VETIVER 2000

A World Wide Project To Support The Accelerated Introduction Of The Vetiver Grass Technology For Natural Resources Conservation and Rehabilitation

 

Preamble.

1. ‘Vetiver 2000’ is a project that will focus on the dissemination, on a world wide basis,particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, of a conservation technology using the unique grass -- Vetiveria zizanioides -- vetiver grass, for, amongst other purposes: soil and water conservation; land rehabilitation; and the stabilization of engineered earthen structures. It is a project that underpins the sustainability of agriculture, natural resources and the environment. It will help to reduce poverty. On some occasions it can provide the means to enable communities, the private sector, NGOs and government agencies to, together, take corrective action to deal with common problems effecting natural resources conservation and management in the rural areas. The technology is extremely low cost and effective, and has been widely proven in most tropical and sub-tropical countries. ‘Vetiver 2000’ will follow the successful execution of an ongoing US $ 500,000 project administered by The Vetiver Network (an incorporated non profit organization). The project will cost US $2.08 million, and will run from 1999 through 2001.

 

Background

2. Until the mid 1980’s the use of vetiver grass hedgerows for soil and water conservation was largely a forgotten technology. In 1986 it was resurrected by World Bank staff, working in India, for use on failing conservation projects that were until then dependent on relatively costly and mainly ineffective mechanical conservation measures. Today, largely due to the efforts of The Vetiver Network (TVN), the Vetiver Grass Technology (VGT) is being used in practically every tropical and sub-tropical country, as well as in some semi-arid areas, for: on farm soil and water conservation, land reclamation and rehabilitation (wasted and gullied land, mine tailings), stabilization of engineered embankments (highways, railroads, irrigation, drainage, building sites etc.), pollution mitigation (stabilization of landfill areas, control of wind blown hazardous materials), and a host of minor uses including handicrafts, aromatic oil production and medicinal uses. The technology is relatively simple — the planting of narrow "filtering" hedgerows of vetiver grass on the contour i.e. across the slope of the land. The technology is very cheap, easy to apply, and proven over a wide range of conditions to be effective.

3. The factor that makes the technology so effective is the uniqueness of Vetiver grass itself. This grass has been described as a "miracle" - "wonder" grass. In a way it is. It is tolerant to a very wide range of conditions, including those considered to be hostile to all plant growth. Thus vetiver grass will grow under soil pH conditions ranging from 3.2 to over 10. It will survive high levels of toxic heavy metals. It will survive long and extreme droughts; it is tolerant to fire and can be inundated by water for long periods. The domesticated variety is not invasive, and is therefore not a weed. The crown is exceptionally dense, and it has roots that will grow vertically to over 6 meters. These same roots have an average tensile strength (65 MPA) of one sixth of mild steel, and as a consequence will reduce the risk of soil slippage on steep slopes.

4. Much research has been carried out on many aspects of VGT over the last 10 years, and there is a mass of evidence to support its very effective use in all the areas mentioned above. This, together with other information, is fully documented at the Vetiver web site at www.vetiver.org. VGT was thoroughly investigated by the US National Academy of Science under the chairmanship of Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug who fully endorsed the technology under the study published in 1991 "Vetiver Grass - A Thin Green Line Against Erosion". In 1995 The Vetiver Network was the first recipient of the Monsanto Company’s prestigious and peer reviewed "John Franz Sustainability Award" for the best considered environmental technology.

5. VGT is proving key to the mitigation of many environmental related natural resource management problems. Most importantly it has proven, with relatively minor cost or effort to reduce farm soil loss by as much as 90%, and reduce rainfall runoff by as much as 70%. This in turn reduces soil fertility losses, improves soil moisture, and, in conjunction with other organic manuring practices, has led to significant crop yield and income increases for small and poor farmers. It has also resulted in improved ground water recharge, and reduced and less violent flooding. It is being increasingly used by engineers for highway stabilization, resulting in more stable roads, reduced maintenance costs, and reduced point source erosion from these sites. Although tens of thousands of users have learned about vetiver in the past 10 years, there are many more who have never heard of the technology. The main reason for this knowledge gap is the failure in information dissemination systems and on-site training of users and trainers.

