Attachment J.11 Initial Enironmental Examination (IEE).pdf

LAC/COLOMBIA/SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL

EXAMINATION

PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Sustainable Agriculture Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): USAID/Colombia/LAC Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): FY 2022 – FY 2027 If Amended, specify New End Date: N/A Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): TBD Implementing Partner(s): TBD Bureau Tracking ID: LAC-IEE-21-87 Tracking ID of related Programmatic IEE: LAC-IEE-19-48 (Amendment #3) Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: LAC-IEE-14-60 (Original IEE), LAC-IEE-15-48

(Amendment #1), LAC-IEE-18-19 (Amendment #2)

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s):

(e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

COLOMBIA/Rural and Economic Development Office

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): Environment Office Lead BEO Bureau: LAC Funding Account(s) (if available): PS.3.2 and EG.13.2 SL FY20 first tranche, future incremental funding TBD

Original Funding Amount: $ 50,000,000 If Amended, specify funding amount: N/A If Amended, specify new funding total: N/A Prepared by: Ana Lucia Uribe Date Prepared: 05/05/2021

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: Environmental Examination Deferral Environmental Determination(s): Categorical Exclusion(s)

Negative Positive Deferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable): FY 2027 Additional Analyses/Reporting Required: EMMP/EMMR Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___4___ Moderate ___0___ High ___42__ Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___4___ Moderate ___0___ High __ 42_

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THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Years of conflict and fragmented development interventions have resulted in small, dispersed, and inefficient rural value chain production in Colombia. Land use changes related to agriculture have also been a primary cause for deforestation and biodiversity loss in Colombia. If Colombia were to successfully boost rural agriculture in a sustainable manner, producer incomes would increase, and greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and illicit crop production would decrease. Increased producer incomes would also have a significant impact on reducing poverty and alleviating grievances that have helped fuel 50 years of internal conflict.

High informality rates, limited credit access, and poor regional connectivity contribute to limited sales and low incomes for producers. According to the Society of Colombian Farmers (SAC), 86 percent of rural workers are informal. This is an issue because informal workers face more challenges in accessing credit, public services, and social protections than formal workers. For example, only two percent of all credit awarded in Colombia is awarded in Development Plans with a Territorial Approach (PDET) municipalities. According to the Private Investment Observatory, less than 15 percent of the total population of 143 PDET municipalities had internet connectivity in 2020. Poor internet connectivity impedes producers’ ability to access markets, virtual training and virtual sales opportunities. The emergence of COVID-19 has further restricted public and private sector investment in rural areas, thereby hindering rural producers’ access to markets, and causing 45 percent of the businesses in PDET municipalities to close.

Marginalized populations, like women, youth and ethnic minorities, have been disproportionately impacted by the conflict and have fewer social and economic opportunities. These population’s contributions to agriculture are generally not recognized, gender-related discrimination in agricultural value chains is widespread, and marginalize populations suffer disproportionately from exclusionary practices and economic deprivation. For example, key informant interviews revealed that men represent 70 percent of association members, but women only represent 30 percent of members. Moreover, marginalized populations cannot take full advantage of their land holdings because they often do not have formal land titles and because they lack sufficient access to financial services and technology. Rural youth also have few licit opportunities and they are vulnerable to forced youth recruitment by illegal armed actors. The unique challenges faced by marginalized populations reinforces the need to adopt differentiated and targeted approaches to increase their access to licit livelihood opportunities.

Over the past 20 years the Government of Colombia (GOC) has supported initiatives to reduce drug production, but illicit crop production has increased in the last five years. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), coca production was at 120,000 hectares in 2014 and it increased to 210,000 hectares in 2019. A lack of licit job opportunities in rural communities has caused ex-combatants, community members and victims of violence to participate in informal, low-paying and illicit professions. Underemployment in the rural areas has resulted in a 37 percent extreme poverty rate in comparison with the national seven percent extreme poverty rate. Increasing illicit crops, and the ongoing peace process, support the need to develop more licit livelihood alternatives with clear market opportunities.

There is an urgent need to increase climate-smart agricultural production, slow tropical deforestation, adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Agriculture and land use sectors contributed to 55 percent of Colombia’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2014.

