: IN SITU MEASUREMENTS Figure 8. Hierarchical classification framework illustrating mapping concepts of scale, choice of soil quality criteria, and resolution of extrapolation ( after a soil quality assessment framework proposed by the Canadian Center for Land and Biological Resources Research). Analysis of production systems in the Calico River watershed Highlight ~ Survey of 130 families completed Objective The aim is to model productive and technological options of producers in the watershed, analyzing mainly the types of existent producers, based on their resources and their economic and social situation. 47 Methods A survey of 103 families was completed to obtain a fust global description ofthe agracian reality of the area At the same time it served as a diagnostic to establish agroecological, geographical, economic, social, cultural, and infrastructural conditions of the area and to describe its main crop systems. This information was obtained by interviewing producers and key informants. The work includes a prediagnostic, the definition of the typology of producers, and final! y a simulation model ofproduction systems. Financia!, social, and productive indicators were also calculated to characterize the production systems. The financia! indicators used were gross margin, net flow, family benefit, net income, and profitability of capital. The selected social indicators were: manpower by production unit, opportunity cost ofwomen's work, family composition, farm nutritional balance, production unit expenses, and groups by age. The productive indicators were: total vs. cultivated area, item type, technical-economic criteria by farm, and indicators of the cattle system by farm. The collected information is being analyzed and will be reported on next year. Output The analysis ofthis infonnation will allow the definition ofthe typology ofproducers and then the simulation of a production systems model. Contributors: Universidad Agraria/ FARENA Collaborators: B Barbier, Mf\_Baltodano \-ur." ~~r Macroinvertebrates and other indicators as an nearly warning" of ecosystem change in hillside areas Highlight ./ Use of integrated parameters to assess and monitor soil quality in hillside agroecosystems Objective The aim was to analyze and compare soil parameters in hillside areas as an early warning of soil quality. Methods Data collected during the PE-3 project" Impact ofland use in hillside areas on the communities of macro fauna of the department of Cauca, Colombia " were analyzed and reviewed to develop land quality indicators under di verse land uses types in the Cabuya! River watershed of Cauca. Feijoo et al (2000) 11 give the sampling protocol. 11 Feijoo MA, K.napp EB, Quintero H. 2000. Los macroinvertebrados del suelo como indicadores de calidad y salud agrosistémica. In: Silva F, Castro H, eds. Memorias IX Congreso Colombiano de la Ciencia del Suelo: Manejo de Suelos e Impacto Ambiental. 48 Results A cluster analysis perfonned on the chemical characteristics of 1 O land use types differentiated them into three clusters grouped by carbon content. The first group had an average C content of 12.7% (± 2}, the second 4.4% (± 1}, and the third 7.90/o (± 1.5). The lowest levels corresponded with land uses that are susceptible to erosion, such as Melinis minutiflora and Brachiaria humidicola pastures or cassava crops Highest levels corresponded with sites with good vegetative cover, e.g., forests or Pennisetum clandestimJm pasture (Feijoo et al, unpublished data). Few studies have been made on the changes in SOM with the conversion offorest (mainly C3 plants) to pasture {C4 plants) so this could be an important contribution to the literature. Our resuhs agree with the literature in the case of P. clandestimtm pasture, but disagree with it in the case of B. humidicola and M minutiflora pasture. In Cauca Department, Feijoo et al (unpublished data) found that the structure and composition of the communities changed with land use. Under secondary forest, the biodiversity was higher (98 taxonomic units [tu.]) than when the land was used to raise cattle (13- 20 t.u.). Cultivation (18- 31 t.u.) drastically reduced the diversity ofthe macrofauna. B. humidicola, bean/maize/cassava cultivation, and pine plantations had fewer species than other agricuhural systems (Figure 9). At biologicalleve~ these results are promising, because they made it possible to use the future in a tool with prediction facility to monitoring the changes ofthe land use at landscape level. Figure 9 11. m lnutlflor• B. humldlcole 98 * 9 0 Forest more than 40 yeara Forest 40 ynrs - Forests - Grasses CJ Crops - Plantations * Taxonomlc unlts O Earthworm s Species richness of earthworms and taxonomic units of macrofauna in the study sites, Cauca, Colombia. Feijoo (unpublished data) in an attempt to explain the interaction ofvariables ofthe soil as possible tool predicting of its quality carried out a regression analysis between leaf and trunks ~9 biomass and earthworm biomass in a forest of >40 years and pasture of P. c/andestinum. Linear regression explained a low percentage of the total variati); Contributors: dGiraldo, M Mendez 58 Compile and analyze base fine on cropl soil use systems of Wibuse/Jicaro watershed Biophysical characterization of the Calico River- soil pro files, sea/e 1:50,000 Highlight ./ Biophysical characterization of Calleo River watershed carried out Objective The aim was to generate basic information on edaphic resources through a soil characterization. Methods and Results A biophysical characterization was carried out using 21 aerial photos ata scale of 1:25,000. Using GIS, seven maps were defined collating data ofthe physiography, slope, soils, capacity for land use, and proposed land use. Nine land systems or landscapes were determined in the watershed and their individual areas were estimated using polar planimetry. The area percentages were checked using GIS. The hillsides system proved to be predominant in the area (Table 8). Table 8. Estimated areas of nine landscapes in the Calico River watershed, Honduras. Type of landscape (land system) Area (km2) Area (%) Steeply sloping hillside 62.79 36.57 Moderately steeply sloping hillside 21.76 12.67 Semi-inclined hillside 21.57 12.56 Hilly 36.42 21 .21 Dissected plateaus 11.23 6.54 Fluvial terrace 6.59 3.84 Mountainous 6.39 3.72 Non-dissected plateaus 4.19 2.44 Colluvio-alluvial terraces 0.78 0.45 Total 171.72 100.00 The topography ofthe area is characterized by an irregular reliefwith slopes that vary from 2% to >75%. The simplified soil classification ofthe watershed (Table 9) was made using the categories order, suborder, great group and subgroup, according to the soil classification system ofthe United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1995 version. 59 Table 9. Simplified soil classification ofCalico River watershed1 . Order N ame Area (km2) Area (%) ENTISOLS Lithic Ustorthents 148.13 86.26 Vertic Ustorthents 0.41 0.24 INCEPTISOLS F1uventic Eutrochepts 5.07 2.95 Typic Eutrochepts 1.55 0.90 ALFISOLS Mollic Hapludalfs 7.30 4.25 VERTISOLS Entic Haplusterts 2.69 1.57 Typic Haplusterts 6.57 3.83 Total 171.72 100.00 a. According to the soil classification system of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1995 version. With current land use (Table 1 0), most of the watershed is not well used and is covered by natural grass associated with annual crops, resulting in low agricultura! potential. The steep slopes and inadequate soil use worsen the situation. Table 10. Current land use in the Calico River watershed. Type ofUse Area km2 % Natural pastw'e + crop 75.25 43.82 Natural pasture 46.86 27.28 Tacotal + natural pasture 6.49 3.78 Coffee with shade 24.00 13.98 Crop 0.52 0.30 Open woodland 0.17 0.10 Gallery forest 13.89 8.09 Inhabited 0.33 0.19 Crop + natural pasture 1.83 1.07 Natural pasture + Tacotal 1.18 0.69 Tacotal 1.20 0.70 Total 171.72 100.00 According to the characterization of the edaphic resources carried out in the watershed, more than 80% of the are a is of forest type, according to the capacity of land use. However, these resources were determined as being used in about 88.4% ofthe watershed's total area 60 Output Decision makers on topics of land use, soil conservation, and cropping systems can use the information generated. Contributors: Collaborators: UNA/F ARENA'-'~_..._ B Barbier, :MBIBaltodano 1 1 lU~ ~ ldentifying local determinants in Iandscape management Highlight ./. Local determinants in landscape management determined for the community of Ocote Abajo, San Dionisio, Nicaragua Objective The purpose was to analyze the present dynamics of the CIA T research si te in San Dionisio, exemplifying the relationships among the different levels of decision within the municipality. Methods The management of natural resources and agriculture is approached considering biophysical and socioeconomic aspects because the optimization of these resources also depends on the decisions taken by those who can take advantage ofthem. The investigation is developed from an anthropocentric perspective and focused on decision taking at different levels of collective organization. Emphasis was laid on the definition ofthe level immediately above farm level corresponding to groups of the community carrying out collective action. Second, the hierarchical relationship between social and biophysical systems was analyzed; evaluating in what measure the domains ofthe detenninants coincided with biophysical units ofthe landscape, like for example, watersheds. One might expect that each level of decision tak:ing would correspond with a landscape and characteristic domain. The study area was the community of Ocote Abajo in San Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The analysis was to identify an intermediate level between farm and community, that is, a level above Productive Unit. We used the Stakeholder Analysis methodology. To identify the relationship between collective action and landscape, projects were spatially represented, considering the influence area of each of the participant families, looking for a grouping pattem. Results At least 99 families have dominion over about 678 ha. About half (53%) ofthis dominion is dedicated to pasture and fallow, about one third (29%) is occupied by agricultura! crops, about one fifth (17%) by forests, and the remaining area by buildings and public places. About 86% of the area is managed by landowners. In the remaining 14%, multiple work agreements were observed to take advantage of the lands. 61 The farnily domain at productive unit level extends over an average area of 6.6 ha. Ten types of area were observed-shifting agriculture, permanent crops, subsistence farming, forests, pastures in use and others, fallow, agricultura! use of low fertility, buildings, and public places. Men, with or without a family to support, dominate the areas of shifting agriculture, pastures, and permanent crops as landowners, sharecroppers, lessees, or joumeymen. Women with a farnily to support take care of water supply and the smaller animals. Their radius of action is bounded to the house, the lots where hens are raised, and the patches of forests where the sources of water are. The women also participate in collecting fi.rewood and cultural labor of agriculture. In the level above productive unit were 25 groupings congregating in turn around initiatives led by NGOs of development, religious, and political tendencies. Groups of families work in collective form in sorne ofthese initiatives, mainly in those in which NGOs participate, related with the management ofwater, reforestation, soil conservation, and sowing ofbasic grains. The community is divided into three sectors, but they are not an administrative division nor are they recognized by the municipality, therefore they are not a decision spáce. They respond more to historical reasons, territorial extension. Sorne relationship was found between divisions of watersheds bigger than 1 O ha and the sectors. Four levels of landscapes were determined, their characteristics, the resources that the community demands at each leve!, and who decides upon them {Table 11). · Table 11 . Levels of landscape, their characteristics, resources required by community at each level, and decision makers determined for Ocote Abajo, San Dionisío, Nicaragua. Domain Agricultura! products Firewood and wood Water Housing, constructions Territory (landscape leve!) Plot Main family income: Productive Agricultura! products, unit cattle, or mixed. or activities different to agricultura! production Well water that protects Sector food and credit Roads School District Landscape types (pattems) 10 4 3 Primary Decision makers interested parties Members of the family (7 types) Family (6 types) Workgroups Community Men with and without family to support W omen with family to support Land owner of water si te Support institutions andlor Leaders by sector Mayor, a/ca/dito Leaders sector 2 The family has direct influence on the productive unit. Families take advantage ofthe resources ofthe productive unit and take the decisions, being mainly the men and the women with families to support. The leve! below the productive unit is the plot or territory associated with the subdominions ofthe family. The level above productive unit is the "sector", which exhibits characteristic historical and social specifics. When analyzing the projects in NRM and 62 agriculture that are developed in combined form, it is deduced that the sector domain is related with the water of collective springs and the forests that protect them, food, and credit. With respect to water, the owners of the lands where the source is located decide on this resource and not the group. The community would correspond to a higher landscape level than the sector and is defined by the limits of the district. Who makes the decisions at this level is not clear, despite having an "a/ca/dito". However, such a :functionary does not have autonomy for the position. The absence of recognized petitions that represent the interests of the whole community is noted. The main elements that call the community together are the necessities ofwater and credit The problems with water supply gave rise to the formation of the Comité de Agua Potable (CAP), which involves 29% of families plus 34% in informal collectives. Output The clearer picture that emerges of the levels of decision making within the community helps make support more efficient. ~~ / Contributors: L Hurtado (Ecoregional Program), ~'{"~h (Ecoregional Program), ME/ Activity 2.3. Baltodano Develop and apply the methodological tools for natural resource management at landscape level The methodological Guide for development of a local geographical system has been the object of various planning meetings anda basic idea for its construction has been agreed. The CIAT- CATIE proposal to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in which it is included as a tool for intermediate production, has been approved. Work has begun. The Guide for constructing scenarios of land use based on bioeconomic models is pending the finalization of respective research. Meanwhile components ha ve been validated to generate the methodological tool, validate it, and produce the Guide. The initial proposal of a single Guide on the use of mapping and phototopographic analysis in evaluating natural resources at watershed leve! integrating mapping and phototopographic analysis was discarded following the analysis made this year. We are presently working on the reconstruction of the form for the Guide to include in the ~econd edition of Guides being prepared from January 2001. Contributor: V Zapata c;on~ ~ ~ 63 Activity 2.4. Promote and implement consortia for landscape management Support initiation of activities with consortium of Manejo Integrado de Suelos (MIS) Highlights ./ Operational Plan for 2000-2001 defined and approved by stakeholders ./ Exchange of information and systematization of experiences initiated ./ Collaborative activities with other Soil Water and Nutrient Management (SWNM) consortiums identified Objective The aim is to develop, adapt, and disseminate improved options for the sustainable management of fragile soils in the Central American region. Methods Following a series ofmeetings with stakeholders including farmers, farmers' organizations, NGOs, Ministries of Agriculture, and local universities, it was decided to develop an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional consortium to develop alternative management systems that con tribute to improving the quality of life of small-scale produ9ers. The MIS Consortium is a member ofthe SWNM Pro~ a CGIAR's systemwide program. A second workshop was convened during Jan 31-Feb 2, 2000 to define the outputs and modus operandi of the consortium. Stakeholders identified common problems including: • Soil and SOM losses, • Water quality and availability constraints, • Burning, • Lack ofknowledge ofthe role ofbiological processes and nutrient cycling, • Inadequate use of fertilizers and lack of altemative sources, • Limited use of altemative production systems/components, • Lack of quantification of the biophysical and socioeconomic impact of traditional and improved land use practices, and • Inadequate policies on land use. Agreed common si tes for the consortium activity were the· watersheds of the Tascalapa River and Lempira Sur in Honduras and the Calico and La Dalia Rivers in Nicaragua. The group elected a steering committee. It includes representatives from the NGO PRODESSA and the UNA in Nicaragua, the National Program DICTA and the EAP-Zamorano in Honduras, with CIAT as coordinator. 64 Results The consortium recognizes that a large amount of information and practices airead y exist on the integrated management ofhillside soils, but it is often not readily available in adequate forms for the end user. Therefore we are collating this information and presenting it in easily understood formats using a variety of media Better understanding of the driving forces behind land use is also required. For this reason we are characterizing constraints and potential use of fragile soils in the two countries. This work will identify opportunities and sites for tecbnical interventions that are thoroughly grounded in the socioeconomic and environmental context Outputs The expected outputs include: • Information on SWNM available for multiple stakeholders, • Production systems efficient in the use of soil, water, and nutrients, and • Technological innovations developed and disseminated with active participation of farmers. __ .)~~ Contributor: M~yarza Collaborators: MIS Executive Committee Consolidate annual operative plan of CLODEST Higblight ./ CLODEST annual operative plan consolidated Objectives The aims were to: l. Improve coord.ination among the institutions and at the same time between the institutions and the local organizations to be able to reach a sustainable development over time. 2. Develop representative local structures to improve the communication ofthe necessities requested by local, regional, and national entities. 3. Improve the capacities of each of the partners in the areas of administration, research, and development. Methods The establishment ofthe interinstitutional consortiwn, CLODEST, has increased social capital considerably within institutions and between institutions and local actors. This has allowed us to develop combined activities. An example ofthese is the establishment ofthe SOL network that allows us to put agricultura! technologies related with environment conservation and improved production levels at the disposition ofthe small-scale producers in the hillsides. In this way a rational use of the natural resources is obtained. 65 Another important example of the benefits of this coordination was the creation of a documentation center in the reference si te. This will facilitate in the future the establishment of a local system of support for decision taking, because it will bring together all available information ofthe municipality, reducing in this way the duplication of effort and maximizing the use ofhuman and economic resources. Having organizational structures in place has facilitated the integration of partners that develop topics of great importan ce in the region. The annual operative plan is thus of great importance to the working of the consortium. On the 16th ofMarch, a workshop was held on "Establishing the action plan, vision, and mission ofthe local committees of development ofrural agroenterprises ofYorito and Sulaco". The workshop consolidated the committees involved in CLODEST, clarifying and revising the prioritization of activities for the year 2000 and established work plans and budgets. On the 29th ofMay the Support Group for CLODEST (CIAT/llCA Holland/IPCA) met to discuss lines of action for strengthening the consortium. Results Table 12 shows the activities developed by the commission and support group. Table 12. Activities developed by the commission and support group for CLODEST. Agriculture and Production projects Education and social action Microenterprises and environment commercialization -Communal market - Financing, approval. and -Campaign "No burning" -Identification of the coffee gardens project monitoring of production -Adult literacy chain projects Board of Directors Facilitators Support group -Dispatch of official statements to - Workshops of social - Exchange of experiences with similar support the resolution of conflicts motivation organizations -Programming ofworkshops and - Development of action plans - Training of facilitators meetings at interinstitutionallevel - Structuring of the Network of local organizations -Application of framework of of the municipality of Yorito and Sulac·o agreement (REDOLYS) -Collaboration in establishing the - Elaboration of fra.mework of agreement documentation center - Proposal to establish the documentation center -Interinstitutional meeting for - Delivery of funds for operative expenses and presentation of annual operative financing of projects plan - Workshop for the structuring ofthe Network of -Establishment of an office and SOL sites recruiting of personnel - Technical and financia! support to the commissiot of microenterprises and commercialization level Table 13 shows the main results of CLODEST grouped by topic, not by activity, because not all have a tangible result orare of short term. 66 Table 13. Theme Agriculture and environment Education Main results of the Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST), Honduras, grouped by topic. Results • 145 market gardens in nine communities (225 direct beneficiaries) • 37 production projects developed benefiting 294 people directly and 2991 indirectly • Improvement in humane development of organization members • Population's conscience awakened and involvement of children in campaign against burning • 105 students approved at three levels in eight communities • 29 facilitators for development in training process Commercialization • Identification of the coffee chain Organizational Human resources infrastructure and logistics • Incorporation of27 types oflocal organizations through the net oflocal organizations (formation of REDOL YSt • Commercialization commission with funds and work plan defined (incorporation of CIA T -Agroenterprises) • CLODEST Assembly in process of legalization (Application of framework of agreement) • Office stabilizing and conditioning • Recruiting of personnel • Documentation center working a. Red de Organizaciones Locales de Yorito y Sulaco, Honduras. ·{~ 0'~~' ~~~yJ ~v Contributors: LJlrrizu~ J~ifeltránC ; ,&L~~_.., ,,\/ ~()...' ~'\lo/ O y ~ Contributon: tti'rlfucla, ~ Tijerino, JA·Beltrán G~ ,J. Collaboraton: Communities ofYorito and Sulaco Activity 2.6. Monitor and evaluate landscape chaoges Monitor water of Tascalapa River and Calico Rivers watersheds Monitoring water of Tascalapa River watershed Higblights ./ Eroded soil at plot level will not affect El Cajon reservoir thus land conservation projects may be less necessary than was thought Objective The aim was to measure the amount of eroded soil that reached the El Cajon reservoir in order to help decision making on soil and land conservation. 