Background Report Period Accomplishments Tasks, Milestones, Dates, Status, Comments7

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. 38

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