Villagers returning to the conflict affected areas of Sri Lanka are rebuilding their lives through agricultural developments. It is a slow process as farmers repair their lands, rebuild infrastructure, regain tools and relearn their trade but necessary if they are going to acquire a sustainable source of food and income.

The Wanni area – the DS Division of Vavuniya North and the Northern part of the Vavuniya DS Division –reflects the social, economic and psychological damage inflicted during the conflict between the Sri Lankan Security Forces and the LTTE prior to the 2002 cease-fire agreement.

However, since the cease-fire, internally displaced families (IDPs) are returning to their lands. During resettlement they experienced extreme hardships as buildings and homes are destroyed, irrigation facilities are often dysfunctional, roads impassable, large-scale unemployment prevalent and a lack of adequate health care facilities.

The Integrated Food Security Programme (IFSP) is targeting 50 villages in the worst conflict affected areas of the Wanni. It utilises a strong social mobilisation approach to empower communities to determine their own development priorities through participatory rural appraisals (PRA); that is active grassroots research aimed to determine problems and engage the community.

Agricultural assistance needed!

Agricultural assistance, in particular management of crop production systems and water management, was highlighted in the PRAs as a major priority for agricultural activities of IDPs.

Therefore, Sewalanka’s Agricultural Division developed a Training of Trainer (TOT) course for IFSP field staff and social mobilisers, held from 31 Aug – 2 Sept 2004 at the Department of Agriculture Training Centre, Vavuniya. The course was approved by the Vavuniya Provincial Department of Agriculture and Department of Animal Health and Production. The Vavuniya Subject Matter Specialist and the Agricultural Instructors also attended the training course; bringing the total number of participants to 30 people..

Sustainable farming approach to repair the lands.

The course provided practical content delivered by local resource persons to address the specific needs of farmers whom have been displaced for years. The course updated farmers on sustainable technologies and refreshed their indigenous farming knowledge.

Many topics were covered in the intensive workshop, a complete course outline can be provided. Some of these included land and water management, particularly important considering the Wanni is in the dry zone and involved soil and water conservation, water harvesting, organic matter management and utilising wind breaks and shade for crop growth. In addition, composting and its benefits, soil nutrition management were also covered and focusing on the effects of organic versus non-organic fertilisers, integrated plant nutrition systems and the nutritional value of soil types.

Financial farm management was also discussed including identifying new markets and opportunities for income generation and budgeting

Problems highlighted

During the workshop key problems experienced by farmers and conveyed to field staff were explored. The participants divided into three groups for discussion; lowland paddy cultivation, upland fruits cultivation and other field crops. Each group determined 13 or more key issues for their farmer segment and identified appropriate solutions. A problem and solution overview is available and is being utilised for further training and project planning.

Interestingly, each group suggested the construction of a market information centre at Nedunkerny, the undertaking of proper soil management and efficient fertilisers, and the development of demonstration plots, farmer field exposure visits and consistent monitoring for mid-planting correction. Each farmers segment developed their own action plans.

or more information concerning the course outline and the problems and solutions matrix, please contact Dr. Weerakoon at Sewalanka Head Office. IFSP is Sewalanka and German Agro Action project, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

>> For further information please contact:
Ms Lakshi Abeyasekara , Director Special Projects on +94 (0)24 222 1354