. Suriname in Action TITLE OF THE POLICY MEASURE Restructuring of the agriculture extension services

. Suriname in Action DESCRIPTION OF THE POLICY MEASURE  This activity will rethink, redesign and restructure the extension system to facilitate effectively the implementation of National Agriculture Policy.  The project is focused on developing the necessary capacity and system to effectively and timely deliver extension services to stakeholders.  The agricultural extension services will be adapted to the needs of the stakeholders  Improvement and the establishment of effective internal and external with respectively internal and external stakeholders is crucial to the success of this activity  Extension services are a core task of the Ministry of AAHF  The ministry is in the process of drafting a white paper on restructuring the extension services

. Suriname in Action DESCRIPTION OF THE POLICY MEASURE (2)  The white paper will be drafted with technical assistance of the FAO. Preparation of the project such as TOR, identification of Counterpart team and identification of consultants are nearly completed.  Stakeholders will be involved through consultations and workshops.  Support of clusterprograms, such as demonstration farms initiatives, greenhouse development a.o.

. Suriname in Action STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE (1)  increased and high quality extension services on sustainable crop and soil management, good agricultural practices, IPM and post harvest management(handling) and farm management are critical success factors to improving agricultural health, food safety and food security  Agriculture Extension is the most important task of LVV. It is the basis for creating an enabling environment for development of the agricultural sector  Establishing improved agricultural extension will also improve the internal and external communication with internal and external stakeholders, which is an important strategic issues for realization of the national agriculture policy

. Suriname in Action STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE (2)  Improved extension is a critical succes factor to develop better supply chains in the agricultural sector. Better supply chains will lead to increase of production and quality, diversification of products, development of processing, increase of capacity, income generation, increase of export and trade, economic development etc.  Extension services and communication are critical success factors for achieving the policy objectives the national agriculture policy  Extension is the link/translation between demand driven and innovative research results from research departments and the other chain stakeholders

. Suriname in Action MARKETS  CARICOM member states  LATAM and other new markets  Niche markets  Local market; local production chain ( cultivation, supply, consumer and processing chain members)

. Suriname in Action ACTIONS TO CARRY OUT STEP-BY-STEP PLAN (WHAT, WHO, WHEN) ActivityResponsibleDate Analysis of the structure of the Agricultural extension service, whereby tasks, responsibilities and authorities are being illustrated Consultancy teamAccording to contract Proposed effective agricultural structure per region including main products, staffing and present subject matter specialists and other personnel. Requirements with regard to subject matter specialist and other expertise Proposal for an effective and improved structure

. Suriname in Action ActivityResponsibleDate Identifying effectiveness of the extension and indicators for measuring the impact of the service Proposing training needs for both MOA extension staff and farmers Presenting a profile of an extension agent (in the new style) Presenting a incentive system for extension workers Presenting newly developed participatory extension methodologies and strategies complying with the current challenges in the Agricultural sector ACTIONS TO CARRY OUT STEP-BY-STEP PLAN (WHAT, WHO, WHEN)

. Suriname in Action ActivityResponsibleDate Transforming the current regional MOA offices and institutions into Knowledge Centers Outlining the feasibility of commercialized extension service Development of policy with regard to upgrading of the level of organization amongst the farming population Based on the restructured extension service, outline the financial implications in the next five years ACTIONS TO CARRY OUT STEP-BY-STEP PLAN (WHAT, WHO, WHEN)

. Suriname in Action Resources Needed RESOURCE (financial and other e.g., facilities, services, etc.) Estimated CostPossible Sources FAOUSD LVVp.m.

. Suriname in Action PRODUCTS/ RESULTS MEASURES OF SUCCESS (Implementation of XX, by what date)  White Paper Extension Services Date: August 2012  Approved budget 2013 Date: December 2012  Implementation white paper Date: January 2013

. Suriname in Action LEADERSHIP  INFLUENCE LEADER(s) (“Trekker”) PHILIP ALGOE  TECHNICAL LEADER(s) CONSULTANTS  EXTENSION COUNTERPART TEAM U. Taus, R. Sanches, M. Silos, J. Wirth, N. Barron, R. Jubitana, M. Callebaut, I. Wijngaarde

. Suriname in Action Summary Table of Tasks ActivityResponsibleDateResources Terms of referencePhilip. Submission to FAODir. LVVMay 2012 Contracting ConsultantsFAOJune 2012 Consultancy missionFAO/ConsultansJune-July 2012 Draft ReportFAO/ConsultantsJuly 2012 Final reportFAO/ConsultantsAugust 2012 Implementation extension program Min. of AAHFJan