Roundtable

Executive Summary

The Roundtable brought together approximately 20 people from 12 organizations in Africa (especially from West and Central Africa) that are now engaged in and have the ability to implement tree crop program activities.  The meeting included representatives from the cocoa industry perspective involved with the Sustainable Cocoa Program.  A list of participants is included.

The objectives of the Roundtable were to: review opportunities, options and need for a regional sustainable tree crop program; and review a program framework for implementing a regional sustainable tree crop program.    Despite their enormous economic and environmental value to Africa, tree crops such as cocoa, receive little support which places the supply of tree crop products (raw and processed) and the livelihood of small holders at risk.

Country and regional assessments completed in 1999 note that tree crops play a strategically important role in African agriculture.  They account for a large share of the value of agricultural trade.  Tree crop systems are an area of African strength and comparative advantage.  Tree crop systems also play a critical role in sustaining biodiversity and sound management of natural resources.  Important constraints to the development of tree crop systems identified during the assessments in Africa include: soil fertility, pest and germ plasm limitations; farmgate prices for products; capacity and responsiveness of research and extension systems; availability of and access to technology to address production, post harvest, and processing constraints; unresponsive and expensive input supply systems; organization and management skills of farmer associations and groups to efficiently market produce; inefficient marketing channels dependent on middle men that add little value to the marketing chain; inadequate access to or poor information flows; inconsistent and unutilized grades and standards; infrastructure to support trade and investment; and the lack of a policy or incentive environment to encourage competition and investment.

To address the constraints and interests of the multiple stakeholders of tree crop development, an integrated program framework was proposed and reviewed.  The proposed program framework includes four components:

• Policy Change and Implementation
• Research and Technology Transfer
• Market System and Information System Development
• Grower and Business Support Services

The program framework was endorsed by the participants as a useful way to organize the multiple activities and issues needing attention.  Highlights of the discussions and issues proposed for attention are discussed more fully in the synthesis report.

Next steps in formulating and implementing a Sustainable Tree Crop Program include:

• Build consensus among support groups, including private sector groups, African Governments, donors and the broader international community;
• Establish mechanism(s) to mobilize and govern (guide) the program, including the allocation of resources;
• Develop action plans and organizational mechanisms to facilitate implementation of field activities, building on existing capacity and systems;
• Establish mechanisms for coordination and exchanges among implementing groups;
• Establish framework and mechanism to monitor performance and output of activities.

USAID proposes to sponsor (with other groups) a meeting October 19 and 20, in Washington, D.C. to bring together a broad cross section of stakeholders for Sustainable Tree Crop Development in Africa.  This meeting will provide a forum to help build consensus and establish mechanisms to guide the program.

Sustainable Tree Crops Program

Roundtable June 24^th & 25^th Yaounde, Cameroon

Synthesis Report

Outline

1. Background
2. Participation
3. Objectives
4. Sustainable Tree Crop Development
5. Program Framework for Sustainable Tree Crop Development
• Policy Change and Implementation
• Research and Technology Transfer
• Market System and Information System Development
• Grower and Business Support Services
6. October Meeting   
7. Next Steps
8. Participants List

Sustainable Tree Crops Program

Roundtable June 24^th & 25^th Yaounde, Cameroon

(DRAFT) Synthesis Report

Background

1. This document provides a summary of the Roundtable meeting on Sustainable Tree Crop Development, held in Yaounde, Cameroon June 24 and 25, 1999.

2. Despite their enormous economic and environmental value to Africa, tree crops such as cocoa, do not have sufficient support systems and operating environment in place to ensure the sustainability of these systems, from a financial, environmental, or supply perspective.   This places smallholder and agribusineses at risk.

3. Sustainable tree crop development in Africa is important to a broad cross section of groups or stakeholders, including small holders in Africa, business community in Africa and developed countries, policy makers, the environmental community, and consumers in Africa, Europe and the USA.  Building on these mutual interests, and responding to a new policy environment being established in Africa, a number of efforts have been recently initiated to identify options and opportunities to increase the output and profitability of tree crop systems.  The industry led Sustainable Cocoa Programme is among the most significant of these efforts.  Responding to the concern for a sustainable supply of tree crop products and competitiveness of African tree crop products in global markets, USAID began working in partnership with US and European trade associations, in 1998.  In early 1999, USAID initiated a series of country and subregional assessments of tree crops to examine needs, options and opportunities, in East and West Africa, including but not limited to cocoa.  To gain a broader input into the assessments and a prospective program framework for tree crop development, USAID sponsored the roundtable, held in Yaounde.

