I. The project participated in the mid-course evaluation workshop of Thailand-Year-6 GEF/SGP , organized on 25-27 January 2006 . It was one of 27 projects sending project leaders or representatives to report to the workshop on progress of activities, immediate outputs/results that could be witnessed or observed, problems / issues and solution.

With only a few exception, majority of projects concisely reported progress and summarized immediate outputs and results. The report format included from power point to photos to dissemination materials, and to verbal presentation. There was one project bringing product of chemical-free vegetable for sale and show at the venue.

All presentations mentioned about problems and issues, with varying degree, but they had been corrected or rectified. Or at least, the project possessed idea or approach to do so. However, there were a few projects that presented problems and hot issues on environment soliciting further discussion and advice from participants.

On the final day, participants spent half-an-hour sharing idea on forging future networking of the year-6 projects and submitted approach for sustainability. Majority of participants agreed to be tied by natural network, without any regulation or commitment, but hearts and minds. There were two members pledging their times and skill to help others according to their availability.

As a reminder and incentives to ensure most effective implementation of remaining activities, the NC proposed the idea of strategic project where successful SGP projects could gather together so that community actions affecting global benefits would be clearer.

The workshop had seen substantial sharing of experience, especially on related issues of project activities. Somehow, it was felt that the remaining activities would be carried out to their completion. Another evidence, a natural network of environment was formed with a lot of participants winning one another hearts.

II. The project was visited by the NCV and four members of NSC on 17 February 2006. The findings and observations are as follows:

The visiting team and five project leaders from five tambols in project location met at one project member?s plot where briefing about project activities and discussion about general situation of local livelihood and prospects of project took place. Since the project offered opportunity to solve both livelihood and environmental problems, project members were quite convinced about the challenging idea , popularity and possible success.

Earlier ,the project conducted capacity building activities for project members. The visiting team witnessed increased capacity and sense vision of the group. It was related that forthcoming project activities on planning sustainable use of native species would fit very well in reducing expense on chemical substances, avoiding health risk from consumption of modern species and reversing degradation trends of the ecosystems. In addition, current local green market system for vegetable in Phol District , established for community members would lay a strong foundation for project sustainability.

The visiting team paid a visit to a collective orchard of about one ha on a public land. 28 members of project network were practicing organic farming for consumption and sales. There were more than 20 of native species ,both small and big of edible and medicinal value. In addition, one of the proposed plots for growing native paddy species and tree species was also witnessed.

It would be very interested to follow the outputs and results of the project -how and to what extent a re-introduced native farming way would produce its effect upon the notorious modern agriculture which had been introduced to Thailand about 50 years ago.

III. The progress report was received on 1 June 2006 , 7-page write-up and 24 captioned photos, with following details:

Activities carried out:

1. Launching capacity building through seminars, training and experience-sharing forum on self-reliant agriculture and native species
2. Putting into practice what are learnt in 1
3. Continuously launching meeting among network of farmers and network of local leaders
4. Launching technical seminars on approach of local farmers and conservation of salubrious native species

Immediate Outputs/Results:
1. Collection of four species of rice
2. Emergence of the followings:
-Six resources persons (model farmers)
-60 families re-plantings the species into their fields
3. Evinced intention of community leaders in six tambols on conservation of northeastern livelihood
4. Evinced self-confidence in conservation of native species and relevant traditional events among participating farmers and consumers

Project Communication:

On November 27 , 2005 , with cooperation from community ?for-self-reliance market groups in Phol District, the project organized a seminar on ?Toxic-free Market Place for Healthy Living of Phol Residence? which about 250 persons from both public and private sector participated.

IV. The completion report was received on December 7 , 2007, a bound book of 13-page write-up and 26 photos.

Activities carried out under project: Results
1. Launching capacity building through seminars, training and experience-sharing forum on self-reliant agriculture , native species bleedings (both plant and animal) and toxic-free production
2. Launching a study on and compiling native species (rice)
3. Establishing the Native Species Revival Fund ( Rice, vegetable and animal) in 10 villages
4. Establishing the fund for making use of agro-waste (rice straw)
5. Producing organic fertilizer to reverse land degradation
6. Revitalizing traditional livelihood events 1. Increased awareness and capacity of farmers witnessed by emergence of plans to compile ,collect and develop native rice and vegetable species
2. Native rice species being re-introduced into cultivated land of 30 farmers ? approximately 30 ha
3. Eight species of native rice being collected and grown for consumption with one species gaining potential commercial value
4. Approximately 20 tons of organic fertilizer being produced and applied in the field
5. Approximately 40 ha of cultivated land making use of agro-waste to substantially maintain soil quality
6. Mutual learning and understanding among farmers, consumers and local institutes ( school, temple, TAO) regarding community production process, health and local environment conservation
7. Evinced better cooperation in community development, especially on revival of good traditional practices


Participatory Evaluation: Conducted on November 25, 2007 at Phol District Meeting Hall, Khon Kaen Province

Participants: 30 persons comprising project committee, representatives from Tambol Administrative Organizations, model farmers, representatives from consumer / vendors and community schools.

Methods: Seminar to discuss the results of activities.

Impact: 10 families who are model farmers seemed to set up good example for sufficient living. In addition, demonstration of organic fertilizer production had paved way to the mainstreaming of organic fertilizer in the province.

Future Plan: In order to further promote native species for production, the approach should be consistent with the demand, i.e.
1. Processing or increasing value of native rice
2. Furthering community sharing and learning on toxic-free vegetable and
community health