GAMBIA SOIL AND MANAGEMENT UNIT PROJECT

MANR will implement the project. Initial staffing of SWMU will consist of an interdisciplinary team of three expatriates. The role of these experts, who will receive a year"s training to familiarize themselves with Gambian conditions, will switch from leadership to technical advisors as an indigenous SWMU staff is formed. MANR personnel admitted to the SWMU staff (as well as other select MANR personnel) will receive short-term specialized training in such areas as conservation planning and soils survey and interpretation at Yundum College and the MANR Training Unit. Leadership positions within SWMU will be restricted to those who have undergone a year of on-the-job training as members of a village planning and action (VPA) team. Also, a soil and water management curriculum will be incorporated into the general training program for MANR personnel. Courses will pinpoint soil and water problems and solutions to them and will highlight SWMU activities. To develop a Gambian staff of technical support specialists, two agronomists, two soil scientists, two agricultural engineers, a range management specialist, and a forester will receive degree training at a southeastern U.S. university. By the project"s end, Gambian specialist teams will have been established at each of MANR"s five divisional headquarters. Summer internships with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service will also be offered. SWMU will work with MANR to develop soil and water management guidelines and will also work with farmers to develop plans to improve crop production. To these ends, SWMU will: (1) collect data for use in drafting a national-level technical guide describing management systems appropriate for each soil type; and (2) form VPA teams to assist farmers in understanding soil/water problems and to develop appropriate production packages to cope with them. Amendment of 4/22/88 extends project from 3/88 to 6/91 in order to: (1) complete the process of institutionalizing the SWMU within the MANR; (2) provide additional TA and training, especially on-the-job training of SWMU personnel; and (3) provide additional vehicles, equipment, and tools to SWMU. (PD-ABC-050)