70 Methods We have been applying the SWAT hydrologic model in three watersheds in Honduras. In the Tascalapa watershed, we are measuring sediments as well as stream flow and rainfall. These measurements permit us to verify the accuracy ofthe model. Ifthe model is able to predict stream flow and rainfall reasonably, then the modeler can run other scenarios with different land uses. Sedimentation is being measured twice weekly during the 2000 rainy season. Results will be published at the end ofthe rainy season in December. Stream flows were also ruler measured every day on four spots in the watershed by paid farmers. Rainfall in the watershed was measured over the last 5 years in 15 raingauges. Outputs When results are finalized, the information will be of use in deciding on relevant proposed projects of soil and land conservation. .) ~ . v"'v- \!))Y Contributors: S San Martín (SERTEDESO), B~arbier, o'Mejía (CIAT) Collaboraton: SERTEDESO Monitoring water of Calico River watershed Highlight ./ Information on soil erosion provided for the Calico River watershed Objective The aim was to collect data on soil erosion, which is much needed. Methods • Erosion is the first expressed concern in discussing sustainable agriculture in developing countries. Most projects claiming to work on NRM first promote soil conservation practices, but little is known about erosion and the real cost of erosion for farmers and for society in general. The Central Bank ofNicaragua is putting in place a green accounting framework to verify ifthe gross domestic product (GDP) is sustainable. The bank has asked soil scientists to provide information about the real cost of erosion. The CIAT experiment is located in the Calico River water5hed in Nicaragua on a representative antisol. Students from UNA have been monitoring the erosion process and its impact on yield in six different plots for 2 consecutive years. They compared three techniques in á maize-bean rotation, such as traditional techniques, dead barriers, and contour plowing with one replication of each land use. Results are pending. 7 1 Output The data and analysis produced will be of great use to decision makers given that little information is available on soil erosion. 6 l () t ' .. l\ ~ Contributors: J Morales (UNA), B-iBarbier, MÉ Baltodano Monitor rainfall distribution at watershed level Highlights ./ Measurement of interception from vegetative covers in Tascalapa River watershcd confirms that forest cover decreases the production of spring water ./ Precipitation data for San Dionisio analyzed for the years 1987-99 Objective The aim is to help validate the biophysical and bioeconomic models that we have been developing and to pro vide information of use to decision makers in the watershed. Rainfall interception in the Tascalapa watershed, Honduras Methods We measured the rainfall interception by different vegetative cover in the Tascalapa watershed. The problem is that interception is a main factor in the water balance. The main hypothesis behind the watershed project is that trees increase water production through more rainfall and through better infiltration and retention. Most hydrology books disagree with this hypothesis. Evidence shows that tree cover reduces water production through higher evaporation (interception by tree crown) and by transpiration caused by deeper roots and larger leaf area. Literature mentions about 30% or 40% interception in tropical forests. There has been no measurement in Honduras to date. In 1999, ESNACIFOR and CIAT installed 27linear rain gauges under three vegetative covers and one electronic rain gauge in a pasture to compare the difference of interception between tree cover and no tree cover. The rain gauges were installed in one small area in the Tascalapa River watershed. A farmer measured the rainfall daily during 1999 and 2000. Results In 1999, the results suggested interception as high as 60% for both pine trees and broadleaf forest, including coffee. Among the dozens ofmeasurements made in the world this was the highest. Given that the protocol suffered from the failure of the electronic rain gauge, we had to redo the measuring in 2000. 72 Output The impact ofthis study is likely to be important in the Honduran context where most projects are based on a misconception. lf it is confinned that trees intercept most of the water, then it is probable that the watershed strategy should be rethought. The national Electricity Company of Honduras has already tried to discuss the matter at the political level because they suspect that trees reduce the production of electricity. The company even tried to pro mote improved pasture instead of trees in the El Cajon watershed. vvfl Contributors: A Suazo (ESNACIFOR), A Ulua (ESNACIFOR), B Barbier, S Rivera (ESNACIFOR), q Mejía. W Turcio (Catholic Relief Service [CRS]) í\~\J Rabrfall analysis in San Dionisio, Nicaragua (1987-99) Methods The Meteorology Department ofthe Instituto Nicaraguense de Estudios Territoriales (INETER) provided the data. Figure 14 shows the monthly pattem over the years analyzed. Figure 14. Results Manlhly ... ,. M 11117-~ llnllanllo ano~+-------------------------------------~~ I SilO +---P.r-------------:---A---f---1 t= J---1-¡,.¿.~..;;.-,.c-~---+.--,~~~_______; 3mD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~~--~ -AJG Monthly precipitation pattem 1987-99, San Dionisio, Nicaragua. The month with most rain in the 13 years was October 1988 because ofHurricane Mitch. However, subtracting that maximurn value (741 mm), the maximum precipitation moves to the month of September and the minimum to the month of May. The rain average in the winter months (May-October) oscillated between 100 and 280 mm per month, with September always having the highest and May the lowest average. Observing annual precipitation, very dry years occurred from 1989 to 1994 and in the remaining years distribution has a highly irregular tendency with very marked highs and lows. The high 73 points of the years 1988 and 1996 present more reduced rainfal1 when compared with the year of Hurricane Mitch. However, this is because ofits distribution-the 741 mm ofthe hurricane fell over 15 days, whi1e in the years 1996 and 1988 an accumulation ofthe whole year is presented. The tendency in 1999 and so far in the year 2000 is of a reduction in rainfal1, which has already been demonstrated with the droughts that fanners have had to face in this period. Output We now have a clear diagnostic on the rainfall pattem for San Dionisio for the years 1987 to 1999. This information can be used for planning with regard to land use, crop systems, and Urigation. ~.~ Contributor: ME'i3~todano Collaborators: INETER, Nicaragua Measuring spring water volume quality in different small watersheds within the Tascalapa River watershed Metbods Although scientists consider that trees are likely to decrease the volume of water produced by springs, development practitioners and farmers consider that deforestation decreases the water volume of springs. This contradiction is important for watershed management. Many projects pro mote protection of small watersheds, which means aforestation, expecting to increase water volume. This is of particular importance for the national econom.ies because the cost of electricity is partially determined by the volume of water produced by the springs during the dry season. For the past 4 years, SERTEDESO has been measuring spring volume in the Tascalapa River watershed in collaboration with SDC and CIAT. We have acted as adviser to the student doing the survey in 2000. The results of the study will help CIA T run a study of environmental pay offs. Output The infonnation from this project will add to that on rainfall measurement in the watershed to help decision makers on matters of water conservation. \A .(P~\~ ¡Ó. Contributors: S San Martín (SERTEDESO student), M Pineda (ESNACIFOR), S Rivera (ESNACIFOR) Collaborators: Bl Barbier, SERTEDESO i"'-' ~ 74 Output 3: Activity 3.1. Organizations strengthened Develop and/or validate methods and tools for developing and strengthening key organizations Develop a Guide for establishing small seed enterprises Highlights ../ A Guide developed and elaborated for the establishment of small seed enterprises with aspects of marketing, feasibility, and revised managerial administration ../ The Guide includes basic and essential concepts of orientation to the market, profitability, and sustainability Objective The aims were to: l . Help trainers and trained small-scale managers to take into account market tendencies, profitability, and sustainability involved in setting up a PES. 2. Develop a methodological tool that allows the National Institutions and NGOs to implement, with groups of producers of the hillsides and marginal areas, the PESs 3. Decentralize seed production and allow these producers access to a source of good quality seed and to fair prices and suitable quantities at the required times. Methods Using previously collected data and experience, between March and July, four sections were produced as components of the Guide. Results Section 1 is entitled "Identifying the appropriate zone and organizing the interest group". This section emphasizes the alternatives that institutions have in identifying the appropriate zone to establish the PES, for example, using GIS, the physical and agroclimatic profile, and the psychometer. Different aspects related with the strategies are analyzed for identifying and organizing within a community the group of producers most appropriate for the PES. This is based on organization, planning, execution, M&E, and on the strengths and weaknesses ofbeing associated to a PES. Section 2 is entitled "Seed commercialization and managerial administration". ·This section puts forward some mechanisms for commercializing the seed produced by the PES, based on the socioeconomic pro file, the studies and evaluation of markets in the PES ' s zone of influence, and the distribution channels and publicity. Also relevant aspects related with accounting systems are presented as mechanisms for the economic control ofthe PES. 75 Section 3 is entitled "Pre- and postharvest management ofthe seed". This section presents all aspects related with seed quality, appropriate harvest time, and their influence on seed deterioration. Rules are also established for the seed drying and storage, as well as sorne tests for evaluating seed quality. In Section 4, aspects related with the interna! quality control in the PES are presented. This is managed through M&E in all production processes: field, cleaning, drying, storage, commercialization, and administration. 1bis internal quality control is also compared with the official control carried out by the institutions of seed certification. This Guide will also ha ve a set of prototypes of the equipment used for producing better seed, such as: an air ventilator, a chute for manual selection o.f seed, and a stationary dryer. These prototypes will allow qualified technicians to carry out sorne exercises related with the .postharvest handling of seed. Output This Guide will ensure that small seed enterprises are formed, trained, have studied market options, have pre-evaluated profitability and sustainability, and thus have an increased probabilityofsucc:~ ~? r p Contributors: o>Giraldo, V Zapaf¡ M Meléndez (Seeds ofHope Project [SOH]), M,.. o: Totobesola Collaborators: IPCA, CLODEST .1 Elaborate the second edition of Guides supporting decision taking in NRM and new presentation posters ofthe Guides Highlights ./ CD-ROM of Guides in preparation ./ New Guides on local indicators of soil quality and management of soil organic matter are being developed Objective The aim is to improve the Guides developed to contribute to the institutional strengthening of projects, programs, and entities working in the managemept, protection, and negotiation of natural resources with emphasis on the locallevel (watershed/municipality). Methods and Results The second edition ofthe Guides so far produced is being prepared as a CD-ROM using material from the first edition and introducing editorial changes. The product is ready for copying. A pause is being taken to give authors of the Guides the time to make corrections. This has delayed 76 production ofthe CD-ROM because ofthe multiple commitments ofstaff. The end of2000 has been stipulated as a final date for submitting corrections. The first draft of Guide 1, Local Indicators of Soil Quality, is prepared. Contributions from six specialists in Africa are included with the scientific coord.ination ofEdmundo Barrios (PE-2). This Guide will be validated in Arusha, Tanzania in October in a course for 30 trainers of five East African countries. At the same time, and following the model developed for the CIA T Guides, Robert Del ve (CIAT-Africa) is developing a Guide on the Management ofSoil Organic Matter. This will also be used in Africa and later adapted to tropical America It will be revised by the team of African authors and CIAT staff at the Arusha course in Tanzania Output The .Guides provide support and training for decision makers and those working in the field of NRM at locallevel. .• ~ ~ Contributors: v'fa~a6 Collaborators: PE-4, PE-2, SN-1 Develop a Guide on use o/ maquetas with the community After various attempts to secure the participation of Jairo Morales (UNA-Nicaragua) to work with a student on the research necessary for this Guide, an agreement has been reached. Work is going ahead with UNA and results will be available by the end of the year. The Guide should be available by Apri12001. Contributors: J Morales, V Zapata Collaborators: JA Beltrán, Campos Verdes, PE-4, UNA Activity 3.2. Train local, regional, and national organizations in the use of methodologies and/or tools developed by CIAT and its partners, using methods developed Training in managerial administra/ion and postharvest management of seed This activity is part ofthe Seeds ofHope Project and will be reported in the SOR final report later this year. Sorne ofthe training workshops are shown in Table 19 under Activity 5.4. 77 Action plans: Support their development, hold training workshops for their follow-up and evaluation, and supervise, monitor, and document those elaborated by trainees Highlights ./ 15 action plans elaborated ./ National teams of trainers trained in evaluation of action plans Objective The aim is to support and strengthen local institutions and decision mak:ers involved in NRM at the locallevel (watershed, municipality). Methods V arious training events and workshops were carried out during the year with the support of teams ofnational trainers in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia (see Table 19 under Activity 5.4). As a result, the managements ofthe respective institutions (seven in Nicaragua, six in Honduras, and two in Colombia) have supported 15 action plans (APs). The 13 APs ofCentral America have produced evaluation reports in an independent publication, containing text, figures, and photos on the: • Socioecono:mic and physiographic context where the methodological tools are applied, • Description ofthe organizations and institutions ofthe area where the AP is to be applied and their relationships with the AP, and • S tate of execution of the AP. Three participative workshops were carried out as follow-up to the APs in situ in Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Granada (Nicaragua), and Bolívar (Valle-Colombia). In these workshops, the trainers, in their new role as monitors, revised the general theory on follow-up and they designed, with those from CIAT responsible for training, the tools for collecting ex-ante information. They also formed work teams to visit the APs and the timetable for this work. The supervision, monitoring, and documentation of the follow-up process to the APs was in the charge of the training coordinators in the three countries with the collaboration of the trainers. Table 15 shows the visited institutions and organizations whose APs were reported on in the separate publication. Outputs The activities whose tasks were completed have generated: • National teams of trainers trained to carry out the evaluation of specific cases where APs are carried out. • A simple methodology for carrying out in situ follow-up ofthe APs anda set oftools. • Fifteen institutions in the process of incorporating the Methodological Instruments into their normal development plans and programs. 78 • Sorne relationships strengthened with the partner institutions, to such a point that it has been intemally suggested that their representatives should be members ofthe CIAT Consultative Group in each country. Table 15. Institutions and organizations visited as follow-up process of action plans. Nicaragua Honduras Colombia l. Universidad Nacional - l. Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y del l. Corporación Socioecológica Agraria (UNA} Ambiente para el Futura de Bolivar 2. Universidad 2. Fomento Evanagélico para el Progreso 2. Sociedad de Acueductos y Centroamericana (UCA) de Honduras Alcantarillados del Valle del Ca u ca 3. Centro Intereclesiástico 3. Escuela Nacional de Agricultura 4. Fundación para la 4. Comisión de Acción Social Menonita Autonomia de la Costa Atlantica de Nicaragua 5. Centro de Promoción y 5. Cooperative for American Remittances Desarrollo Rural Everywhere (CARE)-Dipac 6. Escuela de Agricultura y 6. Proyecto Lempira Sur (PROLESUR)- Ganadería de Esteli Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Contributors: . \). .\Jl:{_,_x~ v- _rJ -r!l"' 6°~~ \f~· V 1Zapata, M Tre.Jo, J Cisneros Collaborators: Government organizations (GOs), NGOs Incorporate the úse of methodo/ogica/ tools to support NRM organizations through workshops with national groups Highlight -/ Workshops held in A.frica, Asia, the Andean zone, Central America, and Colombia Objective The aim is to support and strengthen NRM organizations through workshops on the methodological tools with national groups. Metbods and Results In February-March 2000 sorne ofthe Guides were presented to audiences in Asia (CIP-CIAT Vietnam-Analysis ofGroups oflnterest and Gender) and toa group ofresearchers from East Africa (Uganda) with the collaboration ofthe African Highlands Initiative (AHI) and the SWNM. The African experience allowed the formation of a team of soils experts who have elaborated a Guide ofLocal Indicators of Soil Quality, which will be validated during the training of30 trainers from five countries ofthis region. 79 In February 2000, four ofthe Guides were presented to 22 professors ofthe National University ofLa Malina in Peru. They elaborated an action plan on their application in classwork and in fieldwork carried out with their students. In October the visit to follow up this plan was made. A variety of additional support has been given to institutions that requested partial access to information and/or training in the use ofthe Methodological Tools. Marco Tullo Treja, together with the Honduran national team of trainers offered support on five opportunities to organizations, partners, and non partners, such as CARE-DIPP AC y Extensa, PROLESUR, SCD, the CALEL and CASFUL Cooperatives, and CONCERN14, involving almost 250 individuals. In Nicaragua, a variety of support events were carried out, such as Maria Eugenia Baltodano offered to students ofthe Universidad Centroamericana in the application ofthe tool on levels of well-being. The work carried out by Celia Gutierrez stands out in the induction of members of other UCA faculties to the kn.owledge ofthe Methodological Tools. In Colombia, seven support meetings were held on the application of the Guides in which Olaf Westermann and Vicente Zapata participated for the formulation ofthe APs ofEcofuturo and Acuavalle. Output Training in and diffusion of the methodological tools is ensuring better management and decision making in NRM. Contributor: vÍ:.