2 nd Project Progress Report

Transcription

1 Austrian Development Agency Zelinkagasse 1010 Vienna Austria phone: +43 (0) fax: +43 (0) nd Project Progress Report

2 Project Progress Report Contract No /2007 As at December, Contractor/ applicant: Name: CARE Österreich Address: A-1080 Vienna, Lange Gasse 30/4 Phone, Tel.: +43 (1) Fax: +43 (1) barbara.winter@care.at Contact person for the action: Barbara Winter Project title: Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the Sector of Agriculture Local project partner: Name: Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka, Bedri Berisha, Director of Agricultural Department Address: Phone, bedri_berisha@hotmail.com Reporting period: Reporting period: 1 st of July st of December 2010 Report submitted on (date): 15 th of March 2011 (ADA approved) Due date: 28 th of February 2011 Planned project duration from: 15 th of December 2009 Reallocations: Until: 14 th of December 2012 Extended until: 1

3 Summary of the project progress The Integrated Regional Development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka in the sector of Agriculture project is a three years project aiming to support agricultural development and promote regional cooperation amongst the municipalities in the southern region of Kosovo. The project intends to promote integrated and sustainable regional development in the municipality of Suharekë/ Suva Reka by strengthening existing local structures and potentials. Working together with the municipal authorities of Suharekë/Suva Reka and various project stakeholders (e.g. farmers associations), up to now important development on project implementation has been made: Activity 1.B - ESTABLISH THE MDC MANDATE, IDENTITY AND STRUCTURE: The second part of the strategic workshop has been conducted during this reporting period. The organisational development specialist in coordination with the project team through the strategic workshop held on 20/08/2010 has managed to define the main responsibilities of the Municipal Development Centre (MDC), generic goals, short-term, mid term and long term strategic objectives and also its position within the overall municipal structure. Regarding the internal structure, the MDC structure will be organised in two interdependent units, such as: a). Business unit, which will support farmers in marketing, designing business plans and establishing strategic partnerships to support individual farmers or associations, and b). Technical unit, which will be responsible to provide technical support to the farmers in all sectors of agriculture. In relation to the MDC s role within the municipal structure, it has been suggested to have more consultative and advisory role within the municipality. This will enable coordination and sustainable working relations with the other municipal directorates. On the other hand, through the MDC farmers will have access to the information and support from other municipal directorates beyond agricultural issues. (Please refer to Annex A Presentation from Strategic Workshop). Moreover, the IRDS project has interviewed the MDC staff members individually and as result of the interviews the job descriptions have been finalised and main areas for staff s development have been recognised. Activity 1.E.4 - PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE-GAINING: Throughout this reporting period, two technical on the job trainings around agriculture production techniques have been organised. The international short term experts who provided these trainings visited and provided mentoring/consultations to 30 farmers of Suharekë/Suva Reka together with relevant Municipal technical staff members. This approach aimed at building simultaneously the municipal staff s and farmers capacities and knowledge around farm management, milk production and processing techniques, vegetables, and greenhouse production, viticulture and pomiculture areas of agriculture. Based on the visits and interviews conducted with the farmers, the experts have drawn findings, suggestions for changes/recommendations and conclusions regarding the agriculture sectors in Suharekë/Suva Reka. Furthermore, these findings and recommendations or conclusions have been presented and validated at the extended project steering committee meeting held during this period (Annex B Findings from professional trainings). Moreover, during this course the IRDS project team organised a one day applied workshop on project identification and planning for the MDC staff members. The IRDS project s intention by conducting workshop on project identification and planning with MDC staff was to increase their knowledge about the project identification, planning and management techniques and methodology, while simultaneously strengthening their capacities around the mentioned topics. The workshop also intended to get specific ideas for projects from the MDC staff members which have been an inevitable part of this workshop, taking into account that the group has developed and designed one concept note in the last part of the workshop for the purpose of exercising the proposal development skills. It is worth mentioning that following the identification of the project idea, participants worked in the development of the activities for addressing the project s goal and objectives. This practice has been evaluated from the MDC staff as very valuable and practical since they are supposed to provide proposal development services for 2

