10.2 Health and HIVAIDS
As part of its learning agenda, SUCCESS compared two forms of seaweed farming as an alternative livelihood activity for HIVAIDS affected households. The assessment concluded that
the higher value “cottonni” variety of seaweed is a better alternative for these households than is the “spinosum” variety as cottonni requires less labor for the same level of earnings and less
labor-intensive livelihoods have been recommended as a coping strategy for HIVAIDS affected households. While there are complexities to growing the cottonni variety, SUCCESS conducted
trials of alternative technologies, which demonstrated that use of these technologies can help overcome some of the complexity issues. Diffusion and adoption of these new methods will make
cottonni farming a more realistic alternative for HIVAIDS households. In Nicaragua, illnesses such as hepatitis and diarrhea are common in coastal communities.
SUCCESS has been investigating whether the consumption of cockles from estuaries may be a contributing factor. Preliminary results of a study to assess water quality in cockle growing areas
for E. coli contamination have documented levels well above US standards for safe harvest and consumption of shellfish during rainy periods. This information will help in setting the stage for
further discussions concerning management of shellfish beds to ensure safe and sanitary harvests.
10.3 Priorities for Next Quarter July1 – September 30, 2007
• Assess gender impacts as part of overall analysis of microenterprise case study in Tanzania
11. Volunteers
11.1 Background
Following its long tradition of using volunteers in its international work, CRC through the SUCCESS Program has successfully assigned Volunteers for Prosperity VfP in Thailand,
Nicaragua and Ecuador.
11.2 Report Period Accomplishments
Katie Wolff returned from her assignment assessing water quality in Klong Naka, Thailand. Her experience is being written as a story to be sent to VfP and posted on the SUCCESS website. Dr.
Jurij Homziak, University of Vermont Extension, Lake Champlain Sea Grant, is a natural resources management, fisheries and aquaculture development specialist assigned to Nicaragua to
assist CIDEA in developing a framework for an effective and financially sustainable coastal extension program. UCA is also using a Fulbright Volunteer, co-supported by SUCCESS, to
assist with institutional strengthening and extension planning. Meanwhile, in Ecuador Dr. Randy Lehr from Grays Harbour College in Washington to assist with water quality monitoring of the
Cojimies estuary. Other volunteers have been identified for placement in Nicaragua and Tanzania in Year 4. The Volunteer for Prosperity Global Giving Project has yielded 335 in on-line
donations for volunteers on assignment in Tanzania. The site is currently advertising for a volunteer to assist as a small business specialist with experience in costume jewelry trade.
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11.3 Tasks, Milestones, Dates, Status, Comments7
Task Date Due
Status CommentsChallengesConstraints
Recruit and screen volunteers November
2007 On-going
Recruit small business jewelry volunteer for Tanzania
Orient and assign volunteers June and
July 2007 Completed
Nicaragua and Ecuador Evaluate and make
recommendations for volunteer program
September 2007
On-going The evaluation will be included in
the decision to continue the International volunteer program
Engage CRC, WIOMSA, EcoCostas and UCA in the
volunteer program by identifying detailed volunteer
job description for posting on the CRC web site.
July 2007 On-going
Continue to receive new volunteer assignments for posting
To decide on continuation with the Volunteer for Prosperity
Giving Portal July 2007
On-going CRC’s participation in the Giving
Portal has been at no-charge. If and when this changes CRC will re-
evaluate its participation.
Update CRC web site with new volunteer assignments
July 2007 On-going
Decide on continuing or ending CRC’s International Volunteer
Program January 2008 On-going
CRC’s SUCCESS program will discontinue funding the International
Volunteer for Prosperity program in Year 4. Alternate funding will need
to be secured for the program to continue beyond Year4.
11.4 Priorities for Next Quarter July 1 –September 30, 2007