~ ,/~ -./'· Collaborators: ~ ~ejo1ttJl~estermann, :rvffi'Baltodano, J Cisneros, national groups ~Ív~ Activity 3.3 Strengthen small-scale producers, managers, and local, regional, and national organizations in aspects related to rural development using participatory investigative methods Training in the elaboration of projects at community leve/ Events are recorded in Table 19 under Activity 5.4. Support the consolidation of Committees for Developing Rural Agroenterprises , in Yorito and Sulaco Highlight ./ Two local com.m.ittees for development of rural agroenterprises established 14 For acronyms see page 138. 80 Objective The aim is to help and support the consolidation of committees for developing rural agroenterprises in the region, including help with integrated production projects (PPis, the Spanish acronym) and system oflocal support (SAL, the Spanish acronym). Methods A workshop, "Support to the commercialization and development of agroenterprises in Y orito and Sulaco", held in October 1999 in Yorito consolidated two local committees of development for runil agroenterprises. The two committees were consolidated based on an existent structure within CLODEST and CIDES that are CMCs ofCLODEST in Yorito and the CPCCM of CID ES in Sulaco. However, they were not very active because they lacked a vision and clear mission, a well-defined action plan, and starting capital to begin to develop activities. The committees were formed through local partners interested in taking into their own hands the managerial development in the region. At present the committees have a similar vision and mission guided toward the development of rural agroenterprises and they ha ve established action plans for the year 2000, which are being implementing with SN-1 support. Both the committees benefit from a starting capital of the Intemational Development Research Centre (IDRC) to develop strategies and execute activities whose results are beneficia! for the development of activities related to agroenterprises in Y orito and Sulaco. Results Action plans ha ve been defined and started upon. The functions of the committees ha ve also been defined and their vision and mission. Monitoring and evaluation remain to be put into operation to define impacts. \t.,. &>\\\effll\ t.t ~~ ·(t'\ Ji.S Contributors: ML undy (SN-1), M'Totobesola, L Brizuela ~~ Collaborators: Agroenterprise Committees ofYorito and Sulaco Consolidate Committees for Developing Rural Enterprises in developing a local system of support for sma/1 rural agroenterprises Objective The aim is that the committees for developing rural enterprises (DER, the Spanish acronym) are strengthened by attending to support demands. They should be able to mount a support system that is sustainable in the future thanks toan offer of services adapted to the area's demand and with the establishment of a payment mechanism for the services. 81 Method The method used for Y orito and Sulaco was a similar process to that being developed by the Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agroempresas Rurales (PDAER) elsewhere in Colombia and Peru. The process has two components: l. Support the formation of a local DER committee in the organization of the interested parties (institutions, individuals, organized groups), definition of a vision, mission, and work concepts held in common that are in harmony with those ofthe CIAT's SN-1 project. 2. Familiarize and strengthen members ofthe local committees in the use or adaptation of PDAER-developed methodologies to attend the development needs ofrural agroindustry ofa given area, such as the following ones in Yorito and Sulaco, that is: • Identify market opportunities for small producers (IDOP, the Spanish abbreviation) • Develop a system oflocal support (SAL, the Spanish abbreviation) for the development of rural agro industries • Participative design of integrated productive projects (PPI, the Spanish abbreviation) The IDOP methodology (see SN-1 Annual Report) identifies and evaluates the different market options that are presented to the prod~cer following a process of different stages: • Socioeconomic pro file of the area of interest, • Rapid market study to determine demand tendencies in the market of severa! products that can respond to different marketing strategies, • Characterization of the products of a "products-with-demand" portfolio from the agronomic, commercial. and economic point ofview, and • Participative evaluation-where the different options are presented to the producer for their choice of preferences. In the case ofYorito and Sulaco this methodology was carried out in 1999 and the following varied products were chosen: red onion, green chili, tomato, cabbage, avocado, banana, butter and cheese, coffee, maize, and beans. The process of participative evaluation allowed rejection of sorne products because of such problems as sustainability or access. As part oftheir activities for the year 2000 the Yorito DER local committee chose coffee and the Sulaco committee chose maize to test the development methodology ofPPis. They chose these products because they are traditional in the area, they show demand according to the IDOP methodology applied in 1999, and their development problems affect most ofthe residents ofthe two places. For the elected options an analysis ofthe agroindustrial chain was made to identify the processes in the chain-the actors present at each stage and the bottlenecks that exist and need to be overcome. Then the problems that exist were identified and prioritized and finally an analysis of cause and effect to establish the activities that should be determined in the project design. This design can establish research and development actions that can moti vate implementation of activities or projects developed in a participative way with the different actors present in the chain. Results Table 16 shows results to date for activities in Sulaco and Table 17 shows results for Yorito. Contributors: B Ferrera (CLODEST), M Flores (CIDES), Members ofthe CMC-Yorito and the CPCCM-Sulaco, M Lundy (SN-1), M. Totobesola ~'~ \eq~ 82 Table 16. Results and advances to August 2000 of the Comisión de Producción, Crédito, Comercialización y Microempresas (CPCCM), Sulaco, Honduras Activities and subactivities Results and advances l . Setting up of a commercial maize company An informal meeting was held and an informative meeting followed. Other meetings are planned for later this year. 2. Market research Two maize processing agroindustries were contacted: Alimentos Concentrados (ALCON) and Compañia Avícola de Centro América (CADECA) with verbal agreement on poSS1bilities of purchase and prices. 3. Funds ad.ministration In process. 4. Training producers in postharvest management The Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional (INFOP) has been contacted and has advised the Comisión de Producción, Crédito, Comercialización y Microempresas (CPCCM) ofthe probable dates ofactivities Table 17. Results and advances to August 2000 of the Comisión de Crédito, Microempresas y Comercialización (CMC), Yorito, Hondmas. Activities and subactivities of support service executed by the CMC in Yorito l. Ad.ministration of committee operative funds 2. Adm.i.nistration of funds for the formation of new projects or strengthening of existent companies 3. Suppor;t to organic compost company 4. Support to the formation of an organic coffee company 5. Support to the formation of small artisanal seed companies of maize and bean 6. Support to the m.arket information system 7. Support to the certification of organic products 8. Support to companies of transformation of market garden products Results and advances • An accountant was hired and a mechanism of control is in place. A mechanism of sustainability is in place and consists of charging a percentage of the budget gained from proposals generated for the committee funds. There is a guide for the elaboration of proposals. The PPI design for coffee is in process. Activities are in process for companies of organic compost., artisana1 seeds, and market gardening products. A list is available of supporting financia! sources. A database is being compiled on supply and demand of services {fi.nancing included). A market study is being made and results will be available later this year. The design of the coffee PPI is in process. A market study is in process and results will be available later this year. Affiliation is effective: the net will communicate the supply and demand ofYorito and Sulaco with other regions, press information, contacts of buyers and sellers, and transport service of products. The SERTEDESO office is the headquarters of the center of information (information can be received and sent from Yorito, Y oro, Y orito, Victoria, and El Progreso) by telephone, Internet, and fax. Information will be diffused in the communities. Verbal contact was made with the local cooperatives and space will be rented according to storage needs. An inventory is being made of products and demands in Yorito and Sulaco. Information was identified on the certification process, handling of organic coffee, contacts in OCIA-AHPROCAFE in Honduras, Biolatina in Nicaragua, experiences of production of organic coffee for small- scale Honduran producers for an organized learning tour. Market garden products that are produced in comercializable quantities are being identified befare beginning these activities. a. Acronyms and abbreviations used: PPI =proyectos productivos integrados, SERTEDESO = Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenido, OCIA-AHPROCAFE = Organic Crop Improvement Association Intemational-Asociación Hondureña de Productores de Café. 83 Interchange experiences of development and rural strengthening at local, national, and internationallevels Highlight ./ Lessons leamed, hypotheses, principies, and openings for future research activities were identified for CLODEST and REDOLYS (Honduras) and the Asociación Campos Verdes(Nicaragua) Objective The aim was to elaborate an initial conceptual framework on organizational processes based on CIAT's experience in the reference sites ofCentral America, to establish leamed lessons, to develop clear hypotheses, and to generate work principies. Methods Taking into account the different stages mentioned in logical order by Beltrán et al (1999)15, a matrix was built for each stage: • Select the site and reference framework • Identify social actors and partners • Facilitate organizational types • Strengthen existing organizations • Promote networks or associations of local community groups • Coordinate interinstitutionally • Generate bonds among the local, regional, national, and intemationallevels To facilitate construction ofthe matrix at each stage, the following questions were kept in mind: What have we done and why? With whom and why? With what objective and why? What methodology was used? What are the impacts 1 achievements, spaces 1 difficulties? For each stage, a "Force Field Analysis" (Hope and Timme119841~ was used to identify the different forces. We identified, from the analysis of forces for the organizational process carried out in Honduras and Nicaragua, the lessons learned, work hypothesis, and principies from the search for causes of problems. Results The di verse results were tabulated. To augment possibilities of success in organizational processes at locallevel, the following lessons leamed from these experiences in Central America should be taken to heart: 15 Beltrán JA, Tijerino D, Vemooy R. 1999. Developing processes of organization at locallevel for collective management of natural resources. Guide no. 9 (in Spanish) of the series "Instrumentos metodológicos para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales". CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 147 p. 16 Hope A, Timmel S. 1984. Training for transformation. Mambo Press, Zimbabwe. 84 1. Begin with clearly defined objectives that are logically linked with strategies, products and indicators of impact, and res\llts ( either physical or in terms of the development of capacities). 2. Identify key actors, both their capacities and interests. 3. Evaluate demand. 4. Strengthen local organizations for collective action that assures the conservation or improvement of natural resources. 5. Actions with the objective of involving local organizations should contain principies of participation and decentralization; the process should be seen as something that will probably change and that should change over time, as local priorities change and institutions mature. Output This process of analysis and reflection will continue so that at locallevel collective decisions can be taken that allow communities to govem their own destiny, and to be more efficient and more effective. ~ lV .. \\e<~\l , l'[;¡ (2\iw ,.;a 0J ~'-_ .~, n~f'- \~ 6-):- 0 ~ .t:> ~ Contributors: J~ eltrán, L"'Bri~ n'ffÚerino, D Holland, O Westermann, M Lundy, CA-i~v Quiros í O'f(~ Collaborators: ~ Gottret (SN-1) fYD~ Activity 3.4. Support, through incorporating processes of participative investigation, local organizations oriented to agricultural investigation Activities todo with systemizing the experiences ofthe use ofthe CIAL methodology are reportcd under 1.3. Other CIAL work is reported by Investigación Participativa en Agricultura!Participatory Research in Agriculture ofCIAT (IPRA). Work on the training of technicians /promoters in participative methodology to evaluate components of the SOL (groups of interest) is underway and will be reported on next year. Li.kewise the inventory oftechnologies ofsoil, water, and nutrient management in the region will be reported on next year. Activity 3.5. Promote and support interinstitutional plans for sustainable rural development For the salce ofbrevity, the many events in support ofinterinstitutional plans for sustainable rural development are reported in the form ofjoint tables with those for strengthening work with other projects and organizations. They can be found under Activity 5.4. 85 Output 4: Decision makers supported /O?f(S7 Activity 4.1. Identify, at different levels, decision makers related with Project tasks and diagnose their needs in terms of support for their work Highlight ./ Inventory ofneeds made from which agreements of collaboration were drawn up and signed with seven organizations of national importance in Honduras Objective The aim is to help decision makers at different levels with their work in NRM by diagnosing and fulfilling training needs. HONDURAS Methods and Results At least two visits were made to each of the institutional partners and two collective meetings held with their leaders and the trainers of the national team to inform about the progress of activities and to explore new needs for training and consultancy. As a result of these meetings an inventory of needs was made. From this agreements of interinstitutional collaboration were elaborated and signed with seven organizations of national importance. They were: the Association ofMunicipalities ofHonduras, World Vision- Honduras, CARE- Honduras, Secretary ofNatural Resources and the Environment, Christian Services ofDevelopment, Com.mission ofMennonite Social Action, and National School of Agriculture. These agreements were signed in August this year. This is a step that clears the way to sustainability of a mechanism (group of institutions) that, at country level, can incorporate research products in a permanent way. NICARAGUA Methods and Results Two visits were made to partners and potential donors and two meetings held to give information of the strategy advances and of progress towards signature of interinstitutional collaboration agreements. Also, communication was made personally and in writing to a group of donors coordinated by the Programa del Trópico Seco Nicaraguense (TROPISEC). The result of these contacts has served so that the institutions involved in that project send their technicians for training, but we have not consolidated a more concrete collaboration. Three personal contacts were established among officials ofPE-3 and the United States Agency for International Development (US.AID). Following their instructions, a proposal was prepared to attend the training needs of an important group of receivers ofUSAID economic help. The 86 proposal is being studied. An agreement of collaboration was established with the Proyecto Cuencas Matagalpa and a training project was written for 19 organizations that are in volved in this project. The initiative initially presented to USAID received no affirmative answer and is now presented to the WK Kellogg Foundation. Contacts were established with MAGFOR officials to explore the possibilities of a long-term agreement of collaboration with this Ministry. The constant changes of officials have hindered the concreting of a definitive proposal. In a meeting of2 August 2000 in CIAT-Managua, a proposal was outlined for the replanning of the training strategy for development, based on the experiences gained to date in the reference countries. Briefly, the planning concentrates efforts toward supporting institutional partners, with a wide mandate at geographic and program levels. To these partners we offer continuous support so that they can exercise the work of applying, analyzing, and diffusing the research results catalyzed by PE-3, maintaining the work of follow-up oftraining in a collaborative scheme with national trainers. To guarantee the sustainability ofthe training teams, new trainers will be trained within the institutional partners, in time for these to acquire the commitment ofbeing linked to the national training team. For this reason, agreements of collaboration were drawn up with the Honduran institutions and we hope to proceed in similar form with those ofNicaragua. COLOMBIA Metbods and Results Support activities have mainly concentrated on the two action plans presently being carried out (1) in Bolívar-Valle, area of influence of the BRUT project (Represa de agua potable para los municipios de Bolívar, Roldanillo, La Unión, and Toro), and (2) in the Bolo and Frayle Rivers' watersheds, with Acuavalle. This activity has brought together EcoFuturo, Corporación V allecaucana de las Cuencas Hidrograficas y el Medio Ambiente (CORPOCUENCAS), and CIAT in an agreement of interinstitutional collaboration for the application ofsix ofthe CIAT Guides in 10 communities ofthe municipality ofBolivar. At the same time, we are supporting the application offour CIAT Guides in the two communities ofthe Bolo and Frayle Rivers. Output The collaborative agreements and support to other organizations should bring about more sustainable managem~t of natural resources in the regions. ~ '- 1.-' '- V \.; Cp.'ff--~J.() ~. ~~~ ~"':o L Contributors: V~apata, JI Sanz, M A~arza, B13arbier: J eltrán G,'(",c_L .<) 87 Activity 4.2. Support decision taking at different levels using the information, tools, and metbods generated by the ·project Use of linear program modeling to support decision makers in Honduras 1 Land use in the Jalapa watershed Highlights ./ A linear programming model developed that simulates different land uses in the Jalapa watershed ./ Feedback from community on results Objective A community from the Jalapa River watershed between the municipalities ofYorito and Sulaco has a conflict over the use of its remaining forest. The local tribe, which has the title for the land, wants to cut and sell the forest to a logger. The rest of the community, which represents the majority but has no say in the title, disagrees. We aimed to develop a model to compare different uses of this forest to help the decision makers in this conflict. Methods The model was developed and applied to the watershed. The first results were discussed with the community. We have developed a good relationship with the community ofthe Tascalapa watershed through the parents' association of the local school. This organization is the only one to be considered neutral in the conflict between the tribe and the mestizo community because parents from both groups attend the meetings. The problem of the forest is not discussed upfront and CIA T does not want to take si des. lt is believed that the tools will help loo k into the future. To operationalize what might look too theoretic to the community, CIAT has started a computer- training program with the higher grades. They were given an old typewriter to leam how to use a keyboard so that they will start computer sessions in the municipality. Results Fanners did correcta few of our misconceptions such as the real use ofthe forest, which for them is as mucha forestas apasture. Fanners were skeptical about the environmental payment scenarios. They think this will never happen. In fact environmental payment to farmers is perhaps closer to reality than they think. In the same watershed many communities have received large donations to protect communal forests. The SDC is negotiating with the municipality of Yorito, which own a fraction ofthe Tascalapa watershed, to implementa tax to improve the water quality through more friendly land use in the upper watershed. Environmental payment has been implemented at a large scale in Colombia and Costa Rica. 88 Output The model developed will help the community to better envision possible futures and resol ve tbe conflict over use of remaining forest. ~ ._a ~o -t '*"e ;)~ ~~ Contributors: A Hernandez (ESNACIFOR), O Mejía, G Leclerc (PE-4), B'Barbier, l'Iturbe Trade off in the Jalapa watershed Higblight ./ Using a linear programming model CIAT and ESNACIFOR analyzed the trade offbetween erosion and incomes to help decision makers at govemment Ievel. The form of the curve suggests that it would be cheap to change the land use to a more sustainable pattem Objective The Jalapa watershed is part of the bigger El Cajon watershed, which drains into the largest hydroelectric dam in Honduras. The Tascalapa watershed is considered a hotspot because the steep upper watershed is cultivated. The govemment' s El Cajon Watershed Project wants to k:now how expensive it would be to change the Jand use so as to reduce erosive practice. The aim was to help decision makers with information on the expense in volved. Methods Using an existing linear program.ming model from the Jalapa watershed, CIAT and COHDEFOR calculated the cost to the local com.munity ofrespecting a more sustainable land use. Todo so we put a constraint on total erosion produced by the watershed and ran the model. The model then changes the land use so as to maximize incomes while complying with the erosion restriction (Figure 15). Figure 15. 