Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development
Collaboration for Agriculture & Rural Development
013VIE05 VIE: Cocoa Fermentation and Drying and Quality Assessment in Vietnam
Progress Report Milestones 5 & 7: Manual for Improved Cocoa Quality through Improved Processing Procedures & Research Papers/Technical Reports
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Table of Contents
1. Institute Information ____________________________________________________2
2. Project Abstract ________________________________________________________3
3. Executive Summary _____________________________________________________3
4. Introduction & Background ______________________________________________4
5. Progress to Date ________________________________________________________5
Implementation Highlights ________________________________________________ 4
5.1
Smallholder Benefits______________________________________________________ 9
5.2
Capacity Building ________________________________________________________ 9
5.3
Publicity ________________________________________________________________ 9
5.4
Project Management ____________________________________________________ 10
5.5
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues___________________________________________10
Environment ___________________________________________________________ 10
6.1
Gender and Social Issues _________________________________________________ 10
6.2
7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ____________________________________11
Issues and Constraints ___________________________________________________ 11
7.1
Options________________________________________________________________ 11
7.2
Sustainability___________________________________________________________ 11
7.3
8. Next Critical Steps _____________________________________________________12
9. Conclusion ___________________________________________________________13
10. Statuatory Declaration____________________________Error! Bookmark not defined.
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1. Institute Information
Project Name
013VIE05 Cocoa Fermentation and Drying and Quality Assessment in Vietnam
Vietnamese Institution Can Tho University
Ha Thanh Toan, PhD. Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Nong Lam University Vietnamese Institution
Dr. Pham Hong Duc Phuoc Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Vietnamese Institution Western Highlands Agro-forestry Science & Technical Institute
Dr. NGUYEN VAN THUONG Vietnamese Project Team Leader
QDPI&F Australian Organisation
Neil Hollywood Australian Personnel
February 06 Date commenced
February 08 Completion date (original)
June 08 Completion date (revised)
Forth 6 months to February 08 Reporting period
Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Neil Hollywood Senior Microbiologist Name: Position: Organisation QDPI&F Telephone: Fax: Email: 617 34068643 617 34068699 Neil.hollywood@dpi.qld.gov.au
In Australia: Administrative contact
Michelle Sinn Senior Planning Officer Name: Position: Organisation QDPI&F Telephone: Fax: Email: 617 33462711 617 33462727 Michelle.Sinn@dpi.qld.gov.au
In Vietnam
84 71 830604 84 71 830604 Name: Position: Telephone: Fax: Ha Thanh Toan Director, Biotechnology R&D Institute Organisation Can Tho University Email: httoan@ctu.edu.vn
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2. Project Abstract
The Government of Vietnam is focusing on high quality Vietnamese cocoa and has set a goal of having 10,000 ha of planted cocoa by 2010. This is principally aimed for in the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta regions. These are priority regions for CARD projects. It is crucial that Vietnam produces a high quality fermented cocoa that would improve incomes for Vietnamese farmers. The best way to assure good quality attributes is to train relevant Vietnamese organisation’s staff in assessment of cocoa quality and fermentation and drying methodologies. The obvious choice for training are scientists from the Vietnamese Cocoa Development team in Nong Lam University, scientists from Can Tho University, and WASI, the official cocoa research institute, in Dak Lak province. In this project, smallholder methods of fermenting and solar drying cocoa are to be tested under Vietnamese conditions and factors involved in farmer adoption. Methodologies will be passed to farmers through extension and other appropriate channels. In tandem with this, training of Vietnamese staff in cocoa sensory and chemical analysis at QDPI&F, is to be conducted. The aim of these project activities is to produce high quality cocoa as well as having the capacity to monitor and advise at the participating Vietnamese Institutes.
3. Executive Summary
One visit by the Australian collaborator was made in April 2007. During this visit the three collaborating institutes were visited.
The purpose of this visit is outlined in the project document in Section 3.2 “Implementation Schedule” and was basically to complete outputs 9 - 14 of that schedule. These are as follows: A “Hot House” fermentation trial was conducted at Western Highlands Agricultural Science Institute (WASI) during the April visit of the Australian collaborator. This trial was conducted in conjunction with the testing of three other treatments. These treatments were pod storage and the spreading of beans, in the sun for two hours and four hours, prior to placement in fermentation boxes. Results obtained from these trials indicated that the use of “hot houses” did not have a significant effect on fermentation parameters and their use can not be recommended for the cooler regions of Dak Lak Province. Sensory analysis of dried bean samples from these trials were conducted at Nong Lam University in December 2007 but results were inconclusive. A further trial on the use of a wash procedure for fermented beans, prior to drying, was also conducted at Can Tho University in April 2007. This trial was repeated at Nong Lam University in September 2007. A further trial using combinations of pod storage, spreading of beans in the sun prior to fermentation, length of fermentation time and soaking of beans after fermentation and prior to drying, was conducted at Nong Lam University in December 2007. Dried bean analyses were completed in January 2008. Results demonstrated that the practices of pod storage, bean spreading and washing, prior to drying, each increased the brown bean percentages in cut tests. As buyers currently determine prices for cocoa on cut test results, all three practices are to be recommended. Because of some delays an extension of the time frame from April to June 2008 was requested and approved by CARD.