4 the local farmers and will have to continuously improve their proposal writing and development skills in order to provide qualitative proposal development services for the farmers. In addition, LDF grant procedures and forms have been presented in details for the MDC staff members. (Annex C Project Identification and Planning presentation). Following the applied training held on September 2010 by the IRDS project the project team and MDC staff members have identified one funding opportunity for further development of the MDC. More specifically the Decentralised Effective Municipalities Initiative (DEMI), a USAID funded project has launched a call for partner municipalities in November 2010, aiming at improving municipal service delivery and promoting local economic development. Therefore, the project team together with the MDC director has done the desk research and some interviews for the project and as well the project has been designed together. This opportunity has served for practicing the proposal development skills and as well for addressing the fundraising opportunities, which is foreseen to be one of the responsibilities within the MDC mandate. The donor response received was a positive one, meaning that municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has been selected for funding. Furthermore, throughout this reporting period MDC offices in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka have provided ongoing advisory services for the local farmers and other respective applicants regarding the LDF first call for proposals. Thus, the project team has provided continuous on job training for the MDC staff members. The mentoring sessions have been provided for the MDC staff members almost every day throughout this period. Due to high demands for the proposal development services, MDC staff members were not able to provide proposal writing services for the respective applicants. On the other hand, MDC staff members have managed to provide continuous guidance and advices regarding the LDF funding priorities and application requirements. Activity 1.E.5 - FACILITATION OF INSTITUTIONAL NETWORKS OF COOPERATION: The IRDS project team and MDC staff members have been invited and included in the Regional Thematic Group for agriculture and rural development, facilitated by the Regional Development Agency (RDA) South. In addition, the project team and MDC staff members for the relevant sectors have participated in the first sessions of the strategic planning workshop which aimed at designing the Medium Range Strategic Planning document for agriculture and rural development in the region. It is worth mentioning that all municipalities of the region have been invited to participate in the session. In the first session strategic directions in the area of agriculture and rural development have been designed and validated between the participants for the region. During the second strategic planning session held on November 2010, the priority areas of sector of agriculture have been determined by the participants for the southern region of Kosovo. In addition, all actors involved in the strategic planning exercise have shared the progress and future plans of the intervention. Activity 1.F.2 - OPEN DAYS: During this course, the LDF s first call for proposals (Training call) has been launched. The announcement for the LDF s first call for proposals has been announced in the newspaper and in the websites of the project and municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Activity 1.F.3 - VISIBILITY MATERIAL & ACTIONS: The launch event of the LDF s first call for proposals has been attended by number of media representatives. It is worth noting that two newspapers (i.e. Prishtina Post and Kosova Sot) have published articles about the project event. In addition, the project website has been updated regularly during this reporting period (Annex D Media report). Activity 2.D - COORDINATION OF MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT ACTORS: The IRDS project team in close coordination with the Municipal authorities of Suharekë/Suva Reka have constituted and organised the first municipal forum on local development. The forum organised on 28 th of September 2010 in Municipal Assembly Hall in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 50 participants, representing local farmers, farmers associations, local businesses, Municipal authorities and NGOs. The forum was chaired by the project team in coordination with representatives of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. Representatives of Austrian Development Agency, office in Prishtina, attended the forum as well.. The forum was used to present and inform the participants for the LDF s first call for proposals application 3

