........Title..........................Short Description...............Complete Proposal
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	 <td><textarea name='proptitle' style='border-style: solid; border-width:1px; border-color: white white white white;width:125px;height:300px' id='proptitle' >Food Aid and Food Security 
Programme for The country </textarea></td>
	 <td><textarea name='short' style='border-style: solid; border-width:1px; border-color: white white white white;width:175px;height:300px' id='short' >This project will start by addressing the immediate food needs of 500 PLWHA in the target area. Due to the numerous demands on the resources of PLWHA, maintenance of a balanced diet is not often  considered priority. Yet, diet is one of the key elements for success in ART and prolonged life for PLWHA. For purposes of cost effectiveness, PLWHA and their families will be encouraged to consider already familiar indigenous local foods that have proven nutritive value.  The CFSP will also establish and strengthen local community based structures to lead in issues of nutrition, care and prevention and other services at community level.  </textarea></td>
     <td><textarea name='description' style='border-style: solid; border-width:1px; border-color: black black black black;width:400px;height:300px' id='description' >Food Aid and Food Security 
Programme for The country

Deadline for receipt of applications: 2nd October, 2006



CONCEPT NOTE 

. 

1. Summary of the action
Please provide the following information:
1.1	Brief description of the proposed action

The UNDP report of 2003 indicated that about 73% of all The citizens live below the official poverty line. On average more than 70% of The citizens are classified as poor while more than 63% are living on less than US$1 per day. In rural areas 83% of the people are poor and 71% are extremely poor. 

Many of the poorest people live in female headed households affected by HIV/AIDS. The prevalence rate is high currently at 16% affecting the most productive age group of between 15 to 49 years (NAC, 2002). Due to HIV/AIDS the number of widows and orphans and the chronically ill has increased considerably. The extended family system is no longer capable of handling the huge burden presented upon it by the impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV Positive people do not have access to healthy diets and the dietary options are limited. This means that positive people cannot live longer and their families end up in destitute or dying before their time.

This project will be implemented in The district of Southern Province. The population of Southern Province is 1,212,124 out of which 203,219 are in District. The prevalence rate for Southern province is currently at 16.2% ranks as the third highest in The country after Capital city and Copperbelt Provinces (NAC The country HIV/AIDS estimates, 2004). District is one of the most densely populated areas in Southern Province and according to estimates of 2004 from the National AIDS Council, District was the second highest in terms of HIV prevalence of 22.5% with a total number of 25,024 people second only to Livingstone. The overall poverty levels of Southern Province are high at 76% (CSO – living conditions in The country, 1998) while 59% of the people are classified extremely poor. 

The project is targeting an area north of The district called 2nd district. The target area is bound to the east by the Highway, and the Highway passes right through the community. The proximity of 2nd district to the main road makes the area vulnerable to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This area appears to be particularly hard hit due to its geographical location and high poverty levels. Many small traders come to this area to sell second hand clothes and other merchandise and in the process end up mingling with people. These transient travellers and truckers take advantage of the poor farmers and expose them to HIV/AIDS. This has resulted into many HIV/AIDS patients.

This project will start by addressing the immediate food needs of 500 PLWHA in the target area. Due to the numerous demands on the resources of PLWHA, maintenance of a balanced diet is not often  considered priority. Yet, diet is one of the key elements for success in ART and prolonged life for PLWHA. For purposes of cost effectiveness, PLWHA and their families will be encouraged to consider already familiar indigenous local foods that have proven nutritive value.

The CFSP will also establish and strengthen local community based structures to lead in issues of nutrition, care and prevention and other services at community level. The project aims at inculcating a spirit of volunteerism among the target community. A volunteer from t ICA will be attached to the project. Strong linkages that already exist between the project and permanent service providers will be strengthened. These include Ministry of Health (MoH), District HIV/AIDS Task Force (DATF), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) etc.

In terms of the long term, the project will impart technical skills in family members of PLWHA to enable them produce adequate amounts of food on a sustainable basis. Training in sustainable agriculture will be provided and linkages made with the MACO.

To further secure the livelihoods of PLWHA, the project will impart entrepreneurship and marketing skills in the target group and link those that require additional finances to microfinance institutions that are already operating in the province.

2. Relevance:
Please describe the following: 
2.1	How relevant is your proposal to the needs and constraints of the target country(ies) or region?
2.2	What are the problems to be resolved and the needs to be met? 

The action will initially make available to PLWHA food through food aid. This is in order to enable HIV patients improve their nutritional status and thereby improve the uptake and effectiveness of ARVs. The action will also promote both conservation farming and proven sustainable agriculture methods which are less labour intensive in order to improve sustainable food production and ensure availability of food throughout the year. The action will promote crop diversification to match nutritional needs of HIV/AIDS. The project will work with an associate organisation who are experts at biodiversity and have studied nutritive values of traditional food crops which are easy and cheap to grow, process and prepare. 

The integration of food aid with actual sustainable food security which includes cultivation of traditional food crops and a home-grown home based care program are priorities of this project. This action presents an opportunity for vast impact and with massive ramifications such as fewer people contracting AIDS, fewer sick people, and therefore more PLWHA working and supporting their families and contributing to the local economy. There will be fewer families with HIV/AIDS patients, fewer orphans, positive change in behaviour and less call on already stretched health services. This Action is designed to enable resource-poor people create wealth that will facilitate the on-going implementation of further development activities and broaden their food base. 

The project will also build sufficient capacity among the target group to enable them carry on initiatives started during the duration of the project. To this end, local structures will be facilitated in home based care, agriculture and nutrition. The project will also build strong links between the target group and local permanent service providers hospital, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to mention but a few.

