Final report Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda Project evaluation Kampala, 27.08.2014 Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda Project evaluation Client: Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung Africa Authors: Grit Techel Kelly Wanda Lower picture on front page: http://www.hrnstiftung.org/ Acknowledgement Survey and stakeholder consultations for this evaluation were conducted at short notice and within a short timeframe. This was possible only thanks to the dedicated support from HRNS, in particular the General Manager, Stefan Cognigni, and the Field Officers Daniel Kazibwe, David Senyonjo and Kenedy Senoga Sebaggala. All other HRNS staff readily shared information and thoughts on the project whenever asked. The enumerators Clessy Ndaula, Douglas Ntwatwa, Jane Najjemba, Justine Namwanga, Kalule Mbagatuzinde and Rashid Matovu showed great dedication in data collection and entering. Only their efforts make the project’s benefits at household level visible. Doris Weidemann from Q-mon international took the lead in the design of the questionnaires and the training of the enumerators. Without her capturing and analyzing the many details of this project would have been a lot less efficient. Last but not least thanks to all those stakeholders interviewed, for sharing their knowledge and opinions so freely. Content 1 Executive summary .................................................................................................................. 1 2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 5 3 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 8 4 Project interventions.............................................................................................................. 12 4.1 Purpose of the project.................................................................................................... 12 4.2 Objectives of the project ................................................................................................ 12 4.3 Activities conducted and achievement of targets set .................................................... 12 4.3.1 Organizational development................................................................................ 13 4.3.2 On-farm production ............................................................................................. 18 4.3.3 Coffee quality ....................................................................................................... 23 4.3.4 Value addition and market access ....................................................................... 24 4.3.5 Livelihoods ........................................................................................................... 32 4.3.6 Gender equality.................................................................................................... 34 5 Evaluation findings ................................................................................................................. 38 5.1 Overall achievement of the project objectives and vision ............................................. 38 5.2 Relevance and effectiveness of the project ................................................................... 39 5.3 Stakeholder involvement and creation of an enabling environment ............................ 43 5.4 Economic development .................................................................................................. 44 5.5 Social and environmental improvements ...................................................................... 44 5.6 Sustainability .................................................................................................................. 45 6 Risk and challenges to the project ......................................................................................... 47 6.1 Risks ................................................................................................................................ 47 6.2 Challenges ...................................................................................................................... 48 7 Recommendations ................................................................................................................. 50 8 List of literature ...................................................................................................................... 53 Annex ............................................................................................................................................. i Annex 1: Questionnaire for lead farmers ................................................................................ ii Annex 2: Questionnaire for members of Producer Organizations ..........................................vi Annex 3:Questionnaire for non-members .............................................................................. xx Annex 4: Terms of reference.............................................................................................. xxxiv Annex 5: List of persons interviewed ................................................................................. xxxvi Annex 6: Possible limitations of the evaluation methodology ................................................xl List of tables Table 1: Sampling collectives ........................................................................................................ 9 Table 2: Organizational development ......................................................................................... 13 Table3: Net income for selected DCs and batches ..................................................................... 18 Table 4: On-farm productivity and practices .............................................................................. 20 Table 5: Coffee quality ................................................................................................................ 23 Table 6: Improving coffee quality ............................................................................................... 24 Table 7: Value addition and market access................................................................................. 25 Table 8: Kiboko marketing through the DC Companies .............................................................. 30 Table 9: Livelihoods ..................................................................................................................... 33 Table 10: Gender equality ........................................................................................................... 35 Table 11: Overall achievement of targets ................................................................................... 38 Table 12: Good post-harvesting practise by non-PO farmers ..................................................... 42 List of figures Figure 1: Building coffee farmers’ alliances .................................................................................. 7 Figure 2: Sampling framework ...................................................................................................... 9 Figure 3: Service provision by Companies................................................................................... 16 Figure 4: Information and control between different levels ...................................................... 17 Figure 5: Use of inputs and application of good agricultural practices ...................................... 21 Figure 6: Coffee yields dry cherry ............................................................................................... 22 Figure 7: Bulking process............................................................................................................. 28 Figure 8: Record keeping by Companies ..................................................................................... 29 Figure 9: Development of coffee bulked..................................................................................... 31 Figure 10: Changes in household assets since 2010 ................................................................... 34 Figure 11: Men contributing to household work ........................................................................ 36 Figure 12: Distribution of farm work ........................................................................................... 36 Figure 13: Decision making in farmer households ...................................................................... 37 Figure 14: Cash flow misalignment ............................................................................................. 41 Figure 15: Use of GAP by non-PO farmers .................................................................................. 42 Figure 16: Spill over to non-PO farmers ...................................................................................... 43 List of acronyms aBi Agribusiness Initiative APEP Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program CFAU Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda CSO Civil Society Organisations DC Depot Committees DEF Douwe Egberts Foundation EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FAQ Fair Average Quality FFS Farmer Field School FOB Free On Board GAP Good Agricultural Practises GIZ German Development Cooperation GO Governmental organisations HRNS Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung ICP International Coffee Partners KfW German Development Bank LEAD Livelihoods and Enterprises for Agricultural Development LG Local Government MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries N Total sampling collective n Valid number of respondents for a particular topic NAADS National Agricultural Advisory Services NGO Non-governmental Organisation PO Producer Organizations SACCO Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization ToR Terms of Reference UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics UCDA Uganda Coffee Development Authority UCF Uganda Coffee Federation UCFA Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance UGX Uganda Shilling URA Uganda Revenue Authority USD US dollars UTZ A sustainability certification standard VEDCO Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns VSLA Village Savings and Loans Association Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 1 Executive summary The report describes the evaluation results for the project “Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda”, implemented by Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung (HRNS) from 2009-2013. The evaluation was limited to two project regions in Uganda: Luwero (Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts) and Bukomansimbi (near Masaka). The project seeks to improve livelihoods of [coffee] farmer households through improved [coffee] production systems. The project is set against the background of low productivity and poor quality in the sub-sector, caused by lack of professional know-how, access to improved technologies and quality farm inputs on the one hand, market inefficiencies and the largely unregulated nature of the sector on the other hand. HRNS’ key strategy to smallholder development in Uganda is organizational development as farmer organizations form the platforms for all project activities. It created two tiered farmer organizations: Producer Organizations (PO) at village level and Depot Committees (DC) combining several POs at sub-county level. Also, in 2010 the apex organization Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance (UCFA) was formed. The specific objectives of the project relate to: Organizational development On-farm production Coffee quality Value addition and market access Livelihoods and Gender equality. Overall the project shows very good results, with the targets set in the log frame met largely (see table below). Adoption of the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) promoted by the project is high, and especially low cost practices have been increasingly adopted. Yields rose from less than 1kg dry cherry per tree and year (baseline) to an average of 2.7 kg dry cherry per tree and year in Luwero and 2.5kg dry cherry per tree and year in Masaka. The quality of the coffee traded by the DC Companies has improved due to the adoption of better harvesting and postharvest practices by a large number of farmers. Furthermore, control measures implemented by the DC Companies also contributed to the increased quality of the coffee. Joint marketing and value addition through the DC Companies with the support of UCFA resulted in the generation of higher incomes from coffee (approx. USD 0.04-0.06 or 8% per kg of unprocessed dried coffee). Records provided by UCFA show that the dry cherry price in project areas is already higher than in non-project areas (approx. 5% of the national average). As a result, livelihoods of participating farmer households have improved, allowing households to save, cover additional expenses and acquire additional assets. Farmers living in the project communities, but not participating in the project have adopted some of the management practices promoted by the project. Nonetheless, the degree of spill over is still very limited. Gender related activities undoubtedly have had a very positive effect at household level. Work, planning, decision making and sharing of income are done jointly more often. 1 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Overall achievement of targets Objective 1 Organizational development 2 On farm productivity Targets achieved* 100% 96% 3 Coffee quality 100% 4 Value addition and market access 100% 5 Livelihoods Partly achieved 6 Gender equality Target achieved Overall >80% *The degree of achievement of targets reflects only the targets set in the log frame. The qualitative analysis is not reflected. Details on the quality of the achievements are provided in the text below. Part of the project’s effect is the creation of an enabling environment for smallholder development. The structures created (POs and DC Companies) make access by third parties to farmers easier, e.g. for distribution of coffee seedlings from Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). Also, the producer groups provide an entry point for other organizations addressing topics related to health, education and food security as well as political leadership and traders of other commodities and farm inputs. These structures also play a key role in creating aggregate demand for other service providers. Hence, they facilitate the development of other value chains and markets. To date government organizations, political leadership and the private sector are all using these structures. However, use is still limited as access to farmers through the DC/PO structure is not actively promoted by the DC management as possible business vehicle. The stability of these positive effects, i.e. in particular continued investments at household level in productivity and coffee quality, will depend to a large extent on the continued and expanding service provision by the DC Companies and UCFA: Technical advice/Extension services Aggregation of coffee for value addition and marketing Market linkages to buyers and Access to finance and farm inputs Linkages with other service providers In Uganda and many other developing countries in Sub-Sahara Africa, building strong smallholder organizations has been a major challenge. There are indeed few success stories in terms of strong and self-sustaining organizations that engage in business. However, the project has successfully built smallholder run companies with a viable business model. Through this model, smallholder companies have succeeded in increasing the value retained on the farm. Considering the benefits to farmers that UCFA, DCs and POs have managed to generate, the model has the potential to be replicated elsewhere. Nonetheless challenges remain, which HRNS and UCFA are aware of and have started to address: 2 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Uganda Coffee Farmers’ Alliance has not enough capacity to cover fully the technical advice to and supervision of the DC Companies. UCFA is partially dependent on external finance (approx. 75%), has few staff in particular in the project areas and as a result relies on HRNS to establish and provide technical support to Companies forming UCFA’s membership base. According to UCFA, the minimum trade volume per year required for financial sustainability is 4,000 tons of FAQ. The biggest recorded amount of FAQ ever reached is 1,600 tons per annum. Plans for the introduction of UCFA Regional Coordinators exist. Coordinators will strengthen UCFA support to the DCs and enhance information flow to DCs and farmers. The sustainability of the DC Companies faces some challenges that need to be overcome. Deficiencies exist in management and financial capacity, and are related to governance. Yet Companies are the key stone to the further development of smallholders. Without the Companies, farmers’ direct access to export markets would be lost. (Partial) failure at this level would reduce the thus far achieved vertical integration of farmers and their direct access to export markets. On the positive side, many farmers will likely keep applying good agricultural practices resulting in higher yield, even without the DCs. Also, at least some of the farmers might seek for better opportunities nearby, e.g. selling to buying stations set up by some of the exporters in nearby towns. The project, together with UCFA, should address these challenges by providing further support to the DC Companies, in particular seeking to improve capacity for planning, accounting and monitoring of the businesses. Non-compliance with the principles of governance should be corrected, mismanagement sanctioned. As part of planning processes Companies must develop risk mitigation strategies, addressing potential fluctuations in coffee quantity and quality, as well as price fluctuations. The aim should be to consolidate the Companies, making them more competitive by gaining the trust of their farmers, passing on as much of the coffee revenues to farmers as possible, while at the same time accumulating working capital. The project has ably demonstrated and provided a low-cost extension service to the smallholder coffee farmers. In the future the DCs, together with their POs need to ensure continued extension services. However, providing extension services on a purely voluntary basis has proven to be not successful. Hence, DCs must incorporate employment of at least some staff into their business models. Access to finance by farmers remains difficult, but is key to the further development of farmers. As long as farmers cannot cover their short term financial needs at affordable conditions (to cover expenses such as education and health, or to invest into farm inputs or assets) their ability to fully adopt GAP and post-harvesting techniques, and to sell all coffee produced to the Companies will be limited. HRNS and UCFA have been working together on attracting and encouraging financial institutions to start lending to smallholders, with pilot projects been carried out in Mityana and Mubende. However, the models used thus far, even though successful on pilot basis, were not suitable for roll out to much larger numbers of farmers and need further adjustments. Access to finance has to become an integral part of the project design. Supporting the formation of Village Saving and Loan Associations by strengthening financial literacy of 3 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE farmers and expansion of the new pilot project for commercial lending which has been designed in collaboration between KFW, Opportunity Bank, HRNS and UCFA are possibilities. The current standard for certification limits participation of farmers, and increases implementation costs to all (project, farmer, Company) without a clear financial gain. The deficiencies of the certification scheme must be addressed. This could mean to simply stop certification of farmers until a better standard is available, or engage with the standard to improve it. HRNS is planning to do the latter together with UTZ in areas already certified with the standard. Farmers have adopted the various different good agricultural practices to a different extent and spill-over to neighboring farmers is still limited. The project should research the cause for limited adoption by and/or transfer to farmers not directly participating in the project, and adjust the project design accordingly. However, 100% adoption of good agricultural practice by all farmers is unlikely as e.g. coffee is not an important crop for every farm. The established DCs are likely to overcome the above challenges with reduced support by HRNS and closer involvement of UCFA. Well established DCs in the older project areas (Mityana and Mubende) have not just higher managerial capacity, but also the relationship between farmers and leadership has had time to mature and professionalize, in the process attracting more farmers. The current HRNS strategy in Uganda is sound: to remain in a given project area beyond the initial duration of a particular project. It allows gradual change from intensive support of the organizations to a more guiding function. At the same time focus of project activities can shift from the original organizational development to other aspects relevant to the sector and farmers. It allows adapting initial ideas and designs, and transfer of the best working project activities to other areas. 