2400 • 2200 ! A. 2000 3 1800 § - 1600 1000 • .... • • • • • • • • • • 35000 37000 39000 41000 43000 45000 47000 49000 51000 Eroslon (tonlyur) Modeling of trade off between erosion and in come in the Jalapa watershed, Honduras. 89 Results The results show that reducing erosion by putting the right land use in the right place would reduce erosion substantially without major cost for the community. This is good news for the proposed dam, for the El Cajon watershed project, and for the community, which has taken concrete steps in the past. Output Information was produced to help decision makers at government leve! with land use practices and soil conservation. ~ Contributors: S Rivera (ESNACIFOR), A Hemandez (ESNACIFOR), O~ejía, Gt~:c (PE-4), B Barbier, Al~e ',1.11110 Land use changes in the Calan River watershed Highlight -/ Linear modeling applied to provide information on land use changes in the Calan River watershed for decision makers ofthe El Cajon Project Objective The aim was to support decision makers ofthe El Cajon Project who are promoting changes in land use (Ordenamiento Territorial). A recent study ofthe Forestry Department's GIS laboratory shows as muchas a 60% conflict between current land use and that which the Project believes to be sustainable. The next step is to create the right incentive to change the current land use. The challenge is that land is owned either by poor small-scale farmers or by large ranchers. Both groups are reluctant to reduce their income by returning cropland and pasture to trees, and to stop burning their pastures and their crop residues. Metbods and Results The method links GIS and a linear programming model. An ESNACIFOR student determined the homogenous land units using a GIS. All farmers ofthe watershed were interviewed on their practices. Ten representative farmers were interviewed with more quantitative questions on their production system. The watershed was divided into hundreds of homogenous .categories based on slope, type of soil, altitude, distance to market, and land tenure. Output The information genérated can be used by the El Cajon Project in making decisions on land use changes in the watershed. \)~ Contributors: A Gonzalez (ESNACIFOR student), IfBarbier 90 Application of a CIA T model to the San Nicolas watershed Highlight ./ Optimal size and location of coffee plant detennined for the watershed Objective The Honduran hillsides have a serious problem of.water contamination during the coffee- processing period because thousands of traditional coffee processing plants eject coffee residues into the river without any treatment. The Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE), following the example of all the neighboring countries, is trying to solve the problem by concentrating coffee processing in fewer modero plants of several types. The aim was to produce information for decision makers on the best location and size for the plants. Methods The centers CIAT and the Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE) developed a spatial model that determines the optimal allocation of processing plants under different scenarios of contamination. A student from CATIE who is also an IHCAFE long-time employee spent 6 months in collecting the data and building the model. We developed an innovative procedure in a classic non-linear programming model. The model behaves like an Integer model and can be used in any similar situations. The model objective function is to minimize the cost of processing and transporting the coffee produced witb.in the watershed and then to the exporter to the next large city. The cost incurs the transport from the farm to the plant, from the plant to the exporter, the operational cost of processing the coffee, and the annualization of the fixed costs. The model has to choose between five types of plants, from the traditional plants currently in use to the large modem plant. The model chooses the b~st plant for the best locations (along the river and close to the roads witb.in the watershed). The limitations introduced in the model are that all the coffee produced in the watershed has to be processed. A second limitation is stream water. The plants ha ve to be located close to rivers because coffee processing uses a large quantity of water. In the model one plant leaves the remaining water to the next plant and so on until water is finished. Because it is a "central planner'' problem no undue competition occurs between plants. The model chooses the best place for the society, not for a given individual. Most ofthe watershed data were collected by IHCAFE, including coffee production and stream flows from the main rivers. The digital maps (Figure 16 is an example) were elaborated by CIAT and actualized by field observations by the student. · Results The results show that the larger plants are the most cost effective, however, they also need the highest initial investment. When we limit the investment, the model chooses less costly plants, but ones that are smaller and more contaminating. 91 T RIDIMENSIONAL MAP OF THE SAN NICOLAS WATERSHED Figure 16. Tridimensional map ofthe San Nicolas watershed, Honduras Water was nota constraining factor in the scenarios based on the actual coffee production. In fact, a plant rejects most of the used water in the river meaning that water is not likely to be a problem as was initially thought. The scenario where coffee production doubles does not suggest a serious problem of water use, but it suggests a different plan of inversion. lnstead of constructing the plants based on current production it would be wiser to build an investment plan based on the likely expansion of coffee in the area. Outputs Tbe lliCAFE was pleased with the intermediary resutts. The Asociación Hondureña de Productores de Café (AHPROCAFE) showed interest in a study for a larger region. J,.J~ Contributors: J Gonzalez (lliCAFE and CA TIE student), B Barbier, R Heam (CATIE professor), A,Nelson, 0 \ Mejía, A lturbe -1\ ~ ~\1)'.' l..o The Rural Atlas of Nicaragua Highligbts ./ An agreement of collaboration was established between CIAT, INEC, and MAGFOR to complete the rural National Atlas ofNicaragua 92 ./ Sixty thematic maps were elaborated describing and analyzing the most important environmental, social, economic, and cultural áspects in the rural environment ofNicaragua. Objective The aim is to allow different national and international organizations to make diverse decisions that involve the rural environment ofNicaragua using geographical maps of environmental, social, economic, and cultural aspects. Methods and Results First a document was elaborated that conceptually gave a preliminary thematic content ofthe Atlas, its main users, the different products to be generated, the cartographic model to use, a tentative timetable of activities, and the outlines for participation and support to develop the Atlas. This document was then given in tum to the two main institutions for generating data in Nicaragua, INEC and MAGFOR, in order to elaborate the Atlas together. The document was accepted and subjected to superficial modifications; it was redefined according to the available resources of the participating institutions and to available data The resulting document is the "Conceptual design ofthe Rural National Atlas ofNicaragua." The database was then developed. Both MAGFOR and INEC offered CIAT the geographical and statistical data in comparable digital format to be integrated in the Atlas. The MAGFOR data were then standardized and incorporated in the GIS software for use in elaborating the Atlas. All data were prepared to develop the mapping phase. The INEC provided data relative to the National Population Census of 1995 and the Agricultura! Census of 1997. Those tabulated were organized, structured, and analyzed to derive indexes and values that will be represented in a cartographic way. An important process was the generation ofthe cartographic mould for replicating all the Atlas maps. At present, the Atlas is in the mapping phase. About 60 thematic maps covering the general and physicogeographic medium, population, economics, housing, and education. Output The Atlas will be a tool that integrates di verse thematic data from official institutions of Nicaragua, standardizes scales, and allows the correlation of variables in a very simple way. These characteristics will allow many decision makers and other users to exploit the information contained in the Atlas. lS/, . (V)\) Contributors: A Iturbe, JA ~eltr~ EM Tejeda Collaborators: PE-4, MAGFOR, INEC 93 Methodologies for integrating data across geographic sea/es in a data rich environment: Examples from Honduras Highlights ../ The Spatial Data Exploration Toolbox was developed as a useful too! for GIS experts working on ecoregional issues . ../ Original methodologies were developed. The "ecoregional-shed" concept and methodology to address the modifiable areal unit problem are highly original and are a significant contribution to ecoregional research . ../ The Accessibility Wizard has demonstrated that useful application tools can be derived from the methodologies developed by CIAT. Objective The rationale ofthe project is to facilitate collective action for NRM and agricultura! development through the creation of methods and procedures for multi-scale analysis. This is a very powerful statement and one that has resulted in important contributions to ecoregional research and development. Methodologies for cross-scale exploration of spatial data) Methods and Results Many methods were applied in the cross-scale exploration of spatial data. A highly novel application was the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) method combined with the use of the Self-Organizing Map (SOM), which is a type of artificial neural network. The GWR technique is based on a combination of existing theories and methods. It allows a calibrated regression model to vary spatially, such that "spatial drift" from the global relationships can be measured. Pararneter variations can be mapped across space to improve understanding of the processes being modeled and to reveal system structure and boundaries. The parameters from a calibrated regression model can be analyzed through SOMs, to discover scale-dependent trends and pattems across an area The pattems reveal a set of distinct system boundaries. These maps suggest a potential for revealing multivariate structure that would otherwise prove difficult to visualize or understand. The novelty líes not in the techniques themselves (they were already existent), but in their combination and application within ecoregional research. This method was tested in two case studies, using data from Honduras. • The first analyzed average production per worker (dependent variable). It showed clear spatial trends, considering that the contribution ofthe independent variables changed over the study region, including changes in sign from positive to negative and vice versa. • In the second case study, zones were identified that have comrnon patterns of resource management. This analysis, conducted at the village level (3500 locations), showed strong pattems within the parameters, and that these pattems had a very strong geographic distribution. 94 • Figure 17 describes the key features ofthe process. Figure 17a, displays a typical GWR parameter map, where the re~ession parameter clearly varies across space. Figure 17b indicates how this modeJ permits the R2 goodness of fit to be mapped and further analyzed. Figure 17c, is the final output, whereby the spatial trends across all the regression pararneters ha ve been analyzed by a SOM to generate regions that have common pattems of resource management. Figure 17 17a. Technical Credit (left) and its regional effects on Agricultura! Production (right) R2 forGWR 0.2 0.3 Global R2--l--l 0.4 0.37 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8+ 17b. The map ofR2 from the GWR model, compared to the OLS R2 value. , l7c. The GWR outputs are combined into agricultura! regions by the SOM. Key features in cross-scale exploration of spatial data using the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) method combined with the use ofthe Self- Organizing Map (SOM). This and other more standard methodologies were made operational by CIAT in the Spatial Data Exploration toolbox to generate the data sets for virtuaJly all case studies conducted under this project. 95 Ecoregional-slzed concept Methods and Results The concept ofthe "ecoregional-shed" was developed to address what is referred toas the modifiable areal unit problem. This problern is related to the use of meaningful spatial units when performing spatial analysis. For example, if one is interested in poverty, one should not base a spatial analysis on watersheds because no functional relation exists between poverty and watersheds. The solution is to create user-defined, meaningful spatial units (altemative ecoregions) at various scales (Figure 18). An example is the development of econosheds, which are defined by a set of economic, physical, and agricultura! variables. These 'sheds' are potentially dynamic, because they will change with any change in the chosen variables. Accessibility Wizard Metbods and Results The Accessibility Wizard (an ArcView extension) is a tool based on the concept ofthe econoshed. Users can create and explore a variety of accessibility indicators using a grid-based, cost-distance algorithm. By means of a tutoría!, users are guided along the most appropriate data sources for the cost-distance process. The tool is implemented for Honduras, where it allows an assessment of accessibility based on selected variables. Many variables in the CD-ROM database ofHonduras can be used to define accessibility. This too! was used to help prioritize and direct disaster relief after Hurricane Mitch hit Honduras in October 1998. Accessibility maps produced before and after Mitch were widely used and received wide coverage in the Honduran and intemational press. The tool requires an ArcView license and can only operate on up-to-date computer facilities (mínimum requirements 90 MHz, 32 Mb RAM). Methodologies toso/ve the Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) Metbods and Results The concept of accessibility was applied to the defmition of market catchments or econosheds, that is, units in which the cost ofreaching a market town are relatively homogeneous. Although this map of econosheds of Honduras is in itself a valuable product, the key issue that must be understood is that the same procedure can be used to derive other types ofunits that suit other research or development purposes: healthsheds, schoo/sheds, biodiversitysheds, extensionsheds, and so on. Two of the case studies used to test and demonstrate this new procedure were: • The development of a village-level index of well-being with 40 variables for 3730 villages in Honduras. • An exploration of Honduran population census data to identífy patterns and relationships about "population at risk" for hypothesis generation. The Accessibility Wizard will help in moving this approach down the line to more applied use. Potential users ofthe methodology and the associated tool and procedures will be teams and individuals who have a good grasp ofGIS. Fortunately, many organizations in Central and South America already have this capability. Training would also be an important activity for CIAT to undertake if it wants to promote the use of this product. 96 Figure 18. Validation of Ecoreglonal-shed. Dots correspond to plots, latge squares to aldeas, and polygons to Ecoregional-.shetj. Colors match almo perfectly demonstrating the importance of accessibility. 97 Neural networks for non-parametric data generalization and reduction This methodology allows the generation of reduced spatial data sets, which retain the original fundamental spatial characteristics. Two methods of data generalization or reduction can be used to generalize (1) the multivariate basic data by clustering, classification etc. and (2) by means of spatial aggregation. The use of a neural network called the SOM combines both approaches: visualization of clusters in the data set and representation of the set on a map by means of pattems. The methodology itself is not new, but it has not previously been applied to ecoregional 1ssues. Outputs The project has made a substantial and innovative contribution to the development of methodologies that will allow researchers and policy makers to conduct user-controlled and purpose-specific cross-scale analysis using large and complex sets of georeferenced data. It has also produced a valuable extensive database for Honduras. It is expected that these methodologies will serve as the basis for the development of standard sensitivity tools for cross- scale research within GIS environments. The project also made substantial progress in developing procedures to generate cross-scale databases starting from unit-level data. The Spatial Data Exploration Toolbox is powerful and can be applied to a wide range ofNRM and agricultura! development problems whose solution requires the use of complex cross-scale data sets. Given the exponential growth in the availability of information, the need for this type of method is likely to increase with time. The ·use of neuraJ networks eases data handling and in creases processing speed. The generalized spatial data sets produced by means of neural network and SOMs are potentially powerful aíds for problem definition and hypoth~sis generation. J )--\ or'~ ~~¡) ~~(f(}> Contributors: 1( Nelson, G-f(eclerc (PE-4), M Winograd (PE-4), A Farrow (PE-4) Collaborators: PE-4, EB Knapp \""<'OV\~·'\. Spatial determinants of labor productivity in Honduras Highlights ./ Geographical regression method and tool produced ./ Link between agriculturallabor productivity and natural resource variables examined at national level in Honduras ./ Causality proved difficult to establish at nationallevel, but strong regional effects present Methods and Results The study examines the link between agricultura! labor productivity and natural resource variables at the nationallevel in Honduras using correlations, multivariate regression, both standard and quantile, and cluster analysis. We show through spatial-statistical analysis of 98 georeferenced, village-level data that causality is difficult to establish at national scale and strong regional effects are present. This is done through examination of muhi-panel scatter plots, correlation, standard and quantile multivariate regression, and clustering. The theoretical model explaining labor productivity is. PW = bl . NR + b2 . PD + b3 . AC +M . TEC + b5 . LC + b6 . ED + b7 . EX + b8 . CR + b9 . PR Where PW is production per worker, NR is natural resource conditions, PD is population density, AC is access to market, TEC is technology, LC is land concentration, ED is education, EX is extension, CR is credit, and PR is property right. At country level, the length ofthe rainy season has a strong and quasi-linear relation with income. Soil has little impact on productivity as well as slope and altitude because coffee production in the mountains has a strong relation to productivity. Access to the main cities and seaports has little relation with productivity because so me of the main cities are located in unproductive areas. lmproving the small road network would have a more positive impact. Figure 19 is an example of the mapping done. Figure 19. The dependent variable per cap ita income, Honduras. 99 System boundaries are discovered by cluster analysis, and by performing multivariate regressions at different spatial scales. Coefficients of regression vary across the country, and mapping them helps the policy maker anticípate the impact of a policy designed from country- level data. Analysis at department scale is vastly superior to municipal scale, mainly because too many municipalities do not include enough villages to permit regression. The improvement of the coefficient of determination at regional leve! suggests that many hidden variables, which contribute to the "error'' term ofthe regression, are monotonous at smaller scale. For the particular spatial distribution ofthe 3700 villages the optimum scale is found to be 50 km. We examine how policies derived from analysis at country scale are being modified at regional scale. Output The methodology performs spatialanalysis of census data to determine system boundaries and anticípate the impact of pólicies. The tool replaces the use of maquetas and flat maps to help decision makers with such questions as those of land use. Contributors: ctttc~:c (PE-4), B~~::bier, d~ O Madrid (i>E-4) Determinant of land productivity in Honduras Highlight ./ The main deteiminant of production per hectare is months of rainfall Objective The aim was to pro vide information for an analysis of determinants of land productivity to help decision makers when planning cropping systems and planting. Methods and Results An analysis was made of the determinants of land productivity in Honduras. The analysis is based on regression. We have produced a study on land productivity based on the 1993 census and other maps of Honduras. The study produced first a map of the value of production per hectare in Honduras. To show the results on a map the production is averaged at the village leve!. The results suggest that months of rainfall are the first determinant of land productivity. A surprise in the result is that the more productive areas are also less populated. Thus there might be room to ease the current pattem of migrations. Productíon per land unit is higher in the north and usually higher in the valleys. The main determinant of production per hectare is the number of months of rainfall because these allow an extension of the cropping period from one cycle in the south to two or three cycles per year in the north or at higher altitudes. 