LCBC livestock and mixed agriculture

The project, to be implemented by LCBC, will develop and implement a detailed plan of technical interventions in Chad (Assale area), Cameroon (Serbewel area), and Nigeria. A technical team from A.I.D., LCBC member states, and other donors (Fonds d"Aide et de Cooperation, the UNDP, and FAO) will spend the first 2 years of the project developing a detailed work plan. Activities will include reconnoitering the area and selecting specific sites (natural blocks, ground villages, etc.), for the program; identifying specific technical interventions, including marketing, in the livestock/range, crop production, and forestry sectors; developing a detailed plan for applying these interventions; identifying local implementation organizations and mechanisms for community participation; informing the local populations of alternative interventions and assessing their reactions to these; and establishing limited demonstrations, experimental areas, and nurseries. A wide range of technical interventions (but excluding any that focus solely on single issues such as animal health) will be considered for each site. The next 2 years will be spent implementing the work plan. The project will also provide TA for range management planning in the Bornu state of Nigeria. U.S. or third-country academic training in range management and agronomy will be provided for six participants. Long-term TA will include a range/livestock advisor, an agronomist, a rural sociologist, and specialists in range management, land use, and extension/information. Short-term TA and commodities will also be provided. Key assumptions are the availability of qualified French-speaking technicians and timely budget contributions from LCBC member states. The project is designed as the second 5-year phase of a 15-20 year program.