4 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 2 Introduction The Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung(HRNS) implements coffee extension projects in Uganda and other coffee producing countries, engaging small holder coffee farmers. The aim of the project in Uganda is to improve farmers’ productivity, ability to produce quality coffee and to build marketing capacity, thus, seeking to improve the livelihoods of the farmers and their families. The project sets a strong focus on the organizational development of farmer organizations and the individual capacity building of farmers. Farmers’ organizations are designed to deliver extension services and joint marketing. Through Farmer Field Schools the knowhow and capacity of individual farmers in good agricultural practices and post-harvest handling of coffee is strengthened. At the same time interventions aiming at gender equality and access to finance address socio-economic issues at the household level. Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung recruited UNIQUE forestry and land use to evaluate the project “Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda” in two project regions comprising of four districts: Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola (Luwero region), and Bukomansimbi (Masaka) implemented from 2009-2013. The purpose of this evaluation is to inform HRNS, UCFA and the projects stakeholders on current achievements, challenges, lessons learned and possible future directions to deepen any successes so far achieved. Background Coffee is Uganda’s most important commercial agricultural commodity, contributing approx. 20% to Uganda’s foreign revenue (MAAIF, 2013). An estimated 1.7 million farmers are growing coffee in Uganda, mainly Robusta. The vast majority of these farmers grow coffee on small farms with an average of 200 coffee trees. Coffee farming in Uganda is characterized by low farm investment and, as a consequence, productivity is just 10 % compared to model farms using best practices (MAAIF, 2013). Coffee farmers benefit from a highly competitive value chain, allowing them to receive 75% of the coffee price compared to export prices1 (Technoserve, 2013). However, the liberal market and high competition between traders promotes the trading and sale of poor quality coffee, with few incentives for the farmers to improve the quality of their product i.e. high quality coffee usually does not receive a price premium at farm gate. The coffee policy (MAAIF, 2013) identifies the challenges faced by coffee farmers such as limited participation in the post harvesting processes, lack of improved technologies, unreliable sources of farm inputs, unsustainable agronomic practices, inadequate extension and business advisory services, and the poor organization of farmers. The Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances in Uganda project (CFAU) (2009-2013) implemented by HRNS is addressing the above mentioned deficiencies and builds upon the experiences and lessons learnt from the Kaweri Coffee Farmers’ Alliance Support Project which started in 2004 in Mubende and Mityana districts. Since then further project areas have been incorporated into the project, namely Luwero, Masaka and Kasese. 1 Free on Board price (FOB) 5 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE In all of the above cases the project created two tiered farmers organizations: Producer Organizations (PO) at the village level and Depot Committees (DC) combining several POs at the subcounty level. Also, in 2010 the apex organization Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance (UCFA) was formed which will gradually take on the responsibility of supporting the farmers’ organizations working in the districts. Its key function is, however, supporting the marketing of the coffee bulked by the DCs and facilitating linkages with other service providers, such as financial institutions. The project combines different funding streams and interventions, which either run parallel or build upon each other - thus ensuring long term technical advice to the farmer organizations. Figure 1 provides an overview of the different key interventions in all of the project regions beginning from 2004 to date. For example, in Luwero region the project worked with the farmers’ organizations on aspects of certification and gender equality. In 2013 the project started to include climate change mitigation and adaptation components, and in the near future it will try to develop a more applicable certification standard with Luwero as a pilot. These activities have various funding sources, coming online at different times and focusing on different aspects. Key partners include the European Union (EU), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, International Coffee Partners (ICP), USAID, Agribusiness Initiative (aBi), Plan Uganda, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Douwe Egberts Foundation (DEF). Furthermore, the project works closely with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Local Government and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). Project evaluation The objective of the project evaluation was to quantify the degree to which project objectives and targets have been achieved. Where possible the evaluation quantifies/qualifies the project’s impacts on project beneficiaries and on non-project farmers living in the same area. Successful elements and lessons learnt are highlighted to support scaling up initiatives. This report is targeting first and foremost HRNS, in particular the implementation team, and stakeholders directly involved in the funding and implementation of the project. However, assuming that at least parts of this report will be shared with parties not directly involved in the project, structures, implementation approach and details related to coffee cultivation and trade will be explained where pertinent. The following chapters provide: Brief description of the methodology used for the evaluation Projects objectives, targets and activities planned and achieved Findings of the evaluation Risks and challenges to the sustainability of the various developments and Recommendations for further implementation in the area covered per ToR and elsewhere. 6 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 1: Building coffee farmers’ alliances Building of farmers organizations in: Mityana & Mubende 2004 2006 Luwero* & Bukomansimbi 2008 Masaka & Kasese 2010 2012 ... Uganda 2014 ... Gender for growth Certification (Luwero) Coffee improvement project (Bukomansimbi ) Uganda Coffee Farmers' Alliance Luwero Coffee Farmers' Alliance Kaweri Coffee Farmers' Alliance APEP, LEAD (Mityana, Mubende) Climate Change project (Luwero) Youth project (Mityana, Mubende) *Luwero comprises Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola districts Revolutionizing certification (Luwero) 7 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 3 Methodology The objective of the project evaluation was to appraise the extent to which the project has achieved its objectives and to assess the impact that the intervention has had, both on direct project beneficiaries and on non-project farmers. Furthermore, lessons learnt and successful elements were to be documented, and recommendations supporting the scaling up of initiatives in the country were to be made. The terms of reference are provided in Annex 4. The following criteria will be assessed: Effectiveness Efficiency Impact Relevance Scalability and Sustainability The basis for this evaluation was the project logical framework and the baseline survey (Loisa, 2011). The evaluation methodology chosen was adapted from the baseline survey, i.e. sample size, households surveyed and the proxies used were the same wherever possible. Likewise, the structure of the report, in particular section 4.3: “Activities conducted and achievement of targets set” is based on these two documents. Literature Project specific information made available by the project in the form of annual reports, M&E reports, presentations and farmers data bases wereused for the development of this report, alongside with secondary documents pertaining to the coffee sub-sector or from stakeholders interviewed. A detailed list of the documents utilizedis provided in chapter 8. Sampling framework In order to assess the project’s performance and impact a vertical sampling approach was chosen as shown in Figure 2. Out of the 32 existing Depot Committees within the two project areas, 12 were selected for interviews. Within each of the selected DCs, five POs were selected. In total 300 farmers were selected for interviews within the selected POs. In each PO one lead farmer, three members of the farmer group and one farmer living within the community but not affiliated to the PO was chosen. (Table 1) The samples, other than the non-project farmer, were selected systematically from lists provided by HRNS (i.e. taking every x DC, PO or farmer). The sampling method does not attempt to select a statistically representative group. Rather, its design strives to capture the range of differences between the project areas, and cover the project’s intervention at different levels. The design took into consideration the available time and human resources. 8 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Given the strong linkages between older and newer project sites (see Figure 1) HRNS encouraged the consultant team to visit one of the oldest, DC Company in Mityana (Nabumbugu Company, established in 2006). Nabumbugu Company is considered in particular successful by HRNS. For the consultants Nabumbugu Company served as a benchmark and allowed putting into context many of the comments received in stakeholder consultations. Figure 2: Sampling framework Selected project areas: • Bukomansimbi • Luwero Benchmark Selection of Depot Committees (DCs): 1 DC in Mityana • 4 DCs Bukomansimbi • 8 DCs Luwero Selection of Pos within the selected DCs • 20 POs Bukomansimbi • 40 POs Luwero Approx. 20-30 farmers Selection of 5 farmers within each of the selected POs 300 farmers Lead farmer = representative for the PO 3 PO members 1 non-member = spill over effect Table 1: Sampling collectives Project Depot Committees Producer Organizations (Lead farmers) Project farmers Non-project farmers Sample size Luwero Sample size Bukomansimbi 32 8 4 570 40 20 20,000 (planned) 120 60 - 40 20 9 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Quantitative assessments Project outcomes and impacts at PO and farmer/household level were assessed through structured questionnaires. Farmers were interviewed about: Farm and coffee management practices Coffee sales Changes in quality of life, and Affiliation to, and services provided by the producer organization. Where possible gender specific data was collected. To assess gender related aspects, when possible/ applicable women were interviewed separately for a small component of the interview. The lead farmer was interviewed in regard to her/his capacity as representative of the PO, including aspects related to the: Degree of formalization and sustainability of the PO Service provision to members Participation by members in group activities Coffee marketing and Access to third party finance. Participation and integration of women was also assessed. The questionnaires are provided in Annex 1 to 3. The data collection and data entry process was conducted by six HRNS officers. These officers are familiar with the project´s interventions, and have a sound understanding of the issues involved. To the highest extent possible, care was taken that officers did not cover the areas where they normally work in to avoid bias. Enumerators were trained by the evaluation team prior to the survey. During the survey the consultants were available for any queries regarding the questionnaires and data entry. Qualitative assessments Focus group interviews were conducted with the DCs, using a semi-structured approach, and combining both qualitative and quantitative questions. The aim was to establish the degree of formalization, sustainability, transparency, service provision and marketing of coffee. The groups interviewed usually consisted of the DC executive (chair person, treasurer, secretary), committee members, the DC manager, extensionists and Farmer Field School facilitators. The participation in the group interviews was generally very high. Only one DC (out of eight) was not available for interviews (Kyango Farmers Company) due to a different, unforeseen engagement of several DC members on the day set for the interview. Stakeholder consultations with key partners and other stakeholders were conducted in the districts and in Kampala, including organizations working at the national level such as the 10 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the Uganda Coffee Federation, the Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance (UCFA), exporters, donor institutions; and at the district level: Local Government, NAADS, input dealers, independent traders, hulling factory owner and input dealers. From HRNS the general manager, field operations officers, gender expert and certification officer were interviewed. A detailed list of the organizations and persons interviewed is provided in Annex 5. Possible limitations of the methodology used are described in Annex 6. 11 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 4 Project interventions 4.1 Purpose of the project The purpose of the project is to improve the livelihoods of 20,000 farmer households through improved [coffee] production and marketing systems, aiming at raising productivity, product quality and efficiency. The implementation area includes Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola and Bukomansimbi districts. 4.2 Objectives of the project For the project lifetime of four years (2009-2013), six objectives2 were set: 1. Organizational development: Establishing and strengthening two-tiered farmer organizations as transparent and professional service providers supporting their members 2. On-farm production: Enabling farmers to significantly improve coffee [productivity,] production and overall farm management in a sustainable way 3. Coffee quality: Enhancing coffee quality through improved practices and management 4. Value addition and market access: Improving the overall marketing performance of producer organizations through value addition and efficient linkage to marketing agencies, exporters and international traders 5. Livelihoods: Mobilize self-help potential of project coffee farmers and enhance their linkages to additional supporters (NGOs, GOs, programs, projects) in order to improve social living conditions (focus: formal education, adult literacy, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, child mortality) 6. Gender equality: Empowering men and women in coffee growing households to meaningfully participate in and benefit from coffee supported interventions, production and marketing for equitable and sustainable development 4.3 Activities conducted and achievement of targets set In the project logframe milestones/targets are listed for each objective to be accomplished during the project lifespan. The activities conducted to achieve these targets are described in the annual project reports. However, the targets3 and indicators used by the project are often limited4 and do not allow for a comprehensive assessment. Therefore, additional criteria and indicators were used to assess the achievement of objectives. The following additional information for each of the above objectives is provided: 2 Summary of activities planned and conducted; As listed in the projectlogframe (2010): „Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda“, CFAU project. In the baseline and annual report for the years 2011 and 2012 only objectives 1-4 and 6 are listed. 3 Targets as set by the project and in the baseline report are listed in the first table in each section: 4.3.14.3.6) 4 The set targets do not capture the full range of activities and related results. In some cases targets set are rather general, and thus, make comprehensive evaluation difficult. 12 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Table listing baseline values, targets set and their degree of achievement; and Details on the progress observed including additional criteria. Sample size is reflected for all of the quantitative results. The total sample size (N) and valid number of respondents (n) for a particular topic are stated. 4.3.1 Organizational development The project supported the formation and formalization of Producer Organizations (PO; village level) and Depot Committees (DC; covering [parts of a] sub-county). Farmers were sensitized on the benefits of joint marketing. The two tiered structures created and the approach used in doing so was copied from similar project activities in Mityana and Mubende. POs aggregate farmers for training on good agricultural practices and form the first level for the bulking of coffee. The DCs aggregate 20-30 POs for bulking, value addition (hulling) and marketing to exporters in Kampala. The project provided all of the companies with quality control equipment. Bicycles were given to the lead farmer. Farmers hosting the demonstration plots received inputs such as seedlings and fertilizer for 2 years. The set target for organizational development was fully achieved (Table 2). However, the target set in the log frame for service provision by the DCs and POs is rather open, i.e. the services were not defined. Also, the ability to provide services autonomously (i.e. without further support by the project), was not captured. For this evaluation the consultants assumed that services provided should address the constraints of Uganda’s coffee sector as listed briefly in section 2. Table 2: Organizational development Baseline Targets Targets achieved No farmer organizations targeting joint value addition and marketing of coffee exist in the project area 570 Producer organizations and 32 Depot Committees have been established and strengthened 100% achieved 570 Producer organizations and 32 Depot Committees can provide defined services to their members 13 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Box 1: Structure of farmer organizations All DC companies are under the umbrella of the Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance (see section 4.3.4). Neighboring companies within one region work with each other for bulked transports to Kampala and control each other to some extent (zones). Each Company comprises 20-30 POs. Farmer Field School (FFS) facilitators (see section 4.3.2) work with several POs. POs working with the same facilitator form PO clusters. Each DC company has a similar structure: a board, supported by three committees: legal, financial and marketing, manager, extensionist and a number of FFS facilitators. Country UCFA Mityana Mubende Luwero Masaka Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Kasese Region / district Subcounty Village DC 1 PO 1 PO x Cluster 1 DC 2 PO xx DC x PO xx Cluster 2 Source: HRNS, 2011. CFAU Annual report 2011 PO xxx Cluster 3 PO xxx 14 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE The evaluation of the organizational development objective additionally included the following aspects: Institutional learning and formalization. Service provision. Governance (transparency/participation), and Sustainability. Institutional learning and formalization All of the DCs were established in 2009 as Community Based Organizations. In 2012 all of the DCs made the transition to Limited Liability Companies (limited by guarantee).5 Since their establishment all of the companies have undergone transformations, deviating from the original blueprint provided by HRNS to different degrees, which is considered a positive development. For example, the companies have different income sources and/or ways of defining them6. They have learned to deal with the variations in coffee quantity and quality between seasons and years, and have adapted the process of bulking to meet these changing conditions. These adaptations accommodate differences between the different DC areas (e.g. marginal vs. core coffee growing area7, level of competition by other buyers), but may also explain some of the differences in service provision and governance (see below). Overall business skills related to planning, controlling and managing the organization still need to be improved. None of the Companies have yet undergone formal financial audits as required by law, or have filed returns with the Ugandan Revenue Authority (URA). According to project management and UCFA the 1st financial audit as required by law is planned for the next financial year. Service provision All of the companies trade coffee, and provide training in coffee management, book keeping and planning. 