Wheat research and production programs : North Africa - Tunisia and Algeria : report of activities during the period : September 1969-September 1971

Evaluation covers the period 9/69-9/71. No methodology is specified. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) received grants from A.I.D. and the Ford Foundation to implement the project. Fourteen Tunisian technicians, a coordinator, and technical director were assigned to the project staff. USAID provided three advisors (the director and three regional production supervisors), and IMMYT assigned three scientists. Four Tunisian trainees received 6 months of training at CIMMYT; three trainees received 6 months of special training at U.S. universities, two participants began graduate work in the United States, and eight government officials made observation tours to Mexico. The varietal improvement component of the project (ACPP) is being carried out in cooperation with Tunisia"s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRAT). Research showed the Mexican varieties (INIA and TOBARI) to be best suited for commercial production. Efforts have also been made to develop high-yielding, short-strawed, disease-resistant durum wheats. However, the bread wheats have proved, under good management conditions, to be so superior that nationwide conversion to bread wheats was considered. Resistance to Septoria was a major thrust of the project. Zaafrane, Soltane, and Utique proved resistant to Septoria, and multiplication was begun. A major problem has been an acute shortage of technical personnel. It is estimated that nine additional agricultural engineers and 21 technicians will be needed. Another major problem has been the failure of the Government of Tunisia to provide local operating expenses. USAID spent approximately $110,000 to keep the ACPP functioning during 1970-71. The Ministry of Agriculture has decided to transfer the ACPP to the National Cereals Board. In Algeria, the project is just being implemented. Staff selection, program details, and provision for logistic support have been worked out.