Farming systems research

Special PES covers the period 4/81-12/82 and is based on document review and interviews with project beneficiaries during site visits. Training of 120 research and extension staff has been provided through seminars, field days, radio programs, printed materials, and on-the-job experiences. Of 26 students targeted for long-term training, U.S. training has been provided to 11, and African training to 1; M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs are being developed for 8 more persons. Short-term external training has been given to 9 students. Village agricultural committees, composed of locally elected community members, receive technical training to pass on to farmers. Proper management at headquarters and during field trials and excellent cooperation among contractor and RD staffs has benefited research. Enterprise combination trials and prototype area trials involving over 400 farmers (mostly women) in 3 prototype areas appear promising for increasing future production and incomes. Range management research on rotational grazing, conducted in village areas rather than artificial environments, yielded insights into practical problems of communal grazing, but incorporated no control areas and has yet to be replicated on farms. Efforts have been initiated to formalize an agricultural research policy and establish an agricultural research planning and coordination council. The Farm Management Unit is directing socioeconomic baseline studies on 117 farm households; other research is underway by the Housing Unit at national and household levels. A system for disseminating results has been established and a variety of reports published. The much-used agricultural research library at RD contains more than 2,330 volumes and 80 periodicals. Through new ties to international research institutes, the project has procured training, germ and plant materials, and equipment. Project buildings have been constructed and most laboratory equipment delivered. There is need for analysis of existing data and further research on farmer behavior. Eight action decisions and 17 recommendations address ongoing activities and the planned project extension.