Integrated development in rural Ethiopia : an evaluative study of the Chilalo agricultural development unit

THE OBJECTIVE OF CADU IS TO INTRODUCE ADVANCED INPUTS SO AS TO DEVELOP PEASANT AGRICULTURE. THESE INCLUDE IMPROVED SEED, FERTILIZER, CREDIT, AND MARKETING METHODS. CADU WAS CREATED AS AN AUTONOMOUS UNIT WITHIN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE. THE ORIGINAL PLAN INCLUDED COMMITMENTS FOR SERVICES TO BE RENDERED CADU BY THE IMPERIAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY, MINISTRIES OF EDUCATION, PUBLIC HEALTH, LAND REFORM, INTERIOR, THE DEVELOPMENT BANK OF MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES. FEW OF THOSE COMMITMENTS WERE FULFILLED. DESPITE THOSE PROBLEMS, CADU RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES HAVE ENABLED FARMERS IN THE PROJECT AREA TO INCREASE THEIR CROP YIELDS BY 70-100 PERCENT, ACQUIRE COWS THAT GIVE TEN TIMES AS MUCH MILK AS LOCAL COWS, ACQUIRE IMPROVED IMPLEMENTS, AND BEGIN A REFORESTATION PROGRAM. THE STUDY PROVIDES AN INTENSIVE LOOK AT BUREAUCRATIC AND POLITICAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN A WELL-PLANNED AND FINANCED AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.