5 requirements, procedures and priority funding areas. Furthermore, numbers of questions were addressed by the project team which enabled further clarification about the LDF grant system and procedures for the participants. Following the first municipal forum on local development held in September 2010, the IRDS team, in close cooperation with the Municipal Development Centre, has organised the second municipal forum on local development, which was used to discuss the LDF lessons learned and collect suggestions directly from the participants for the next LDF funding rounds. The forum organised on 22 nd of December 2010 in Suharekë/Suva Reka gathered more than 36 participants, representing local farmers, farmers associations, local businesses, Municipal authorities and NGOs. Around 25 applicants that were not successful during the LDF s first call for proposals have been invited and attended the forum. The forum was chaired by the project team in coordination with representatives of Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka. A number of questions have been raised and addressed around the LDF application requirements during the forum held in December The presentation delivered has been evaluated as useful from the participants (Annex E LDF lessons learned). The LDF lessons learned have been validated with all participants. The IRDS team closed the forum planned as per agenda and all participants endorsed common suggestions and recommendations which included the following: Simplify more the application requirements for the next LDF call for proposals, respectively the technical application form. At least two information sessions to be held during the LDF call for proposals The spring planting season in 2011 to be addressed through the LDF next call for proposals Activity 3.A - ESTABLISH THE LDF MANDATE, IDENTITY AND STRUCTURE: The next LDF funding round planned to be launched in the first part of year 2011 is foreseen to be managed by the LDF foundation. The IRDS project team has produced a first draft of concept note on LDF Mandate, Identity and Structure, through ongoing consultation with MDC and other project stakeholders. The project team has been advised to establish and register the LDF as an independent Foundation. This has been advised for the following related reasons due to the need of having a separate entity managing the funds, which will avoid the inevitable conflict of interests that would occur, if the fund s assets were managed by the municipality. Activity 3.C - FACILITATION OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FUND: The LDF grant system, procedures and forms for the LDF s first call for proposals have been finalised during this period. Furthermore, the award criteria have been conceptualised and determined. The overall indicative amount made available under the first call for proposals is EUR 100,000.. The primary focus of the grant assistance has been around improvement of agricultural production, infrastructure, processing, marketing and promotion of the agricultural value chain. In close coordination with the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka, the LDF s first call for proposals was launched and remained open until 22 nd of October 2010, 17h00. The LDF grant process has been managed by the MDC staff and supported by the project team (Please refer to Annex F LDF Guidelines and Annex G LDF forms). The LDF application documents have been available for the applicants in the project website. In addition, IRDS project team has made 300 CDs available for the applicants with the LDF application documents. It is worth noting that around 276 CDs were taken directly from the applicants at the MDC and approximately 65 application documents from the project website. Only 113 applications were submitted by farmers, agricultural associations, various businesses, NGOs and Municipal government of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Furthermore, only four queries have been received through regarding the application procedures. The short list evaluation of the proposals has been done by the short term expert engaged by the project. All proposals have been evaluated using the same criteria, respectively using the LDF evaluation grid designed by the project team (Annex I LDF evaluation grid). Out of 113 applications received, 8 proposals were short listed amounting approximately 150,000 Euro. In order to ensure an appropriate and transparent evaluation process, the project team has established the LDF evaluation committee which consisted of five voting members representing various organisations in Kosovo (i.e. UNDP Kosovo, Swiss Intercoperation, RDA South, OSCE and LMT) and three observers representing the Municipal Authorities of Suhareke/Suva Reka, CARE International 4

6 in Kosovo and IRDS project. The LDF evaluation meeting was held on November 1 st, The evaluation committee members have evaluated 8 short listed projects, which were selected by the external evaluator. So, the evaluation committee members have recommended only 6 projects as potential for funding out the short listed projects. (Please refer to Annex J LDF evaluation report). Then, the project team has established the commission for conducting site visits for the recommended projects for funding. The commission consisted of IRDS project team and MDC staff members. Afterwards, the commission has visited six projects recommended for funding and has found out that one of the applicants has submitted false information (Annex K Site Visits). Thereby, the respective above project has been rejected by the ADC office in Prishtina for the reasons explained above. The five selected projects represent specific sectors which include: a). Broiler industry (including the supply chain and processing); b). Off-season greenhouse production of vegetable and decorative plants; c). Processing of goat milk; d). Increase of milk production and quality in the municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka and e). Winterising of bee hives.the sub grant contracts with the five selected projects have been signed. The project team has held individual meetings prior to the signature of the contracts with all five grantees aiming at informing them with the contract procedures, responsibilities and conditions to be fulfilled by all parties involved in the contract. In addition, IRDS team has concentrated its efforts in mentoring and advising the grantees, intending to raise the awareness and self confidence to generate incomes and create employment possibilities. It is worth mentioning that all the applicants will have to transfer their financial contribution to the LDF bank account within 20 working days. Moreover, the funds will be delivered to the grantees divided in installments (i.e. up to four installments) which will promote success and accountability. Furthermore, the grantees have been informed that they will be closely monitored and they have to ensure the compliance with Kosovo legislation and EU relevant policies and regulations. 5.2 Organisational Strucuture/Processes ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE: The first project steering committee meetings have been organised. The extended project steering committee meeting gathered around 42 participants besides the project team, donor organization, CARE International and municipal structures, who represented civil society sector of Suharekë/Suva Reka, regional development organisations, micro finance institutions and commercial banks and farmers representing every sector of agriculture in Suharekë/Suva Reka. During the meeting the IRDS project up to date progress and activity plan for the next semester have been presented. Furthermore, the main findings and recommendations from the technical trainings provided have been presented and validated with the participants. On the other hand, the core project steering committee meeting gathered the representatives of the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka, Austrian Development Agency and the project team. The core project steering committee discussed about the project s lessons learned so far, the MDC strategy, LDF s pilot call for proposals and other LDF funding rounds and also about the progress regarding the up to date accomplished commitments determined by the MOU signed between the Austrian Development Agency and the Municipal Government o Suharekë/Suva Reka (Please refer to Annex L Core Project Steering Committee Meeting minutes). Background/ context The operational context has not been introduced to major changes during this semester. Kosovo still faces the same development challenges, which include high level of imports, high unemployment rate, subsidence farming and informal economy as a result of lack of rule of law. Even though agriculture production has increased over the past year, there is still a large quantity of food being imported, mainly from the countries around Kosovo and EU. With the increase of agricultural production, internal markets started to get active and consumption of local production increased. With the increase of production of agricultural goods, another problem, namely processing of agricultural goods, arose. Except conventional processing needs of every population, the excess production is also an issue that needs to be addressed. In every economy, there are attempts to make use of raw materials most available. In Kosovo s case, a very important element in the production chain of foods is missing, because presently the food industry is still almost inexistent. The majority of 5

