IW_World+Cafe+Discussion


 * Fead Assessment Tool (FEAST) **


 * ** FEAST needs to be part of an overall process **
 * ** FEAST can play an important role in engaging the actors in that process **
 * ** FEAST can be a useful tool, not just for the technical aspects but for engaging actors and is // part of a process //**
 * ** How dynamic is the situation? **

// How Useful is FEAST? //


 * Systematic approach (linked to Techfit)
 * Capture past and future trends
 * Capture local knowledge
 * Broad scope - livelihood components / livestock context + Business
 * Location specificity
 * Define scale
 * PRA & Structured Questions
 * Engaging different actors and policy makers!

// How would you use it? //


 * Systems analysis
 * Beginning of project design
 * Checklist design and identify key informants
 * Educational/capacity-building instiutions

//Who and Where?//
 * Project development, e.g. NGOs, development agencies
 * Ext. Res.
 * Private Sector
 * Policy-makers


 * Value Chain Analysis (VCA) **


 * ** Issues raised: **
 * ** How can the results reach the farmers? **
 * ** Quantification issue – prioritizing the interventions should depend on the initial objective of conducting VCA **

//Is VCA useful?//


 * Fast method, suits for other similar studies too
 * It is useful in that hidden problems which may not be identified by other tools could also be identified so that it simplifies to give suitable solution
 * It allows participation of all actors of the chain

//Disadvantages//


 * It tends to depend on the involvement of those actors/their knowledge & experience in the value to come up with the real problems and solutions.
 * The importance of VCA in identifying which feed component more prevalent in the market
 * How to see the role of outsiders
 * VCA - have people of different specializations - this helps to get different ideas
 * Problem of quantification
 * Problem of prioritizing interventions


 * Techfit **


 * ** Helped clarify what the tool is about. **
 * ** How are farmers involved in this process and to what extent does it involve farmers in decision making? **
 * ** Useful because it brings farmers and local experts together to present some option which can then be tested. **
 * ** Techfit is not a magic bullet. **

AG-TECHFIT: FEED/CROPS/WATER/SOIL/BREED


 * Soft
 * Biophysical assessment important for forages
 * What is your problem vs. what do you have? - need to be asset-based
 * Magic bullet vs. basket of options
 * Do analysis with farmers
 * Sequencing - which order?
 * Involvement of farmers? Testing can be done on the spot.
 * Is it dynamic?
 * Bringing together farmer & expert knowledge
 * Scale? How does it fit with Government packages?