DRYLAND FARMING - OREGON (MOISTURE CONSERVATION & UTILIZATION IN LOW WINTER RAINFALL AREAS OF LDC"S)

Evaluation covers the period 6/1/75 to 6/30/80 and is based on inspection of OSU research and facilities and meetings with the OSU technical committee and grant director. The project"s purpose has been largely fulfilled (OSU scientists are now returning to their former positions at the University). A centralized information system has been made operational with the development of a computerized dryland bibliographical collection in the OSU library. A third edition of the Dryland Agriculture Bibliography will be published and made available to A.I.D. before the project ends. An educational training program on dryland agricultural problems in LDC"s has been established at the Sherman Branch Station in Moro, Oregon. During the past year, 10 students received graduate training, and a two week course was given to nine students from Algeria, Turkey and the U.S. OSU also presented an international symposium on dryland farming and developed a curriculum for a Master"s Degree Program in Agriculture in Dryland Farming. A status of the technical art has been published and distributed to A.I.D. and LDC"s. OSU is developing a reputation as a center of expertise for dryland agriculure. With the help of grant funds, OSU staff traveled extensively to observe LDC problems in this area, provided consultant services to several international workshops, and assisted in designing projects for LDC"s. Domestic and international linkages have been strengthened through contacts with international research centers and LDC ministries of agriculture. OSU will continue to expand the research effort in dryland agriculture, and will prepare a memo detailing its technical expertise and staff availability for distribution to regional bureaus and A.I.D. Missions. The mechanism to assure access by A.I.D. to the expertise provided under this contract needs to be developed since experts returning to their university departments are no longer easily accessible for consultation.