Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Plan 2021–2031

1.1 Key Guiding Principles............................................................................................................................. 13

1.1.1 Contribution to Food Security. .............................................................................................. 13

1.1.2 Contribution to Economic Growth. .................................................................................... 13

1.1.3 Contribution to Social Sustainability.................................................................................. 13

1.1.4 Contribution to Environmental Sustainability.............................................................. 13

1.1.5 Public-Private Partnership (PPP). ........................................................................................... 13

1.2 The Role of the Sector.............................................................................................................................. 13

1.2.1 Contribute to national income ............................................................................................. 13

1.2.2 Source of food supply . ............................................................................................................... 13

1.2.3 Raw materials for value-adding industries .................................................................... 14

1.2.4 Disaster reliefs .................................................................................................................................. 14

1.2.5 Employment opportunities. .................................................................................................... 14

1.2.6 Addressing Regional and International Convention and SDGs . ...................... 14 2. Stakeholders and their Roles........................................................................................................................ 16 3. Challenges for Agriculture Development in.. .................................................................................... 18 4. Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Plan 2021–2031. ................................................................... 20

4.1 Goal. .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

4.2 Purpose. ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

4.3 Outputs. ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

4.4 Organizational Structure. ....................................................................................................................... 29 5. Risks analysis and Partnerships Opportunities.................................................................................. 30

5.1 Risks Analysis. ................................................................................................................................................ 30

