AGRICULTURAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

GOE"s Extension and Project Implementation Department (EPID) will implement ASD, which is a part of GOE"s Minimum Package Program II. An ASD soil and water conservation component will establish 316,000 ha of common grass soil bunds to trap silt and form land bench patterns; afforest 4,000 ha of 40% gradient slopes to prevent soil runoff; develop 25 domestic and livestock spring water sources; and construct 530 low-maintenance ponds near small watersheds. A total of 80 awarja and 150 woreda level EPID personnel will be trained to conduct this activity. Given a reasonable assurance of continued maintenance, 1,200 kms of rural access roads, ranging from all-weather to dry-weather types, will be built by EPID Regional Construction Units. EPID also will promote self-help construction of 800 km of rural roads and will provide quality seeds to peasant associations to set aside 5 ha to cultivate improved wheat and teff varieties. An expected 200 associations will participate in this activity. To adapt Ethiopia"s extensive agricultural research to the varied ecological conditions affecting small farms, a joint EPID/Institute of Agricultural Research program will be continued to conduct basic research at seven 5 ha sites in varied ecological zones. An integrated farming systems research program also will be continued to apply current adaptive research results to specific crops, implements, etc. Twelve junior-level researchers will be trained abroad to assist in the research effort. To further Ethiopia"s intermediate small farm technology capability, Implement Development Units, under the direction of an Agricultural Engineering Centre, will be formed to design and produce farm machinery and to train personnel. Through GOE"s Agricultural Marketing Corporation, EPID will provide credit to peasant associations for 2,500 draft oxen and 18,000 ha"s worth of improved seed (teff, barley, wheat, maize, and sorghum).