Agriculture is also extremely vulnerable to climate events. According to Colombia’s National

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Planning Department (DNP), climate change will cause crop and cattle ranching productivity to decline by 7.4 and 1.6 percent respectively. The GOC is looking at ways to increase agricultural productivity and reduce land stress through climate-smart agricultural practices like silvopastoral systems and intensified livestock production. The GOC is also working to prevent deforestation through the implementation of CONPES 4021 which establishes multi-sector strategies, forest management practices and ambitious goals like halting deforestation by 2030.

Increased use of climate-smart agricultural practices improves water and soil management, reduces deforestation and promotes biodiversity conservation. As a result, climate resilient agricultural systems are less susceptible to pests and extreme climate events.

USAID/Colombia has over 20 years of experience creating and implementing activities that promote legal economic opportunities, discourage illegal activities, and target marginalized population engagement. Previous activities supported by USAID/Colombia related to rural development include: Producers to Markets Alliance (PMA); Más Inversión para Desarrollo Alternativo Sostenible (MIDAS); Consolidated and Enhanced Livelihood Initiatives (CELIS); and Community Development and Licit Opportunities (CDLO). These activities demonstrate how rural economies can be strengthened through technical assistance, and by linking producers to markets. For example, PMA has improved coordination between producers and buyers to increase income and employment opportunities for smallholder farmers, including those owned by women and marginalized ethnic groups. PMA has also supported high-potential value chains, like cacao and coffee, to maximize value for producers and expand rural producers’ export opportunities.

The Rural and Economic Development Office (RED) proposes to create a new Sustainable Agriculture Activity to address the continued need for inclusive rural development opportunities in conflict-affected areas. This activity will be strategically positioned to support the GOC’s rural economic development efforts, and it will establish private sector partnerships to create innovative, sustainable agri-business models. The activity will also expand agricultural market opportunities for women, youth, ethnic minorities, and small producers’ associations.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations

(22 CFR 216).

TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determinatio n1

Deferra l2

ACTIVITY: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Objective 1: Improved market access and increased sales for farmers.

1 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

2 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

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Intermediate Results:

IR 1.1:

Increased domestic and international market opportunities for farmers through development of profitable markets for licit crops, private sector engagement, and training farmers on market standards.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

IR 1.2:

Improved quality of agricultural products delivered to markets through technical assistance, training and private sector engagement.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

IR 1.3:

Improved connectivity and infrastructure for farm to market access through strengthening communication networks, internet connectivity, access to

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs

X

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digital hardware, and maintenance of existing tertiary roads, as well as electric, productive and climate-smart infrastructure.

include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

Objective 2: Increased productivity of licit crop and livestock systems.

IR 2.1:

Increased farmer knowledge and use of agricultural technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices through technical assistance and training

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

X

IR 2.2:

Improved quality of production inputs used by farmers through supporting farmers to access quality inputs, seeds, fertilizers, equipment and integrated pest management.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

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§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

IR 2.3:

Increased use of intercropping systems by supporting farmer growing two or more types of crops together on the same plot of land, and connecting farmers with financial institution

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

Objective 3: Expanded use of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

IR 3.1:

Reduced emissions from agricultural and land use sectors by improving land, crop, and livestock management.;

promoting renewable energy, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, improving pasture quality, breeding practices and sustainable dairy production.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

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workshops and meetings

IR 3.2:

Increased agricultural production systems’ resilience to climate change by implementing new cropping systems, and making climate, climate change and weather data readily available to farmers.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

X

IR 3.3:

Increased positive environmental impact of climate-smart agriculture by implementing programs to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land, adopting practices that improve the efficiency in the use of fertilizers, and implementing payment for environmental services in agricultural land technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

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CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The Sustainable Agriculture activity design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the Activity (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table.

The Sustainable Agriculture activity will

a. Improved market access and increased sales for agricultural producers.

To break free from the cycle of poverty, farmers need: 1) to understand market demands;

2) quantity and quality products to offer to the market; and 3) the ability to deliver their products to these markets. Most rural producers are unable to tap new and expanding markets to generate product sales because they lack information about market trends.

There is also a lack of trust between producers and the private sector in rural areas, and limited partnerships between producers and public and private buyers. Poor electricity, road and communications infrastructure in conflict zones further hinders producers’ access to markets. The lack of rural electricity systems also presents barriers to increase production, implement post-harvest processing techniques, and add value to primary products. Successful rural development in conflict-affected areas depends on variables like: well-constructed and well-maintained productive infrastructure; increased formality, associativity and access to finance; and more market-based private sector engagement

b. Increased productivity of licit crop systems.