5.2 Partnership Opportunities. ................................................................................................................... 31 6. Program Delivery................................................................................................................................................. 33 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. .......................................................................................................................... 34 Appendix 1. Logical Framework Matrix. ................................................................................................... 35 Appendix 2. Organizations and people consulted with during the development of the Agriculture Sector Plan . ....................................................................................... 37 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 3 4 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 ACRONYMS ABS Access and Benefit Sharing MNRC Ministry of Natural Resources and CBD Convention on Biological Diversity Commerce CMAC Coastal Management Advisory NCD Non-Communicable Diseases Council NES National Export Strategy CMI College of the Marshall Islands NGO Non-Governmental Organizations CGRFA Commission on Genetic Resources NSP National Strategic Plan for Food and Agriculture NTC National Training Council COGENT International Coconut Genetic Resources Network OEPPC Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination DA Division of Agriculture of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce PIFS Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat ENSO El Nino Southern Oscillation PTD Participatory Technology Development EPA Environmental Protection Authority (also RMIEPA) RBP Regional Biosecurity Plan for Micronesia and Hawaii FAO United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization RICS Regional Invasive Species Council FAP Forest Action Plan RMI Republic of the Marshall Islands FS USDA Forest Service R2R Ridge to Reef ICC International Coconut Community SDG Sustainable Development Goal IPPC International Plant Protection SLM Sustainable Land Management Convention SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community ITGRFA International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme LFA Laura Farmers Association SWARS State-Wide Assessment and Resource LRD Land Resources Division of SPC Strategy MICS Marshall Islands Conservation Society TTM Taiwan Technical Mission MCT Micronesia Conservation Trust UNDP United Nations Development Program MIMRA Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change MIOFA Marshall Islands Organic Farmers Association USDA United States Department of Agriculture MOE Ministry of Education USFS Unites States Forestry Services MOHHS Ministry of Health & Human Services USP University of the South Pacific MOU Memorandum of Understanding R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce would like to express our gratitude to the many people who saw us through the development and production of this agriculture sector plan. Our thanks to all those from government entities, NGOs and private sectors who provided support and actively involved in the development of the sector plan, offered comments on drafts, and assisted in the editing, proofreading, and design of the strategy. The plan could not have been produced without your valuable assistance. We wish to acknowledge the efforts made by the team which formulated the plan and carried out stakeholder consultations. We are grateful to Dr. Siosiua Moala Halavatau who led the drafting and also training of our officials. We would also like to acknowledge our very own Chief of Agriculture, Ms. Risa Kabua Myazoe, and the entire Division of Agriculture staff who had taken all the efforts to finalize this plan. Finally, we acknowledge the contribution of all those whose names are not mentioned but who have been with us throughout this work (Appendix 2). 6 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 FOREWORD It gives me great pleasure to introduce the first agricultural strategy of the Marshall Islands - Agriculture Sector Plan 2021 to 2031. To provide a foreword to such an important document is indeed a momentous occasion for me as Minister responsible for Agriculture. The Ministry, in particular the Division of Agriculture, must attach considerable importance to this plan, as it will now serve as the principal guide to their operations over the next 10 years. Achieving sustainable growth will depend on strengthening effective partnerships and support for private sector development and increased foreign investment. The Agriculture sector has been identified in the National Strategic Plan (NSP) as one of the priority areas for economic development. Hence, this sector plan was formulated to guide a coordinated approach in addressing the challenges to the sector and thus strengthen the contribution of the sector to economic growth and the attainment of food security. The launching of this Agriculture Sector Plan is a historic feat by the Ministry. This is the first time that a plan is being applied to guide our efforts to address the emerging and challenging issues of agriculture production and food security. The sector plan will provide policy guidelines and direction for the Agriculture Sector to implement programs that will focus on the needs related to increasing agriculture productivity. The Sector Plan will also provide a clear direction to the sector to align its objectives in a well-coordinated and integrated approach. The use of funds and the application of appropriate technologies to address specific issues faced by the communities will be transparent. In this way, the Sector Plan will also provide an avenue for donors to complement what the Ministry is doing to maximize benefits to the community. I wish to give my sincere gratitude and a special tribute to the mayors, farmers, women representatives, youths, government and non-government organizations and private sector stakeholders who participated in and provided guidance during the consultation. Last but not least I acknowledge the effort and sacrifice rendered by the hard-working team from the Division of Agriculture who, through their dedication and hard work have enabled the timely completion of this Plan. Hon. Sandy Alfred Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Republic of the Marshall Islands R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Agriculture was integral to the livelihood of the environmental sustainability while valuing public- Marshall Islands and lost its status for a while but private partnerships in the implementation of has been identified in the NSP 2015-2017 as one the plan. The plan not only recognizes the needs of the priority areas for attaining food security. The and aspirations of the diverse stakeholders but agriculture sector also contributes to achieving also requires the involvement of all relevant development sectors (2) Environment, Climate stakeholders in the implementation process. Change, and Resiliency and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. There are seven key outputs defined to be achieved over the implementation period: Marshal Islands has a food security policy, a trade policy, an export strategy, a Marshall Islands 1. Environmental degradation minimized Organic Farmers Association (MIOFA) Strategy 2. Sustainable small-livestock production and a 2010 State-Wide Assessment and Resource systems developed and promoted Strategy (SWARS), subsequently known as and soon to be updated as the 2020 “Forest Action 3. Sustainable crop production systems Plan” (FAP); and to complete the package there developed and promoted is a need to develop an Agriculture Sector Plan 4. Increased consumption of nutritious locally- and a partnership model for these plans to better produced foods integrate and address food production, food security and deliver ecosystem services for the 5. Improved biosecurity and marketing nation. 6. Improved capacity of agriculture sector The Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Plan 2021– stakeholders 2031 is the result of participatory stakeholder consultations and desk-based reviews of relevant 7. Developed enabling policies/legislations literature for the Marshall Islands to guide the formulation process. Participatory rural appraisal tools were also used to ensure the involvement Under each output, a range of activities, which are of stakeholders in this agriculture plan and to interrelated in their effects, will be implemented start building partnerships at the beginning over the next ten years. The implementation of the process which should follow through of any one activity will help to achieve and to implementation. The stakeholders were also be helped by the implementation of, the representatives of various government ministries, other activities. Some of the activities, when including the Ministry of Health & Human implemented, will contribute to achieving more Services (MOHHS); Office of Environmental than one output. Planning and Policy Coordination (OEPPC), Local Government, and the Ministry of Natural The implementation process will use a results- Resources and Commerce (MNRC). Other bodies, based approach with coordinated participation such as Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), Wellness of all stakeholders, including governmental, Center, MIOFA, Marshall Islands Conservation non-governmental and community-based Society (MICS), Youth Corp, and women’s and organizations. The Division of Agriculture of farmers’ organizations, were also represented. MNRC will assume the lead role in facilitating the implementation and monitoring and evaluation During the consultations, the stakeholders process. The plan includes a Logical Framework broadly agreed on the key guiding principles, Matrix which will serve as the basis to guide goal, purpose and the key outputs and activities the implementation process and as well as the to pursue over the implementation period. The monitoring and evaluation to determine impacts. key guiding principles were that the strategy will The plan will be reviewed every six months. contribute to the achievement of food security, economic sustainability, social sustainability, and 8 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 9 GLOSSARY Adaptation: It is an evolutionary process Climate Change: A change in global or regional whereby an organism becomes better able to live climate patterns, in particular, a change apparent in its habitat or habitats. from the mid to late 20th century onwards and Agriculture: Agriculture is the science and art attributed largely to the increased levels of of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use was the key development in the rise of of fossil fuels. sedentary human civilization, whereby farming Compost: Composting is nature’s way of recycling. of domesticated species created food surpluses Composting biodegrades organic waste. i.e. food that enabled people to live in cities. The history of waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, agriculture began thousands of years ago. wood, feathers, crop residue, etc., and turns it into Agroforestry is the deliberate growing of valuable organic fertilizer. woody perennials on the same unit as crops and/ Fertilizer: A substance that is added to the or animals, either in some form of spatial mixture soil to supply essential nutrients for plant or sequence. And there must be a significant growth. Fertilizers may be natural or artificial interaction (positive and/or negative) between (manufactured). the woody and nonwoody components of this system, either ecologically and/or economically. Forestry: Traditionally defined to include the management of trees for the production of wood, Biodiversity: It is the shortened form of two but more broadly defined includes agroforestry words “biological” and “diversity”. It refers to all the and home garden trees, production of non- variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants, timber forest products (notably pandanus fiber), animals, fungi, and micro-organisms) as well as to conservation of forest biodiversity, conservation the communities that they form and the habitats and management of ecosystem services from in which they live. forests (for example, coastal protection), and Biological Control: Biological control or urban forestry (such as street and park trees). biocontrol is a method of controlling pests such Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity is the total as insects, mites, weeds and plant diseases using number of genetic characteristics in the genetic other organisms. It relies on predation, parasitism, makeup of a species. It is distinguished from herbivory, or other natural mechanisms, genetic variability, which describes the tendency but typically also involves an active human of genetic characteristics to vary. Genetic management role. diversity serves as a way for populations to adapt Biosecurity: They are procedures or measures to changing environments. designed to protect the population against Integrated Crop Management (ICM)) is a harmful biological or biochemical substances. holistic approach to sustainable agriculture. It Breed: A breed is a group of animals that considers the situation across the whole farm, is consistent enough in type to be logically including socioeconomic and environmental grouped, and that when mated within the group factors to deliver the most suitable and safe reproduces the same type. approach for long-term benefit. Carbon Sinks: Forest, ocean, soil, or other Integrated Pest Management: A system natural environment viewed in terms of its ability of pest control that uses a combination of to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. most appropriate control measures including pesticides, cultural, mechanical and biological means. The monitoring of pest numbers is an important step in integrated pest management. 10 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 Land Degradation is a process in which the Organic Farming: A farming system based value of the biophysical environment is affected on the use of natural materials for supplying by a combination of human-induced processes nutrients and protection to plants and animals. No acting upon the land. It is viewed as any change chemicals such as artificial fertilizers, pesticides or or disturbance to the land perceived to be herbicides are allowable for a farm that is certified deleterious or undesirable. organic. Mitigation: Mitigation to climate change Pesticides: A general term for chemicals that will consists of actions to limit the magnitude or kill weeds, fungi, insects or other pests of plants, rate of long-term global warming and its related animals or products. effects. Resilience: Climate resilience can be generally Mulch: A mulch is a layer of material applied defined as the capacity for a socio-ecological to the surface of the soil. Reasons for applying system to (1) absorb stresses and maintain mulch include conservation of soil moisture, function in the face of external stresses imposed improving fertility and health of the soil, reducing upon it by climate change and (2) adapt, weed growth and enhancing the visual appeal of reorganize, and evolve into more desirable the area. A mulch is usually, but not exclusively, configurations that improve the sustainability of organic. It may be permanent (e.g. plastic the system, leaving it better prepared for future sheeting) or temporary (e.g. bark chips). It may be climate change impacts. applied to bare soil or around existing plants. Soil Degradation: Soil degradation is the Nutrients: Plant nutrients are the chemical physical, chemical and biological decline in soil elements that are essential to the nourishment quality. It can be the loss of organic matter, decline of plant health. Some nutrients like nitrogen, in soil fertility, and structural condition, erosion, phosphorus, and potassium are needed in large adverse changes in salinity, acidity or alkalinity, quantities (kg/ha) are called macronutrients and and the effects of toxic chemicals, pollutants or some like iron, zinc, and copper are needed in excessive flooding. small quantities (g/ha) are called micronutrients. Sustainability: Sustainable agriculture is that form of farming that produces sufficient food to meet the needs of the present generation without eroding the ecological assets and productivity of life-supporting systems of future generations. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 11 1. INTRODUCTION Agriculture was traditionally a key component of the Marshall Islands’ economy, mainly permanent crops and plantations. Nearly all families were once involved in agriculture. There has been a steady decline and loss of engagement in the agricultural sector with about less than half of households currently involved. In 2006 there was only 0.3% of the labor force engaged in agriculture and forestry activities as their main economic activity. In 2011 64% of the total land area of the Marshall Islands was considered arable. And in 2014, the agriculture and forestry export value as a proportion of the total export was only 1.2%. The country is now at a juncture where an agriculture sector plan is needed to raise the involvement of the communities and increase national domestic food production. Agriculture development was identified as one of the priority areas driving the Sustainable Economic De- velopment Sector of the Marshall Islands (NSP 2015-17) with the overarching objectives: “Implement the RMI Food Security Policy and Agriculture Strategies Linked to Targeted Policy Goals”. And together with the food security policy, the National Trade Policy, the National Export Strategy, MIOFA Strategy and the Forest Action Plan (FAP) are calling for the development of the Agriculture Sector Plan, and development of a partnership model for these plans to better integrate and address food production, food security and deliver ecosystem services. Figure 1 shows the linkages between the national sector objectives, strategic areas and the 7 outputs of the agricultural sector plan. Figure 1. Linkages between the Agriculture Sector Plan and the Marshall Islands Strategic Plan MARSHALL ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SECTOR FRAMEWORK MARSHALL ISLANDS NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN 'fr- NATIONAL VISION "In our hands is our future" Politicians and decision National Sector 2. Environmental, climate National Sector 4. Sustainable economic makers and change & resilience policy development makers 'fr- 'fr- Strategic Area 2A: Vulnerability assessment and Strategic Area 4A: Agriculture and agriculture disaster risk reduction I I production ir 1r Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Goal I Resilient food, nutrition and livelihood security of Marsha/Iese in the face of climate change DA is fr is 7r 7r TTM CMI Output 1. Output 2. Sustainable Output 3. Output 4. Output 5. Wellness small-livestock Increased Improved ~ Environmental Sustainable crop DA MIOFA degradation production systems production systems consumption of biosecurity MICS MNRC Biosecurity developed and nutritious locally- rv minimized developed and and USFS Farmers promoted promoted produced foods marketing .. - Women MOHHS i i i I Cross Cutting Outputs Output 6. Improved capacity of agriculture sector Output 7. Enabling policies/legislations developed stakeholders DA DA CMI Crown law MIOFA 12 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 The sector plan was developed in a participatory 1.1.5 Public-Private Partnership manner with inputs from all major stakeholders in the country. Participatory rural appraisal tools Primary production, processing, storage, and were used to ensure the involvement of all stake- marketing are essentially private sector activities; holders and to start building partnerships at the the role of the private sector should be to take beginning of the process. This approach also en- advantage of the improved enabling environ- sured that the stakeholders shared a feeling of ment provided by the public sector for profitable empowerment and ownership right from the primary sector investment. planning phase, which should follow through to On the other hand, the government and other implementation and participatory monitoring service providers should be creating an enabling and evaluation of the work plans. environment for effective sector performance.