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4. Introduction & Background
Due to a large cocoa grinding industry and growing consumption, there is a lack of properly fermented cocoa in the Asia Pacific region. Much of the fermented cocoa is currently being important from West Africa. Vietnam has the capacity to fill at least part of this supply need, but it is crucial that cocoa produced is comparable to the industry standard, West African cocoa.
The Vietnamese government has an aim of increasing cocoa production especially in the Western Highlands and Mekong Delta regions. It is intended that the Mekong Delta area, using smallholder farmers, will be the site of the bulk of new plantings. Currently there are 2700ha of cocoa planted in this region. In the Mekong Delta area, the majority of cocoa is in Ben Tre Province. This is a neighbouring province of Can Tho, where Can Tho University and the proponent are situated. Ben Tre province is also being promoted by the central government as a pioneering province for cocoa development in the Mekong Delta region. Cocoa development activities have strong support from the local MARD (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) branch.
Due to the fact that cocoa cultivation is very new in Vietnam, there is little expertise in cocoa quality in any of Vietnam’s academic and research organizations. A Cocoa Development team from Nong Lam University is the most knowledgeable in many aspects of cocoa, especially in agronomic issues related to the establishment of the crop. Can Tho University is adjacent to Ben Tre province and WASI (Western Highlands Agricultural Science Institute) can service the cocoa industry in the Western Highlands. WASI is also the official Vietnamese cocoa research institution mandated by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). Therefore these three institutes were included for participation in the project. The project aims include addressing capacity building in all aspects of cocoa processing and quality assessment in these Institutions.
The project aims include studies of methods of optimising the processing of cocoa, especially in regard to harvesting and fermentation and drying procedures. Dak Lak, because of its’ cooler climate, has separate requirements regarding fermentation and drying from the other two provinces. This aim, it is hoped, will result in premium prices for cocoa. Once methodologies have been developed for a range of harvest sizes, adaptive, on-farm trials will be established. These trials will involve the distribution of dryers and fermenting boxes to selected smallholders in Can Tho, Ben Tre and Dak Lak. On-farm sites are then to be monitored at intervals to note factors such as; he manner in which the procedures are adopted and perform, the quality of product compared to that obtained in other countries and the rest of Vietnam, maintenance problems which may occur and the benefits to family members, including gender issues such as, labour reduction and income effects. These trials would need to be undertaken over at least a one-year period to adequately assess performance, maintenance and any other associated problems with the methodologies, which may be encountered in different seasons.
With a successful conduct and outcome from the on-farm trials, extension activities would then be undertaken. This could be in the form of booklets, production of simple plans for fermenting boxes and dryer construction, local media reports, and dissemination via extension officers within relevant Vietnamese agricultural agencies and with training projects such as SUCCESS Alliance (SA). For cocoa quality evaluation, staff from the three participating institutes will receive training in the physical, chemical and sensory evaluation of cocoa at QDPI&F, Brisbane. They will also receive training in the conduct of fermentation and drying trials. In this manner, capacity building of the participating institutions will be implemented.
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5. Progress to Date
5.1 Implementation highlights
The project milestones, as per Annex 1 of Schedule 2 of the amended contract, and achievements to date against proposal activity log frames are as follows:
No
Actual Delivery
Expected Delivery Month/Year
Milestone Description
Deliverables: Means of Verification for Payment
Logframe Ref (Output)
February 2006
February 2006
• Research Agreement signed.
CARD Contract Signed
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Milestones and payment schedules in place
September 2006 September 2006
Output 2
Cocoa Baseline Data
Current Cocoa Production Practices in target areas including: • Holding size • Production and quality of pods • Current processing methods,
including fermentation and drying in the wet season
• Farm-based financial information - income and expenditure and returns per labour day
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• Existing market options and the
returns from the use of marketing organisations such as cooperatives and government and private sector buyers
• Identification of critical control
points for improvement of cocoa quality
• Reference to other farmer baseline
surveys – e.g. SUCCESS
August 2006
August 2006
Objective 5
1st Six-monthly Report
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• Report submitted using the CARD standard reporting format detailing progress in achievement of logframe activities. (Brief Training Reports as attachments)
• Statutory Declaration of Personnel, Equipment and Other Services Provided
February 2007
August 2007
2nd Six-monthly Report
Objective 9
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• Report submitted using the CARD standard reporting format detailing progress in achievement of logframe activities. (Brief Training Reports as attachments)
• Statutory Declaration of Personnel, Equipment and Other Services Provided
TABLE OF MILESTONES
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July 2007
Objective 11, 12
Cocoa Quality Manual
Completed February 2008.