4. In East Africa, assessments were conducted in Madagascar, Kenya, and Uganda, and information on Tanzania and Mozambique was also reviewed.  In West and Central Africa, country assessments were conducted in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, and Cameroon.

Participation

5. The round table brought together approximately 20 people from 12 organizations in Africa (especially from West and Central Africa) that are now engaged in and have the ability to implement tree crop program activities.  The meeting included representatives from the cocoa industry perspective involved with the Sustainable Cocoa Program.  A list of participants is attached. 

6. Participants and groups they represent brought a wide array of expertise and experience, based on services they are now providing for various tree crops and activities.  These include:

• Strengthening Farmer Associations: Technoserve, Conservation International, CICC, ASPPA, FORCE, IITA, 
• Rural Enterprise Development: Technoserve, Conservation International, CICC, ASPPA, FORCE,
• Research and Technology Transfer: IITA, ICRAF, CABI, CIFOR, CIRAD, IRAD, CNRA, CRIG.
• Market and information system development (including quality, grades and standards): Technoserve, CICC, ONCC, ASPHA, Cocoa Producers Alliance, FAPRI-Afrique.
• Policy: ONCC, CICC, Cocoa Producers Alliance, FAPRI-Afrique.

6. In addition to the above, chocolate industry representatives in USA and Europe participated in the roundtable, through a conference call that linked participants in their home offices, with those present in Yaounde.  Groups participating include: Nestle Europe, Cadbury, M&M Mars Europe, Kraft Jacob Suchard, ACRI, Caobisco, M&M Mars USA, and the ICCO. (See the participants list.)

Objectives

7. The roundtable was organized in Yaounde, at the IITA Humid Forest Ecoregional Centre (HFC), with the assistance and support of IITA. The objectives of the roundtable were to:

a) review opportunities, options and need for a regional sustainable tree crop program,

b) review a program framework for a regional sustainable tree crop program, and

c) examine options for an organizational framework to implement a regional sustainable tree crops program.

Status of Sustainable Tree Crop Development

8. Tree crops are defined as woody perennials, which periodically produce a harvestable product that is of nutritional, monetary/commercial, and/or accomodational value.  Tree crops include trees which produce fruits (e.g., mango, citrus, avocado, etc), nuts (e.g., cashew, macadamia, etc.), berries or pods (e.g., coffee and cocoa), leaves (tea), medicinal products (e.g., prunus africanus), and other commercial products.  While significant levels of attention were given to cocoa and cashew, tree crops meeting the following characteristics were examined: a) robust, existing, markets for products that generate foreign exchange, b) significant contributions to agricultural sector growth, c) profitable in small holder based production systems, and d) options and opportunities exist for increasing productivity and smallholder incomes. 

9. Tree crops in African agriculture. Country and regional assessments completed suggest that tree crops play a strategically important role in African agriculture.  They account for a large share of the value of agricultural trade and exceed several billion dollars annually.  Tree crop systems are an area of African strength and comparative advantage.  Tree crop systems also play a critical role in increasing and sustaining biodiversity and sound management of natural resources.  Trees playing an important role in raising small holder incomes include: cocoa, cashew, coffee and a number of trees important locally, e.g., mango, shea nut, cola nut.  The country assessments suggest that while tree crop systems are a high priority on a policy and export agenda in many countries, they are low priorities for attention from the point of view of developing support services.  Given the actual and potential benefits derived from tree crop systems in Africa, there has been inadequate attention given to the sustainable development of these systems. 

10. In West Africa, a number of national and regional programs have been working in the area of tree crop development.  At the regional level, these have typically focused on the role of trees in natural resource management.  Trees play an important role in raising incomes and generating foreign exchange have received less attention at the regional level.

11. As the lifeline of many African economies, tree crop systems (and the product chain) need to be both vibrant to respond to the changing international market condition, and concurrently responsive to the economic and environmental concerns that small holder face on a daily basis.  Few, if any, African tree crop support systems can live up to this need.

12. Market liberalization.  The assessments and fact finding missions suggest that, in general, the policy environment governing tree crops (especially, coffee, cocoa and cashew) has been liberalized or is now in transition in a large number of countries.  Experience and impact from the broad based policy change taking place is mixed.