2.3	Who are the actors involved (final beneficiaries, target groups)?
The specific target community is 2nd district area. The direct beneficiaries from 2nd district area will be 500 PLWHA and the indirect beneficiaries will be the families of these 500 PLWHA making up a total of 3,000 people. (using the The countryn average of 6 persons per family)

2.4	What are the objectives and expected results?

The objectives of the project are:

•	To improve the nutritional status of PLWHA through food aid in order to improve the uptake and effectiveness of ART
•	To create and strengthen community based structures and groups for sustained care and support for PLWHA and their families
•	To increase food diversity and security for families with PLWHA on a sustainable basis
•	To reduce the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS among PLWHA and their families through the implementation of appropriate income earning initiatives

Expected results are: 

•	At least 200 people will undergo VCT 
•	At least 250 PLWHA will be linked to appropriate authorities for ART
•	At least 75% of the 500 targeted households with PLWHA affording 3 meals per day and growing at least 3 major crops
•	Increased cash income by at least 50% for 200 PLWHA and their families
•	Fifteen Support Groups, 5 Care and Prevention Teams and 5 Nutrition Groups established and strengthened and serving the target group

2.5	What is the added value of the action (what adds the action by reference to (central or local) government action and actions implemented by non state actors)?

•	The two country NGOs participating in this project are working in four other provinces making up almost half of The country and covering some 50,000 households. Experiences gained through this project will no – doubt spill over to these areas
•	Being an international organisation, ICA is connected to many organisations locally and abroad. Results from this project will add to the pool of experiences gained elsewhere and beyond
•	The involvement of a wide range of national stakeholders such as the MoH, the Association of ARV users, New Start Centre etc makes for a broad based network and sharing of experiences across the country
•	Both belong to a network of 15 local NGOs under the umbrella of xxx. The available channels of information and experience sharing within this network will enable spill over to other organisations and practitioners. 
•	The volunteer who will be attached to the project by ICA will carry the experiences gained from the project to other parts of the world
•	The ICA driven HIV/AIDS Africa conference to which A PARTNER  is a member is another channel for sharing information and experiences from the project

3. Methodology and Sustainability:
Please describe the following: 
3.1	What are the main project activities?
In the short term, the project will improve the nutritional status of identified PLWHA through food aid initiatives to support their ART programmes.
For the long term, locally managed structures will be facilitated to provide continuous support to PLWHA and their families to secure their livelihoods for PLWHA and prevention against the same as well as production of adequate amounts of food and generation of more incomes on a sustainable basis.
Strategic linkages will be made with permanent service providers and other organisations in the sector for long term support to the target group and community at large.
The target group will be provided with technical and material support to enable them start producing food and generate income

3.2	Who will be your main implementing partners, what is the length of your relationship with them and how will they be involved in the project?

There will be two implementing partners with whom has worked for the past three year. These are:

In the project, will be responsible for overall coordination of project activities, manage finances as per EC requirements, employ two Field Officers, host the volunteer from and manage all project procurements 

will be responsible for coordination of networking activities with collaborators such as the They will also employ the Project Coordinator

ICA will be responsible for placement of a Volunteer at the project and capacity building of local NGO partners through training of project staff and technical support to the project.


3.3	How will the project achieve sustainability? 

•	Income generation skills and activities that will be facilitated through the project will remain within households and can be applied long after project has phased out
•	The project will build capacity among beneficiaries to produce and prepare local foods which are normally more accessible and nutritious. 
•	The strong linkage that exists between the project and government departments and ministries (such as the MoH and MACO) will be strengthened.  These linkages will assure continuous support to the target group long after the end of the project
•	The Volunteer who will be attached to the project and the project will be imparting the spirit of volunteerism among local communities 
•	The evaluation that will be conducted after 10 months will determine funding needs and strategies for further support beyond this project
•	The project will facilitate linkages to microfinance institutions for external financing of beneficiaries that will involve themselves in business ventures. 
•	Both have a long term agenda for the target area. The capacity that this project will build in these organisations will go towards enhancing long term benefits to the target group in this area and beyond. 
•	Strengthened CPTs and Support Groups will continue to provide HBC support to PLWHA in the area 

3.4	Will it have multiplier effects?

•	The two The country NGOs participating in this project are working in four other provinces making up almost half of The country and covering some 50,000 households. 
•	Being an international organisation, ICA is connected to many organisations locally and abroad. Results from this project will add to the pool of experiences gained elsewhere and beyond
•	The involvement of a wide range of national stakeholders such as the MoH, ZHECT, the Association of ARV users, New Start Centre etc makes for a broad based network and sharing of experiences across the country
•	Both belong to a network of 15 local NGOs under the umbrella. The available channels of information and experience sharing within this network will enable spill over to other organisations and practitioners. 
•	The target area of this project receives many visitors and is the gateway to the south of The country. Results from the project are expected to go far and wide through the many people that visit the area
•	The volunteer who will be attached to the project by ICA will carry the experiences gained from the project to other parts of the world
•	The ICA driven HIV/AIDS Africa conference to which is a member is another channel for sharing information

4. Expertise and operational capacity:
Please describe the following: 
4.1	What is the experience of your organisation in project management?

THE ORG has gathered massive experience over its 10 year period. Some of these are:

•	Participation in the past three years in food aid programmes in close collaboration with the Disaster management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the World Food Programme (WFP)
•	Implementation of humanitarian activities under the ECHO funded Agricultural Recovery Programme (ARP) with OXFAM. At least 60% of households benefiting from this initiative are affected by HIV/AIDS
•	Participation in a pilot cash transfer project implemented to mitigate social and economic vulnerability among rural people
•	Implementation of Food Security Pack (FSP) programmes with Programme Against Malnutrition (PAM) in Western and North Western provinces
•	Implementation of a Forest Resource Management Project under IFAD funding in conjunction with the Government  in all the seven districts of North Western Province.
•	Implementation of livelihood projects in partnership partners with funding from

4.2. 	What is the experience of your organisation and your partner(s) of the issues to be 	addressed?

Has implemented and is still implementing various projects in three of The country’s nine provinces. Some of these are:  

•	2003- 2006: Food security project in Naluyanda involving women and families keeping orphans and poor resource farmers in Central Province 
•	2003- 2006: Food security project 
•	2004-2006: HIV/AIDS- prevention, nutrition and care for  The country National AIDS Network
•	2005- 2006: HIV/AIDS in 2nd district Project in Southern Province for PLWHA and vulnerable families.
•	2006: Women rights empowerment project funded by World Bank
•	2005 –2006: Sustainable Agriculture and HIV/AIDS for women in Central Province
•	2006: Food security project with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS
•	ICA have provided technical and facilitation support to ICAs since 1996, as well as acting as project holders for the following:

•	1996-2003: Integrated Development Programme, 
•	1999-2002: Health and Leadership programme, 
•	2000-2003: Integrated Rural Development programme for Women
•	2000-2004: Integrated Development Programme, 

I.	THE ACTION
1.	DESCRIPTION

1.1	Title

2nd district Food Security Project (CFSP)

1.2	Location(s)

2nd district area in The district in the Southern Province of The country


Total eligible cost of the action	Amount requested from the Contracting Authority	% of total eligible cost of action
734,477.40	661,297.90	90 %

1.3	Summary

Maximum 1 page 

The UNDP report of 2003 indicated that about 73% of all The citizens live below the official poverty line. On average more than 70% of The citizens are classified as poor while more than 63% are living on less than US$1 per day. In rural areas 83% of the people are poor and 71% are extremely poor. 

