I I - part - usaid

- 30 -
One key element of the Project aimed
at increasing the effectiveness and reducing the workload of
the TEA is the development of a cadre of Specialist Farmers.
This component provides for the selection of respected
farmers (by their peer groups) for intensive training at
NEROA in the various f;arming practices advocated under the
Project., with each farmer being trained in only one or two
practices that he/she is most interested in, Specialist
Farmers will be compensated ior their time spent in assisting
with demonstraticns, livestock vacc.inations etc. except
where they may earn a di.:ect return from the community from
their participation (e.g. through the native chicken component).
It is expected that Specialist Farmers will be instrumental
in supplementing the efforts of TEAs and strengthening the
outreach capability of the Project, Short training courses
will also be conduzted by technical specialists in the
villages for other farmers.
Project targets related to villager
training are as follows: about 500 villagers trained in
specialized prcgam o one week or more, 1C,000 villagers
trained in tambon or village level programs, radio agricultural
programs regularly broadcast in Project areas, and
publications regulaciy distributed in Project areas.
(b) Other Support Services
These activities will provide a
knowledge base ior Project activities and a basis for
predicting the appropriateness of Project results in other
areas in Northeast Thailand
Land Use Planninj activities
will provide a detailed so:i. survey, one-meter interval
contour maps, land suitabilfty maps and land tenure information.
The so l! te!tin serv-c wili provide for a survey of
fertility and a c--nti-- soil.testing service for project
activities- Simple weather station equipment and training
(By the RTG Meteozology Dept,)
will provide for an accurate
record of weather conditions during project implementation.
These activities, especially the maps and soil fertility
survey, are essential for Project implementation. Also these
activities, especially the weather data, will provide a
logical bas s for predicting both the long term applicability
of Project results and their replicab-llty in oth.: areas.