Ethiopian Civil Service University

College of Leadership and Governance

Department of Leadership & Governance, Project Leadership & Management

Stream: Project Leadership and Management

Course Title: Fundamentals of Project Management (MPLM 5031)

Group Assignment
Project title: Ethiopian Civil Service University Community, Garden
Project Proposal.

Section One; Group Three

Group Members ID. NO. Signature
1. Belete Belayneh ECSU 2302023 _________
2. Bonsa Ganale ECSU 2302192 __________
3. Borema Abiyo ECSU 2302164 __________
4. Chalachew Maru ECSU 2302186 __________
5. Dagnachew Melaku ECSU 2302251 __________
6. Hirut Fikre ECSU 2302254 __________

Submitted to Dr. Adderaw.

January, 2024.
 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.............................................................................................................2

Project Background and Justification..................................................................................2

Project Objectives:...............................................................................................................3

General project objective;................................................................................................3

Specific Objective............................................................................................................3

Expected results (Outcomes)...............................................................................................4

Methodology (implementation approaches and strategy)....................................................4

Activity Description:...........................................................................................................5

Activity plan (schedule).......................................................................................................6

Inputs (Materials, Finance, and Manpower):.......................................................................7

Budget and resource plan.....................................................................................................7

Assumption, Risk and Mitigation:.......................................................................................8

Assumption......................................................................................................................8

Risk and Mitigation..........................................................................................................9

Evaluation and Sustainability..............................................................................................9

Evaluation:.......................................................................................................................9

Sustainability:.................................................................................................................10

Organization and Management..........................................................................................11

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Executive Summary

The Universities Community Garden Project Proposal at Ethiopian Civil Service

University aims to establish a sustainable community garden on campus, benefiting
students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The project will promote sustainable
agriculture practices, enhance food security, foster a sense of community, and provide
hands-on learning opportunities. These Universities Community Garden Project Proposal
leverages the unique opportunity presented by the availability of water resources and
farm land on campus. The project aims to establish a sustainable community garden that
utilizes the nearby river as a water source, capitalizing on the existing agricultural
potential. By harnessing these resources, the project seeks to promote sustainable
agriculture, enhance food security, foster community engagement, and provide
experiential learning opportunities for students. Through the project, we aim to create a
thriving garden that serves as a model for sustainable practices and inspires a culture of
environmental stewardship. We propose the establishment of a community garden in
ECSU Compound. The university community garden will serve as a shared space for to
grow their own food, promote sustainable gardening practices, and foster a sense of
community. This project aims to improve access to fresh produce, enhance community
engagement, and promote environmental stewardship.

Project Background and Justification

The Ethiopian Civil Service University campus is blessed with the presence of a nearby
river and garden farm land. This provides a remarkable opportunity to establish a
community garden that utilizes these resources effectively. By capitalizing on this natural
advantage, the project aims to address the challenges of limited access to fresh and
nutritious food, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance the well-being of
the university community and surrounding areas. The lack of access to fresh and
affordable produce in our community, coupled with limited green spaces, and also the

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expensiveness of vegetables has inspired us to propose the establishment of a community
garden. Through this project, we aim to address food insecurity, promote healthy eating
habits, and support a university’s community members who have low income.

The Universities Community Garden will benefit multiple target groups. Students will
have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning, gaining practical skills in
sustainable agriculture and food production. Faculty and staff members will benefit from
access to fresh produce and a relaxing outdoor space for recreation. The local community
will have access to nutritious food, educational workshops, and a vibrant community hub.

Community gardens have proven to be transformative and initiative of government

policy. By establishing the Universities Community Garden, we will address the
challenges of limited access to fresh and nutritious food, promote sustainable agriculture
practices, and provide a platform for experiential learning. For Further verification,
lowest income employees (particular women, janitors and clerks) allow them to gate in
low price is help them to cope with economic inflation. This project is implemented by
University’s Student service department. The project will leverage the expertise of
faculty members, engage student volunteers, and collaborate with local agricultural
organizations.