7 processed goods that can also be produced in Kosovo, such as jams, pickled vegetables, frozen fruits and vegetables, juices, etc, are imported. As a result of continuous increase in import of goods, trade figures in Kosovo have reached a deficit of around 43% of GDP for the year Export to import coverage ratio, in percentage stood at 10.8%. Kosovo imports a large portion of consumption goods averaging around 39 % of imports Access to credit in Kosovo is seen as relatively easy. However, getting a loan for agriculture, with a grace period of up to 18 months, can increase the interest up to 20%. This affects the competitiveness of producers and inability to receive a loan with such high interest rates 1. Also, agriculture loans represent only 4.2 % of the portfolio. The figure represents the readiness of the farmers in receiving a loan and readiness of banks in supporting agriculture investments The political situation at the local and regional level remains stable and supportive for the project implementation. The following include some initiatives undertaken at the local and national level. The Municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka has allocated around 20,000 Euro for providing subsidies for the farmers of the municipality. The subsidies will be given mostly for improving the milk industry in the municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development is continuing to subsidise the farmers of Suhareke/Suva Reka in the production of the traditional crops. In addition, the farmers engaged in the viticulture have been subsidized with 500 Euro per Ha due to the latest crisis, that happened in the municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Moreover, the MAFRD has released a call for proposal for development of horticulture in Kosovo, amounting 2 million Euros. Moreover, European Commission and other donors continue to release calls for proposals in the sector of Regional Economic and Rural Development. During this semester, European Commission through European Liaison Office in Prishtina has awarded one regional rural tourism project, which will be implemented also in municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka, and which might have a positive effect on the IRDS project implementation. In addition, USAID has awarded a $ 20 million project, which aims at strengthening the municipal governance in Kosovo, focusing particularly on building the capacity of municipal administrations and assemblies; increasing citizens role in municipal government; improving municipal service delivery; and promoting local economic development. Target group, beneficiaries and local project partner Besides the changes mentioned in the previous report, during this semester no major changes have been recorded within the target group, beneficiaries and local project partners. However, the project team has observed some possible obstacles that may affect the operation of the MDC. This is more relevant for the Business and Economics Department within the MDC. The obstacles include the present physical distance within the Municipality building of Suhareke/Suva Reka between the staff appointed for working in this unit and, as well, limited knowledge and skills of them to perform effectively within the unit. The IRDS project team has met with the MDC director and has discussed the above mentioned challenges. Some common understandings have been drawn and described in the draft internship program for MDC (Please refer to Annex M Internship program for MDC). 1 GAP Monitor

8 Intervention logic Project results/ project status Intervention logic Overall Objective: To promote integrated and sustainable regional development in the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka by strengthening of existing local structures and potentials. Indicator as planned (target) 1. Increased GDP / capita in Suharekë/Suva Reka and the region 2.Increased level of employment in farming, food processing and rural businesses 3.Increased level of family income in the Municipality and the region Indicator actual status as at 31 st of December 2010 (achievement) 1. No changes 2. No changes 3.No changes % achieved Sources of Verification Deviations/ comments/ observations 4.Increased level of well-being amongst the municipal and regional population 4.No changes (Changes of) Assumptions No changes occurred in the assumptions throughout this reporting period Project Purpose: To create an enabling environment in the 1. Diversification of farming techniques and innovation in business practice; 1. No changes 7