80% - 90% of the companies provide market information, limited short term prefinance and train farmers in the management of other crops and livestock. Other services include sale of farm inputs, training in climate change adaptation, sanitation and food security. Only one of the companies gives formal loans to farmers. DCs together with the POs provide these extension services free of charge. However, farmers may not perceive these services as an important added benefit of selling coffee through the DCs. That is farmers have no obligation to sell their coffee through the DC despite the benefit from training and technical advice, which are certainly not offered by middlemen or local traders. 5 The company form was recommended byZake, Wegulo& Co. Advocates (2007) All Companies take a service fee for bulking of coffee (price set per kg Kiboko), some collect membership fee per PO, others collect membership from farmers selling their coffee through the Company. 7 The amount of coffee available in a given area, its distribution over areas and number of farmers influences the way Companies can bulk coffee and cost of bulking. 6 15 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Loans Others Training in CC adaptation Sale of inputs Training in other crops and livestock management Pre-finance / up-front payments Market information Bulking of coffee / marketing Training in book keeping and planning 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Training in coffee management Companies providing a service Figure 3: Service provision by Companies N=11 Governance (transparency/participation) All companies and POs have information sharing mechanisms in place, such as regular meetings at the company or PO level, between the company and PO representatives (council) and annual general meetings at the company level. Also, internal audits of the companies are conducted by selected farmers who do not partake in the everyday business of the company. (Figure 4) Transparency between company and POs is likely hampered in companies where the archiving, aggregation and analysis of records and data (in particular accounting of cost, income and profit) are still wanting (see section 4.3.4). Also, the information exchange between the zonal representatives and other companies seems to be limited. For example, companies whose chairperson is the zonal representative have stated that there is a strong degree of communication with UCFA. Whereas those who do not have a zonal representative (and therefore meet with UCFA less frequently), said that communication with UCFA is lacking. The three to four FFS facilitators are an important link between the DC and the POs throughout the year (see box 1 and Figure). Most of the companies did not have any money on their accounts. Some of the DCs explained that the seasons benefit was given as a loan to DC members, however, this seemed poorly recorded if at all. The conditions for these “loans” were not shared. Others spent part of their surplus on acquiring assets such as office furniture. 16 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 4: Information and control between different levels UCFA DC zonal representative DC chairperson DC DC management FFS facilitator Internal auditors PO Council Producer organisations Frequent interaction and information exchange Infrequent interaction and information exchange Sustainability All of the companies still rely on the technical support provided by the HRNS. HRNS officers still visit the companies and POs, providing technical input, e.g. to the internal auditing process. Also, HRNS pays for the FFS facilitators8, which are an important feature of the DCs extension service. Company management works voluntarily, with the exception of the company manager, and the FFS facilitators. The manager is usually paid per UGX 10-15/kg Kiboko bulked. Companies finance their activities from the FAQ9 returns10 and the resulting accumulation of capital and through commercial loans (see section 4.3.4). Not all companies use loans due to the high cost. Companies set the Kiboko price paid to farmers based on FAQ price at the start of bulking activities and estimated outturn. Given the length of the bulking process (see section 4.3.4 and Figure 7) and possible variations in FAQ prices and outturn DCs are exposed to financial risk. Although experience shows that these are limited to individual batches. Changes 8 FFS facilitators in Luwero are paid in the framework of the EU/FAO funded Climate Change project since 2013. HRNS payment for FFS facilitators in Luwero stopped temporarily in 2012. The Companies were unwilling or unable to take on the payment of the facilitators salaries. While FFS facilitators kept working their enthusiasm dropped markedly (Annual report for the year 2012). 9 FAQ: Fair Average Quality, Coffee beans freed from their husks, but without further grading. 10 Expenses and profit margin are deducted from the FAQ price 17 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE experienced can of course be positive as well. Another factor for determining price paid for Kiboko to farmers is the price offered by middlemen. DCs promise to pay a higher price than the prevailing local trader price. This difference usually amounts to Uganda shillings 200 per kg Kiboko. Few companies had cash in their accounts at the time of the visit (see also “Governance” above) but records provided by the Companies indicate that Companies can build up capital over time, albeit slowly (Table3). The table shows figures for out-turn, bulking cost and income for selected DCs and batches. At the moment DCs have relatively high bulking costs. By increasing efficiency in bulking they can further increase their margins and slowly built up their capital and of course pass on a higher benefit to the farmer. Achieving a higher out-turn (influenced by on-farm management) is important as it contributes greatly to positive margins. Table3: Net income for selected DCs and batches Outturn Income Cost of bulking, value addition and transport Net-income* Depot Committee % Kyetume-Kibanyi 57.2 296.0 221.7 74.3 Mitigyera 53.2 108.9 150.1 -41,2 Butalaga 55.1 157.3 111.1 46.2 (UGX/kg Kiboko) 4.3.2 On-farm production Activities conducted under the objective aimed at three aspects related to on-farm production: Increased productivity, Diversification of crops in combination with coffee, and Expansion of coffee farming (e.g. increased stocking and additional area for coffee farming). To that end, the project supported the companies in employing FFS facilitators. These people were taught about Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), training methodology, and other topics. These facilitators pass on this knowledge to farmers. The project identified and trained lead farmers and established demonstration plots at the PO level to show good agricultural practices. PO members were trained by the FFS facilitator and Lead Farmers using a modified FFS approach. On average, three to four facilitators covered all of the POs within one company during monthly visits. 18 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Box 2: Farmer Field Schools Group learning: A group of people with a common interest form the core of the Farmer Field School (FFS). The curriculum follows the natural cycle of its subject. Learning is based on the principles of sharing knowledge, experimentation and participation (learning-by-doing). Lessons take place in the field and are hands-on. Facilitation: FFS needs a technically and socially competent facilitator to lead members through the hands-on exercises. The facilitator can be an extension officer or a FFS graduate. A good program leader who can support the training of facilitators, organize materials for the field, solve problems in participatory ways and nurture field staff facilitators is essential. Finance: FFSs can be expensive or low-cost, depending on who implements the FFS and how they are conducted. Main cost factors are allowances, transportation and [several layers] of supervision. When the FFS is carried out by local organizations and farmer facilitators, initial start-up costs may be moderate, and the running costs will be much lower. Criticism: FFSs have been criticized for their high cost and limited sustainability. A review of FFS by Waddington (2012) shows limited spill-over to non-members. Farmer Field Schools by HRNS: In the project FFS are formed at village level, basically incorporating the same members as the POs. Accordingly the group revolves around coffee farming and marketing. Group members set the training agenda for each meeting, and training sessions take place at different farms chosen in advance by the members. Facilitators are locals trained by the project. Over time they double in function as an extension worker for the DC Companies (see Box 1 in section 4.3.1). In theory, companies will take on the compensation of the FFS facilitator at some stage. Group members live in the vicinity of each other and do not receive allowances. The facilitator receives a very moderate compensation of UGX 100,000/month. She/he covers several FFS/POs. As a result the cost for FFS per farmer is low. Experiences in Mityana/Mubende have shown that FFSs are stable groups with high participation if coupled with Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA). The targets listed by the project – the adoption of GAP and rejuvenation of coffee trees – have been achieved (Table 4). A quantification of these targets was only made in the baseline study. While the overall yields of project farmers are higher than those observed in the baseline, there is still substantial room for improvement when compared to model farms. Furthermore, the project identified the establishment of nurseries and access to micro-finance as milestones to raise productivity. Related activities and outputs to these are discussed below. 19 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Table 4: On-farm productivity and practices Baseline Targets Targets achieved The baseline reports indicates low production and productivity evidenced by indicators such as: Knowledge of number of coffee trees Number of coffee trees/ha Number of productive trees Implementation of good agricultural practices (stumping of coffee trees, use of plating material, pruning, use of herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer etc.) Farmers have improved their farm management practices Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices The target was achieved. Based on the quantification provided below (based on the targets set in the baseline study) the target was achieved to 96%. Farmers are rejuvenating their coffee farms and conducting onfarm research Baseline and target as in baseline At least 2kg dry cherry per tree Average yield in dry cherry per tree per year is 2.7 and 2.5 kg/tree*year in Luwero and Masaka respectively. 50% keep farm records 51% keep farm records Less than 1kg dry cherry per tree 11% keep records 34% of farmers use inputs 62% of farmers use inputs 100% farmers know their coffee 96% of farmers know their cofyields fee yields 77% farmer pruning 95% practice pruning 92% practice pruning Input use and adoption of GAP The large majority of farmers (>85%) use practices that can be implemented at no, or low cost, and that do not have a [even short term] negative impact on the amount of coffee harvested. This includes pruning, de-suckering and selective picking. Stumping of or replacement of trees is practiced by 65% and 75% of farmers respectively. The use of inputs (herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer or manure/mulch) has doubled in comparison to the baseline, but is still low when compared to the other low cost agricultural practices. Over 93% of farmers use elite or clonal seedlings for planting. The remainder use seedlings from their own gardens or uncertified nurseries. Some farmers (approx. 13%) use traditional seedlings as well as elite seedlings and clones. 20 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE % of farmres applying GAP Figure 5: Use of inputs and application of good agricultural practices 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% N=179 Nurseries Four nurseries were established in Luwero region and four in Masaka region. Another four nurseries are planned to be established within the framework of the Luwero Climate change project which started in late 2013. Nurseries are owned and run by private individuals/households. The project encouraged women to take on the main responsibility for the nursery. The primary objective of the nurseries is to sell high quality clonal seedlings to farmers in the vicinity. Nursery operators were trained and coached, and received inputs based on a 50:50 cost share agreement. The targeted annual production capacity per nursery for clones is 37,500. Nursery operators interviewed stated survival rates of 85% for cuttings. In 2013 the nurseries received Coffee Wilt Disease resistant mother plants through UCDA. Some of the nursery operators have expanded their operations including the raising of elite seedlings, which are sold to the UCDA, and incorporate agroforestry tree species into their business. Between 2009 and 2013 Uganda Coffee Development Authority distributed 1.35 million elite seedlings, worth more than UGX 400 million, in Luwero and Masaka through the PO structures created by the project. Micro-Finance Institutions Access to finance for farm inputs as well as to cover other expenses (education, health) are critical to farmer households (see section 4.3.5 and section 5.2). Access to finance for individual households through e.g. Village Saving and Loan Associations (VSLA), Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCO) or commercial lending by banks remains very limited. Only 20% of the POs have set up VSLAs. It must be stressed, that while 21 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE the log frame lists access to micro finance as a milestone, it was not a key target of the project. However, in the framework of the project several activities have been initiated to address this issue. Productivity Actual productivity, i.e. the ratio between inputs and output, could not be evaluated. However, increased yields give an indication for higher productivity, in particular when considering that mainly low cost GAPs are applied. The average yield of farmers increased from < 1kg/tree to 2.7 kg/tree dry cherry annually in Luwero and 2.5 kg/tree dry cherry in Masaka.11 However, yield still varies widely with values between 0.2 and 5.6 kg/tree annually.40% of farmers still have farms with very low productivity of less than 1kg of coffee per tree annually (Figure 6). 12 The discrepancy of many farmers with low yields to many farmers adoption good agricultural practice may be caused by the delayed response of coffee trees to the better management. Values for average rate of outturn (dry cherry to green coffee) provided by the Companies indicate an impact of implementing GAPs. At the project start, the outturn ranged between 5253%, whereas currently it stands at 56-59%. The exemption is Kakooge Company (53-55%); which is, however, situated at the edge of the viable coffee growing area. Farmers per yield class Figure 6: Coffee yields dry cherry 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% < 1kg 1-2 kg 2-3 kg 3-4 kg >4 kg Coffee yield (kg/year*tree) N=179, n=82 11 Based on project records. The sampling base for Masaka was very limited. Based on farmers statements: number of productive trees and total amount of Kiboko sold in a year. Average yield estimated through questionnaires was only 1.7 kg Kiboko/tree*year. Only farmers who knew the number of productive trees were included in the analysis. The result is not completely reliable as farmers rarely have records of sales throughout the year. 12 22 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 4.3.3 Coffee quality Capacity building to improve coffee quality took place at different levels and at all stages of the coffee value chain: Production, Harvesting, Post-harvest management and storage, and Marketing. Farmers were trained in quality management by lead farmers and in FFS (with support from the project). Company members received training in quality control procedures, communication of quality standards and were encouraged to distinguish between different qualities (e.g. screen size). Furthermore, the companies received the necessary equipment for quality control: Weighing scale Screen sieve Hand huller Moisture meter Targets for improving coffee quality of project farmers were achieved. Quality improvements resulted from the adoption of good harvesting and post harvesting practices. Furthermore, quality was improved by the enforcement of a minimum quality standard for coffee traded through the companies, including requirements such as: Moisture content of ≤ 13% Coffee free of foreign materials No moldy cherries. Table 5: Coffee quality Baseline Targets Targets achieved The baseline report indicates that the production of poor quality coffee is largely due to poor post harvesting practices, but also linked to the nonimplementation of good agricultural practices as listed above (Table 4). Capacities related to quality improvement at the farmer and group levels has been built Quality control measures and procedures have been established at the farmer and group levels. The target was achieved. Based on the quantification provided below (target set in the baseline study) the target was achieved to 100%. Baseline and target as in baseline 15.3% of farmers dried coffee on tarpaulins 50% of farmers drying coffee on tarpaulins 83% of farmers dry coffee on tarpaulins 23 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Adoption of good harvesting and post harvesting practices A significant number of farmers have adopted harvesting and post-harvest practices that have a positive impact on quality of the coffee (Table 6). Table 6: Improving coffee quality Practice Degree of adoption Sample size Picking of ripe cherries 95% n=168 Drying on tarpaulins 83% n=178 Storage on raised beds 65% n=174 N=179 Quality control The companies have implemented various quality control measures. All coffee is checked for impurities (dirt, stones, and other biomass), the state of the dried cherries (coloration, moldiness) and the moisture content. Furthermore, the storage conditions are crosschecked by the lead farmer/bulking team. Coffee not fulfilling the set standards is rejected. The weight of all coffee sold through the DC is measured before collection. However, none of the Companies interviewed were using the sample huller or screen sieve at farm level. The reason given was the impracticality of carrying the equipment from farmer to farmer, and the time volved.13However, sample hullers can be used to establish differences in outturn between areas, which would allow DCs to slightly adjust prices area based. Also, by establishing the outturn before delivery at the hulling factory allows the DC to control the operator of the hulling factory. 4.3.4 Value addition and market access In regards to value addition and market access, project activities can be grouped into two components: 1. The training of company members and staff, and selected members of the POs (lead farmers) on access to and analysis of market information, marketing, performance control, and the benefits of primary processing (hulling). Companies in Luwero were also trained in the sustainability standard from UTZ. 2. The building of the apex organization UCFA to provide market linkages and connections to other service providers, e.g. for financial services and farm inputs. Farmers have better market access and increased benefits from value addition activities (e.g. the milling of coffee to FAQ). (Table 7) As a result, their income per kilogram of Kiboko is higher. 13 The original idea was to aggregate coffee at collection points, i.e. individual farmers bring their coffee there. In reality the Companies bulking team collects coffee from individual farmers. Only very small amounts are delivered by the farmer. (see section 4.3.4, Figure 7) 24 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE The important role of the UCFA is not reflected in the targets. Also, in the logical framework five milestones were identified. These are: 1. Supply chain agreements have been signed 2. Companies generate income from non-coffee activities 3. A credit scheme has been designed and is implemented (commercial loans for companies). 4. 7,000 farmers are verified by 2013 against the sustainability standard 5. A study on opportunities related to certified carbon emission reductions and carbon sequestration has been conducted Details on related activities and outputs for UCFA services and the five milestones are provided below. Table 7: Value addition and market access Baseline Targets Targets achieved No value addition took place. Capacity in coffee marketing at The target was achieved to the PO and DC levels has been 100% based on the targets set in built. the baseline. Strong marketing structures have been established at the DC level to enhance value addition. Trade relations at the national and international level, including certification and branding have been enhanced. Baseline and target as in baseline 100% of coffee sold at farm gate as wet or dry Cherry. The 32 DCs are affiliated to the UCFA UCFA has the capacity to deliver services to the member groups. Target achieved. All 32 DC companies are members of UCFA. UCFA, with the support of HRNS, entered into supply chain agreements with exporters, controls the fairness of the transactions between the DC companies and exporters, and facilitates access to financial resources for both companies and farmers. 