6. The World Bank established in 1989 a Vetiver Information Network that published technical newsletters twice a year. In 1995 The Vetiver Network (TVN), was formally established as a non profit organization, (currently located in northern Virginia with a Board of Directors, and IRS tax free status) which continued the World Bank practice of publishing newsletters. In 1996 TVN developed proposals for a two year (1997 and 1998) project to accelerate the flow of information world wide. The US $500,000 project was fully funded (The Royal Danish Government - US $ 300,000, The Amberstone Trust (UK) - US $ 90,000, the World Bank - US $ 50,000, and John Franz Award - the US $ 100,000). The project is now in its second year and has achieved more than originally planned. Nine regional and national networks (China, Thailand, Philippines, Pacific Rim, Latin America, Southern Africa, West Africa, Madagascar, and Europe- Mediterranean networks) have been established; seventeen non profit organizations have been supported in the initiation of local vetiver programs (more than half of these are in Africa); research grants have been made; and prizes are to be awarded at the end of 1998 for the most promising research and development initiatives that have taken place over the last four years. Testimony from some of the beneficiaries of the first project are attached (attachment 4).

7. In addition to promoting, identifying, and providing the funds for these new and extremely active networks (newsletters, training, promotion, plant material supply, etc.) and NGO vetiver programs, TVN has:

  • continued to publish its biannual newsletters and annual reports;
  • developed a very comprehensive web site on the Internet which publishes all known vetiver developments and feedback from researchers and users;
  • produced videos and CD-ROMs for users;
  • given help, support and advice to users; and

administered the project funds.

8. As a result of all these efforts it is clear from feedback and the growing interest in the technology that a second phase of the project should be developed (to run from 1999 through 2001). The project would:

  • provide additional support to the ongoing networks in order to assure their long term effectiveness and viability;
  • support the establishment of new networks in targeted countries or sub regions;
  • support new NGO activities (these are important in that they act as a catalyst for further in country expansion);
  • fund some selected research and the reprinting of vetiver publications; and
  • support the operations and administration of the Vetiver Network itself. (It should be noted that TVN has no independent source of funds).

9. The estimated cost of the project is US $ 2,077,000 and all of it will have to be raised through donor support.

 

The Project (Three years — 1999 - 2001)

10. This proposal is supported by a project cost table (attachment 1), a sample NGO/TVN grant agreement and proposal (Attachment 2), a summary of technical specifications (attachment 3),and some selected letters from those who use the technology (attachment 4). More details can be provided if requested. Research results, program feedback from the field, technical data, and newsletters are all documented on TVN’s Internet web site (www.vetiver.org) and are also available in hard copy. The proposal focuses on objectives and process.

11. The project’s primary objective would remain, as under the first project, the accelerated dissemination of the Vetiver Grass Technology for application for soil and water conservation, engineering, and natural resources rehabilitation. Its secondary objective would be for the enhancement of rural poverty alleviation through increased farm income (improved crop yields, reduced costs, and direct income from vetiver sales to the engineering sector), and increased rural employment opportunities relating to increased labor demand by the engineering and construction sector in the application of VGT to highways, public land rehabilitation etc. Its third and last objective would be the enhancement of the interaction between communities, private sector, and government and non government, all of whom have a common interest in the technology. For example in Mexico it has been demonstrated that all the foregoing agencies and communities can work together in reasonable harmony and with similar objectives when they are using a common technology such as VGT.

12. The Project would comprise the following:

12.1 Support for Networks and Field Vetiver Programs (66%)

(a) Support for existing networks.

The project would provide an average of US $ 20,000 per year to each network to support the continuation of current operations including newsletter and fact sheet production, workshops and training, internal travel, office administration, communications (phone, fax, and the Internet), and equipment. Additional expenses due to larger programs would have to be funded locally (already some of the Networks are able to raise some local funds to cover staff salaries etc.). Total cost: US $ 540,000

(b) Support for new networks.

It is expected that ten new networks will be developed. These include networks in India, Vietnam, Ethiopia, East Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Caribbean, Venezuela, and Brazil, and the Andean sub-region (Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Colombia). Funds would be used for similar purposes as that for existing networks. Total cost: US $ 330,000

(c) Support to existing non profit organizations.

It is estimated that of the 17 existing NGO’s supported currently by TVN at least 10 would want to expand their operations to new and or adjoining areas and would deserve additional support and would qualify for grants. These grants are used almost exclusively for the development of vetiver grass nurseries for plant propagation, transportation of plant material and for training (including simple publications). It is estimated that each grant would be for no more than US $10,000. Total cost: US $ 100,000.