Comprehensive Manual for Improved Cocoa Quality including: • Design and construction of farmer- appropriate fermenting boxes, hot houses and driers
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• Recommended management practices for harvest and post- harvest treatment of cocoa beans • Extension material and farmer aids for sorting, grading and bulking cocoa to improve income
August 2007
Submitted September 2007
Objective 13
3rd Six-monthly Report
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• Report submitted using the CARD standard reporting format detailing progress in achievement of logframe activities. (Brief Training Reports as attachments)
• Statutory Declaration of Personnel, Equipment and Other Services Provided
September 2007 Completed
Objective 7, 8, 12,
Research Papers/Technical Reports
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• Cocoa drying trials • Cocoa fermentation trials • Summary of on-farm trials • Chocolate liquor production and
sensory evaluation
• Quality attributes of cocoa in
February 2008 but had to be posted on CD due to size of documents and translation delayed.
Vietnam
Competent staff at CTU, NLU and WASI
Objective 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 14
Objective competency assessment of Can Tho, NLU and WASI staff in: • Design, installation and advice for
the use of farmer appropriate drying and fermentation equipment
• Skills in establishment and
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management of taste panels, cocoa sensory analysis and biometry procedures
• Analysis and reporting of on-farm
November 2007 Staff now have competencies in processing procedures, conduct of fermentation and drying trials and quality evaluation. The analysis of on-farm trials is now expected in April 2008
trials in Ben Tre, Western Highlands and SUCCESS sites, including farmer oriented financial analysis of cocoa quality improvement interventions
of
Objective 7
Validation Smallholder Benefits
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• Economic, social and environmental benefits for target farmers through adoption of recommended interventions for improvement of cocoa quality (compared with baselines
April 2008
June
December 2007 Follow-up survey conducted in December 2007. Final analysis to be completed in April 2008 Due by 2008
Project Completion Report
Objective 15, 16, 17 18
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• Report submitted using the CARD standard reporting format detailing progress in achievement of logframe activities. (Brief Training Reports as attachments)
• Statutory Declaration of Personnel, Equipment and Other Services Provided
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Project Activities
The activities listed are as per the project document as this states the activities in more detail than the amended contract. Activities previously reported are not included. Activities initiated or completed during the past six months are as follows:
2.2 Collection of base line data re current industry and Institute capacities Completed and previously reported
2.3 Assessment of baseline data Completed and previously reported
2.4 Identification of capacity building requirements of Vietnamese institutes Completed and previously reported
Project logframe activity 2.5: Initiation of construction of fermentation boxes, solar dryers and hot houses: Completed and previously reported
Project logframe activity 2.6: Initiation of drying trials and dryer modification: Completed and previously reported
Project logframe activity 2.7: Initiation of fermentation trials. The “hot house” fermentation trials, including studies of pod storage, bean spreading and length of fermentation time were completed in April 2007. The effects of fermentation in the warmer atmosphere of the hot house were not sufficient to warrant its recommendation.
In April 2007 the use of a wash or soaking procedure on beans at the end of fermentation, before drying, was tested at CTU. This was repeated at NLU in September 2007 and increases in brown bean counts and a reduction in shell content were confirmed.. In December 2007 a multi-factorial trial was trial was conducted at NLU involving pod storage, bean spreading, length of fermentation time and the soaking procedure. All trials have now been written up as attachments to milestone 7 and form the basis of recommendations in the farmer’s manual.
2.8 Collection of samples of fermented dried cocoa from local sources and fermentation trials for inclusion in sensory and analytical training at QDPI&F Completed and previously reported
2.9 Purchase in Australia and delivery of items not readily accessible in Vietnam Completed and previously reported
3.1 Visit to QDPI&F of Vietnamese scientists from CTU, WASI and NLU Completed and previously reported
3.2 Training in cocoa sensory, analytical and biometry procedures for scientists from Can Tho and NLU Completed and previously reported
3.3 Establishment of taste panels and analytical procedures at CTU, WASI and NLU Completed and previously reported
4.1 Assistance to Can Tho, NLU and WASI in buying equipment required for sensory, analytical and biometry procedures Completed and previously reported
6.1 Training of WASI staff at CTU and NLU in sensory analytical and biometry procedures by Can Tho and NLU staff. This was completed by attendance of WASI staff member at training at QDPI&F.
7.1 Smallholder cocoa quality improvement through optimisation of fermentation practices Experimentation has been completed and the manual is in print. The main recommendations regarding fermentation are to adopt the practice of pod storage, spreading of beans, to reduce moisture content, prior to fermentation and washing of beans after fermentation. The recommendations regarding solar drying is that weather conditions make it un-necessary in the
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Western Highlands but should be adopted in the Mekong delta region. The extension of information to farmers is behind schedule.
7.2 Evaluation of fermentation trial data. This has been completed and several recommendations are being incorporated into extension materials.
7.3 Evaluation of drying trial data This has been completed.
7.4 Construction of solar dryers at Can Tho and NLU and delivery of prefabricated units to WASI Completed and previously reported
7.5 Drying trials evaluation. Completed and previously reported
8.2 Adjustments, if any, to solar dryer design made Completed and previously reported
8.3 Testing of updated dryer design Completed and previously reported
11.1 Production of extension materials re fermentation practices and dryer design in Association with CTU, NLU, WASI, NAEC and SUCCESS Alliance. The extension materials have been finalised and are currently being translated and printed at CTU.