9 Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka for stimulating new rurallybased businesses and creating new jobs. 2. Increased demand in municipality for training and information; 3. Increased demand in municipality for business credit; 2. No changes 3.No changes 4.No changes 4.Increased investments in local business 5.No changes (Changes of) Assumptions 5.Increased number of business start-ups; No changes in the assumptions throughout this reporting period Expected Result 1: A Municipal Development Centre for the support of agriculture and related businesses is established and functioning within the Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka A.1.a: The basis for establishing an MDC, and also its operating principles is negotiated with the Municipality of Suharekë / Suva Reka by the end of month 4. A.1.a: The indicator has been achieved A.1.a: 100 % A.1.a:Signed MOU A.1.a: MDC will not be run as an NGO as foreseen in the proposal for sustainability reasons. It was also decided to have only one MoU between ADA and the municipality. Obligations between contractor and municipality are defined in the contract between the donor and the contractor A.1.b: The MDC mandate, identity A.1.b: The indicator has A.1.b: 80% A.1.b: MDC Mission, Vision and Objectives statement 8

10 and structure are established by the end of 6 month been partially achieved and it is ongoing A.1.b: Initial organisational description / profile of MDC ODE Mission reports A1.b: Job descriptions of all administrative and professional staff, as well as job description of governing bodies. A.1.c: MDC as an NGO (Association) is found and registered by the end of month 17. A.1.c: This indicator is not relevant due to modifications A.1.c: MDC will not be founded as NGO (please refer to. A.1.a) A.1.d: The MDC staff is recruited by the end of month 11 A.1.e: Build the capacities of the MDC and its staff for advancing integrated rural development. A.1.d:This indicator is not relevant due to the modifications A.1.e: The indicator has been partially achieved and it is ongoing A.1.e: 20% Mission reports ODE Mission reports from Technical Experts A.1.d: The current department for Agriculture and Business development will function as MDC. Due to the fact that the MDC will stay within the municipality staff recruitment is not needed. 9

11 A.1.f: Visibility and information A.1.f: The indicator has been partially fulfilled A.1.f: More than 60% A.1.f: The project website ( A.1.f: Project leaflet A.1.f: Newspapers articles about the project and launch event of the LDF first call for proposals, etc.. Major activity planned Current status as at 31 st of December 2010 Deviations/ comments A.1.e.2:Faciliate strategic planning process for the MDC A.1.e.3: Finalise detailed work plan for the first year of the MDC s operation A.1.e.4: Provide technical training in the area of in planning and development skills and other technical trainings. In addition, the 2-week courses in agricultural production and / or agricultural business will be organised during this semester A 1.f.2: The open day for the LDF will be organised. A.1.f.3: The leaflet for the LDF will be produced. A.1.e.2:Ongoing A.1.e.3: Not started A.1.e.4:Ongoing A.1.f.2:Ongoing A.1.f.3:Not started 10

12 Expected Result 2: Municipal departments and their staff, as well as representatives of other development players in the community (NGOs, coops, associations) have the capacities necessary for promoting the integrated development of the municipality. A.2.a: The Municipal capacity is assessed by the end of month 4 A.2.b: The capacities of the MDC and its staff for advancing integrated rural development is built as well as organisational processes are facilitated by the end of month 34. A.2.a:The indicator has been fully achieved A.2.b: Ongoing A.2.a: 100% A.2.b: 20% A.2.a: Capacity assessment document A.2.b: MDC strategic workshop A.2.b:Project identification, research, planning and proposal writing workshop; A.2.c: Organisational processes are facilitated by the end of month 22. A.2.c:Not started A.2.c: 0% Major activity planned A.2.a:Capacity building plan A.2.d: Municipal Development actors are coordinated by the end of month 34. A.2.b: Continue with project cycle management training A.2.c: Facilitate group / organisational planning and analysis exercises which are deemed of importance to furthering the local development planning and A.2.d: The indicator has been fully achieved A.2.d: 25 % Current status as at 31 st of December 2010 A.2.a:Ongoing A.2.b:Ongoing A.2.c: Ongoing A.2.d: Two municipal forums on local development were held during this period Deviations/ comments 11