50% of the coffee is sold through farmer organizations. 50% of coffee is sold as FAQ directly to exporters in Kampala The target is understood as 50% of farmers coffee yields are sold through the companies. 100% of the coffee marketed by the Companies is sold as FAQ. Approximately 60% of the total coffee yield is sold through the companies.* Almost all the Kiboko collected by the companies is sold to exporters as FAQ. 25 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE *The value given is based on estimates by the farmers and reflects only the main season (Nov-Jan). Information given may not be entirely accurate. For example when coffee is sold at earlier stages (e.g. flowers) the farmer does not know the amount of coffee sold. UCFA services In 2010 UCFA became a functional organization. The alliance facilitates and supports the marketing efforts of the companies, creates linkages with other service providers, lobbies on their behalf, and is planning to provide additional services to its farmer members. The management structure of UCFA is slim, with only two management staff on its payroll (an Executive Manager and a Financial Controller). It has no staff on the ground in either of the project regions assessed in this evaluation. However, one UCFA officer is based in Mityana and Mubende respectively in the framework of a project seeking to improve access to finance. An overview of the UCFA structures is provided in box 3. Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance finances itself to approximately 25% through a service fee based on the amount of FAQ traded by the companies to exporters (UGX 50/kg FAQ). The remainder of financial resources (including in kind) stems from other sources (UCDA in-kind, project finance). In some cases companies interviewed questioned the amount paid14, even stating that they’d like to revise the agreement governing their membership to UCFA. Limited information flow between UCFA and companies was indicated several times. It could not be determined where exactly information is held back, but it is likely that information is lost in several places: at the zonal level (i.e. information passed on from zonal representatives to other companies, see section 4.3.1, Figure 4) and at the company level (i.e. between members). Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance screens Kampala based coffee exporters at the beginning of each season (e.g. the history of prices paid, payment modalities, etc.) and enters into agreements with them. Coffee will be sold by the companies to one or more of these exporters. The supply chain agreement includes the deduction of the UCFA commission from the price achieved by the individual companies and the direct remittance of it to the UCFA.15 14 In some DCs services provided by UCFA are not very visible/well communicated. Thus, some DCs question the justification of the amount deducted. (see section 4.3.1) 15 Each DCs has entered into an MoU with UCFA: UGX 50/Kg FAQ are deducted by the exporter and are directly remitted to UCFA. 26 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Box 3: Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance UCFA management: Managing Director, two management staff, two field officers Everyday management of UCFA business Board of Directors: elected by the General Assembly, forming two committees: Business Development Committee and Finance Committee Meetings every two months, supervision of and support to UCFA management Disciplinary Committee: elected by the General Assembly General Assembly: all members (Companies) are represented through their chairperson, nine women representatives, twelve founder members Quarterly meetings disaggregated for regions, decisions made by the assembly are binding for all members Farmers team of experts: Selected farmers from the best performing Company (amount of coffee bulked) Visits to other Companies to share knowledge and control Board of advisors: Five experts from UCDA director, HRNS general manager, UCF director, MAAIF director plan for modernization of agriculture, EU head of rural development. Marketing of coffee The companies provide market information to their members, which they in turn receive on a regular basis from Ibero and UCFA. Kiboko is aggregated at the company level and processed to FAQ. Often companies combine their coffee for transport to Kampala. All companies follow a fairly lengthy process for coffee bulking, value addition and sale. It can take up to two weeks between the start of bulking and the payment of farmers. The bulking process as originally designed by the project, and the one that is currently being operationalized are depicted in Figure 7. Rather than farmers bringing their coffee to collection centers, the company management collects the coffee from individual farmers or small groups, even for fairly small amounts of coffee. The original idea proved to be not feasible given the high competition of traders buying at the farm gate. The actual duration of the bulking process depends on the amount and distribution of coffee available, power supply gaps and number of other customers at the mill, and the readiness of other companies participating in the joint transport of the coffee to the buyer in Kampala. The collection and control of Kiboko involves many people: Farmer Lead farmer: Company Manager Quality control PO executive and/or treasurer Weighing 1 member of the marketing committee Payment and accounting Helpers Loading and transport Estimating the quantity available, controlling the harvesting, drying and storage processes, and is present for the coffee collection 27 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 7: Bulking process Planned bulking and sales process DC Company 3 Farmer 1 Farmer 2 Farmer 3 Collection centres DC store Farmer ... Farmer ... DC Company 2 Farmer 111 1. Transport of coffee by the farmers to collection centers. 2. Quality control at the collection center by the DC: Moisture content Cleanliness Transport to the hulling factory and processing to FAQ Joint transport of FAQ to Kampala Outturn Screen size Actual bulking and sales process DC Company 3 Farmer 1 Farmer 2 DC Company Farmer 3 Collection centres or DC store Farmer ... Farmer ... Farmer 111 Bulking from and quality control at individual farms by the DC: Moisture content Cleanliness 4-6 days DC Company 2 Transport to the hulling factory and processing to FAQ 1-2 days Joint transport of FAQ to Kampala 2-3 days 28 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Improved farm income Field data and interviews indicate that in particular small farmers are achieving higher quantity per unit and providing better quality coffee than large farmers. That is they focus not so much on additional trees but good management of the existing ones (including replacement). In conjunction with using the marketing and value addition service provided by the DCs, smallholder farmers can benefit substantially from the DC services. Farmers in Luwero and Masaka project regions selling through the DCs received between 100200 UGX more per kg of dry been (approx. 8% price premium) more than those selling to middlemen. Data provided by UCFA for Mityana and Mubende shows that DC price lies on average 15% above the national average.16 It is noteworthy that farmers situated in project areas but not selling through the DCs benefit from the project as well: prices offered by middlemen in the project area are on average 5% above the national average. Record keeping and financial accountability of Companies Record keeping, and data aggregation and use varies widely from simple collection of receipts and minimum aggregation, to very detailed lists combining figures for coffee bulked, members selling coffee through the Company, expenses and income (Figure 8). However, all companies report to UCFA (and have reported to the project). While Companies do know the price paid for Kiboko by middlemen when they set their own price they do not record it. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 16 National average for the same period from UCDA. Reports Minutes Quality of coffee collected per member Amount passed on to exporter Amount of coffee collected total Amount of coffee collected per member Members contact details N=11 Kiboko prices paid by middlemen 0% 0% Members name No. Companies providing a services Figure 8: Record keeping by Companies 29 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Quantities marketed by Companies Farmers sell coffee both to the companies and to other traders, despite the price premium ranging between UGX 100-200/kg Kiboko given by the companies.17 In particular, in the fly crop season a large share of farmers sell to other buyers only. This is likely related to the companies not buying at all in some areas due to the much smaller amounts sold per farmer, and the relatively higher effort of bulking in the fly season. Table 8: Kiboko marketing through the DC Companies Main season November-January Farmers selling Share of Kiboko sold to the DC Fly crop season April-May Farmers selling Share of Kiboko sold to the DC Farmers selling to the DC Company only 51% 100% 40% 100% Farmers selling to the DC Company and others 30% 53% 19% 49% Farmers selling to others only 19% 0% 41% 0% Average 67% 49% N=179, Farmers selling coffee nNov-Jan=112, nApr-May=93 All Companies show a positive trend in the amount of coffee bulked each year. (Figure 9)However, differences between the companies are huge, ranging between 5.3 tons Kiboko and 65.6 tons Kiboko in 2013/14. Differences in the total amount of coffee produced in a given area explain these differences only to a small extent. 17 Price is compared to middlemen prices within the project area. According to the project management the premium is significantly higher when compared to “normal” prices outside the project area. 30 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 9: Development of coffee bulked 70,0 DC 1 Information not available DC 2 DC 3 50,0 DC 4 40,0 DC 5 Luwero Kiboko traded (t) 60,0 DC 6 30,0 DC 7 20,0 10,0 DC 9 DC 10 0,0 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 Masaka DC 8 DC 11 Financial year Other company income None of the companies interviewed indicated any income other than from coffee related activities (in a few cases farm inputs were traded against a negligible commission). Nonetheless, all companies have investment ideas aiming at improvement and expansion of service delivery to farmers. However, none of them have a business/investment plan to realize their ideas. Access to commercial loans Companies have taken out loans between 8 and 10 million UGX for the 2013/14 season. All of the companies but one indicated that the access to finance is very positive for their ability to bulk more coffee (ability to pay farmers on the spot).18 All but one of the companies were able to pay back their loans and interest in a timely manner. The German development cooperation (GIZ), with a software application developed by SAP, has developed a data collection system meant to facilitate access to commercial loans by farmers. The application allows for data collection and analysis from the individual farmer. Data collected includes bulking and sale to the exporter in Kampala, and payments received by the farmer. The pilot project started in July 2013 targeting 12 DCs. The aim is to hand over the system fully to the companies in 2015. From 2016 companies would have to pay the licensing fee for the software. Opportunity Bank, together with Gramin Bank, KfW and UCFA, is developing a group lending scheme. UCFA together with GIZ is developing a similar pilot project in Mityana and Mubende. Once functional, the model is planned to be implemented in other areas as well. 18 Kakooge Company was not comfortable taking a loan. Instead, it identified members willing to wait for payment of their coffee until the end of the season, thus providing the company with working capital. These members were promised the maximum value for coffee achieved in this season. 31 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Certification All of the companies and their related POs in Luwero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola are certified with the UTZ standard19. According to the list provided by the HRNS (data from 2013), 73% of farmers were compliant. Some farmers have dropped out of the project or are dormant as they are not willing to/cannot/do not yet fulfil the necessary criteria. To ensure adherence to the UTZ standards control structures are in place at the company and PO levels. The companies do not have the incentive to aggregate and transport certified and uncertified coffee separately, and to maintain separate records as the price premium is negligible. In the 2013/14 season coffee was traded as uncertified regardless of its source. The achievement of certification is questionable considering the above mentioned missing incentive to handle different coffee origins. Furthermore, some of the standard´s conditions are difficult to implement. The cost of certification is likely prohibitive if it is to be covered by the companies. Study on Climate Smart Agriculture A brief assessment of climate change mitigation and adaptation options was carried out in February, 2014. The assessment identified measures aiming at enhancing soil carbon storage (e.g. mulching) and maintaining the above ground biomass were found to be promising. 4.3.5 Livelihoods The project’s logistical framework lists a range of activities targeting the improvement of people’s lives in the areas of education and health. These activities focused on the training of facilitators and DC members on such issues. Facilitators and DC members pass on knowledge to individual households, and are meant to establish linkages to organizations implementing projects/programs targeting education and health. 46% of the POs visited had other organizations (other than NAADS, such as World Vision, VEDCO, Plan international, Heifer international and others) working in the area. Here, changes in livelihoods cannot be clearly attributed to the CFAU project only. Income and quality of life has changed significantly for many households since the project start. Project farmers produce more coffee per unit and are paid on average Uganda shillings 200 per kg Kiboko more compared to what non-project farmers are getting from local traders. 19 UTZ is a sustainability standard focusing on good agricultural practices to enable farmers to strengthen productivity. The standard incorporates social and environmental aspect. 32 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Table 9: Livelihoods Baseline Targets Targets achieved The baseline identified several proxies as indicators for living standard or livelihood. There is, however, no clear indication of the level of prosperity or poverty observed (i.e. no thresholds set). Social and cross cutting issues are identified, prioritized and an implementation strategy designed and executed with the community Linkages to potential service providers on cross cutting issues established Limited achievement of targets. The targets set do not allow a quantitative assessment. No indication of a strategy addressing social and crosscutting issues was found (other than gender, see section below). Existing linkages to services providers covering such issues are informal. Linkages to service providers to address crosscutting issues Few of the POs and none of the companies interviewed mentioned relationships with nongovernmental organizations or programs targeting health and education. Where such linkages existed, they were of a more informal nature, e.g. some PO members were affiliated to another group targeting health or education and shared what they have learned with their fellow farmers using the group structures. Local government, UCDA and NAADS use the DC/PO structures for various purposes, such as dissemination of health information, agricultural messages, political mobilization and mobilization for distribution of inputs. Changes in livelihood 86% of the interviewed farmers can save on average UGX 45,000/month (USD 18), and 78% can cover expenses which they were not able to cover before 2010. Priority for savings/investments is given, in order, to education, domestic spending, farm investment and housing. Figure 10 provides an overview on tangible investments made by households since 2010. More than 80% of households acquired new assets, while 10% reported a loss – usually livestock or crops. 25% of the households have bank accounts, and 36% have taken out a loan - with the majority through VSLA. Loans are used for education, farm investments followed by domestic spending, business ventures and medical expenses. The above notwithstanding 25% of households were still food insecure with not enough food (on average four months per year). No clear common denominator could be found for these households. However, 60% of those experiencing food shortages did not sell coffee through the Companies. 33 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Households aquiring new assets Figure 10: Changes in household assets since 2010 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% N=179, n=170 Families may have invested in only one or several of the above. Livestock: no distinction was made between different types of animals 4.3.6 Gender equality HRNS employs a gender expert in charge of development and oversight of the gender component, and gender field officers in the project regions. Other HRNS staff was trained on gender issues to create the necessary environment for successful gender interventions with the UCFA, companies and POs. UCFA, companies (including extensionist and the FFS facilitator) and lead farmers were sensitized to ensure active participation of women in the project at all levels. At the village level the project conducted community dialog workshops and theater performances. Participation by all village households was encouraged. In each participating PO several change agents were identified (i.e. voluntarily, couples setting a good example/role models). The project engaged Local Government (LG) and civil society organizations (CSO). 7,850 households participated in gender seminars and 2,743 couples were registered as change agents (CFAU Annual report for the year 2012). 34 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Table 10: Gender equality Baseline Targets Targets achieved According to the baseline study women contribute with up to 50% to farm labor, including coffee. However, often they are not, or to a limited extent only, involved in marketing of coffee and access to the revenues from coffee. Capacity and commitment of HRNS to address gender inequality within the organization and projects has been built. Strategies to reduce gender discriminatory practices in farming communities have been defined, formulated and are being implemented. Linkages and collaboration with LG and CSOs have been established to address gender concerns in the community The targets were achieved. The targets set do not allow for a quantitative assessment. Improvements in gender relations The results and impact of the gender interventions were evaluated in a separate study (Muchodo et al., 2014). The evaluation report shows that: There is relatively equal access and control between men and woman outside the static formal definitions of ownership 97% of respondents jointly plan and make decisions on the income earned from their enterprises 60% of women are highly active in training and make every effort to attend to meetings and trainings whenever invited. Female representation in farmer organizations is low and the pace into leadership roles is still slow. 20% of the respondents in the female sample had leadership roles as lead farmers and committee members and only 5% of them served on the executive body at the PO and DC levels. These findings could be confirmed to some extent. For example, in the companies and POs covered by this analysis we found that woman participated at both levels. However, in companies only approximately 15% of the positions (executive and committees) were filled by women. Approximately 35% of the PO members were women. Figure 11 shows how households with and without gender interventions compare. Out of the total sample, 35% of the households participated in gender activities. Ironically in households without gender interventions men contribute more often to the regular household chores such as cooking, fetching water, fire wood collection and cleaning than in households with the gender intervention.20 However, looking at coffee related management activities distribution of work is significantly different between “gender” and “non-gender” households. Workload is 20 The actual share of contribution of partners was not be quantified. Households participating in the gender activities may be more critical due to the intervention, i.e. qualify contribution differently and are more likely to report imbalances. 