MALI CROP PRODUCTION

The extension service will also be expanded to disseminate techniques through agents working with selected pilot farmers. The project will also improve roads to facilitate the transportation of grain surplus to deficient areas, dig 30 wells to free women for intensive gardening or field work, provide blacksmith materials, and install two photovoltaic pumps. Amendment (new PP) of 7/12/79 authorizes a 4-year Phase II of the project. The project will provide TA, short-term training, studies, and equipment to upgrade OMM"s agricultural planning capacity. The project purpose is now limited to increasing food crop production; improved marketing is eliminated as a project objective. An animal traction research facility will be added to the Seno Research Station and existing facilities will be renovated. Trials will be expanded to include association of crops, intercropping, sequential cropping, rotation, and managed fallow. Simple modifications in the design of plows and carts will be developed. A program of multi-locational testing is also planned. Some short-term training is included. Vegetable research will focus on increasing the water supply and improving water use in irrigation. Vegetable storage, marketing, and terracing will also be studied. To increase its range, the extension program will change its focus from pilot farmers to pilot villages. Five extension supervisors will receive U.S. short-term training, and OMM will design a 2-4 year in-country training program for all extensionists. The credit program will also be refocused from individuals to village associations. The credit fund for purchasing inputs (which will include work animals) will be doubled, and 5% of all payments for farm supplies will be set aside to cover OMM"s operating expenses. The project will also: order more equipment and continue to finance operating costs for road construction; establish a program to train 40 local blacksmiths; and provide a number of vehicles, millet mills, and other equipment. (PD-AAY-143)