13 implementation process. A.2.d: Organize municipal forums on local development A.2.d:Ongoing Expected Result 3: A Local Development Fund providing grant funding to agricultural business initiatives in the Municipality is operating. A.3.a: the LDF mandate, identity and structure is established by the end of month 18. A.3.b: LDF as a Foundation (NGO) is found and registered by the end of month 22. A.3.c: The Local Development Fund is facilitated by the end of month 34. Major activity planned A.3.a: LDF mission and vision. Finalise Job descriptions of secretary, as well as job description of governing bodies A.3.a:Ongoing A.3.b:Ongoing A.3.a: 10% A.3.b: 10% A.3.c: 20% A.3.c:The indicator has been partially achieved Current status as at 31 st of December 2010 A.3.a:Not started A.3.a: LDF grant application process and procedures A.3.b: The draft LDF concept note A.3.c: The LDF first call for proposals Deviations/ comments A.3.b.1: Finalise the recruitment of LDF board of directors A.3.b.1: Not started A.3.b.2: Finalise the LDF registration as a foundation A.3.b.3: Finalise the recruitment of the LDF secretary A.3.b.2: Not started A.3.b.3: Not started A.3.c: LDF call for proposals (Changes of) No changes occurred Assumptions in the assumptions for Expected throughout this Results and reporting period changes, if any A.3.c: Ongoing Monitoring, Project management (difficulties encountered, management measures) 12

14 The project team has observed some possible obstacles that may affect the operation of the MDC. This is more relevant for the Business and Economics Department within the MDC. The obstacles include the present physical distance within the Municipality building of Suhareke/Suva Reka between the staff appointed for working in this unit and as well limited knowledge and skills of them to perform effectively within the unit. The IRDS project team has met with the MDC director and has discussed about the mentioned above challenges. Some common understandings have been drawn and described in the draft internship program for MDC. In regards to lessons learned, the project team has organised the forum on the lessons learned drawn from the LDF first call for proposals. Evaluation No evaluation measures have been carried out during this reporting period, but the project will carry out mid term evaluation as predetermined in the technical proposal. The mid term evaluation is planned around May Thus, the mid term evaluations findings and recommendations will serve the project in further improvement of the implementation. Sustainability The lessons learned drawn from the first call for proposals have been incorporated into the LDF concept note. Moreover, to ensure more capacity and address the possible bottlenecks in the MDC s advisory services the internship program will be implemented. The capacity gap will be addressed through this program, which will be facilitated by the IRDS project and MDC. The municipality of Suhareke/Suva Reka will provide paid internship opportunities for graduated students of the University of Prishtina, Faculty of Agriculture. The selection of the students for taking part in the MDC internship program will be undertaken together by the Municipal authorities of Suharekë/Suva Reka, IRDS project team and Faculty of Agriculture of Univeristy of Prishtina. Moreover 6 internship opportunities will be provided for students residing in Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka and in southern region of Kosovo. The main responsibilities will be defined through Memorandum of Understanding which will be signed by the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Prishtina and Municipal Government of Suharekë/ Suva Reka, respectively MDC. In addition, the commitment for provision of employment for 2 interns out of 6 with Municipality of Suharekë/Suva Reka after the two years of internship program, correspondingly with MDC is in principle agreed with the Municipal authorities of Suhareke/Suva Reka. Furthermore, the selection of the two interns at the end of the MDC internship program will be jointly undertaken by IRDS project staff, Faculty of Agriculture and Municipal authorities of Suharekë/Suva Reka. The selection will be done through staff performance evaluation processes, which include: a). mid term evaluation; b) annual performance evaluation and c) indicators of success which will be designed from MDC Director and supported by the IRDS project team. This will enable the Municipal Development Centre, respectively the Business and Economics Department to effectively address the farmers concerns, needs and funding opportunities which might arise in the future. Perspectives Changes to the submitted proposal can be seen in the revised FDP There are no changes foreseen from the revised FDP 13

15 Annexes of the progress report Annex A Presentation from Strategic Workshop Annex B Findings from professional trainings Annex C Project Identification and Planning presentation Annex D Media report Annex E LDF lessons learned Annex F LDF Guidelines Annex G LDF forms Annex I LDF evaluation grid Annex J LDF evaluation report Annex K Site Visits Annex L Core Project Steering Committee Meeting minutes Annex M Internship program for MDC Request for next disbursement Summary project budget (relevant for accounting) according to contract Amount approved so far Amount presented for verification as at due date Remaining budget ,40 Euro ,91 Euro ,79 Euro ,7 Euro Request for disbursement for the next accounting period: Direct Project Budget: Euro Productivity Compensation Budget: ,23 Euro 14