1.1 Guiding Principles Hence, promoting an effective partnership amongst all stakeholders including governmen- In developing the sector plan, the stakeholders tal, non-governmental and community-based were guided by the following principles. organizations with links to regional and inter- national networks, where appropriate, is critical

1.1.1 Contribution to Food Security to promote agricultural growth and thus food Investment in agriculture supports the Marshall security in the Marshall Islands. Islands’ obligations regarding the progressive 1.2 Role of the Sector realization of the right to adequate food in the context of national food security, and all intend- Agriculture in the Marshall Islands may not be ed users’ responsibility to respect human rights. the backbone of the economy but still, it plays Responsible investment in agriculture contrib- some vital roles for the overall development of utes to food security and nutrition, particularly the country. for the most vulnerable, at the household, local, and national level, and to eradicating poverty. 1.2.1 Contribute to national income

1.1.2 Contribution to Economic In the Marshall Islands agriculture and forestry Sustainability export was only 1.2% of total export in 2014 as reported by SPC National Development Min- The sector plan must find ways to deliver real imum Indicators (NDMI). The National Export economic benefits to the rural sector and the Strategy (NES) examined the potential for ex- entire economy ports in the five identified sectors of fisheries, pandanus, coconuts, handicrafts, and tourism.

1.1.3 Contribution to Social Sustainability The opportunity to raise the sector contribution The sector plan also must improve the economic to national income is huge and the Agriculture well-being of lower-income groups and other Sector Plan is expected to play a key role in this disadvantaged groups, including women. The aspiration. strategy will encourage the economic develop- 1.2.2 Source of food supply ment of rural atolls to reduce the internal migra- tion of people to Majuro and Ebeye. It is estimated that currently 20% of the food supply is produced locally. This reliance on

1.1.4 Contribution to Environmental imported foods for the diet of Marshallese is a Sustainability priority issue that the sector plan will address Agricultural innovations should be developed to by increasing locally grown foods and improve bring about sustainable management of forests, the engagement of households in agricultural soil, and water resources and their adaptation to activities. An increase in locally produced food climate change impacts and reduce agricultural will ensure a healthier diet for the household pollution to manageable levels. and in the long term contribute to decreasing incidence of NCD. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 13

1.2.3 Raw materials for value-adding The Micronesia Challenge industries The Challenge is a commitment by the Federated The agriculture and forestry products from the States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, Guam, sector will supply raw materials to some of the and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar- value-adding industries. Examples from agricul- ianas Islands to preserve the natural resources ture production are breadfruit for flour making that are crucial to the survival of Pacific traditions, and pandanus for the fruit juice. And from Forest- cultures, and livelihoods. The overall goal of the ry production are wood for carvings and con- Challenge is to effectively conserve at least 30% struction. of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by

1.2.4 Disaster reliefs 2020. The sector plan will link to the Challenge DA has vital roles in disaster reliefs – from assess- in areas related to food security, biosecurity and ing the degree of damages to responses to food resilience, and invasive species. needs after a disaster and coordination of crop Regional Biosecurity Plan (RBP) for Micronesia and livestock rehabilitation after a disaster. and Hawaii

1.2.5 Employment opportunities Because of US Department of Defense relocation When one thinks of agriculture, farming may of some 4000 marines from Okinawa to Guam, come to mind. However, there are other types the Regional Invasive Species Council (RISC) and of agriculture employment. Agriculture employ- the countries party to the Micronesia Challenge ments may also be in agribusiness, agricultural developed the RBP initially to assess the impacts science, or agricultural specialists like agrono- of the relocation of the military personnel and mists, plant or animal breeders, or soil scientists. has graduated to analyze the risks and coordi- The opportunity, however, is not much in the nate enhancements in biosecurity. This initiative Marshall Islands but the sector plan will raise provides opportunities for capacity building in the image of agriculture including employment pests and disease management and improved opportunities. biodiversity.

