DRYLAND FARMING

This terminal evaluation covers the period from 6/76 to 6/79. No methodology is specified. A study of dryland agricultural applied research by the Mid-American International Agricultural Consortium was successful and stated the following. The yield potential of small dryland farms is higher than present production. Little information is available for guiding production and infrastructure development, therefore agronomic research is needed. Understanding the socioeconomic conditions of farmers is vital for adapting government programs, particularly regarding technical transfers. Tillage and planting implements were inadequate and priority should be given to developing animal-drawn tillage implements and drills. Morocco lacks the trained personnel required to set up and conduct research in crop production, so a Moroccan staff must be trained in the U.S. to M.S. and Ph.D. levels immediately. A small U.S. university staff should guide development of the applied research program and involve additional short-term specialists later on. If the GOM commits itself to the program, it will have the capability in 10 years to make its dryland farming more productive. The Washington State study successfully outlined a high quality 5-stage strategy proposal to improve range management. A revitalization of GOM commitments to range management programs must be forthcoming. Confidence among local stockmen for GOM aid must be developed. Stocking rates on the perimeters must be brought into closer agreement with grazing capabilities. Range forage production should be increased, including large-scale seedings. Factors of modern range management must be correlated. An evaluation of Moroccan extension was also completed by Washington State although no recommendations for A.I.D. action were made. Under agricultural extension, the long-term training of two participants, one of whom received his M.S., and the short-term training of five others has occurred.