100 Output The information generated will be ofuse to decision makers when analyzing questions ofland productivity and migration. y.f) Contributor: B ~arbier Decision support to the Inter-American Development Bank Highlights ./ We are provid.ing decision support to the top level of decision makers ./ CD-ROM of diagnostic and prioritization ofHonduran watersheds available Objective The overall aim is to stop the vicious circle of poverty and the process of degradation of natural resources. The first consultancy aimed at provid.ing the information and analytical tools for characterizing and prioritizing small watersheds and specific areas in the large watersheds of Nacaome, Chamelecón, and Ulúa where the Program H0-179 was to intervene . . Methods This initiative has yielded a preliminary consultancy with IDB and two consultancy biddings approved. The prelim.inary consultancy was an evaluation ofthe project results (Valdez 200017). This was based on the revision of various CIA T docum.ents and interviews and meetings with researchers and participants, especially those related with GIS, databases, and poverty indicators and well-being methodologies. The first consultancy bidding was for the diagnostic and prioritization ofHonduran watersheds. The small watersheds within the Ulúa, Chamelecón, and Naca watersheds were delimited. They were characterized along with specific areas using physico-geographic and socioeconomic data (over 100 variables). A support matrix was generated to identify in an interactive way the prioritization, and maps were produced. During the project development a series of meetings were held with members ofSERNA, COPECO, UCP, SAG, PRONADERS, COIIDEFOR, BID, the Finance Secretariat, and other institutions who fed into and helped define results. 18 We ha ve also won a second consultancy bidding with CA '!lE on the "Study of technical- financial feasibility and design of the program for NRM in the prioritized watersheds ofUlúa, Chamelecón, and Nacaome. Work has begun. 17 Valdez RA. 2000. Evaluación del proyecto agricultura y manejo de los recursos naturales. Información y tecnología para el manejo de los recursos naturales y para el alivio de la probreza. Subproyecto 1: Enfocando la probreza rural y la investigación en el manejo de los recursos naturales. Interna! Report, CIAT-Hillsides, Cali, Colombia. 23 p plus annexes. • 11 For acronym.s see page 138. 101 Results For the first consultancy, a characterization was made of each ofthe large watersheds based on selected indicators. Specific areas at small watershed level were defined where the principal problems of deterioration of natural resources and vulnerability occurred. The areas defined exist in all three main watersheds. Full results are available on the CD-ROM19• The areas proposed for intervention (total area 20, 174 km) were: • Chamelecón, southern zone (high areas ), • Ulúa, eastem zone (actual area ofthe El Cajón Project), • Ulúa, central-south zone, • Ulúa, south-western zone, and • Nacaome, northern zone (high areas). Output By providing decision support to top level decision makers, we are trying to in.fluence the policy and approaches ofthose providing funds to the country and, ultimately, alleviating the situation of the rural poor. ·contributors: Collaborators: Activity 4.3. CIAT-Hillsides, A Hemández (consultant) SERNA, COHDEFOR, Dirección General de Estadísticas y Censos (DGEC), Fondo Hondureño de Inversión Social (FHIS), Comisionado Permanente de Contingencias (COPECO), United States Geological Survey (USGS) Strengthen capacity for management and use of information, tools, and methods (train, diffuse, and follow up the process) Hold thematic workshops for divulging and evaluating information generated by theproject Highlight ./ Results ofthe project "Methodologies for integrating data across geographic scales in a data- rich environment: Examples from Honduras" were diffused, discussed, and demonstrated Objectives 19 CIA T-Hillsides. 2000. Diagnóstico y priorización de cuencas hidrográficas para el Programa de Manejo de Recursos Naturales en Cuencas Prioritarias (H0-179): fase II. Reporte final de consultaría. CD-ROM, CIA T, Honduras. 102 The workshop on scale effect in decision making for ecoregional development (July 4-6, Costa Rica) aimed at summarizing and reviewing the main achievements ofthe research project. It also aimed at establishing the bases and contacts for the production of a book and for collaborations in ecoregional research. Methods and Results The workshop established bases and contacts for the production of a book and for collaborations in ecoregional research. In total, 35 people from 10 coumries attended the workshop. All participants were selected from a multidisciplinary perspective, having in common a system's approach and experience with dealing simultaneously with a range of scales. We believed that the achievements of the Project, which were far from being exhaustive, would be better understood in a broader context that highlights the complexity ofthe ecoregional research. The participants acted as speakers and reviewers of the eco regional process. They participated in hands-on demonstrations of a few software tools developed by the Project. Output The book proposed at the workshop, a primer in this mainstream subject, is intended to reach a large audience of scientists and students. Collaborations with Agricultura} Research Institutes (ARis) and Central American partners should lead to improved methodologies and fund raising capacity. ·~ Contributors: o1.:lerc (PE-4), P Ross (International Service for National Agricultura! Research [ISNAR]), A Zuniga (ISNAR) Other workshops Training was given on Guide no. 5 (Identifying levels of well-being to construct local pro files of rural poverty) to students ofUCA's Technology ofthe Environment Faculty in Managua. Five workshops were held over 2 months. The Guide was also applied in two studies in communities ofMatagalpa, Nicaragua. A presentation was given ofthe results ofthe study on irnprovement ofwater quality, San Dionisio (N Johnson), at the World Congress ofStudents in Mexico. Other workshops are shown in Table 19 under Activity 5.4. 103 Activity 4.4. Provide technical support for decision making The InteUigent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA): CoUaborative decision making in the information age Highlight -/. ITDEA version 1 available Methods and Results After years of experience following the participatory planning by objectives methodology, it became apparent that circumstances exist where its efficiency and accuracy can be questioned. It becomes more problematic in circumstances where a diverse group of stakeholders attempt to address imprecisely defined core issues and desired future conditions For example, a "problem- focused" planning approach will inevitably overlook prevention of futurc risks to currently desirable, non-problematic issues. The ITDEA is an extension of group decision support system techniques that already have bcen shown to increase the effectiveness of group decision making. Essentially. the process is based on a series of templates that guide the group in a systematic process conststing of defining goals and desirable future conditions, evaluating • problems and alliances, defining indicators and projected future conditions ~...!PEA and elaborating an action plan. In its first version, the ITDEA is developed as a stand-alone interface to a database that stores the infonnation associated with every step ofthe decision-making process. Analysis ofthe data reveals important factors to incorporate in the decision process itself. The entire process aims at helping users take generic concerns, such as those mentioned above, and turn them into concrete statements ofvalues and goals in a way that allows stakeholders to see their significance, and that gives them a chance to enact compromíses wrthm a collaborative environment. Two unportant ·characteristics ofthe ITDEA are (1) the specific checks along the process for keeping it manageable ("pruning"), and (2) the database underlying the process A main characteristic ofthe ITDEA originates in the concem for maintaining the development ofthe decision as focused as possible, preventing eventual bottlenecks. This ts achieved through a senes of specific checks along the way, which we refer toas "pruning". Because the Central Issue is intended to be relatively broad to encompass multiple stakeholders' interests, we found that without pruning the complex:ity ofthe decision components was increasing geometrically as we were progressing towards the action plan. Pruning may look restrictive at times, one roa y think that important points are being left out, but going back is always possible as the need arises. 104 A complex database design underlies ITDEA. This is required in order to: • Keep track ofthe process (e.g. , represent past states), • Store and give access to infonnation ( e.g., web links, contacts, documents, and GIS), • Allow customized reporting (e.g., logical framework, goal hierarchy), and • Allow knowledge discovery on the decision process ( e.g., identify key stakeholders, "universal" goals, problems, or indicators). In prevision of a Web-based version, two types of users can access lTDEA: the participant and the facilitator. Participants log on as such, identify themselves, and state their responsibility towards a Central Issue that they select. Facilitators log on as such and ha ve control of all templates that require participation ofthe group (such as Central Issues, General Goals, Shared Goals, etc.). The database stores the information filled in by participants and facilitators in a way that allows going back in time, i.e. , represents the state of the decision process at a given point in the past. Output The ITDEA helps build partnerships and expedites the planning process. It advantageously replaces the partícipatory planníng by objectives, and can be used for strategic planning. The Canadian Intemational Development Agency (CIDA) has manifested interest for its Sahel division. Impact can be enormous if adequately promoted. i ~ {#"' Contributors: G~clerc (PE-4), EB Knapp, G Narvaez Data management strategy for the Cauca study region Highlight ~ Database of geographical information for the Cauca study region is being recovered and organized Objective The objective was to improve the delivery of scientific output of geographical data for the Cauca study region toa wider audience of data users. Methods and Results The first step was to retrieve as many data as possible then organize these into a logical framework. Figure 20 shows the five main directory subdivisions chosen. The greatest challenge was in the organization of spatial data. Two directory structures were chosen. The first is geared . towards inside users; the data were split into a two-directory structure that includes "basemaps" and "projects". "Basemaps" includes all the initial data sets that were derived from hard copy maps. This directory is fu.rther subdivided into regions, reflecting the different study area scales: Cauca, Ovejas, Caucanor, and Cabuyal. Cabuya! is further subdivided into scales 1 to 3, depending on whether the data layers are cropped to include the whole ofthe administration 105 units (veredas), or just the true watershed, or smalllocal watersheds. The data were then arranged according to type, i.e., whether they are Arclnfo coverages or ArcView shapefiles. Figure 20 . [±]·· l±J·· [±) .. r±J· 1±1·· G eoD ataB ase photo _gallery Contains all Image files t Contains all written documents from the repor S different projects Spatial_data Contains all GIS data and related spatial components t b 1 d t Contains all tabular databases files, a u ar a a some wbich are linked to geographic - utilitie:~: locations Contains all application files and ancillary information Main database structure of geographical information for the Cauca study region. "Projects", includes all the derived data from the ditferent projects that were carried out in the area. These were divided by researcher name, and then by project topic area. However, it was also felt that, although researchers within CIAT are likely to associate projects to researchers themselves, such a structure would not be so user friendly to outside users. Therefore, a second structural frarnework was devised, again stemming from the same two main directories. Here, only one data format type (i.e., shapefiles) will be included, ma.king the data more transferable. In this case, both the "basemaps" and project maps ("projmaps") have been subdivided thematically. A disadvantage ofthis structure is that scale is not considered. This should not be a problem, as often the data layers relating to different regions can be differentiated by their name. However, this is not universal} y true, thus we recognize that data naming conventions nee4 to be applied in the future to ensure that each data layer is given a unique and meaningful name. Output The database when completed will improve the efficient retrieval and use of data for researchers and decision makers working in the Cauca region. Contributor: K Pallaris (consultant) 106 Support punctual training on tlze use of decision-making tools on tlze request of collaborating institutions The requirements for training requested by project collaborating institutes were identified (see under 4.1 ). F orease of reponing and reading, the numerous training workshops are listed in Table 19, under Activity 5.4. Contributors: V Zapata, M Trejo, O Tijerino Output 5: Activity 5.1. 1031 :¡o Efficient, participatory project management Foster the active participation of partners in the planning of project activities in the region Develop an organizational structure for tlze SOL sites HONDURAS Objectives The aims were to: l. Design and implement an operational structure to ensure effective coordination of activities among SOL sites in Yorito. 2. Develop strategies to guarantee technical relevance of outputs, stakeholder participation, and financia! sustainability of the SOL sites. Metbods and Results A main strategy of the SOL concept is the location of strategic research experiments across landscape in a network of sites including different types of experiments: to provide an innovative approach to technology development for production systems in complex, highly variable tropical environments. The SOL strategic research experiments may share the same site with applied or adaptive trials run by other organizations, including NGOs or farmer research committees (CIALs). In additio~ the SOL includes sites that are purely demonstration trials run by extension; or are adaptive research trials that farmers manage. Any SOL site may be used in different ways by different partners: for strategic research; for adaptive testing; for demonstration purposes, for training and extension; or for participatory research with farmers, for example. All types of trials are networked throughjoint planning, monitoring and evaluation meetings ofthe different partners and a shared annual plan of operations. This interactive network of many different research and development partners is the SOL, or supermarket oftechnology options. 107 A meeting was held in Y orito with the participation of representatives of CIA T -Laderas, IPCA, EAP-Zamorano, SERTEDESO, CLODEST, anda coffee growers association to establish a coordination rnechanism that ensures a truly interaction among SOL sites. Figure 21 shows the main structure approved by participating institutions. This structure attempts to integrate the efforts of stakehoJders across different scaJes of decision making of institutions involved in the SOL. ADVISORY COMMJTI'EE Stren&tJten collaboration Searcb for funding opportunities Review progress TECHNICAL COMMIT'I'U Develop work plans Coordinate events Publish results OPERATIVE COMMITfU t Carry out field work Conduct field events Evaluation and Monitoring Figure 21. Structure and responsibilities of the coordination mechanism for the Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) sites in Yorito, Honduras. Output The operationaJ structure ~11 make the use of SOL sites more effective. ... :-, 1 N'-' ~-t ') .PY> Coutribotors: f D~~a, M Ayarza, J Jimenez (IPCA), JC~osas (EAP-Zamorano), M Gonzales (SERTEDESO) CoUaboraton: B Ferrera (CLODEST), farmers from Santa Cruz NICARAGUA The operative Technical Committee ofthe SOL in Nicaragua was formed with the participation ofrepresentatives ofPRODESSA, ADDAC, INTA, and the CIALs. We are aJso seeking a way ofinvolving the local organizations offarrners so that they form ofthis Committee. During the year 2000, three meetings were carried out to define the regulations of the Committee and to present the research activities to carry out during the year. 108 Hold a SOL annual planning workshop HONDURAS Highlight ./ Main activities in the three SOL sites in Yorito, Honduras were defined a.mong partner institution.S (CIAT, IPCA, EAP-Za.morano, SERTEDESO, anda farmer's group) Objective The aim was to develop a common fra.mework among partner institutions collaborating in the SOL. Methods and Results The SOL si tes are located in different locations in the landscape and represent contrasting land- use systems. The Luquigue site represents the lower part ofthe Tascalapa River watershed and is characterized by heavy soils oflow fertility. The site in Mina Honda is located in the highest and steeper part of the watershed with soils of moderate fertility used for bean and maize production with low inputs. The SOL si te in Santa Cruz is in a coffee area with soils of moderate fertility. The planning meeting was held in Yorito with representatives .from IPCA, EAP-Zamorano, SERTEDESO, CIAT-PE-3, Grupo 3 de Marzo, and CLODEST. Research on soil fertility improvement and improved legume-based silvopastoral systems will be conducted by CIAT at the Luquigue site. Fertility improvement is based on the use of improved fallows, organic residues, and multipurpose legume species. The institutions IPCA and EAP- Zamorano will be doing participatory breeding on maize and bean at the Mina Honda site. Crop adaptation trials will be carried out at both sites. The SOL in Santa Cruz is devoted to the development of improved coffee production systems. Table 18 presents the research activities proposed by each institution. Sorne of these activities are under i.mplementation and others are in the planning phase. Output The SOL initiative is beginning to play an important role in fostering collaboration among research and development institutions in Yorito. 109 Table 18. Research activities proposed by institutions involved in the Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) sites, Honduras. Research proposed" Status of the work" Duration of the SOL sites work CIA T and IPCA: Evaluate adaptation of improved Coilection of local materials and 2-3 years Luquigue Mina crop cultivars (beans, maize, introduction of improved materials from Honda soybean, cassava, upland rice, and CIA T, CIP, CIMMYT, CIRAD, and FHIA sweet potato) CIAT: Identification of altemative Preliminary. testing of two sources 3-5 years Luquigue sources as organic fertilizers (Calliandra and Inga) CIAT: Effect of improved pastures on A pasture trial is under establishment 3-5 years Luquigue animal performance and soil protection IPCA- EAP-Zamorano: Participatory breeding ofbeans Preliminary selection of crosses 5 years Mina Honda andmaize SERTEDESO: Improved coffee production Not started yet 3-5 years Santa Cruz systems a. Acronyms used: IPCA = Investigación Participativa para Centro América, CIP = Centro Internacional de la Papa, CIMMYT = Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo, CIRAD = Centre de coopération intemationale en recherche agronom.lque pour le développement, FHIA =Fondo Hondureño para Inversion Agricola, EAP-Zamorano = Escuela Agricola Panamerican-Zamorano, and SERTEDESO =Servicios Técnicos para el Des~llo Sostenido .~~·~~~ ,)~ Contributors: LVBbel~ M'Ayarz~ J Jimenez (IPCA), JC~osas (EAP-Zamorano ), O Gallardo (EAP-Zamorano), M Gonzales (SERTEDESO) Collaborators: B Perrera (CLODEST), farmers from Santa Cruz NICARAGUA Highlight ./ Main activities defi.ned for SOL si tes in Nicaragua Objective The aim was to plan the different activities to be developed during the year 2000 through an agreement with the institutions and farmers, to be able to take better decisions that contribute to the well-being ofthe region. Methods Befare the warkshop, seven work topics related with products ofthe project's lagical framewark were identified in arder to present them to the community and institutionallocal organizations. 110 The prioritization of the topics was carried out tbrough the group method. Three main topics were defined and then activities defined by themes. In May 2000, the participatory planning by objectives workshop was held in San Dionisio to form the SOL. In this workshop, different technologies to be evaluated in the region were identified. Topics of interest were defined and sorne activities incorporated into the SOL. An order ofpriority was established. Results Three topics were agreed upon for prioritizing: • New field technologies (SOL) • Local organizational processes • CIALs It should be mentioned that producers felt the PESto be ofmost importance, because ofthe difficulty of getting seed at low cost and of good quality. However, technicians cited bad experiences in this field, resulting from concentrating on a single crop and little initial exploration ofthe local and regional markets. At the same time, the use ofmodeling alone was important only to technicians, and GIS had a low priority for both groups. The prioritization of activities based on demand allowed the definition of the different activities to be established in the SOL for the year 2000. Among these research activities are: • Systems research including intensification and diversification of the traditional systems of maize-bean rotation, • Limiting nutrient trials, • Coverages and green manure trials, • Testing adaptation of fallows, • Live barriers, and • Germplasm evaluation. Figure 22 indicates the research (germplasm, soils, water, nutrients) that the SOL is developing in the year 2000 in collaboration with INT A, PRODESSA, CARE, and ADDAC. , ~ l j.t' w\11' L r ~ ./1. () t'Jrl tf"'- J.:f/'v ,~,..,v't' e; 6"'a".y- - Contributors: P Orozco, t Keyes, .h~Barrios (PE-2), M Ayarza, n Sanz, JA~eltrán C, r~ Collaborators: INT A, PRODESSA, CARE, ADDAC 111 Research in natural resource management (germplasm, soils, water, nutrients) 1 1 l Improving soil Soil and water Production systems fertility management lmproved fallows 1 Live barriers 1 Agropastoral Organic sources 1 Enriched borders J Crop rotation j Limiting nutrients 1 Coverages 1 Agrosilvopastoral Indicators of quality Buming and no burning J Intensi.fication and diversification systems Nutrient- accumulati:ng plants · Multipurpose species Figure 22. Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) research planned for the year 2000 in Nicaragua SOL sites. Activity 5.2 Actively and permanently coordinate the reference sites, projects, and individuals working in the region Research in the reference sites is continually being coordinated and validated and organizational activities strengthened. The many meetings and workshops that work towards this end are shown in Table 19 of Activity 5.4. The SOL coordination workshops are reported in Activity 5.1. 112 Activity 5.3. Maintain an efficient information system within the project and with its partners Monthly updating the project Web page Objective The aim is to keep all our researchers, collaborators, interested institutions, and individuals up to date with project progress. Methods and Results After the team acceptance ofthe design for the Web page for Colombia, it was implemented and was one ofthe first ofall CIAT project Web pages to be changed with several sublevels: Levell : Presentation Level2: Level3 : Activities, collaborators, contacts, history, strategy, news, personnel, tools, sites Donors, publications For the presentation ofthe page we have foJlowed the CIAT nonns. Because these will shortly be changing, we will al so be making some changes to the project W eb page. Sorne sites are being worked on and will be finalized with the information from the interna} workshop in Montelimar. Figure 23 shows a sample page under construction. The text gives a general outline ofwhat the project' s aims are, its strategies, research being done, the tools being used, and the participatory approach. :\ CTI\.IT IES 111\lOR't CO:\T:-\CTS PI R'-.0'\ '\1 1 1 ' .... 1 1{ \ 11 ( ,, SI TES ' TOOLS Figure 22. Web page under construction for the community management of own resources in hillside zones. Output The Web page is an important means of communication for the project. \\o- V W\(1\ Contributors: V'Escobar, A"Jimenez Collaborator: A 1 Iturbe "~' IJv\IV 113 Circulate the project bulletin The project bulletin is published quarterly. The August Bulletin included articles on small rural agroenterprises, the Seeds of Hope Project, processes of strengthening local organizations, and important events occurring in the month. Contributors: M Ayarza. JA Beltrán, V Escober Compile, systematize, and disseminate information and experiences generated in the reference sites The Project's Center ofDocumentation was created and already has a physical space where its institutional rnemory, CIA T documentation, and different documents necessary to the development of our work are kept. Tbey are indexed in a database of easy access, and thus the information service is offered to interested people within CIA T and outside ofthe project. The documents are also lent out for short time periods. Visitors are attended to, either personally or by phone or rnail trying to give them precise information or help them !acate where it is available within or outside CIAT. For this purpose, written and digital information elaborated by different project members over time has been collected. These include documents related with development work, that is, those that serve as a base for research, research results, annual reports, documentation sent by donors and partners, documents elaborated by other CIAT projects with a director indirect relationship with us, and the documents from different project members that have left. New docurnentation is in the process of revision, systernatization, and location including photographic files and slides. The Center ofDocumentation gives a scanning service ofphotos and documents to project members and officials of other projects. We are working on the elaboration of documents written by project members for their publication and distribution. Likewise we are distributing the methodological Guides and other published documents. ~()" J.. ~ Contributors: V-Escober, ~~iménez, Iiispinal Activity 5.4. Strengthenjoint work with other projects and organizations Table 19 shows workshops, training courses, meetings, and other collaborative functions that all strengthen joint work with other projects and organizations, sometimes even forging new links. Many ofthese evems are also an integral part ofthe participative management ofthe project. The follow-up on partners' demands for training and management ofsmall funds are included here. Table 20 shows the work of thesis students of educational centers at local, national, and internationallevels. All the project team contributed. 114 Table 19. Workshops, meetings, and other interinstitutional events Sept 1999-10 Oct 2000 (for acronyms and abbreviations, see p 138). Activi~ Organizers Date ParticiEating Institutions ParticiEants {no.} Overall results Training course on CARE 1999 CARE 4 tecbnicians 12 people trained in improved postharvest management CIAT-SOH 26-27 Aug 8 farmers postharvest technologies for artisanal of bean seed, Honduras seed production. Workshop "Support to the M Totobesola, 5 Oct ACELY, AGASUL, AHPROCAFE, 37 Database of supply data/support commercialization and V Gottret, AMCY, Asociación 10 de Octubre supply and dernand to Yorito and development of MLundy(SN- Gruertas, ASOCIAL, CIAL Guaco, Sulaco agroenterprises. agroenterprises in Yorito 1) CIAL Rio Arriba, CIAL-Mina Honda, Producers and institutions of the zone and Sulaco" CIDES, CLODEST, CODESA, familiarized with results of the process COOPACYL,COOPACYL- and mechanisms in place to continue. FONCREDY. DIPAC-CARE, IPCA, Workshop Proceedings. PDA-Yoro, SERTEDESO, Visión Mundial Training course "Methods ICRAF, CIP, Nov Foodnet, liTA, ICRAF, ICRISAT, 30 Participants familiarized with standard for analysis of agricultura! lLRl, CIAT, ILRl, CIP, World Vision, MAG- methods of analysis of rnarket options rnarkets" and on Guide 7 ICRISAT, Tanzania, MARO, Sokoine University, and with COlAR research in the field . in ICRAF, Kenya liT A-Foodnet MAG&I, MAG&RD, NAAPRl, Information given on financial AlMA, EARO, KARl, USAID-FEWS opportunities for research on subject. project, ICRAF, ARC, ISABU, ARl, ISAB, NPRC, MARI, KRRC, NARO, SAARl, FIFAMANOR, INERA Second national training FAO, CIAT 19-20 Nov CIA T, PRODERCO, PROLESUR- 45 reps of 17 18 action plans defmed to use the course on use of DS tools team, V Zapata, FAO, SERNA- DGA, CARE, ENA, institutions tools. in NRM at watershed leve! MTrejo, CASM, DICTA, CURLA, IHCAFE, (Candelaria, Lempira, Team of local COHDEFOR, GUA Y APE, Honduras) trainers PROLANCHO,flCATUYO,PAAR, FEPROH, COCEPRADIL Second training course on CIAT - FAO, 21-25 Nov CIA T, PRODERCO, PROLESUR- 45 people from 16 30 tecbnicians trained. the use of DS tools for V Zapata, FAO, SERNA- DGA, CARE, ENA, institutions 18 action plans defmed. NRM, Candelaria, MTrejo, CASM, DICTA, CURLA, lliCAFE, 30 producers familiarized with the Lempira Local team of COHDEFOR, GUA Y APE, tools. trainers PROLANCHO,flCATUYO,PAAR, FEPROH, COCBPRADIL Continued. Table 19. Continued. Activity Organizers Date Participating Institutions Participants (no.) Overall results Meeting with team of local V Zapata, 1999 CIAT, FEPROH, PROLESUR-FAO, 20 people Directors approved action plans for trainers and directors of M Trejo Dec SERNA- DGA, CARE, ENA , CASM, the year 2000. institutions, Honduras merA Date for signing of collaboration agreements defmed. Soils Fair M Trejo 2000 ENA 20 students Students and producers familiarized M Escoto 27-28 Jan CIAT 30 producers with the use of soil quality indicators. Soils Fair, Quimistán, M Trejo 4-5 Feb CARE,CIAT 12 tecbnicians Tecbnicians and farrners familiarized Honduras M Villanueva fromCARE with the soil quality indicators tool. 2May COOP CALEL, COOP CASFUL 30 cooperative members ECAR 1999 Evaluation CIAT, IPCA 9 Feb CIALs 24 producers Selection offour varieties ofbean Workshop seed. Meeting to report CIAT-SOH 17 Feb DierA, SAG, SENASA, USAID, 23 people Govemment representatives, donor achievements of the SOH CID A, CIA T, CARE, CCD, La comrnunity, and several NGOs were project Tribuna, PRONADERS, IPCA inforrned about project irnpact. Worksbop "Vision, MLundy, 17 Feb Committee members of local 11 Clarification of vision, miss ion, and mission, principies, M Totobesola, agroenterprises, CLODEST, AMCY, principies of SN-1 project as work methodologies of SN-1 SERTEDESO, REDOL YS, ASOCIAL, logframe. development of PPI and CIDES, AGASUL Clarification of steps in PPI and SAL SAL of CIA T's SN-1 and methods. development of APs by Workshop Procs. local committees of agroenterprises" Meeting with directors of V Zapata 29 Feb SERNA - DGA, CARE, ENA, CASM 4 reps of First draft of agreement presented and partner institutions to M Trejo institutions discussed then sent to other review the general institutions involved in training. agreement and action plan for training, Honduras Training course on M&E V Zapata, 1-2 Mar PROLESUR-FAO, SERNA - DGA, 18 people (CIAT Training group familiarized with of APs on the application M Trejo CARE, FEPROH, ENA, CASM, and local training methodologies to monitor progress of of tools on NRM merA group) action plans. Continued. 14UIC 17. \....Ull\.UIUCU. Activi!1 Organizers Date ParticiEaring Institutions ParticiEants (no.) Overall results First Workshop for the M Totobesola, 2000 Coffee producers 3 de marzo, Santa 20 Actors in Yorito and Sulaco identify "Design of PPI for coffee MarkLundy 16Mar Cruz, AHPROCAFE, SERTEDESO, and characterize the coffee chain. in the municipalities of SN-1 REDOL YS, Employers Association ldentification of support opportunities Yorito and Sulaco" Quebrada Vieja, local Councillocal El for coffee sector in zone. Plantel, CIAL-paratechnic El Portillo, Evaluation, malysis, and prioritization AMCY of difficulties or bottlenecks for actors in Yorito and Sulaco. Workshop on experiences CIAT- PE-3/ 17 Mar, SERTEDESO, IPCA, ISP Lessons and experiences identified in in developing production ITCA-Holland 2000 project rnanagement. projects at locallevel Training in elaboration of L Brizuela March 40 producers Training in the Guide for elaborating projects REDOLYS projects. Planning workshop of CIA T-(PE-5) 21-25 Mar DICTA, ClAT, SERTEDESO, INTA, Operative Plan elaborated, Technical project Participatory M Peters MAG-Costa Rica, GTZ Committee fonned. Evaluation of Multi-use H Cruz Germplasm for the Central American Region Planning Meeting SOL L Brizuela, 28Mar IPCA, SERTEDESO, EAP Structure ofNet and joint action plan Network for year 2000 MAyarza established. Planning Meeting SOL- CIAT, 28-29 Mar SERTEDESO 1 O producers Plan of defmite activities. Santa Cruz SERTEDESO 4 technicians Diagnostic of coffee problematic. Themes of identification defined. Workshop on experiences CIAT CIAT 8 technicians Principies, lessons, and hypothesis in organizational defined by CIA T's group work strengthening in reference process. si tes Meeting with trainers to M Trejo 26 April FEPROH, PROLESUR-FAO, SERNA 10 trainers Training group able to report progress develop monitoring reports - DGA, CARE, ENA, CASM, DICTA of action plans. Training course on CIAT-SOH 30 Apr- CARE, FEPROH, CIA T, 8 technicians 23 people trained in postharvest postharvest management 5May SERTEDESO, PDA-YORO, EACSF, 15 farmers technologies for artisanal seed of maize seed, Honduras IPCA, Proyecto Fonseca, Cooperativa production. Nueva Lucha, COMUCAMNEL Continued. Table 19. Continued. Activi~ Organizers Date ParticiEating Institutions ParticiEants (no.} Overall results Training course on CIAT-SOH 2000 CARE, PASA-DANIDA, 6 technicians 15 people trained on postharvest postharvest management 2-27 May INPRHU/CRS, FIDERICRS, CIAL, 9 farmers tecbnologies for artisanal seed of maize seed, Nicaragua Asociacion Campos Verdes, CIA T- production. SOU PE-3, Asociacion Productores de Carazo, INTA Semillas Technical Comrnittee L Brizuela 17 May IPCA Activities developed jointly. Meeting SOL Network Workshop to present CIAT 22May IPCA, CIALs 21 producers Distribution of bean seed of varieties results of ECAR 99 3 technicians seJected by CIALs. Training in Groups of CIAT-(PE-5) 25May SERTEDESO 3 technicians Tecbnicians can manage the Interest Methodology methodology. Support Group CLODEST CIATffiCA 29May CIA T, IPCA, IICA Lines of acdon defmed for Meeting IPCA-Holland strengthening CLODEST. Review of monitoring M Trejo, 7 June, 2000 FEPROH, PROLESUR-FAO, SERNA 2 trainers M&E reports available. reports on progress of APs V Zapata - DGA, CARE, ENA 6 tecbnicians of on the use ofNRM tools local institutions Soils Fair, Quisirnaca, E Navarro, 16- 17 June PROLESUR-FAO, CIAT, CARE, 1 O technicians Tecbnicians and fanners familiarized Lempira, Honduras M Villanueva, SCD, CONCERN 30 farrners with the soil quality indicators tool. . C Arnaya Forages Field Day DICTA, 29 June CIAT,DICTA,SERTEDESO 22 producers Producers infonned on management CIAT(PE-5) 5 technicians of irnproved pastures. Demand for Brachiaria seed 26110 identified. W orkshop for presentation L Brizuela 5 July lliCAFE, CODESA, Médicins sans 15 professionals/ Construction of a vision for local of Methodo1ogies for O Westermann frontieres, SERTEDESO, IPLA, POA- technicians partners. eva1uating impact, V Gottret Y oro, Instituto San Pedro, Salud constructing vision of Publica development Worksbop for presentation L Brizuela 6 July Residents of 12 local communities, 25 producers Construction of a vision for local of Methodologies for O Westermann Yorito partners. evaluating impact, V Gottret constructing vision of development Continued. Table 19. Continued. Activi~ Organizers Date ParticiEating lnstitutions ParticiEants (no.} Overall results Meeting with DIMA SPS M Trejo 2000 CIAT-DIMA 6 reps from Course postponed until Oct. to review progress on the 1 Aug DIMA organization of a training course Field tour of SOL network CIAT (PE-3) CIAT, IPCA, FHIA, COSAVY, ISP Activities defmed jointly. IPCA Training in use of soil M Villanueva, 4 and 5 Aug CARE DIPPAC, CIAT, CARE 11 CARE Technicians and farmers familiarized quality indicators tool, CAmaya, EXTENSA technicians with the soil quality indicators tool. Marcala, La Paz, Honduras C Barahona 43 farmers Course on business CIAT-SOH 21-25 Aug CIAT, PDA-Yoro, PDA-San Marias, 9 technicians People trained in business management EAP-Zamorano SERTEDESO, Proyecto Fonseca, management. CIAT-SOUPE-3 Exposition on intensifying CIAT 29 Sept ESA consultants, COSA VY production with cover legumes Field Day SOL site, CIAT (PE-3), 31 Aug IPCA, ISP, CIAT 29 producers Producers of community informed of Luquigue IPCA activities and the demand for seed established in the SOL. Meeting of CIA T trainers V Zapata, 13-16 Sept CIA T, FEPROH, PROLESUR-F AO, 26 representatives National team of 16 trainers set up. with local trainers to MTrejo, SERNA - DGA, CARE, ENA, CASM, of 8 institutions formalize the national CIAT DICI'A training team for the use of instructors DS tools for NRM, Tegucigalpa, Honduras First training course in the CIAT- ENA 17-22 Sept CIAT, FEPROH, PROLESUR-FAO, 56 people from 14 30 technicians trained. use ofDS tools for NRM, SERNA - DGA, CARE, ENA, institutions 13 action plans defmed. Lago de Yojoa, Honduras CASM, DICI'A, CURLA, UNAH, 30 producers familiarized with the use IHCAFE, COHDEFOR, PRODERCO, of the tools. PDA-YORO Table 20. PE-3 thesis students 1999-2000 (for acronyms and abbreviations see page 138). Student Institution Theme Reference site Dates Funding Person/s Start Finish responsible Jaime AguiJar FARENAIUNA Hydrological modeling of the San Dionisia, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier School of Soils Calico River watershed Nicaragua ME Baltodano Sigrid de NORAGRIC, Study on decision-making Areas affected by Feb 2000 Nov 2000 University G Giralda Barbentane Norway processes in seed supply and seed Hurricane Mitch, distribution interventions in Honduras emergency situations - case of Honduras Gines Calderón FARENAIUNA Agroforestry simulation model San Dionisia, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier School ofForestry Nicaragua ME Baltodano Abner Jiménez ESNACIFOR Bioeconornic simulation Calan River Feb 2000 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier modeling Calan River watershed, O Mejía Siguatepeque, Honduras José Gonzalez CATIE Optimization model for placement San Nicolas, Santa Feb 2000 Nov 2000 CATIE B Barbier of coffee benefits Bárbara Department, O Mejía Honduras Ramón Gonzalez FARENAIUNA Hydrological modeling ofthe San Dionisia, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier SchoolofSoils Calico River watershed Nicaragua ME Baltodano TomGurther Swiss Federal Evaluation of changes in the San Dionisia, Nov 1999 May2000 E 1HZ JA Beltrán Institute of Science forest frontier Nicaragua ME Baltodano and Technology Matias Gurtner Swiss Federal Evaluation of sustainable San Dionisia, Oct 2000 Feb 2001 ETIIZ JA Beltrán Institute of Science development GIS method Nicaragua ME Baltodano and Technology JonMagnar NORAGRIC, Seed systerns of srnall farmers in Y orito, Choluteca, Feb 2000 Nov 2000 University G Giralda Ha u gen Norway Honduras - their relevance for Honduras interventions Ramón Hemandez ESNACIFOR Bioeconomic sirnulation model Cboluteca, Honduras Feb 2000 Nov 2000 SERNA B Barbier OMejía Daniel Larios FARENAIUNA • Evaluation of soillosses from San Dionisio May 1999 Feb 2000 CIAT B Barbier School of Soils hydrological erosion (Wibuse), Nicaragua (1 11 year) ME Baltodano Continued. Table 20. Continued. Student lnstitution Theme Reference site Dates Funding Person/s res onsible Esther Leeman Swiss Federal The impact of trade reform and San Dionisio, Nov 1999 Aug 2002 ETHZ M Ayarza lnstitute of Science other policies on rural poverty and Nicaragua EAWAG B Barbier and Technology the enviroment Josue Anibal León ESNACIFOR Erosioo plots and the WEPP Siguatepeque, Feb 2000 Nov2000 CIAT B Barbier model Honduras O Mejía Luz Maria Medina Laval University, Women and market gardens: Yorito, Y oro, June 2000 Oct2000 CRDI M Ayarza Cana da Conservation and management of Guinope, El Paraíso, biodiversity and natural resources Honduras in the hillside zones of Honduras Ninoska Moreno FARENAIUNA Agroforestry simulation model San Dionisio, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier School of Forestry Nicaragua ME Baltodano Freddy Obando FARENAIUNA Evaluation of soillosses from San Dionisio May 1999 Feb 2000 CIAT B Barbier School of Soils hydrological erosion (Wibuse), Nicaragua W' year) ME Baltodano Francisca Pfister Swiss Federal The impact of trade refonn and San Dionisio Nov 1999 Aug2002 ETHZ M Ayarza lnstitute of Science other policies on rural poverty and (six communities), EAWAG B Barbier and Technology the enviroment Nicaragua Javiera Pichardo FARENAIUNA Application of sirnulation models San Dionisio, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier in production systerns Nicaragua ME Baltodano Kirsten Probst Hohenheirn Participative monitoring and Yorito, Y oro, and Mar 1999 Sept2000 CIAT J Ashby University, Germany evaluation Yuscarán, Honduras Jose Fernando ENA, Honduras Farm consultancy for small Yorito and Sulaco, May 2000 Sept2000 SN-1 and M Totobesola Escolán Rodezno producers in hillsides in Yorito Honduras PE-3 and Sulaco: Use ofa linear programming model. Thesis for Ingeniero Agrónomo Dorivar Ruiz EAP-Zamorano Quantification of local indicators Yorito, Honduras June 1999 Apr2000 CIATIEAP- M Ayarza of soil quality in the Luquigüe Zamorano watershed, Y oro, Honduras. Thesis for Ingeniero Agrónomo Continued. Table 20. Continued. Student lnstitution Theme Reference site Dates Funding Person/s res onsible Alejandra Sierra EAP-Zamorano Floristic and structural Yorito, Honduras June 1999 Oct 2000 CIAT/EAP- M Ayarza characterization of the arboreal Zamorano and arbustive vegetation of the Luquigue watershed, Y oro, Honduras. Thesis for Ingeniero Agrónomo Alma Soza ESNACIFOR Hydrological balance at plot leve! Jalapa watershed, Feb 2000 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier of different land uses Yorito, Honduras O Mejía Bettína Springer Swiss Federal Comparison of nutrient balance in San Dionisia, Nov 1999 May 2000 ETIIZ JA Beltrán lnstitute of Science coffee plantations with high and Nicaragua ME Baltodano and Tecbnology low use of inputs Francisco Zaconeta EAP-Zamorano ldentification of plants as Yorito, Honduras June 1999 April2000 CIATIEAP- M Ayarza indicators of soil quality in Zamorano agricultura! plots, Luquigüe watershed, Y oro, Honduras. Thesis for Ingeniero Agrónomo Pablo Zúniga FARENAIUNA Application of simulation models San Dionisio, May 1999 Nov 2000 CIAT B Barbier in production systerns Nicaragua ME Baltodano Activity 5.5. Highlight Establish a participative system of monitoring and evaluation of the project to monitor its performance and feed back to planning ../ Participative valuation ofproject performance, readjustment ofits vision and purpose, and strategy planning Objectives The objectives ofthe Hillsides Strategic Planning Workshop, Montelimar, Nicaragua were to: • Reach a clear understanding ofthe significance ofthe interna! and externa! evaluations that the Hillsides Project has undergone during the 1999-2000 period. • Gain a shared vision about the Hillsides Project and its endeavors. • Achieve an enhanced understanding of the "development problems" at reference si tes. • Obtain a better picture of present and foreseen research activities and their relationships with the "development problems" at research sites. • Achieve an increased understanding of the Hillsides Project Mission and its relationships with future research activities and their expected ímpact. • Gain an enhanced understanding ofthe "causal uptake paths" methodology. • Guide the Hillsides Project activities in obtaining the expected research impacts. • Reach a clearer understanding of research gaps that need to be overcome to achieve the research objectives. • Gain a better understanding of evaluation methods and instruments for the Hillsides Project activities and results. Methods and Results Among severa! important ground rules, participation of all members was stressed as well as the collective construction ofknowledge through workgroup and team presentations throughout the workshop. Although time was a constraint in achieving the desired objectives, participants had sufficient for group discussion and for collecting their thoughts. Diversity among group members in terms of experience and formal training was counted an advantage to ensuring richness of opinions. Finally, participants were encouraged to synthesize thinking and produce tangible results for their immediate application. The eight objectives were worked through, sorne with group activities, sorne as presentations. Analyses ofthe various points were recorded. The workshop clarified the group's ideas and thoughts into a single vision and way forward. The full results ofwork done will be published in a report. A preliminary draft report is available. 