THE HAITIAN MANGO MARKET CHAIN ::SCOPE

Scope of Work - MarChE Program Implementation
Dates of Travel : Sept 18, 2009- October 3, 2009

STTA Specialist : Gordon Tween – STTA

Purpose : To support the implementation of an integrated pest management approach
(IPM) for Fruit Fly Control in Mango Value Chain in Haiti

Location : Port-au-Prince, and mango producing regions, Haiti

Project Description

The MarChE Project is built on successful prior USAID assistance with development of market value chains in selected crops such as coffee, mangos, cacao, and to some extent non-traditional crops like yams, peppers and processed goods, and for non-agricultural sectors such as tourism and handicrafts.

By the end of the project, MarChE will have transformed at least twelve separate, high-value market chains, increasing linkages between players in and among market chains. In addition, there will be a thriving SME service sector providing technical, marketing, training, finance, and ICT services to these value-chains on a commercial basis. The Grants under Contract will have been fully disbursed to sustainable enterprises and organizations, attracting new sources of domestic and foreign investment to competitive sectors, and leveraging at least $5 million in private sector resources. MarChE will have significantly improved natural resources management in collaboration with other USAID and national programs by increasing the planting of perennial crops in critical watersheds, promoting environmentally friendly value-chain products, and working with large-scale producers and contract farmers in the fertile plains and lowland areas.

The mango sector

Mangoes are Haiti’s largest agriculture export commodity. The current volume is approximately 2.5 million boxes annually. Mangos are sourced entirely from small scale rural farmers. Currently, nearly 500,000 people receive supplemental income from the sale of mangos for export, shipped to the United States. Post harvest losses and rejections continue to remain high, however, especially in areas located outside the project zone.

Rationale

Because mango is the most important/valuable crop, MarChE’s Team developed an assistance plan, which USAID approved in May. One major impediment facing mango producers is the devastating damage the Fruit Fly (A. oblique) causes. High populations of the pest overwhelm the capability of the hot water treatment process resulting in the premature end of export season to the USA while infected fruit remains in abundance. If the Fruit Fly population was controlled, the export season could be extended, resulting in increased exports. In addition, fruit quality could be improved and other varieties could be exported in addition to the Francis variety.

MarChE’s focus is to use “Best Management Practices”. For mangos this could include effective and safe Fruit Fly bait to attract and kill adult Fruit Flies. This is a common practice in fruit production areas of Latin America, Mexico, Florida, Texas, California and in the Mediterranean.

Purpose and Objectives

This STTA will support the IPM approach to combating fruit flies in Haiti’s mango value chain, building upon the GOH and other organizations on-going work.

The main objectives of this specialized STTA are:

• To reduce the fruit fly population through best management practices and the use of an effective bait
• To increase mango production as well as improving mango quality in Haiti for both export and domestic use.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Meet with the GOH’s phytosanitary specialist under contract with USAID for creating a reliable system for mango and other export commodities in Haiti to have an overview of detection and control measures used to limit fruit fly infestation in Haiti.
  Interface with key personnel in the GOH, USDA APHIS PPQ, USDA APHIS International, USAID, MarChE’s Grower organizations, and the Packer/Exporter organizations to gain their support for applying organic Fruit Fly bait
• Review the technical and economic feasibility for use of an organic Fruit Fly bait in mango producing regions. Identify proper application equipment, safe use training, and application methodology with estimated cost of each.
  Design a pilot to demonstrate how an organic insecticide, such as GF-120 used in conjunction with improved local practices could reduce fruit fly infestation in Haiti. GF-120 is a selective insect control product developed from the fermentation of a naturally occurring soil bacterium (Saccharopolyspora spinosa
• Develop an action plan and estimated budget for a pilot project in two or three mango groves that would be up and operating in the spring of 2010 to include Best Management Practices
• Explore the best strategy to avoid introducing in mango production areas other host fruit species that could become infested and provide a reservoir and/or “pest bridge”;
• Prepare a manual for growers on how to dispose of fallen fruit, including fruit waste, daily by an approved method (burying/lime, heating, drying, freezing, macerating, or processing to juice) and estimated cost of each.
• Outline a protocol that would address plot location criteria, training needs for all parties involved in the pilot project, and follow through to get the clean fruit to the market.
  

Deliverables

• An oral debrief with MarChE staff and CTO on mission trip;
• A manual containing best practices and resources necessary to maintain a pest free production;
• A pilot demonstration design that would include the role of all stakeholders;
• A written report that clearly describes the methodology and the action plan for testing the use of an organic insecticide, such as GF-120, in Haiti, including estimated costs; and
• A proposed strategy to integrate this product in the whole program of fruit flies detection control of the Direction Plant Protection /MARNDR.
  Roles and Responsibilities

The Consultant will report to the MarChE Chief of Party or his designee.

 

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@2009 MarChE