35 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE more often distributed equally between men and women in gender households, and in particular for time consuming activities, such as weeding and picking, the entire household21 is more often involved (Figure 12). For more heavy duty activities, such as pruning, the work is usually carried out by men. Furthermore, management and marketing decisions, and sales are more frequently done jointly (Figure 13). Figure 11: Men contributing to household work gender no gender Men contributing to household work 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Cooking Fetching Water Collecting Firewood Cleaning the house N=179, ngender=116 , nnon-gender=63 Only contribution to a certain task was assessed, not the extent of contribution. Figure 12: Distribution of farm work 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Weeding N=179, ngender=48, nnon gender=70 21 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Mulching N=179, ngender=17, nnon gender=26 UTZCore Code of Conduct Version 1.0: Children living on small scale family farms may participate in farming activities that consist of light, age appropriate duties that give them an opportunity to develop skills, provided that the activities are not harmful to their health and development, do not interfere with schooling and leisure time, and are under supervision of an adult. 36 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 12: Distribution of farm work 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Picking N=179, ngender=47, nnon gender=70 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Packing N=179, ngender=47, nnon gender=64 Figure 13: Decision making in farmer households Management activities and marketing 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% N=179, ngender=47 , nnon gender=71 Sale 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% N=179, ngender=46 , nnon gender=71 37 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 5 Evaluation findings 5.1 Overall achievement of the project objectives and vision Overall the project has achieved very good results, with most of the targets set in the log frame fully met, and the remainders at least to some degree. Table 11 provides an overview of the degree of success for each of the objectives. Table 11: Overall achievement of targets Objective 1 Organizational development 2 On farm productivity Targets achieved* 100% 96% 3 Coffee quality 100% 4 Value addition and market access 100% 5 Livelihoods Partly achieved 6 Gender equality Target achieved Overall >80% *The degree of achievement of targets reflects only the targets set in the log frame. The qualitative 22 analysis is not reflected. The vision “To improve the livelihoods of 20,000 farmer households through improved [coffee] production systems, aiming at raising productivity, product quality and efficiency” has been achieved: According to the farmer data base provided by the project 16,176 farmers participated in the project.23 Indicators for improved productivity exist: The average yield per tree has risen from less than 1kg/tree and year (baseline) to more than 2.5 kg dry cherry per tree and year on average. Outturn of coffee marketed by the Companies rose from on average approx. 54% to approx. 58%. Farmers adopted (mainly low cost) good agricultural practices. Product quality has improved due to better harvesting and post-harvesting practices adopted by a large share of farmers and control measures implemented by the companies. Complying with the quality standard, together with the conversion to FAQ translates into higher prices for farmers (USD 0.04-0.08/kg Kiboko or approx. 8% price premium compared to the usual farm gate price inside the project area). 22 For example, targets under objective 1 are limited to the number of organisations created, not the quality of service delivery. 23 HRNS was in the process of updating the lists. Hence, actual number of participants might deviate from the value stated. (Bukomansimbi = 4,417; Luwero = 11,759). According to project management more farmers did actually participate than officially registered. 38 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Efficiency is achieved through the collection of Kiboko by the companies for transport, hulling to FAQ and by selling the product to exporters. Without the bulking service provided by the companies, farmers could not sell coffee directly to the exporters. However, the efficiency of the bulking process can and should be further increased. As a result, the livelihoods of participating farmer households have improved, allowing households to save and cover additional expenses. Assets acquired by households since the project start in 2010 indicate a higher quality of life. Other organizations targeting livelihood aspects also work in the project area, and therefore, it must be noted that all of the changes in livelihoods cannot be 100% attributed to this project. 5.2 Relevance and effectiveness of the project The project is extremely relevant given that it targets farmer households, and in total 82% of Uganda´s population lives in rural settings (UBOS, 2014). 1.7 million farm households grow coffee in Uganda. In these households coffee constitutes on average more than 50% of the household income (Technoserve, 2013). This project addresses major deficiencies in the coffee sector in Uganda, in particular “[...] low yields, limited participation in the post farm processes, lack [to access to] of improved technologies, unreliable [access to] sources of quality inputs, unsustainable agronomic practices, inadequate extension and business advisory services, poor organization of farmers [...] (MAAIF, 2013). The good results described above show that the project design and implementation is effective. The project is well designed, incorporating experiences and lessons learned from previous projects implemented in Uganda (see Figure 1, chapter 2). Nonetheless, a few deficiencies exist including: Degree of value addition The initial design foresees that companies add value by processing Kiboko to FAQ, as well as by grading the coffee. However, the existing grading factories do not provide quality grading according to the exporters standards. Even Nambubugu Company (Mityana district) one of the oldest and, according to the project, best performing companies does not yet grade coffee.24 Farmers have a clear benefit from the current degree of value addition. Rather than adding another step of value addition at this time, efforts should concentrate on improving the efficiency deficits in bulking and further improvement of productivity and coffee quality (see point below). Design of the bulking process The bulking process as designed by the project assumed the dried Kiboko would be transported to collection centers by farmers. At the collection center the company would then 24 Nambubugu Company undertook grading ones, outsourcing the work to a grading factory. However, the grading was done poorly and was not accepted by the buyer. As a result the project encourages DCs to focus first and foremost on improved production and overall coordination of the value addition (FAQ) and marketing process. 39 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE check quality (e.g. if it is free of foreign materials, the moisture content, outturn, screen size, etc.) and record the quantity sold by each farmers. Farmers were to hand over their coffee, with the actual payment made only after sale of coffee to the exporter in Kampala. The design did not take into account the competition by traders25, who pay less, but also: – Collect at the farm gate, – Take any quality of coffee, and – Pay cash on the spot. Companies have adapted the process (i.e. collection at the farm gate, payment of advances) and limit quality checks to foreign materials and moisture content. However, the adapted process is more costly (transport, loan costs for working capital), time consuming and prevents quality based payments.26 Allowing and encouraging the change of the original design shows the process oriented approach of the project. Access to finance Access to finance at the household level was identified as crucial by many stakeholders as well as HRNS management. Affordable loans, be it through Village Saving and Loan Associations, SACCOs or banks, are important to cover short to midterm financial needs of households. Finance is required to bridge time gaps between the actual time of expense and income from cash crops (e.g. for school fees, Figure 14). Currently this gap is covered to a large extent by middlemen buying un-dried coffee or coffee flowers at very low prices. This pre-finance translates into high interest rates, which are however not very tangible to the farmers. Selling crop early takes away any incentive for quality and yield management – as the farmer won’t benefit from the related higher income anyway. Loans will also enable farmers to use more inputs such as fertilizer. The original project design did not incorporate this aspect. However, the project together with UCFA has started to address the problem, working together with Opportunity Bank and KFW in two different pilot projects. 25 Competition increased to an unexpected degree, e.g. exporters have set up buying stations in the project areas and local traders offer better farm gate prices (approx. 10% in comparison to outside the project area (HRNS)). While unforeseen in the project design it must be seen as a positive development from the farmer’s point of view. 26 By noting differences in outturn and screensize between farmers, Companies could differentiate payments between farmers. Currently anybody has to comply only with a minimum quality standard, but also gets paid the same regardless of the actual effort made in management and post harvesting practises and likely related differences in outturn and screen size. 40 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 14: Cash flow misalignment Source: Technoserve, 2013 Monthly income and expenditure for a typical farmer in USD Farmers participating in the project have higher income from their farming activities, and are therefore more likely able to set aside money for months with higher expenditures (see section 4.3.5). However, affordable loans remain unavailable for most farmers. Feasibility of the current certification standards used (UTZ) Certification of small holder coffee farmers according to the current sustainability standards requires substantial time, technical and financial input for implementation and control. Yet, UTZ certified coffee has only marginal to no price premium. As a result farmers and companies have little incentive to become certified, and certainly could not cover the financial cost of certification if asked to do so. Project duration The part of the project focusing on organizational development was limited to four years. The results of this evaluation show that POs and DCs (companies) can be formed during this time. However, in particular DC companies need longer to reach a state where they can operate autonomously in a transparent and beneficial way for all members. Our estimate is that at least six to seven years are necessary to fully develop the capacity of the organizations and guarantee their sustainability. The project management is aware of these issues and has started to address them together with project partners. For example, UCFA is working with KFW and Opportunity Bank to increase access to commercial loans by farmers (see section 4.3.4). HRNS is planning to re-design the sustainability certification criteria with UTZ in the framework of a pilot project in Luwero. Also, project offices in Luwero and Masaka will continue to work with and strengthen the farmer groups and Companies, even though the intensity of their interactions and the project focus will be different (e.g. Climate Change Adaptation Project Luwero). Considering in particular the increased benefit to the farmers that the companies have managed to generate, the model has big potential to attract more smallholders and also to increase investment in similar structures elsewhere. 41 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Spill over to non-project participants Non-member farmers use good agricultural and post harvesting practices to some extent, but less so than project farmers (Figure 15, Table 12). The differences observed were the greatest for use of inputs like pesticide, fertilizer, manure and mulch, and in the stumping or replacement of trees. In particular, the drying of cherries on tarpaulins is done too a much lesser extent by non-member farmers. Nonetheless, better practices have been adopted by more nonPO farmers over the last few years. The change is likely attributable to the project. Positive changes are most visible in low cost interventions with the exception of using herbicide: pruning, de-suckering and storage off the ground. Table 12: Good post-harvesting practise by non-PO farmers PO farmer Post Harvesting practises Non-member Degree of adoption Sample size Degree of adoption Sample size Drying on tarpaulins 83% n=178 23% n=57 Storage on raised beds 65% n=174 77% n=56 N=179 Figure 15: Use of GAP by non-PO farmers Good Agricultural Practices Farmers adopting practise PO members 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% N=58, nPO members=179, nnon-members=57 non-members N=58 42 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Figure 16: Spill over to non-PO farmers Farmers practising … 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Before 2010 June 2014 N= 58 , n= 57 Farmers situated in project areas but not selling through the DCs benefit financially not just through higher production resulting from adoption Good Agricultural Practice but also due to the higher prices offered by middlemen in the project area in comparison to the national average (approx. 5% premium). 5.3 Stakeholder involvement and creation of an enabling environment The project and UCFA work closely with key stakeholders in the sub-sector. HRNS is a member of the Coffee Platform, a forum for exchange in the sector. Approach, results, experiences and lessons learnt are shared with everybody interested and through various fora. At the district level the project works with Local Government, UCDA regional offices and NAADS. All stakeholders interviewed perceived the project as beneficial. The project allows the regional UCDA coordinators to focus technical advice in areas that are not covered by the project. Exporters were very positive about the project as it increases the overall quantity and quality of the coffee traded in the project areas. The structures created (POs and DC Companies) make access to farmers easier, e.g. for the distribution of coffee seedlings from UCDA. Also, the producer groups provide an entry point for other organizations addressing topics related to health, education and food security. To date only government (Local Government, UCDA, NAADS) seems to use the structures. Access to farmers through the DC/PO structure is not actively promoted by the DC management as possible business vehicle and as a result other private businesses have not yet fully internalized the value of the structures. However, the social structures created are used by individuals to share their knowledge and experiences on other topics. 43 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Traders were generally very positive about the companies. They include hulling factory owners who see DCs as sources of high quality coffee for hulling. In addition, other traders saw DCs as a vehicle through which they could access a better market and incomes. As pointed out earlier, DCs lack enough finance to purchase on cash basis all the available coffee from their members, whereas traders do have higher financial capacity. Potential partnerships can be explored. 5.4 Economic development The project contributes to economic development by: Improving the livelihoods of farmer households Farmers receive higher income per kg Kiboko and produce more coffee per unit of land. This results in them having more spending power and an improved quality of life. Developing the capacity of private sector organizations and farmers The project supported the formation of private sector organizations and their development, thus creating structures that enable farmers to jointly market their product and to participate to a higher degree in value addition. The project has successfully built a wealth of knowledge on low cost extension which can ultimately be carried by private sector. By availing low cost, private extension, the project enables huge savings and release of funds that can be invested in other areas. Correcting deficiencies of the coffee value chain Through the companies’ activities, deficiencies of the value chain are corrected. Quality control takes place at the producer level, farmers have access to market information and are vertically integrated along the value chain through the DCs. The project has successfully increased the share of value that is retained on the farm. Potentially increasing the competitiveness of Uganda’s coffee sector in the global market (depending on the level of adoption and repetition in the country) Uganda can raise coffee production and the overall quality of coffee produced consolidating Uganda’s position as global Robusta supplier. This depends on the level of adoption and repetition of the project’s activities in the country. 5.5 Social and environmental improvements The project created social (more equal sharing of work, planning and decision making in households, cohesion within and between communities) and environmental improvements: Gender activities undoubtedly have had a very positive effect on more equal sharing of farm management activities. Work, planning and decision making, and sharing of income are done jointly more often. Producer organizations are based on voluntary participation with farmers sharing a common target: increased income from coffee. Within the producer groups farmers interact at least on a monthly basis during training (FFS). In particular during the coffee harvesting season interaction increases between the PO members, where farmers bring coffee to their neighbors for ease of collection. Furthermore, there are increased interactions between the PO members and their DC company during the bulking process. Lead farmers 44 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE and the DC executives conduct house visits to estimate yields, control compliance with the minimum quality and management standards and to provide advice. Over time the cohesion of the group is likely to increase, and trust between the PO members and the company will likely increase. This could have significant impacts on considerations such as the willingness to wait for payment until after coffee has been sold in Kampala. A certain degree of group cohesion is a prerequisite for other activities such as the formation of VSLAs. Once established, members are bound even tighter, and new farmers are likely to join – with access to finance being a major incentive. Project areas that are certified with the UTZ standard have to comply with a set of regulations ensuring that no harm comes to persons or the environment from potentially harmful substances such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer. Farmers have adopted management practices that improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. 5.6 Sustainability The sustainability of the project has two major aspects: 1. Sustainability of the project’s impacts and 2. Sustainability of the organizations created. Sustainability of the project’s impacts The project shows a positive trajectory in regard to improved coffee production and quality, and related to it, improved household income and spending power. The stability of these positive effects will depend to a large extent on the continued and expanding service provision by the DC companies and UCFA, especially in regards to: Technical advice/Extension services, Aggregation of coffee for value addition and marketing, Market linkages to buyers, and Access to finance and farm inputs. Organizational sustainability The degree of organizational sustainability varies across the three levels. 1. Organizational identity The vision and mission of the organizations in the three tiers is fairly similar and focuses on improving household livelihoods through higher income from coffee. To have this common vision and goal within and across all of the organizations makes the organizational setup sustainable. 2. Strategic, business and operational planning The strategy at each level of the organization is different, thus reflecting on the different functions of each level. All of the organizations are at least to some extent defined by the code of conduct by the UCFA. However, in particular at the DC level the absence of strate- 45 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE gic and business planning is worrying. The degree of operational planning and business control has to be improved. 