(d) Support to new non profit organizations via TVN.

The project would support ten new NGO operations that would receive their funds directly from TVN. These operations would be carefully selected with the object of picking NGOs that would be vetiver catalysts in their locality with the expectations that their initiative would lead to adoption on a country wide basis (as may be happening currently in Ethiopia and Cameroon). Each NGO would receive US $ 10,000 for two years. Total cost: US $ 100,000

(e) Support to new non profit organizations via existing networks — the mini-grant program.

Under the ongoing project the China and Philippines Vetiver Networks have made and administered direct grants to NGOs and other non profit organizations with minimal oversight by TVN. The system has worked well, and apart from being on the spot to select and monitor, the system has helped give the Networks greater "stature". It is proposed that 10 networks will participate in this component. Each will receive US $ 30,000 over 3 years. Total cost: US $ 300,000

12.2 Research and Development. (6%)

(a) Research Grants

Under the ongoing project some small grants have been awarded for special research projects in Australia and China. The amounts involved are very small (average US $ 1,000), and are primarily used to boost local funds to enable graduate students to undertake research in new areas involving vetiver. The grant scheme has been successful and is administered through selected and interested senior research workers involved with VGT. This project will expand the program to US $ 20,000 per year. Total cost: US $ 60,000.

(b) Research and Development Prizes

In addition, the project will fund US $ 50,000 for research and development prize awards for good and interesting R&D. The prizes are awarded once every two or three years on a competitive basis. In addition to the awards made by TVN, His Majesty the King of Thailand has in the past made a personal contribution for the special "King of Thailand Vetiver Award" for the best all round research and development work. We expect his support to continue. The next awards will be made in December 1998, and again in 2001. Recipients of awards are not just confined to scientists but also include farmers, engineers, and NGOs who may have shown special initiative in the dissemination process or application of VGT. Total cost: US $ 50,000

12.3 Technical support. (9%)

A new component for this project will be the provision of funds for TVN to hire experienced vetiver researchers, organizers, and users to support new vetiver initiatives in various countries. This support might be in the form of resource person input to a workshop; special technical expertise to advise on a new area of vetiver application e.g. flood control; and assistance to develop country wide programs and networks. Evidence from TVN’s current work indicates that such support is very worthwhile and results in accelerated vetiver development programs (e.g. Madagascar and southern Africa) and improved quality of technology application (e.g. Cameroon, Mexico). The need for this program will be of great importance in South America and Africa. Some of the consulting time will be used for sub-project monitoring. It is proposed that the project would include 100 days per year for fees and travel (US $ 600 per day). Total cost: US $ 180,000.

12.4 Year ‘2000’ International Vetiver Conference (2%)

The First International Vetiver Conference was held in Thailand in 1996. At that time it was agreed that the next international vetiver conference would be held in South Africa. The Southern Africa Vetiver Network and The University of Natal will organize the conference. It is proposed that TVN makes a US $ 50,000 contribution towards the cost of the conference, especially for assisting those in Africa who need grant support to cover their travel expenses. Total cost: US $ 50,000

12.5 Information transfer costs. (6%)

TVN is encouraging inter-network communication, but TVN itself still remains at the hub of information movement. TVN would continue to publish hard copy newsletters (US $ 30,000) but in reduced numbers, and would maintain an ever expanding web/ftp site. (US $ 15,000). The largest expense is for the reprinting (US $ 70,000) the small green field handbook "Vetiver Grass A Hedge Against Erosion". This hand book has been reprinted in many languages, but TVN and the World Bank has been responsible for seeing that the English, Portuguese, and Spanish versions are kept in print (200,000 + copies). In addition a French edition needs to be printed for the first time. Currently there are very few copies available of any of these books, and reprinting should be given priority. Total cost: US $ 115,000

12.6 Support to TVN Administration. (11%)

Currently TVN is managed and administered on an entirely voluntary basis by one person (The Vetiver Network Coordinator). It has become a time consuming job (about four days per week).. The new project is larger and will involve a lot more administration. It is therefore proposed that TVN will rent a small office in the town of Leesburg and will hire an office administrator/ accountant to manage the day to day activities of TVN (printing, mailing, accounts, filing, etc.). This will enable the coordinator to focus more on creative and innovative work and the promotion of the technology and project. Total cost: US $ 252,000.

