Improving Productivity & Market Success of Ethiopian Farmers Tenth Progress Report (April 2009 – September 2009) List of Abbreviations ARARI Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute AHI African Highland Initiative AI Artificial Insemination ATVET Agricultural Technical Vocational Education and Training College ASSP Agricultural Sector Support Project BBM Broad Bed Maker BoARD Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development (at regional level) BOAM Business Organization and their Access to Markets BPR Business Program Reengineering CA Contribution Arrangement CAD Canadian Dollar CBD Coffee Berry Disease CBO Community-Based Organizations CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research CIAT Centro International de Agricultural Tropical CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre CIP International Potato Centre (Peru) CPPSLM Country partnership program for sustainable land management DA Development Agent DDG Deputy Director General DG Director General DVM Doctor of Veterinary medicine EARS Ethiopian Agricultural Research Systems EAP Ethiopian Agricultural Portal ECCO Ethiopia-Canada Cooperation Office ECEX Ethiopian Commodity Exchange EDRI Ethiopian Development and Research Institute EEPA Ethiopian Export Promotion Agency EIAR Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research (formerly EARO) EMDTI Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Technology Institute EPA Environmental Protection Agency ESSP Ethiopian Strategy Support Program FA Field Assistant FAP Fodder Adoption Project FTC Farmer Training Center GoE Government of Ethiopia HIV Human Immune-Deficiency Virus IARC International Agricultural Research Center (not limited to CGIAR) ICIPE International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute IFAD International fund for Agricultural development IIDP Integrated Institution Development Program for Ethiopia ILRI International Livestock Research Institute IPMS Improving Productivity and Market Success ISNAR International Service for National Agricultural Research IWMI International Water Management Institute JARC Jimma Agricultural Research Center KM Knowledge Management LoA Letter of Agreement MARC Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre M & E Monitoring and Evaluation MoARD Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Ethiopia) MoFED Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (Ethiopia) MoU Memorandum of Understanding NAIRC National Agricultural Information Resource Centre NALC National Advisory and Learning Committee NGO Non-Governmental Organization NRM Natural Resource Management OARI Oromiya Agricultural Research Institute PA Peasant Association/also referred to as “Kebele” PADEP Peasant Agricultural Development Programme PADETES Participatory Demonstration and Training Extension System PI Performance Indicators PIP Project Implementation Plan PLW Pilot Learning Woreda (Previously PLS) PM&E Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation PMF Performance Measurement Framework PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal PSC Project Steering Committee R&D Research and Development RALC Regional Advisory and Learning Committees RARI Regional Agricultural Research Institute (Ethiopia) RBM Result Based Management RCBP Rural Capacity Building Project RDAs Research and Development Assistants RDOs Research and Development Officers REDFS Rural Economic Development and Food Security RELC Research Extension Liaison Committees SARI Southern Agricultural Research Institute SMS Subject Matter Specialist SNNPR Southern Nation Nationalities and People’s Region SNV Netherlands Development Organization SWISHA Sustainable Water Harvesting and Institutional Strengthening in Amhara Region TARI Tigray Agricultural Research Institute TOT Training of Trainers TAMSA Tigray Agricultural Marketing Support Agency USAID United States Agency for International Development WALC Woreda Advisory and Learning Committee WB WorldBank WHIST Water Harvesting Institutional Strengthening Tigray WKC Woreda Knowledge Center Table of content 1 Knowledge management .................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Knowledge gap assessment....................................................................................... 1 1.2 Knowledge capturing/assembling/synthesizing ........................................................ 1 1.3 Processes and mechanisms for knowledge sharing .................................................. 4 1.4 National Agricultural Information Resource Centre (NAIRC) ................................ 5 1.5 ICT network and infrastructure development at PLW level ..................................... 5 1.6 Assessment outputs and outcomes in knowledge management ................................ 6 2 Innovation capacity development .................................................................................... 6 2.1 Strengthening capacity of public sector partners ...................................................... 6 2.1.1 Capacity development of educational institutions ............................................. 6 2.1.2 MSc/BSc education ............................................................................................ 6 2.1.3 Participatory market oriented extension/development ....................................... 7 2.1.4 Knowledge management/GIS/promotion .......................................................... 7 2.1.5 Gender, HIV/AIDS ............................................................................................ 7 2.1.6 Environmental awareness and assessment training ........................................... 8 2.1.7 Monitoring and evaluation training ................................................................... 8 2.1.8 Technical skills and infrastructure development ............................................... 8 2.1.9 Innovation system and marketing research capacity development .................... 8 2.1.10 Capacity Development scaling out and up ....................................................... 8 2.2 Strengthening capacity - farmers & private sector ................................................... 9 2.2.1 Skills development farmers/pastoralists ............................................................ 9 2.2.2 Skills development private sector and cooperatives .......................................... 9 2.2.3 Skills development farmers/private sector partners for scaling out/up ............ 10 2.3 Developing institutional linkages and culture of sharing ....................................... 10 2.3.1 WALC/RALC/NALC ...................................................................................... 10 2.3.2 Woreda commodity platforms ......................................................................... 10 2.3.3 Other linkage events ........................................................................................ 10 2.4 Assessment outputs and outcomes innovation capacity development .................... 11 3. Participatory planning/implementation ......................................................................... 12 3.1 Participatory planning/implementation ................................................................... 12 3.2 Participatory value chain development livestock commodities .............................. 13 3.2.1 Dairy development ........................................................................................... 13 3.2.2 Fattening small ruminants ................................................................................ 18 3.2.3 Fattening large ruminants ................................................................................ 23 3.2.4 Apiculture ........................................................................................................ 26 3.2.5 Poultry .............................................................................................................. 28 3.2.6 Fish ................................................................................................................... 31 3.3 Participatory value chain development crop commodities ..................................... 31 3.3.1 Irrigated vegetables (onion, tomato, cabbage, carrot, potato) .......................... 31 3.3.2 Hot Pepper ....................................................................................................... 35 3.3.3 Fruits (tropical, sub-tropical and temperate) .................................................... 36 3.3.4 Pulses (haricot bean, chickpea, faba beans /field peas) ................................... 41 3.3.5 Cereals (Teff, wheat, rice) ............................................................................... 43 3.3.6 Oil crops (sesame)............................................................................................ 47 3.3.7 Cotton ............................................................................................................... 48 3.3.8 Coffee ............................................................................................................... 48 3.4 Assessment participatory commodity development ............................................... 50 4 Development and promotion of recommendations for scaling out ................................ 53 4.1 Knowledge management studies............................................................................. 53 4.2 Capacity building studies ........................................................................................ 54 4.3 Market oriented commodity studies........................................................................ 54 4.3.1 Commodity value chain component studies .................................................... 54 4.3.1.1 Production/input supply and NRM studies ................................................... 54 4.3.1.2 Marketing studies .......................................................................................... 57 4.3.2 Commodity synthesis studies .......................................................................... 58 4.3.2.1 Commodity case studies ............................................................................... 58 4.3.2.2 Credit innovations ......................................................................................... 60 4.3.3 Commodity strategy/scenario development ..................................................... 60 4.4 Environmental studies ............................................................................................. 60 4.5 Gender equality and HIV/AIDS studies ................................................................. 60 4.6 Promotion of communications of lessons learned .................................................. 61 4.7 Assessment outputs and outcomes of policy development and promotion ............ 64 5 Project management ....................................................................................................... 65 5.1 Recruitment of staff ................................................................................................ 65 5.2 Recruitment consultants/experts ............................................................................. 65 5.3 Contracting research and development partners ..................................................... 66 5.4 Office establishment and procurement of good/services ........................................ 66 5.5 Project planning, monitoring and evaluation .......................................................... 66 Executive summary The long term goal of the IPMS project is to contribute to improved agricultural productivity and production through market-oriented agricultural development, as a means for achieving improved and sustainable livelihoods for the rural population. The medium term purpose is to strengthen the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to transform agricultural productivity, production, and rural development in Ethiopia to a more market-oriented agricultural development. To achieve this purpose four key components are targeted:  Knowledge management  Innovation capacity development of partners  Participatory marketable commodity development  Development and promotion of recommendations for scaling out Gender, HIV/AIDS and environmental considerations are mainstreamed in each of these components. Knowledge management As we embark on the final full year of the project, we cannot help but ask how the knowledge management efforts have worked out so far. Seeing what is happening at all levels of the GoE regarding knowledge management, our unequivocal answer to this is that it has been a worthwhile investment. The success in each location varies greatly and thus some have done excellent jobs that will serve as models for years to come and other still have long ways to go – which we hope to travel most in the remaining project implementation period. In this particular reporting period, the most significant achievement to report is the enthusiasm by MoARD in embracing the concept and implementation of knowledge management, not only in areas where IPMS is active but also in other areas where IPMS has no direct involvement. Another major achievement is the installation of hard and soft ware for the zonal knowledge centers. Innovation capacity development The capacity development of public sector staff for a more market oriented agricultural development system is mostly progressing according to plan Four more students were entered for their MSc education in local Universities, bringing the total number of students enrolled to 124 (57 female). Twelve more students successfully defended their thesis research. A total of 60 MSc students sponsored by IPMS (tuition/thesis or thesis only) have now successfully defended their MSc thesis research. Another 40 are presently at various stages of their thesis research. The students are exposed to new research and development concepts, through their thesis research projects. They conduct their research projects on topics “demanded” by the development actors. Secondly the orientation of the research is systematically aligned with a broader development framework – value chain, innovation system. Thirdly, students are expected to present both their research proposal and findings to the stakeholders such as WALC. It is observed that several of these “new style’ graduates are already playing important roles in influencing the direction of the agricultural development system. Greater impact is expected in the longer term. Training in topics important for market oriented agricultural development including participatory extension is taken up by the Regions. The Amharic translation of the manual which was completed during the previous reporting period has been posted on the IPMS website. The draft TOT manual produced by the project is now also translated into Afan Oromo and is being reviewed by the appropriate HQ staff. Demand for marketing extension is high, additional training scheduled for the second half of the year, after a review of the draft manual. Regional BoARDs are actively pursuing capacity development in market assessment and farmer linkages to markets, in part based on the materials developed by IPMS. In this reporting period examples were observed in AmharaRS and SNNPRS. This development shows that there is an increased recognition by the public sector that participatory methods and skills development in marketing are crucial elements for the extension system. Training in knowledge management, in particular the use of computers is on-going and especially targeting DAs posted in FTCs equipped with computer facilities. Again demand for this type of capacity development is high, indicating the need for developing the computing skills in the extension system. At the request of the MoARD a special course was organized for its staff on Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation, based on the manual developed by IPMS. Similarly, the project assisted the Oromiya Agricultural Research Institute with courses on basic research methods and proposal writing. Toolkits for diagnosing gender and HIV/AIDS problems are widely distributed and the training in mainstreaming gender and HIV/AIDS (conducted last year) is resulting in many DAs now actively taking these aspects into account during their planning and program implementation. In most PLWs, HAPCO and Woreda Gender Office staff are now linked to the WoARD in gender and HIV/AIDS related activities. For example in Fogera, the plans prepared at FTC level by health workers during the training have been shared with the regional and zonal HAPCO and now the progress and the implementation of the plan are followed up by the office. This development shows the potential for such inter institutional linkages for the benefit of the actors involved. Technical training for public sector staff, farmers and private entrepreneurs continued based on needs. Most of the training is delivered by regional and/or woreda specialist staff. Staff from the Office of Trade and Industry is actively partnering with the project for value addition training of traders. Most PLW take care to ensure women participation in these events. Four (4) FTCs in each PLW are now fully equipped and functional. It is interesting to note that in Ada’a Woreda, farmers in other PLWs have started contributing to the purchase of equipment for their own FTC. The planned capacity development for the scaling out and up to neighboring Woreda was delayed in Oromia Region due to last minute cancellation of the scheduled introductory workshops. The project staff in collaboration with ILRI’s CAST has started working on a concept note on: “A Strategy to Smallholder Commercialization in Ethiopia” for policy makers. Also, an outline has been prepared on: “Concepts, approaches, methods, and processes for market oriented small holder development: lessons from the IPMS experiences” The latter document will eventually be used for the wider scaling and up of IPMS approaches and best practices. The innovation capacity of farmers and private sector partners for a more market oriented agricultural development in the PLWs has yielded tangible results in terms of commodity development, including impact on gender, HIV/AIDS and the environment (see commodity development section). WALCs have played a more active role in the program planning and implementation, partly as a result of the budget responsibility. Participatory commodity development Emphasis during this year has been placed on the scaling out of approaches and best value chain practices. In general this six monthly report illustrates that the value chain approach is commonly applied for the commodities in all PLWs, even though the emphasis on individual value chain components varies by commodity and PLW. Another interesting observation is that commodity development is a dynamic process which never ends. New opportunities and problems emerge which need to be addressed. What is important in this respect is the response capacity of the actors to such challenges. Some interesting examples of knowledge/inputs provided by different partners in this continuous development process are described including the emerging of a new tef variety by the research system in Ada’a and the development of community based insurance scheme for small scale fattening and communal grazing land arrangements by local communities. As far as the scaling out of best value chain practices is concerned, considerable variation exists between the Woredas, i.e. while in some Woredas coverage is still limited, in others much wider coverage has been achieved. A clearer picture will be obtained on the basis of the planned M&E exercise for this year. The following observations are made with regard to the value chain development of individual commodities: Many partners are getting involved in the scaling out of the dairy commodity in the different PLWs, especially the Woreda OoARD, NGOs, private companies and cooperatives. In general the value chain development concept is applied. Still the scaling out of dairy in the PLWs is limited by the fact that it is determined by distance to markets and the availability of improved animals. Efforts have been made by project partners to alleviate problems associated with the supply of improved animals including privatized AI services and private bull stations. Most of this is still in its infancy and needs support structures at the higher level. Short