123 Output The main output ofthe workshop is a clearer concept ofthe project's aims and strategies and the stronger participatory fellowship ofthe PE-3 team. Contributors: Whole team Activity 5.6. Initiate on-site activities of impact evaluation Build a causality chain by product and define indicators of development Highlights ./ Elaboration ofa conceptual framework and casual uptake paths for output 5.1 (Interinstitutional Consortiu.ms), 5.4 (Community Organization Networks), 2.3 (Bio- Economic Modeling), and 4.1 (Cropping Systems Options - SOL) in the NRM logical framework ./ Collection of data and initial analysis of a collaborative effort in Y orito and San Dionisio and initial impact evaluation ofmilestone related to output 5.1 and 5.4 Objectives l. To develop a conceptual framework for monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of PE:-3 work in the reference sites with specific emphasis on organizational modeis. 2. To conduct an initial and explorative survey with the objective of gathering data and experience from the reference si tes for further elaboration and refinement of the impact assessment methodology. Metbods The process started. by developing our vision or final development objectives ofthe research output defined in the conceptual framework for the CIAT -NRM division. Tbese were redefined and discussed at a 2-day seminar on organizational processes held in Cali with the objective of interchanging experiences between the researchers in the reference sites in Pucalpa, Cauca, San Dionisio, and Yorito. Then causal uptake paths were developed for each ofthe Hillsides outputs to the desired development impact or goal. Intermediate indicators for each step in the causal uptake path were selected, as well as final "development indicators". Afterwards, methodologies and models for impact assessment analysis were defined to ensure that data collected would be the most appropriate for the analysis. Finally, data collection methodologies, protocols and sampling strategies (including reference sites boundaries and limits) were defined and tested in the field with specific emphasis on institutional and community collaboration. The fieldwork conducted in Honduras and Nicaragua consisted mainly of semi-structured interviews and participatory exercises with regional and local institutions and community organizations both individuan y and in focus groups. W e also conducted some interviews with selected communities. 124 The goals, objectives, and conceptual frameworks for outputs 5.1 (interinstitutional consortium), 5.4 (comrnunity organizations network) were elaborated. Erameworks for outputs 2.3 (bioeconom.ic modeling) and 4.1 (cropping systems options- SOL) were also elaborated. These conceptual frameworks are very extensive especially for the organizational models but the exercise has been very useful as a planning tool for the elaboration of the impact evaluation methodology and for future directions of our research with institutional and community organization. Such planning is seen as a learning process in itselfthat interacts closely with experiences from action research in the field and with the informal process of interchange of experience on organizational processes that has been started between the reference si tes in Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Peru. Results Analysis ofthe fieldwork is underway and will be available later this year. Al1 the interviews and workshops were taped and are transcribed. A summary of all interviews was written in a chronological order (almost complete). An inventory ofthe different surveys and interviews conducted in San Dionisio and Yorito was made. This inventory includes (a) the name ofthe study, (b) the content ofthe survey and/or interview, (e) the sampling procedure if available, and ( d) the availability of the data set in the CIA T offices, or if an agreement with the institution that owns the data set is needed. Based on the above information an analysis for each critica! path is being conducted including: (a) A list ofproposed indicators for the critica! path, (b) The degree in which this critica! path was achieved or not is analyzed, (e) The usefulness ofthe proposed indicators is evaluated, and ( d) Needs for further information and analysis. The set of preliminary development impact indicators developed for the four types of capitals (human, social, economic/financial, and natural) are being contrasted with the "development visions" defined in the workshops with CLODEST, REDOLYS, and Campos Verdes. Also the short-term expected changes are contrasted with the "paths to development impact'' developed for the PE-3 and SN-1 projects. An initial analysis was made of the degree to which the critica! path towards development was achieved. This analysis follows the process indicated in the diagram showing the critica! path for PE-3 research towards development. lt should be noted that this path has been generated as a result of ongoing research and continued feedback, and not as a preplanned process. Thus many steps have not or only partly been completed. · Outputs The commitment to establish a long-term impact evaluation process in the PE-3 reference sites ensures the long-tenn development impact of our research, guides our process of research, and provides feedback~· o the research p_rocess~s . \\t'~ ,¡..V- .~.' •t.~~ \0 (JJ~' b .,? , ¡_, tr 1'· , L Contributors: esterm~~,tJ~ ~' ~ Y. f' J CoUaborators: ~~ MB'Baltodano, D0 Tijerino, O Mejía, t Brizuela, B 'Barbier, Impact Assessment Working Group 125 Impact assessment of El Cajon watershed Higbligbt ./ Evaluation ofNRM El Cajon project and proposal ofnew monitoring plan Objective The aim is to analyze the impact ofthe El Cajon project and propase a new monitoring plan as requested by the góvemment of Honduras. Methods and Results The NRM project El Cajon has contracted CIAT to evaluate its SUS 20 million project, which is ending next year. We are studying the project's data to elaborate a baseline. We are also evaluating the project's evolution and proposing a new monitoring plan. We are conducting an impact assessment study using the data generated by the 4-year-old project. The project data include only project activities and adoption oftechniques. Few indicators ofimpact were found. CIAT is using its experience in indicators and monitoring ofnatural resources to propase a new M&E plan. Results are preliminary because the study has not been published yet. The El Cajon watershed project seems to have difficulties in proving its relevance because a problem is lack:ing and there are sorne misconceptions. Current land use is notreasonable. Less than 10% ofland is cultivated. Sedimentation levels are too low to reduce the life expectancy ofthe dam in a way that requires intervention in the upper watershed. The program of reforestation is more likely to reduce the amount of water available to the dam than to increase it. The agricultura! program has shown a very high rate of adoption of land conservation practices. The project has further difficulties in proving that it has improved the life of the population living in the watershed. Outputs The study is expected to feed into the design ofthe large IDB project that the consortium CIAT/CATIE is now writing. Also the real impact ofthe privatization of extension services is strongly debated. The payment of prívate enterprise by k:ilometer of land conservation practices, although impressive in term of adoption level, is being criticized by many as unsustainable. Our study is likely to have a strong impact in the design of future projects . .j...-Ñ '"~ \o~ Contributors: B4 Barbier, Ó Mejía, ~!turbe, S Rivera (Professor ESNACIFOR), A Hernandez (GIS COHDEFOR), J Suazo ( consultant) 126 Activity 5. 7. Establish an efficient and participatory administrative system within the Project Project proposals and initiatives We have been working closely with the Project's Office to identify new, untraditional donors as yet without much success. Amongst others we have been invited by NORAD to submit a proposal around the generic term ofwater. We are developing a concept note cutting across severa! CIAT projects while waiting for NORAD guidelines. We have a proposal submitted to DANIDA on the SOL and SOH work to merge the two. It is delayed because of the slow leadership of INT A of which the donors are aware. A proposal was elaborated for the next phase of SOH Central America with USAID who carne to visit and explore the possibilities because they liked our results to date. We are preparing a proposal for the second phase Central America, first phase Mozambique, SOH. We have applied for and won two bids with IDB, the second of which is with CATIE, both on the prioritization ofHonduran watersheds. We are working on the possibility for a second phase of the ISNAR project. The project resources have been allocated to different scientists in an activity-based manner and in accordance with contracts with donors. The project leader gave a seminar on the role of a leader, available in PowerPoint form. The ideas of a new kind of leadership are expounded. First the old type oftop-down "boss" leadership is shown and the steps in its evolution to the new type ofparticipatory leadership. Empowerment is the mainstay ofthe system and it is explained with its effects on groups and the construction of an empowered "self-directed" work team. The role of leader versus that of"boss" is also outlined. The ideas were also worked through at the project's Montelimar meeting. Contributor: n Sanz Collaborators: All the PE-3 team 127 Publications Book and Journal Cobo JG, Barrios E, Kass D, Thomas RJ. 2000. Decomposition and N and P release by green manures in a hillside tropical soil. Soil Biol Biochem, forthcoming. Feijoo AM, Knapp EB, Lavelle P, Moreno A 1999. Quantifying soil macrofauna in a Colombian watershed. Pedobiologia 43 : 513-517. ftménez JJ, Moreno GA, Brown G, Lavelle P, Feijoo MA. 2000. Patterns of aestivation and differences in the tirning of diapause in sorne tropical earthworms. Pedobiologia, forthcoming. Luijten JC, Knapp EB, Jones JW. 2000. A tool for community-based assessment ofthe implications of development on water security in hillside watersheds Agric Syst, forthcoming. Luijten JC, Jones JW, Knapp EB. 2000. Dynarnic modeling ofstrategic water availability in the Cabuya! River, Colombia: The impact ofland cover change on the hydrological balance. Advances in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 1(1). h!tp:l/www.kcl.ac.uk!kis/scbools/hums/geogladvemmlvoll no 1 html Mulligan M. 2000 Downscaled climate change scenarios fur Colombia and their hydrological consequences. Advances in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 1(1). http://www.kcl.ac.uk/kis/schoolslhums/geog/advemm/vollno1 btml Nelson A 2000. Analysing data across geographic scales: Detecting levels of organisation within systems. Agric Ecosyst Environ, Special edition, forthcoming. Pallaris K. 2000. Terrain modelling for erosion risk assessment in the Cabuyal River catchment: Comparison of results with farmer perceptions. Advances in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 1(1). bttp:l!www.kcl.ac.uk/kislschoolslhums/geog!advemm/vollnol.html Phiri S, Barrios E, Rao 1M, Singh BR. 2000. Changes in soil organic matter and phosphorus fractions under planted fallows and a crop rotation on a Colombían volcanic-ash soil. Plant and Soil, forthcoming. Rubiano J. 2000. Land use and hydrological change in tropical hillsides : the influence ofpattem on process. Advances in Environmental Monitoring and Modelling 1(1). htnr//www.kcl.ac.uk/kis/schoolslhums/geogladvemm/vollnol .html 128 Conference Papers and Presentations Baltodano ME. 2000. Valoración económica del agua en San Dionisio. Paper presented at the World Congress ofthe Intemational Association of Agronomy Students (IAAS), Queretaro, Mexico. Beltrán JA. 2000. La investigación participativa. Paper presented at the TI Regional Congress of Agricultura! Technology, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), · Nicaragua Feijoo MA, Knapp EB, Quintero H. 2000. Los macroinvertebrados del suelo como indicadores de calidad y salud agrosistémica. In: Silva F, Castro H, eds. Memorias IX Congreso Colombiano de la Ciencia del Suelo: Manejo de Suelos e Impacto Ambiental. Feijoo MA, K.napp EB, Fragoso C, Moreno AG, Lavelle P . 2000. Population dynamics of earthworms, Oligochaeta, in a Hillside area of Colombia Poster presented at the Xll Intemational Colloquium on Soil Zoology, 14-18 Aug, Ceske Budejovice. Jarquin B. 1999. Redibujando nuestras vidas: diferentes formas de participar en investigación, estudio de caso San Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua Paper presented at CGIAR meeting, WA. K.napp BR, Nelson A, Leclerc G. 1999. Modelling across scale. Keynote presentation at the third conference on Systems Analysis for Agricultura! Development (SAAD liT). Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP) and National Agrarian University La Molina (UNALM), Lima, Peru Leclerc G. 2000. Scale effects in decision making for ecoregional development. Presented at the Workshop Scale Effect in Decision Making for Ecoregional Development, 4-6 Tiy, 2000, San José, Costa Rica. 60 p. Leclerc G, Barbier B . 2000. Spatial determinant oflabor productivity at the nationallevel: the case ofHonduras. Paper presented at the XXIV Intemational Conference of Agricultura! Economists, Berlín, 12-19 Aug, 2000, Berlin, Germany. Leclerc G, Hemandez A, Barbier B. 2000. Communicating a vision of the future with optimization models and virtuallandscapes: An application to com.munity management of the Jalapa watershed in Honduras. Paper presented at the XXIV Intemational Conference of Agricultura} Economists, Berlín, 12-19 Aug, 2000, Berlin, Germany. Luitjen JC with K.napp EB, Jones JW. 1999. A tool for community-based water resources management in hillside watersheds. Invited paper presented at the 3rd Intemational Conference on Systems Approaches for Agricultura! Development (SAAD 3), 8-10 Nov, Lima, Peru. 129 Lui~en JC with Knapp EB, Leclerc G. 2000. Modeling strategic water availability in the Tascalapa watershed, Honduras. Invited paper presented at the conference on Scale in Decision Making for Ecoregional development", 4-6 Jly, San Jose, Costa Rica. Nelson A, Leclerc G. 1999. Analysing data across geographic scales. Paper presented at "Current progress in quantifying spatially explicit causes and effects of land-use/cover change: Examples from different parts ofthe world", an intemational workshop, 7-8 Dec, Wageningen, Neths. Nelson A, Leclerc G. 2000. Accessibility modelling. Presented at the Final Workshop for the Ecoregional Project, Scale effects in decision making for ecoregional development, 4-6 lly, San Jose, Costa Rica. Ravnborg HM. 2000. Understanding interdependencies: Stakeholder identi.fication and negotiation as a precondition to collective natural resource management. Paper presented at the intemational workshop ''Deepening the Basis ofRural Resource Management", Intemational Service for N ational Agricultura! Research (ISNAR), 16-18 F eb, The Hague, Neths and at the 8th biennial conference ofthe Intemational Association for the Study of Common Property (IASCP), 31 May -4 Jne, Bloomington, Indiana (by OlafWestermann). Rivera S, Hemandez A, Mejía O, Barbier B. 2000. Trade offbetween income and erosion in a small watershed: GIS and economic modeling in the Jalapa River, Honduras. Paper presented at the Imaging and Geospatial Information Society 2000 ASPRS Annual Conference, W A. Westermann O, Iones AL, Sanz JI. 2000. CIAT's stakeholder watershed management approach. Poster presented at the Technical Workshop on Watershed Management Institutions sponsored by the Systemwide Program for Collective Action and Property Rights (CAPRI) and organized by CIAT, 14 Mar, San Dionisio, Nicaragua Other Ayarza M, ed. 1999. Taller de auto-evaluación del proyecto de Laderas. CIA T -Nicaragua. 17 p. Beltrán JA, ed. 1999. Taller de planificación de actividades para el año 2000. CIAT, San Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 1 O p. Beltrán JA, Espinoza N, Reyes T. 2000. Los Comités de Investigación Agrícola Local (CIALes). Calico River watershed, San Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Intemal document, CIA T- Nicaragua. 40 p. CIAT. 2000. Plan Operativo Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América Consortium, Phase 2000-2001. CIAT, Pochomil, Nicaragua. 11 p. 130 CIAT. 2000. Protocol de actividades realizadas en los SOLes de Honduras y Nicaragua. CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 42 p. CIAT-CIIETS-CEPRODEL-FADCANIC-UCA-UNA (CIAT- Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teológicos y Sociales- Centro de Promoción del Desarrollo Local- Fondo de Desarrollo para la Costa Atlántica de Nicaragua- Universidad Centroamericana- Universidad Nacional Agraria). 2000. Instrumentos metodológicos para la torna de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales. Informe: Primera visita de seguimiento a los planes de acción. Elaborated by : Josefa Cisneros. 29 p. CIAT-Hillsides. 2000. Diagnóstico y priorización de cuencas hidrográficas para el Programa de Manejo de Recursos Naturales en Cuencas Prioritarias (H0-179): fase II. Reporte fmal de consultaría. CD-ROM, CIAT, Honduras. CIA T -Hillsides. 2000. Land discovery: Training and tools for decision support to stakeholder watershed resource rnanagernent. Working docurnent no. 181, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 57 p. CIAT-Hillsides. 2000. Plan Operativo Annual: 2000. CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 30 p. Escolan J. 2000. Asesoría de fincas para pequeños productores de laderas en Yorito y Sulaco: Uso de modelo de programación lineal. Tbesis (Ingeniero) in process. Escuela Nacional de Agricultura (ENA), Olancho, Honduras. Espinoza N, Beltrán JA, Morales J, Gonzales B. 1999. Evaluación Post-Mitch del estado de los recursos naturales en las 15 microcuencas de la subcuenca del río Calico, Municipio de San .· Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Asociación de organizaciones "Campos Verdes", CIAT, Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA)/ Facultad de Recursos Naturales (F ARENA). 90 p Ferrera B. 2000. Primer informe trimestral de avance de actividades del Comité de Microempresa y Comercialización (CMC) del Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del rio Tascalapa (CLODEST), presented to the Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agro empresas Rurales (PDAER) of CIA T, 25 Jly 2000, Yorito, Honduras. Flores M. 2000. Informe de avance de las actividades de la Comisión de Producción Comercialización Crédito y Microempresas (CPCCM) de la Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de Sulaco (CIDES) presented to thel Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agroernpresas Rurales (PDAER) of CIAT, 30 Jly 2000, Sulaco, Honduras. García R. 1999. Evaluación de productos con potencial de mercado con pequeños productores de Yorito y Sulaco: Uso de la Programación Lineal. Thesis for ingeniero agrónomo, Escuela Agronómo Panamericana (EAP) El Zamorano, Honduras. Hernández A, Barbier B, Mej ía O, Rivera S. 2000. Simulaciones del uso optimo en variables biofisicas y socio econornicas en la cuenca del río Jalapa, Departamento de Y oro, Honduras. CIAT. Draft Interna! Docurnent, CIAT-Honduras. 131 Imbach A, Hurtado L. 1999. Identificación de decisores locales en el manejo del paisaje. San Dionisio, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 70 p. Leclerc G, Nelson A, Barona A. 2000. CD-ROM of documents produced by the project: Methodologies for integrating data across geographical scales in a data-rich environment: examples from Honduras. PDF format, 2400 p. Leclerc G, Beaulieu N, Knapp EB. 2000 The InteUigent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA): CoUaborative decision making in the information age. http ://www. irnrm. cgiar. org!W orkshop2000/abstract/abstract. htm Luijten JC. 1999. A tool for community-based water resources management in hillside watersheds. PhD dissertation, University ofFlorida, Gainesville, FL. 303 p. http://etd.fcla.edu/etd/uf71999/amp7392/luitjen.pdf Luijten JC. 2000. Dynamic hydrological modeling using ArcView GIS. ArcUser, Vol. 3, No. 2 (July - August 2000). htn>:l/www esri.com/oewslarcuser/0700/hydro.html Luijten JC. 2000. Spatial Water Budget Model and hydrological tools: An ArcView GIS extension. User's Manual. ABE report 00-1 Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, University ofFlorida, Gainesville, FL, and International Center for Tropical Agriculture, Cali, Colombia. 