Many of the poorest people live in female headed households affected by HIV/AIDS. The prevalence rate is high currently at 16% affecting the most productive age group of between 15 to 49 years (NAC, 2002). Due to HIV/AIDS the number of widows and orphans and the chronically ill has increased considerably. The extended family system is no longer capable of handling the huge burden presented upon it by the impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV Positive people do not have access to healthy diets and the dietary options are limited. This means that positive people cannot live longer and their families end up in destitute or dying before their time.

This project will be implemented in The district of Southern Province. The population of Southern Province is 1,212,124 out of which 203,219 are in District. The prevalence rate for Southern province is currently at 16.2% ranks as the third highest in The country after Capital city and Provinces (NAC The country HIV/AIDS estimates, 2004). District is one of the most densely populated areas in Southern Province and according to estimates of 2004 from the National AIDS Council, District was the second highest in terms of HIV prevalence of 22.5% with a total number of 25,024 people second. The overall poverty levels of Southern Province are high at 76% (CSO – living conditions in The country, 1998) while 59% of the people are classified extremely poor. 

The project is targeting an area north of The district called 2nd district. 2nd district The target area is bound to the east by the Highway, and the Highway passes right through the community. The proximity of 2nd district to the main road makes the area vulnerable to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This area appears to be particularly hard hit due to its geographical location and high poverty levels. Many small traders come to this area to sell second hand clothes and other merchandise and in the process end up mingling with people. These transient travellers and truckers take advantage of the poor farmers and expose them to HIV/AIDS. This has resulted into many HIV/AIDS patients.

This project will start by addressing the immediate food needs of 500 PLWHA in the target area. Due to the numerous demands on the resources of PLWHA, maintenance of a balanced diet is not often  considered priority. Yet, diet is one of the key elements for success in ART and prolonged life for PLWHA. For purposes of cost effectiveness, PLWHA and their families will be encouraged to consider already familiar indigenous local foods that have proven nutritive value.

The CFSP will also establish and strengthen local community based structures to lead in issues of nutrition, care and prevention and other services at community level. The project aims at inculcating a spirit of volunteerism among the target community. A volunteer from the partner ICA will be attached to the project. Strong linkages that already exist between the project and permanent service providers will be strengthened. These include Ministry of Health (MoH), District HIV/AIDS Task Force (DATF), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) etc.

In terms of the long term, the project will impart technical skills in family members of PLWHA to enable them produce adequate amounts of food on a sustainable basis. Training in sustainable agriculture will be provided and linkages made with the MACO.

To further secure the livelihoods of PLWHA, the project will impart entrepreneurship and marketing skills in the target group and link those that require additional finances to microfinance institutions that are already operating in the province.



Duration of the action	24 Months
Objectives of the action	Overall objective: To improve the quality of life of PLWHA and their families through the implementation of a broad based sustainable food security initiative in 2nd district area of the district of the Southern Province of The country.
Specific objectives: By the end of two years, at least 500 PLWHA in 2nd district area will have attained improved nutritional status to improve uptake and effectiveness of ART and community based systems and structures established for their families to produce adequate food and generate household income on a sustainable basis.
Partner(s)	1.  ICA

Target group(s) 	500 PLWHA in 2nd district area of Constituency of The district of Southern Province of The country
Final beneficiaries 	Families of 500 PLWHA in 2nd district area of Constituency of The district of Southern Province of The country
Estimated results	1.	At least 200 people will undergo VCT 
2.	At least 250 PLWHA will be linked to appropriate authorities for ART
3.	At least 75% of the 500 targeted households with PLWHA affording 3 meals per day and growing at least 3 major crops
4.	Increased cash income by at least 50% for 200 PLWHA and their families
5.	Fifteen Support Groups, 5 Care and Prevention Teams and 5 Nutrition Groups established and strengthened and serving the target group
Main activities	In the short term, the project will improve the nutritional status of identified PLWHA through food aid initiatives to support their ART programmes.
For the long term, locally managed structures will be facilitated to provide continuous support to PLWHA and their families to secure their livelihoods through Care for PLWHA and prevention against the same as well as production of adequate amounts of food and generation of more incomes on a sustainable basis.
Strategic linkages will be made with permanent service providers and other organisations in the sector for long term support to the target group and community at large.
The target group will be provided with technical and material support to enable them start producing food and generate income
Where applicable, clearly indicate the sector, theme, or geographical area specified in the call for proposals to which the proposed action would apply:


1.4	Objectives

Maximum 1 page. Describe the overall objective(s) to which the action aims to contribute towards and the specific objective that the action aims to achieve.

1.	To improve the nutritional status of PLWHA through food aid in order to improve the uptake and effectiveness of ART

Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) requires that the patient has a balanced diet. Due to prolonged illness, PLWHA or AIDS patients often find themselves in a situation of depleted resource base due to inability to perform productive work and meeting expenditure required to access ART. Consequently, a balanced diet to PLWHA especially AIDS patients is a far cry. This objective will address this primary requirement in the short term before addressing medium and long term requirements among PLWHA and their families. 

Because nutrition is crucial among PLWHA especially those on ART, the project will support formation of Nutrition groups who will be trained in preparation and processing of foods suitable for PLWHA. Focus will, first and foremost, be directed at local indigenous foodstuffs which even poor families can lay their hands on. The Biodiversity Community Network (BCN) which is an associate in this project has gathered massive experience in supporting such activities.  