Crop yields in the PDET municipalities lag behind national crop yield averages in Colombia. For example, coffee yields in the PDET municipalities average only 1,350 kg/ha per year but the national coffee yield average is 1,900 kg/ha per year. Similarly, dairy production in the PDET municipalities averages 3.7 liters of milk per day per cow but the national average is 4.7 liters of milk per day per cow. Lower rates of production results in higher per unit cost of production and reduced profits for producers.

c. Expanded use of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) refers to agricultural production methods, like shade grown coffee, that support development and food security in a changing climate. CSA promotes conservation and climate resilience efforts in agricultural production to ensure future land productivity and protect against the negative impacts of climate change, like severe drought. CSA addresses deforestation and soil loss as a means to reduce emissions and promotes biodiversity as a means to reduce plant and animal vulnerability to pests and diseases that negatively impact production and food security. Climate-smart agriculture also increases carbon sequestration, connects biodiversity corridors, and reduces deforestation.

The sub-activities to be developed under the activity are identified mainly as low and high risks in terms of climate risk management. Activities that were identified as high risk are related to sustainable agricultural practices and small-scale productive infrastructure such as irrigation systems, rehabilitation of tertiary roads, renewable energy and nurseries.

The activity is not expected to generate any significant greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing monitoring will ensure that implementation of project activities does not increase greenhouse

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emissions. Please find in Annex 1 the Climate Risk Management for the project and in Section

4.2 illustrative mitigation measures that will address the main climate risks identified. The mitigation measures presented in this section constitute the minimum required based on available information at the time of the IEE. These measures shall provide general direction for completing the activity’s Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and/or the EA and PERSUAP, if required.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

No additional conditions were identified.

IMPLEMENTATION

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

This activity will be implemented by a contractor, possibly comprising a consortium of actors, and will be awarded through a full and open competition procurement process. The Sustainable Agricultural activity will be implemented through a hybrid contract and USAID/Colombia will designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

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INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

CONTENTS

1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 12

1.1 PURPOSE OF the IEE 12

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 12

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION 15

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, Threatened and ENDANGERED species) 16

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE) 16

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK 17

PROJECT/ACTIVITY 1: Sustainable Agriculture 17

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 18

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 18

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 23

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 23

5.1 CONDITIONS 23

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 24

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 25

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION 34

7.0 REVISIONS 34

ATTACHMENTS: 34

Activity Climate Risk Management Summary Table 35

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1.0 PROJECT/ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID intervention described herein and recommend determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation.

This IEE also documents the results of the Climate Risk Management process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal).

Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or other measures as described in Section 5.

This Initial Environmental Examination for the Sustainable Agriculture activity is prepared in accordance with USAID Environmental Procedures 216, ADS Chapter 204 Environmental Procedures and MO# 2011-02 Environmental Procedures, under the Development Objective Three - Promote equitable and environmentally sustainable economic growth- contained in USAID/Colombia’s 2020-2025 CDCS.

1.2 PROJECT/ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The main purpose of the Sustainable Agriculture activity is to expand licit, profitable and climate-smart agri-business models for Colombia’s farmers in conflict affected regions with high prevalence of illicit crops, as a way to increase incomes, combat food insecurity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, disincentivize coca production and contribute to integrated rural development to transform rural conflict zones.

Objective 1: Improved market access and increased sales for agricultural producers.

Under the objective 1, the following are the overview of the activities:

Intermediate Result (IR) 1.1: Increased domestic and international market opportunities for Colombian agricultural products. Sixty-six percent of the rural population is primarily involved with agriculture and markets for licit crops are fundamental to raising the income of these individuals.3 Farmers will only be able to transition away from coca production through the development of profitable markets for licit crops, accompanied by the GOC presence that guarantees the security in the territories. For example, private sector engagement will be facilitated by improved state presence in the form of increased public investment in tertiary roads and productive infrastructure. Engaging with private sector actors, including local, small, and medium private sector actors, will also foster inclusive value chains and market access, and will build trust between producers and companies. Private sector companies with sustainable sourcing commitments also offer farmers opportunities to engage in climate-smart and sustainable agricultural production. For example, supermarket chains, like Ara, and restaurant chains, like Crepes & Waffles, have demonstrated interest in supporting sustainable initiatives and buying directly from producers in the most challenging geographies.