Project Costs and Financing.

14 The total project cost (Attachment 1) is estimated at US $ 2,077,000 TVN has no funds available from its own resources. It is proposed that the project is 100% funded by donors. TVN is looking for five major donors who are prepared to contribute approximately US $400,000 each.

Organization and Management

15. The project would be administered by The Vetiver Network of Leesburg, Virginia, USA (located some 40 miles from Washington DC) and through its affiliated networks in nine existing countries and regions and ten new networks planned under the project. Current organizational processes work well and networks are encouraged to be innovative in their organization and management as is the case for example of Madagascar and the Philippines where zonal representatives are appointed and supported.

16. Networks and non profit organizations seeking vetiver development grants make simple application to TVN setting out their needs, costs, expected benefits, and organizational structure. TVN coordinator reviews the proposals, and asks (if necessary) for adjustment. Once the plan is agreed TVN prepares a draft agreement (attachment 2) between TVN and the recipient. When this is agreed the first tranche of funds (normally grants are divided into two equal parts for disbursement over two years) is released. With the use of Email and fax the whole process can take less than 6 weeks.

17. TVN grant recipients report every six months on sub-project progress, and annually submit a financial statement on expenditures. Reporting procedures will be further refined for ‘Vetiver 2000’. During the life of the sub-projects the recipients are encouraged to communicate with TVN regularly, and often this results in a regular stream of information and feedback.

18. Under ‘Vetiver 2000’ some of TVN’s current responsibilities will be delegated to selected national and regional networks. In these cases the network coordinators will identify potential vetiver field programs to be funded by ‘Vetiver 2000’ grants. They will screen the applicants, and send the list to TVN for review. Once the list is agreed the network coordinators will receive the grant funds, will prepare sub-project agreements, and will disburse the funds to the sub-projects and monitor their progress. Every six months the networks will send TVN a report that summarizes progress.

19. Attachment 5 provides the coordinates and managers of the existing networks.

Accounts, Audit and Reporting

20. TVN accounts are maintained as a single account with special sub-accounts, when requested, for individual donors. The accounts are externally audited each year by an accounting firm appointed by TVN’s Board.

21. TVN produces an annual report that includes amongst other a review of overall progress of the TVN and its affiliates, a copy of the audited accounts, and feedback from the networks. The report is also published on TVN’s web site. TVN freely shares all reports with anyone requesting information.

Benefits

22. VGT has been proven to be a very effective, simple and low cost technology. This report does not attempt to establish economic norms because it is just not possible to estimate the overall impact of the technology, except to say that it could be vast. However estimates by World Bank economists give internal rates of return of near 100%. In fact such estimates are conservative, in light of experience that shows farmers are able to plant 200 meters of hedgerow in one day. Thus depending on slope of land and labor rates, land protection costs can range from US $ 5 - 100 per ha. Soil losses are reduced by as much as 70-90%, and rainfall runoff is reduced by 30-70% depending on slope and soil type. Crop yield increases of up to 50% can be achieved. More importantly using VGT farmers no longer have to commit themselves to short cycle "slash and burn" systems, but instead can farm their lands continuously (in conjunction with other soil fertility enhancing technologies). Recently it has been reported from Madagascar that VGT in conjunction with other practices have raised farm output by 300%. In Australia, on Queensland’s Darling Downs, where erosion caused by flooding is a major problem, VGT can replace a conservation fallow strip system thus bringing an additional 30% of the land into safe cultivation.

23. VGT when applied to engineered highway embankments can reduce the cost of stabilization by ten times as reported in China (VGT versus stone and cement facing). Furthermore VGT is permanent and requires little maintenance. Other economic and social benefits that accrue include reduced downstream siltation of reservoirs, reduced silt flows into the sea and the reduced harm to coral reefs and fisheries, and reduced flooding of lowland areas. Highway and bridge approaches can be protected with VGT, reducing the chances of washout and the resultant delays in road communications. The same goes for railroads. VGT if applied to irrigation canals and drainage will reduce the chance of breakage, and reduces maintenance costs as a result of more stable embankments.

24. VGT in some instances is the only plant that can be grown initially on denuded soils as the first step in their rehabilitation. VGT will be used in India for land rehabilitation, prior to reforestation (as was achieved on the "Red Desert" site in southern China, and for the first step in rehabilitating enormous gullies, called lavaks, in Madagascar. In South Africa and Australia VGT will be used to rehabilitate mine sites.

