Environmental policy and administrative management

PLanning grant to allow consultation Capacity Building in Compost making and utilization in Rodrigues Introduction Development of a sustainable agricultural industry in Rodrigues is highly dependent on having a rich soil base. This can be achieved by continuously replenishing the soil with natural organic matter which can be obtained with compost. Composting would produce a material rich in nutrients, microorganisms and organic matter which will nourish poor and nutrient depleted soils where crops have been planted on a continuous basis. The application of composts regularly to soils would build up organic matter as well as enrich the soil. It has been noted with past experiments at Rodrigues, (UNDP GEF/SGP Riviere Banane project) that compost application has led to a reduction in irrigation and fertilizer usage. It is being proposed to enlarge the scope of compost making at national level by building capacity in that area with a train the trainers program and conducting demonstration composting trials. This would lead to knowledge management and sharing as well as bigger impact of the first project in Rodrigues. Activities The following activities are being planned o Participate in selection of trainers o Develop composting manual to be used in training o Train the trainers (at least three groups of 20 people_) o Assessment of theoretical and practical aspects of training o Monitoring of composting trials o Set up a compost training centre affiliated to Rodrigues Planning grant The planning grant will be used to discuss with the communities in Rodrigues for training centre, identification of trainers, selection of villages more in need of training, and to develop composting` program and project proposal.

Mauritius