3 Measurement and analysis of agricultural productivity in Colombia, 2018, scielo.org.co, https://doi.org/10.17230/ecos.2018.47

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IR 1.2: Improved quality of agricultural products delivered to markets. Most crops face severe limitations in meeting market quality standards regarding disease, insects, and foreign matter contamination. Producers need to understand and fulfill these standards in order to be part of an integrated value chain and to achieve the level of quality expected by the end consumer. Domestic markets have less standard restrictions than international markets, but they still have standards the producer must adhere to in order to protect the consumer.

IR 1.3: Improved connectivity and infrastructure for farm to market access. Marketing and post-harvest handling only provides farmers with new opportunities if they can stay in contact with their buyers and can deliver their crops to market. Poor tertiary road and communications infrastructure is a huge limitation in Colombia, with 77.5 percent of Colombia’s tertiary roads are in poor condition.4 Similarly, rural and PDET municipalities have poor communication networks, and rural and PDET populations have limited access to hardware like cellphones and computers.5

Target 1A: Increase sales of licit high value crops from the PDET municipalities by 100% to international markets based on Government of Colombia sales data.

Target 1B: Increase sales in the domestic market by 50% based on Government of Colombia sales data.

Objective 2: Increased productivity of licit crop systems.

Under the objective 2, the following are the overview of the activities:

IR 2.1: Increased farmer knowledge and use of agricultural technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices. Capacity building on improved crop planting and management practices, like proper seed planting depth, water management, and fertilizer timing and application, will help farmers grow healthier, more productive crops. Moreover, many areas of Colombia already have associations that can be targeted to engage farmers, and scale-up knowledge and best practices.

IR 2.2: Improved quality of production inputs used by farmers. For farmers to improve crop production to be competitive, they need access to quality inputs like seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and integrated pest management. These inputs are not available in many of the PDET municipalities and are essential to increasing volume and improving quality of production to competitive levels.

IR 2.3: Increased use of intercropping systems. Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more types of crops together on the same plot of land. Intercropping often combines a long-term crop, like coffee, with a short-term crop, like bananas. The use of intercropping techniques increases overall land productivity and profitability by allowing farmers to grow more total crops on the same amount of land.

Target 2: Increase crop yield per hectare by 50% in the PDET municipalities as measured by USAID implementers as a result of farmer training, improved inputs, and intercropping systems.

Objective 3: Expanded use of climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

4 https://www.renovacionterritorio.gov.co/especiales/especial_PDET/ 5 http://www.ideaspaz.org/media/website/infografia-pdet.pdf

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Under the objective 3, the following are the overview of the activities:

IR 3.1: Reduced emissions from agricultural and land use sectors. Extensive cattle ranching, poor soil management and expansion of the agricultural frontier contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture and livestock sectors.6 To reduce these emissions, agricultural producers need to improve land, crop and livestock management.

Producers can do this by implementing renewable energy, adopting more silvopastoral and agroforestry production models, like integrating trees onto existing crop and grazing lands.7 Higher agricultural and livestock productivity reduces the pressure to expand production into forested land, thus decreasing deforestation. Increased use of sustainable systems also:

reduces pests incidence; increases soil nutrients and biodiversity; reduces the impacts of extreme weather on crops and cattle; and improves biodiversity indicators in productive farms.

IR 3.2: Increased agricultural production systems’ resilience to climate change. Many agricultural areas will become wetter, dryer, hotter, or colder in the future. These changes will result in plant stress, and in the emergence of new pests and diseases that threaten crop health. Colombian coffee producers are already experiencing the negative impact of climate changes on their crops. For example, in some areas of Colombia coffee production has already migrated to higher altitudes.

IR 3.3: Increased positive environmental impact of climate-smart agriculture. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on the planet but nearly half of its ecosystems are in a critical or endangered state. According to a study conducted by Conservación Internacional, Javeriana University and the Humboldt Institute, of 1853 Colombian plant species evaluated, 665 are endangered.8 It is important to protect Colombia’s biodiversity and natural assets for eco-tourism, genetic diversity, and future crop health and production.

Target 3a: Decreased negative environmental impacts by 50% as measured in terms of soil loss, biodiversity loss, reduced deforestation, and crop losses due to climate change.

Target 3b: Reduced carbon emissions by 45% in 2030 from the 2010 baseline.