3. Economic sustainability The POs require low financial input by members, i.e. transport cost of members to reach meetings is low, and administrative costs are very limited as time input is voluntary. Some POs collect membership fees. POs at the moment have a limited role in the bulking of coffee. In the future they can and should have a more substantial role in bulking, thereby reducing cost/increasing efficiency. Companies are gradually building up operational capital and have access to commercial loans. However, they are not yet able to (or willing) to pay salaries to key staff members. The overall efficiency of the companies could be improved. UCFA relies on up to 75% of its budget from external [donor] funding. Its own income is determined by the amount of FAQ sold to exporters. Therefore, UCFA’s economic sustainability is directly linked to the capacity and number of member DC companies. Growth in membership relies largely on HRNS’ creation of new companies by extending the project area. However, growth can be achieved without relying entirely on aerial expansion, i.e. through increased productivity of participating farmers and inclusion of more farmers into the scheme within the existing project areas. 4. Governance Formal structures for promoting active participation in and control of their organizations by members exist. However, in particular at the DC level transparency related to financial accounting needs to be improved. Transparency at DC level will over time ensure more farmers selling product through the DCs, increasing overall income, need for pre-finance and as a result efficiency. Leadership and governance are very important factors and are decisive for better functionality and more business both at POs and DC level. 46 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 6 Risk and challenges to the project 6.1 Risks Risk of non-performance of the Depot Committee Companies The biggest risk that could lead to stagnation or even the failure of the project stems from the limited degree of development of the DC companies. Deficiencies still exist in: Management capacity, Financial capacity, and Governance. The companies are the key stone to the success of the project. Without the company farmers direct access to export markets would be lost. The average individual farmer is unlikely to engage in value addition, given that this raises production costs substantially (e.g. transport, milling charge, etc.), and markets for FAQ outside of Kampala simply do not exist. Quality coffee does not result in better farm gate prices if sold outside of the DC, i.e. farmers would likely go back to their previous– less costly and time intensive – management practices. The scenario of complete failure is mostly related to poor governance, i.e. the mismanagement of funds or takeover by individuals for their personal gain, and the resulting lack of trust by farmers and/or insolvency of the Company. This scenario is likely limited to very few companies. Failure would therefore be limited to the area covered by a specific company. The risk can be mitigated by using and strengthening the existing control mechanism. Farmers and companies must sanction mismanagement. If the managerial and financial development of the companies stagnates (i.e. the ability to plan, implement and control better, and to acquire [additional]working capital), coffee volumes sold through the Companies are likely to stagnate as well, since companies can only handle so many farmers and coffee with their current capacities. Risk of non-performance of Uganda Coffee Farmers’ Alliance Uganda Coffee Farmers’ Alliance has limited capacity to take on the full responsibility for the DC Companies. UCFA is dependent on external finance, has few staff (in particular in the project areas), and as a result relies on HRNS for the establishment of and technical support to the companies forming its membership base. Without the financial and technical support provided by HRNS and others, UCFA would likely become dysfunctional to the detriment of the project. Even without or with a limited UCFA, better established DC Companies will likely be able to operate, but potentially at a higher cost. For example, it is likely that more time and resources will be spent finding buyers, and they will have limited bargaining power in negotiating deals. It must be noted that UCFA does raise additional project funding, e.g. with KfW, Opportunity Bank and Lutheran World Relief. Provided that the existing DC Companies can increase their coffee sales at the observed rate UCFA would be able to achieve sustainability in a few years. 47 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Risk related to Producer Organizations Building strong POs is critical for the survival of DCs and to enable them to quickly achieve the UCFA target of bulking and marketing 4,000 tons of FAQ annually. PO leaders are crucial in emphasizing the value of the DCs beyond marketing of coffee to members (training, technical advice, access to other services, transparent business behavior), can mobilize more farmers to use the existing PO/DC structures and are crucial for farmer loyalty. However, currently a lot of responsibility is retained at DC level. In the future participation and responsibility should be shared more equally between DC and PO. Risks caused by climate change Different climate change scenarios exist for Uganda. However, all are predicting a rise in temperature and a change in the distribution of precipitation resulting in more erratic rainfall. Potential impacts of climate change are shift in the zones suitable for coffee production, and thus lead to changes in coffee yield and quality.27Therefore, the efforts made by farmers to increase productivity and quality may be negated by these climatic changes and impacts thereof. 6.2 Challenges Access to finance Access to finance by farmers remains difficult, but it remains key to the further development of local communities and farmers. As long as farmers cannot cover their short term financial needs at affordable conditions, covering expenses related to education and health, or to invest into farm inputs or assets, their ability to fully adopt GAP and post-harvesting techniques, and to sell all coffee produced to the companies will be limited. Average coffee yields per unit will remain in the lower range, a lot of poor quality coffee will be produced and traded, and farmers will not be able to capture the full potential of their crop. Group lending schemes such as VSLAs and micro loans by commercial banks at affordable rates will contribute to overcoming this challenge. Strong competition by middlemen Competition by middlemen to the companies is very strong. Middlemen have access to financial resources that the companies do not have (allowing e.g. pre-finance), and usually buy any coffee regardless of its quality. The challenge can only be overcome by gradually building trust between farmers and companies, consistently buying coffee at better prices and increase the companies’ ability to pay farmers on the spot (see section 6.1). Other options for covering short term cash needs (see above) are equally important. 27 E.g. reduced and sporadic flowering, higher occurance of pest and diseases. 48 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Reliance on personal commitment The current organizational structures rely to a large extent on individual commitment and capacity/know how. While this is a viable strategy at the community (PO) level, companies will have to professionalize eventually to overcome constraints in management and accountability (see section 6.1). Certification The current standard for certification limits participation of farmers, and increases implementation costs (project, farmer, company) without a clear financial gain. The idea of certifying farmers in this context, or the specific criteria of the standard used should be revised. Scaling up Membership in POs remained fairly constant over the project duration. That is the project has reached few additional farmers directly once the structures were in place. Spill over to farmers28 not participating in the project was observed but remains limited. However, the project has an effect beyond its participants; the most significant being higher prices per kg dry cherries paid in project areas. Nonetheless, the project should seek to strengthen the ability of UCFA, DCs and POs to include more farmers in areas were the DC/PO structures have already been established. HRNS readily shares its approach and lessons learnt with other organizations, allowing the implementation of similar schemes elsewhere. 28 Living in the communities were POs are active. 49 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 7 Recommendations Improve the capacity and functionality of Companies and Producer Organizations Support to the companies by the project should continue in order to consolidate the project’s successes. CFAU must be involved in this support to the maximum possible extent. Further support should focus in particular on: 1. Improving the companies managerial capacity Companies must improve their know-how in and formalize the procedures for: – Planning (strategic, business, operational) – Record keeping/accounting – Internal control mechanisms and – Monitoring and analysis. While each Company must design the above procedures according to its individual needs and capacities, the project/UCFA can guide the Passing on process of learning and design, and can develmaximum benefit op generic guidelines and templates which can to farmers be adapted by each company. Over time, the companies should become true business entities that employ and pay professionals without compromising the ability of the DC to deliver maximum benefits to farmers. Cost of being professional Having a sound business plan is key. At the moment all DCs have seasonal plans for bulking and revenue sharing mechanisms. The development of business plans for business growth and implementation thereof should be guided by UCFA given the limited level of business acumen at DC level. 2. Strengthening governance Good governance mechanisms are in place. However, implementation of these mechanisms needs to be controlled (ideally by UCFA) and non-compliance with good governance (clarity of purpose, transparency, accountability, effectiveness) should be corrected and/or sanctioned. 3. Improving communication Communication within companies, between company executives/staff and POs, and between UCFA and companies has to be improved. In a first step UCFA (with the support of the project), should identify the bottlenecks in communication and then address these accordingly. 4. Development of risk mitigation strategies Companies are exposed to risk from fluctuations in the quality (e.g. outturn) and quantity of coffee available. These changes are largely related to weather and occurrence of pest and diseases, which cannot be mitigated entirely by farmers. 50 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Further risk factors are short term price fluctuations (i.e. between buying Kiboko from farmers and selling FAQ to the exporters), continued access to affordable loans and increase in competition from middlemen as they adjust their strategies to the companies’ market entry. 5. Improving the bulking process and better integration of DC and POs The bulking process currently used is inefficient, long and costly. The project, together with the companies should try to find solutions that increase efficiency and shorten the time between the collection of coffee and the sale to exporters. The number of persons involved should be adjusted, striking a balance between the cost of bulking and the need for transparency/internal control. Further increasing the amount of coffee sold to the DC per farmer as well as the number of farmers selling to the DC will likely result in efficiency gains, but requires well-functioning POs (see section 6.1). 6. Strengthening the competitiveness of the Companies The key points for companies to become more competitive in this very dynamic environment are obtaining the trust of farmers and the ability to pay substantially better prices. The first is addressed in points 1-3 above. The latter depends on the efficiency of the company, but also in their ability to add further value to the product and to share the resulting gains correctly with the farmer. The latter requires striking a fine balance between the need to acquire working capital over time (based on the Companies “profit”), and passing on the full value of the product to the farmer. Over time, with increasing DC capacities and larger amounts of coffee traded, quality differentiated pricing at farmers’ level should be adopted. 7. Strengthen business linkages with service providers A number of opportunities exist for creating win-win partnerships with targeted service providers. For instance, DCs can build business partnerships with hulling factories and transport providers. Given good and trusting working relationships these services can be accessed on credit (as partly already done). However, for this partnership to work it needs trust building. Business partnerships can in the future be extended to private buyers who have the capital and can team up with DCs to secure/pay cash for Kiboko. Care must be taken not to compromise quality standards. Incorporate access to finance into the core project design Access to finance by households to cover short term financial needs has to become an integral part of the project design. The project can support the formation of Village Saving and Loan Associations by strengthening the financial literacy of farmers. Ultimately, the formation of VSLAs must be farmer driven. Existing pilot projects for access to commercial lending from banks in Mityana and Mubende should be evaluated carefully and up scaled to the other project areas. Address deficits in the current sustainability certification scheme The deficiencies of the certification scheme must be addressed including its high cost, no related price premium, and [partly] unrealistic technical requirements. This could mean to simply 51 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE stop promoting the certification of farmers until a better standard is available, or engage with the standard to improve it and make it more applicable for the current context. HRNS indicated plans to do the latter together with UTZ in areas that have been already certified with this standard. Research the limitations in adoption and adapt the project design accordingly The project has shown great results in regard to changed farm management and postharvesting practices. Nonetheless, farmers have not adopted all practices equally. While this may have some obvious causes, such as the expense for farm inputs, other causes may exist. Likewise, increase in membership and spill over to neighboring non-member farmers is limited, yet is an important measurement of success for the project. Therefore, the project should in detail investigate causes for low adoptions of some practices and spill over in the framework of a case study, and adjust the project design accordingly. One important aspect for further research is the scale and impact of early sales, i.e. sale of coffee as flowers, while still on the tree or without drying to due immediate cash needs of households. Pre-mature sales directly impact on the willingness of farmers to improve management practices. Ones the problem is better understood financial assistance schemes – be they commercial lending, VSLAs, SACCOs or others, and other project interventions can then be designed accordingly. Ensure participation of rural young population Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. Many of Uganda’s young rural population try to migrate to more urban settings hoping for better opportunities In the future HRNS and partners should design projects that actively integrate youth in agricultural production. Young people can explore opportunities as professional service providers in the administrative structure of the DCs (assuming employment of professionals in the future) and as independent contractors for specific on-farm services, e.g. application of pesticides. Already some youth groups have been formed to provide services to agricultural households at a fee.29 29 Young farmers in Kyetume-Kibanyi DC area provide spraying services. 52 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE 8 List of literature Project specific data and information CFAU Project log frame, October 2010 Cognigni S., 2010: Kaweri Coffee Farmers Alliance Support Project. Establishment of the “Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance”, February 2005 – February 2010. End of Project Report. NKG Coffee Alliance Trust - Kaweri Coffee Farmers Alliance Support Project. HRNS Cognigni S., 2011: Building Coffee Farmers’ Alliances. Supporting the establishment of Farmer Organization. Presentation, HRNS. Growers list for Masaka zone 1, Luwero zone 1-3. MS xls file. HRNS: Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda. Towards a level playing field. Presentation. HRNS: CFAU Project report for 2010 HRNS: CFAU Project report for 2011 HRNS: CFAU Project report for 2012 Kabare M., 2012: Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda’ (CFAU) Project. 2011 M&E Annual Report. HRNS. Kabare M., 2013: Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda’ (CFAU) Project. 2012 M&E Annual Report. HRNS. Loisa K., 2011: Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda’ (CFAU) Project. Baseline Study Report Muchodo L., Shariff A. Mohammed S.A., 2014: Improving gender relations in targeted coffee farming households for equitable and sustainable development. End of Project Evaluation. Kabarole Research and Resource Centre, Uganda. Soil & More, 2014: Luwero Carbon Study, Executive Summary. ZAKE, WEGULO & CO. ADVOCATES, 2007: Proposed Legal Structure in Support of a Coffee farmers Alliance. Other information sources Braun A., Jiggins J., Röling N., van den Berg H., Snijders P., 2006: A Global Survey and Review of Farmer Field School Experiences. International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). The Netherlands. MAAIF, 2013: The National Coffee Policy. August, 2013. Republic of Uganda Technoserve. 2013: Uganda, A business case for sustainable coffee production Loisa K., 2011: Building Coffee Farmers Alliances in Uganda’ (CFAU) Project. Baseline Study Report. UBOS, 2014: http://countrystat.org/home.aspx?c=UGA UTZ, 2014: Core Code of Conduct Version 1.0. For group and multi-group certification. Waddington, H., 2012: Farmer Field schools: a systematic review. International Initiative for Impact Evaluation. Accessed online under URL: 53 Report CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE http://www.3ieimpact.org/media/filer_public/2012/12/26/hugh_waddington-conferencesession16_3ie_dhaka_colloquium.pdf 54 Annex Final evaluation of the CFAU project UNIQUE Annex Annex 1: Questionnaire for lead farmers Annex 2: Questionnaire for members of Producer Organizations Annex 3: Questionnaire for non-members Annex 4: Terms of reference Annex 5: List of persons interviewed Annex 6: Possible limitations of the evaluation methodology i Annex Final evaluation of the CFAU project UNIQUE Annex 1: Questionnaire for lead farmers 1 Questionnaire number 2 Name of enumerator 3 Date Household ID 4 Name of Producer Organization 5 Name(s) of lead farmer(s) 6 Phone number(s) of lead farmer(s) 7 Since when has this organization been existent? (Month/Year) 8 What are the objectives of the organization? 9 Is the farmer organization registered? YES (1), NO (2) 10 Does the organization operate a bank account? YES (1), NO (2) 11 What records do you keep? Members name (1) Members contact details (2) Amount of coffee collected: Per member (3) Only total (4) Quality of coffee collected: Per member (5) Only total (6) Time of coffee collected (7) Minutes (8) Amount passed on to DC: Per member (9) Only total (10) 12 What income does the PO have? 13 What services is the organization supposed to offer its members? Membership fees (1) Service fee coffee bulking (2) Commission sales inputs (3) Other services against charge (4) specify in next line Specification others Training in coffee management (1) Training in other crops and livestock management (2) Market information (3) Training in book keeping and planning (4) Demonstration plot (5) ii Annex Final evaluation of the CFAU project Bulking of coffee / marketing (6) Which of these services are available to non-members? Village saving scheme (7) Access to farm inputs (8) Other services (9) specify in next line Specification others Training in coffee management (1) Training in other crops and livestock management (2) Market information (3) Training in book keeping and planning (4) Demonstration plot (5) Bulking of coffee / marketing (6) 14 In your opinion, do you offer the services listed above in a comprehensive/satisfactory manner? Village saving scheme (7) Access to farm inputs (8) Others (9) specify in next line Specification others Training in coffee management YES (1), NO (2), PARTLY (3) Training in other crops and livestock management YES (1), NO (2), PARTLY (3) Market information YES (1), NO (2), PARTLY (3) Training in book keeping and planning YES (1), NO (2), PARTLY (3) Demonstration plot YES (1), NO (2) Bulking of coffee / marketing YES (1), NO (2) Village saving scheme YES (1), NO (2) Access to farm inputs YES (1), NO (2) 15 If no or partly, explain causes/reasons number: reason 16 What services, in your opinion, are missing? 