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Guangxi Red Soils ImprovementProject: (EEC):1992: Wayne Borden, land use planner undertook an evaluation of a Red Soils Improvement Project proposed by the Government of Guangxi Region. The evaluation included methods of reclamation of eroded upland soils, productivity improvement in lowland soils, improved extension and training programmes and the provision of technical assistance.

Review of Tender Documents:1989: This desk study in the UK by Bernard Giles was a review of tender documents for the supply of equipment for a feed mill for an EEC financed aquaculture project in China.

Appraisal of Multiple Juice Concentrate Plant:1987: A multiple juice concentrate plant was constructed at Chittagong but experienced difficulty in starting operations. Harry Franks (agronomist) led an appraisal with Dan Nicholson (plant processing specialist) and an economist. Recommendations were put forward for all aspects of operation and financial and economic viability was examined.

PAKISTAN

Cotton Standards Institute Project - Evaluation Mission:1990: Brian Jackson was team leader of this 4-man mission which was responsible for carrying out a thorough evaluation of the project activities for the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute and their relevance in a changing institutional, political and marketing environment. Based upon the mission's findings specific conclusions were drawn and recommendations and proposals formulated for the PCSI's future role in the economy of Pakistan.

Animal Feed from Citrus Pulp:1989: Traditional methods of utilising the citrus pulp as animal feed were found to be uneconomic due to the location of the processing plant in relation to the centres of livestock population. Research being pioneered in the UK to transfer the pulp into high value, low volume feed was investigated by Jim Turnbull and recommendations made on its applicability to Pakistan.

SRI LANKA / MALAYSIA

Study of Fruit and Juice Market Potential: (Private): 1987: Researchers including Harry Franks and Alan Willens visited UK, Holland, W. Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore, Japan and the USA. Consultations were held with traders (importers, agents, processors, wholesalers and retailers) and with trade and government officials, dealing with fresh, frozen, canned, dehydrated and juiced tropical fruit and vegetables, to assess historic, present, and projected future trends for imports of the types produced in Sri Lanka and Malaysia.SOUTH EAST ASIAINDONESIA Coffee:1991-99: Bill Mitchell is consultant to robusta and arabica coffee estates responsible for technical advice on all aspects of production, processing and marketing.

 Port Grain Storage Study:1994: Bernard Giles provided the engineering analysis for a project to improve discharge facilities and throughput and so to assist the development of the Indonesian livestock industry The Project established the feasibility of: a floating grain terminal in Jakarta with on-shore secondary discharge facilities, and a bulk storage terminal in North-East Java capable of taking 50,000 DWT grain transporters. After the study, a seminar was conducted with representatives of the Indonesian grain trade and the Indonesian Government attending.

 Evaluation - Madura GroundwaterIrrigation Project:1992: Fiona Dixon was socio -economist who was a member of a four man evaluation team. Areas of responsibility included examination of appraisal, implementation, achievements, impact and sustainability of the project. Social changes and the impact of the project on women was identified and benefits to the rural poor were quantified. Environmental and health impacts were assessed.

MALAYSIA

Cut Flower Study:1997: Roger White provided advice on the improvement of cut flower quality and the introduction of a national export quality assurance scheme.

Oil Palm Intercropping:1981-87: In conjunction with a major local plantation group, the Jim Turnbull supervised trials to develop the production of annual crops in the non-harvesting rows of mature oilpalm. Land clearing, ploughing and harrowing were mechanised using specially developed equipment and agronomic techniques perfected to increase revenue per hectare. Further research concentrated on the development of an effective production system, including shade trials, fertiliser, pest, harvest and economic aspects. Field investigations have identified suitable areas for production. Management organisation and training were carried out so that the plantation division of the group could continue with the implementation of the project.

MYANMAR

TA to Myanmar Agricultural Development Bank:1985-87: Jim Turnbull provided agricultural / business expertise to the team leader/credit planner and agricultural credit specialist who were members of a four-person team which spent almost two years in Burma. The objectives of the project were to strengthen and develop the Bank's institutional capabilities through improving organisation and management, equipment and facilities and training.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

PNG Technical Adviser to ICCO:1996: Hugh Coulter provided advice to the PNG Cocoa Board on ICCO matters and other international issues affecting their cocoa industry. Prepared presentation to ICCO for reconsideration of PNG's Fine or Flavour Status.

Review of Copra PricingMechanism:1996: Following some complaints from growers, Hugh Coulter, marketing economist, was requested by the Copra Marketing Board to make recommendations on how to improve the pricing mechanism. A model was developed representing the contract pricing parameters for each market - Japan, Singapore, Europe, and Coconut Products (PNG), individually examined for their integrity and suggestions made to improve the formula.

Feasibility Study of Coconut Oil Mill:1996: At the request of the Copra Marketing Board, Hugh Coulter undertook a financial study of a 12,500 ton oil mill to be established in the copra marketing board shed at Madang. The Board were proposing to buy a secondhand mill from Tonga. Sensitivity analysis was also undertaken which include doubling capacity to cater for all copra produced in Madang. The comparative analysis of a new versus secondhand Tongan mill indicated the latter was the better option.

PHILIPPINES

Cotton Development Programme:1987: Provision of Iain Black, cotton specialist to join the Project Completion Report Mission.

REGIONAL

Pacific Regional Agricultural Programme Review Mission1992-93 Hugh Coulter was economist on the evaluation team of 10 agricultural projects which are aimed at stimulating food production, improving nutritional quality, the range of diet and increasing self-sufficiency. He was responsible for assessing new economically viable and technically feasible regional projects. Eight Pacific ACP Countries were visited including: Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa.

For further information contact JWTurnbull@bmc-ltd.com

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