12.1 Initiation of on-farm trials in Ben Tre and Western highland in association with Vietnamese institutes, MARD and SUCCESS Trials have been initiated at all three participating institutions but insufficient gathering of dried bean samples and assessment of characteristics has occurred to date.
12.2 Economic assessment of selected villagers current incomes and practices regarding cocoa processing and sale A follow-up survey of farmers, with and without solar driers, in Ben Tre Province was conducted in December 2007. Analysis of the survey data is yet to be completed.
12.3 Collection of cocoa samples from the selected sites on a regular basis and assessment of quality attributes of the cocoa. This has proved problematical with the distance from Can Tho and Nong Lam Universities from the solar drier sites in Ben Tre province. Similarly, the one solar drying site in Dak Lak is sixty kilometres from WASI. There probably needs to be some reallocation of funds for this to be conducted comprehensively. However, over-expenditure has occurred in several areas of the project and a reallocation of funds may be problematical.
12.4 Collection of data on changes to farmers work patterns and income due to adoption of methodologies A follow-up survey of farmers, with and without solar driers, in Ben Tre Province was conducted in December 2007. Analysis of the survey data is yet to be completed.
12.5 Collation of data on quality attributes of cocoa produced by smallholders or cooperatives using project methodologies against a range of Vietnamese sources. As for activity 12.3
12.6 Comparison of farmer’s costs, work practices and income after adoption of the methodologies. As for activity 12.4
14.1 Travel of two weeks, in August 2007, by Australian partner to Vietnam for assessment of sites in Ben Tre and Western Highlands. This has not been undertaken as over-expenditure has occurred in several areas and the lateness of milestones 5 & 7 have led to delays in forwarding tranches for these milestones.
14.2 Identify technological uptake and identify barriers to adoption of methodologies. As for activity 12.4
15.1 Finalisation and assessment of all project activities. To be done in time for a final project workshop in June 2008
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16.1 Visit, of three weeks, by Australian partner to Vietnam in April 2008 This needs to be changed to three weeks in June.
17.1 Final project workshop To be done by end of June 2008
18.1 Final project report To be done by end of June 2008
5.2 Smallholder Benefits
Cocoa, properly fermented and dried, and of good flavor attributes, can fetch a premium between 100-200 USD/tonne over the usual Southeast Asian bean price. This means that, if this project were successful in establishing a high quality standard, Vietnamese smallholders would earn an additional 1-2 million USD per year once the foreseen target, of 10,000 ha in production by 2010, is reached. For the Mekong Delta region, there is the potential of an additional amount of 1.8-3.6 million USD that would be earned by smallholder cocoa growers. Due to similar rainfall, development of methodologies for the Mekong should be transferable to the Central Coast if cocoa production was initiated there.
A short survey of cocoa farmers at Ben Tre province, by SA in 2004, demonstrated that cocoa trees, within 2 years of planting, could give 50kg of cocoa bean per month/ha. The yield increases to 200kg cocoa bean/month/ha for 4 year old trees. At the present price (21,000 VND/kg of fermented bean) farmers could earn 3.6 billion Vietnamese Dong/month/ha (or 235 USD/month/ha) for good quality cocoa.
The impacts, of adoption of methodologies from this project, were expected to be reported by September 2007.
5.3 Capacity Building
Training in the conduct of fermentation and drying trials and analysis of the relevant parameters has now been completed at each participating institute.
Training, in the use of HPLC for organic acids and GC-MS for aromatic compounds, for Vietnamese staff from each participating Institute, was conducted at QDPI&F in August 2006. Of the participating institutes, only NLU has the equipment for conduct of these analyses.
Training in sensory evaluation and biometry of results was also conducted at this workshop. Follow up training has been conducted by the Australian collaborator during visits in December 2006 and April 2007. A mortar and pestle, for cocoa liquor or chocolate production, has been delivered to WASI and a processor for chocolate or liquor production delivered to CTU. NLU had equipment for this prior to the project commencement.
5.4 Publicity
The following would be applied to publicise AusAID / CARD involvement. • Media and publicity releases; • References and signage at field demonstrations, workshops and training sessions (Solar driers and fermenting boxes demonstrated in Ben Tre Province during an “International Cocoa Workshop” Nov. 2006 and a seminar on cocoa fermentation& drying and quality assessment given at a cocoa workshop at Nong Lam University (NLU) in April 2007)) • References in training manuals
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• Labelling of equipment supplied • Joint GoV and Australian signage for office/laboratories supported by Australia 5.5 Project Management The Vietnamese Institutes is responsible for the bulk of planning and conduction of fermentation and drying trials as well as sensory and analytical work post training. The Vietnamese institutes would also be responsible for the monitoring of trials and impact on farmers work load and income and the quality attributes of cocoa from the farmer trials. The Australian Institute would collaborate in the monitoring, analysis of data generated, production of extension materials and reporting of the project. The Australian Institute also manages the project budget
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues
6.1 Environment
Cocoa growing can have fewer adverse effects on the environment than other forms of agriculture. Production blocks are often small, with cocoa grown as a mixed crop with coconuts or a variety of subsistence food crops. Research papers, including presentations at an ICCO conference (Brazil, 1996), report that species diversity, including mammals, birds, insects etc on cocoa blocks, may be similar to that of adjacent rainforest in cocoa growing areas. Environmental risks involved in the program are therefore, regarded as minimal. The project involves processing of existing and future plantings of cocoa. Future plantings may impact on natural flora and fauna but the program is not related to any expansion of areas under cocoa cultivation. Cocoa is also considered an environmentally benign crop. In the Mekong Delta, cocoa is planted in mixed planting systems, mainly with coconut but also in very diversified systems with as much as up to 15 different species of fruit trees, nut trees, shrubs, vines and medicinal plants with a resultant, very high biodiversity.