78 p . Lundy M, Totobesola M. 2000. Memoria del primer taller "Diseiio del Proyecto Productivo Integrado para el café en los municipios de Yorito y Sulaco", 16 Mar 2000, Yorito, Honduras. CIAT, Honduras. Lundy M, Totobesola M. 2000. Memoria de Ja reunión "Revisión de los planes de acción, aprobación de los presupuestos, definición de la visión y misión de los comités", 13 Mar 2000, Yorito. CIAT, Honduras. Lundy M, Totobesola M. 2000. Memoria del taller ''Diseiio del proyecto Productivo Integrado para el Café en los municipios de Yorito y Sulaco, 16 Mar 2000, Yorito. CIAT, Honduras. Lundy M, Totobesola M . 2000. Memoria del taller 11Yisión, misión, principios del Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agroempresas Rurales del CIAT, metodologías de desarrollo de Proyectos Productivos Integrados (PPis) y Sistema de Apoyo Local (SAL), y el desarrollo de un plan de acción de los comités locales de desarrollo de agroempresas, 17 Feb 2000, Yorito. CIAT, Honduras. Lundy M, Gottret MV, Totobesola M . 1999. Memoria del taller 11Apoyo a la comercialización y desarrollo de agroempresas en Yorito y Sulaco", S Oct 1999, Yorito. CIAT, Honduras. Martinez R 2000. Estudio etnobotánico de las especies forestales de la subcuenca del río Calico . Universidad Nacional Agraria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias Forestales. Thesis work financed by CIAT-Hillsides. 86 p. 132 Moreno N, Calderon G. 2000. Modelo de simulacion agroforestal para el manejo de la subcuenca del río Calico, San Dionisio, Matagalapa. Draft Thesis, Universidad National Agraria, Managua. Nicaragua. Murillo C, Osorio D. 1999. Caracterización de los recursos edáficos de la subcuenca del río Calico. Thesis work financed by CIAT-Hillsides. Universidad Nacional Agraria, Nicaragua 88 p. Nath S, Berma B, Nute D, Zapata V, Knapp ER, Leclerc G. 1999. Metodología de apoyo a la toma de decisiones para grupos de interés múltiples. CIAT, Cali, Colombia, 148 p. Nelson A. 2000. The Accessibility Wizard. An ArcView toolkit, PE-4/GIS, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. Nelson A. 2000. An ArcView tool kit for cross-scale raster image analysis. Manual, PE-4/GIS, CIA T, Cali, Colombia. Nelson A. 2000. Data reduction and low dimensional representation of complex spatial databases. Interna! document, PE-4/GIS, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. Nelson A. 2000. Spatial data exploration across geographic scales. Interna! document, PE-4/GIS, CIA T, Cali, Colombia. Nelson A. 2000. Spatial structure and muitivariate analysis in hillside agroecosystems. 1nternal document, PE-4/GIS, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. Pichardo J, Zúniga P. 2000 Modelos de simulación en sistemas de producción en la sub cuenca del río Calico. Preliminary Report 2000. CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 145 p . Probst K. 2000. Sistema de monitoreo y evaluación de la red de SOLes. Working Document, PE- 3, CIA T, Cali, Colombia. Ravnborg HM. 1999. Developing regional poverty pro files based on local perceptions. CIA T, Cali, Colombia. Ravnborg HM, Guerrero M, Westermann O. 1999. Accion colectiva para el manejo de los recursos naturales: Manual para identificar grupos de interes. CIAT, Cali, Colombia. Richardo R, Zuniga P. 2000. Modelos de simulacion en sistemas de producción en la subcuenca del rio Calico, Matagalpa. Prediagnostico. Draft Thesis, Universidad Nacional Agraria. Managua, Nicaragua. Russell N, Pratt A, Nelson A, Leclerc G. 2000. Selected press articles about CIAT activities related to Hurricane Mitch and the Honduras Atlas. Internal document available from CIA T Communications, CIA T, Cali, Colombia. 133 Tijerino D, Zapata V. 2000. Instrumentos metodológicos para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales. Informe del taller Granada, Nicaragua. CIAT-Laderas. 85 p. Totobesola M. 2000. Base de datos en proceso sobre Sistema de Apoyo a la agroempresa en Y orito y Sulaco, evaluación de la oferta y la demanda en servicio de apoyo en los municipio de Yorito y Sulaco. Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agroempresas Rurales, CIAT, Honduras. Totobesola M, Lundy M. 2000. Memoria del taller "Diseñ.o de Proyecto Productivo Integrado para el café en los municipios de Yorito y Sulaco", Yorito, 16 Mar 2000. CIAT, Honduras. Totobesola M, Lundy M, Gottret MV 1999 Memoria del taller "Apoyo a la Comercialización y Desarrollo de Agroempresas en Yorito y Sulaco", Yorito, S Oct 1999. CIAT, Honduras Totobesola M, Barbier B, García R 2000 Evaluación económica de productos con potencial de mercado para pequeños productores Uso de la Programación Lineal con fincas de los municipios de Yorito y Sulaco CIAT, Honduras. UNA-F ARENA (Universidad Nacional Agraria-Facultad de Recursos NaturaJes) 2000. Estudio etnobotanico de las especies forestales de la subcuenca del Río Calico, San Dionisio, Matagalpa. Thesis financed by CIAT -Hillsides. Final document. 86 p. UNA-FARENA (Universidad Nacional Agraria-Facultad de Recursos Naturales). 2000. Monitoreo del proceso de mineralización de cuatro especies leguminosas arbóreas: Phiticelobium sama (Jacq.), Enterolobium ciclocarpum (Jaq.), Gliricidia sepium (Jaq ), Plastimisium pennatum (Jaq.), para ser utilizadas como abono verde en el Municipio de San Dionisio, Matagalpa. Thesis financed by CIAT-Hillsides. Final document. 46 p. UNA-FARENA (Universidad Nacional Agraria-Facultad de Recursos Naturales) 1999. Monitoreo del proceso de mineralización de tres especies de leguminosas ( Vigna radiata, Vigna unguiculata y Mucuna sp.) usadas como abono verde en el municipio de San Dionisio, departamento de Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Thesis financed by CIAT-Hillsides. Final document. 66 p. Zapata V. 1999. Instrumentos metodológicos para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales. Informe del curso, 10-20 Oct 1999, Managua-Estelí, Nicaragua. CIAT- Hillsides, Cali, Colombia. 43 p. Zapata V. 2000. Preliminary report on the Hillsides Strategic Planning Meeting, Montelimar, Nicaragua, 26-30 Jne 2000. Internal document, PE-3 . CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 11 p. Zapata V, Sanz JL 2000. Roles of national part:I!ers in the dissemination of decision support tools for natural resource management. http //www. i nrm. cgiar. org!W orkshop2000/ abstract/ abstract. htm 134 Donors ·Canadian Intemational Development Agency (CIDA) Danish Intemational Development Agency (DANIDA) Ecoregional Fund to Support Methodological Initiatives Intemational Development Research Centre (IDRC) lntemational Service for National Agricultura! Research (ISNAR) Royal Danish Ministry ofForeign Affairs, Department for Development Research Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) United S tates Agency for Intemational Development (USA.ID) • Collaborators Centro Agronomico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CA TIE) Centro Internacional para el Mejoramiento del Maíz y el Trigo (CIMMYT) Centro Internacional del la Papa (CIP) Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico (CURLA, Honduras) Consorcio Interinstitucional para una Agricultura Sostenible en Laderas (CIP ASLA, Colombia) Consorcio Manejo Integrado de Suelos (MIS) . Dirección de Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria (DICTA, Honduras) Escuela Agrícola Panamericana, El Zamorano (EAP-Zamorano) Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales (ESNACIFOR) Food and Agriculture Organization ofthe United Nations (FAO) Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura IICA) Instituto Nicaraguense de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INT A, Nicaragua) Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) International Plant Genetics Research Institute (IPGRI) King's College (England) Programa de Agricultura Sostenible en las Laderas de Centro América (P ASOLAC) Secretaria de Agricultura y Ganadería (SAG, Honduras) Secretaria en el Despacho de los Recursos Naturales y del Ambiente (SERNA) Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenible (SERTEDESO) Swiss Federallnstitute for Environmental Science and Technology (EA WAG) Univesidad Nacional Agraria (Nicaragua) University ofFlorida (United States) University ofGeorgia (United States) University of Wageningen (The Netherlands) 135 • PE-3 Staff List International Staff Honduras: Miguel Ayarza Bruno Barbier Mireille Totobesola Guillermo Giraldo Nicaragua: Jorge Alonso Beltrán Antonio !turbe Colombia: José Ignacio Sanz OlafWestermann Vicente Zapata Support Staff Colombia: Carlos Guillermo Meléndez Arancibia Jiménez Sandra Dossman Adriana Domínguez Maria Cecilia Roa Honduras: Luis Brizuela Villa Escober Marco Tulio Trejo Orlando Mejía Miguel Angel M~dez Heraldo Cruz Gilman Palma Willmer Nolasco Maria O limpia Ramírez Iveth Espinal Erundina Espinoza Denis Espinal Rodríguez Denisse Rosdeli Alas Castro Arturo Nuñez Isaul Martinez Mario Rolando Pineda PhD Soils, Regional Coordinator Honduras. PhD Economics, Bioeconomic modeling Honduras. MSc Food, Rural agroenterprises Honduras MSc Agronomy, Local strengthening official Nicaragua MSc Agronomy, Local strengthening official Nicaragua MSc Geography, GIS Nicaragua PhD Soils, Project Manager MSc Sociology, Landscape management Colombia PhD Communications, Capacity building Colombia (Consultant) Agronomic Engineer, Administrative Assistant Agronomic Engineer, Research Assistant Graphic Designer, Communications Assistant Bilingual Secretary MSc Development, Research and Admínistrative Assistant Agronomic Engineer, Production Systems and Local Strengthening Joumalist, Administrative Assistant Agronomic Engineer, Soils and Capacity Building Agronomic Engineer, Biophisical models Agronomic Engineer, Seeds ofHope (5%) Agronomic Engineer, Multi-purpose forages (50%) Technician, Production Systems Driver Maintenance Secretary Caretaker Field Assistant Secretary Yorito Security Guard Para-technician SOL project Luquigue Field Assistant SOL project Luquigue 136 Nicaragua: Jorge Alonso Beltrán Maria Eugenia Baltodano Domínga Tijerino Trinidad Reyes MSc Agronomy, Local strengthening official Nicaragua Economist, Bioeconomic modeling MSc Sociology, Local strengthening and capacity building Agronomic Engineer, Research Assistant Nohenú Espinosa Agronomíc Engineer, Research Assistant Martha Lorena Lacayo Juan Bosco Franco Fátima Sandoval Accountant, Administrative Assistant Agronomic Engineer, Seeds ofHope (5%) Secretary Pedro Pablo Orozco Yuritza Zamora Agronomic Engineer, Production Systems Secretary San Dionisia Pedro Torres Driver Sandra Palacios Caretaker (50%) Students Colombia: Claudia Marysol Buitrago (Universidad Nacional) Alexander Feijoo (Universidad Nacional) Honduras: Dorivar Ruíz (EAP - Zamorano) Francisco Zaconeta (EAP - Zamorano) Abner Jiménez (ESNACIFOR) Alma Soza (ESNACIFOR) Josue Anibal León (ESNACIFOR) José González- (CA TIE) Ramón Hernandez (ESNACIFOR) Alejandra Sierra {EAP - Zamorano) Dorivar Ruiz (Zamorano, Honduras) Kirsten Probst (University ofHohenheim, Germany) Luz Maria Medina (Lava! Univmity, Canada) Jon Magnar Haugen (NORAGRIC, Norway) Sigrid de Barbentane (NORAGRIC, Norway) Jose Fernando Escolán Rodezno (ENA. Olancho, Honduras) Nicaragua: Gines Calderón (UNA) Ninoska Moreno (UNA) Jaime Aguilar González (UNA) Ramón Reyes Blanco (UNA) Pable Zúñíga (UNA) Javiera Pichardo (UNA) Freddy Obando (UNA) Daniel Trinidad Larios (UNA) 137 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms Acronyms ACELY A CIAR ACV ADDAC AHI AHPROCAFE AIMA AL CON AMCY ARC ARls ASOCIAL BRUT BSP CAD ECA CALEL CAP CAPRI CARE CASFUL CASM CATIE CCD CDR CEA CEPRODEL CGIAR CIALs CIDA CID ES CIIETS CIMMYT CIP CIPASLA CIR.AD CLBRR Asociación de Enlaces de Ladera Australian Center for Intemational Agricultura! Research Asociación Campos Verdes, Nicaragua . Asociación para la Diversificación y Desarrollo Agrícola Comunal, Matagalpa, Nicaragua African Highlands Initiative Asociación Hondureña de Productores de Café, Honduras Agri-Industrial Management Agency, Uganda Alimentos Concentrados agroindustry, Honduras Asociación de Mujeres Campesinas de Y oro, Honduras Agricultura! Research Corporation, Sudan Agricultura! Research Institutes Asociación de CIAL, Honduras Represa de agua potable para los municipios de Bolívar, Roldanillo, La Unión, and Toro Burundi Sweet potato Programme, ISABU, Burundi Compañia Avícola de Centro América Cooperativa Agrícola Lempira Limitida, Honduras Comité de Agua Potable Systemwide Program for Collective Action and Property Rights of the CGIAR Cooperative for American Remittances Everywhere Cooperativa Agrícola San Francisco Unión Limitida, Honduras Comisión de Acción Social Menonita, Honduras Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, Costa Rica Comisión Cristiana de Desarrollo, Honduras Center for Development Research, Denmark Centro Experimental del Algodón, Nicaragua Centro de Promoción del Desarrollo Local, Nicaragua Consultative Group on Intemational Agricultura! Research Comités de Investigación Agrícola Local Canadian Intemational Development Agency Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de Sulaco, Honduras Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teológicos y Sociales, Nicaragua Centro Internacional de Mejorami~nto de Maíz y Trigo, Mexico Centro Internacional de la Papa, Peru Consorcio Interinstitucional para una Agricultura Sostenible en Laderas, Colombia Centre de coopération intemationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, France Canadian Center for Land and Biological Resources Research 138 CLODEST CMC COCEPRADIL CODESA CO:fiDEFOR COMUCM1NEL CONCERN COOPACYL COPECO CORPOCUENCAS CPCCM CRDI CRS CURLA DANIDA DEC DER DGA DGEC DICTA DIMA DIPPAC DSSAT EACSF EAP-Zamorano EARO EAWAG ECAR ENA ESNACIFOR ETHZ FADCANIC FAO FARENA FEPROH FEWS FinA FHIS FIDER Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa, Honduras Comisión de Crédito, Microempresas y Comercialización of CLODEST, Yorito, Honduras Consejo Central de Proyectos de Agua y Desarrollo Integral de Lempira, Honduras Consultores para el Desarrollo Sostenible, Honduras Corporación Hondureña de Desarrollo Forestal Cooperativa Mixta Unión de Campesinos en Nueva Esperanza Lim.itida, Honduras Intemational nongovernmental organization of volunteers Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Y oro Limitida, Honduras Comisionado Permanente de Contingencias, Honduras Corporación V allecaucana de las Cuencas Hidrograficas y el Medio Ambiente Comisión de Producción, Crédito, Comercialización y Microempresas of CIDES, Sulaco, Honduras Centro Regional de Investigación, Honduras Catholic Relief Service, Honduras Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico, Honduras Danish Intemational Development Agency Dirección Ejecutiva de Catastro, Honduras Desarrollo de Empresas Rurales Dirección Gestión Ambiental, Honduras Dirección General de Estadísticas y Censos, Honduras Dirección de Investigación de Ciencias y Tecnología Agrícola, Honduras División Municipal de Aguas, Honduras Diversificación del Proyecto Agroforestal Comunitario, Honduras Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer model Empresa Asociativa Campesina San Francisco, Honduras Escuela Agrícola Panamerican-Zamorano Ethiopian Agricultura! Research Institute Swiss Federal Institute for Science and Technology Ensayo Centroamericano de Apaptacion y Rendimiento Escuela Nacional Agrícola de O lancho, Honduras Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales, Honduras Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule-Zentrum (Swiss Federal Institute ofTechnology), Zurich Fondo de Desarrollo para la Costa Atlántica de Nicaragua Food and Agriculture Organizatiori ofUnited Nations, Italy Facultad de Recursos Naturales, UNA, Nicaragua Fomento Evnagélico para el Progreso de Honduras Famine Early Warning System ofUSAID Fondo Hondureño para lnversion Agrícola Fondo Hondureño de Inversion Social Fundación de Investigación de Desarrollo Rural, Nicaragua 139 FODA FONCREDY GTZ GUAYAPE GWR IASCP IASS IBSRAM !CARDA !CASA ICLARM ICRAF ICRISAT IDB IDRC IFPRI lliCAFE IICA liTA ILRI INEC INERA INETER INFOP INPHR.U INTA IPCA IPGRI IPRA ISABU ISNAR ISP ITDEA llCATUYO KARI KRRC MAG MAG MAG&I MAG&RD MAGFOR MARD Fortalezas, Opciones, Deficiencias, Acciones Fondo de Crédito COOPACYL, Y oro, Honduras Deutsche Gesellschaft fiir Techische Zusammenarbeit (German Agency for Technical Cooperation) Proyecto de Desarrollo del Valle del Guayape, Honduras Geographically Weighted Regression International Association for the Study of Common Property, USA Intemational Association of Agronomy Students International Board of Soil Resources and Managem~t, Thailand International Center for Agricultura! Research in the Dry Areas, Syria International Consortium for Agricultura! Systems Application International Center for Living Aquatic Research Management, Philippines International Center for Research in Agroforestry, Kenya Intemational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, India Inter-American Development B~ USA International Development Research Centre, Canada International Food Policy Research Institute, USA Instituto Hondureño del Café Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura Intemational Institute for Tropical Agriculture, Uganda Intemational Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos, Nicaragua Institut national pour 1 'étude et la recherche agronomique, Democratic Republic of Congo Instituto Nicaraguense de Estudios Territoriales Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional, Honduras Instituto de Promoción Humana, Honduras Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicaragua Investigación Participativa para Centro América Intemational Plant Genetics Research Institute Investigación Participativa en Agricultura/Participatory Research in Agriculture of CIA T Institut des sciences agronomiques du Burundi Intemational Service for National Agricultura! Research Instituto San Pedro, Y o rito, Honduras Intelligent Team Decision Assistant Proyecto de Desarrollo del río Jicatuyo, Honduras Kenya Agricultura! Research Institute Kakamega Regional Research Centre, KARI, Kenya Ministerio de Agricultura, Costa Rica, Honduras Ministry of Agriculture, Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Malawi Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kenya Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal, Nicaragua Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kenya 140 MARI MAUP MIS NAAPRI NARO NPRC OCIA OLUP PAAR PASA PASOLAC PDA PDAER PES PRGA PRODERCO PRODESSA PROFRUOL PRO LANCHO PROLESUR PRONADERS REDOLYS SAAD SAARI SAG SDC SENAS A SERNA SERTEDESO SOH SOL SOM SPS SWAT SWBM SWNM TROPILECHE TROPISEC TSBF UCA Maruku Agricultura! Research Institute, Tanzania Modifiable Areal Unit Problem Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium Namulonge Agricultura! and Animal Production Research Institute, Uganda National Agricultura! Research Organisation, SAARI, Uganda National Potato Research Centre, Kenya Organic Crop lmprovement Association International Office ofLand Use Planning ofSERNA, Honduras Programa de Administración de Areas Rurales, Honduras Programa de Apoyo al Sector Agrícola, Nicaragua Programa de Agricultura Sostenible en las Laderas de Centro América Proyecto de Desarrollo de Area, Y oro, Honduras Proyecto de Desarrollo de Agroempresas Rurales Productores Empresarios de Semillas Artesanales Participatory Research and Gender Analysis for Technology Development and Institutional Innovation, systemwide Program of the CGIAR Proyecto de Desarrollo Región Centro Oriente, Honduras Proyecto de Desarrollo de San Dionisio, Nicaragua Proyecto Regional de Frijol para Centro Ainérica, México y el Caribe Proyecto de Desarrollo de Olancho, Honduras Proyecto Lempira Sur, Honduras Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Sostenible Red de Organizaciones Locales de Y orito y Sulaco, Honduras Systems Analysis for Agricultura! Development Serere Agricultura! and Animal Production Research Institute, U ganda Secretaria de Agricultura y Ganadería, Honduras Swiss Development Cooperation Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria, El Salvador Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente, Honduras Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenido, Honduras Seeds ofHope Project Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (Hillsides Options Supermarket) Self-Organizing Map San Pedro Sula, Honduras Soil and Water Assessment Too! Spatial Water Budget Model Soil Water and Nutrient Management program Sistemas de Alimentación a base de leguminosas mejoradas para pequeños productores con ganado de doble proposito en América Latina tropical (''Improved legume-based feeding system for smallholder dual- purpose cattle production in tropical Latin America''), a CGIAR project Programa del Trópico Seco Nicaraguense Tropical Soils Biology and Fertility Program, Kenya Universidad Centroamericana 141 UNA UNAH UNALM UNICAM USAID USDA USGS VIDAC WEPP Abbreviations APs CAL DEM DS DSS EXAC GDP GIS GOs HLU IDOP IND LP LUT M&E NARS NAT NGO NRM PM&E PPI RCBD SAL SOM TEB TTH t. u. VR Universidad Nacional Agraria, Nicaragua Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras Universidad Nacional Agraria "La Melina", Peru Universidad Campesina Estelí, Nicaragua United S tates Agency for International Development, W A United Sates Department of Agriculture United States Geological Survey Vivero de Adaptación Centro Americano de grano rojo Water Erosion Prediction Project ofUSDA and Makerere University action plans Calliandra calothyrsus digital elevation model decision support decision support system exchangeable acidity gross domestic product geographic information systems governroentorganizations homogenized land units identificación de oportunidades de mercados Indigofera constricta linear prograrnming land-use type monitoring and evaluation national agricultura! research systems natural fallow nongovernmentalorganization natural resource management participatory monitoring and evaluation proyectos productivos integrados randomized complete block design sistema de apoyo local soil organic matter total exchangeable bases Tithonia diversifolia taxonomic units virtual reality 142