term fattening of large and small ruminants has a much wider application/coverage potential and shows promising results. Linkages with suppliers of feed concentrates have been established using both private shop and or cooperative/collective arrangements. The use of Urea Molasses Blocks is limited and has not shown large scale adoption. Para vet services are being tested in several Woredas and are expanding. In general, they are well accepted and are presently being studied in more detail. Market linkages are facilitated with buyers in and outside the Woredas. Collective as well as individual marketing of animals takes place. With the exception of Mieso, where linkages were established with export abattoirs for the supply of sheep, most PLWs are able to supply local and regional markets, in particular during the holiday events. It is also noted that that the legal export market from Metema PLW to the Sudan was negatively affected by new export requirements. The development of farm produced/harvested fodder/forage basically follows the development of the dairy and fattening commodities. In those PLWs where grazing lands are a major source of feed, excellent progress has been made with the improved utilization of such lands through new social arrangements. Hay making has started in one PLW, where grazing lands are still abundant. Back yard forage development with grass and leguminous species development in several PLWs is supported with seed multiplication on either FTCs and/or private farms. Evaluating and expanding such a system with good linkages to large scale producers of planting materials will be required. The use of stover is now common however, the adoption of the stover treatment with urea is still very limited. Apiculture development is taking off in several PLWs however, acquiring the necessary technical skills to handle modern/transitional hives is proving to be a tougher nut to crack. Not every farmer is a bee keeper. The value chain development of this commodity is also “effected” by past efforts in which the government tried to support its development by taking on the role of supplier of inputs and processing equipment. This hampers the development of alternative input supply systems. Still, good examples of private shops becoming involved can be seen in a number of PLWs. An interesting form is presently being developed with renting equipment by the East Shoa Apiculture Association. Despite the fact that marketing is being addressed in most PLWs, increased volumes have started creating problems, especially since linkages with large scale processors have not been operationalised. Poultry value chain development is slow, probably because it started late. Particular attention was paid to the supply of improved local and exotic chickens. Introduction of village/District level hatchery technology in Alaba and Bure has not yet shown great success, mostly as a result of inadequate electricity supply. The use of the hay box brooder appears to be successful in Dale and Goma. Unlike Dale farmers, who made the production of pullets a commercial enterprise, Goma poultry producers kept the produced pullets for their own production and are now in the egg production stage. The use of improved feed by Goma farmers and farmers in other PLWs is still slow since this is quite a departure from the traditional scavenging system. The development of irrigated vegetables has had a very significant impact on the development of the agricultural sector in several of the PLWs. In principle the project has been using the “low hanging fruits” approach, by focusing its attention on individually operating farmers in areas where no large scale communal infrastructure was required and/or had already been developed by other projects. Because of the high returns from this sector, adoption of improved technologies including the use of privately owned irrigation pumps is very good and spreads very easily, once the knowledge and capacity are there and good examples of this can be seen in Metama, Fogera, Ada’a and Mieso. It is interesting to note that knowledge sharing and capacity development in several PLWs is supported by linkages with skilled farmers from inside and outside the PLW. Introduction of new varieties is a continuous process and takes place in collaboration with the research system and private companies. The development of fruits as a marketable commodity has mainly focused on the development of a decentralized input supply system for improved varieties. Scaling out of the privately owned fruit tree nurseries has expanded in all PLWs. In Dale and Ada’a nursery operators can now start harvesting “scions” from the mother trees planted 3 years ago. Also in most Woredas where improved varieties were introduced early on (Dale, Ada’a, Alamata), harvesting of fruits from improved varieties has started and fruits are fetching good prices. Now attention needs to be paid to using marketing channels which appreciate the quality fruits produced. In Bure and Atsbi, the development of apples as a marketable commodity has been initiated by establishing nurseries. Market oriented haricot bean varieties continue to be promoted in Dale and Alaba Woreda. In Alaba, farmers have established community seed banks which will be used for future multiplications. In Dale seeds are marketed through the cooperative (with credit supplied through the IPMS project). In collaboration with MARC and CIAT (funded by the Gates Foundation), sale of new varieties in small labeled packages is being tested to introduce the new varieties as well as address the demands of resource poor farmers. The supply of basic seeds for multiplication by farmers has improved due to the intervention of the abovementioned project. In Ada’a, the value chain for chickpea and lentils is working well. It is noted that the Erer Union has established a lentil processing factory – this is in part the result of a feasibility study developed by a consultant from the Farmer to Farmer based organization – linked to the Erer Union by the project. Introduction of inoculants for chick peas was not successful (demand for inoculants for lentils is high). Addressing root rot in chick peas is presently the number one priority. The development of marketable cereal crops i.e. teff, wheat and rice has focused on the introduction of new varieties. Kuncho, a teff variety recently released by the research system was very successfully introduced in Ada’a Woreda this season. A farmer to farmer based seed supply system has resulted in fast dissemination. To support the introduction of upland rice in Fogera and Metema the project partners successfully identified appropriate varieties and established a farmer based seed multiplication system. Similarly in Bure, newly tested wheat varieties are being replicated by farmers. After a visit to Ada’a PLW, the Bure Damot Union has also started cleaning/packaging certified wheat seeds. Supply of basic/breeder seeds for multiplication is a key concern. An interesting development is noted for the introduction of conservation tillage practices for wheat. The uptake of this technology has “exploded” as a result of stimulating small scale input outlets for the agro chemicals (area coverage increased from 150 to 1500 ha). The value chain for cotton and sesame in Metema District are functioning well. Both crops have benefited from the conservation tillage technology introduced by the project. After the initial single supplier, several suppliers of the agrochemicals can be found throughout the District, including the Cooperative Union. Knap sack sprayers, which were previously channeled through the OoARD are now also distributed through the shops. The development of the coffee value chain in Dale focuses on the development of a nursery system which raises local varieties. In Goma marketing of quality coffee is a top priority using proper drying and storage techniques. This year, plots/farms have been geographically referenced for better traceability of the coffee. Considering the various production interventions it is noted that environment enhancing development can be observed. Examples are the improved grazing areas in several PLWs, and the conservation tillage practices introduced/adopted in Bure and Metema. The project has produced a synthesis paper on this topic. Similarly, it is noted that several PLWs have targeted women for specific commodities in order to bring about a more gender balanced development. Examples are sheep fattening and poultry. Development and promotion of recommendations The project emphasized the documentation and promotion of the lessons learned during this period. Considerable attention was paid to data collection for the development of commodity case studies and gender specific case studies. The results are being analyzed at the moment and be publicized and promoted in the second half of the coming project year. Progress with student research is good and the model of involving students in research based on demand is working well, even though some students still have the tendency to define their own research. The same can not be said of the partner research, where progress and reporting is slow. A promotional highlight during this reporting period was the ILRI graduate fellows forum (organized by ILRI’s Cast), in which IPMS students presented their thesis research findings. In the past six months the project also tried to promote concepts and best value chain practices through interaction with staff consultants involved in the (re-)formulation of to major development programs i.e. The Food Security Program (FSP, in particular the Household Asset Building Program (HABP) and the Agricultural Growth program (AGP). In general it is observed that the project has increased its visibility by various actors at regional level as witnessed by:  Increased demand by various actors (donors, government, NGOs) to participate in various forums, discussions and workshops.  Increased demand for IPMS staff to share experiences and contribute to formulation of research and development project.  Increased media interest and coverage of IPMS activities  Increased interest by the international scientific and development communities to share experiences Project management The project Result based management consultant prepared a brief summary report on the achievements of the project up till the end of year 3. CIDA commissioned external auditors to review the projects expenditures over the period April 2007 – March 2009. An outline for a follow up project was prepared 1 1 Knowledge management The expected outcome from the project’s knowledge management component is the creation of a functional agricultural knowledge management system operationalized at Woreda and Federal levels, highlighting innovations and appropriate technologies. The realization of such a system will involve assessment of knowledge gaps, identifying and securing resources to narrow the identified knowledge gaps, and facilitating methods, approaches, and processes to share knowledge acquired during implementation or lessons-learned from IPMS and/or other experiences. In addition, it is also important to have the necessary tools, infrastructure, and human resource capacity to bring about such a system in a more efficient manner. In this section, a summary of the on-going knowledge management activities and outputs are presented together with an assessment of the achievements of the intended outputs and outcomes. 1.1 Knowledge gap assessment Identification of knowledge gaps in the value chain is a continuous process. Whenever a challenge is observed, whether this is done by the project staff, our partners at various levels of the GoE, or a demand emanating from farmers, one of the questions that need to be answered is whether there is a knowledge gap contributing to the challenge being faced – in addition to other possible challenges on capacity, technology, input supply, etc. If knowledge gap is identified, appropriate interventions to address the gap are planned and executed. In addition to commodity-specific skills, many soft skills that will be important to change farmers' livelihoods were identified, including i) crises management and conflict resolution skills, ii) computer/internet use. 1.2 Knowledge capturing/assembling/synthesizing Distilling lessons learned and syntheses of such lessons in various forms is an important input in the scaling out and up of the approaches and best practices (also see section 4). Project staff and partners were involved/completed the following: Videos  An Amharic version of the Metama banana video documentaries was produced .  The Dale video fruit development documentary was completed.  See Annex 1 for an overview of the IPMS HQ produced video documentaries Working papers  Staff worked on the revision of draft working papers – two papers were published this period i.e. o Working Paper 15. Feed marketing in Ethiopia: Results of rapid market Appraisal. Berhanu Gebremedhin, Adane Hirpa and Kahsay Berhe. 2 o Working Paper 16. Integrating innovation systems perspective and value chain analysis in agricultural research for development: Implications and challenges. Ponniah Anandajayasekeram and Berhanu Gebremedhin  An overview of the working papers can be found in Annex 1. Training materials  The IWMI/IPMS training manual on agricultural water management was published.  Outline: Concepts, approaches, methods, and processes for market oriented small holder development: lessons from the IPMS experiences.  Review of Result Based Monitoring and Evaluation Guidelines by M&E consultant  Overview of the published training materials can be found in Annex 1 Papers produced for conferences/proceedings/scientific publications  As part of it’s promotional/scaling out strategy project staff prepared papers for national and international conferences based on project studies. An overview of the presentations is summarized in section 4.6.  An overview of the papers prepared/presented is shown in Annex 1 Study tours outside Ethiopia  A four man team of the MoARD undertook a study tour to India to capture knowledge on the tea sector with the aim of learning lessons for the commercialization of the tea sector in Ethiopia, in particular out-growers scheme/arrangement. A report (in Amharic) was produced and considered by the Ministry for the development of the sector.  A study tour was conducted to Kenya from September 28 – October 2 by the chairpersons of the 10 WALCs, plus the RDOs of 9 PLWs and 3 IPMS HQ staff. The purpose of the tour was to familiarize the participants with more commercialized small holder systems, including producers, private/cooperative agribusiness and public sector support. The field visits focused on dairy and horticulture (fruits, vegetables). Visits were also made to the Nairobi Agriculture Fair and the ILRI campus. Each of the WALC chairs will share the knowledge gained in their PLW. Among major lessons learned by the participants was the increased role of the private sector in supply of inputs and services. Study tours in Ethiopia  Farmers (120) and officials (15) from 8 PAs in Alamata PLW participated on a study tour to six other Woredas in Tigray and observed:  well developed forage on border farms, communal rangelands, treated gullies and mountains,  effective gully treatment,  other successful watershed management,  efficient utilization of available water for vegetable and fruit production,  zero grazing activities,  best and modern beekeeping management practices, and 3  effective community-wide agreements on utilization of forage on communal rangelands, treated gullies and mountains. As a direct result of the above study tour, a farmer conference was organized from May 6-10th where 257 participants discussed on the natural resource conservation and commodity development activities in their community. The conference unanimously passed a resolution and agreed on the following actions.  To control and eradicate invasive alien species weed (Parthenium), which is invading their plots and their surroundings in an alarming rate.  To enhance commodity development using modern irrigation methods being implemented in the Woreda.  To actively participate in the natural resource conservation activities of the Woreda  To formulate bylaws that enable prohibiting free grazing of livestock, and efficient utilization of communal rangelands  Supply of apple fruit seedlings is limited in Atsbi-Womberta. To facilitate the establishment of fruit nurseries in Atsbi-Womberta, IPMS and OoARD organized private fruit seedling establishment. Simultaneously the interested four farmers, who have land, access to water and willing to learn new skills made a visit to St. Marry College and to a private fruit nursery in Wukro on 8- 9 July 2009.  Twenty five people (22 females and 3 males) from “Addis Hiwot Woreta People in Fogera living with HIV/AIDS” association attended four days experience sharing visit in Bure PLW. During their visit they observed some of promising activities carried out by some PLWHA in Bure district such as fattening, poultry, potato production, forage development, milk production & processing cooperative. They took promising lessons from their study tour and identified technologies that may be adapted in their context.  In Goma PLW, farmer to farmer exchange visit was organized for poultry farmers at Agaro town; and a visit was organized for model farmers, DAs and technical staff to nearby fruit seedling producers. Content development of the Ethiopian Agricultural Portal (EAP)  MoARD has taken over the capturing of documents for the EAP. In addition to the upload of dozens of new documents in various areas of the portal, the ministry requested IPMS for assistance in implementing a new section on agricultural investment promotion as a distinct section of the portal. The ministry also recently asked IPMS (and IPMS complied) to assist in the identification, collection, and upload of best/good practice documents that have been produced by the ministry onto the EAP. This is a clear indication of the increasing recognition by the ministry of the value of the EAP to its mission of extension, and IPMS is actively working to leverage this momentum by assigning a fulltime staff in the collection and upload of such documents. Addition supply of books, leaflets, CDs, and DVDs to WKCs and FTCs  Alaba, Dale, Goma and Bure PLW reported additions materials acquired for their WKCs and FTCs. 4  All the WKC also have offline copies of the EAP portal. 1.3 Processes and mechanisms for knowledge sharing Workshops, stakeholder meetings and seminars  Workshops and stakeholder meetings were held in most PLWs to review overall progress as well as progress in specific commodities. It is interesting to observe that most events are attended by all value chain partners. See Annex 2 for details.  An overview of the knowledge sharing seminars in the PLW is shown in Annex 2. It is noted that this form of knowledge sharing is institutionalized in several PLWs, but lacking in some.  Participation in knowledge sharing in events organized by others is presented in section 4.6. Market information dissemination  Market information dissemination for different commodities is discussed as part of the commodity development in the PLWs (see section 3) Leaflets/newsletters  Bure PLW prepared leaflets on potato production, honeybee colony splitting technique, conservation agriculture, poultry production & livestock fattening to disseminate lessons to wider audience within and outside the PLW. These leaflets were distributed during different occasions and to different visitors.  In Dale, a poster was produced to popularize the haricot beans produced in the PLW. These posters were distributed to 36 kebeles and presented to thousands of farmers during the month of May 2009. Another promotion effort which was carried out was the packaging of haricot beans seed with labels that contain information regarding seed type in the packets, germination percentage, seed purity, seed amount required/ha and the amount in the package, price and organization to contact for more information are also included. This is the first exercise of its kind in the Woreda as marketing strategy and information that farmers ever received.  