13. Constraints to sustainable tree crop development. Important constraints to the development of tree crop systems include: soil fertility, pest and germ plasm limitations; farmgate prices for products; capacity and responsiveness of research and extension systems; availability of and access to technology to address production, post harvest, and processing constraints; unresponsive and expensive input supply systems; inadequate organizational and management skills of farmer associations and groups to efficiently market produce; inefficient marketing channels dependent on middle men that add little value to the marketing chain; inadequate access to or poor information flows; inconsistent and unutilized grades and standards;  infrastructure to support trade and investment; and the lack of a policy or incentive environment to encourage competition and investment. 

14. Role of government.  Two major constraint to sustainable tree crop system development in Africa identified in every country visited are: a) the lack of clarity and uncertainty of governments as to what their role is in a liberalized market economy, especially as to how government might nurture the presence of a stronger private sector; and, b) the absence or poor application of tools (e.g., policy, financing, grades and standards, market mechanisms) to allow firms and associations to fairly compete in a transparent open market system.

15. Regional tree crops networks.  A recommendation of the assessments was that a regional tree crop program or network be established.  The program and network would compliment national level activities and support for tree crops.  Indicative contributions of a tree crops network include: a) establish a framework for cooperation across countries, b) provide a forum to address market issues such as common grades and standards, c) increase the potential for new product development, d) provide a more equal voice for all the players in the tree crops arena, e) reduce duplication of effort by getting cross country cooperation in solving technical problems, f) strengthen national capacity in selected skill areas, g) facilitate the efficient development and transfer of improved germplasm, h) support the centers of excellence, and i) provide a catalytic role in mobilizing the common interests of multiple parties for tree crop development.

Program Framework For Sustainable Tree Crop Development

16. To address the interests of the multiple stakeholders of tree crop development, an integrated program framework was proposed and reviewed.  The proposed program framework includes four components:

• Policy Change and Implementation
• Research and Technology Transfer
• Market System and Information System Development
• Grower and Business Support Services

17. Each of the program components was discussed in small group sessions.  Areas of interest and concern related to each component are summarized below.  In general, it was acknowledged that the proposed program framework does capture the range of issues and efforts that need attention, within a regional and national context.  The group endorsed the need for a regional program, and noted the importance of an integrated/holistic approach (producer to industry) to sustainable tree crop development.  The group also noted the need to seek a balance between national and regional support through this program, and the need for capacity building at all levels.  This issue is addressed by incorporating it into each one of the components.

18. As noted above, the meeting explicitly included the participation of the chocolate manufacturers in Europe and the USA.  This included a summary of discussions by program component.  ACRI provided strong support for the program framework, and indicated that this is consistent with the elements and efforts of the sustainable cocoa initiative. 

Policy Change and Implementation

19. Significant change in the policy environment for tree crop systems is taking place in numerous African countries.  In West and Central Africa, cocoa and coffee systems are a focal point of attention.  In East and Southern Africa, cashew and coffee systems are of keen local interest.  Both public and private sector groups in countries going through policy change are very interested in the experiences and lessons of their neighbors as they approach the policy reform process.  It is generally acknowledged that policy is an important area for attention in a sustainable tree crops program.  In sum, three key concerns have emerged that provide focus to policy related efforts at the regional (cross country) level.  They are:

1. What is the impact of market liberalization in tree crop systems? Is it beneficial from the supplier (producer) and broader economy points of view?

2. What (second generation) policy measures and market mechanisms are most useful and effective in enabling anticipated benefits from market liberalization to be achieved?

3. How can policy change lessons, related to tree crop systems, be shared across borders?

20. Policy change is a dynamic process that needs consultation.  A perception has emerged that the policy change is viewed by leaders and policymakers as a single one-time event.  There is concern that policymakers have not put in place fora to facilitate dialogue among those affected, especially after a significant policy has been changed; and, they have not established processes for policy management which acknowledge that policy change is a dynamic process, where frequent adjustments may be needed to achieve desired results.  In sum, there is concern that government systems to monitor the impact of policy change and make adjustments, as needed, are technically weak and lack transparency.  The need to support fora that promotes effective dialogue among stakeholders is viewed as an important area for support.