1.2.6 Addressing Regional and International The DA will also ensure the Marshall Islands’ Convention and SDGs contribution to the following Sustainable Devel- opment Goals (SDGs): The agricultural sector has roles to ratify regional and international conventions with initiatives related to agriculture and forestry development. 14 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 SDG 2 – Zero Hunger SDG 13 – Climate Action Goal 2 seeks sustainable solutions to end hunger Climate change presents the single biggest in all forms by 2030 and to achieve food security. threat to development, and its widespread, The aim is to ensure everyone everywhere has unprecedented effects disproportionately bur- enough good quality food to lead a healthy life den the poorest and the most vulnerable, Goal 13 calls for urgent action not only to combat SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being climate change and its impacts but also to build Goal 3 seeks to ensure health and well-being for resilience in responding to climate-related and all, at every stage of life. The aim is to improve natural hazards and disasters. reproductive and maternal-child health; end the In addressing SDG 13, the plan will be also guid- epidemics of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and ed by the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agree- neglected tropical diseases; reduce non-com- ment in setting mandatory limits on greenhouse municable and environmental diseases; achieve emissions, guidance on mitigation, adaptation universal health coverage; and ensure universal and climate change finance. The ridge to reef access to safe, affordable and effective medicines or whole of an island approach will guide the and vaccines. design and implementation of mitigation and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Pro- adaptation measures. duction The DA will coordinate the Koronivia Joint Works Sustainable growth and development require on Agriculture (KJWA) - the global initiative from minimizing the natural resources and toxic the 23rd Conference of Parties to the United Na- materials used, and the waste and pollutants tions Framework Convention on Climate Change generated, throughout the entire production and (UNFCCC) with agricultural actions to minimize consumption process. vulnerabilities of agriculture to climate change SDG 15 – Life on Land Preserving diverse forms of life on land requires targeted efforts to protect, restore and promote the conservation and sustainable use of terrestri- al and ecosystems. Goal 15 focuses specifically on managing forests sustainably, halting and revers- ing land and natural habitat degradation, suc- cessfully combating desertification and stopping biodiversity losses. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 15 2. STAKEHOLDERS AND THEIR ROLES Agriculture in the Marshall Islands supplies local foods and other ecosystem services. The agriculture sector goods and services are distributed across the whole nation, and any issue relating to agriculture ultimately affects a large and scattered range of consumers. The complexity of agricultural land use and food production systems also means that many different organizations have commercial or regulatory interests in farming and its possible effects on health. All these organizations need to be considered as potential participants in the implementation of the Agriculture Sector Plan. Table 1 shows the interests, ~ perceptions, resources stakeholders have and mandates they have to support agricultural development. Table 1. Stakeholders who are potential partners to DA Stakeholders Interests in the core Perception of the Resources Mandate problem of the problem ~~ - - - - - - - agriculture sector Farmers and commu- • To grow local • Poor soil condi- • Land • Grow enough nities foods tions • Labor food • Incomes from • Climate change farming Landowners • To grow local • To grow local • Land • Grow enough foods foods food • Incomes from • Incomes from farming farming • Incomes from ~ ------- CMI Agriculture De- partment land lease • Help local com- munities grow • Lack of agriculture • Outreach exten- knowledge sion program to • 3 month of yearly check-up their foods • Lack of employ- educate the local on farmers • Community ment in the sector community awareness • Greenhouse and • Economic secu- seedling supplies rity Taiwan Technical • Enhance food se- • Soil management • TTM projects • Support from Mission curity in the outer and materials (for • Budget and tech- Government islands compost, etc) nical supports (National and - Transportation • Farmer organiza- • Cooperation with local), TTM, NRC - Promotion tion Local Govern- • By-Laws - Adoption and ment, NRC, and marketing MICS Wellness Center To increase food • Poor soil condition • Technical skills • To increase the security and • Dependence on • Professional use of fresh improve nutrition imported pro- knowledge fruits and vege- in the Marshall cessed foods • Determination tables through- Islands • Rural atolls difficult and passion out the Marshall to maintain sus- • Existing projects Islands tainability 16 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 MNRC • Capacity building • Capacity • Staff • Food Security • Livestock/horti- • Funding • Technical advice Policy Agriculture Divisiont culture develop- • Lack of interest • Traditional crop • Promotion of ment • Poor transport expertise agricultural • Agriculture curric- systems • Farming commu- development ulum for schools • Weak sector nities • Provide agricul- • Stakeholder part- • Climate change • Landowners ture produc- nership • Relevant Partners tion, plant and • Increase home animal health gardening services • Soil & water man- • Develop agri- agement training culture policies • Hydroponics and planning Local Government • Preservation of • NCD and poverty • MNRC • MOU with local foods • Climate change • TTM health and • Health and pov- • Sustainability • Council land education erty • Imported food • Women groups • NSP • Climate change • Population migra- • Youth groups • Food security • Transportation tion policy • Crop resistance Ministry of Health & To provide nutritious High incidences of • Technical staff • To address food Human Services foods to commu- obesity and NCDs • Projects and security and nities program lifestyle diseas- es Given the multiple stakeholders involved in agricultural growth, it is vital to ensure good communi- cation between the diverse group of stakeholders to build consensus on strategic actions and invest- ments. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 17 3. CHALLENGES TO AGRICULTURE Arguably one of the greatest challenges the Marshall Islands now faces is how to produce enough good quality foods to feed its people in Majuro and the outer islands. Successfully addressing this challenge will require making a few hundred small farmers more productive. Food production in the Marshall Islands is influenced by many factors, amongst them are: Poor soil conditions – The sandy carbonatic soils of Pacific atolls are considered infertile and poorly suited to agriculture. The Republic of the Marshall Is- lands is comprised predominantly of atolls, and there is scant information on the fertility status of the Mar- shall Island soils. Most Marshallese soils are limited in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn). Water availability – The Marshall Islands expe- rienced severe droughts in the last few years and with increasing sea level rise the freshwater supply is dwindling. United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has reported that the 34 islands that com- prise the country are in danger of being inundated by rising sea levels and dwindling freshwater sup- plies. This signals a major challenge to agriculture development to develop water management strate- gies for producing crops in the face of this potential crisis. Narrow genetic base – Some of the varieties of species like pandanus, taro, breadfruit, coconuts, dwarf banana, traditional fruits and sources of tra- ditional medicines are now endangered. The major challenge is protecting the genetic diversity of the crops from introduced pests and diseases and the effects of extreme weather events like droughts and severe cyclones. Pests and diseases: A major problem with intro- duced crops is their susceptibility to pests and dis- eases. Traditional crops like coconuts and breadfruit also threatened by pest and disease problems. The most serious of these include insect pests such as the breadfruit mealybug, coconut scale, and spiral- ing whitefly, which cause severe damage to many food crops and seriously affect crop productivity and overall food security. To show how serious this problem is, twenty-one new pest species were intro- duced to Jaluit and Majuro in 1975 of which twelve species were new to the country. 18 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 Costs of farm inputs: Farm inputs are generally home to half the nation’s population. Besides, the costly in the Pacific Islands and more on atolls. underwater freshwater supply has been salinated Challenges for livestock: There are limited by this influx of seawater. choices for livestock production on atolls. The Efforts will be made to improve the resilience of most common are smaller animals – pigs, poultry, food production systems to impacts of climate and ducks. The traditional breeds of small animals change by improving above-ground biodiversity raised on atolls are disappearing. and below-ground biodiversity. Erosion of traditional knowledge: Traditional knowledge of how to farm and care for domestic Trade and Marketing: Currently a shift is taking and traditional plants and animals is also eroding. place away from the traditional copra export in Even traditional forms of food preparation and favor of the export of coconut oil. There are op- preservation are unknown to many young peo- portunities in the domestic market for added ple. Loss of traditional agroforestry knowledge value products like breadfruit flour and for selling has accompanied the decline in engagement in fresh agricultural produce. There is an opportuni- agriculture activities by Marshallese households. ty as well for organic produce. Climate change: Particularly the danger of Challenges for forestry: The major challenge sea-level rise. Sea level rise has already en- for forestry is the disappearance of native forest croached landwards, and high tides and frequent trees and traditional agroforestry systems. The storms continue to threaten local homes and ridge to reef or whole of an island approach can property. Recent research indicates that sea lev- support initiatives to address this challenge. els have been increasing by 3.4 millimeters (0.13 inches) per year. A one-meter rise could result in the loss of 80 percent of the Majuro Atoll, which is R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 19 4. MARSHALL ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SECTOR PLAN This AgricultureSector Plan directly supports the NSP with its vision, “In our hands is our future” and links to the national theme “Ensuring broad-based growth and food security through a cross-cutting approach” with the national target which focuses on local food security issues and reducing imports. The plan also addresses issues relating to development sectors (2) Environment, Climate Change and Resiliency and (4) Sustainable Economic Development

4.1 Goal: Resilient food, nutrition and 4.3 Outputs livelihood security of Marshallese in the face of climate change The plan will aspire to achieve the goals by The key performance indicators for the goal are: achieving the following outputs: Contribution of locally produced foods to diets 1. Environmental degradation minimized of Marshallese 2. Sustainable small-livestock production sys- Contribution of agriculture to household incomes tems developed and promoted

4.2 Purpose: Enhanced agriculture devel- 3. Sustainable crop production systems devel- opment for the Marshall Islands oped and promoted The key performance indicators for the purpose 4. Increased consumption of nutritious local- are: ly-produced foods • Livestock production increased 5. Improved biosecurity and marketing • Crop production/ quality improved 6. Improved capacity of agriculture sector • Improved biodiversity and resilience stakeholders • The appropriate structure for Agriculture Di- 7. Enabling policies/legislations developed vision 20 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 Output 1. Environmental Degradation 1.4 Support development of appropriate Minimised agroforestry systems The key performance indicators are: This activity will include promoting and in- Number of trees planted traditional and exotic creasing the production of agroforestry includ- Soil and water quality improved ing high-value market intercrops; community The priority areas for forestry in the Marshall Is- extension and education. The approach will also lands from the “State” - Wide Assessment and rehabilitate and replant coconut. Resource Strategy 2010 – 2015+ (FAP) are im- 1.5 Promote urban forestry proving biodiversity; improving food security and sustainable livelihoods; coastal reinforcement; The activities will include planting trees for the and reducing the loss of urban trees. The imple- beautification of urban areas and promoting tree mentation of the activities under this output will planting by schools. also align with the Reimaanlak Conservation Plan. The activities to be undertaken to achieve this 1.6 Monitor potential sources of pollution by output include: agriculture practices

1.1 Coastal tree planting The Division of Agriculture will collaborate with the Division of Quarantine and Marshall Islands The Division of Agriculture will lead and coordi- Conservation Services, Environmental Protection nate the planting of salt-tolerant traditional trees Authority (EPA) and OEPPC in monitoring pollu- along coastal areas to protect the coast and to tion by agricultural practices. minimize current erosion along the coast. Output 2. Sustainable small-livestock pro- duction systems developed and

1.2 Promote tree planting on farmlands in- promoted cluding coconut replanting The key performance indicators are: Where there is a problem of deforestation and • Number of improved breeds developed and on barren lands, efforts will be made to promote distributed tree plantings including coconut replanting. Sur- • Improved feeds veys will also be conducted and senile coconuts will be selectively logged and replaced. The delivery of services to achieve this output will comply with the ‘’one health approach’’ and