Alaba and Mieso regularly produce newsletters on project events and general agricultural knowledge. Farmers’ field day/demonstration for scaling out within and outside the PLWs  An overview of farmer filed days held in different PLWs is shown in Annex 2. Demonstration plots and field days  The project facilitates demonstration plots in FTCs as a means to share knowledge, develop practical skills on production technologies, and for farmer participatory technology demonstration and evaluation. A description of such demonstrations is provided in the commodity development section (see section 3). FTCs are also used for field days. Exhibitions for scaling out within and outside the PLWs 5  In Atsbi - PA level exhibition and trade fair was conducted at Rubafeleg PA on 9 May 2009. The exhibition was attended by more than 652 people from the Ruba Feleg PA. The participants included interested farmers from neighboring PAs, namely Felege-weyni, Zarema and Haresaw, Atsbi-Womberta Woreda cabinet, and experts from WoARD. Agricultural technologies and products related to apiculture, small ruminant fattening, poultry, vegetable products and dairy products were displayed. The exhibition was partly a promotion and trade fair event. Most of the displayed agricultural products were sold to participants and visitors.  A Woreda level agricultural technology exhibition and trade fair was conducted on 5-6 July at Atsbi- Endaselasie town. More than 800 invited visitors visited the event, of which 390 were farmers from the 16 PAs in the woreda. Interested private traders, civil servants, high school students and town residents also visited the exhibition. Farmers from the nearby PAs, who came for Saturday market, were also able to see the event. Technologies and products such as vegetables, cereals, pulses, fruits, honey, chicken, dairy products and oil crops were displayed at the exhibition/trade fair. Innovative farmers displayed and shared their unique experiences. Certificates were awarded to exhibition contributors including farmers and development partners such as IPMS by the Woreda administrator.  IPMS staff from Dale PLW and headquarters along with a farmer from Dale took part at a regional symposium and exhibition on horticulture that was held 4-6 June 2009 at Arbaminch town. IPMS had a stand where a farmer from Dale demonstrated grafted seedlings of avocado and mangos. The stand was visited by the President of SNNPRS whereby the president suggested the useful experience in fruit development from Dale be scaled out/up. 1.4 National Agricultural Information Resource Centre (NAIRC)  There isn’t any major infrastructure related activity carried out by IPMS in this regard since the responsibility for further development has already been handed over to MoARD, with IPMS providing limited supports as and when needed. One such support by IPMS has been financial assistance for the provision of broadband Internet to the ministry and the NAIRC.  Knowledge center at BoARD, regional research centers and zonal office of agriculture have now been equipped with hard and soft ware. The extent of use of these centers varies a lot from one location to another. However, on balance all the movement in this area has been positive. The project’s focus in the remaining period will be to continue its support to strengthen the use of these centers and to make sure maximum benefit is realized for the investments made in this area. 1.5 ICT network and infrastructure development at PLW level  Each PLW now has at least five computer and a printer at its WKC and four computes and four printers in four selected FTCs. Generators are provided where there isn’t electricity. Each WKC and model FTC also has a TV and DVD player. In addition, the project has procured 20 TV-DVD combination units to provide 10 WKCs with a means to do portable knowledge sharing across the Woredas in 6 general and in the FTCs not selected as model FTC (and not provided with their own such units).  The installation of hardware in all zonal knowledge centers was completed. It was observed however, that several centers need more support for proper functioning. 1.6 Assessment outputs and outcomes in knowledge management As we embark on the final full year of the project, we cannot help but ask how the knowledge management efforts have worked out so far. Seeing what is happening at all levels of the GoE regarding knowledge management, our unequivocal answer to this is that it has been a worthwhile investment. The success in each location varies greatly and thus some have done excellent jobs that will serve as models for years to come and other still have long ways to go – which we hope to travel most in the remaining project implementation period. In this particular reporting period, the most significant achievement to report is the enthusiasm by MoARD in embracing the concept and implementation of knowledge management, not only in areas where IPMS is active but also in other areas where IPMS has no direct involvement. Another major achievement is the installation of hard and soft ware for the zonal knowledge centers. The impact of the gender and HIV/AIDS training significantly observed in knowledge management. Women were provided opportunities to participate in a number of capacity building events such as field days, technology exhibitions and commodity platforms at community level. About 5 to 86% of women participated and got information, knowledge and skill from those occasions. Moreover women’s views and ideas were increasingly represented on those occasions. 2 Innovation capacity development The expected outcome of the project’s capacity development component is strengthened innovation capacity of farmers, pastoralists, community-based and private sector organizations, and agriculture and natural resource management public organizations to support the development of small-holder, market-oriented agricultural production systems. In this section, a summary of the on-going capacity development activities is presented together with an assessment of the achievements of the intended outputs and outcomes. 2.1 Strengthening capacity of public sector partners 2.1.1 Capacity development of educational institutions  See MSC/BSc training 2.1.2 MSc/BSc education  Four (4) more students, nominees from zonal/regional partners, were enrolled for their MSc education in local Universities. Since these 4 students were late entries it was made clear that IPMS would not be able to take responsibility for their MSc thesis work. The total number of staff sponsored for tuition at MSc/BSc level 7 remains 124 (57 female). Four students, who previously were reported as having entered the Universities, were in fact not on study for various reasons, and thus removed from the list (see Annex 3 for details).  Twelve more students successfully defended their thesis research during the reporting period, bringing to 60 the total number of IPMS sponsored students (tuition/thesis or thesis only) who have so far successfully defended their MSc thesis research.  Another 40 graduate students are presently at various stages of their thesis research. 2.1.3 Participatory market oriented extension/development  Following the previous training (training-of- trainers) on Basic Concepts and Methods of Rapid Market Appraisal and Linking Farmers with Markets, the Woreda Experts in Fogera reported providing briefings to the DAs while they are visiting their respective PAs.  Training manual on participatory market oriented extension has been translated into Afan Oromo upon the request of Oromia BoARD. The manual is sent to reviewers for further corrections. The review of the Amharic version of the manual (prepared during the previous reporting period) was completed and has been posted on the project website.  WoARD staff members in Alaba PLW were trained in market data collection and dissemination. 2.1.4 Knowledge management/GIS/promotion  A field orientation and practical training on how to use GPS for communal grazing land delineation was provided by a GIS HQ staff for two IPMS and WoARD staff in Fogera. In Goma, DAs and SMS received a similar one day practical training in support of farm data recording.  Trainings on the use of computers, especially for FTC staff, were reportedly conducted in Ada’a, Dale and Atsbi. Through the training, the use of computer- based teaching material, CDs and hard copies was encouraged. 2.1.5 Gender, HIV/AIDS  Following the gender and HIV/AIDS mainstreaming capacity development activities conducted in all PLWs last year, a training manual on ‘Gender and HIV/AIDS Mainstreaming’ was developed and currently in press. This training manual will be ready for distribution by next month. The manual would be helpful in conducting similar training as a part of the scaling out/up activities of the project within the Woreda, zone and beyond IPMS mandate area. It can be used also as the main tool and guide for TOT training which is going to be conducted by the project at zonal level.  Extension training on the mainstreaming of gender and HIV/AIDS with planning workshop was conducted during the last six month 8 2.1.6 Environmental awareness and assessment training  Training on environmental assessment was conducted in Alamata for DAs from all PAs and a woreda technical committee comprised of food security, health and water resource. Training was also provided to DAs and farmers on natural resource conservation. 2.1.7 Monitoring and evaluation training  At the request of the MoARD, a training workshop on Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation was organized in Debre Zeit. Twenty-one experts drawn from different Directorates of the MoARD participated in the four-day workshop. The main objective of the workshop was to contribute to the institutionalization of RBM&E in agricultural research and development organizations through strengthening the skills of the experts.  The draft M & E manual was revised using new terminologies used by CIDA and other international development agencies. The guide had been reviewed by two external reviewers, and their comments and recommendations have been addressed in the revised version. 2.1.8 Technical skills and infrastructure development  Technical training to staff was provided to facilitate the scaling of production technologies for priority commodities in all Woredas, The resource persons were mostly Woreda SMS, staff from the Regional BoARD, Research Institutions, and, in a few cases, hired consultants (on fodder utilization). Most of the PLWS conducted simultaneous training to staff and lead farmers. An overview of the training conducted in each PLW is shown in Annex 2.  The long awaited 50 motorcycles (5 per PLW) were finally released with the help of the MoARD and have been collected by the chairpersons of the WALCs.  Several PLWs purchased demonstration materials for their FTCs, including non targeted FTCs. All targeted FTCs (4/PLW) have now been fully equipped with all the furniture and equipment. It is interesting to note that in Ada’a PLW, farmers in one PA neighboring a targeted FTC raised funds to purchase computer equipment for “their own” FTC. 2.1.9 Innovation system and marketing research capacity development  As a follow up to gaps identified in the research system, IPMS in collaboration with ILRI’s CAST and ILRI’s research methods group provided training to the staff of the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute on i) writing convincing proposals and scientific writing and ii) research methods training (see Annex 2 for details).  The manual on “Application of Innovation System Principles for Research and Development” has been edited and is at the ILRI Publications Unit for reproduction. 2.1.10 Capacity Development scaling out and up 9  Scaling out workshops at zonal levels for Tigray and Amhara regions were completed in 2008 and 2009. Similar workshops were planned to be held in Zones, where the PLWs are located, in the Oromia Regions. After discussions with the concerned zonal heads of agriculture and administration, programs were developed and preparations completed. However, both planned workshops were cancelled due to urgent programs of the Federal and Regional governments, which engaged zonal and woreda agricultural experts, passed on to the zonal levels.  Staff from Alaba and Dale acted as resource persons for a training on agricultural marketing, which was organized by the SNNPRS BoARD in Butajira town during May 18 to 20 for 80 staff drawn from Woreda and zonal staff in the SNNPRS. The training was mainly based on the TOT training previously provided by IPMS to the resource persons.  The head quarter project staff in collaboration with ILRI’s CAST has started developing a concept note on: “A Strategy to Smallholder Commercialization in Ethiopia” for policy makers. Also, an outline has been prepared on: “Concepts, approaches, methods, and processes for market oriented small holder development: lessons from the IPMS experiences” The latter document will eventually be used for the wider scaling and up of IPMS approaches and best practices. 2.2 Strengthening capacity - farmers & private sector 2.2.1 Skills development farmers/pastoralists  In all PLWs, skills enhancement activities were carried out, through various knowledge management techniques – see field days (see knowledge sharing section) as well as formal training. Most trainings were attended by lead farmers, DAs and SMS. Several PLWs used lead farmers as resource persons for the training. Most PLWS aimed and made effort to have a balanced participation of gender in the trainings (see Annex 2 for details) 2.2.2 Skills development private sector and cooperatives  Development of skills of private sector partners consists of on the job training/technical assistance by project/OoARD staff. An example is the newly established private shop for apiculture supplies in Fogera and the input supply shops for agro chemicals in Bure. Other input supply shops in Metama, Alaba, Goma Miesso, continue to receive technical advice.  Where a larger number of private sector partners are involved more formal training is provided including a refreshment training of the paravets in Alaba and Mieso In Bure, traders received training in the value addition of agricultural products. Another group was exposed to feed preparation for poultry and dairy. In Fogera training in value addition was provided to members of 2 small local associations. Such training is conducted with the help of staff from Trade and Industry. 10 2.2.3 Skills development farmers/private sector partners for scaling out/up  WoARD staff and DAs from Awassa Zuria, Wendogenet and Wensho woreds in Sidama zone visited farmers in Dale to share the experience of grafted fruit seedlings production and a different and alternative approach used in haricot beans seed production in the PLW. They also visited IPMS supported FTCs (Gane and D.Kege) sharing the experience of making FTCs more effective in serving their communities. The visit was facilitated by Dale WoA SMS as part of the Region’s skill development program for farmers carried out in June 2009. The events created opportunity to reach more farmers in the Sidama Zone 2.3 Developing institutional linkages and culture of sharing 2.3.1 WALC/RALC/NALC  WALC meetings were held in most PLWS, discussions focused on project implementation issues such as Woreda budget utilization, credit performance and sharing of lessons learned on approaches and interventions. Several WALCs also organized knowledge sharing events – see knowledge management section.  RALC meetings were held in 3 Regions (Tigray, Amhara and SNNPRS) with IPMS HQ staff to discuss the scaling out of IPMS approaches and interventions in a follow up project. In Oromia, a discussion was held on the same topic with the RALC chair.  The Amhara RALC organized a workshop in which the 3 PLWs presented their findings. In Oromia a RALC meeting was held to brief the new RALC on the IPMS activities. 2.3.2 Woreda commodity platforms  Commodity platforms or stakeholder meetings were convened in several PLWS to discuss progress and/or to discuss new opportunities. The IFAD fodder project, which is partnering with IPMS in 4 PLWs (Atsbi, Alamata, Ada’a and Mieso), is also organizing stakeholder meetings around fodder issues. It is interesting to observe that in Ada’a this grouping has moved to a dairy value chain stakeholder orientation, reflecting the need for value chain development. 2.3.3 Other linkage events  In all PLWS linkages are made between different value chain actors including linkages with research, private companies for either the supply of inputs and/or the marketing of products. Examples are the linkage of the Bure honey cooperative with private honey traders in Addis and linkage with Axum Green line trading for vegetable production  IPMS staff also participates in platform meetings organized by other projects, in particular the SNV BOAM project dairy and apiculture platforms.  Most PLWs are also active members of the zonal REAC. 11 2.4 Assessment outputs and outcomes innovation capacity development The capacity development of public sector staff for a more market oriented agricultural development system is mostly progressing according to plan Four more students were entered for their MSc education in local Universities, bringing the total number of students enrolled to 124 (57 female). Twelve more students successfully defended their thesis research. A total of 60 MSc students sponsored by IPMS (tuition/thesis or thesis only) have now successfully defended their MSc thesis research. Another 40 are presently at various stages of their thesis research. The students are exposed to new research and development concepts, through their thesis research projects. They conduct their research projects on topics “demanded” by the development actors. Secondly the orientation of the research is systematically aligned with a broader development framework – value chain, innovation system. Thirdly, students are expected to present both their research proposal and findings to the stakeholders such as WALC. It is observed that several of these “new style’ graduates are already playing important roles in influencing the direction of the agricultural development system. Greater impact is expected in the longer term. Training in topics important for market oriented agricultural development including participatory extension is taken up by the Regions. The Amharic translation of the manual which was completed during the previous reporting period has been posted on the IPMS website. The draft TOT manual produced by the project is now also translated into Afan Oromo and is being reviewed by the appropriate HQ staff. Demand for marketing extension is high, additional training scheduled for the second half of the year, after a review of the draft manual. Regional BoARDs are actively pursuing capacity development in market assessment and farmer linkages to markets, in part based on the materials developed by IPMS. In this reporting period examples were observed in Amhara RS and SNNPRS. This development shows that there is an increased recognition by the public sector that participatory methods and skills development in marketing are crucial elements for the extension system. Training in knowledge management, in particular the use of computers is on-going and especially targeting DAs posted in FTCs equipped with computer facilities. Again demand for this type of capacity development is high, indicating the need for developing the computing skills in the extension system. At the request of the MoARD a special course was organized for its staff on Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation, based on the manual developed by IPMS. Similarly, the project assisted the Oromiya Agricultural Research Institute with courses on basic research methods and proposal writing. Toolkits for diagnosing gender and HIV/AIDS problems are widely distributed and the training in mainstreaming gender and HIV/AIDS (conducted last year) is resulting in many DAs now actively taking these aspects into account during their planning and program implementation. In most PLWs, HAPCO and Woreda Gender Office staff are 12 now linked to the WoARD in gender and HIV/AIDS related activities. For example in Fogera, the plans prepared at FTC level by health workers during the training have been shared with the regional and zonal HAPCO and now the progress and the implementation of the plan are followed up by the office. This development shows the potential for such inter institutional linkages for the benefit of the actors involved. Technical training for public sector staff, farmers and private entrepreneurs continued based on needs. Most of the training is delivered by regional and/or woreda specialist staff. Staff from the Office of Trade and Industry is actively partnering with the project for value addition training of traders. Most PLW take care to ensure women participation in these events. Four (4) FTCs in each PLW are now fully equipped and functional. It is interesting to note that in Ada’a Woreda, farmers in other PLWs have started contributing to the purchase of equipment for their own FTC. The planned capacity development for the scaling out and up to neighboring Woreda was delayed in Oromia Region due to last minute cancellation of the scheduled introductory workshops. The project staff in collaboration with ILRI’s CAST has started working on a concept note on: “A Strategy to Smallholder Commercialization in Ethiopia” for policy makers. Also, an outline has been prepared on: “Concepts, approaches, methods, and processes for market oriented small holder development: lessons from the IPMS experiences” The latter document will eventually be used for the wider scaling and up of IPMS approaches and best practices. The innovation capacity of farmers and private sector partners for a more market oriented agricultural development in the PLWs has yielded tangible results in terms of commodity development, including impact on gender, HIV/AIDS and the environment (see commodity development section). WALCs have played a more active role in the program planning and implementation, partly as a result of the budget responsibility. 