Wheat research and production programs : North Africa - Tunisia and Algeria : report of activities during the period : September 1971-September 1972

Evaluation covers the period 9/71-9/72. 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. The Ford Foundation is now the sole financing agency for CIMMYT activities in Algeria. As of 1/1/72, the Tunisian varietal improvement unit (ACPP) had been integrated into the Tunisian Cereal Board. This transfer from the Ministry of Agriculture was made to provide greater administrative flexibility. However, the expected flexibility may be minimal. Seed production was a serious problem. Although the West German Government provided training for seed technicians, equipment and funds to build adequate seed cleaning facilities, and a seed testing laboratory, Tunisia still lacks an coordinated and efficient seed organization. CIMMYT has indicated a willingness to appoint a seed specialist to the expatriate staff if requested by the Tunisian Government. The National Extension Service is having difficulties disseminating the research findings to farmers. In addition, there appear to be a lack of adequate statistical and crop reporting services. This has made it difficult to adequately measure progress and to plan for future production campaigns. Three Tunisian project staff members attended the CIMMYT training program during this period. Also, four Tunisian staff members made observation tours to Mexico. In Algeria, the expanded cereal project got underway. Three subproject centers were established at Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. Graduates from the new Agriculture University at Mostaganem are beginning to work with the project. Eight Algerians participated in the CIMMYT wheat in-service training program. Also, travel and study awards were given to six Algerian officials. The three scientists assigned to Algeria were top class with experience in the region. Two additional reports (PD-AAG-173-B1, E1) are attached.