TABLE 2: DEFINED OR ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES AND SUB-ACTIVITIES

Objective 1 — Improved market access and increased sales for farmers.

Intermediate Results 1.1 Increased domestic and international market opportunities for farmers through development of profitable markets for licit crops, private sector engagement, and training farmers on market standards.

Intermediate Results 1.2 Improved quality of agricultural products delivered to markets through technical assistance, training and private sector engagement.

Intermediate Results 1.3

6https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325607576_Silvopastoral_systems_and_their_contribution_to_the_enviro nment 7 http://www.fao.org/3/ca2792en/ca2792en.pdf 8 The Colombian Red List of Ecosystems (version 2.0) | IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (iucnrle.org)

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Improved connectivity and infrastructure for farm to market access through strengthening communication networks, internet connectivity, access to digital hardware, and maintenance of roads, as well as electric, productive and climate-smart infrastructure.

Objective 2 — Increased productivity of licit crop and livestock systems.

Intermediate Results 2.1 Increased farmer knowledge and use of agricultural technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices through technical assistance and training

Intermediate Results 2.2 Improved quality of production inputs used by farmers through supporting farmers to access quality inputs, seeds, fertilizers, equipment and integrated pest management.

Intermediate Results 2.3 Increased use of intercropping systems by supporting farmer growing two or more types of crops together on the same plot of land, and connecting farmers with financial institution Objective 3 — Expanded use of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

Intermediate Results 3.1 Reduced emissions from agricultural and land use sectors by improving land, crop, and livestock management.; promoting renewable energy. agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, improving pasture quality, breeding practices and sustainable dairy production.

Intermediate Results 3.2 Increased agricultural production systems’ resilience to climate change by implementing new cropping systems, and making climate, climate change and weather data readily available to farmers.

Intermediate Results 3.3 Increased positive environmental impact of climate-smart agriculture by implementing programs to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land, adopting practices that improve the efficiency in the use of fertilizers, and implementing payment for environmental services in agricultural land.

Will this activity involve construction9 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes No

The activity may include the construction of small-scale irrigation systems, rehabilitation of existing tertiary roads, nurseries, renewable energy, gathering centers and other small-scale productive infrastructure.

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

Although we do not know at this stage the exact location of municipalities and receptor communities to be supported, in order to ensure alignment with the Mission’s CDCS, the Sustainable Agriculture activity will be implemented in rural areas of Colombia. Target geography is aligned with the Colombian Government’s “peace geography” as laid out in its Territorial Focused Development Plans, or PDETs. These territories are the most vulnerable and conflict-affected areas of Colombia.

The activity will focus its efforts on engaging the rural population, particularly rural women, youth, displaced persons, indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians. For example, women and women’s producer associations will be a key element of this activity because of the important

9 Construction, as defined by ADS 201 and 303, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

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role that women play in the economy and in their communities, and in achieving food and nutritional security. The activity will also target small and medium-sized producers.

The collection of the baseline and information analysis will be carried out to validate the initial assumptions and reduce the gap in the knowledge of the target population, especially about productive and demographic variables (women, youth, displaced persons, indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians).

The Sustainable Agriculture activity will be implemented in rural areas of Colombia. Based on illustrative categories of the intervention above, we can make the following general assumptions:

a) Protect ecologically sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands, tropical forest, freshwater and other ecosystems of the Amazon region.

b) Conserve and protect existing forests.

c) Ensure that sites are in safe (or less vulnerable) areas to landslides, floods, fires, frosts, etc.

d) Respect land uses, as well as river management plans, defined by local authorities.

e) Local communities, entities and sectors will be consulted and will have an active participation.

f) Obtain all legal permits/licenses required by appropriate authorities.

g) Avoid burning.

h) Avoid and/or control modifying or affecting the hydrological network.

i) Avoid felling trees and/or extracting fauna.

j) Site the activities in previously disturbed areas, with low vegetation, instead of opening or deforesting new ones.

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT,

PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, Threatened and ENDANGERED species) Target areas will include deforestation hotspots in regions where prevalent and illicit activities are driving deforestation. These areas are likely to include PDET municipalities included in USAID/Colombia’s 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), or any of the 170 municipalities included in the GOC’s priority municipality strategy. No work will be done in protected areas.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL

STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND

REGULATIONS

The activities will follow national regulations defined by ICA, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and USAID’s environmental regulations (22CFR216) and environmental procedures (ADS 204).