17 How often do you meet? Weekly (1), Twice a month (2), Monthly (3), Other (4) Specification others UNIQUE iii Annex Final evaluation of the CFAU project 18 How many members participate in meetings on average? All (1); 2/3 (2); Half (3) 19 Do you give feedback to your members on the following issues? A) Quality of their coffee? Yes (1); No (2) B) Selling price of their coffee? Yes (1); No (2) C) Final coffee buyer? Yes (1); No (2) D) Financial performance of the PO updates to farmers Yes (1); No (2) E) Do you regularly communicate quality and management standards? Yes (1); No (2) 20 How much coffee has the organization bulked (kg kiboko) in …? 21 What was the total expense of the organization spent for coffee related activities? 2011 2012 2013 2011 2012 2013 22 How much money did farmers receive 2011 on average per kg kiboko in ...? 2012 2013 23 How many members did the organiza- 2011 tion have in …? 2012 2013 24 How many members were/are wom- 2011 an in...? 2012 2013 25 How many executive positions does the PO have? 26 How many woman are in executive positions? 27 How many members bulked coffee with the organization? 2011 2012 2013 UNIQUE iv Annex Final evaluation of the CFAU project 28 Does the organization have access to loans? (excl. its own Village savings scheme) Yes (1), No (2) 29 Are / were there other organizations / programs active in this area? (NGOs, Government) List them and indicate running/closed. 30 How do you cooperate with them? 31 How often does the FFS facilitator visit your group? Monthly (1) Every 2 months (2); Less (3) Less - specification 32 How often does the DC extensionist visit your group? Monthly (1) Every 2 months (2); Less (3) Less - specification UNIQUE v Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Annex 2: Questionnaire for members of Producer Organizations 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 No. of questionnaire (for the day) Household number Name of Enumerator Date Start time Ending time Name of respondent Telephone Name of PO Household participates in gender interventions Yes (1) No (2) SECTION I: HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD (INTERVIEW HUSBAND AND WIFE)/FARMER BIO DATA 11 Is the respondent head of household / family? Yes (1) No (2) If "no", the questions below should refer to the head of household and not the respondent. 12 Year of Birth 13 Gender Female (1) Male (2) 14 Civil status? Married - monogamous (1) Married - polygamous (2) Widowed (3) Single (4) Divorced (5) 15 Highest level of education of head of household? None (1) Primary (2) Secondary (3) College (4) University (5) 16 Is somebody in your household able to read and write (Don't ask if a household member has secondary education and above -just choose yes!) Yes (1) No (2) 17 How many people live in your household? Including boarding school - but returning home on a regular basis 18 Total number of children aged 6 years and above living in the household? Disaggregate by Gender: Female vi Annex CFAU project evaluation 19 Male 20 How many go to school? Pre-School Female 21 Male 22 Primary Female 23 24 Male Secondary Female 25 Male 26 College Female 27 28 Male University Female 29 Male 30 Number of other dependents not living in the same household. 31 Who are they? 32 What type of land tenure system do you practice? Customary (1) Lease hold (2) Short term lease (no lease title, 3) Kibanja (4) 33 Other - specify 34 Does anyone in your household has a formal land title? Yes (1) No (2) 35 If yes, who? Female (1) Male (2) SECTION II: COFFEE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, AND MARKETING DATA A. General Farm information 36 What is your total farm size in acre? 37 38 39 40 How many acres are under coffee? How much of it is purely coffee (no intercropping)? (acre) How much of it is intercropped with beans? (acre) How much of it is intercropped with banana (and beans)? (acre) UNIQUE vii Annex CFAU project evaluation 41 Do you know the number of coffee trees on your farm? Yes (1) No (2) If "No" jump to 46. 42 If yes, how many? 43 # of productive trees? 44 # of non-productive trees (all trees not harvested including younger than 2yrs if not yet harvested) 45 # of trees that are less than 2 years old 46 Did your farm size change since 2010? Increased (1) Decreased (2) No change (3) 47 By how many acre? 48 What do you grow on the additional land? Yes (1) No (2) Coffee 49 Maize 50 Beans 51 Cassava 52 Banana 53 Others, specify 54 On how many acre did you grow food crops 3-4 years ago? 55 Did food crop production change since 2010? Increased (1) Decreased (2) No change (3) 56 Can you give an estimation by how much food crop production changed? (put 0.5 for half, 2 for double, 3 for triple etc.) B. Farm management practices on coffee 57 Do you keep records of your farm activities? Yes (1) No (2) 58 If not, why? 59 How many kilograms (in total) Kiboko did you harvest last April-June 2013 season? 60 How many kilograms Kiboko did you harvest last Nov 2013 - Jan 2014 season? UNIQUE viii UGX/kg Kiboko UGX/kg FAQ UGX/kg Sold on tree - UGX/unit unit (tree, tin, etc) Kiboko UGX/kg FAQ UGX/kg Sold on tree - UGX/unit unit (tree, tin, etc) ix UGX/kg To whom did you sell your coffee harvested between April-June 2013? Enter the correct amount (kg) for the largest buyer. All others express as fraction of the stated amount. Enter price/kg for all of them! See the example provided. 60 DC UNIQUE Red Cherry CFAU project evaluation Red Cherry Annex 61 Hulling Factory 62 Middleman (Trader) 63 Middleman (Farm gate) 64 Other To whom did you sell your coffee harvested between Nov 2013-Jan 2014? Enter the correct amount (kg) for the largest buyer. All others express as fraction of the stated amount. Enter price/kg for all of them! See the example provided. 65 DC 66 Hulling Factory 67 Middleman (Trader) 68 Middleman (Farm gate) 69 Other (This section is to be completed by married respondents only.) 71 Who sold the coffee harvested? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) 72 Who decides on coffee activities and marketing issues? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) 73 Is information about sale of coffee (e.g. price, quality, quantity etc) shared with spouse? Yes (1) No (2) Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE x Ask Spouse separately - if possible. 79 Use of herbicides GAP yes (1) = 2 yearly in combination with at least 2 x manual weeding GAP partly (2) = approximately half of recommended GAP No (3) Unit for hired labor (MD, area unit, no. trees) Unit Cost for hired labor male female male amount in conventional unit Hired Labour Units in MD female conversion of inputs to conventional unit: unit (kg, l, MD, t, acre, ha) Family Labor Units in MD UGX/unit Unit of input (l, kg, wheelbarrow …) Total quantity per application? MD = work done consecutively, e.g. application of manure 1 hour on 7 days = 1MD GAP practiced? Application of Good Agricultural Practices How many applications / Rounds per year? 74 Do you know the quantity of coffee/Kiboko you harvested last season (Kiboko)? Yes (1) No (2) 75 How many kg ? 76 Do you know the price of Kiboko per kg received last season? Yes (1) No (2) 77 How much was it in UGX? 78 Do you know the total income from last season’s coffee crop? Yes (1) No (2) 79 How much was it in UGX? Annex CFAU project evaluation 80 Manual weeding GAP yes = see above, or at least 8 x if manual only GAP partly = approximately half (or more) than recommended GAP No (3) 81 Apply Pesticides GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 82 Apply Fertilizer GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 83 Apply Manure GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 84 Apply Mulch GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 85 Pruning GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 86 Desuckering GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 87 Selective picking (red cherries only) GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) Costs related to GAP, enter the total cost in a year (both seasons). 90 Harvesting Costs Material 91 labor 92 Drying Costs Material 93 labor 94 Hulling Costs 95 Coffee Transport Costs UNIQUE xi Annex CFAU project evaluation 96 Other - specify 97 Did you rejuvenate coffee trees during the last two seasons? Yes (1) No (2) 98 Did you replace old trees with new ones in the last two seasons (2013)? Yes (1) No (2) 99 Did you replant in the last two seasons? (gap filling) Yes (1) No (2) If replacement/replanting was done in the last two harvest seasons … 100 What type of planting material did you use? Yes (1) No (2) Traditional 101 elite 102 clone 103 Where did you get your planting material from? Certified source? Yes (1) No (2) 104 What was the unit cost of seedling? Traditional 105 elite 106 clone 107 Family Labour planting Units in MD 108 Hired Labour planting Units in MD 109 Cost for hired labour (UGX/MD) 110 How do you dry your cherries? On a tarpaulin (1) On the ground (2) I do not dry (3) 111 How and where do you store your dry cherries? In bags on raised beds in store (1) In bags on raised beds in house (3) In bags on ground in store (2) in bags on ground in house (4) On the ground in store (5) 112 Did you implement any of these management activities before 2010?Yes (1)No (2) Record keeping 113 Use of pesticide 114 If only manual weeding - at least 8 times/year 115 Combination of manual and herbicide (at least 2 times for both) 116 Use of fertilizer 117 Use of manure 118 Mulching 119 Pruning UNIQUE xii Annex CFAU project evaluation 120 Stumping (rejuvenation) 121 Desuckering 122 Use of elite or clonal seedlings 123 Drying on tarpaulin 124 Storage off the ground 125 Where do you get your farm inputs from? Local dealer (1) PO /DC (2) 126 How far is the nearest reliable dealer of farm inputs? (in km) 127 Do you have other trees on your farm (where coffee is grown, excl. banana)? Yes (1) No (2) 128 How many trees? (This section is to be completed by married respondent) 129 Within your family who contributes to coffee activities? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) Children (4) Picking 130 Planting 131 Pruning 132 Weeding 133 Mulching 134 Coffee Drying 135 Packing 136 Does the husband contribute to the following Yes (1)No (2) Cooking 137 Fetching Water 138 139 Collecting Firewood Cleaning the house SECTION III: QUALITY OF LIFE A. Income sources 140 Which other sources of income (cash, apart from coffee) does the household have? Yes (1) No (2) food crops 141 formal employment 142 informal employment 143 other Business (e.g. trading) 144 Livestock UNIQUE xiii Annex 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 CFAU project evaluation B. Housing data Did your housing conditions change since 2010? Yes (1) No (2) If "no", proceed to question 149. How was it before 2010? Roof type: Thatched (1) Iron sheets (2) Tiles (3) Other equally robust material (4) House walls: Mud (1) Wood (2) Iron sheets (3) Bricks (4) Stone/ equal material (5) How is it today? Roof type: Thatched (1) Iron sheets (2) Tiles (3) Other equally robust material (4) House walls: Mud (1) Wood (2) Iron sheets (3) Bricks (4) Stone/ equal material (5) Did you expand the house? Yes (1)No (2) What type of latrine / sanitation do you have in your compound / on your farm? No sanitation (1) Pit latrine (mud) (2) Pit latrine (cement / bricks) (3) VIP (4) Since when do you have it? Do you have access to electricity? Yes (1) No (2) What type? National Grid (1) Solar (2) Biogas (3) Since when? Any other changes to the house not listed above. (e.g. cement floor) UNIQUE xiv Annex CFAU project evaluation C. Nutrition and food security 156 Animal protein in-take (Consider meat, fish, pork, chicken; do not consider eggs or milk) Daily (1) Twice a week (2) Once a week (3) Once in 2 weeks (4) Once in 3 weeks or less (5) 157 In the past 12 months have there been months where you did not have sufficient food for your household? Yes (1) No (2) 158 If yes how many months? 159 If yes, which months? List months using numerical values. E.g. 1,2, 11 D. Family assets 160 Does your family own more assets now compared to 2010? Yes (1) No (2) 161 If "yes"; Gain (1) Loss (2) 162 If loss - what was the reason? 163 If yes, which family assets do you have now that you did not have in 2010? Yes (1)No (2) Motorbike 164 Bicycles 165 TV dish 166 Farm equipment 167 Livestock 168 Solar panel 169 Land 170 Car 171 House(s) 172 Livestock: How many more of these do you own now compared 2010? Cattle 173 Chicken 174 Goats 175 Pigs 176 Sheep 177 others: kind: number UNIQUE xv Annex CFAU project evaluation E. Source of water for human consumption 178 What type of access to water did you have before 2010? Stream (1) Dam (2) Outside piped water (3) Tap water in house (4) Rain water harvesting (5) Borehole / Hand pump (6) 179 Did you invest in easier access to water since 2010 (like pipes, taps, water tank)? Yes (1) No (2) 180 If yes, please specify! F. Key Consumption expenditure items 181 Did you increase the money spend on food since 2010? Yes (1) No (2) 182 What for do you spend money now that you did not spend before? Yes (1) No (2) Sugar 183 Milk 184 Meat 185 Eggs 186 Bread 187 Snacks 188 Fish 189 What is the value of food crops produced on own farm and consumed in the household? (UGX) 190 How much do you spend on education including school fees, books etc. per term (every 4 months)? (UGX) 191 How much do you spend on other non-food items per month? E.g. for hygiene (Soap, paraffin, tooth paste) (UGX) 192 Are you a member of a community savings group? Yes (1) No (2) 193 Do you have a bank account? Yes (1) No (2) 194 Can you save money? Yes (1) No (2) UNIQUE xvi Annex CFAU project evaluation 195 Where do you save your money? At home (1) Saving group/bank (2) 196 How much do you save every month? (private, saving group, bank)? (UGX) 197 What is the purpose of saving? Yes (1) No (2) Farm investment 198 School fees 199 Domestic 200 Others - specify 201 Do you have a loan Yes (1) No (2) 202 Size of the loan? (UGX) 203 Purpose of the loan Yes (1) No (2) Farm investment 204 School fees 205 Domestic 206 Others - specify 207 From where did you get the loan? PO/DC (1) FI-Banks (2) VSLA (3) SACCO (4) 208 What is the interest rate? in % or... 209 UGX 210 How long is the payback period? (months) 211 Can you now cover expenses which you were previously not able to cover? Yes (1) No (2) 212 Do you prepare a household budget periodically? (incl. not written down) Yes (1) No (2) 213 Who takes the main decision on expenditures? Head of HH only (1) Head of HH and spouse (2) Other male member of HH (3) Other female member of HH (4) UNIQUE xvii Annex CFAU project evaluation SECTION IV: AFFILIATION TO A PRODUCER ORGANISATION (PO) 214 Do you know the name of your Lead Farmer? Yes (1) No (2) 215 Since when have you been a member of this organization? Month and Year: e.g. 09/2011 216 Do you know the constitution of your PO? Yes (1) No (2) 217 What services are you supposed to receive from your organization? Yes (1) No (2) Training in coffee management 218 Training in other crops and livestock management 219 Market information 220 Training in book keeping and planning 221 Demonstration plot 222 Bulking of coffee/marketing 223 Village saving scheme 224 Access to farm inputs (fertilizer, herbicide, seedlings, tools etc.) 225 Do you receive/participate in all the services listed above? Yes (1) No (2) 226 For the specific services you do not use/participate in, briefly explain why not. Service: reason 227 Do you receive feedback from the organization on the following issues? Yes (1) No (2) Quality of your coffee? 228 Selling price of your coffee? 229 Final coffee buyer? 230 Is the farmer organization registered as CBO? Yes (1) No (2) 231 Does the organization operate a bank account? Yes (1) No (2) 232 How often do members meet (FFS) Weekly (1) every 2 weeks (2) Monthly (3) Every 2 months (4) Less often (5) 233 Which other topics apart from coffee do you discuss in the farmer group? UNIQUE xviii Annex CFAU project evaluation 234 Do you as a member have access to loans through the organization? Yes (1) No (2) 235 Have you ever attended a couples’ seminar? Yes (1) No (2) 236 Have you registered as a change agent? Yes (1) No (2) 237 Are you a member or targeted farmer of any other program? Yes (1) No (2) 238 If yes, which? Please explain in brief which organization, project, major purpose, important aspects - e.g. Caritas - farmers have to bring coffee in order to become members. SECTION V: Observations by the enumerator 239 Gender: Spouses answered jointly and equally (1) Man gave women the lead (2) Man took sole responsibility but let you talk to the woman to confirm the information given (3) 240 You could not talk to the woman because … 241 State of house and farm 242 Others UNIQUE xix Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Annex 3:Questionnaire for non-members 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 No. of questionnaire (for the day) Household number Name of Enumerator Date Start time Ending time Name of respondent Telephone Confirmation: you are not a member of a HRNS PO? SECTION I: HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD (INTERVIEW HUSBAND AND WIFE)/FARMER BIO DATA 10 Is the respondent head of household / family? Yes (1) No (2) If "no", the questions below should refer to the head of household and not the respondent. 11 Year of Birth 12 Gender Female (1) Male (2) 13 Civil status? Married - monogamous (1) Married - polygamous (2) Widowed (3) Single (4) Divorced (5) 14 Highest level of education of head of household? None (1) Primary (2) Secondary (3) College (4) University (5) 15 Is somebody in your household able to read and write (Don't ask if a household member has secondary education and above -just choose yes!) Yes (1) No (2) 16 How many people live in your household? Including boarding school - but returning home on a regular basis xx Annex CFAU project evaluation 17 Total number of children aged 6 years and above living in the household? Disaggregate by Gender: Female 18 Male 19 How many go to school? Pre-School Female 20 21 Male Primary Female 22 Male 23 Secondary Female 24 25 Male College Female 26 27 Male University Female 28 Male 29 Number of other dependants not living in the same household. 30 Who are they? 31 What type of land tenure system do you practice? Customary (1) Lease hold (2) Short term lease (no lease title, 3) Kibanja (4) 32 Other - specify 33 Does anyone in your household has a formal land title? Yes (1) No (2) 34 If yes, who? Female (1) Male (2) 35 36 37 38 SECTION II: COFFEE PRODUCTION, MANAGEMENT, AND MARKETING DATA A. General Farm information What is your total farm size in acre? How many acre are under coffee? How much of it is purely coffee (no intercropping)? (Acre) How much of it is intercropped with beans? (Acre) UNIQUE xxi Annex CFAU project evaluation 39 How much of it is intercropped with banana (and beans)? (Acre) 40 Do you know the number of coffee trees on your farm? Yes (1) No (2) If "No" jump to 45. 41 If yes, how many? 42 # of productive trees? 43 # of non-productive trees (all trees not harvested including younger than 2yrs if not yet harvested) 44 # of trees that are less than 2 years old 45 Did your farm size change since 2010? Increased (1) Decreased (2) No change (3) 46 By how many acre? 47 What do you grow on the additional land? Yes (1) No (2) Coffee (1) 48 Maize 49 Beans 50 Cassava 51 Banana 52 Others, specify 53 On how many acre did you grow food crops 3-4 years ago? 54 Did food crop production change since 2010? Increased (1) Decreased (2) No change (3) 55 Can you give an estimation by how much food crop production changed? (put 0.5 for half, 2 for double, 3 for triple etc.) B. Farm management practices on coffee 56 Do you keep records of your farm activities? Yes (1) No (2) 57 If not, why? 58 How many kilograms (in total) Kiboko did you harvest last April-June 2013 season? UNIQUE xxii Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxiii Red Cherry UGX/kg Kiboko UGX/kg FAQ UGX/kg Sold on tree - UGX/unit unit (tree, tin, etc) UGX/kg Kiboko UGX/kg FAQ UGX/kg Sold on tree - UGX/unit unit (tree, tin, etc) To whom did you sell your coffee harvested between April-June 2013? Enter the correct amount (kg) for the largest buyer. All others express as fraction of the stated amount. Enter price/kg for all of them! See the example provided. 60 DC Red Cherry 59 How many kilograms Kiboko did you harvest last Nov 2013 Jan 2014 season? 61 Hulling Factory 62 Middleman (Trader) 63 Middleman (Farm gate) 64 Other To whom did you sell your coffee harvested between Nov 2013-Jan 2014? Enter the correct amount (kg) for the largest buyer. All others express as fraction of the stated amount. Enter price/kg for all of them! See the example provided. 