25. More recently VGT benefits from reduced movement of wind blown hazardous wastes and the prevention of seepage of toxic materials are becoming more apparent. Landfills in Australia have been stabilized with vetiver, and there are current plans to reduce the health damage caused by wind blown sediments (containing arsenic and other heavy metals) from gold mine tailings in Australia by establishing vetiver grass hedgerows. In India prawn pond dikes are being planted with vetiver, not just for stabilization. but also to cut down the pollution from prawn ponds. The list is endless - the benefits are enormous.

Risks

26. The Technology. VGT is virtually risk free so long as there is sufficient available water for plant growth at the time of establishment, and the technology is applied correctly (good quality plant material, proper spacing etc.). The plant is extremely resistant to most pests and diseases, its tolerates fires and drought, it is almost indestructible, and yet it can be easily removed when neccessary. The technology has been exhaustively researched over the past 10 years, and the results confirm field practice, both in the technologies effectiveness and its broad range of adaptation and application. Special research has been done in the US and Australia that shows conclusively that most of the "vetivers" used outside of south Asia are sterile and only propagate by plant division, and are therefore not invasive and is not considered a weed.

27. The Project. Experience todate confirms that the management of the first project resulted in little or no failure. In fact results are much better than expected. Under the new and enlarged project the chances of risk will naturally be higher because there will be a greater number of participants. These risks will be reduced by giving more responsibility to networks for the selection and monitoring of sub-projects, and by hiring of vetiver specialists to review progress in the field. Sub-project reporting will be improved using expanded criteria, but not to the extent of over burdening sub-project staff. TVN will be strengthened to allow the Coordinator to focus more on quality and innovation, leaving day to day management to an office administrator. This will further reduce risk, and strengthen the program as a whole.

28. Funding. If the total funding requirement is not met, then the program will be scaled back. Funding priority will go to establishing new networks. Once these are established they have a life of their own, and some are in a position to attract independent funding. In the unlikely event that the project receives no support TVN will scale back to just the operating of the web site and facilitating communication between vetiver users wherever they may be.

 

 

‘Vetiver 2000’ Project costs. US $ Attachment 1 Page 1

 

Annual unit cost

1999

2000

2001

Total

Network funding
Existing Networks (9)

20,000

180,000

180,000

180,000

540,000

New Networks
India

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

45,000

Vietnam

15,000

15,000

15,000

15,000

45,000

Ethiopia

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

East Africa

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

Cameroon

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

Nigeria

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

East Africa

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

Venezuela

15,000

0

15,000

15,000

30,000

South America (2)

15,000

0

30,000

30,000

60,000

subtotal

30,000

150,000

150,000

330,000

Total Networks

210,000

330,000

330,000

870,000

Support to non profit organizations

Existing grantees (10)

10,000

50,000

50,000

0

100,000

New grants from TVN (10)

10,000

30,000

50,000

20,000

100,000

sub-total

80,000

100,000

20,000

200,000

Mini-grants via networks (10)

10,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

300,000

Total support to NPOs

180,000

200,000

120,000

500,000

Research

Special research grants

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

60,000

Research and Development Awards

0

0

50,000

50,000

Total research

20,000

20,000

70,000

110,000

 

 

Attachment 1 Page 2

 

Annual unit cost

1999

2000

2001

Total

Technical support
Consulting fees (100 days/year)

30,000

30,000

30,000

90,000

Travel 100 days/year

30,000

30,000

30,000

90,000

Total technical support

60,000

60,000

60,000

180,000

Year 2000 Vetiver Conference

0

50,000

0

50,000

Information Transfer Costs

Vetiver Newsletter Publication

10,000

10,000

10,000

10,000

30,000

Reprinting publications

50,000

10,000

10,000

70,000

Homepage and other

5,000

5,000

5,000

5,000

15,000

Total information transfer

65,000

25,000

25,000

115,000

Support to TVN

Office rental and services

24,000

24,000

24,000

24,000

72,000

Office administrator/accountant

40,000

40,000

40,000

40,000

120,000

Other expenses

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

60,000

Total support to TVN

84,000

84,000

84,000

252,000

Total Project Cost

619,000

769,000

689,000

2,077,000