3. Participatory planning/implementation 3.1 Participatory planning/implementation The main objective of this year’s program is to scale out and up the participatory commodity value chain approach within the PLWs. Responsibility for such scaling out is with the staff of the OoARD/PRD while the project will provide its support in terms of technical assistance and operational funding. The draft PLW program of work and budget were reviewed by IPMS HQ staff to provide technical feedback as well as to harmonize cost items between the different PLWs. Most PLWs organized meetings with the stakeholders to review the comments and the budgets and then started implementing the programs in the targeted PAs. 13 The necessary credit for innovations was organized in support of program implementation. Revolving funds have been used for quite a few new credit proposals. Mieso which had not benefited from the credit scheme so far, was issued funds channeled through the Oromiya Credit and Savings Share Company from the neighboring Asebe Tefari Branch for fattening projects. Some new credit was also issued in Alaba through the Alaba Omo Micro Finance Branch while the Menchone Unit in Alaba returned part of the unutilized funds. An overview of the credit channeled to the PLWs/lending institutions is shown in Annex 4. Each of the credit institutions has been asked to report on the loan performance. 3.2 Participatory value chain development livestock commodities 3.2.1 Dairy development In Ada’a  The dairy shed in Ada’a is expanding into Godino in partnership with the other project. About 15 farmers received cross bred cows from EMDTI and government ranches. These farmers were advised to produce green fodder as animal feed for their dairy cows. Farmers allocated plots of land for animal feed and about 10 of them have started to sell milk. In order to improve the blood level of both local and crossbred animals, a private AI technician provided insemination services to about 30 cows. About 60% of the cows are now pregnant. Very few farmers (two in Godino and three in Denkaka PAs) use urea molasses treated straw as feed for their animals. The low adoption rate is mainly due to high cost and unavailability of inputs like urea and molasses, high labor requirement and high cost of the plastic sheets. Alternative options are being explored  Oat seeds multiplied last year were reproduced by farmers who participated in multiplication in 2008 with their own seeds. About 4 farmers from Ude PA produced both forage for animal feed and seed for themselves. Farmers growing elephant grass have also expanded to new plots  Private bull services with exotic animals continued in Denkaka, Ude and Gendegorba PAs. Debre Zeit EIAR distributed an additional 4 bulls in Denkaka, Ude and Gendegroba PAs. Another farmer in Ude provides bull service to the community. The presence of many bulls in one area will help to reduce the risk of inbreeding. Farmers charge Birr 30-50 per mating. Four farmers have received training on record keeping, bull restraining techniques, feeding and health management. The idea of bull service was first initiated by IPMS and taken over by partners and private individuals  There are four private AI service providers in Ada’a, one dropped out because he changed his career to teaching. One of the private AI service providers was a government employee and now has established his own private business. He is linked with the Land o’Lakes dairy project and uses imported semen and charges Birr 100 per insemination. The other private AI technician is a part time worker who was earlier employed by Ada’a Dairy cooperative. Another private AI technician supported by IPMS is operational in Godino and Gendegorba PAs. This technician has faced problems with supply of semen, liquid nitrogen and 14 means of transport. He reported delivery of 30 inseminations at Birr 30 per mating. The demand for AI service is high but there are bottlenecks in terms of shortage of semen and liquid nitrogen  A private drug supply shop in Godino PA offers veterinary services. Since the number of farmers who own dairy cows in Godino has started to increase, this shop plans to offer concentrate feed in the future  A dairy marketing group has been formed in Godino with 30 members. Farmers have linked themselves with private milk collectors and have they’ve also contracted a horse cart at Birr 100 per month per farmer to transport milk from Godino to Debre Zeit (a distance of 10 km). The Ada’a dairy co-operative has recently agreed to collect milk from Godino which this is a big start to expand dairy to rural areas. A trained woman farmer has been hired by the Godino milk group to test for adulteration before sending the milk to collection centres. Farmers in Godino have also been trained in milk processing using milk processing equipment provided for free by the Rural Capacity Building Project (RCBP)  Milk collection from the Denkaka/Ude area continued, the number of farmers and volume is increasing.  A dairy platform has been formed with a linkage to fodder production. Crossbred cows were obtained because of this platform. The initiation of this platform was brought about by partners who showed that our approach is gaining acceptance  Weekly livestock prices are posted on billboards provided to model FTCs. In Alaba  A visit was organized for 10 urban dairy farmers (1 female) to Wolayta Sodo from April 13-15, 2009. An SMS who is the extension process owner also participated in this visit which focused on breeding bull management, forage production, housing and dairy cattle management  About 3000 elephant grass cuttings were supplied to urban dairy groups for forage development  A refreshment training was conducted from April 9- 13,2009 for CAHWs (community animal health workers). The 5 day training involved demonstration, practical work, as well as question and answer sessions. The resource people were drawn from the OoARD  The Food security project run by LVIA will re-start in October/November 2009. A joint discussion was held with IPMS, OoARD, and LVIA to work on newly recruited paravets (community animal health workers). LVIA agreed to provide tool kits for 11 new paravets in the coming reporting period  Market information collection and dissemination continued in Alaba PLW in three of the main market sites (Kulito, Besheno and Guba) using billboards. However, staff turnover resulted in irregular dissemination of information. To overcome the problem, training was organized on market data collection and dissemination for 13 staff (2 women) from September 22-23,2009 to help newly assigned staff assume their responsibilities 15  Two billboards were maintained in Kulito and Guba markets during the reporting period  In spite of power failures in the Kulito Market, dissemination of market information & agriculture related information including Gender and HIV/AIDS issues was undertaken intermittently over 6 months  Four billboards were constructed and kept at 4 model FTCs and it is also expected that the billboards will be used for market information dissemination at the FTCs. In Fogera  Dehansit Dairy Cooperative collected a total of 18,252 liters milk from members during the last six months. The total expense during the same period was 73,374 including payment for milk, salary, sanitary cost and DSA for the accountant. The gross revenue was Birr 78,986 and the net profit was Birr 5,522  Seasonal trypanosomes control and awareness raising activities have been underway following the rainy season. From August and September 2009, control measures were undertaken on a total of 2,916 cattle in six highly (tryps) infested Kebeles which are supported by the project. More intervention is expected to be conducted in the coming 4-5 months  Following the IPMS and Fogera OoARD trypanosomes control intervention approach in six highly infested Kebeles over the last 4 years, CARE-South Gondar, an NGO, has allocated Birr 245,000 for tryps control as a revolving fund which has been handled by one of primary cooperative in the Woreda. Purchase of Veridium (prophylaxis), Diminazan (curative), pour-on sprayers and syringes is being processed by the Regional Veterinary Department  Bull service - Four Fogera and one Holstein Friesian bulls and AI have been utilized to improve the genetic makeup of dairy cows to boost milk production in the Woreda. The farmer who owns the Holstein Friesian bull charges Birr 30 per service, while those who own the Fogera bulls provide their service free of charge  Forage development - Three types of forage development interventions have been initiated to supply feed to the dairy cows and fattened animals, as an input during this reporting period. These are: o ‘Amicala’ weed clearance and livestock exclusion - ‘Amicala’ clearance coupled with livestock exclusion is expanding into more Kebeles in the Woreda. Between 2007 and 2009, a total of 394.5 ha of land has been cleared from ‘Amicala’ weed and 96.75 ha has been kept as an enclosure area. Although it was a slow start, the activity now has the momentum and 28.2% of weed clearance activities and 89.6% of area enclosing were implemented in 2009 o Back yard forage development strategy - Forage development intervention at the private level is underway in two Kebeles (Alember and Woreta Zuria) on 20 farmers’ fields. All of them keep dairy cows and supply milk to the cooperatives at Alember and Woreta town. Each farmer has allocated 0.4 ha of land for Napier grass, Sesbania, and Rhodes grass. The forage is now properly managed and farmers have started feeding their livestock using cut and carry system (especially Napier grass). 16  Andassa Livestock Research Center provided the fodder planting materials. These forage species have been planted around Rib and Gumara Rivers for retaining wall stabilization and gully control which will be used for cut and carry system to feed livestock. In Bure  IPMS project organized experience sharing tours and provided forage planting materials to dairy farmers  Farmers, DAs and experts acquired lessons on backyard forage development, dairy cow management and marketing of dairy products  About 10 forage species including fodder beet were distributed to dairy farmers in two urban and two rural PAs for backyard forage development  Farmers started establishing grazing land enclosures, crop residue treatment with urea and purchasing of formulated feed for their dairy cows. As a result, farmers in peri-urban PAs supplied milk to the cooperative for the first time and the overall volume of milk supplied to the cooperative has increased  The challenge for dairy development in the PLW is inadequate supply of crossbred heifers. To solve this problem, IPMS project linked the Bure Damot dairy cooperative with a dairy union in north Shoa zone for the supply of crossbred heifers. As a result, about 26 cross-bred dairy heifers have been purchased and introduced to Bure by a private supplier and the cooperative during the reporting period  In addition, the AI service is not adequate in the PLW and IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center introduced private bull service  IPMS project provided technical advice to an individual to supply and market industrial by-products as feed for dairy farmers at Bure  Bure Damot dairy cooperative is now linked to oilseed milling factory owners and a formulated dairy feed producer. Consequently, the cooperative supplied about 8 tons of formulated feed to its members during this reporting period  Private bull service has started in this reporting period to improve the inefficient AI service provided by the OoARD  Dairy farmers access forage planting material from the FTCs demonstration and seed multiplication activities of each PA. Consequently, they have planted elephant grass, oats, cow pea, sesbania, fodder beet and Rhodes grass in their backyard. The area covered by forage crops per household ranged from 0.04 ha to 0.25 ha  IPMS project, in collaboration with OoARD and BoARD marketing departments, continued to collect and distribute market price of dairy products to users every week  IPMS project in collaboration with ACSI had provided Birr 12,500 as credit for Bure Damot dairy cooperative for the purchase of a deep freezer, a mule and a cart for milk collection from distant areas in 2008. As a result, the volume of milk supplied to the shop and sold to end users has increased. In Alamata 17  Forage seed distribution and planting - For forage multiplication, 2.25 ha of legumes and grasses, 400m of pigeon pea have been planted on 6 PAs on contract basis with farmers during the rainy season  Twenty five (25) farmers in Gerjele, L/Dayu and Timuga PAs planted cowpea, alfalfa, Rhodes grass and elephant (Napier) grass cuttings. Most of the forage seeds planted at multiplication sites almost failed due to shortage of rainfall (late onset and early cessation)  The 3 quintals of forage legumes and grasses already planted in the FTCs have also faced similar problems and seeds have not been harvested  Privatized bull services (exotic and local) - To improve the genetic base, IPMS in collaboration with World Vision facilitated the delivery of 4 bulls to 4 farmers in 4 PAs enhancing the private bull service in the PLW. The exotic bulls owned have serviced 38 cows in their respective PAs. Except for the private bull owner in the town, all bull owners in 4 PAs provided bull service at no charge. Bull owners are usually discouraged due to shortage and high cost of feed. In addition, farmers are unwilling to pay for bull service and consider it as taboo. Similarly, AI service in the PLW was also low due to the drought. In Dale  After a number of discussions with the cooperative and farmers in 12 Kebeles and field tour visit to Ada’a, the cooperative was finally officially opened in September 2009. The cooperative has started milk collection and processing at its shop at Abosto that was financed by the government. However, more work is needed to start milk collection from the surrounding 12 Kebeles for processing and to create market link for supply of liquid milk and butter to Awassa and Dilla. In Mieso  Introduction of MUM use in three new PAs (Buri, Godachele, and Fayo). Range and pasture land rehabilitation has expanded to 7 PAs and back yard fodder development has expanded to 12 PAs  Facilitated the establishment of one MUM supplier in Bordode town and trained additional paravets in 3 PAs  Facilitated linkage between a milk processor at Awash and 30 women. Milk market monitoring was undertaken in Messo, Asebot, Bordode, Asebe Teferi and Awash towns (Husemendhera, Torebeyo, Gorbo). As part of value addition, milk quality tests (Lactometer and Alcohol Tests) were introduced in Buri and Godachele PA involving 45 women and 5 men. In Gomma  Strengthening Agaro Dairy Farmers Association - The Agaro Milk Producers Association has now been formed through IPMS’ initiation and has opened an office in Agaro town. The association has produced its bylaws and annual action plan. Through the linkage created with Jima Dairy association, one member of the Agaro Dairy Association participated in Worldwide Sires (WWS) AI service training organized in Jima Town 18  Forage development -The unavailability of forage seed in the PLW persisted as a major limiting factor for fodder development. To fill this gap, IPMS initiated a farmer-based forage seed production strategy. The approach was implemented by a few farmers in the 2007/8 production season and about 13 kg of cow pea was collected from farmers. In the 2008/9 production year, the Livestock Agency expanded the approach with provision of various forage seeds from Alaba and Sodo forage seed shops. As a result, farmer-based forage seed multiplication has been undertaken on 8 farmers’ plots in 5 PAs of the Woreda and at the moment these forage species (lablab, cow pea and Rhodes grass) are at their flowering stages. 