65 DC 66 Hulling Factory 67 Middleman (Trader) 68 Middleman (Farm gate) 69 Other (This section is to be completed by married respondents only.) 70 Who sold the coffee harvested? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) 71 Who decides on coffee activities and marketing issues? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) 72 Is information about sale of coffee (e.g. price, quality, quantity etc) shared with spouse? Yes (1) No (2) UNIQUE xxiv amount in conventional unit CFAU project evaluation conversion of inputs to conventional unit: unit (kg, l, MD, t, acre, ha) Annex Ask Spouse separately - if possible. 73 Do you know the quantity of coffee/Kiboko you harvested last season (Kiboko)? Yes (1) No (2) 79 Use of herbicides GAP yes (1) = 2 yearly in combination with at least 2 x manual weeding GAP partly (2) = approximately half of recommended GAP No (3) Family Labor Units in MD Hired Labor Units in MD Unit for hired labor (MD, area unit, no. trees) Unit Cost for hired labor UGX/unit Unit of input (l, kg, wheelbarrow …) Total quantity per application? MD = work done consecutively, e.g. application of manure 1 hour on 7 days = 1MD GAP practised? Application of Good Agricultural Practices How many applications / Rounds per year? 74 How many kg ? 75 Do you know the price of Kiboko per kg received last season? Yes (1) No (2) 76 How much was it in UGX? 77 Do you know the total income from last seasons coffee crop? Yes (1) No (2) 78 How much was it in UGX? female male female male Annex CFAU project evaluation 80 Manual weeding GAP yes = see above, or at least 8 x if manual only GAP partly = approximately half (or more) than recommended GAP No (3) 81 Apply Pesticides GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 82 Apply Fertilizer GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 83 Apply Manure GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 84 Apply Mulch GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 85 Pruning GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 86 Desuckering GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) 87 Selective picking (red cherries only) GAP Yes (1) GAP No (2) Costs related to GAP, enter the total cost in a year (both seasons). 89 Harvesting Costs Material 90 Labour 91 Drying Costs Material 92 Labour 93 Hulling Costs UNIQUE xxv Annex CFAU project evaluation 94 Coffee Transport Costs 95 Other - specify 96 Did you rejuvenate coffee trees during the last two seasons? Yes (1) No (2) 97 Did you replace old trees with new ones in the last two seasons (2013)? Yes (1) No (2) 98 Did you replant in the last two seasons? (gap filling) Yes (1) No (2) If replacement/replanting was done in the last two harvest seasons … 99 What type of planting material did you use? Yes (1) No (2) Traditional 100 elite 101 clone 102 Where did you get your planting material from? Certified source? Yes (1) No (2) 103 What was the unit cost of seedling? Traditional 104 105 elite clone 106 Family Labour planting Units in MD 107 Hired Labour planting Units in MD 108 Cost for hired labour (UGX/MD) 109 How do you dry your cherries? On a tarpaulin (1) On the ground (2) I do not dry (3) 110 How and where do you store your dry cherries? In bags on raised beds in store (1) In bags on raised beds in house (3) In bags on ground in store (2) in bags on ground in house (4) On the ground in store (5) 111 Did you implement any of these management activities before 2010? Yes (1) No (2) Record keeping UNIQUE xxvi Annex CFAU project evaluation 112 Use of pesticide 113 If only manual weeding - at least 8 times/year 114 Combination of manual and herbicide (at least 2 times for both) 115 Use of fertilizer 116 Use of manure 117 Mulching 118 Pruning 119 Stumping (rejuvenation) 120 Desuckering 121 Use of elite or clonal seedlings 122 Drying on tarpaulin 123 Storage off the ground 124 Where do you get your farm inputs from? Local dealer (1) PO /DC (2) 125 How far is the nearest reliable dealer of farm inputs? (in km) 126 Do you have other trees on your farm (where coffee is grown, excl. banana)? Yes (1) No (2) 127 How many trees? 128 129 130 131 (This section is to be completed by married respondent) Within your family who contributes to coffee activities? Husband (1) Wife (2) Both (3) Children (4) Picking Planting Pruning Weeding UNIQUE xxvii Annex 132 133 134 CFAU project evaluation Mulching Coffee Drying Packing 135 Does the husband contribute to the following Yes (1)No (2) Cooking 136 Fetching Water 137 Collecting Firewood 138 Cleaning the house 139 140 141 142 143 SECTION III: QUALITY OF LIFE A. Income sources Which other sources of income (cash, apart from coffee) does the household have? Yes (1) No (2) food crops formal employment informal employment other Business (e.g. trading) Livestock B. Housing data 144 Did your housing conditions change since 2010? Yes (1) No (2) If "no", proceed to question 149. 145 How was it before 2010? Roof type Thatched (1) Iron sheets (2) Tiles (3) Other equally robust material (4) 146 House walls: Mud (1) Wood (2) Iron sheets (3) Bricks (4) Stone/ equal material (5) 147 How is it today? Roof type: Thatched (1) Iron sheets (2) Tiles (3) Other equally robust material (4) UNIQUE xxviii Annex CFAU project evaluation 148 House walls: Mud (1) Wood (2) Iron sheets (3) Bricks (4) Stone/ equal material (5) 149 Did you expand the house? Yes (1) No (2) 150 What type of latrine / sanitation do you have in your compound / on your farm? No sanitation (1) Pit latrine (mud) (2) Pit latrine (cement / bricks) (3) VIP (4) 151 Since when do you have it? 152 Do you have access to electricity? Yes (1)No (2) 153 What type? National Grid (1) Solar (2) Biogas (3) 154 Since when? 155 Any other changes to the house not listed above. (e.g. cement floor) C. Nutrition and food security 156 Animal protein in-take (Consider meat, fish, pork, chicken; do not consider eggs or milk) Daily (1) Twice a week (2) Once a week (3) Once in 2 weeks (4) Once in 3 weeks or less (5) 157 In the past 12 months have there been months where you did not have sufficient food for your household? Yes (1) No (2) 158 If yes how many months? 159 If yes, which months? List months using numerical values. E.g. 1,2, 11 UNIQUE xxix Annex CFAU project evaluation D. Family assets 160 Does your family own more assets now compared to 2010? Yes (1) No (2) 161 If "yes"; Gain (1) Loss (2) 162 If loss - what was the reason? 163 If yes, which family assets do you have now that you did not have in 2010? Yes (1) No (2) Motorbike 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 Bicycles TV dish Farm equipment Livestock Solar panel Land Car House(s) 172 Livestock: How many more of these do you own now compared 2010? Cattle 173 174 175 176 177 Chicken Goats Pigs Sheep others E. Source of water for human consumption 178 What type of access to water did you have before 2010? Stream (1) Dam (2) Outsided piped water (3) Tap water in house (4) Rain water harvesting (5) Borehole / Hand pump (6) 179 Did you invest in easier access to water since 2010 (like pipes, taps, water tank)? Yes (1) No (2) 180 If yes, please specify! UNIQUE xxx Annex 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 CFAU project evaluation F. Key Consumption expenditure items Did you increase the money spend on food since 2010? Yes (1) No (2) What for do you spend money now that you did not spend before? Yes (1) No (2) Sugar Milk Meat Eggs Bread Snacks Fish 189 What is the value of food crops produced on own farm and consumed in the household? (UGX) 190 How much do you spend on education including school fees, books etc. per term (every 4 months)? (UGX) 191 How much do you spend on other non-food items per month? E.g. for hygiene (Soap, paraffin, tooth paste) (UGX) 192 Are you a member of a community savings group? Yes (1) No (2) 193 Do you have a bank account? Yes (1) No (2) 194 Can you save money? Yes (1) No (2) 195 Where do you save your money? At home (1) Saving group/bank (2) 196 How much do you save every month? (private, saving group, bank)? (UGX) 197 What is the purpose of saving? Yes (1) No (2) Farm investment 198 School fees 199 Domestic 200 Others - specify 201 Do you have a loan Yes (1) No (2) UNIQUE xxxi Annex CFAU project evaluation 202 Size of the loan? (UGX) 203 Purpose of the loan Yes (1) No (2) Farm investment 204 School fees 205 Domestic 206 Others - specify 207 From where did you get the loan? PO/DC (1) FI-Banks (2) VSLA (3) SACCO (4) 208 What is the interest rate? in % or... 209 UGX 210 How long is the payback period? (months) 211 Can you now cover expenses which you were previously not able to cover? Yes (1)No (2) 212 Do you prepare a household budget periodically? (incl. not written down) Yes (1) No (2) 213 Who takes the main decision on expenditures? Head of HH only (1) Head of HH and spouse (2) Other male member of HH (3) Other female member of HH (4) SECTION IV: AFFILIATION TO A FARMERS ORGANISATION 214 Are you a member or targeted farmer of any other program? Yes (1) No (2) 215 If yes, which? Please explain in brief which organization, project and major purpose. 216 Would you please share with us why you did not join a PO (yet)? 217 Are you in contact with PO members? Yes (1) No (2) 218 Did you learn something from them? Yes (1) No (2) 219 If yes, what? UNIQUE xxxii Annex 220 221 222 223 CFAU project evaluation SECTION V: Observations by the enumerator Gender: Spouses answered jointly and equally (1) Man gave women the lead (2) Man took sole responsibility but let you talk to the woman to confirm the information given (3) You could not talk to the woman because … State of house and farm Others UNIQUE xxxiii Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxxiv Annex 4: Terms of reference DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT Overall Objective To evaluate the extent to which the project has achieved its objectives and to assess the impact that the intervention has had, both on direct project beneficiaries and on non-project farmers in the same or surrounding areas. The evaluation should also assess and document lessons learnt and successful elements as well as formulate recommendations to support scaling up initiatives in the country. Specific Objectives To analyse the relevance of the intervention with regards to the problems addressed and the interests of the involved stakeholders To assess the extent to which the most relevant stakeholders have been brought together and have contributed to the development of the project To analyze the overall achievement of the project objectives To measure the impact of the project in terms of economic development and social and environmental improvements, and in the development of an enabling environment To assess the level of sustainability of farmer groups, specifically with regards to structure, capacity, empowerment, transparency, active participation of farmers, independence (from middlemen) and access to services To assess the effectiveness of the approach, activities and tools implemented To highlight the most successful elements of the intervention To identify potential risks (economic, institutional, political, etc) that could affect the current status and/or hinder further developments To advise on any areas/issues that would still need improvement and that would be important to mitigate any risks identified above Within the CFAU project there has been a strong commitment to support the promotion of gender equality at all levels. This was addressed though gender mainstreaming and through a specific household approach. As part of the evaluation it will be important to analyze the results and impacts on both men and women separately and also on household level. Services Required A study to be carried out by a team of specialists in production systems, organizational development, farmer owned institutions, rural/economic development and assessment of smallholder livelihood standards. Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE The consultants will be expected to evaluate the performance of the project in terms of the accomplishment of its objectives, the impact generated and the level of sustainability achieved. An assessment of the project’s relevance, efficiency and effectiveness should also be carried out. In order to be a useful management tool for rolling out into other districts, the evaluation/appraisal needs to closely involve all the main stakeholders further to the HRNS team. Expected Outputs 1. An inception meeting, with a brief inception report. 2. Debriefing session on findings, with the main stakeholders involved in the project, supported by a visual presentation, 3. A final report documenting and describing findings of the evaluation and appraisal exercise. EXPERTS’ PROFILE The consultant should have the following experience: Expertise in evaluating rural (agricultural) development projects in East Africa Knowledge of smallholder farming methods, preferably in relation to Robusta Coffee Expertise in environmental, social (gender relations) and economic assessment of smallholder households and farming communities, with key focus on sustainable developments Understanding of significance, creation and development of smallholder farmer organizations in Africa Knowhow in assessing the enabling environment for smallholder business development Understanding of commodity commercialization in rural Africa at smallholder level and familiarity with coffee value and marketing chains xxxv Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxxvi Annex 5: List of persons interviewed Organisations and persons consulted Nambumgugu DC, Mityana Rajib Kiwanuka Chairman Maximensia Secretary Nsubuga Elizabeth Treasurer, Butalega/Serungwangu PO KabuyeSulait Secretary, Butalega/serungwangu PO Kitatta James Sustainability officer Ssinnabulya Grant Marketing manager Nsubuga David DC manager Lwanga Harriet Secretary Muwonge James Chairman Board KibuukaAbsolom Treasurer Kisekka Ronald FFS Facilitator Kabugo Abdul FFS Facilitator Nayiga Justine Vice chairperson NansambaDimintiria Lead Farmer, Bukabi PO Mbaziira Godfrey Marketing manager Kalanzi Lawrence FFS Facilitator Kamwenda Godfrey Manager Sengombe Bosco FFS Facilitator Mugabi Jackson Secretary Luwalira Geoffrey Chairman Ssekasamba Israel Sustainability officer Nalukwago Olivia FFS Facilitator SenvuumoGoffrey Manager Lulle Dennis Secretary Lutwama Rashid Chairman Ssozi Saulo Sustainability officer Musoke Abdul FFS Facilitator Trader and UTZ certified miller David Kimbugwe Bulema Coffee Factory Centenary Bank; Wobulenzi Branch Awuyati Pauline Lydia Loans officer NAADS, Luwero Andrew KiddaMakubuya NAADS coordinator Budde Farmers Multi Purpose Company Ltd., Nakaseke NamiiroBena Treasurer Kaggwa Paul Manager Busana DC, Luwero Kakooge DC, Nakasongola Makulubita Farmers Company, Luwero Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxxvii Organisations and persons consulted Kityo Moses Secretary Wabitungulu Coffee Nursery EgeseaVicent Owner LC 3 Nakaseke Makande James Nakaseke Nursery WamalaYuda Owner Kikoma – Musaala farmers & Traders Company Ltd, Luwero Kiwanuka S. Vice Chairman Kigozi Steven Sustainability officer SerenkumaEnosi Manager Kirimuttu Fredrick Treasurer Bbosa Andrew Secretary David Mubiru Coordinator Luwero, Nakaseke, Nakasongola Lwanyaga Christopher Facilitator ?unreadable? Samuel Sustainability officer SerumpiMuhamad Facilitator/extension officer Lutwama Ronald Secretary Kyobe David Lead farmer Mutebi Saul Lead farmer Katongola John Demo host BaakiSuulaMatiam Committee member Ssekyala Lawrence Vice chairperson Mayanja Dan Finance committee Lwasa John Marketing committee Richard Musisi Field operations officer Luwero, 2011-2012; marketing manager Fortunate Paska Gender expert Florence Nakasujja Field operations officer Luwero 2013, Certification officer, UCDA Nsanja Farm Stores, Ssemuto branch, Nakaseke Kirema Integrated Farmers Company HRNS USAID Martin Fowler Cafe Africa, Secretariat of the Coffee Platform Harriet Fowler Uganda Coffee Farmers’ Alliance Tony Mugoya Executive director Uganda Coffee Federation Betty Namwagala Executive director Samson Emong Program manager Martha Olwenyi Manager M&& Teopista Nakkungu Coffee development officer Paul Dhabhunansi Senior M&E officer aBi Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxxviii Organisations and persons consulted Opportunity Bank Andre Lalumiere GIZ, Agricultural Finance Development Program Benedikt Brenke CEO Lara Anna Chhatwal UCDA Henry Ngabirano MD HRNS Stefan Cognigni General manager KyetumeKibanyiIntergrated Farmers Company Lwanga peter Chair Person Egesa Vincent Extensionist Sserwadda Denis Vice Chair Person Nalule Milly Secretary John Mary Mayanja Finance Committee member Joseph Kamuli Manager, DC Musa Ssebirumbi Chairman, Finance Committee Kasekende Dominique Lead Farmer Segwanyi Eddie Extensionist Ssali Francis Treasurer Hajji Musa Ssemanda Chairperson KagandaZiadi Secretary Ssemwogerere Ronald Chairperson, DC MwanjeTonny Chairman, Business Committee Lutaya Joachim Lead Farmer Misenyi Resty Nakyanzi Vice Chairperson, Finance Committee Kizza John Baptist Secretary MugagaSebabi Extension, DC Kiyemba Abdulla Facilitator Njalwe Mathias Facilitator Kiwanuka John Lead Farmer, Kyankooko A. Mabirizi Frank Treasurer DC Nsamba Godfrey Secretary Kiwanuka Dennis Chairman, BOD Fatuma Kalule Vice Chairperson, BOD Nseyi John Bosco Treasurer KakemboNasur Member, Business Committee Fred Senyondo Treasurer Kasaija Pascal Secretary Kampi Magdalene Vice Chairperson Mitigyera Coffee Farmers Development Society, Bukomansimbi District Gayaza DC, Bukomansimbi District Butalaga DC, Bukomansimbi District Mbirizi DC, Bukomansimbi District Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE xxxix Organisations and persons consulted Hulling Factory, Masaka HRNS Exporters Hajji KazindaShaban Incoming Chairperson Hajji Mutebi Hussein Outgoing Chairperson Tim Mulindwa Incoming Depot Manager Kalema Peter Managing Director Sekayita Fred District trader/middleman Jaggwe Joseph District trader/Middleman David District trader/Middleman Daniel Kazzibwe Manager Masaka Ibrahim KyeyuneMuanja Producer Organization Trainer, Masaka Area Eugene Nsereko General Manager, Ibero coffee Ltd Anneke Fermont Regional Sustainability Manager, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd Jeremy Mpalampa Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd, Trader Roy Olwor-Kumu Armajaro Uganda Limited, Buyer Annex CFAU project evaluation UNIQUE Annex 6: Possible limitations of the evaluation methodology Possible limitations of the evaluation methodology Limitation Impact Due to the similarity/replication of activities in different areas the Possible slight overestimastakeholders interviewed often did not distinguish between the differ- tion of adoption ent project areas, funding sources and the related activities. Thus, and given the constant evolvement of the project over time and space, the consultants took into account feedback even if not pertaining to the two specific project regions established in the ToR. External factors such as changes in coffee prices and projects imple- Possible over or underestimented by third parties influenced project participants’ behaviour and mation of the project’s immay have an impact on the overall success of the project. The effect of pact these factors is difficult to reflect upon. Interviews of Lead Farmers and framers were conducted in their local Survey results may reflect to language but recorded in English. Some questions may have required a limited extent the percepexplanation by the enumerators to enable the respondents to answer tions of the enumerators. in a meaningful way. Data collected at the PO and farm/household levels is extensive. How- The samples are not defined ever, not all questions were applicable to all respondents equally. statistically. Accordingly the sample size varies between topics and questions. In some cases the data entered was obviously incorrect, in some cases no information was entered, further altering the sample. To reflect on the differences in sample size from the original design evaluation, the results all state the total sample size (N) and the valid number of respondents (n) for a particular topic. Depot Committees were interviewed by the evaluation team. However, to overcome language barriers the Luwero project manager was present for five of the seven interviews conducted in Luwero. In fact, in four interviews the project manager translated both questions and answers. Information provided by the interviewees may by biased, Information may have been lost or altered in translation. The logistic framework and baseline include a limited number of targets and indicators. Where these were deemed insufficient or of limited explanatory power consultants added further criteria. New criteria do not have a baseline. To overcome this challenge the evaluation relies on the memory of respondents asking them to compare between the current status and the status in 2010 (project start). The status given for 2010 (e.g. number and types of assets) may not always have been correct, and is difficult to verify. xl
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