Project Objectives:

General project objective; designed to maximize the potential of the available water
resources and farm land

Specific Objective

1. Enhance environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among

university members
2. To educate community members about sustainable gardening practices and
environmental stewardship.

3. To improve food security by increasing access to fresh and nutritious produce.

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 4. To support lowest income employees (particular women, janitors and clerks)

Expected results (Outcomes)

The project expects to achieve several outcomes, including:

 Establishment of a thriving community garden utilizing the nearby river as a

sustainable water source.
 Increased availability of fresh produce for students, faculty, staff, and the local
community.

 Enhanced knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture practices among

participants.

 Enhanced campus aesthetics and a vibrant outdoor space for recreation and
relaxation.

 Increased awareness of the importance of sustainable agriculture and

environmental stewardship

Methodology (implementation approaches and strategy)

The methodology for implementing the Community Garden Project at Ethiopian Civil
Service University involves a systematic and comprehensive approach to establish and
maintain a sustainable community garden. The methodology encompasses various stages,
including site selection, garden design, land preparation, crop selection, planting,
maintenance, educational workshops, and community outreach.

Strategy:
The overarching strategy of the project is to leverage the availability of water resources
from the nearby river and the presence of farm land to establish an irrigated community
garden. This strategy aims to maximize the potential of these resources to promote

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sustainable agriculture, enhance food security, and foster community engagement. The
project will utilize participatory decision-making processes, engaging key stakeholders,
such as students, faculty, staff, and community members, in all stages of the project.

Approach:
The project will adopt a participatory and inclusive approach to ensure the active
involvement of the university community and the surrounding areas. This approach will
involve collaborative planning, implementation, and decision-making processes. It will
create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among participants, fostering a
strong community bond.

Activity Description:

1. Site Selection and Assessment: The project will conduct a thorough assessment
of suitable sites for the community garden, considering factors such as proximity
to the river, sunlight exposure, soil quality, and accessibility. The assessment will
involve consultations with relevant stakeholders and experts to identify the most
appropriate location. This a suitable location on campus, that’s behind the
Cafeteria and along the river
2. Garden Design and planning: Once the site is selected, the project will develop
a comprehensive garden design plan. This plan will include the layout of the
garden beds, pathways, irrigation systems, composting areas, and other necessary
infrastructure. The design will optimize space utilization, ensure efficient water
management, and create an aesthetically pleasing environment. Collaborate with
university stakeholders, including students, faculty, and an administrator, to create
a garden layout that meets the needs of the community.

3. Land Preparation: Land preparation activities will involve soil testing, clearing,
leveling, and ensuring proper drainage. The project will implement sustainable
practices, such as organic soil amendments and mulching, to improve soil fertility
and structure.

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 4. Crop Selection: Based on local climatic conditions, nutritional needs, and market
demand, suitable crops will be selected for cultivation in the community garden.
The project will prioritize a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are
well-suited to the local environment and have high nutritional value.

5. Planting and Maintenance: The project will involve planting the selected crops
using appropriate planting techniques. Regular maintenance activities, such as
watering, weeding, pest control, and disease management, will be carried out to
ensure optimal plant growth and productivity. Sustainable agricultural practices,
such as crop rotation and companion planting, will be implemented to enhance
soil health and minimize pest problems.

6. Educational Workshops: Educational workshops and training sessions will be

organized to provide participants with knowledge and skills in sustainable
agriculture practices. These workshops will cover topics such as organic farming,
composting, water conservation, pest management, and harvesting techniques.
The project will invite experts and experienced farmers to share their expertise
and facilitate hands-on learning experiences.

7. Volunteer Program: Recruit and train volunteers to assist with garden

maintenance, community outreach, and educational programs. The project will
actively engage the university community and surrounding areas through
community outreach initiatives. This may include organizing events, such as open
days, gardening competitions, and food festivals, to raise awareness about the
community garden and its benefits. Collaboration with local schools, NGOs, and
government agencies will be sought to expand the project's reach and impact.

8. Funding and resources: Secure financial and material support from the
university, local businesses, and community organizations to cover the costs of
garden development, maintenance, and educational programs.