1.3 Promotion and preservation of the diver- will be undertaken in collaboration with the sity of traditional and cultural plants Taiwan Technical Conservation of biodiversity in the Marshall Mission. The activities to be undertaken to Islands concerns terrestrial native species, espe- achieve the output include: cially endemic species. Priority target trees and areas include breadfruit, climax forest (Pisonia 2.1 Improve local breeds grandis, Neisosperma oppositifolium), Pemphis There are limited choices for livestock produc- acidula forest, and Mangrove forests. tion in the Marshall Islands. The most common The Forestry Section of the Division of Agricul- are smaller animals – pigs and chicken. The tradi- ture will collaborate with other partners to map tional breeds of small animals raised on atolls are more detailed forest ecosystem types; map for- disappearing or become smaller in size because est types and conservation values on the atolls of inbreeding. The recommended strategy is to and designate ‘traditional land use’ conservation improve the local breeds by crossing with good areas (subsistence agroforestry production and compatible income generation with sustainable breeds that can adapt to Marshall Islands condi- practices). tions, taking into consideration also the potential impacts of climate change. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 21

2.2 Improve feeds with local ingredients Output 3. Sustainable crop production sys- tems developed and promoted Livestock feeds are very expensive, making the cost of livestock production too high. There is, The key performance indicators are: therefore, a need for the Division of Agriculture • Soil quality to seek capacity building in making livestock • Water use feeds from local ingredients or making the • Number of crop varieties used in agriculture feeds locally with a combination of local and production imported materials. Recommendations should • The resilience of agroforestry systems also be developed on good diets to be given to The following activities will be implemented to pigs and chickens using ingredients available to achieve this output households.

3.1 Improve soil conditions

2.3 Appropriate livestock management prac- The soils are calcareous, shallow, alkaline and tices developed and promoted coarse-textured. Any sustainable soil manage- The Division of Agriculture in collaboration with ment technologies workable on soils of the TTM will seek support for capacity building in Marshall Islands will need to improve the soil’s the development and promotion of sustainable physical, chemical and biological properties. This improved small livestock management practices, means that the efforts will be on improving soil including animal pest and disease control, ap- organic matter by the use of composting, adapt- propriate housing and waste management strat- able cover crops, and any other intervention that egies. Many of the challenges facing the Division will recycle organic matter back to the soil. With of Agriculture are interwoven, and significant the soils being multi-nutrient limiting, an effort benefits can be gained from closer integrated should be made to develop targeted compost. efforts with other stakeholders, including the 3.2 Improve water use Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and With the increasing incidence of droughts the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organi- recently causing dwindling freshwater avail- zation (FAO). ability in the Marshall Islands and competition

2.4 Livestock waste management improved from other sectors, water use in agriculture will have to be very efficient. The use of bucket drip Piggery waste is a problem in the Marshall irrigation, wicking systems, and mulches will be Islands, especially along with the coastal areas. promoted. Fullstops will be used to assess the This activity is linked to Output (soil manage- vertical movement of water and potential pollut- ment). Piggery waste should be used as one of ing of the groundwater. the ingredients for composting to be used in

3.3 Develop pests and diseases control meth- crop production. The Agricultural Division should ods explore spearheading a national campaign on waste management for a cleaner environment There is a need to strengthen the capacity of the and better crop nutrition. Division of Agriculture in the area of biosecurity so that it can manage plant and animal pests and diseases and weeds on a day-to-day basis. The diagnostic skills of both DA staff and farmers and their ability to test solutions on-farm must be strengthened. The investigation into the po- tential development of a new pest and disease regime addressing impacts of climate change should be undertaken with capacity support 22 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 from SPC and FAO. Since the Marshall Islands ad- Output 4. Increased consumption of nutri- vocates no use of inorganic pesticides, it should tious locally-produced foods develop organic food production systems in The key performance indicators are: collaboration with MIOFA. • Number of home gardens

3.4 Crop diversity improved, conserved, and • Number of healthy recipes adopted by tar- utilized geted households Improving crop diversity, especially among To increase the consumption of locally produced traditional crops including coconuts that are foods the following activities will be carried out. less demanding in terms of production inputs Efforts will be made to link agricultural produc- compared to improved exotic crops, will result tion to health and nutrition. in the production of cheaper food as well as

4.1 Promote home gardens rising incomes. Selecting varieties that are more adaptable to harsh atoll conditions and potential The DA through its Urban Farming Section climate change impacts of increased tempera- will work with households in the communi- ture, drought, and seawater intrusion will ensure ties, women and youth groups, and schools to the development of more sustainable produc- promote growing home gardens. These will be tion systems that are more environmentally a combination of starchy staples and nutritious friendly. DA will initiate activities to ensure that traditional and exotic vegetables grown in the the genetic diversity of crops is conserved. home gardens.

3.5 Develop appropriate agroforestry sys-

4.2 Develop recipes tems With the need to increase traditional food The Urban Farming Section will work with wom- production and improve the biodiversity and en in households and schools in developing resilience of the food production systems, there cooking recipes using produce from the home is a need to introduce trees including coconuts gardens and running cooking demonstrations. into the farming systems. These trees must serve

4.3 Preservation of knowledge on traditional productive services of producing household food preparation and preservation requirements of firewood and building materi- als as well as food; improve the resilience of the The DA will work with elders in the community systems; and serve as CO2 sinks. The DA Crop to collate traditional knowledge on food prepa- and Forestry Sections will collaborate with other ration and preservation and document them. stakeholders to develop appropriate agroforestry The DA will via workshops and training pass systems. these to the communities to avoid further losses

3.6 Develop a package of practices for major of this traditional knowledge. crops

4.4 Support schools in proper nutrition Once the DA develops appropriate food produc- tion technologies, then a package of practices The Urban Farming Section of DA will work for producing each crop will be developed for closely with other sections of DA, TTM, Wellness extension and outreach activities. Center and Ministry of Health & Human Services in promoting home gardens, cooking balanced meals and proper nutrition to schools. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 23 Output 5. Improved biosecurity and mar- Output 6. Improved capacity of agriculture keting sector stakeholders The key performance indicators are: The key performance indicators are: • Plant and animal protection program opera- • Number of training tional (link to Outputs 2 and 3) • Number of trainees • % of trainees using skills and knowledge • Increase domestic and export trade The following activities will be implemented to The following activities will be undertaken to achieve this output achieve the output.

5.1 Develop local and export markets 6.1 Conduct capacity needs assessment With the decline in household engagement in The needs assessment will cover three levels agriculture, DA and TTM with support of MIOFA will look at developing domestic markets for • Organizational needs which will look at the improved food access by households who do development of the strategic plan and an not produce foods. This will involve developing operational structure; policy to facilitate orga- market structures while supporting current mo- bile markets. nizational cultural change (link to output 7); and development of a monitoring and evalu- This activity will be linked to activities 5.3 and 5.4 ation framework for product development for overseas markets. • Needs to enhance teamwork which will cov-

5.2 Develop value chains including organics er roles of partners; shared interests; planning DA in collaboration with partners like MIOFA will action together (networking); reporting and develop value chains for crops with potential for evaluation of activities. markets locally and export. • Individual needs will cover attitude; increased

5.3 Source overseas market access for export knowledge; improved skills; and self-evalua- tion. DA and partners like MIOFA will work closely with authorities mandated to do trade and 6.2 Develop capacity building program in- international market access agencies to open up cluding support to schools (curriculum) overseas markets for potential agricultural fresh produce and value-added products. A capacity-building program will be developed to address the following needs identified to

5.4 Develop animal and crop protection pro- improve the performance of individuals from key gram stakeholders. DA and the Division of Quarantine and TTM will Motivation work closely to develop an animal and crop Engagement protection program. The program will cover Participatory methods pests and disease identification and their con- Training trol; process for development and control of a Soil fertility and water management pest incursion; sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) Pests and diseases measures. These will also form a capacity-build- Diagnostic skills ing component of the program. Decentralization Communication Computer skills Research methods Climate change vulnerability Monitoring and evaluation Reporting 24 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 25