1.	To create and strengthen community based structures and groups for sustained care and support for PLWHA and their families

It has been widely documented that the HIV/AIDS issue has placed a huge burden on the Ministry of Health (MoH). It has become common practice to engage local communities in such a way they are involved in providing the necessary services to PLWHA and in this way contributing to the effectiveness of the public sector. The project will facilitate formation and strengthening (where such does not already exist) of community based and managed groups to lead the process of Care and prevention for and against HIV/AIDS, nutrition as it relates to HIV/AIDS and such other services.

In addition, the project will facilitate linkages between essential permanent service providers and organisations working in the sector and the local groups from the start of the project. The philosophy of this project emphasises inculcating the spirit of volunteerism among target communities.

2.	To increase food diversity and security for families with PLWHA on a sustainable basis

The project will aim to restore livelihoods of families with PLWHA by empowering them to produce more food on a sustainable basis. The project will promote sustainable agriculture techniques and methods that are accessible and affordable from the point of view of a resource poor farmer. Both crop and animal production will be promoted. The pas-on-the-gift scheme for small livestock which has worked wonders among PLWHA elsewhere will be introduced. 

In order to ensure long term technical support in agriculture, the project will facilitate stronger linkages with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) and support Community Livestock Workers (CLWs) and Community Development Facilitators (CDFs) through training.

3.	To reduce the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS among PLWHA and their families through the implementation of appropriate income earning initiatives 

In order to restore the livelihoods of PLWHA and their families, the project will promote income generation initiatives. Training will be facilitated on entrepreneurship and marketing. These skills will enable them identify and manage business ventures of their choice. Family members of PLWHA will be encouraged to form interest groups based on the business ventures that they will be pursuing. Those that require additional finances will be linked to microfinance institutions for loans and savings services.



a.	Justification

Maximum 3 pages. Please provide the following information:
i.	Relevance of the action to the objectives and priorities of the programme

The action will initially make available to PLWHA food through food aid. This is in order to enable HIV patients improve their nutritional status and thereby improve the uptake and effectiveness of ARVs.

The action will also promote both conservation farming and proven sustainable agriculture methods which are less labour intensive in order to improve sustainable food production and ensure availability of food throughout the year. The action will promote crop diversification to match nutritional needs of HIV/AIDS. The project will work with an associate organisation called BCN who are experts at biodiversity and have studied nutritive values of traditional food crops which are easy and cheap to grow, process and prepare. These will be promoted and grown by HIV patients and their families. 

The integration of food aid with actual sustainable food security which includes cultivation of traditional food crops and a home-grown home based care program are priorities of this project. This action presents an opportunity for vast impact and with massive ramifications such as fewer people contracting AIDS, fewer sick people, and therefore more PLWHA working and supporting their families and contributing to the local economy. There will be fewer families with HIV/AIDS patients, fewer orphans, positive change in behaviour and less call on already stretched health services. This Action is designed to enable resource-poor people create wealth that will facilitate the on-going implementation of further development activities and broaden their food base. For example, seed will be distributed on a seed revolving loan basis where PLWHA will repay their loan in kind to others while continuing to meet their own seed requirements for the following year. 

The project will also build sufficient capacity among the target group to enable them carry on initiatives started during the duration of the project. To this end, local structures will be facilitated in home based care, agriculture and nutrition.

The strong link that the project will facilitate between the target group and local permanent service providers.

ii.	Identification of perceived needs and constraints in the target country/ies, in particular in the region(s) concerned. 

The country is rated among the poorest countries in the world. The country is listed among the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) as well as the Least Developed Countries (LDC’s). According to the UNDP’s Human Development Report of 2002, The country ranks 163 out of the 175 countries in the world in terms of human development. 

In 2003, the United Nations Human Development report indicated that about 73% of all The citizens live below the official poverty line. On average more than 70% of The citizens are classified as poor while more than 63% are living on less than US$1 per day. In rural areas 83% of the people are poor and 71% are extremely poor. 

Many of the poorest people live in female headed households affected by HIV/AIDS. The prevalence rate is high currently at 16% affecting the most productive age group of between 15 to 49 years (NAC, 2002). Due to HIV/AIDS the number of widows and orphans and the chronically ill has increased considerably. The extended family system is no longer capable of handling the huge burden presented upon it by the impact of HIV/AIDS. HIV Positive people do not have access to healthy diets and the dietary options are limited. This means that positive people cannot live longer and their families end up in destitute or dying before their time.

The The country government has realised that chronic illness that accompany poor health and deterioration of the immune system deplete households assets, reduce labour and lead to reduced food production
This project will be implemented in The district of Southern Province. The consortium will concentrate on constituency. The population of Southern Province is 1,212,124 out of which 203,219 are in District. The prevalence rate for Southern province is currently at 16.2% ranks as the third highest in The country after Capital city and Provinces (NAC The country HIV/AIDS estimates, 2004). District is one of the most densely populated areas in Southern Province and according to estimates of 2004 from the National AIDS Council, District was the second highest in terms of HIV prevalence of 22.5% with a total number of 25,024 people second only to. The overall poverty levels of Southern Province are high at 76% (CSO – living conditions in The country, 1998) while 59% of the people are classified extremely poor. 

The project is targeting an area north of The district called 2nd district. 2nd district covers most of Constituency. 

The target area is bound to the east by the Highway, and the Highway passes right through the community. The proximity of 2nd district to the main road makes the area vulnerable to the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This area appears to be particularly hard hit due to its geographical location and high poverty levels. Many small traders come to this area to sell second hand clothes and other merchandise and in the process end up mingling with people. These transient travellers and truckers take advantage of the poor farmers and expose them to HIV/AIDS. This has resulted into many HIV/AIDS patients.

iii.	Description of the target group(s) and final beneficiaries and estimated number 
The action will target The district, in Southern Province. The specific target community is 2nd district area and beyond. In 2nd district Project area and expansion area the project will work with 500 PLWHA and their families. The direct beneficiaries from 2nd district area will be 300 and 200 in the 2nd district expansion area. The number of indirect beneficiaries will be 3000 people.
iv.	Reasons for the selection of the target group(s) and identification of their needs and constraints. How does the Action contribute to the needs of the target group(s) and final beneficiaries?

