2006 : News of Studies and Projects

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Australia

Disaster Risk Science Group

A significant new initiative of IID in 2005/6 has been the inauguration of the Risk Science Group. This is detailed at Disaster Risk Science page. In 2005/6 the group has implemented some 6 Disaster Risk study projects in Australia and one in New Zealand for a range of Local Governments. It is also contributing to a major research paper on Disaster Risk Science with SMEC for the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). Click here to view our research.

Private Group of Clients contracted to prepare an abattoir and meat processing funding plan for the expansion of an integrated, supply, processing and marketing chain for premium quality feedlot cattle and lambs, from domestic to export paddock to plates in Japan. Plans include a state of the art 'no waste' abattoir and by products processing works including the production of Bio-diesel and associated R&D and proof of concept processing trials for the partnership of three abattoirs, two feedlots and a marketing group in the South East of South Australia.

Azerbaijan

UNDP/GEF

IID's CEO was contracted as Team Leader to prepare a Global Environment Facility (GEF) program of projects in to address land degradation on a participatory basis with relevant stakeholders. Prepared an integrated program to assist the country provide better information for land planning and land administration, land monitoring and land use planning, also prepared a proposal for a gas train to provide gas for energy for farmers and herders now stripping remnant forest. Prepared a suite of discrete projects to address land degradation in pastoral, irrigation and forestry areas. The 15 person team included a range of local specialists from different ministries, scientific academies and NGOs. Total value of program including Government and third party donors was $US 46 Million.

Mongolia

AusAID

IID's contract to administer the Mongolia-Australia Targeted Capacity Building and Small Activity Facility on behalf of Coffey International Development was extended for another two years. This is Australia's main development assistance to Mongolia.

Timor Leste

USAID

In early 2006, John Leake and Merle Menegay took the lead in assessing the livestock and horticulture sectors in East Timor as members of the Development Alternatives Inc. Team conducting an Agricultural Options Study for USAID. The USAID Mission expected the Study's findings and recommendations to guide the development of a food and agriculture project for this new nation. The project would address priority problems and constraints in the horticulture, livestock, forestry, and food crop sectors through a market-led, integrated farming systems approach. The team consultants also proposed practical measures for bridging the gap in available information on appropriate technologies, strengthening their marketplace rehabilitation program, and addressing their serious problems with river silt.

However, the riots in the middle of the year took the country backwards and delayed project preparations. Meanwhile, Merle Menegay has been commissioned by the Dezenvolve Setor Privadu (DSP) program of USAID to assist the Timorese to conduct a survey on the demand for imported and domestically grown fresh foods in Dili, evaluate a high value, horticulture trial in the highlands, and collaborate with the local government and trading community to establish an innovative marketplace management arrangement for their retail marketplaces.

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