3.2.2 Fattening small ruminants In Atsbi  Forage development for sheep - The forage development effort has continued as an input for fattening, dairy and beekeeping development. During the rainy season of 2009, the WALC and the community agreed to expand and scale out forage developments in four PAs namely Golgol-Naele, Felege-weyni, Rubafeleg and Gebrekidan. Hence, about 207,000 Phalaris split and 37,100 legume shrubs were planted on 321 ha of land. The WALC lead the overall forage development activities while IPMS supported the transport of planting materials and per diem expenses of WALC and OoARD. The Woreda offices provided vehicles to transport split and seedlings. The PA administrations on their part mobilized the community in loading and unloading the phalaris split and seedlings, preparing the forage sites and planting. In Goma  Scaling out sheep fattening intervention - Sheep fattening has been demonstrated at Kilole PA with two new approaches: introduction of supplementary feed and community based livestock insurance, and the result of the intervention was promising. The supplementary feed shortened the fattening period from 6 to 3 months  The importance of community insurance scheme got great acceptance by the community. The Woreda Livestock Agency has already picked up these best practices for scaling out to more PAs of the Woreda. Omo Gurude and Kota PAs are among the target areas for scaling out these practices in rural villages. Two urban youth and women groups were also targeted for scaling out by the Agaro Office of Urban Agriculture  In the scaling out exercise, experts proposed the use of wheat bran to enhance energy requirement of the animals and thus in addition to 300 gm of cottonseed meal 200 gram of wheat bran was included and a cost benefit analysis was done based on these inputs  Scaling out in Kilole PA and urban fattening group and challenges - Kilole is a PA where sheep fattening with new approaches was first tested. After analyzing the outcome of the first cycle of fattened animals, the pros and cons of the new approach were assessed. Kilole PA also participated in scaling out of the 19 fattening intervention with a few participants due to defaulters in credit repayment. Based on their earlier experience, the group members appreciated the community based safety net and expressed their willingness to continue the insurance with their new fattening exercise. However, some farmers suggested stopping the use of cottonseed meal (CSM) to start using grain mill collected from their localities instead. The reasoning was that the use of CSM will minimize their profit. After a thorough discussion, out of 27 members, 21 farmers rejected the use of concentrates while the other 6 farmers expressed their interest to continue the use of CSM for fattening lambs. The controversy over the new practice was raised after the loan was released and group members who rejected use of cottonseed meal demanded to get back the amount of cash allocated for CSM purchase. For those six farmers who wanted to continue use of concentrate about 6.3 quintals of cotton seed meal was purchased and transported to Kilole PA  Urban fattening group - many of the members managed to fatten according to the recommended time budget while some failed to achieve the target. The cost of grain mill leftover was analyzed and found to be more or less equivalent to CSM and after understanding this many of the fattening group members agreed to use CSM instead of grain mill leftover  Scaling out in Kota and Omo Gurude PA - Kota and Omo Gurude PA in rural areas are where Goma Livestock Agency started its first scaling out exercise and exercised the followed steps o Awareness creation discussion o Targeting of the beneficiaries o Technical training on fattening techniques by Livestock Agency Office o Linking with OCSSCO o Training on credit and saving management by OCSSCo staff o Credit disbursement facilitation o Linking to concentrate producers o Monitoring and Evaluation  In these new Pas, farmers used cottonseed meal and wheat bran as recommended and the majority managed to sell their first batch of sheep at a very attractive price and have now embarked upon the second cycle  Farmers’ perception towards use of supplementary feed - Many of the group members managed to sell the first batch of sheep. The majority of participating farmers witnessed the positive impact of supplementary feed on body weight gain in a short period of time and this has initiated quite large number of ‘copy farmers’ to start fattening. Moreover, request for supplementary feed from non target farmers is also increasing in areas where the first cycle of fattening was completed. However, further assessment will be made to find out the impact of the intervention on non-target farmers  Community based safety-net and the issue of incentive for insurance committee - In Kota PA three beneficiaries claimed for replacement of dead lambs. The sub group and the insurance committee reviewed the request and approved the replacement request. However, the insurance committee has to come to Agaro to process the release of money from OCSSCo and prior to the implementation of 20 the activity, the daily allowance and transport costs of the committee was not considered as an issue. As a solution, the insurance committee members themselves decided to collect about 36 birr from each individual who lost the lamb. But this measure ignited conflict of interest among the beneficiaries. Of the three farmers who claimed for the insurance some complained that the amount decided by the committee is not fair and refused to collect the replacement. According to the bylaws, when such issues arise it is the mandate of the general assembly to discuss and develop a permanent mechanisms for dealing with such issues  Accordingly, the assembly met and discussed it in the presence of DAs, SMS, OCSSCo and IPMS staff and came up with solutions. Some of the options forwarded by the members included letting the person who lost the lamb collect the money from OCSSco provided that the committee approved the request, but the OCSSco representative rejected the idea explaining that it is the committee who’s authorized in terms of insurance payments and OCSSco’s rules and regulations do not allow for such kind of financial release. Overall, all members agreed on the need to pay transport and DSA to the insurance committee and out of the different rates that were suggested 20 birr per committee member (12 birr transport plus 8 birr meal cost) or a total of 60 birr per committee per trip was approved. However, the rate needs further refining and clarification because this rate could be too high when the replacement is for a single member and also some times the insurance committee could possibly move to Agaro more than one time for a single case which means that more costs will be incurred. Thus, options such as using Idir or Ikub as an insurance capital preserving spot within the PA were forwarded for discussion  Among the Agaro urban fattening group, one member had a sick sheep sick and slaughtered it before it died. He sold the meat to his neighbors and later applied for insurance. The members were aware of this and denied him the insurance explaining that the committee should have been informed as per the regulations before he slaughtered the sheep and sold the meat  Another interesting incident occurred in Omo Gurude PA. In this case the sheep was sick and the husband decided to slaughter it before it died while his wife refused because she realized that the insurance committee would not replace it. This indicates that the community based insurance scheme is understood by the community  Women and fattening activity - Observation among the fattening group showed that women farmers purchased the recommended number of sheep and provided better management of the animals compared to male group members. Among the urban fattening group, women also fetched the highest profit in the first cycle because of good management. In the scaling out operation, more than 50 percent of the members are women farmers and in some of the groups, members are all women. IPMS stresses the importance of engagement of women in the fattening program  Major challenges in scaling out sheep fattening and possible options - Both target and non target farmers are more interested in the innovative approach in sheep fattening and demand for inputs such as cottonseed meal is increasing. To this end 21 lack of commercial feed at PA level was a major problem limiting farmers to continue with sheep fattening. Farmers suggested the opening of feed shops at their villages. So far, one village level shop owner has shown interest in the business and. In Alaba  From August 27-29, 2009, a discussion was held on “Shoat Model” to address problems along the value chain in 3 sites (Asore, Bedene and Germa PAs) with a total of 122 farmers (22 women)  Training was held for urban Shoat group (6 male and 1 female) from May 29-31, 2009 involving orientation on animal health, demonstration of urea treatment and urea molasses block.  CAHWs (Community Animal Health Service) started in April 2007 with 6 paravets in the Woreda. Refreshment training was conducted from April 9 to 13/2009 for these CAHWs. The 5 day training involved demonstration, practical work, as well as question and answer sessions. The resource people were drawn from the OoARD.The scaling out plan has now targeted 12 CAHWs in 12 PAs and basic trainings are to be provided in the coming months  Sheep groups introduced local forages in Hulegeba Kukie (10 households all male) and Galato PAs (40 households all female). Establishment of forage seed bank is still to be worked out  In a bid to promote forage dissemination and use in the PLW and increase sheep and goat productivity, IPMS project provided 1305 Dubo “bunch of grass” for 15 HH in Hulgeba Kukie PA, 1350 Dubo for 28 HHs, 1110 Dubo for 24 households in Gerema PA and 1412 Dubo for 21 households in Asore PAs. 113.4 kg oat was planted and 6070 elephant cuttings for 4 PAs. In Layegnaw Bedene PA, desho grass was established on 0.25 ha by Zeynu Hordofa who plans to sell forage in the future. It is expected that the sale of forage will help dissemination without external input.The previously established nursery site continued to serve as a centre for distribution of forages and fruits in the PLW  Two of the animal feed shop owners (Ato Endale Rago and Gizaw Assefa) continued to supply Urea Molasses Block (UMB). Total amount of UMB sold was 59.5 kg and the income was 375 Birr. The need for market promotion and linkage with farmers group, training on product diversification, labelling and marketing is still recommended  IPMS project contacted Ethiopian Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Project (ESGPIP) in the South. ESGPIP provided 3 exotic rams on August 18, 2009 for 3 sites of shoat groups in Layegnaw Bedene, Germa and Asore  Since the food security project run by LVIA will re-start in October/ November 2009, a joint discussion was held to work on newly recruited paravets. LVIA agreed to provide tool kits for 11 new paravets in the coming reporting period  Market information collection and dissemination continued in Alaba PLW in three of the main market sites (Kulito, Besheno and Guba) using billboards (see dairy commodity). 22 In Fogera  Following the introduction of Washera ram in one Kebele 2 years ago and its good performance, in terms of economical and social value, high demand was created in more Kebeles in the Woreda. In our previous report, we mentioned their fast growth rate and ability of serving more ewes, and the breed was appreciated by more farmers in the village  During our activities in the past year, 3 Washera rams and 1 Washera ewe were bought and introduced to one new PA in Guramaba. Data will be collected and reported in the next progress report  The Woreda OoARD asked Adet research Center for a Washera ram and they agreed to provide up to 20 ewes in the coming 2-3 months. In Bure  Sheep breeding and fattening is an important income generating activity for youth and women farmers. IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center trained farmers, DAs and experts on improved sheep production technologies. Moreover, a sheep breeding and fattening platform has been established at the Woreda level to improve the productivity of two local sheep breeds. Improved sheep production technologies started in eight model PAs. During this reporting period, about 819 sheep are being fattened by 341 farmers using improved sheep fattening practices  IPMS project introduced and demonstrated forage production (sesbania, elephant grass, oat, Desmodium, cow pea and Rhodes grass) in the backyards of sheep rearing and fattening farmers at Beko Tabo, Fetam-Sentom, Alefa, Zeyewshewen, Arbisi, Zalema & Wundegi PAs. Farmers started crop (wheat) residue treatment with urea for sheep fattening. In addition they have started communal grazing land enclosure and rotational grazing system in Wangedam, Wundegi and Arbisi PAs  IPMS project released 420,000 birr in credit to support sheep fattening activities in Bure through ACSI. So far Birr 372,000 has been distributed to 93 sheep fattening farmers  Farmers engaged in sheep breeding and fattening activities are linked to a cattle fattening cooperative (Andenet cattle fattening farmers cooperative) for feed supply and now have access to wheat bran, cotton seed cake, noug and seed cake at reasonable prices. In addition, they are also linked to a formulated animal feed producer in Finoteselam for the supply of concentrates  IPMS project in collaboration with the OoARD established a forage planting material multiplication system by growing adaptable and high yielding forage crops in the FTCs of Arbisi, Alefa, Wundegi, Zalema, Zeyewshewen and Fetamsentom. Interested sheep fattening farmers can access these forage planting materials from the FTCs  IPMS project in collaboration with the marketing team of OoARD and BoARD, collects market prices of sheep and disseminates them to users every week. In addition, sheep fattening farmers through Andenet cattle fattening cooperative are now linked to Birshelko military camp and ASHRAF meat processing factory for better market opportunities. 23 In Mieso  Credit proposal and business plan development for 3 women goat groups in 3 PAs with total beneficiaries of 235 women was prepared. Linkages were made with OCSSCo. Fund (105,750 Birr) will be disbursed in October 2009 to fatten 705 male goats per 2-3 months/cycle  Consolidation of these 3 women marketing groups in collective input output marketing. Quest for linkage with the export abattoirs is on-going  There are several people who make their basic living from goat business (transporters, casual laborers, loaders, small shop business operators, animal feed sellers and people who give barn services to the animals)  There are a few local assemblers who manage to transport 3-6 trucks of small ruminants per week to the export abattoirs at Modjo and Debre Zeit  See dairy interventions for production and input supply interventions. Scaling out of goat fattening business is underway. 3.2.3 Fattening large ruminants In Ada’a  Cattle fattening usually start in September targeting the Christmas market. Some farmers have purchased animals from Nazareth or Debre Zeit market. The majority of the farmers fatten retired oxen. IPMS trained farmers and DAs on modern fattening including selecting appropriate animals, housing, health, feeding and linkage to input and output market. Green feed production like elephant grass, alfalfa, oats and vetch were introduced. In Bure  Bure is ideal for cattle fattening since it has large number of cattle and huge amount of crop residue (feed resource). However, farmers did not practice year round cattle fattening. One of their reasons is shortage of feed during the dry season. IPMS project together with the OoARD promoted the possibility of year round cattle fattening using urea treated crop residue, other locally available feed resources and backyard forage production. In this reporting period 657 farmers from nine PAs started fattening 802 oxen for the upcoming Christmas market  Farmers started cattle fattening by feeding oilseed and cotton seed cakes purchased from Gonder, in addition to wheat straw mixed with local beer residue (atela). This practice is new to the PLW. In addition, the project distributed seeds of 10 forage species to cattle fattening farmers in 11 PAs to demonstrate the importance of backyard forage development. Moreover, some participant farmers reported the profitability of Rhodes production in the backyard for cattle fattening compared to maize production on the same plot of land. This demonstration activity created demand for forage seed supply in some PAs. Consequently, IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center introduced Rhodes grass, elephant grass, oats, Sesbania and Desmodium in the backyards of 177 cattle fattening farmers in this reporting period 24  The IPMS project released Birr 463,050 in credit for year round cattle fattening activity in 2007. Farmers paid back their credit on time. Considering the importance of the credit and beneficiaries request, IPMS project approved the request to revolve this credit fund for one more year. As a result, ACSI provided Birr 274,700.00 credit to 67 cattle fattening farmers living in four PAs in this reporting period  Farmers established a cattle fattening cooperative at Woreda level for collective input supply and marketing. This cooperative purchased cotton seed cake from Gonder and supplied to its members for cattle fattening activity. In addition, cattle fattening farmers are linked with locally available oil crop milling factory owners and a private animal feed producer to facilitate feed supply for the fattening activity  Cattle fattening farmers sell animals individually in the local market. However, IPMS organized farmers as a cooperative in order to sell their animals collectively both in the local and foreign markets. In addition, they are also linked to Birrshelko military camp and ASHRAF meat processing factory in Bahir Dar for marketing of fattened animals. Moreover, IPMS project collects and distributes market prices of cattle to users every week in collaboration with the marketing departments of the OoARD and BoARD. The demand for fattened animals was very low compared to last year. This could be due to the ongoing economic crisis. In Metema  The beginning of cattle fattening as a business in Metema has created a new production system. Animal feed collection and preservation, provision of veterinary service delivery and breeding local improved breed with local cows are some of new interventions that were initiated by IPMS. The OoARD staff started community mobilization in September 2009 for grass hay collection in all PAs. Production intervention including animal feeding and health care, concentrate mixing, urea treatment are some of the practices that the OoARD staff planned for the following fattening cycle. The results of the breed improvement test program, with the use of artificial insemination are being assessed  Privatized bull services – this intervention started in Gubie and Kokit PAs. However, monitoring the activity and data collection on the number of local cows served by Borena bulls and the number of calves by extension staff is still weak  Grass hay sale service - In Kumer PA, organized farmer groups started hay collection, baling and selling in 2008. In an attempt to scale out cattle fattening, the role played by the group is very important and the OoARD staff has started preparation to strengthen the existing group and to scale out the practice in 3 PAs  Livestock related input supply shops (drugs, concentrates) - Supply of concentrate feeds continued in 6 PAs. New private drug suppliers are also emerging in Genda Woha and Metema Yohannes towns. However, the linkage between the private input suppliers and the OoARD staff is loose and hence it was difficult to get reliable data on volume of sales. There is a need to legalize these suppliers through provision of training to make them qualify for the minimum standard for 25 licensing. However, this idea has not been accepted by the regulatory department officials  Market groups - Fattened animal marketing group was organized in Kokit PA in 2008. However, it has been observed that the service given by this group is inadequate. Therefore, fattened animals are sold individually by group members. The OoARD marketing process is expected to rehabilitate the existing group and to organize similar marketing groups in other PAs in the following fattening cycle  Provision of market information - After the implementation of the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), cattle price data is collected in four cattle market places (Gendwoha, Shinfa, Kokit and Meka) and the information is sent to Zonal and Regional Bureaus. The OoARD office is expected to provide price information for direct beneficiaries so that the information will be utilized by fatteners for decision making purposes  Market linkage - The Woreda office marketing process tried to link cattle traders in Metema to fatteners in Aderkay Woreda upon the request of the Zonal Office Agriculture and Rural Development  Credit service – During the reporting period, WALC conducted two meetings in July and August and discussed credit provision for cattle fatteners. It was decided that the rural finance office should urgently disperse the credit funds (received from IPMS) to beneficiaries. However, the fund has not yet been dispersed. In Mieso  Credit proposal preparations and business plan development for 3 cattle marketing groups with a total of 116 beneficiary households was completed and a linkage was created with OCSSCo, who received IPMS credit funds. The proposed 7,000 birr loan per farmer would buy 2 oxen at a time and manage 3 cycles per annum, that is 232 oxen per cycle and 696 oxen per year. Introduced life insurance system for oxen fatteners for Birr 100 per ox per cycle, totaling Birr 10,600. Introduced compulsory and voluntary saving system (Birr 20 and over per month)  Introduced improved oxen management including trough use, shade and isolation pen use for quarantine on animals’ arrival and when they get sick  Jointly developed proposal on feed resources and input supply business operation for 2 cattle fattening market groups for Birr 53,000 and 30,000, respectively. Linked producers with commercial feed supplement dealers, and vet drug shops at Nazareth. Linking one MUB supplier at Asebot with IRC for the sale of 500 MUB each weighing 1 kg sold for Birr 5.00 a piece  Facilitated the distribution of 375 kg cow pea; 55 kg lablab; 20 kg pigeon pea; 6 bundles of elephant grass; 30 kg buck wheat; about 5000 Sesbania and Luceanea seedlings  Facilitated the introduction of ‘Rabbis Vaccine’ and its administration  Market visit prior to buying animals and provision of cattle market information for 5 nearby towns. Market information compilation and dissemination at 4 FTC and PA levels  As part of institutionalizing regularized participatory monitoring and evaluation system, a stakeholders meeting is held every month. 