AID grant to the American ORT Federation for improvement of living conditions and productivity of the rural population of Begemdir-Simen Province in northwest Ethiopia

The project will build on advance work done by the Project Director and local villagers in well and school construction, oxen distribution (loan basis), and school renovation. Primary project activities will be in agriculture, health, education, village industries/handicrafts and their marketing, and roads. Agricultural activities will focus on improving farming techniques through training and demonstrations by local agricultural agents (who will receive training under the project) and establishing a revolving credit fund for farmers. With respect to health and sanitation, wells will be constructed and sanitarian training conducted. Sixteen health dispensaries will be constructed, to concentrate on immunization, nutrition, sanitation, and maternal/child health activities. A small study on water-borne diseases will also be conducted. School construction, elementary teacher training, and provision of school supplies will comprise the main educational activities. Vocational and health education will be emphasized. Local and cottage industry production will be enhanced through training and demonstrations in milling, weaving, metalworking, and mudblock manufacture. Revolving credit will be provided for this activity. Roads will be constructed between villages with marketing potential, and road maintenance personnel will be trained. The primary beneficiaries will be 6,000 subsistence farm families in 14 target villages. Two ORT administrators headquartered in Gondar, 6 Ethiopian sector chiefs, and support staff will manage the project. Coordination with other assistance organizations such as the Peace Corps is likely.