The direct beneficiaries have been selected because they are PLWHA. Some are already on ART and are in the extreme poverty bracket. 

The indirect beneficiaries have been selected because they have been adversely affected by the status and condition of the PLWHA in their families. Assets have been lost due to demands placed on PLWHA in terms of nutrition and other logistics necessary for caring for the same. For both PLWHA and their families to get back into productive engagement, they need to have basic needs readily available and accessible. These include food, healthy diets, diversified food production and income generation. This will assist to broaden their food security base.

Contribution to the needs of the target group and final beneficiaries 

1.	The action will assist PLWHA have available and accessible food which will help them improve the uptake and effectiveness of ARVs. Currently there is no food for PLWHA and where little is available it would be the staple food maize which does not help their condition. 
2.	The Home Based Care (HBC) system already in existence will be strengthened through training of care and prevention teams and formation of more support groups so that PLWHA can encourage and support each other.
3.	Food production will be carefully designed so that crops promoted and grown will be of high nutritive value and will increase the availability and accessibility of food making up a healthy diet. Food production will be combined with the promotion of traditional crops of high nutritive value that are easy to grow even in times of drought and have proven medicinal properties such as Amaranthus.
4.	Income generation will ensure that target beneficiaries broaden their food security base so that over - reliance on a single source of income is eradicated.

b.	Detailed description of activities

Maximum 9 pages.  Include the title and a detailed description of each activity to be undertaken to produce the results, justifying the choice of the activities and specifying where applicable the role of each partner (or associates or subcontractors) in the activities. In this respect, the detailed description of activities must not repeat the action plan (see section 1.9).

	Diagrammatic representation of the project concept
 

1.	To improve the nutritional status of PLWHA through food aid in order to improve the uptake and effectiveness of ART

•	Facilitate formation of community based nutrition groups: The project will facilitate formation of 5 nutrition groups who will be trained in the preparation and processing of nutritious foods and diets for PLWHA. The groups will also be responsible for educating fellow community members on issues of nutrition.

•	Training of nutrition groups: Nutrition groups will be trained on locally available food stuffs and the relationship of nutrition to HIV/AIDS. The training will be conducted by health staff from Hospitals as well as the Biodiversity Community Network (BCN).

•	Analysis of diets of PLWHA: Experts will work together with members of nutrition groups to analyse diets of PLWHA in the area. Thereafter, World Food Programme (WFP) instruments will be used to identify ARV patients who require food assistance. 
 
•	Design of food packs: Equipped with analyses of diets of PLWHA, food packs will be designed by nutrition groups.

•	Purchase of food and organisation of logistics: The project will purchase food stuffs based on the EC’s procurement procedures. Appropriate information systems will be applied in the procurement of foodstuffs and subsequent processes. 

•	Distribution and monitoring of distribution and utilisation of food packs: Keepers The country Foundation in close collaboration with the WFP has been involved in distributing foodstuffs and seeds to communities affected by drought and HIV/AIDS in Western province. This experience will be handy in organisation of logistics and monitoring systems for distribution and utilisation of food packs to beneficiaries in this project.

2.	To create and strengthen community based structures and groups for sustained care and support for PLWHA and their families.

•	Awareness for VCT: The project will facilitate awareness creation campaigns for potential beneficiaries of the project to undergo Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). The campaign for VCT will also serve as the awareness for the project in the area. Project staff will use this opportunity to explain the scaling up of existing initiatives. Methods for awareness creation and campaign will include drama sessions by local groups, awareness meetings and role plays

•	Facilitating mobile VCT: In collaboration with the New Start Centre (NSC), mobile VCT sessions will be conducted across the target area. Those whose results will be positive to HIV/AIDS will be automatic beneficiaries of the project

•	Promotion of ART among PLWHA: The first intervention for the target beneficiaries is the linkage for Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART). Apart from those that will be tested after the awareness for VCT, some beneficiaries will already be aware about their status. The project will also take these on board. The project will also directly target households that are hosting chronically ill persons to benefit from the project.

•	Facilitate formation of 10 support groups of PLWHA: Some of the PLWHA will be mobilised into support groups that will lead the process of campaigns for VCT and ART. The support groups will also coordinate Home Based Care (HBC) programmes in the target area.

•	Training for CPTs on care and support to PLWHA: The project will exploit existing collaboration with the Ministry of Health Authorities at the District and at Hospital to train Care and Prevention Teams (CPTs). 

•	Facilitate linkages between CPTs and local stakeholders: In order to enhance the effectiveness of CPTs, the project will facilitate a deliberate campaign to link these to local leaders including headmen, chiefs, religious leaders, politicians and any other persons of influence. 

•	Facilitate linkages between CPTs and other support institutions: The project will ensure that all the relationships with development actors in the district and province are shared with local structures created and facilitated in the target area. To this end, local CPTs will be introduced to organisations like the District HIV/AIDS Task Force (DATF), District Health Management Team (DHMT), Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO), The country Health Education and Communication Trust, The country Users of ARVs, Network of people living with HIV/AIDS in The country and many such others.

3.	To increase food diversity and security for families with PLWHA on a sustainable basis

•	Training in sustainable agriculture methods: As a long term measure to ensure household food security among PLWHA and their families, the project will encourage use of low cost and sustainable agricultural methods such as agro forestry and potholing. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) will deliver appropriate training on various sustainable agricultural methods and techniques.

•	Training in crop diversification: MACO will also conduct training in crop diversification both for increased diversity in foodstuffs as well as for generation of income. 

•	Training in production, processing and preparation of indigenous food products: In line with diversification of foodstuffs, the project will promote not just production but processing and preparation of such foodstuffs. The choice of these crops will be informed by the analysis that experts will recommend from a nutrition point of view. Experts from BCN, MACO and MoH will be key in this activity.

•	Training in off-season farming: The area around 2nd district is prone to (partial) drought. This fact coupled with the need to increase the productivity of households with PLWHA calls for agricultural production throughout the year. The project will train beneficiaries in off-season production of vegetables, green maize and any other crops for food and income.

