I. First progress report (November 12, 2007):
Activities undertaken:
1. Study tours conducted re: charcoal production, biogas from animal manure, high-efficiency biogas stoves, and solar ovens
2. Renewable energy applications demonstrated, specifically: charcoal-producing kiln, high-efficiency stove run on saw dust, and native tree planting for future energy use
3. Organic compost production demonstrated; capacity-building activities carried out so project members can produce themselves

Results of activities:
1. Project members have increased technical capacity, as evidenced by--
? Construction of 13 charcoal-producing kilns, and 8 high-efficiency stoves; (biogas pits are not yet complete), and
? Production of more than 1,000 litres of organic solution, and 15.5 litres of insect repellant
2. Participating families reduced canned gas expenditures by THB 1,680/family over a six-month period
3. 61,500 native trees planted in marginal lands (trees donated by Sakonnakhorn?Udornthani Seed Centre, ex-SGP grantee In-Paeng Network, and Sakonnakhorn Provincial Land Reform Office)

II. Monitoring visit from NC (March 5, 2008):
On March 5th, 2008, the National Coordinator and Ms. Sirilakhana Piamsiri, a project leader from THA-06-08, visited THA-06-18 to assess the project halfway through its two-year duration. Upon arriving, the assessment team was shown a three-acre communal plot where eight project members were demonstrating (1) the use of human energy for water pumping, and (2) alternatives to chemical substance application in farming.

The water pump consisted of a modified bicycle, reciprocating pump and pipe system. While the three ladies who share the plot could not say whether the bike pump was less laborious than the old bucket-hauling method, they appreciated that it required less walking, and replaced the need for expensive fuel pumps.

The assessment team also toured the grantee?s organic compost facility. The facility?s large equipment--including the shredder and mixer--were provided under the government?s ?Economy Revitalizing Project.? Project members had produced three tons of compost and applied it to local vegetable plots.

The final stop on the visit was the charcoal production facility. The technology, a specially-equipped 200-litre metal drum, is the same used in several SGP projects. In THA-06-18, however, all kilns were built by project members following technical training and study tours. Two project members estimated that after four months, charcoal production had resulted in 40% savings on canned gas.

Thus far, the project is producing positive results, and meeting the grantee?s expectations. Project members are eager to continue with activities, and show obvious increases in capacity.

III. The second progress report was received on Tuesday, May 13,2008:

Under taken Activities:
1. Demonstrating renewable energy activities:
? Building one of the five proposed biogas pits of 1.20 m. diameter x 60 cm
? producing charcoal-burning kilns with 200-litre drums
? Irrigating gardens by bicycle pump
? planting native, fast-growing trees for future energy use
2. Building capacity of target population on organic compost production
3. Demonstrating organic compost production

Results of Activities:
1. Some evinced results can be outlined as follows:
?In building the pit, participatory process was encouraged. Project members participated in selecting location, and sharing thoughts and ideas to ensure the best function. The pit was completed with connected pipe and other accessories. Cash contribution to this activity was Baht: 500/ member. The demonstration and relevant records were progressing.
?13 kilns were completed in backyard/orchards of members. Overall reduced expense on canned gas was Baht: 93 / family /month or Baht: 560/family/six months (November 2007-April 2008) , with wood vinegar as an important by-product to be used in gardens. Trends to depend upon canned gas seemed to be stable or reduced. Cash contribution to this activity was Baht: 325/ member
?Seven members irrigating their plots were able to reduce expense on fuel for water pumping by Baht: 62/month ( the figure with fuel pump was Baht: 254/month). Eight members took turns to irrigate project plot of half-an-acre , grown with native vegetables.
?28 members planted 1,500 native seedlings received from Sakonnakhorn-Udornthani Nursery Centre

2. The second training on production of organic fertilizer was organized for 40 members, by the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives , Phannanikhom Branch. About 15 tons of fertilizer and 500 litres of organic solution were produced and applied in cultivated land with some promising results.

Project Communication: The project was made more visible through

1. The visit from 20 grade-6 students of Baan Khamkha School who carried out field based study on agriculture in the project plot.
2. Meeting on Village Master Plan of Community Science Project of the National Science and Technology Development Agency in Sakonnakhorn Province
3. The project was introduced to the Phannanikhom District Agricultural Office, Phannanikhome District Development Office, and Baan Rai Tambol Administrative Organization. The three agencies facilitated a financial support from the government?s ?Live Well Live Happily Project? to the Village Weaver Group. The amount of Baht: 25,000 was provided.

Experience and Lessons Learnt :

Without electricity supply, the organic compost facility was kept on by contribution of project members. For example, small tractors used to replace electricity to drive equipments in the facility. Other necessary implements were also used in the production of compost. Members were participating in estimating amounts of raw materials and had energy choice - built capacity.