Basic food crops

Evaluation covers the period 4/80-2/82 and is based on visits to and interviews with personnel at the Gisozi Research Station and document review. After a slow start, the project is now expected to move more smoothly in achieving outputs. About 11.5 tons of wheat seed were produced in 1981 and a green manure and liming program was developed to partially correct unfavorable acidic and aluminum-toxic soil conditions. In addition, 20 ha of maize were planted and the resulting low-quality seed sold to local farmers as livestock feed; 673 kg of lupine seed and 350 kg of buckwheat were grown and used to plant a second crop. Construction at the Kajondi seed farm is 18 months behind schedule and provision of technical assistance has also been delayed, resulting in a probable cost overrun. Suggestions for improving Kajondi farm management include surveying local farming practices and subsequently planting cereal and legume seed and green manure crops. Also suggested are resurveying the farm to improve ploughing contour lines and conducting annual pH and aluminum soil tests. Alternative seed distribution options should be reviewed. Additional project funding is recommended, with any surplus directed to additional participant training. An administrative officer should be hired. Also recommended are ordering machinery spare parts, continuing regular engineering inspections of the construction site, providing more equipment maintenance training for farm mechanics, and expanding maintenance staff. A farm management plan should be prepared, including a contingency seed distribution plan in case of failure or delay in the European Development Fund (FED) program. Recommendations should be developed for improved cultivation practices to be used with the new seed. The FED program should be aided in designing variety tests and data collection techniqiues for on-farm trials. Periodic visits (4-6) to ISABU research stations are recommended to maintain optimal coordination and technical exchange.