•	Facilitate establishment of seed revolving mechanism: One of the most important inputs for sustainable food security is seed. The project will facilitate establishment of a revolving seed supply mechanism. The idea will be to provide a conducive environment for supply and availability of good quality and affordable seed and planting materials on a timely and sustainable basis. The management of the seed revolving scheme will be done by agricultural and income generation Interest Groups that will be formed in the area. Establishment of the scheme will involve training of seed growers and traders. MACO will be key in delivering this activity.

•	Supply of seed to the seed revolving scheme:  Once adequate capacity has been built in IGs, the project will provide initial seed on a one - off basis. Thereafter, MACO and project staff will offer technical back-up support to ensure sound management of the scheme in the second season.


4.	To reduce the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS among PLWHA and their families through the implementation of appropriate income earning initiatives 

•	Facilitate identification of viable economic opportunities in the area and beyond: Project staff will facilitate identification of viable economic activities in the area and beyond among members of households with PLWHA. The role of staff from the project at this stage will be information provision and facilitation of the process.

•	Facilitate formation of interest groups:  Based on viable business ventures identified by family members of PLWHA, interest groups (IGs) will be formed. These IGs will draw action plans on how they will exploit the identified economic opportunities at household and group levels. 
 
•	Training in business, marketing and technical skills: The project will facilitate training of members of IGs in business and marketing skills as well as technical aspects of the particular economic ventures of their choice. Some of the ventures that may be identified (based on past experience in the area) include livestock and mushroom production.

•	Training of community based volunteers: The project will attempt to inculcate a strong spirit of volunteerism among member of 2nd district community. Apart from support groups and CPTs, teams of local persons will be assembled to provide technical support to livestock owners, crop farmers and business persons. Community Livestock workers (CLWs) will be trained through the Department of Animal Health to provide support to keepers of small livestock while Community Development workers will take care of agricultural and business concerns of local households.
 
•	Linkage to financial institutions: The need for additional capital is often identified as a major constraint to promotion of business among rural people. The project will link vibrant IGs to Micro finance Institutions (MFIs) within the province. The MFIs will provide savings and credit services among IGs to enable them grow their businesses.

5.	Project management

•	Inception workshop: Prior to starting the project, an inception workshop will be held involving all key stakeholders and participants in the projects. The workshop will serve to build a common understanding of the major concepts, procedures ands targets for the project. The workshop will also serve to develop an appropriate Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system for the project. A work plans as well as roles and responsibilities of each participating organisation will be clarified. 

•	Review and planning workshops: Representatives from community based structures, collaborating organisations and members of staff of the project will meet quarterly to review progress and plan for each of the four quarters. 
 
•	Baseline survey: At the onset of the project, a baseline survey will be conducted to determine the status of each of the indicators of progress outlined in the log frame as well as those that project stakeholders may wish to add during the inception workshop. The baseline survey will set benchmarks for future measurement of progress during and after the project intervention.

•	Mid term evaluation: After the tenth month, the project will undergo a mid term evaluation to take stock of progress thus far with a possibility of adjustment to the approach, targets and other aspects of the project based on experience. This evaluation will also identify aspects of the project that will require further support beyond this particular initiative 

•	End of project evaluation: at the conclusion of the project, an end of project evaluation will be undertaken to close out the project and recommend further action to local community members and partners as well as collaborating organisations and institutions.

•	Training of all community groups in participatory monitoring systems: All the community based groups that the project will facilitate will undergo some training in participatory monitoring and evaluation. In this way, the monitoring system for the project will be internalised by the community and its structures and will remain useful long after the project has phased out

c.	Methodology

Maximum 4 pages.  Detailed description of:
i.	Methods of implementation and reasons for the proposed methodology

The methodology used in this project places emphasis on building strong local structures from the start of the project. These structures will be involved in the planning and implementation of project activities as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the same and the results arising from these activities. The project aims to inculcate a spirit of volunteerism among members of the community. A volunteer from ICA will be attached to the project for the whole duration of the project.

The project also takes on board collaborating institutions and organisations that will remain to provide various services to project beneficiaries beyond the life time of the project. Figure 2 (below) is a diagrammatic representation 

The concept of the CFSP is founded on the premises that there are sufficient levels of awareness about HIV/AIDS in 2nd district area. The entry point for the project will therefore be promotion for VCT through meetings, drama and sports among other methods. 

The project will also conduct mobile VCT sessions with the New Start Centre and The country Health Education and Communication Trust. The members of the community that will test positive will be encouraged to participate in activities of the project and some will form support groups (SGs) and care and Prevention Teams (CPTs). The project will also target households with people that are chronically ill. The target group for the project will therefore be households with PLWHA and the PLWHA in particular.

Apart from SGs and CPTs, the project will facilitate formation of Nutrition Groups (NGs) from among the target households. The SGs will be trained in various aspects of nutrition and how it affects HIV/AIDS. Experts will deliver various training sessions to SGs to, among other things, enable them analyse diets of PLWHA and recommend suitable food packs which the project will provide in the short term.



Community Based Structures among households with PLWHA


					
				
Support Groups 



	
	    Nutrition Groups					Care & Prevention Teams 




				Com Development Facilitators 
				       
					Interest Groups

				   Community Livestock workers





Using the recommended food pack and diets, food stocks will be purchased using EC procurement guidelines. Th Foundation will rely heavily on experience in handling food distribution programmes under the Agricultural Recovery Programme (ARP). interaction with World Food Programme in distribution of food under the Disaster Management an Mitigation Unit (DMMU) will also be essential at this stage.

For the sake of the long term, the project will build capacity for target households to produce a diverse range of food crops in adequate quantities. Timely availability of good quality and affordable seeds will be facilitated through a revolving seed supply scheme managed by community members themselves. Rearing of small livestock such as goats and pigs will be promoted on a pass-on-the-gift basis which has worked very well in Western and Central provinces. Strong linkages will be established with the MACO and local capacity will be built to ensure continuous technical support through identification and training of CLWs and CDFs.

The project will also support development of entrepreneurship that will enable target households identify and exploit viable business opportunities. Linkages will be facilitated with micro finance institutions (MFIs) to service those households that will need additional capital to grow their businesses. As MFIs are institutions in their own right, it is expected that they will continue servicing members of the community beyond the lifetime of the project.