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS

APPROPRIATE)

The implementation of the Activity requires coordination with the departmental and municipal governments where the activity will take place, as well as with regional environment authorities when necessary.

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3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK

PROJECT/ACTIVITY 1: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS –

Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts Objective 1: Improved market access and increased sales for farmers

IR 1.1:

Increased domestic and international market opportunities for farmers through development of profitable markets for licit crops, private sector engagement, and training farmers on market standards.

N/A

IR 1.2:

Improved quality of agricultural products delivered to markets through technical assistance, training and private sector engagement.

N/A

IR 1.3:

Improved connectivity and infrastructure for farm to market access through strengthening communication networks, internet connectivity, access to digital hardware, and maintenance of roads, as well as electric, productive and climate-smart infrastructure.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

Objective 2: Increased productivity of licit crop and livestock systems.

IR 2.1:

Increased farmer knowledge and use of agricultural technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices through technical assistance and training.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

IR 2.2:

Improved quality of production inputs used by farmers through supporting farmers to access quality inputs, seeds, fertilizers, equipment and integrated pest management.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal

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Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

IR 2.3:

Increased use of intercropping systems by supporting farmers growing two or more types of crops together on the same plot of land, and connecting farmers with financial institutions.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

Objective 3: Expanded use of climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

IR 3.1:

Reduced emissions from agricultural and land use sectors by improving land, crop, and livestock management.;

promoting renewable energy, agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, improving pasture quality, breeding practices and sustainable dairy production.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

IR 3.2:

Increased agricultural production systems’ resilience to climate change by implementing new cropping systems, and making climate, climate change and weather data readily available to farmers.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

IR 3.3:

Increased positive environmental impact of climate-smart agriculture by implementing programs to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land, adopting practices that improve the efficiency in the use of fertilizers, and implementing payment for environmental services in agricultural land.

Habitat loss Air Pollution Pesticides use Public/Worker Health & Safety Socioeconomic Impacts Soil & Water Impacts Solid Waste Management & Disposal Hazardous waste Management & Disposal

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

The following table summarizes the recommended determinations based on the environmental analysis conducted. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22 CFR 216.

Specified conditions, detailed in Section 5, become mandatory obligations of implementation, per ADS 204.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

TABLE 4: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determinatio n10

Deferra l11

ACTIVITY: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Objective 1: Improved market access and increased sales for farmers.

Intermediate Results:

IR 1.1

Increased domestic and international market opportunities for farmers through development of profitable markets for licit crops, private sector engagement, and training farmers on market standards.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

IR 1.2

Improved quality of agricultural products delivered to markets through technical assistance, training and private sector engagement.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, 10 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.

11 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

academic or research workshops and meetings

IR 1.3

Improved connectivity and infrastructure for farm to market access through strengthening communication networks, internet connectivity, access to digital hardware, and maintenance of roads, as well as electric, productive and climate-smart infrastructure.

technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

X

Objective 2: Increased productivity of licit crop and livestock systems.

IR 2.1

Increased farmer knowledge and use of agricultural technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices through technical assistance and training.

technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

X

IR 2.2

Improved quality of production inputs used

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

by farmers through supporting farmers to access quality inputs, seeds, fertilizers, equipment and integrated pest management.

assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

IR 2.3

Increased use of intercropping systems by supporting farmers growing two or more types of crops together on the same plot of land, and connecting farmers with financial institutions.

technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

Objective 3: Expanded use of climate-smart agriculture (CSA).

IR 3.1

Reduced emissions from agricultural and land use sectors by improving land, crop, and livestock management.;

promoting renewable energy, agroforestry and silvopastoral

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

systems, improving pasture quality, breeding practices and sustainable dairy production.

the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

IR 3.2

Increased agricultural production systems’ resilience to climate change by implementing new cropping systems, and making climate, climate change and weather data readily available to farmers.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings

X

IR 3.3

Increased positive environmental impact of climate-smart agriculture by implementing programs to rehabilitate degraded agricultural land, adopting practices that improve the efficiency in the use of fertilizers, and implementing payment for environmental services in agricultural land.

§216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

workshops and meetings

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The project design team, in consultation with the Climate Integration Lead (CIL), considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). See Annex 1 for the complete CRM table.