6.3 Conduct training and assess impacts 7.3 Develop lobbying strategies and policy DA will coordinate the conduct of the training briefs on key issues programs over the plan period and the assess- DA with expert support will develop lobbying ment of training in collaboration with experts strategies and policy briefs on issues like sustain- within the country and from overseas. DA will able soil management, pests, and disease man- support CMI to develop a specific curriculum agement and water use for agriculture. and to offer this training as a regular program at CMI. 7.4 Implement and assess impacts Output 7. Enabling policies/legislations Once policy briefs, policies, and legislations are developed implemented DA will monitor their impacts on The key performance indicators are: agricultural development, the communities, and the environment. Policy and legislation needs identified 4.4 Assessing Status of the Outputs of the The following activities will be implemented to Agriculture Sector Plan achieve this output The assessment criteria for assessing the outputs of the sector plan. The outputs were prioritized

7.1 Review current policies/legislations using two criteria (Figure 2): DA will review current policies and legislation The potential impacts of the outputs are deter- and their relevance to the current situations mined by the potential benefits of the outputs and their ease to implement to guide agricul- and the likelihood that they will be adopted by ture development. DA based on the review will stakeholders. assess the requirements for new policies and Feasibility to implement activities under the var- legislations. ious outputs which are determined by scientific potentials of the outputs and research capacity

7.2 Develop appropriate policies/legislations of the Division of Agriculture to facilitate the im- plementation of activities to attain these outputs. DA might engage experts to develop the re- quired policies and legislations in collaboration with the national Ministry of Justice. Figure 2. Framework for evaluation of outputs in the strategic plan. CJ Potential benefits ~ ~ - ~ I _ ! - LJ Maximum return to Potential Impacts Adoption RMI through R & D likelihood • Livelihood CJ • Food security • Environment '---------' Feasibility ~~,----==~ Scientific potential CJ Research capacity 26 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 Potential Benefits Scientific Potential The potential benefits can be in terms of the extent This can consider the availability of tools and tech- of economic and social impact, the extent of envi- niques/ scientific advances, the existence and ronmental impact and enhancement of research availability of relevant disciplines/networks not only capacity. This will refer to outputs to be addressed, in the country but also in the Pacific sub-region, size and scope of the problem /or opportunity to be and the probability of success in achieving research addressed, and nature of benefits arising. These ben- results, and time to produce research outputs. efits may or may not necessarily be independent and mutually exclusive, and need to be considered in as- Research Capacity sessing the benefits and impact of possible research. Contribution of outputs to development may be: This accounts for and reflects the research/technical skills/quality and breadth of skills, the critical mass of 1. increased production/expanded production efforts, financial support and feasibility and quality of 2. increased productivity of resources/inputs research infrastructure and support. This should take 3. reduced cost per unit of output into account the capacity and ability of organizations, networks and collaborative arrangements that are/ 4. increased cash income or may be involved in the country or, to an extent, in 5. increased employment and utilization of resourc- the sub-region. es/inputs 6. improved sustainability/reduced degradation of Selectivity in Output Emphasis resources, and The following diagram (Diagram 1) shows the priori- 7. assured food security/improved nutrition/reduced ty setting, as assessed based on two risk main criteria, i.e. impact potential and feasibility; and their approximate relationship to the Adoption Likelihood level of selectivity and emphasis. This will cover probable users of likely outputs and services (including research results), past per- formances in adopting similar results, and major Diagram 1. The selectivity of outputs based on two impediments and inducements to uptake outputs. criteria – impact potential and feasibility. Specific points to be covered are the appropriateness of technology, uptake events and directness of impact, the capacity to use/adapt and de- liver, the capacity of extension and other service providers, and impediments/incen- tives to uptake. Some of the strengths and opportunities ...J assessed earlier may become inducement for adoption, ~ 1- while some of the weakness- z es and threats may become w impediments to adoption. l- oCL. i- (.) <( CL. ~ I FEASIIBILITY )la R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 27 The highest priority is assigned to high impact and high feasibility outputs, and that appears in the right-hand side top corner of the diagram; the lowest priority is assigned to low impact and low feasibility output area and that appears in the left-hand side bottom corner of the diagram. A strong emphasis is then placed on the highest priority areas while more limited support is considered for the lowest priority areas. As one moves from highest to the lowest priority areas, increased selectivity is exercised in deciding on output areas and programs within these lower priority areas; lower priority does not imply lesser importance. Figure 3 gives the priorities of the sector plan as assessed by this tool. Figure 3. Priorities of Agriculture Sector Plan Outputs Improved capacity of agriculture Sustainable crop production sector stakeholders systems developed and promoted High Potential Impacts Sustainable small-livestock Improved biosecurity and production systems developed marketing Developed and promoted enabling policies/ legislations Minimized environmental Medium Increased consumption of degradation nutritious locally-produced foods Low Low Medium High Feasibility 28 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1

4.4 Organizational Structure The Division of Agriculture to efficiently deliver its service will have an organizational structure (Figure 4) headed by the Chief of Agriculture who reports directly to the Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce. The Chief of Agriculture will facilitate and lead the implementation of the strategic plan as well as the capacity building and policy development of the division and monitoring and evaluation of the strategic plan. Under the Chief of Agriculture will be 5 sections: The Urban Farming Section: This section will be led by a Home Gardening Officer and will have a Cooking Demonstrator. Livestock Section: TTM will continue to provide support to this section and will continue to have a DA Livestock Specialist based with TTM. Figure 4. The proposed structure for the operation of the sector plan. Chief of Agriculture Administration and Finance Officer Urban Livestock Crops Section Biosecurity Forestry CMI Land Grant Farming Section & Marketing Section Biosecurity Crop Section Specialist section Forestry TTM MOH, Wellness Home Soil Specialist Value Chain Specialist Gardening Livestock Specialist Specialist Agricultural Forestry Officer Assistant Marketing Assistant NGOs (MIOFA, Cooking Assistant < Nursery Demonstrator Assistant OEPPC Capacity Building Policy Officer Crops Section will be led by a Crop Specialist and will be supported by a Soil Specialist and an Agricultural Assistant Biosecurity and Marketing Section will work closely with the Division of Quarantine, Division of Trade and Investment, MIOFA, and TTM and will be led by a Value Chain Specialist and assisted by a Marketing Assistant. Forestry Section which will be led by a Forestry Specialist with a Forestry Assistant and a Nursery Assistant There will also be cross-cutting services across all the 5 sections. Parallel to the Agriculture Division, the Division of Quarantine will provide pests and disease control, quarantine and Sanitary and Phytosanitary Services (SPS) to DA. The Advisory services will be provided by the Extension Officers who will be provid- ed information by all the 5 sections and they also will provide priority issues to the 5 sections from the communities and other stakeholders. There will also be a Participatory Technology Development (PTD) Specialist who will advise across all 5 sections and coordinate the on-farm trial activities. There will also be key stakeholders who will provide support to DA as implementation partners in shared interests. They are CMI Land Grant, MOHHS, Wellness Center, NGOs (MIOFA, MICS, LFA), and OEPPC R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 29 5. RISK ANALYSIS AND PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