6.2 Gender and Social Issues
Many cocoa farmers in Vietnam already ferment and dry their own cocoa and therefore have some experience with these practices. During the field trials on optimisation of fermentation techniques, an attempt would be made to incorporate the better aspects of what is currently done into our recommended methods. This incorporation would take into account materials currently used and environmental, work practice, and social factors.
A Success Alliance study has demonstrated the following:
SA has four participating provinces of Binh Phuoc (1095 households), Ba Ria Vung Tau (1560), Tien Giang (1600) and Ben Tre (1679). In these provinces, female participation varied from 9% in Binh Phuoc to 20% in Ben Tre. Tien Giang had 16% and Ba Ria Ving, 13%. Virtually all of these participants had farming as their sole income. The bulk of participants are in the age range of 26-55 which is considered an experienced labour age. The bulk of participants had a median family size of 3-5 members. The percentage of farmers with an education level of secondary to high school varied from 69-77% across the provinces, therefore with this level of education, a high percentage of uptake of knowledge could be expected.
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In Binh Phuoc province 90% of farmers had an income between 12-100 million VND per annum for all crops grown. The median figure was 40 million VND. In Ba Ria Vung Tau the figures were 90% having income between 1-45 million VND, with a median level of 17 million VND. In Ben Tre 90% of participants had incomes between 1-10 million VND and a median income of 4 MVD. In Tian Giang 90% had an income between 2-10 MVND and median income of 5 MVND. In Can Tho province the only substantial cocoa grower had an annual income of 16MVD from cocoa alone. The baseline survey, conducted for this project, has been completed and presented previously in a separate document.
7.
Implementation & Sustainability Issues
7.1 Issues and Constraints
1. One concern was that the solar driers would not suit smallholders due to price and complexity issues. However it was regarded that simple units could be built to suit smallholder purposes. After the visit by the QDPI&F drying specialist, prices and availability of different materials for drier construction were compared. Wooden frames were found to be the same price as those constructed with square, tubular steel, galvanized iron. The iron frames are preferred as they do not rot or warp with time as timber frames do. However the smallest sized driers, capable of drying 100-150kg wet beans cost around USD200. This is twice what was originally anticipated and it remains to be seen whether smallholders would be prepared to pay this much. This may be overcome by farmers adopting a coperative approach with the drying of cocoa. Discussions with Success Alliance have indicated that they don’t consider the price would be prohibitive for smallholders. 2. It was considered that fermentation of quantities down to 10kg could be achieved with the fermenting boxes recommended. This has not been demonstrated to be the case and minimum quantities of 25kg are now recommended. This amount should not be problematic for smallholders who do store pods until there is a sufficient quantity to ferment. 3. Work conducted has shown that the practices of pod storage, spreading of beans prior to placement in fermenting boxes and washing, prior to drying, does improve the quality of cocoa. All these practices can be easily conducted by farmers.
7.2 Options
All three of the procedures mentioned above have now been adequately tested and incorporated into the farmers manual
7.3 Sustainability
The trials already conducted at Can Tho plus the extensive training in dry bean analysis by permanent staff from CTU, NLU and WASI means that the project has a high degree of sustainability. Also with the training in sensory evaluation in Brisbane, the delivery of equipment, and follow up training by the Australian collaborator means that this aspect of the program will have sustainability.
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8. Next Critical Steps
The next critical steps are given as per the project document activity schedule:
Project logframe activity 11.1: Production of extension materials re fermentation practices and dryer design in Association with CTU, NLU, WASI, NAEC and SUCCESS. NCTU is currently printing the extension material and this will be distributed to farmers, MARD extension officers and possibly incorporated into Success Alliance program.
Project logframe activity 12.1: Initiation of on-farm trials in Ben Tre and Western Highlands in association with Vietnamese Institutes, MARD and SUCCESS alliance. Trials have been initiated by all three participating institutions but the distances involved have prevented on-farm trials from being closely monitored or frequently visited/conducted. Distances involved have also made it difficult to regularly collect samples. A reallocation of funding would be required to conduct this properly.
Project logframe activity 12.2: Economic assessment of selected villagers current incomes and practices regarding cocoa processing and sale. Analysis of the survey data, collected in December 2007 is to be completed before mid April 2008.
