PROJECT ASSESSMENTS - Science for Agriculture and Rural Development in Low-income Countries - page 184

Identification of key constraints to productivity, profitability and sustainability

• Participatory tools and techniques were used to characterize the vegetable

production systems in the study regions, including key constraints to pest and
disease management, soil fertility and marketing.

• A detailed quantitative survey (n = 124) of the production systems covering an

entire production year were carried out using the NUTMON methodology (see
www.nutmon.org).

Improved plant protection and soil fertility management strategies

• Participatory Technology Development.

• Based on the qualitative and quantitative diagnosis farmers and researchers

screened and tested a wide range of promising environmentally friendly plant
protection techniques and improved in farmers' fields. In addition, biological
monitoring of pest populations and disease epidemics were recorded through the
whole production cycle. After this first round of screening, the most promising
techniques were selected to combine testing with soil fertility management
practices.

Pesticide leaching

• The project addressed the off-site environmental issue of synthetic pesticide use

by using a simulation model for pesticide leaching and accumulation. This
resulted in recommendations on dose rates and methods for specific crops, soil
types and local topographical conditions.

• Adoption of the PEARL model to local circumstances in China and Vietnam.

Marketing strategies

• The third key element is the marketing system for vegetables in the study areas.

A standard marketing analysis framework was applied to examine market structure
and performance (SCP framework).

• Value chain research with large quantitative surveys among all chain actors

(collectors, traders, wholesalers, traditional retailers and modern retailers).

Dissemination and recommendations

• Organization of feedback meetings with farmers, traders, extension and other

stakeholders.

• Dissemination of results through the popular media (TV and Newspapers).

• Policy level workshops were organized in both countries.

• Presentation of results in national and international conferences.

• Publication of results in scientific journals.