21. A policy framework for carbon trading.  An emerging policy area especially related to tree crop systems that needs attention is the concern for a policy framework and protocol for carbon trading, including guidance on how financial benefits gained from carbon trading would be allocated.  This is particularly relevant to cocoa systems in Africa where there is growing evidence that these systems sequester significant levels of carbon, providing cocoa-producing countries with large carbon credits.

22. Role of government. A principle focus of market liberalization efforts in tree crop systems has been to remove government from the market system as a marketing agent.  In several cases where liberalization has been pursued, this has translated into the complete removal of government from “the system”.  Instead of redefining the role of government, there has been a general attitude or conventional wisdom emerge that “there is no role for government”.  In some cases this has led to the rise of unfair trading practices (which were either unanticipated or unplanned for) that may jeopardize the prospective benefits from liberalization.  Cameroon is an example of this case.  It was generally concluded that assistance is needed in the market liberalization process to define and clarify the role of government, and help to develop the tools needed to perform its appropriate role in stewarding and strengthening the participation of the private sector, and ensuring transparency in the system.

23. Monitor the impacts of policy change.  The groups briefly discussed and endorsed the need for a common framework to monitor the impact of liberalization and other policy change.   This would allow countries to share experiences and lessons.  It was noted, however, that the framework needs to help establish and clarify the context within which policy change is taking place. 

Research and Technology Transfer

24. The participants concluded that research and technology transfer is a critical component of a regional sustainable tree crops program.  Productivity enhancing and environmentally friendly technology will be critical to both the supply of tree crop products and farmer incomes.  The Roundtable did not have sufficient time, (nor was it intended to do so), to formulate specific research or technology transfer program activities or interventions.  Rather, it drew on the experience of researchers in the field, to reflect on what is doable given available capacity and local needs for knowledge and technology. 

25. Indicative research themes and prospective areas of research identified, include: a) pest and disease control, including information systems to capture and share knowledge that is now available; b) biological control approaches to pest and disease control; c) examining the links between production practices and environmental impact; d) perennial crop associations and intercropping options that facilitate income growth and environmental stability; e) techniques and approaches to rehabilitation of existing small holder groves and plantations to reduce deforestation; f) introduction of environmentally and economically sustainable systems to expand areas in tree crops, including denuded or degraded forest lands; g) introduction and evaluation of germplasm, with associated phytosanitary issues and quarantine regulations; and h) introduction of post harvest techniques to improve handling, storage, processing of tree crop products; and i) new product development. 

26. Technology available. It was noted that there are currently a number of technologies that are available but are not widely accessible or used by producers and others in the chain.  Some technologies or areas where cooperation across countries might lead to increase access to technology include: cocoa by-products; germplasm (all countries are testing hybrids); chemical control methods for major pests and diseases; agronomic and tree crop husbandry practices; biopesticides and botanicals; vegetative propagation methods; biological control methods for selected pests and diseases; rehabilitation strategies; market and socioeconomic analyses that help establish the validity of alternative technologies.  Interventions to facilitate and promote more effective use of existing knowledge and technology should be a high priority.

27. Capacity building. In the areas of research and technology transfer, participants advised that capacity needs to be strengthened to: a) improve information flows among scientists, b) conduct profitability analyses of individuals technologies and farm enterprises, c) develop and implement models that provide farmers with choices and allow them to do adaptation of techniques to fit the farm enterprises, d) introduce and use biological control methods for pest and disease control, e) conduct market and policy research, f) develop and strengthen farmer associations ability to provide production support services to members.

28. Technology transfer.  It was widely acknowledged that researchers need to engage with small holders to improve the efficiency of the technology development and transfer process.  Approaches or actions that might be encouraged to promote effective collaboration with farmers include: fora that enable full participation of all stakeholders, farmer field schools and field days; farmer to farmer dissemination and training sessions; farmer demonstrations of new techniques; working with and through farmer organizations. It was also noted that technology needs to be made available for not only production, but also to address value added opportunities and new product development.

Market System and Information System Development

29. Performance (inefficiencies) of the market system and the lack of effective information systems are regarded as significant impediments to tree crop system development.  In turn, these are viewed as important elements of a Sustainable Tree Crops Program.  Issues or concerns that might be addressed in a market system and information system development component are discussed below.