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 9. Community engagement: Encourage participation from students, staff, and
community members in the garden’s design, construction, and maintenance.

Activity plan (schedule)

 Phase 1 (Month 1-2): Site preparation, including soil testing and land clearing.
 Phase 2 (3-6) Design and establishment of an efficient irrigation system
utilizing the water from the river.
 Phase 2 (Month 7-8): Garden infrastructure setup, such as raised beds,
composting systems, and rainwater harvesting.
 Phase 3 (Month -9): Seed selection, planting, and crop maintenance, including
irrigation and pest control.
 Phase 4 (Month -10): Educational workshops, seminars, and demonstrations
on sustainable agriculture practices.
 Phase 5 (Ongoing): Garden Maintenance and Harvesting, Regular monitoring
and evaluation of the project's progress and outcomes, as well as continuous
engagement and participation of stakeholders.

Inputs (Materials, Finance, and Manpower):

The project will require various inputs, including:

 Materials: Seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, tools, irrigation equipment, fencing

materials, and signage.
 Finance: Budget allocation for infrastructure setup, ongoing maintenance,
educational programs, and staff or volunteer support.

 Manpower: Project coordinators, agricultural experts, gardeners, and volunteers to

support activities such as land preparation, planting, maintenance, and educational
programs.

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Budget and resource plan

Budget: The project budget for the Community Garden Project is set at 2,000,000 birr,
from this 1,500,000 birr Funding will be sourced from donations and community
fundraising, which will cover the costs associated with materials, and 500,000 from
university’s Annual budget which cover human resources, and various project activities.
The budget allocation for each phase of the project is as follows:

Phase 1 (Month 1-2: Site preparation):

 Materials: 120,000 (soil testing kits, land clearing equipment)

 Human Resources: 110,000 (labor for site preparation)

Phase 2 (Month 3-6: Irrigation system establishment):

 Materials: 545,000 (irrigation equipment, pipes, pumps)

 Human Resources: 150,000 (skilled technicians for irrigation system setup)

Phase 3 (Month 7-8: Garden infrastructure setup):

 Materials: 450,000 (raised beds, composting systems, rainwater harvesting

equipment and greenhouse material)
 Human Resources: 130,000 (labor for infrastructure setup)

Phase 4 (Month 9: Planting and crop maintenance):

 Materials: 100,000 (seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, tools)

 Human Resources: 40,000 (gardeners for planting and maintenance)

Phase 5 (Month 10: Educational workshops and seminars):

 Materials: 5,000 (educational materials, demonstration equipment)

 Human Resources: 20,000 (workshop facilitators)

Ongoing (Garden Maintenance and Harvesting, Monitoring and Evaluation):

 Materials: 50,000 (ongoing gardening supplies, signage)

 Human Resources: 100,000 (gardeners for maintenance, monitoring, and
evaluation) and for others 180,000 birr

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Table 1; Summarizing the activities and budget plan

Phase Activities Timeframe Materials Human total

Budget Resources
($) Budget ($)
Phase 1 : Site preparation Month 1-2 120,000 110,000 230,000
Phase 2 : Irrigation system Month 3-6 545,000 150,000 695,000
establishment
Phase 3 : Garden infrastructure Month 7-8 450,000 130,000 580,000
setup
Phase 4 : Planting and crop Month 9 100,000 40,000 140,000
maintenance
Phase 5: : Educational workshops Month 10 5,000 20,000 25,000
Ongoing Garden Maintenance, Ongoing 50,000 100,000 150,000
Harvest, Monitoring and
Evaluation
others any activities any time 100,000 80,000 180,000
Totally 1,370,000 630,000 2,000,000

Assumption, Risk and Mitigation:

Assumption
 Availability of sufficient water supply from the nearby river throughout the
project duration.
 Cooperation and active participation from students, faculty, staff, and community
members.

 Favorable weather conditions for crop growth and productivity

Risk and Mitigation

1. Weather-related challenges: Implement strategies such as protective covers,
rainwater harvesting systems, shade nets or greenhouses and seasonally
appropriate crop selection to mitigate the impact of weather on garden
productivity.