26  Few farmers now generate a gross income of Birr 26,000 per cycle from 4 oxen fattening over a period of 4-6 months 3.2.4 Apiculture In Goma  About 20 interested honey producer farmers in Limu Sapa PA requested for the supply of transitional hives with credit and 120 transitional hives were distributed in March 2009. However, some of the farmers complained about the performance of the transitional hives and based on their complaints a team of experts drawn from Woreda Livestock Development Agency, IPMS staff, extension staff at grass root level (DAs and supervisor) was formed to do participatory assessment of the problems and to come up with solutions. A discussion was held with transitional bee hive owners. Farmers complained that the construction of the transitional hives did not follow the specification and as a result bee colonies failed to enter the hives or could not be retained. Based on the information from transitional hive owners, possible reasons for bees absconding were discussed and some of the transitional hives on farmers’ field were analyzed. Through participatory assessment a consensus was reached that the major challenge was not the bee hive construction but the overall management of the hives such as site selection, lack of compartment, hive orientation, placement, etc. Finally, an agreement was reached to conduct more practical trainings that focused on management of transitional hives to selected farmers so that they could share their skills and knowledge with other group members  A three day training was arranged at Jimma University to capacitate farmers on transitional hive management, small-scale processing and honey product post harvest management. Accordingly, 6 farmers and 2 DAs from Limu Sapa and Wojin Gudina honey producers association participated in the training  Bee forage development- Shortage of bee forage during the dry season is one of the challenges for Goma PLW bee farmers. To address this challenge, introduction of potential bee forages to the area was considered as a strategy. To this end, Lenourus bee forage seed specie was collected from Alaba PLW and planted in OoARD compound for seed multiplication. So far, 4 farmers were provided with 560 Lenourus sp. bee forage seedlings from the nursery and also 500 gm of seed was collected which will be distributed to farmers in the next planting season. The exercise also provided an understanding of the characteristics of the bee forage including cultural practices such as spacing, flowering, etc  One of the major constrains in apiculture development in Goma is lack of market linkage. Efforts were made to undertake honey market assessment to link producers with potential buyers. In this regard, the Livestock Agency head and RDO traveled to Nazareth and communicated with Beza Honey Processing Enterprise and presented different kinds of Goma honey sample to the processing plant to evaluate its standard. Beza Honey processing plant also linked our honey product to another honey exporting company from America. The company sent its 27 own experts to undertake honey value chain analysis in Goma. Basic information has been collected and the link has been created for future negotiations  Additional market related efforts were made to engage the Wojin Gudina Honey producers association in collecting honey from members and other farmers and supply it in bulk to potential buyers. A proposal was developed to support the honey producers association with credit. The idea behind this effort was to make the honey producers association a functional honey market regulator so that farmers don’t lose income during the peak harvest season which is a very common phenomenon in Goma. In Ada’a  Demand for training in modern beekeeping methods is growing in different PAs. Youth groups from Godino were trained on modern apiculture and farmers from Gerbicha who requested transitional beehives were linked to a private manufacturer. Two NGOs, Ratson and SNV, planned to provide transitional beehives to about 180 women farmers after training them on modern beekeeping. The IPMS apiculture training manual was used during this training. In addition, model beekeepers expanded bee forage plots this summer. The recommendation for transitional bee hives has increased after the success story of some of the farmers who participated with IPMS interventions  The East Shoa Beekeepers Association opened a shop in Debre Zeit in 2009 to sell colony, wax and all types of beehives. The association also provides honey harvest service for modern beehives. Clients interested to rent out accessories like extractors, queen excluders, printers, gloves, etc can do so from the association. The association has the expertise to provide consultancy services to beekeepers. The East Shoa Beekeepers Association was one of the stakeholders who participated in the IPMS apiculture scaling out/up workshop in Ada’a. The workshop was integrated with a field visit to model apiculturists in Ada’a. The presence of the association in Ada’a with the input supply service is an important milestone to promote modern beekeeping in the PLW  There is no market intervention for honey as the road side honey-comb market is well developed and functional in Ada’a. Traders still buy honey at farm gate. One of the model woman farmers has developed a special link to a trader in Addis Ababa at a higher price; about Birr 5-10 higher than the local market. In Alaba  IPMS project interventions focused on 12 PAs. The scaling out plan has now resulted in the targeting of beekeepers in additional PAs. In cooperation with OMO MFI, a credit proposal was written and submitted to IPMS in September 2009. Credit repayment of the apiculture group in Wanja and Galtao PAs is still an issue to be addressed by the OoARD  Two bee forage demonstration sites were established in Wanja and Guaba PAs in farmers’ backyards. Bee forages were brought from Debre Zeit for the sites.  A farmers training on bee forage was conducted in collaboration with MERET project with an already established group (Chambulla PA). The training was conducted from September 3-4, 2009 for 11 farmers 28  A farmer to farmer training was conducted on traditional bee feeding practices. On June 15, 2009, a training was conducted by Mohammed Sule, an innovative apiculture farmer from Guba PA, for farmers in Wanja PA. This was a knowledge sharing session attended by 11 farmers where each farmer discussed traditional bee feeding practices  Market information collection and dissemination continued in the Alaba PLW (see other commodities) In Alamata  Apiculture development is a new commodity in Alamata. As a result of training given to 114 farmers from 3 PAs on modern beekeeping management, the number of farmers involved in honey production has increased to 197. These farmers have taken 230 modern beehives on credit basis (Birr 878 per hive) with accessories. In Bure  The regional government has put a lot of effort to expand beekeeping activities in Bure. It distributes a large number of modern beehives to farmers every year. However, the availability of bee colonies is limited. Consequently, a large number of beehives are kept in the cooperative stores and farmers houses. To solve this problem and keep bee keeping as a vibrant business, IPMS project trained farmers, DAs and experts on colony splitting techniques. Trained farmers have multiplied more than 44 bee colonies for themselves and their neighbors in this reporting period  In order to solve the shortage of bee forage during the dry season, IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center demonstrated bee forages that flower during the dry season to beekeepers in three PAs (Alefa, Arbisi and Wangedam). The bee forages are disseminated through farmer to farmer seed exchange systems  IPMS project linked beekeepers with private input suppliers in Bahir Dar. Consequently, farmers started purchasing beekeeping inputs (smokers, veils and hand gloves). In addition, the project advised the beekeepers cooperative of Bure PLW to supply inputs to its members  IPMS project in collaboration with OoARD and BoARD collects honey market prices which are distributed to users every week  The project linked the Kokeb bee keepers cooperative to honey traders in Addis Ababa and the cooperative collected more than 10 tons of honey for the first time from its 62 members for collective marketing. This honey was sold to a trader in Addis Ababa and to ILRI staff in Addis Ababa with higher price compared to the local market (Birr 30 per Kg). 3.2.5 Poultry In Alaba  Community discussions on poultry group formation took place from September 11-12, 2009 for 20 households (female headed) in Guba and Galato PAs. On 29 September 22, 2009 the group had 200 pullets and cockerels and started improved poultry management  IPMS project and the OoARD facilitated the purchase of 200 pullets at 17 Birr/pullet and cockerels from Awassa Poultry Center for women groups organized in Guba and Galto PAs. Each woman now has 20 improved pullets (Rod Ireland Red) in addition to what they own as local breeds. The effort is to strengthen the past activities in modern house demonstration and training on poultry feeding. Similar training is now planned for current beneficiaries in 2 PAs. An additional 100 pullets and cockerels were provided to farmers in Hulegeba Kukie through the effort of the OoARD  The performance of 2 innovative methods of chicken supply in the PLW has been interrupted for the time being. The first, water charcoal hatchery method was not used as farmers were busy with land preparations and planning. The second method is hatchery which uses “tegene incubator” was not be implemented due to frequent power interruptions  The two animal feed shop suppliers (Ato Endale Rago and Gizaw Assefa) continued poultry feed supply. The total amount of poultry feed was only 3Kg which was sold at 18 Birr. The need for market promotion and linkage with farmer groups, training on product diversification, labelling and marketing is still recommended  Market information collection and dissemination continued in Alaba PLW (see other commodities) In Bure  IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center trained farmers on poultry feed formulation and preparation of feeding and drinking equipment from locally available materials. Trained farmers started preparation of poultry rearing equipment and formulation of feed from locally available resources. In addition, IPMS project distributed seeds of sesbania and alfalfa to poultry rearing farmers in order to establish poultry feed in their backyards. Moreover, poultry rearing farmers in Bure town purchased formulated feed to their chicken and observed the importance of this feed on the growth, health and egg production of exotic poultry breeds. Farmers constructed separate houses for chickens and also minimized the practice of poultry rearing only by scavenging  Poultry is an important commodity for the landless youth and female headed households. Due to the inadequate supply of improved poultry breeds, most farmers rear less productive local poultry breeds. Consequently, the profitability of poultry rearing is very low. To solve this problem, IPMS project facilitated the establishment of private day-old chicken multiplication centers. As a result of this intervention, two improved poultry breed multipliers have been established in Bure and have started marketing fertile eggs to farmers. However, they failed to supply day-old chicken due to frequent power interruption and inefficient health service  Poultry rearing farmers are now linked to a private poultry feed producer at Finoteselam. In addition, IPMS project in collaboration with Andassa Livestock Research Center trained three farmers in three PAs to provide poultry vaccination 30 services charging 10 cents per chicken. Consequently, over 897 chicken owned by over 132 households were vaccinated against NCD twice during this reporting period  IPMS project in collaboration with marketing teams of OoARD and BoARD collects the price of poultry products and disseminates the information to users every week. In Fogera  The project assisted the local chicken breed improvement research conducting by Andassa Livestock Research Center. Training was provided followed by a vaccination program. In Goma  Scaling out poultry improvement - The practice of rearing day-old-chicken under farmers’ management was introduced as an alternative approach to enhance the productivity of the sub sector. Initially, the approach was piloted on two model farmers. The demonstration of day-old-chicken rearing with its associated package was successful and created tremendous demand for the technology particularly among urban dwellers. Formal and informal requests have been coming from youth and women entrepreneurs in and around Agaro town. In the earlier reporting period 2 farmers, one from urban and the other from rural areas engaged in poultry farming as a scaling out exercise by urban and rural agriculture office. To make the approach and the scaling out exercise more effective, Goma Woreda Livestock Development Agency and Office of Agaro Urban Agriculture in collaboration with IPMS organized a one day training for interested farmers, DAs, Supervisors, Woreda Experts and urban entrepreneurs. After attending this training one youth group and two private entrepreneurs requested for the introduction of day-old-chickens. Accordingly, introduction of 300 day- old chickens was facilitated in mid May 2009. All the costs for purchase of birds, feed and medicine was covered by owners. The Livestock Agency Office Urban Agriculture Office and IPMS simply facilitated this event  Disease, predators and other management problems were observed. The first batch of 100 chickens was provided to interested farmers with IPMS’ ‘demonstration’ budget. No disease or predicator problem was observed until the chicken were 3 months old, when ants attacked at about 10 o’clock in the night and killed 19 chicken owned by one of the farmers. The farmer managed to save the remaining 29 chicken. Although the farmer was discouraged he started thinking about how to fight the ants. He came up with an idea of putting a shelter above the ground covering the pillar with poly-sheet which would stop the ants from climbing in. He was successful and has continued to keep the chicken safe from ants.  Among farmers who participated in the scaling out exercise, about 26 chickens died due to cold and lack of water while the owner was not around for various reasons. Usually, the day old chickens have to stay in a hay box for at least 56 days and this is strictly recommended by the hay box innovation inventor and has worked very effectively with our demonstration farmers. However, 3 farmers, 31 who owned 300 chicken and engaged in the second phase of scaling out, lost 160 chicken due to untimely removal of the chicken from the hay box. Various efforts were made to assist these farmers including advice from a senior poultry expert at Jimma University. Measures taken included putting the chicken back in hay box, warming the rooms using various mechanisms, and administering appropriate drugs such as oxylin as prescribed by veterinarians, etc.  All farmers started with starter feed from a feed processing plant in Debre Zeit and some gradually turned to local feed preparation using a guide from Jimma University distributed to them during training. Some of the four poultry farmers stopped using the processed feed and started preparing feed locally using the guide and providing any available (mostly maize or wheat) feed at a lower feeding rate and sometimes even left them to scavenge like the local chicken. Many attribute this failure to supply feed to lack of cash either to purchase a complete set of ingredients for local feed preparation or purchase processed feed. However, many farmers who are economically well off and can afford this were reluctant to do so expecting hand outs. A young lady who managed to get more than 90% egg laying started local feed preparation as per the recommendation but changed to processed feed. She also used egg hormone initiating feed from a feed processing factory while her chicken were three months old  The emerging egg market - The four farmers who embarked on egg production have made egg market linkages and have signed contractual agreement with cafés and small village shops. 3.2.6 Fish In Fogera  The seven fishery groups are catching more fish and selling them to different fish traders. Due to inaccessibility of two Kebeles during the rainy season, the project could not get additional information on this.  One meeting was facilitated by ACSI and Woreda Administration on the credit repayment issue. This is an ongoing legal case at this moment. 3.3 Participatory value chain development crop commodities 3.3.1 Irrigated vegetables (onion, tomato, cabbage, carrot, potato) In Fogera  A new tomato variety (shanty) was introduced by 3 farmers in 3 PAs on areas ranging from 230 to 500 m2 plots and obtained yields ranging from 1265 to 2250 kg, respectively. There were 5-9 harvests made to obtain this yield. When converted to a hectare basis, yields ranged from 450-550 qt/ha. This variety is high yielder because most of the existing varieties in the area yield between 170 and 200 qt/ha. The variety also has desirable marketable qualities. One of the 3 farmers lost his crop due to mismanagement. The other two farmers earned Birr 2,789 to Birr 3,939. Demand for this variety is now increasing, even though the 32 price of a kilo of seed is high (more than Birr 1000/kg). Accordingly, the project office is now communicating with the company which sells the seed  Onion seed production has become a good business in the area. Currently, 16 farmers in 3 PAs (Abuakokit, Bebekes and Shnina) harvested 39 qt. Eight of these farmers are from Abuakokit PA. The price of the seed ranges from Birr 170 to 210/kg and farmers in Abuakokit PA individually earned Birr 11,000 to 90,000. Seeds were sold within and outside of the Woreda. The price of seeds has increased probably because the number of farmers engaged in onion production has gone up and few farmers are involved in onion seed production, compared to the years before. However, it is expected that more farmers will be involved in onion seed production because of the higher prices obtained at the moment  Two onion hybrid varieties, Neptun and Erima, were introduced and demonstrated on six farmers’ (1 female) plots, with areas ranging from 150 to 1250 m2. These farmers earned between Birr 120 to 5,334 in the season. Except for the farmer who earned the most money, all the others did not apply fertilizer. However, 2 of the farmer lost their crop due to mismanagement. Generally, the production level with these varieties is not as expected probably due to late plantation and poor management. In Metema  Improved varieties of Bombay red (onion), roman BF & Marglob (tomato), Markofana (pepper) and lettuce and Swiss chard (leafy vegetables) were introduced and tested in 2007. Training on their production and pest control techniques was provided for DAs and Woreda staff. Currently, the production of vegetables is being scaled out in all PAs where banana is growing. However, it is difficult to find data from OoARD on area coverage and number of farmers participating in vegetable production. Similarly, local cabbage known as ‘yegurage gomen’ was introduced during this reporting period, and it is under observation for adaptability  Tomato is heavily attacked by white flies when planted during the dry period so systemic insecticide was introduced in the past reporting period  The input for irrigated vegetables is delivered through a private shop based in Genda woha and Gondar towns. Moreover, farmers continued to introduce various seeds of leafy vegetables from the Sudan. Data collected from input suppliers in Ganda woha town indicate that 168 bags of onion, 221 bags of tomato 116 bags of lettuce and 83 bags Swiss chard, each weighing 50 grams, were sold to growers. Similarly, 33 kg of Markofana pepper was also supplied to farmers.  