30. Market systems need further development.  Policy reform and market liberalization programs are being put in place to address transparency, inefficiency, and distortions in the marketing systems.  However, even in those cases where policies have been changed, market distortions and unfair trade practices continue to plague the tree crop subsectors.  Specific issues include: competition at the international buyer or exporter level appears to be declining; marketing margins of middlemen in the system are high.  They add no value to the marketing chain yet claim high proportion of the value of the product; poor or no application of grades and standards; tied finance; unfair trading practices involving government officers, who themselves become traders, and use their government positions to prevent entry of competitors; weak or nonexistent farmer organizations to performance collective marketing functions.

31. Promoting product quality. In the case of coffee, cocoa and cashew broad concerns have been raised regarding the quality of the product being provided by farmers, especially after liberalization.  While this topic has received much debate, the bottom line is that farmers, in most cases, do not receive a premium or different price for good quality products.  In several cases, marketing practices introduced after liberalization by private buying agents have eroded efforts to maintain quality.  And, in some cases, post harvest handling techniques need to be promoted to maintain and increase quality of product getting into the market.  In virtually all of the cases examined, systems (with government and private sector participation) are not in place to certify grades and standards.

32. Competition is needed among buying agents. An emerging concerned expressed by policymakers (derived from the assessments and less from the Roundtable) was the prospective decline in competition among exporters and international buyers of cocoa.  Previously, governments played the role of international buying agent, which meant there were a substantial number of buying agents making products available to the global community of chocolate manufacturers.  Today, there appears to be a small set of international buying agents emerging, and, in turn, the concern for collusion and price fixing is increasing.  There was strong interest in examining marketing mechanisms that would encourage competition among buyers and promote the emergence of African buyers. A regional auction is an example suggested for further study.  There is also broad consensus that the market should pay for quality, and efforts or mechanisms that allow more direct participation of end manufacturers in buying from farmers should be promoted.

33. Information system development.  Availability of, access to and use of information is limiting the options and opportunities of farmers, traders, processors, financing agents, etc... in the tree crops systems.  It is also widely believed that the lack of transparency inherent in the tree crop systems where information is not available is playing a key role in undermining the value of liberalization.  These issues need to be redressed to achieve sustainable tree crop development.  Stakeholders also believe that having information available is not sufficient.  An increased level of effort is needed to help sensitize and train actors throughout the system to interpret what different bits of information really mean to them. 

34. The role of manufacturers in information system development. At a regional and international level, the participants felt that international groups and manufacturers could have an important role in information system development.  They could act as agents of information transfer across borders and producer countries, and, they could help promote transparency and prevent the formation of monopolies that limit the access to information within producer countries.

35. It was also agreed that information systems should play a key role in improving understanding of product quality.  It was suggested that government have an important role to play in information system development, even after liberalization, especially in certifying quality (grades and standards).  It was also proposed that the concept of a West African Committee on Quality be considered to help harmonize grades and standards and improve access to and promotion of information on quality.

Grower and Business Support Service Development

36. Support services for tree crop based farms and enterprises include extension, collective marketing and trade, market information, financing, post harvest handling and storage, and shipping procedures.   For sustainable tree crop development, these services need to be dynamic and efficient, responding to changes in markets and technology options.  Removal of government from these systems as service providers or marketing agents has left voids in services available.  Compelling challenges exist in finding new ways of organizing and financing these services.  This is viewed as a critical component for a sustainable tree crop program.

37. Farmer associations.  There is broad-based consensus that farmer groups or associations are critical in the path to improving access to and quality of services.  An issue of high priority for sustainable tree crops program is finding approaches and tools to strengthen farmer organizations and associations.  And, with the farmer at the core of these efforts, it is acknowledged that these services need to be integrated, to address the multiple functions that farmers are confronted with, especially finance, extension, input supply and marketing (including negotiating and trading skills).  Addressing one without the other will leave gaps that undermine the performance of the farmer.

38. Increase the participation of NGOs.  It was also acknowledged that NGOs have a key role to play in facilitating the links between various technical and trade organizations to provide assistance to farmer groups and improve access to and quality of services for commercially oriented tree crop system development.  However, at the core of this effort is the need for farmers themselves to change their habits and practices so that they are more responsible for getting services and making choices.  Various examples were cited in terms of how groups have successfully organized.  These need be catalogued and made available as examples to other farmer groups and support agencies. 

39. In sum, the challenge of support services are: increase the area or number of farmer groups served; develop farmer association skills for collective action; and find ways to efficiently share the experiences and approaches that seem to be generating some success and improved levels of efficiency.