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 CONDITIONS

The environmental determinations in this IEE are contingent upon full implementation of the following general implementation and monitoring requirements, as well as ADS 204 and other relevant requirements.

5.1.1 During Pre-Award:

5.1.1.1 Pre-Award Briefings: As feasible, the design team and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide a pre-award briefing for potential offerors on environmental compliance expectations/responsibilities at bidders’ conferences.

5.1.1.2 Solicitations: The design team, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure solicitations include environmental compliance requirements and evaluation criteria. A/CO will ensure technical and cost proposal requirements include approach, staffing, and budget sufficient for complying with the terms of this IEE.

5.1.1.3 Awards: The A/COR, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure all awards and sub-awards, include environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2 During Post-Award:

5.1.2.1 Post-Award Briefings: The A/COR and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide post-award briefings for the IP on environmental compliance responsibilities.

5.1.2.3 Work Plans and Budgeting: The A/COR will ensure the IP integrates environmental compliance requirements in work plans and budgets to comply with requirements, including EMMP implementation and monitoring.

5.1.2.4 Staffing: The A/COR, in coordination with the IP, will ensure all awards have staffing capacity to implement environmental compliance requirements.

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

5.1.2.5 Records Management: The A/COR will maintain environmental compliance documents in the official project/activity file and upload records to the designated USAID environmental compliance database system.

5.1.2.6 Host Country Environmental Compliance: The A/COR will ensure the IP complies with applicable and appropriate host country environmental requirements unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in the case of a conflict between the host country and USAID requirements, the more stringent shall govern.

5.1.2.7 Work Plan Review: The A/COR will ensure the IP verifies, at least annually or when activities are added or modified, that activities remain within the scope of the IEE. Activities outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended.

5.1.2.8 IEE Amendment: If new activities are introduced or other changes to the scope of this IEE occur, an IEE Amendment will be required.

5.1.2.9 USAID Monitoring Oversight: The A/COR or designee, with the support of the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO), will ensure monitoring of compliance with established requirements (e.g., by desktop reviews, site visits, etc.).

5.1.2.10 Environmental Compliance Mitigation and Monitoring Plan: The A/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains approval for, and implements Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) that are responsive to the stipulated environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.11 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The A/COR will ensure the IP includes environmental compliance in regular project/activity reports, using indicators as appropriate; develops and submits the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Reports (EMMRs); and completes and submits a Record of Compliance (RoC) describing their implementation of EMMP requirements in conjunction with the final EMMR or at the close of sub activities (as applicable). And where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure the IP prepares a closeout plan consistent with contract documentation for A/COR review and approval that outlines responsibilities for end-of-project operation, the transition of other operational responsibilities, and final EMMR with lessons learned.

5.1.2.12 Corrective Action: When noncompliance or unforeseen impacts are identified, IPs notify the A/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action, and report on the effectiveness of corrective actions. The A/COR initiates the corrective action process and ensures the IP completes and documents their activities. Where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure Record of Compliance is completed.

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS

5.2.1 Sub-award Screening: The A/COR will ensure the IP uses an adequate environmental screening tool to screen any sub-award applications and to aid in the development of EMMPs.

5.2.2 Programmatic IEEs (PIEE): PIEEs stipulate requirements for additional environmental examination of new or country specific projects/activities. The

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 1.0

A/COR of any project/activity being implemented under a PIEE will ensure appropriate reviews are conducted, typically through a Supplemental IEE, and approved by the cognizant BEO.

5.2.3 Supplemental IEEs (SIEEs) will be prepared pursuant to the terms of the presiding PIEE for any new project/activity being planned. The SIEE will provide more thorough analysis of the planned activities, additional geographic context and baseline conditions as well as specific mitigation and monitoring requirements.

5.2.4 Other Supplemental Analyses: The A/COR will ensure supplemental environmental analyses that are called for in the IEE are completed and documented. The A/COR will also ensure that Leahy Vetting has occurred, if appropriate.

5.2.5 Resolution of Deferrals: If a deferral of the environmental threshold determination was issued, the A/COR will ensure that the appropriate 22CFR216 environmental analysis and documentation is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.6 Positive Determination: If a Positive Determination threshold determination was made, the A/COR will ensure a Scoping Statement, and if required an Environmental Assessment (EA), is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.7 Compliance with human subject research…