SMALL FARM NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

USAID will assist the GOES Directorate General of Renewable Natural Resources (DGRNR) in implementing the project. First, the DGRNR will conduct 10 demonstration studies to identify on-farm soil and water conservation practices which would be suitable to the region and easily adopted by the area"s small farmers. A U.S. soil and water conservation specialist will collect and analyze information on soil and water conservation practices employed in El Salvador and in similar areas. In addition, USAID will provide a total of 4 months of short-term technical assistance in the fields of sociology and the economics of soil and water conservation practices. Data from the studies will be tabulated and organized in report form and will provide a picture of traditional farming techniques as now practiced by area farmers, as well as the farmers" receptiveness to new techniques. The second component of the project will consist of soil and water conservation training for both farmers and DGRNR personnel. Approximately 10 short courses in conservation management will be offered to 200 farm leaders. Ten DGRNR extension agents will participate in 20 intensive short courses, and at least two professional-level DGRNR staff members will receive short-term, out-of-country training. The Peace Corp (PC) will assign 20 volunteers with experience in conservation management to assist the DGRNR and its extension agents. Three conservation management training manuals will be produced for use by PC volunteers, DGRNR extension agents, and participating farmers. A U.S. conservation management training specialist will direct the program. USAID will also provide a four-wheel drive vehicle, small agricultural tools and equipment, fertilizers, and biochemicals. Project data will be used to develop a proposal to expand the program throughout the small farm sector of northern El Salvador.