Project logframe activity 12.3: Collection of cocoa samples from the selected sites on a regular basis and assessment of quality attributes of the cocoa. Distances involved and staff- time requirements mean that a reallocation of funds is required.
Project logframe activity 12.4: Collection of data on changes to farmer’s work patterns and income due to adoption of methodologies. Analysis of the survey data is to be completed by mid April 2008.
Project logframe activity 12.5: Collation of data on quality attributes of cocoa produced by smallholders or cooperatives using project methodologies against a range of Vietnamese sources. As for activity 12.3
Project logframe activity 12.6: Comparison of farmer’s costs, work practices and income after adoption of the methodologies. As for activity 12.4
Project logframe activity 14.1: Travel of two weeks, in August 2007, by Australian partner to Vietnam for assessment of sites in Ben Tre and Western Highlands. This needs to be re- scheduled to May-June.
Project logframe activity 14.2 Identify technological uptake and identify barriers to adoption of methodologies. As for activity 12.4
Project logframe activity 15.1: Finalisation and assessment of all project activities. To be done in time for a final project workshop in June 2008
Project logframe activity 16.1: Visit, of three weeks, by Australian partner to Vietnam in June 2008. This needs to be changed to three week in May-June along with activity 14.1.
Project logframe activity 17.1: Final project workshop To be done by end of June 2008
Project logframe activity 18.1: Final project report To be done by end of June 2008
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9. Conclusion
Finalization of the fermentation trials became behind schedule for a number of reasons including a need to replicate some trials conducted in Dak Lak, in the Mekong region and delays in sensory evaluation. Conduction of some fermentation trials were also delayed because of the fact that cocoa is a seasonal crop and sufficient quantities of pods are not available at all times of the year. An example of this is that the last project trial conducted at NLU in December 2007 was performed using pods that had been transported from Dak Lak. It would have required waiting several months for ripe pods to become available at NLU. However the results of fermentation trials conducted have produced several new recommendations regarding fermentation procedures that have been demonstrated to benefit cocoa quality and can be easily conducted by farmers.
Effective recommendations can be made, but this delay in finalising the fermentation trials has resulted in a delay in completing extension material, which in turn has delayed dissemination of information to farmers and extension officers within MARD and DOST. It has also delayed on- farm trials using all of the final recommendations and an assessment of their impact on farmer livelihoods.
Project activities, especially as regards on-farm trials, monitoring of farmer practices and assessment of adoption of recommendations on cocoa quality, have additionally been hampered by the fact that in Can Tho Province, where the lead Vietnamese Institute is located, only one significant cocoa grower exists. The nearest Province, where substantial plantings and numbers of farmers exist, is Ben Tre Province which is eighty kilometres from Can Tho. This wasn’t known to the Australian counterpart at the stage of writing the proposal and staff time and funding for monitoring on-farm trials, farmer practices & collection of samples for assessment over this distance was not written into the proposal or budget.
It is therefore probable that activities 12.3 – 12.6 and 14.2 can only be partially delivered within the current schedule and budget.
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Project Progress against Proposed Objectives, Outputs, Activities and Inputs
Project Title: Cocoa Fermentation and Drying and Quality Assessment in Vietnam 013/05VIE
Vietnamese Implementing Institution: Can Tho University
PROPOSAL
Narrative
Information Required
Performance Measures
Assumptions
PROGRESS REPORT Information Required
Contract signed Assessments of current practices made
Outputs & Activities previously reported and completed
Possible difficulties in obtaining up to date information
OBJECTIVES Objective 1 Contract signing Output 1.1 Objective 2. Collection of base line data re current industry and Institute capacities
None foreseen
Data collection re size of holdings, quantity and quality of pods produced, current processing methods, labour requirements, current marketing options, development/ existence of cooperatives, fermentation and drying methods in wet season Identification of capacity building requirements and equipment needed.
Outputs and Activities previously reported and completed
Requirements identified during Australian partners first visit.
Objective completed 2 months from start of project
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Beneficiaries: Vietnamese institutes and smallholder farmers
Objective 3. Identification of capacity building requirements of Vietnamese institutes Objective 4. Conduct fermentation and drying trials
Possible difficulties in obtaining local materials and availability of pods which is seasonal None foreseen
Beneficiaries are Vietnamese staff to undergo training at QDPI&F
Samples of Vietnamese cocoa obtained for inclusion in sensory, analytical and biometry training at QDPI&F
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Delivery of items required to Can Tho and WASI
Possible delays in delivery of items
Availability of items in Vietnam and alternate Australian sources
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
None foreseen
Beneficiaries are Vietnamese institutes and later the cocoa industry in general
Vietnamese institutes have personnel trained in sensory, analytical and biometry procedures
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
None foreseen
Objective 5. Collection of samples of fermented dried cocoa from local sources and fermentation trials for inclusion in sensory and analytical training at QDPI&F Objective 6. Purchase in Australia and delivery of items not readily accessible in Vietnam Objective 7. Training of Vietnamese scientists in sensory, analytical and biometry procedures. Objective 8 Six monthly report
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Compilation and presentation of activities and results of first six months of 2006.