In an attempt to enhance and scale out vegetable growing in Metema, the OoARD extension service raised more than 50,000 seedlings of pepper and 30,000 seedlings of tomato and distributed them to growers. The assumption for the supply was to make growers self sufficient in seed supply by extracting seeds from the fruit. However, tomato and pepper are cross pollinated so it is difficult to maintain their quality during the second generation. Hence, the project advised OoARD to withdraw from such supply and focus on provision of knowledge and skill to farmers because of the difficulty in sustaining such input supply system 33  In Metema, there is huge demand for vegetables and consumers were supplied vegetables from Gondar and from local growers. Locally grown vegetables are preferred by consumers since they are fresh; hence marketing is not a big problem at this stage. One problem observed in the vegetable market is competition with traders for market place. The town municipality provides a place in the market for licensed traders only, and growers have little access to display their products and sell directly to consumers. The OoARD Marketing Office is expected to resolve the problem in the near future. In Mieso  Many farmers have shown interest in using knowledge and skills that is practically applicable to boost improved onion production. As a result, many farmers are buying water pumps and starting the horticultural crop development business using irrigation. The government is also providing farmers with water pumps and is also awarding successful farmers. These efforts have resulted in some farmers earning about Birr 100,000 annually from improved onion production and about Birr 20,000 from local onion bulb production. Plot size for improved onion development reached over 14 ha by 20 farmers and over 90 ha for local onion. In some PAs, the area under local onion was around 30 ha.  Availability of onion seed from local sources is increasing to a level that could support about 70 ha of land. Efforts are underway to scale out this activity  Farmers who are already engaged in tomato production have managed to generate gross incomes as high as Birr 75,000 per ha. As a result of some of the farmers engaging in tomato production, they have completely stopped deforestation of the existing endangered natural resources. Similar to onion, efforts are also underway to scale out these activities  An informal farmers group is proliferating by mobilizing their own resources. In Ada’a  Farmers interested in irrigated agriculture were identified from Godino, Hidi, Denkaka and Kaliti PAs by DAs. In the Godino Scheme, 10 women farmers were targeted for onion production. The irrigation groups received basic knowledge on horticulture agronomy and pest management, irrigation practices, watering, post harvest handling and marketing from the extension services. These management practices are now commonly applied by many farmers in the Godino scheme. Godino womens’ saving and credit group, organized with the help of IPMS, each earned an income ranging from Birr 5,500 to 16,000 from sale of onion from a quarter of hectare of land  Other PAs, located along the Mojo River were tackled later starting with the selection/formation of 3 groups of farmers with 10 members. The “Mojo River” farmers organized themselves in a group to use one motor pump in common. The new approach here is that the pump doesn’t belong to the group; rather it is owned by one of the group members and he or she provides rental service based on the agreed terms. The pump operating hours/day ranges from 5 to 9 hours and on average requires 7.1 operational hours to irrigate 0.4 ha of land. The average rent of a pump/day is 83.75 Birr and 50.00 Birr for every quarter of ha. In addition, the 34 cost of fuel and oil is covered by the client. Because of the expansion of commercial private pump operators, input supply like seed, fertilizer and pesticide are also under taken by private pump operators  Credit was supplied for these pump operators. The conventional motor pump credit is for a group but here credit is given to one individual out of the 10 members. Credit is disbursed with a down payment of 25% of the total cost of the pump and accessories. The credit source is IPMS project and managed by Erer farmers Union. The credit grace period is two years. The pumps and accessories were purchased by a committee formed from Erer farmers Union and Ada’a OoARD staff  After IPMS’ innovative credit intervention on irrigated vegetables, the number of agencies involved in water pump credit scheme has increased. Primary co- operative provided 32 water pumps and Erer Farmers Union provided 24 more water pumps. The number of irrigation cooperatives increased from the original 3 informal groups facilitated by the project to 42. In general, the involvement the private sector created a synergy for the rapid growth of motorized irrigated vegetables production in Ada’a  Irrigation along the Mojo River is now booming and the total number of pumps increased from 20 in 2005 to 195 in 2009. The largest pump operators are middle private commercial farms who own 122 pumps  It is interesting to note that this expansion is accelerated by commercially oriented farmers who come during the dry season to rent land from local farmers after cereal crop harvest. These commercial farmers come from Zewai, equipped with technical skills on vegetable production. For more detailed technical work such as ridging, irrigation, spraying and nursery management they bring skilled labor from other places. This creates a good opportunity for the local farmers to learn technical skill on vegetable production for irrigation. Some commercial farmers already started substituting outsiders with local workers . It is interesting that knowledge about horticulture production in Ada’a is spreading fast without the knowledge of the major actors. It is important to notice that such type of knowledge transfer is efficient and effective, and spreads fast among the community  The OoARD also promotes specialization in crops and market oriented production. Farmers will be assisted with good market information and support for the formation of effective marketing cooperatives and creation of marketing groups. In Alamata  The number of vegetable seedlings prepared for planting for the past rainy season was expected to cover more than 800 ha. However, rainfed vegetable production coverage in the PLW decreased dramatically as compared to previous years due to shortage of rainfall. For this reason, the total area coverage was only 406.5 (onion), 29.66 (tomato) and 33 (pepper) ha, in 6 major vegetable growing PAs. As a result, the remaining seedlings were thrown out due to late onset and early cessation of the rainfall. The total number of farmers engaged in vegetable production were 1548. Seedlings dried out both at nursery and on-farm due to the 35 drought. On the other hand, recurrent technical damage of irrigation pumps at Limat and Timuga PAs, which could irrigate 55.6 ha, also contributed to the low vegetable production in the PLW. In Bure  Potato is an important cash and food crop in the highlands of Bure. However, farmers grow low yielding and late blight susceptible local potato varieties. IPMS demonstrated five improved potato varieties (Guassa, Gera, Gudeni, Zengena and Jaleni) during a farmer field day at Wundegi PA and FTC of Woheni Durbete in this reporting period. The field day was organized to demonstrate the performance of these varieties to farmers, DAs and experts. This year’s demonstration coupled with that of last year, created huge demand for the supply of tuber seed from these improved varieties  Although agricultural research centers have released a number of improved potato varieties to increase productivity, there is no seed tuber supplying agency. Consequently, farmers grow low yielding local varieties. To solve this problem, the project in collaboration with Adet Agricultural Research Center and the Woreda OoARD facilitated potato seed tuber multiplication on a farmer’s field at Wundegi and Arbisi PAs and at the FTC of Woheni Durbate. In the reporting period, the five varieties were under multiplication by 21 farmers on 2.75 ha and about 800 qt seed tuber will be harvested and will be sold to farmers as planting material in the coming cropping season  IPMS project in collaboration with OoARD constructed and demonstrated zero- energy cool chamber to increase the shelf-life of vegetables. On top of this, IPMS project in collaboration with Office of Trade and Industry organized potato processing training to add value on potato. Trained youth have now started potato chips marketing in Bure town  IPMS project collects market price of potato and disseminate it to users every week in collaboration with Marketing Team of OoARD and BoARD  Bure has adequate water resources that could be used for irrigation. However, farmers grow low value crops like maize using these irrigation facilities. In addition, they use low yielding varieties of vegetable crops. Consequently, the household income from their effort is very low. To solve this problem, IPMS project in collaboration with Axum Greenline Trading PLC demonstrated the performance of high yielding varieties of tomato and onion. The performance of the new tomato variety ranged from two to three folds higher compared to the locally available varieties. Yield from the new varieties ranged from 199 (Marglobe) to 536 (Shanty) q/ha. They have big fruit size, long shelf life and high dry matter compared to the local varieties. Similarly, the new onion variety (‘Neptun’) bulb yield (203 q/ha) was more than two folds of the popular onion variety, Bombay red (80 q/ha) in the country. It has also a shorter maturity period compared to Bombay red. 3.3.2 Hot Pepper In Alaba 36  Ten (10) farmers previously targeted for pepper seed multiplication continued to work in 2 PAs. On April 9, 2009, promotion of pepper seed treatment was undertaken on open market. The promotion session was attended by 483 male and 320 women farmers. The seed treatment technology reduces crop loss in pepper production  The Mencheno Farmers’ Cooperative Union continued to provide service in selling fertiliser and herbicides in support of pepper.  In another effort, Melkassa Agricultural Research Centre (MARC) demonstrated seed treatment for farmers in the PLW and pepper seed mixer was provided by MARC for Alem Tenna FTC, in April 2009  On June 9, 18 and 25 pepper balances were calibrated in Kulito and Guba market. A total of 106 balances were calibrated, which is part of market regulation to maintain standards and quality. The balances are owned by 106 traders (6 women) and are also used for teff, wheat and pepper marketing. In Bure  Improved hot pepper variety, Marekofana, was demonstrated by IPMS in 3 PAs (Wangedam, Zalema and Zeyewshewen). Farmers observed the productivity, quality and higher price of this variety compared to the local variety. In addition, it also demonstrated the effect of seed and seedling treatment with ‘Apron Star’ to control root rot problem on pepper, in these PAs. About 132.5 kg seed and 20,000 seedlings from 76 farmers in these PAs were treated with ‘Apron Star’ to control root rot problem on hot pepper planted on over 44 ha of land and results are encouraging so far  IPMS project in collaboration with the Marketing Team of OoARD and BoARD also collects market price for pepper and disseminates it to users every week. The project also linked multi-purpose cooperatives with big hot pepper traders in Addis Ababa. In Alamata  In two PAs (Laelay Dayu and Selam Bekalsi), 33 ha of land was covered by pepper. Of these, 29.5 ha were planted in Laelay Dayu PA. 3.3.3 Fruits (tropical, sub-tropical and temperate) Tropical fruits In Bure  Farmers lack knowledge and skill on orchard management and as a result, fruit trees could be mismanaged and become less productive. The supply of planting materials of improved fruit varieties is still inadequate in Bure. During this reporting period, farmers were advised to prune avocado and mango trees, deflower young trees of avocado and mangos and de-sucker banana plantations. Moreover, over 700 grafted avocados, over 1000 suckers of improved banana cultivars and 25 seedlings of solo papaya variety were planted by farmers. Above all, the OoARD planted grafted avocados in its compound and five FTCs 37 (Zalema, Wadera, Zeyew shewen, Fezel and Alefa PAs) for the first time as demonstration materials and as future source of scions  Farmers grow fruit crops by collecting seeds from juice houses. Mostly, fruit trees raised in this manner are less productive, not true to type and have long juvenile periods. To solve this problem, the IPMS project trained farmers, DAs and experts on fruit crops grafting. Consequently, grafted avocado seedlings are available for sale in private nursery sites. Fruit crops planting materials marketing has become a lucrative business in the Woreda, especially for landless youth. In this reporting period, three farmers sold 379 grafted avocado seedlings and obtained Birr 7,580. Moreover, over 1770 grafted avocado seedlings are available and over 3,500 seedlings are being raised as root stocks for grafting by the three private fruit nursery operators. Fruit grafting is also practiced at the OoARD nursery site with technical advice and guidance from IPMS project staff. The major challenge on this intervention is inadequate supply of scion  Farmers did not have a market problem for seedlings, and IPMS project is popularizing the availability of fruit planting materials in different fora. In Metema  The production of banana is expanding in all PAs. DAs are delivering knowledge on improved management of banana watering, de-suckering and mulching. However, adequate attention was not given by Woreda extension staff to monitor the activities and generate data on the level of expansion (number of PAs, area covered, number of suckers sold etc, in detail). To enhance banana production, the project also introduced two other varieties of banana from ARARI and they are under observation on farmers plots at Genda woha  Farmer to farmer banana sucker supply system continued as the sole means of seedling supply. In this reporting period, more than 3,827 seedlings were sold to 28 new farmers in the Woreda. Similarly, 722 suckers were supplied to farmers in Wogera Woreda. The input supply linkage outside Metema is facilitated by the Zonal Office of Agriculture and Rural Development. On the other hand, DAs facilitate the sucker supply system after collecting data on demand and supply  Banana fruit marketing groups were organized in Tumet PA in 2007 but the group is not functioning very well as a result of disputes among members. The OoARD is trying to solve the disputes. In Tumet, marketing of banana is operated in two places including farm gate sale and nearby villages. There is also one lead farmer who transports ripe fruits to Shinfa and Genda woha towns. In Metema Yohanes, petty traders collect banana from farm gate and sell the product in remote areas like Delelo. On the other hand, banana growers transport the ripened fruits to near by towns and supply them to petty traders or sell them directly to consumers. In Genda woha, few growers have established their own fruit shops that are managed by their wives. After the provision of banana ripening training in 2007, farmers who have bumper harvest started the use kerosene burners for ripening. However, the adoption of this technique is slow and many ripen using various traditional systems developed by growers through time  Banana market has no problem from January to August, but farmers face a big problem during the months of September to December. Whenever, there is a 38 bumper harvest, growers particularly in inaccessible areas suffer from spoilage. Assessment of volume of production in different seasons of the year was conducted by OoARD Marketing Office, but the culture of provision of price information and creating linkage among growers and potential traders is still under developed  In the past years, three varieties of mango (Apple mango, Kent and Tommy Atkins) have been introduced by IPMS. Currently, almost all are well adapted to Metema Woreda. DAs are advising growers in relation to improved management practices including watering, mulching and planting techniques. However, the stem of Kent was observed lodging, probably due to excess nitrogen in the soil. To tackle the problem, one innovative farmer introduced pruning of the main stem. The success of the farmer is being observed. If this intervention resolves the problem, a field visit is planned to share his experience  There is a huge demand for grafted mango. To facilitate the input supply system, IPMS trained 6 farmers and 9 DAs on grafting and budding technique in 2008. After the training, 3 farmers started to establish private nurseries. However, the attempt was not successful under the circumstances in Metema. To fulfil their demand growers were organizing them selves and contributing cash for the purchase of inputs. However, the attempt failed due to poor facilitation in organizing many farmers located in distant areas  Solo papaya was introduced by IPMS in 2006 and growers use their own saved seed whenever they need to expand their plantation. However, the variety segregate after one production season and the number of male seedlings emerging are increasing with time. An attempt was made to introduce new papaya varieties from the research system which was not successful. This effort will continue in the future. DAs are assisting growers on improved management practices including nursery management, row planting and proportion of male to female ratio  Papaya seed is sold in one input shop in Gendwoha town. Farmers who demand seed are linked to input suppliers through DAs. On the other hand, few farmers have established nursies and sell/give seedlings to other farmers whenever there is excess seedlings. In the near future, specialized individuals will emerge and the traditional farmer to farmer seedling exchange system is expected to be replaced by seedling businesses. In Mieso  In Mieso, the skill of farmers in fruit nursery operation and management has improved. Some farmers earned between Birr 7,000 and 16,000 per annum from the sale of fruit seedlings raised in an area of less than 50 m2. Demand for papaya, mango, guava and avocado seedling is increasing. The Woreda still maintains good linkage with MARC for capacity building and supply of planting materials In Dale  New farmers (31 of them) from 9 PAs started production of grafted avocado and mango seedlings. A one day practical training on basics of nursery management was organized and delivered by the OoARD where 29 farmers (husbands) and 14 39 (wives) attended. These nursery operators have now planted more than 12,000 seedlings and OoARD is following up on their progress  The initial six farmers, who have successfully grafted 3134 avocado and 1207 mangos, have reported sales of 1683 and 936 seedlings, respectively and earned Birr 34,047. These farmers have inspired more farmers to be engaged in fruit nursery businesses in the Woreda. In Ada’a  There is one private fruit nursery operator for grafted varieties of avocado and mango in Ada’a. Some other farmers are also involved in propagation and sale of papaya seedlings. One farmer from Godino raised 200 seedlings of improved variety of papaya and sold it to friends. Another farmer from Denkaka bought many fruit seedlings from a private nursery operator with the intention of commercializing of fruit and in future to be private fruit nursery operator with his own scion source. In the coming week, training for new nursery operators will be offered by MARC  The improved varieties (apple, mango, avocado, papaya, banana and citrus) introduced in the Woreda have now started to bear fruit. One farmer from Godino harvested 150 kg of orange, 100 kg of lime, and 200 kg of papaya. He sold his harvest at Birr 6 per Kg, for a total income of Birr 2,700. He didn’t record the amount consumed at home or presented to friends and relatives as gifts. Avocado, citrus and papaya are promising fruits in Godino. Commercialization of fruits is expanding as farmers saw fruit bearing within 2-3 years. The taste, market demand and ease of management have driven many farmers to be interested in fruit production. Accordingly, 85 grafted mangos, 50 grafted avocados and 200 banana suckers were purchased with cash contribution from farmers and were distributed to Godino, Dire, Bakajo, Golobo, Golo Dirtu, Qoftu, Denkaka and Ude PAs. The source for grafted mango and avocado is Upper Awash State Farm for Birr 18/seedlings and banana suckers can be obtained from a private farm in Zewai at a rate of Birr 2.50/each. Linkages were formed between nursery operators, farmers and the private sector. Potential traders were also identified and linked with