5.1 Risk Analysis iv. Price risk: For the value chain crops, uncer- tainty in the market for commodities such as Some issues needed to be addressed or they will root crops and vegetables, and the challenges of pose risks to the successful implementation of the plan. They are described below. a price move are often different, depending on whether the stakeholder is a farmer or a proces- i. Limited human resource capacity for agri- sor. This may also affect the demand for inputs. culture development: The technical knowledge v. High dependency on imported foods: The and skills of agriculture staff are generally poor changing dietary habit of the population has re- and needed upgrading to a competent level that sulted in a high dependency on imported foods. they can competently advise farmers. The capac- This has resulted in increasing levels of food and ity of other stakeholders for staple and nutritious nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases food crop and livestock production also needed and the emerging high incidences of vitamin and upgrading if the Marshall Islands is to improve mineral deficiencies, which impact negatively the food production. Capacity upgrading is both for- health system, families and national economy. mal and informal training. vi. Introduction of invasive species: Invasive ii. Technological risks: The success of this proj- species present significant threats to agriculture ect will depend on selecting the best-adapted in the Pacific Islands including the Marshall Is- varieties of each crop and breeds of each animal lands, although how the magnitude and distribu- to the harsh conditions of the Marshall Islands. tion of the threats vary between countries and re- To produce good crops will require that there is mains unclear. Invasive species are a major cause enough organic matter, plant nutrients and water of crop loss and can adversely affect food security. in the soil. For animals, the best breeds of each With increased globalization and connectedness animal must be selected and the best husbandry via world trade, the threat from invasive species given including the best feed rations. All of these arriving in countries in which they were previous- require good technology development and if the ly absent is expected to increase. To quantify this technologies developed are not the best then threat and develop effective biosecurity policy the outputs achieved will be far from what the requires an understanding of the sources of po- project wants. tential pests and pathogens, their likelihood of iii. Climate change/ weather risk: The crops arriving at a particular location, their likelihood and animals, as well as the communities in RMI, of establishment upon arrival, and an estimate of are impacted by changes in climate. Tempera- their possible impact. ture increases are likely to change the duration vii. Transportation Systems: Transportation is of crop growing seasons; increase the amount of vital to moving agriculture produce and products water to produce a unit yield, and conducive to within islands and between islands. Transporta- the spread of pests and diseases. Sea level rise af- tion within islands can be a problem and affect fects agriculture crops in two major ways: saltwa- the movement of agriculture inputs and produce ter intrusion and loss of coastal land due to inun- when needed to be marketed. Inter-island ferries dation. Climate change will also affect crops and can be a problem and can delay supply to islands livestock production through changes in rainfall, and moving produce between islands. particularly during La Niña years when droughts are most likely to occur. To address disaster risk reduction to climate risks the strategy at the farm level is adopting climate-smart practices. 30 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1

5.2 Potential Partnerships Regional and International Partners It must be emphasized that the successful im- Below are just some of the important areas in plementation of the sector plan will be depen- which DA is working with regional and interna- dent on the strength of partnerships among the tional partners: key stakeholders. DA works in partnership with national, regional and international organizations • SPC LRD and USP on ‘climate-ready crops’ to build synergies and maximize its develop- and improved crop diversity, multiplication, ment outcomes. In many cases, the relationships distribution and evaluation, and building ca- between DA and its partners will be formalized pacity of countries on taro breeding for toler- through memoranda of understanding (MOU). ance to drought. It is therefore essential that the key stakeholders • COGENT and ICC, on the long-term con- are identified early and engaged in the devel- opment, implementation, and monitoring and servation strategy for safety duplication and evaluation of the strategic plan. Critical to the regeneration of global and regional coconut success of this plan will be engaging landowning collections parties through MOU and invite their support to • FAO on national framework for agriculture agriculture and forestry development on their development lands. • CTA on value chains, youth in agriculture, in- National Partnership formation exchange and media/ICT; • FAO and SPC LRD on food security, plant and The followings are national partners and areas of animal genetic resources, control of zoonotic interested partnership diseases, animal waste management, agricul- CMI Land Grant on research, technology and tural data and statistical capacity improve- extension services ment, agriculture and forest policy develop- ment, agroforestry development, forestry MOHHS and Wellness on food and nutrition information dissemination, and community security forestry development, Integrated Pest Man- TTM on addressing food security and nutrition agement and biological control of agricul- issues, livestock, and horticultural production tural pests and diseases; facilitate ratification/ issues. membership of countries to the ITGRFA and MIOFA on the value chain and organic food the CGRFA production • IPPC (FAO) on phytosanitary standards-set- ting processes; MICS assists in the sustainable use of resources, • FAO and PIFS on biosecurity issues and trade land conservation and protection of biodiversity. facilitation; Technical assistance in the production of vegeta- • FAO and SPREP on invasive species, forest tion maps (with an emphasis on crops and food genetic resources, and agrobiodiversity; trees), access to emergent technologies for food • United States Forest Services (USFS) pro- production (focused on high yield, maximization vides training in tree nursery management, of space, water, and nutrient), and implementa- arboriculture, inventory, and potentially oth- tion of adaptive tools to support atoll communi- er topics. The Forest Service provides direct ties’ resilience to climate change. technical assistance in the form of maintain- OEPPC on sustainable management of agricul- ing permanent inventory plots to quantify tural production environment forest resources, and a continually updated dashboard (website) providing information Youth Corp on planting native plants and re- about ENSO associated agroforestry recom- placement of senile coconuts mendations. The Forest Service can potential- ly provide small grants, particularly for urban R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 31 & community forestry and agroforestry; forest health, including monitoring and emergency response to agroforest pests (coconut rhinoc- eros beetle and little fire ants); and forestry & agroforestry extension (currently awarded to CMI Land Grant). The Forest Service may also increase its assistance in the form of vegeta- tion type mapping, and student internships at the University of Hawaii. Priorities for Forest Service assistance should be identified in the Forest Action Plan to be updated in 2020. • Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) support through the Micronesia Challenge terrestrial indicators and measures through funding, technical support, and policy devel- opment, support for data collection and anal- ysis for conservation areas through the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) by USFS, grant writing and capacity support for USFS fund- ing, capacity support and funding to attend trainings in nursery, data collection, enforce- ment for PA’s and more. • SPREP on the Convention on Biological Di- versity (CBD)/Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Nagoya Protocol, perspectives and mu- tual implementation of the protocol in har- mony with the relevant treaties, e.g. ITPGRFA DA is committed to fully realizing its advantage in using a multi-sector, multi-disciplinary ap- proach to address priority challenges such as cli- mate change and food security. DA will continue to strengthen its technical partnerships with other government Ministries in programming, implementation and monitoring activities. 32 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 6. PROGRAM DELIVERY With many agencies, both government and non-govern- ment, expected to be involved in delivering Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Plan outputs, successful implementation will require strong leadership, good coordination, sound processes and effective use of resources. DA is the lead agency for the agriculture sector and thus the Chief of Ag- riculture is the senior responsible officer to ensure that the sector plan is efficiently and effectively delivered on time and within available budget resources. The interagency Food Security Committee with the guid- ance of the Secretary of MNRC will provide oversight, guid- ance, and support for sector plan implementation. The agriculture sector plan will use a results-based approach with coordinated participation of all stakeholders, including governmental, non-governmental and community-based organizations. DA will need to develop annual work plans through participatory consultation with relevant stakehold- ers to guide the implementation of priorities. Development of the sector work plans target the output intervention lev- el and further define specific actions with set timeframes to achieve the identified outputs/strategies. Activity delivery timeframes should be clearly defined with a responsible agency/program. Each annual work plan should be carefully costed which will form the basis to leverage funding from both the Government and other donor-supported programs or projects. With the current capacity of DA, the implementation of the identified priorities will need to be well-coordinated in a partnership model ensuring the engagement of all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the plan. This means DA’s capacity to facilitate the delivery of the outputs is criti- cal. This should involve effective partnerships with the private sector, relevant NGOs and producer organizations to work in concerted efforts in achieving the desired outputs for the sector strategy. Where possible, contracting out some of the responsibilities outside the current capacity of DA to other stakeholders will also be necessary. R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 33 7. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a critical part The sector plan under its policy objective should of the Marshall Islands Agriculture Sector Plan’s include activities to strengthen agricultural sta- management and implementation cycle. If ad- tistics systems including data collection, system- dressed rigorously it should allow for adaptive atization, analysis and reporting. These activities management and improvement through the life should provide a means to supply better indica- of the sector plan to support the effective deliv- tor data to strengthen the monitoring process. ery of outputs and services. It will also facilitate re- Monitoring will be managed and coordinated porting and communication of progress to part- by the DA and will rely on good cooperation and ners and other stakeholders. Effective M&E will support from all agencies that collect and man- require a substantial commitment of human and age data sources relevant to the performance of financial resources, firstly, to ensure that baselines the agriculture sector and implementation of the and realistic targets are established for all outputs sector plan. at intervention onset and then to make sure a The plan includes a detailed logframe (Appendix workable monitoring process is established and 1) that sets out the results to be monitored, eval- supported throughout the implementation pe- uated and reported against. Key performance in- riod. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting pro- dicators with baselines and targets have been set cesses under the sector plan will cover efficien- in Appendix 1 which will be used for monitoring cy (program management and administration), and evaluation of sector plan implementation effectiveness (delivery of outputs) and impact progress. (development change over time). An appropriate level of budget for M&E, therefore, needs to be anticipated in the sector plan resource mobiliza- tion cost. 34 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1