None foreseen
Data collected and generated to date re local industry, Vietnamese Institutes requirements and training and fermentation and drying trials Training delivered during visit to QDPI&F
WASI staff able to conduct cocoa quality assessment
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Objective 9 Training of WASI staff at Can Tho and NLU in
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Beneficiaries are smallholder cocoa farmers
Recommendations for farmers finalised by March 2007
Fermentation and drying trials have been completed during this period at both CTU and WASI
sensory analytical and biometry procedures by Can Tho and NLU staff. Objective 10 Smallholder cocoa quality improvement through optimisation of fermentation practices
Fermentation data generated
Last trial on “wash procedure” and bean spreading fermentation to be conducted in December 2007. Reports will be finalised by March 2008. Reports will be finalised by April 2008.
Output 10.1 Generation and collation of data from fermentation and drying trials
Capacity building at CTU and to be followed at WASI. Main beneficiaries will be smallholder farmers who will benefit from improved fermentation techniques.
Source of quantities of cocoa pods required
Trials completed May 2006 (3 months after start of project)
Fermentation and drying trials completed in April 2007. Reports will be finalised by April 2008. Reports will be finalised by April 2008.
Data generated from fermentation trials
Recommendations re fermentation methods established
Location of sources of sufficient quantities of cocoa for fermentation trials may be difficult. Distances to travel are problematic Delays in conduct of trials and assessment of dried beans occurred As above
Problems in performance/design of dryers made
Outputs & Activities previously reported and completed
Activity 10.1.1 Completion of experimentation on fermentation and drying practices. Activity 10.1.2 Evaluation of fermentation and drying trial data Objective 11 Optimisation of solar dryer design
Possible delays in construction/install ation of dryers. This may cause missing of wet season in May/June None foreseen
Completed by August 2006
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Objective 12 Testing of updated dryer design
Six monthly report produced
None foreseen
Information required: Data from drying trials to date. Prices and types of local materials for use in construction. Beneficiaries: Smallholder cocoa farmers Information required: Dryer performance data Beneficiaries: Smallholder farmers and Vietnamese institutes Data generated to date re all project activities required
Extension materials are ready for distribution to local farmers and relevant bodies e.g. SUCCESS and MARD by August 2007
Delays in fermentation and drying trial conduct
Information required: Design and performance data re fermentation methods and dryer design. Beneficiaries: Farmers and Vietnamese institutes
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed Information required: Most suitable dryer design and fermentation trial data. This is completed Extension materials to be completed by April 2008
To be completed by April 2008
Objective 13 Six monthly report to February 2007 Objective 14 Production of extension materials re fermentation practices and dryer design in Association with Can Tho, NLU, WASI, NAEC and SUCCESS Output 14.1 Production of extension materials
Information from Data collected required by February 2007
Extension materials are ready for distribution to relevant bodies e.g. SUCCESS, WASI and MARD
Delays in fermentation and drying trial conduct
To be completed by April 2008
Extension materials produced by April 2007
Extension materials are ready for distribution to relevant bodies e.g. SUCCESS, WASI and MARD by March 2007. (15 months after start of project) Testing of methodologies in village situation is initiated
Activity 14.1.1 Identification of suitable means of producing booklets etc. Objective 15 Initiation of on-farm trials in Ben Tre and
Possible problems with accessibility of sites and
Outputs & activities previously reported and completed
Latest recommendations regarding fermentation and drying methodologies
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Institute staff time.
Distances to smallholder sites are problematic
Baseline data is established for the sites for comparison with situation occurring after adoption of the recommended methodologies
Western highland in association with Vietnamese institutes, MARD and SUCCESS Objective 16 Economic assessment of impact of adoption of recommendations
As above
Assessment to be finished by September 2007
Output 16.1 Economic and work practice assessment of on-farm trial participants.
Beneficiaries: Cocoa farmers with exposure to methodologies recommended. Information required: Changed processing practices, work inputs and income from cocoa Beneficiaries: Smallholder cocoa farmers Information regarding these matters from participating villagers/cooperatives. Beneficiaries are expected to be smallholder farmers who should get reduced labour inputs and increased prices for production of cocoa.
Completed by end of March 2007. ( 15 months after start of project)
Information required: Data on changes to work practices, costs and income. To be completed in April 2008 The output is relevant to establish a reduced labour input and improved incomes for smallholder farmers. Data comparing practices/incomes before and after adoption to be completed by April 2008 To be completed by April 2008
Activity 16.1.1 Collection of data from participating farmers
Information regarding these matters from participating villagers/cooperatives collected by February 2007
To be completed by April 2008
Beneficiaries: Smallholder farmers
Demonstration of improved cocoa quality and reduction in labour due to adoption of recommendations
Delays have occurred in establishing sites and collection of data. Time involved and accessibility of sites may be a problem for Can Tho and WASI staff.
