I. First progress report (August 7, 2006):
Activities undertaken:
1. Construction of a composting facility, including grinding equipment and organic solution processor

Results of activities:
1. Five heaps of compost produced (approx. one ton each)
2. Three cans of organic solution produced: one from jackfruit, one from cucumber, and one from medicinal plant

II. Mid-course evaluation workshop (February 20-22, 2007):
After a brief presentation by the National Coordinator (NC) reiterating the objectives of the GEF SGP, representatives from each project spent 30 minutes explaining project background, activities undertaken, immediate results and challenges. The National Coordinator encouraged candid discussion of problems and problem-solving strategies, and each presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session.

Project representatives also spent an afternoon interacting with community members from THA-05-14 (Local Scenes for Environment Protection). Workshop attendants learned about the old ways of life in the central area and how local ecologies had been altered. The final day was allotted to the two remaining project presentations, the National Steering Committee's observations and suggestions, and the National Coordinator's reminder of next steps.

Progress-related observations at Workshop:
--Of 14 projects, 12 were on time regarding activities and submission of reports. All were capable of articulating details of their activities and immediate results, which were deemed promising.
--Several projects secured financial support from other stakeholders.
--Leaders from at least four projects demonstrated increased capacity, both technically and institutionally. (National Steering Committee members expressed special satisfaction with this.)
--Eleven projects used Power Point and audio-visual equipment; the remaining three presented sets of photos.

III. Second progress report (March 7, 2007):
Activities undertaken:
1. Two acres of land designated as demonstration plot under supervision of project members
2. Water supply system installed to be used with land cultivated as a result of project

Results of activities:
1. Half-acre of land designated and ready for use as demonstration plot
2. Water supply systems able to cover approximately one acre
3. Project members satisfied with reduced expense, with current yield in the land of 100-200 kg/day

IV. Monitoring visit from NC, PA and three members of NSC (October 28, 2007):
At the time of the visit, project members expressed mixed levels of satisfaction with the project. Half felt it was progressing well; other members complained that local land degradation was so severe that farmers were unable to grow crops without the application of chemicals. Furthermore, paddy could not be grown in the project area due to inadequate water supplies, forcing project members to purchase rice.

The National Coordinator, members of the National Steering Committee, and the Provincial Authority visited two project plots. In the first, vegetables were being grown using drip-irrigation. The owner seemed satisfied with his yield. The second plot made clear the importance of the project, as the area treated with organic fertilizer was far more productive than the untreated soil.

Project members? products were on sale in the Rajburi Provincial market, and seemed to have a good reputation for being chemical-free. The products attracted some regular customers. Project leaders vowed to continue implementing the project, and eventually disseminate the results.

V. Completion report (November 14, 2007):
Date of Participatory Evaluation: September 29, 2007
Number of project beneficiaries:
Women: 8
Men: 7
Children: --
Number of people attending trainings, seminars, and/or study tours:
Women: 4
Men: 9
Children: 1
Project expenses:
Total: THB
Amount from SGP: THB
Amount from other : THB
Amount contributed by grantee: THB

Activities undertaken:
1. Construction of a composting facility, including grinding equipment and an organic solution processor
2. Water supply system installed to be used with land cultivated as a result of project
3. Two acres of land designated as demonstration plot under supervision of project members

Results of activities:
1. Facilities provide training for project members. They also produce organic compost ? approx. five tons/month ? reducing expense on chemical fertilizer by THB 3,000/planting season
2. Diesel consumption for water pumping reduced by 20%/month as a result of drip irrigation system (equivalent to THB 4,320/year)
3. 40 project members increase their income by THB 1,050/month

Issues with project implementation:
? Chemical-free agriculture is difficult, especially in project location where deforestation has degraded land. Huge quantities of organic matter and solution were applied to restore fertility.
? Re-vegetating the land with seasonal crops was difficult, especially for livelihood purposes. The market price fluctuated frequently.