Appendix 1. Logical Framework Matrix Narrative Summary I OVIs I Baseline I Intermediate I End of plan I MOVs Goal: Resilient food, • Contribution of local- National Food nutrition and livelihood ly produced foods to Balance Sheet security of Marshallese diets of Marshallese • Contribution of agriculture to HH incomes Household income & expenditure survey Purpose: Enhanced agri- • Livestock production X numbers Y% increase Z% increase Agriculture Division culture development for report the Marshall Islands • Crop production/ A acres B% increase in acres C% increase in acres quality Productivity index The operational budget Improved • Improved biodiversity increased by x% by TTM report and resilience Operational 2025 Improved efficiency • The appropriate Currently USD .. budget is The number of staff The operational structure for Agricul- for operational increased by x in 2025 budget increased by MICS/OEPPC reports ture Division another x% by the Currently X numbers By 2025 all Majuro end of the imple- Currently, X% of extension extension centers are mentation plan facilities meet the require- fully equipped The number of staff ment By 2025, x additional increased by anoth- Currently x vehicle per vehicles purchased er x number by the island end of the plan X number of nursery per By end of the plan, island all Outer Islands district extension centers are fully equipped By end of the plan, at least 4 additional vehicles purchased All islands will have nursery facilities 1. Environmental deg- • Number of trees Baseline number 20% increase 50% increase MICS, UISFS reports radation minimized planted traditional and AD reports and exotic • Soil and water quality Baseline levels Relate to output 3 Relate to output 3 improved 2. Sustainable • Number of improved Number of crossbreds 30% increase 60% increase TTM and DA reports small-livestock breeds developed production systems and distributed developed and Increase in use local ingre- 50% of the local ingre- All local ingredients promoted • Improved feeds dients dients used 3. Sustainable crop • Soil quality Use of targeted compost 20% of farmers make 70% of farmers use Soil tests production systems targeted compost targeted compost developed and • Water use efficiency Number of BIS and wicking promoted systems 30% increase 80% increase • Number of crops AD reports used in agriculture Baseline established 2 extra crops 2 extra crops • The resilience of agro- Baseline established Resilience improved forestry systems USFS 4. Increased consump- • No. of home gardens Status in the communities 50% increase 80% increase Wellness Centre tion of nutritious reports locally-produced • Number of healthy Current status At least 10 recipes Extra 5 recipes foods recipes adopted by adopted by targeted developed and DA Focus surveys targeted households households adopted by targeted households R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 35 5. Improved biosecuri- • Plant and animal Develop a control program Control program oper- Program is efficient TTM, MIOFA and DA ty and marketing protection program ational reports operational (link to 3) • Increase domestic Status of domestic markets Mobile market once and export trade Mobile market once a a week Value chains for export week Two crops com- Two crops completed pleted 6. Improved capacity • No. of training Capacity building needs 50% of training con- 100% training pro- DA, TTM, CMI, and ~ of agriculture sector assessment and training ducted gram conducted MIOFA reports stakeholders program endorsed 500 trained • No. of trainees None 200 trained 80% used knowl- • % of trainees using None edge and skills skills and knowledge 50% used knowledge and skills ~ , _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _- - - - - + - - - > - - - - - > - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7. Enabling policies/ • Policy and legislation Report on review of policy A policy brief on Extra 2 policies DA reports legislations devel- needs to be identified needs to be completed voluntary guidelines for supporting the de- oped sustainable use of soils livery of agricultural and pest and diseases services developed management devel- and endorsed ~~ oped and endorsed 36 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1

Appendix 2. Organizations and people consulted with during the development of the Agricul- ture Sector Plan Ministry of Natural Resources & Commerce (MNRC) Sandy Alfred Minister Iva R. Roberto Secretary Walter Myazoe Jr. Deputy Secretary Risa Kabua Myazoe Chief of Agriculture Henry Capalle Chief of Quarantine Randon J. Jack Assistant Chief of Agriculture Lajikit Rufus Agroforestry Coordinator Billy Edmond Agriculture Specialist Stephen Lepton Crop Production Officer Silver Wase Agroforestry Officer Joel Bujen Agroforestry Officer Thomas Thomas Agriculture Extension Agent Elias Isai Agriculture Extension Agent Ruby Tojar Nursery Worker George Batin Nursery Worker Steve Nelson Livestock Technician Office of Chief Secretary (OCS) Kino S. Kabua Chief Secretary Penny Kabua Nimoto Program & Policy Coordinator Jacot Des Combes Helene CCA and DRM Adviser U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) Kathleen Friday Forest Stewardship Program Manager Ministry of Health & Human Services (MOHHS) Francyne Wase Jacklick Deputy Secretary Philmar Mendoza Kabua Director of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Shra Kedi NCD Coordinator RMI Ridge to Reef Project (R2R) Jennifer de Brum Project Manager Marissa Note Finance & Administrative Assistant Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) David, Yen-Jen Lin Director Dr. Kevin, Weichih Lee Livestock Specialist Frank Lin, Furn-Wei Horticulture Specialist Public School System (PSS) Samuel Bikajle School Garden Coordinator Majuro Diabetic Wellness Center Tanner Smith Director Richard Clark Agriculture Consultant Gideon Lang Weed Gardener R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 37 Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination (OEPPC) Warick Harris Deputy Director College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) Desmond N. Doulatram Social Science Instructor/Professor College of the Marshall Islands – Land Grant (CMI Land Grant) Stanley Lorennij Dean, Associate Director Vincent Enriquez Agriculture Researcher ~ Ted Michael Jr. Agriculture Extension Agent Ebon Local Government Ione de Brum Former Mayor 1 - - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - - 1 Likep Local Government ~ Veronica Wase Former Mayor Marshall Islands Conservation Society (MICS) 1-------..----------------1 Martin Romain Director Madeline Cochran Deputy Director ~ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Karl Fellenius Coastal Resource Advisor 1 - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - 1 International Organization for Migration (IOM) ~ Angela Saunders 1 - - - - - - - ~ - - - - - - - - - 1 Marshall Islands Organic Farmers Association (MIOFA) Head of sub-office Karness Kusto President Jabukja Aikne Coordinator Foster Lanwe Secretary Josepha Maddison Member Birney Ishoda Member Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) Tamara Greenstone Alefaio Conservation Program Manager Roseo Marquez Terrestrial Champion MarTina Corporation Fern Lehman Stege Forest Ecologist Mark Stege Director The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Elder Hartmut Skibbe Welfare/Humanitarian Missionaries Sister Sylvia Skibbe Laura Farmers Association (LFA) Bokmej Bokmej Member 38 R E P U B L I C O F T H E M A R S H A L L I S L A N D S - A G R I C U LT U R E S E C T O R P L A N - 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 3 1 Republic of Marshall Islands AGRICULTURE SECTOR PLAN 2021 – 2031