NA
Data on changes in cocoa quality is generated
Output is relevant to quantify improvements in quality attributes. To be completed by May 2008
Objective 17 Collection of cocoa samples from the selected sites on a regular basis and assessment of quality attributes of the cocoa. Output 17.1 Collection of cocoa samples from selected sites on a regular basis.
Time involved and accessibility of sites may be a problem for Can Tho and WASI staff As above
NA
To be conducted over first 12 months of project
To be completed by May 2008
Six monthly report produced
None foreseen
Completed
Data generated to date on all project activities
None foreseen
Problems noted and any corrective measures recommended
Information required: Assessment of performance and problems noted with dryers and fermentation recommendations. Quality attributes assessments.
To be completed by September 2007
None Foreseen
Information required: Farmers assessment of methodologies and quality attribute assessments. To be completed by April 2008 Inspections made December 2007
Activity 17.1.1 Collection of cocoa samples and quality assessment Objective 18.1 Six monthly report to end of August 2007 Objective 19 Inspection of conditions of boxes and dryers and noting of maintenance problems after 6 months in the field Input 19.1 Inspections and assessments made
Beneficiaries will be smallholder farmers who will have the maintenance issues of dryers addressed NA
Not undertaken to date
Information gathered regarding progress of field trials
Budgetary constraints wouldn’t allow
Activity 19.1.1 Travel of two weeks, in August 2007, by Australian partner to Vietnam for assessment of sites in Ben Tre and Dak Lak
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To be completed by May 2008
Distances to be travelled are problematic
Information gained for inclusion in final report and recommendations made regarding problems encountered with smallholder and cooperative adoption.
Objective 20 Identify technological uptake and identify barriers to adoption of methodologies
Completed by August 2007
Distances to travel and gathering sufficient data are problematic
Attitudes of smallholders and cooperatives to the methodologies and significant barriers to adoption of methodologies. Data on quality aspects of cocoa produced. Beneficiaries will be smallholder farmers who can have any problematic issues addressed
Output 20.1 Evaluate technological uptake, cocoa quality, and social impact within smallholder groups and identify significant barriers to adoption. Processing
As above
Output has relevance in confirming reduced labour inputs and increased product quality Problems with timing did occur. Survey completed in December 2007. survey to be analysed by end of April 2008 To be completed by December2007
Completed by September 2007. (21 months after start of project)
Data collected from on-farm trial monitoring in Ben Tre and Western Highlands during project up until August 2007
All data generated during period of project
Sufficient data on smallholder practices will be problematic
Results are established for final project workshop attended by Can Tho, NLU, WASI, MARD, SUCCESS and another interested agencies, and final project report.
Extremely relevant for project outcomes. Should be no need to modify project logframe. To be completed by May 2008
To be completed by May 2008
Results are established for final project workshop and final report by June 2008
Activity 20.1.1 Regular visiting to smallholder sites by CTU, WASI and DOST staff for collection of performance data and cocoa samples Objective 21 Finalisation and assessment of all project activities. To be done in time for a final project workshop in June 2008 Output 21.1 Collation of all project data for presentation
To be completed by April 2008
Beneficiaries are participating Vietnamese institutes and smallholder farmers Data from all project activities collated by December 2007
. Sufficient data on smallholder practices will be problematic Delays in conduct and assessment of fermentation trials
Results are established for final project workshop and final report by beginning of December 2007. (23months after start of project)
None foreseen
To be conducted in June 2008
Visit, of three weeks, by Australian partner in November-December 2007.
Activity 21.1.1 Finalisation of fermentation and drying trials and on farm trials Activity 21.1.2 Visit, of three weeks, by Australian partner to Vietnam in May-June 2008
Final assessment of trials and activities for presentation at final project workshop attended by Can Tho, NLU, WASI, MARD, SUCCESS and another interested agencies, in April 2008 Presentation of project achievements at final workshop
To be completed by June 2008
Objective 22 Final project workshop
All trial and activity information
Data gathered to be analysed by end of April 2008
Sufficient data on smallholder practices will be problematic Sufficient data on smallholder practices will be problematic
Presentation of project activities at final workshop attended by staff from Can Tho, NLU, WASI, SUCCESS, Masterfoods and any other relevant organisation
Beneficiaries are participating Vietnamese institutes, smallholder farmers and cocoa industry partners.
None foreseen
To be conducted by May2008
Data from all project activities
Output 22.1 Presentation of project findings/ recommendations at final project workshop Activity 22.1.1 Arrangement of meeting
None foreseen
Presentation of project activities at final workshop attended by staff from Can Tho, NLU, WASI, SUCCESS, Masterfoods and any other relevant organisations April 2008. Final recommendations and project completion report written
Objective 23 Final project report written
Collated data of all project activities is required.
To be completed by June 2008
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None foreseen
Final recommendations and project completion report written
Output 23.1 Complete final report
Project completion report to be presented in June 2008
None foreseen
Beneficiaries would be participating Vietnamese institutes, smallholder farmers and companies involved in the cocoa industry Data from all project activities required by February 2008
Final recommendations and project completion report written by April 2008.
Project completion report to be presented in June 2008
Activity 23.1.1 Collation and write up of results of all project activities.
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