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 2. Resource Management: Regularly assess resource utilization and implement
efficient systems for water, compost, tools, and other supplies to minimize waste
and maximize sustainability.

3. Pest infestations damaging the crops. Implement integrated pest management

strategies, including natural predators, organic pesticides, and regular monitoring.

4. Insufficient funding or resource allocation. Seek additional funding through

grants, partnerships, or fundraising activities.

Evaluation and Sustainability

We will evaluate the success of the project through participant surveys, harvest yields,
and community feedback. Long-term sustainability will be achieved through ongoing
community involvement, volunteer-led maintenance, partnerships with local
organizations, and the establishment of a community garden committee to oversee future
operations.

Evaluation:

1. Monitoring and Data Collection: Implement a systematic monitoring system to

track progress, gather data, and measure key performance indicators. This can
include regular assessments of crop growth, garden maintenance, community
engagement, and the achievement of project objectives. Data collection can
involve surveys, interviews, and observations.
2. Outcome Evaluation: Conduct periodic evaluations to assess the impact of the
project on various aspects, such as food security, community engagement,
environmental sustainability, and educational outcomes. This can involve
analyzing data collected, comparing it against predetermined targets, and
identifying areas for improvement.

3. Stakeholder Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from project stakeholders,

including students, faculty, staff, community members, and local organizations.

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 Feedback can provide valuable insights into the project's strengths, weaknesses,
and areas for improvement.

4. External Evaluation: Consider engaging external evaluators or experts to provide

an independent assessment of the project's effectiveness, sustainability, and
impact. External evaluations can bring fresh perspectives and recommendations
for enhancing project outcomes.

Sustainability:

1. Capacity Building: Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for

students, staff, and community members involved in the project. This can include
workshops on sustainable agriculture practices, garden management, and
community engagement. Building the capacity of individuals will ensure the
project's long-term sustainability.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaborations and partnerships with local
organizations, government agencies, and NGOs to share resources, knowledge,
and expertise. Collaborative efforts can enhance the project's reach, sustainability,
and long-term impact.

3. Funding and Resource Mobilization: Explore various funding sources, such as

grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to secure financial resources for the
project's ongoing operation and maintenance. Develop a sustainability plan that
outlines strategies for resource mobilization and financial sustainability.

4. Education and Outreach: Continue organizing educational workshops, seminars,

and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable agriculture practices and
community engagement. These activities can help raise awareness, build support,
and attract new participants to the project.

5. Institutional Support: Seek institutional support from Ethiopian Civil Service

University by integrating the community garden into the university's policies,

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 curriculum, and strategic plans. This institutional support will provide a solid
foundation for the project's sustainability.

Organization and Management

Ethiopian Civil Service University, with its strong commitment to education and
sustainability, is ideally positioned to implement the Universities Community Garden
Project. The university has a track record of successful initiatives and partnerships in
agriculture, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. The project will
leverage the expertise of faculty members, engage student volunteers, and collaborate
with local agricultural organizations. To ensure effective implementation of the project, a
well-structured organization and management system will be put in place. The following
key roles and responsibilities will be assigned:

1. Project Manager:
The Project Manager could be a designated staff member with experience in
project management, preferably from the university administration or relevant
department. While it is possible for the university President or Vice President to
assume the role of Project Manager, it is important to consider their availability
and workload before assigning them this responsibility.
2. Student Representatives:
Including student representatives in the project team is crucial for fostering
student engagement and ownership. Ideally, these representatives can be selected
from different departments or student organizations within the university to
ensure diverse perspectives and participation.

3. Representatives from the Student Services Department:

Given the focus on community engagement and involvement, representatives
from the Student Services Department can play an essential role in coordinating
student participation, organizing educational workshops, and facilitating volunteer
recruitment. They can also assist in engaging with local communities and
organizing outreach events.
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 4. Technical Experts:
Depending on the specific needs and requirements of the project, technical experts
such as agronomists, irrigation specialists, or sustainable agriculture practitioners
can be invited to join the project team as consultants or advisors. Their expertise
will be valuable in providing guidance and ensuring the project's technical
soundness.

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