October Meeting

41. It was noted that for the meeting in October to be a success it will require substantial involvement of African participants, the US and European business community, international organizations and research centers, and donors.  The intent is to identify three to four key individuals from selected African countries where tree crops are important components of their economy, to participate. 

42. The roundtable participants believe that a key outcome of the October meeting should be a framework and operational mechanism(s) to facilitate closer cooperation among implementing agents across countries, as well as between public and private interest groups.  Contributing to this, it was felt that clarity and consensus will be needed the steering committee or governance mechanism for the Sustainable Tree Crops Program; clarity in terms of what different groups are interested in; and consensus reached on the appropriate level and type of support that is needed from government and private sector sources for sustainable tree crop development.

43. Indicative program related issues suggested for the agenda of the October meeting include the following.

1. Impacts of market liberalization in tree crop systems, and what steps or complimentary actions can facilitate and promote the emergence of new more efficient marketing a production systems?

2. What farmer based strategies and production systems are most successful in establishing sustainable production and income growth?

3. Is the future of tree crop development in regeneration of existing groves and plantations, or expansion of new tree crop areas?

4. What marketing and institutional support is most effective in improving product quality and producer prices?

5. How can collective efforts be organized and supported to strengthen farmer groups and associations?

6. What is the future market potential for tree crop products and how competitive is Africa in the global market for these products?

44. As next steps in organizing the October meeting, it is noted that USAID will coordinate preparations for the meeting.  Specific follow-up actions include: getting input on the agenda from other groups, especially from the private trade associations and manufacturers affiliated with the Sustainable Cocoa Program, and the ICCO. An agenda and announcement for the meeting will be drafted and circulated.  Participants will be identified and invited for selected African countries.  Resource persons will be identified and invited.

Next Steps

45. The next steps outlined below are intended to identify key actions needed to validate the directions of the tree crops program and get field based activities functional (operational) in the field in calendar year 2000.  Next steps in formulating and implementing a Sustainable Tree Crop Program include:

1. Build consensus among support groups, including private sector groups, African Governments, donors and the broader international community;

2. Establish mechanism(s) to mobilize and govern (guide) the program, including the allocation of resources;

3. Develop action plans and organizational mechanisms to facilitate implementation of field activities, building on existing capacity and systems;

4. Establish mechanisms for coordination and exchanges among implementing groups;

5. Establish framework and mechanism to monitor performance and output of activities.

46. An important next step in building consensus among support groups for a Sustainable Tree Crop Program is the October meeting.  The October meeting will also be critical in establishing a steering committee or governance structure of the program.  Details for this are discussed above.

47. Building on IITA=s administrative systems, eco-regional programmatic framework and partnerships in West and Central Africa, USAID has asked IITA to provide assistance in supporting further consultation within West and Central Africa, and in establishing an organizational mechanism to develop action plans and specific field activities.   IITA has been requested to work with other research and non-research groups in West and Central Africa in developing a coalition (or consortium approach) among implementing agents.  And, in turn, to develop a proposal to mobilize resources for a regional sustainable tree crops program.  It is envisaged that the organizational framework will include fora to facilitate cooperation among a multitude of groups engaged in tree crop development.  

48. Organizational or administrative mechanisms for program activities in East Africa need to be identified.  While the Roundtable did include findings from assessments in East Africa, there was insufficient participation from East Africa to reach conclusions.  This gap will need to be addressed prior to the October meeting.

49. It was noted that there several requests have been made for study tours in the near future, allowing groups to examine and share experiences across countries.  USAID will follow-up with the prospective groups expressing interest, to determine the feasibility and dates for the visit.   Groups or individuals interested are advised to contact Jeff Hill (see participants list).  Possible study tours being considered:

• East Africa Cashew, involving groups from Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
• West Africa Cashew, involving groups from Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
• East Africa Cocoa, involving groups from Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Kenya

48. It was also noted that a number of meetings are being proposed for early 2000.  Information on these meetings will be made available to participants.  This includes:

1. Subregional meetings in East and West Africa for Sustainable Tree Crop development that will allow for action plans to be developed, (likely first quarter of 2000), venue TBD.

2. Sustainable Cocoa Program meeting, (likely first quarter of 2000)

3. Future of Perennial Crop Developments, February 2000, Ivory Coast.

                                                           Annex One - Participants