In facilitating availability of suitable and adequate amounts of food for PLWHA, the projects will promote, first and foremost, indigenous, locally available and low input crops, vegetables and fruits. The BCN have carried out research on most of these foods in terms of dietary value over the past ten years. The CFSP will therefore aim to integrate these findings in the design of food packs for households with PLWHA as well as in the production of these crops for the medium and long terms. 

The CFSP is also based on the experience of all three organisations participating in the preparation of the project concept. While ICA bring the international experience to the project particularly in the response to HIV/AIDS pandemic, have gathered some considerable experience in design and implementation of livelihood projects in six of The country’s nine provinces. The consortium can also boast of experience in implementing humanitarian initiatives through the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) and the government’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). ICA belong to a network of 15 NGOs which provides a rich reservoir of technical information and expertise. 

An important part of the project approach is the strong link between the project and permanent service providers. The already existing linkages with the MACO, DATF and MoH will be strengthened. Linkages will also be created and strengthened with other players.

The involvement of local communities and groups in the monitoring and evaluation of project activities and outcomes is an important capacity building aspect of the CFSP. ICA has employed this approach where communities have been empowered to make informed decisions about development activities in their areas.

ii.	Where the action is the prolongation of a previous action, explain how the action is intended to build on the results of this previous action 

The CFSP will be scaling up the work that has been going on over the past 2 years financed by ICA. The project has been working with 200 households with PLWHA. Through the facilitation of the project, 189 people have undergone VCT. Five (5) CPTs have been formed and trained but 10 more will be needed for the new initiative and the strengthening of existing ones will be required.

In the process of carrying out these activities, strong linkages were established with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Hospital and Clinic. These vital relationships will be strengthened under this project. 

The CFSP will use the already sufficient levels of awareness about HIV/AIDS done mainly through the project so far. Issues of Food and HIV/AIDS have also been addressed to some extent over the past 2 years and this project will only be scaling up on the same.

In terms of agricultural activities, 130 people have received training in sustainable agriculture and funds have already been secured to provide them with seeds for the season 2006/07. 

iii.	Where the action is part of a larger programme, explain how it fits or is coordinated with this programme. Please specify the potential synergies with other initiatives, in particular from the EC
The CFSP is not a part of a larger programme

iv.	Procedures for follow up and internal/external evaluation

Before the start of the project, all stakeholders will meet to build a common understanding of the project and to streamline the roles of each player. The inception workshop will also review and plan major activities for the project.

In order to empower the target group in decision making, the project will train selected members of the community in Participatory monitoring and evaluation. The design of the project’s monitoring and evaluation system will build on the system established at community level.

A baseline survey will be carried out at the start of the project to benchmark the various indicators of progress elaborated in the logical framework. The baseline survey will be undertaken by independent consultants

Ten months into the implementation of the project, a mid term evaluation will be conducted to take stock of progress and recommend corrective measures and pick up issues that may not have been considered at the beginning of the project. The outcome of the mid term review will also inform organisations and people of 2nd district that would desire to intervene in future.

The project will conduct quarterly and annual reviews for stakeholders to review and plan progress. Participants in the quarterly and annual review meetings will include community members, project staff, partners and collaborators. At the end of the project, an end of project evaluation will be conducted.

v.	Description of the role and participation in the action of the various actors (local partner, target groups, local authorities, etc.), and the reasons for which these roles have been assigned to them. 

Each of the three organisations participating in implementing this project brings a variety of experiences to the table.

The Foundation

The foundation has gathered massive experience over its 10 year period. Some of these are:

•	Participation in the past three years in food aid programmes in close collaboration with the Disaster management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the World Food Programme (WFP)
•	Implementation of humanitarian activities under the Agricultural Recovery Programme (ARP). At least 60% of households benefiting from this initiative are affected by HIV/AIDS
•	Participation in a pilot cash transfer project implemented as an alternative means to mitigate social and economic vulnerability among rural people
•	Implementation of Food Security Pack (FSP) programmes in Western and North Western provinces
•	Implementation of a Forest Resource Management Project under IFAD in conjunction with the Government of the Republic.
•	Implementation of livelihood projects in partnership .


The ICA has implemented and is still implementing various projects in three of The country’s nine provinces. Some of these are:  

•	2003- 2006: Food security project involving women and families keeping orphans and poor resource farmers in Central Province 
•	2003- 2006: Food security project in Capital city Province 
•	2004-2006: HIV/AIDS- prevention, nutrition and care for PLWHA area in Capital city Province for orphans widows and vulnerable children 
•	2005- 2006: HIV/AIDS in 2nd district Project in Southern Province for PLWHA and vulnerable families 
•	2006: Women rights empowerment project in Central province
•	2005 –2006: Sustainable Agriculture and HIV/AIDS for women in Central Province
•	2006: Food security project in in Central Province with a strong focus on HIV/AIDS


ICA

ICA have provided technical and facilitation support to ICAs since 1996, as well as acting as project holders for the following:

•	1996-2003: Integrated Development Programme, 
•	1999-2002: Health and Leadership programme,
•	2000-2003: Integrated Rural Development programme for Women, 
•	2000-2004: Integrated Development Programme, Tanzania 
•	2005-2006: African ICAs HIV/AIDS Initiative (two workshops,)
•	2005-2006: Pilot of Living Well with HIV/AIDS 

With this background, THE ORG will be responsible for:

•	Overall coordination of project activities
•	Manage finances as per EC requirements
•	Employ two Field Officers
•	Host the volunteer from ICA
•	Manage all project procurements 

will be responsible for:

•	Coordination of networking activities with collaborators such as the MoH, MACO, DATF, ZHECT, NSC, BCN, AARVU etc
•	Employ the Project Coordinator


ICA will be responsible for:

•	Placement of a Volunteer
•	Capacity building of local NGO partners through training of project staff and technical support to the project and THE ORG




vi.	Team proposed for implementation of the action (by function: there is no need to include the names of individuals here)


No.
	
Title	
Role

A. Salaried Personnel

1	
Project Coordinator (full time)	
Coordination of the project 

2	
ICA Volunteer (full time)	Providing technical support to the project and staff of the project 

3	
Programme Officer-THE ORG (20%)	
Liaison with the donors and partner organisation & collaborating institutions/organisations

4	
Accountant-THE ORG (30%)	
Providing sound financial management for the project

5	
Field Officers X2 (full time)	
Frontline staff working with communities

B. Voluntary Personnel

1	
Community Livestock Workers	
Technical support to livestock owners

2	
Community Development Facilitators	
Technical support to local farmers on sustainable agriculture and business

3	
Care & Prevention Teams (15 made up of 10)	
Leading care for HIV/AIDS patients and prevention programmes against HIV/AIDS

4	
Nutrition Groups (5 made up of 5)	
Leading nutrition programmes for PLWHA in terms of production, processing and preparation of the same

5	
Support Groups (10 made up of 5)	
Groups of PLWHA organising others to address the various constraints faced by their peers

vii.	Main means proposed for implementation of the action (equipment, tools…)

The project will only have two means thus:

•	Motorbikes (X2 provided by and THE ORG) for the 2 Field staff
•	Bicycles (X 50) for CPTs and CDFs

The action plan must be drawn up using the following format:

Year 1
THE ORG Food Aid & Food Security Action Plan	                   Semester 1	               Semester 2	
Activity	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Implementing body
													
Objective 1: Improved nutritional status of PLWHA													
Community mobilisation													THE ORG & partners
Purchase & distribution of foodstuffs													THE ORG
													
Objective 2: Strengthening & establishing  local structures													
Awareness for VCT													THE ORG, partners, , MoH
Mobile VCT													THE ORG, , ICA, , 
Promotion of ART													THE ORG, , ICA
Training of CPTs & SGs													MoH, , Hospital
													
Objective 3: Increased Food production & diversity													
Training in agriculture & nutrition													BCN, 
Supply of seed & small livestock													THE ORG & partners
													
Objective 4; Improved socio economic impact through income generation													
Training in entrepreneurship & marketing													THE ORG & partners
Training of community based volunteers													ICA Volunteers, THE ORG & partners
Linkage to micro finance institutions													THE ORG & partners
													
Project management													
Inception workshop													THE ORG & partners
Baseline survey													Consultant
Review & planning meetings													THE ORG & partners
End of Project Evaluation													
Training in Participatory M&E													ICA, MoH
													


Year 2
THE ORG Food Aid & Food Security Action Plan	                   Semester 1	               Semester 2	
Activity	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	Implementing body
													
Objective 2: Strengthening & establishing  local structures													
Awareness for VCT													THE ORG, partners, ZHECT, MoH
Mobile VCT													THE ORG, 
Promotion of ART													THE , ICA
Training of CPTs & SGs													MoH, , Hospital
													
Objective 3: Increased Food production & diversity													
Training in agriculture & nutrition													
Supply of seed & small livestock													THE ORG & partners
													
Objective 4; Improved socio economic impact through income generation													
Training in entrepreneurship & marketing													THE ORG & partners
Training of community based volunteers													ICA Volunteer, THE ORG & partners
Linkage to micro finance institutions													THE ORG & partners
													
Project management													
Inception workshop													THE ORG & partners
Baseline survey													Consultant
Review & planning meetings													THE ORG & partners
End of Project Evaluation													
Training in Participatory M&E													ICA, MoH
													




2.	EXPECTED RESULTS

2.1	Expected impact on target groups/beneficiaries

Maximum 2 pages.  Indicate how the action will improve:
1.1.1	the situation of target groups/beneficiaries

•	An increase of at least 50% in food production at household level by direct beneficiaries
•	At least 75% of direct beneficiaries accessing three meals per day 
•	Improved nutritional status among 500 PLWHA
•	At least 75% of the 500 targeted households growing at least 3 major food crops of nutritive value by the end of 2 years
•	Basic business training for  200 people 
•	More than 50 of the beneficiaries successfully go through a 3 months nutrition programme
•	Increased cash incomes (by 50%) for at least 200 of the PLWHA and their families
•	At least 200 people undergoing VCT per year
•	At least 100 introduced to ART per year

1.1.2	the technical and management capacities of target groups and/or any partners where applicable.

•	More than 10 support groups formed with ability to coordinate development initiatives with minimum external support
•	Strengthened capacity of 5 Care and Prevention Teams (CPTs)
•	Improved technical knowledge and skills among 200 households in agriculture and business to sustain their livelihoods in the midst of the impact of HIV/AIDS
•	Increased technical skills and knowledge by 600 people and 100 households in the production and preparation of indigenous nutritious food crops 
•	Improved skills and knowledge by 10 support groups and 15 CPTs in coordinating and monitoring community based nutrition and HIV/AIDS related initiatives  
•	Increased networking among community based groups in addressing issues of nutrition and HIV/AIDS
•	Improved capacities of implementing partner NGOs in organisational management and ability to meet the needs of beneficiaries


2.2	Concrete outputs

Maximum 1 page. Be specific and quantify outputs as much as possible. Indicate notably foreseen publications.

•	At least 200 people will undergo VCT 
•	At least 250 PLWHA will be linked to appropriate authorities for ART
•	At least 75% of the 500 targeted households with PLWHA affording 3 meals per day and growing at least 3 major crops
•	Increased cash income by at least 50% for 200 PLWHA and their families
•	Fifteen Support Groups, 5 Care and Prevention Teams and 5 Nutrition Groups established and strengthened and serving the target group


2.3	Multiplier effects

Maximum 1 page. Describe the possibilities for replication and extension of the action outcomes.

•	The two The countryn NGOs participating in this project are working in other areas of The country namely; Western, North - Western, Central and Capital city Provinces making up almost half of The country and covering some 50,000 households. Experiences gained through this project will no – doubt spill over to these areas
•	Being an international organisation, ICA is connected to many organisations locally and abroad. Results from this project will add to the pool of experiences gained elsewhere in Africa and beyond
•	The involvement of a wide range of national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health (MoH), The country Health Education and makes for a broad based network and sharing of experiences across the country
•	Both belong to a network of 15 local NGOs. The available channels of information and experience sharing within this network will enable spill over to other organisations and practitioners. Additionally, is a member of the International NGO (INGO) forum which is another channel for sharing experiences
•	The target area of this pr </textarea></td>

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