farmers. In Alamata  This summer, tropical fruit seedlings were delivered to 5 PAs and the town. The seedlings were papaya (17,620), mango (1,969), avocado (233), banana (1,495) and orange (1,108), which were distributed to 1051 farmers (growers)  The huge demand for fruit in Mekelle is met from the central and southern part of Ethiopia. But the supply of mango and papaya do not satisfy the market in Mekelle. As a result, potential wholesalers were in Mekelle were linked with2 papaya growers. The first mango fruit harvest was promoted at Alamata and Mekelle, in which mango growers at Gerjele PA earned Birr 17,000 from the 200 stands planted in June 2006  Price information for fruits was posted at various FTCs. In Goma 40  The 6 model farmers (one copy farmer) engaged in improved fruit seedling supply have been located using GPS. Three of these farmers were women. These model farmers produced 2055 grafted avocado seedlings and sold them to 163 farmers in 28 PAs including Agaro town within and outside the PLW. Among these were, farmers in 4 neighboring Woredas (Jima, Gera, Gechi, Toba). Farmers’ income from sale of these seedlings ranged from Birr 2,000 to 34,375. The total sale was Birr 53,125. This shows that the coverage of improved avocado varieties is expanding while the number of beneficiaries is also increasing. In Goma Woreda, it is the first time that such a high number of improved fruit seedlings have been available. This has created an opportunity to address the high demand for improved fruit seedlings by the community at a lower cost and with less hassle. The intervention also created a sustainable environment for the PLW to plan and adjust its future improved fruit seedlings need without external pressure which has critically limited the PLW effort  Demonstration of fruit improvement through grafting by farmers was one of the success areas for Goma. This has been picked up by the OoARD for scaling out into more PAs. Nine potential PAs and 12 farmers were selected based on the suitability of their locations for mango, avocado and other fruits, availability of water source, accessibility, equity of the location, etc. A one day planning workshop was organized to enhance the scaling out effort and to ensure the transfer of ownership from IPMS to the OoARD. Selected Woreda Experts, supervisors from targeted zones, DAs and farmers attended the meeting. Following an introduction, farmers were invited to propose their own plan as to the number of root stocks of mango and avocado they can prepare based on their material resource, manpower and skills. Each farmer’s plan was reviewed and approved for implementation and roles and responsibilities of the actors were defined for each activity. As a result of this participatory planning meeting, 6,960 mango and 11,478 avocado seedlings were raised as rootstock by 11 farmers (including the 6 earlier farmers). GPS readings were also made for the additional 5 fruit nursery operators. Highland fruit crops (Apple) In Bure  About 8% of the total area of Bure district is highland, which is suitable for highland fruit crops. There are also a number of diverted rivers and streams for irrigated crop production. However, farmers grow crops with lower value in these irrigated farmlands. IPMS project introduced 150 grafted apple planting materials of three varieties (Anna, BR and Crispin). Following this, the OoARD introduced 233 grafted apple seedlings to six PAs (Wundegi, Wangedam, Baguna Kebesa, Agenifereda, Jibgedele and Woheni Durbate) using funds from SLM and IFAD projects  In addition, IPMS bought and introduced 150 rootstock seedlings and 75 grafted apple seedlings (as source of scion) from Injibara to start a sustainable private apple seedling supply system in three PAs. The project also organized a practical training to the three farmers who will be the future apple seedling suppliers, to 41 acquire lessons on apple propagation techniques and nursery management. Each of these farmers has established a nursery site and started root stock multiplication for the coming apple grafting activity. In Atsbi  With the help of the project, IPMS trained a fruit technician and OoARD expert, and 4 interested farmers were selected and prepared seedling nursery sites. About 200 grafted apple seedlings from 3 varieties (Crispin - 50, Gena gold - 60 and BR - 90) were distributed to these 4 farmers. These seedlings will be the mother trees which will serve as future scion sources. In addition, each farmer received 50 seedlings from a known variety, MM106, for rootstock. All these seedlings were bought from Chencha, a nationally known source for highland fruits. This effort will help establish a permanent apple seedling supply system for the PLW and beyond. The apple seedlings were planted on July 29, 2009. 3.3.4 Pulses (haricot bean, chickpea, faba beans /field peas) Haricot bean In Alaba  Haricot bean seed multiplication continued in the Woreda. In 2008, multiplication was effected by 60 households in 4 PAs (Hulegeba Kukie, Andgena and Uletegna Choroko and Galto PAs) with 8 qt of Nasir and Dimtu varieties brought from MARC. In addition, during the 2009 main rainy season, this was scaled out to additional PAs on 240 households. Thus, the total number of PAs multiplying haricot bean is 19 on 44.25 ha and involving 697 households  Community seed bank internalization was undertaken in 4 PAs from June 8 to June 11, 2009. Sessions were attended by 24 (Andegana Choroko), 23 (Huletegna Choroko), 20 (Hulegeba Kukie) and 17 farmers (Galato) PAs  Similar to the cereals, the input shop established by Mencheno Farmers’ Cooperative Union continued to provide service and sold DAP and Urea fertiliser; and herbicides. On August 7, 2009, IPMS project facilitated the supply of 16 Qt of Haricot bean for 12 PAs targeting 240 households for seed multiplication  Promotion of 3 new varieties of haricot beans (Dimitu, Nasier and Cranscope) was effected during an open market by 2 OoARD staff on June 25, 2009 attended by 550 farmers (200 women)  Haricot bean seed treatment was conducted on June 3, 2009 for 13 farmers in (Chorko PA) and for 23 farmers on June 4, 2009 (Hulegeba Kukie PA). Three seed mixers were prepared for demonstration at 3 FTC in addition to one mixer that was available in one of the model FTCs  On June 25, 2009 when a market promotion session was attended by 550 farmers (200 women), an experiment was undertaken on dissemination of seed technology in cooperation with MARC. Sale of small packs of 200, 500 and 1000 gm of Nasir (95%) and Chronoscope resulted in sale of 3900 gm of Haricot bean for 1600 Birr (purchased by 187 farmers). The money is expected to be used for establishment of a revolving fund for a seed bank at the Woreda level 42  Establishment of community seed banks will continue in 12 new PAs for multiplying haricot bean seed. The project’s effort in commodity development has now become visible in teff, haricot bean and wheat. Regular market data information collection and dissemination needs the continued support of OoARD. In Dale  Haricot bean seed producers have now increased from 37 (in 2008/9) to 97 (in 2009). These farmers have allocated about 24 ha of land and labor to produce certified seed that will be sold to the Weynenata cooperative. They have received four varieties of haricot beans (Ibado, Hawassa, Dume, Omo 95). Of these, 97 farmers (20 women) took part in a one day discussion in two places addressing issues related to terms and conditions of quality seed production as well as live demonstrations in proper drilling and dressing of seeds with bio-fertilizer. The two meetings were held in Gane and Debub Kege FTCs. Weynenata cooperative collected (bought) 43.8 quintal of haricot beans seed from farmers and was packed in 6,010 packets for distribution. Seeds were packed in small quantities of 200, 500 and 1000 gm in transparent polythene bags that made them easy for farmers to observe the content and also presented affordable sizes to farmers who need lesser quantity to plant. These packs had labels that bore names or the variety, seed quality in terms of purity (all above 95%), germination rate, seed required/ha as well as the seed amount in the bag . This is different from the past where no less than 12 kg/bag were available, and this discouraged buyers who wanted smaller quantities. Therefore, the packaging of seeds into small quantities will give the opportunity for small buyers to try new types/varieties and farmers who could afford to buy high quantity are not alienated either. This type of packaging also has another value addition aspect as the seeds are cleaned, treated against pests and present information about the seed quality  A poster was produced to popularize the haricot beans produced in the PLW. These posters were distributed to 36 PAs and presented to thousands of farmers during the months of June and July 2009. A one month skill development training for farmers and scaling up of activities was also carried out by the OoARD. Chickpeas and lentils In Fogera  Following the introduction of four improved chickpea varieties in 2007 on seven farmers’ fields, varieties Marye followed by Mastewal performed best. These varieties have better disease resistance, are high yielders, and were preferred by farmers during field days. Habru and Akaki varieties were found to be less productive and were not preferred by farmers. As a result, the Woreda OoARD has brought three quintals of Marye from the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise for expansion in the 2009/10 production season. In Ada’a  Improved chickpea varieties of Arerti, Ejere, Chefe, Habru and Lentil varieties of Alemaya were demonstrated in Hidi, Denkaka, Garabicha, Dukem, Dire, Bakajo, 43 Godino, Akako and Karfe FTCs. Last year, a demonstration was done on chickpea inoculum (bio-fertilization) and seed dressing (against root rot). Although the project tried to communicate with DAs through the OoARD to assess demand for these technologies, there has been no single request so far. However, the problem of root rot was on top of the agenda during the WALC meeting. Continuous training and awareness raising of farmers is required. In another instance, 64 farmers from Hidi PA requested for Lentil inoculants and contributed cash for the purchase. The project together with OoARD bought 64 bags of inoculants from the National Soils Research Centre and handed this over to DAs. The inoculants will cover 16 ha of land. Lentil is becoming an important marketable commodity in the highland areas of Ada’a. The decision of farmers to request lentil inoculants is right because the rihzobium bacteria that fixes nitrogen from the air would not exist in the soil if lentil is planted for the first time in the plot  Farmer-based seed supply systems on chickpea and lentils are common in Ada’a. Erer Farmers union and the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise contracted farmers for seed multiplication. EIAR-Debre Zeit and ICRISAT operate on a large seed multiplication program in neighboring Woredas through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation program. Since the amount of rainfall during the summer was not sufficient enough to create residual moisture, the performance of chickpea on the field is not satisfactory. The recommended period for chickpea sowing was mid September, but the rain failed during this period and thus few farmers sow chickpea using the rainfall in early October  Erer Farmers Union with the advice they got from Farmer to Farmer (FtF) voluntary service of USAID, Larry White, (facilitated by IPMS) established a lentil processing and packing plant. Weekly prices for lentil and chickpea are posted on FTC billboard. Exporters and private traders are the main actors in chickpea and lentil marketing in the Woreda. Erer Farmers Union purchases a limited amount of lentil and chickpea grain and seed type. 3.3.5 Cereals (Teff, wheat, rice) Teff, Wheat In Ada’a  Improved varieties of wheat (Paven 76, Yerer, HAR 604, HAR 1685) and tef (CR37 and Kuncho) were demonstrated in Hidi, Denkaka, Garabicha, Dukem, Dire, Bakajo, Godino, Akako and Karfe FTCs. Fertilizer and seed was provided for demonstration at FTCs with technical training to DAs on agronomic practices. A Farmers’ field day will be organized on respective FTCs to see and discuss the output of the demonstration. Stakeholders like traders, researchers, Unions, Administrators, extension staff, NGOs and other stakeholders will be invited to farmers’ field days. Farmers together with stakeholders will evaluate grain and straw yield, seed quality, response of the varieties to rain, drought, fertilizer and pesticides as well as the possible ways for access to seed source and related issues 44  Training was given to DAs and farmers on improved pest and disease control and management of cereals  For the teff variety known as Kuncho, farmer to farmer seed exchange was good. According to the Ada’a Woreda agronomist, almost 50% of Ada’a teff area was covered by this variety. The major motive for expansion of Kuncho in the Woreda was higher yield (above 20 quintal/ha) and produces white flour after milling, which is preferred by consumers. Recently, there is a report by farmers that Kuncho is sensitive to lodging, and therefore agronomists and breeders have to work hard to solve this problem before the variety is rejected by farmers  Wheat platforms were run by EIAR Debre Zeit, to link farmers with Pasta and Macaroni factories. Last year, the link was not successful because wheat grain got discolored and was not acceptable by flour factories. This year except for the shortage of rains, the field condition looks promising  Weekly market prices of cereals are being provided on billboards at FTCs. The teff and wheat market value chain is well developed in Ada’a, linking petty traders at village level to exporters. The Erer Union also purchases cereals but its market share in output market is less than 5%. The greatest role of the union is in fertilizer supply, controlling over 95% of the supply in the Woreda. Other inputs like pesticides and herbicides are available from local shops. Seeds are also available from the Union, the Research system, Ethiopian Seed Enterprise and farmers. Farmers produce seed in contract farming but there are sometimes disputes on both sides. When the crop price becomes higher than the agreed price, farmers decline to a bid to their agreement e.g. Kuncho. On the other hand, when quality drops due to weather conditions buyers refuse to buy from farmers e.g. Durum wheat last year. The seed demand is higher than the supply, and informal seed exchange contributes the largest share in the seed supply system. There is a plan to form a seed producing framers’ group in certain clusters, which already started in few PAs this year. In Alaba  Teff seed multiplication efforts continued with the partners in 5 PAs (Hulegaba , Kufie, Guba, Debso and Gurura Bucho) during the 2009 main rainy season with 257 households on 190 ha for teff, and 65 households on 70 ha for wheat  Orga was one of the organic fertilizers introduced in Alaba by IPMS in 2007. Since then, the OoARD staff and a few farmers are aware of the technology. Technology promotion was done in a demonstration field for Teff on August 21, 2009 for 20 farmers (3 women). A teff thresher machine is expected to render service for the community when the 2009 main rainy season crop is harvested  Input shop established by Mencheno Farmers’ cooperative Union, for which IPMS provided credit, continued to provide service. However, service during the reporting period was not regular. A report from the shop, from April to July shows that Fertilizer (4989 qt DAP and 625 UREA) was sold for Birr 3,222,215. Although input items are not as diversified as they used to be, items sold include Onion, Tomato Seeds and 2-4-D  Promotion of an agro-chemical called Granstar was made in a bid to replace 2-4- D for Teff and Wheat production. The promotion was conducted on September 4, 45 2009 and a total of 720 sachets were sold (each sachet was sold for 4 Birr). The session was attended by 200 male and 71 female farmers  On June 9, 18 and 25 balances were calibrated in Kulito and Guba markets. A total of 106 balances were calibrated and it is believed that the calibration is part of market regulation to maintain standards and quality. The balances are owned by 106 traders (6 women) and are used for teff, wheat and pepper marketing  Market information collection and dissemination continued in Alaba PLW (see other commodities). In Bure  Farmers in Bure plant bread wheat on fine seedbed prepared during the rainy season. This practice aggravated soil erosion and subsequently caused soil fertility depletion. The project demonstrated wheat production using conservation tillage to farmers, experts, DAs and higher officials in two PAs last year. The productivity of wheat grown using conservation tillage was better than the wheat produced without tillage. This also allowed poor farmers to plant on their fields on time and female household heads (FHH) to fully benefit from their farmland. To scale out this technology, the project in collaboration with OoARD further trained farmers and DAs and demonstrated at FTCs in 9 PAs (Fetam Sentom, Zeyewshewen, Zalema, Sertekeze, Alefa, Denbun, Wadera, Adel Agata and Arbisi) on 5.375 ha. In addition to this, new bread wheat varieties, namely HAR 604 and HAR 3730 are also under production in the district  As a result of demonstration of wheat production through conservation tillage, large number of farmers requested DAs supplies of roundup. To solve this problem also, project staff in collaboration with OoARD facilitated the supply of roundup through cooperatives and private agro-chemical suppliers. In this reporting period about 6000 liters of roundup was distributed to farmers both by cooperatives and two private agro-chemical suppliers. Farmers purchased the chemical for wheat and other crop (teff, maize and chickpea) production. Therefore, about 1500 ha cropland is planted with conservation tillage technology in the reporting period  Although the area of production under wheat is steadily expanding, farmers only know and grow one variety, Kubsa, which sprouts whenever it rains at the end of the cropping season. To solve these problems, IPMS project identified two promising varieties (HAR 604 and HAR 3730) for the district. In this cropping season, the project facilitated seed production of these varieties on farmers` fields and FTCs at Zalema, Wadera, Wundegi, Fetam Sentom, Zeyewshewen, Denbun, Arbisi, and Adel Agata PAs on over 5 ha land. From this seed multiplication activity, about 180q of seed is expected at the end of the cropping season. This will be processed and sold to farmers as seed for the next cropping season. The bottleneck problem in this activity is shortage of breeder seed from research centers  Bread wheat seed is supplied to farmers only from the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise. Consequently, farmers suffer due to inadequate and late supply of seed. From a study tour to the Ada’a PLW organized by IPMS, stakeholders observed the possibility of certified seed production, processing and marketing using a 46 multipurpose cooperative union. This lesson allowed the Damot multi-purpose cooperative union to begin certified seed processing and marketing. Consequently, over 1800 q of bread wheat seed was prepared and sold to farmers by Bure Damot Union, for the first time, in this reporting period. This activity contributed to the supply of quality seed on-time to farmers and also increased the income to the seed growers in the district  The project also collects market price of bread wheat and disseminates it to users every week in collaboration with the marketing teams of OoARD and BoARD. IPMS project is providing technical advice to Damot Multipurpose Cooperative Union to establish a wheat flour factory in the area. The Union prepared a project document and received land to construct the factory at Bure. Rice In Fogera  Promotion of Upland Rice in the Fogera Woreda is progressing well. Seeds were obtained from 3 sources; own production (previous participants both on demonstration and seed production), informal exchange (mostly among neighbourhood) and through the government credit system. Hence, the number of participants has increased from 48 in 2007 to 196 in 2008. Total seed produced was 54.66 qt, which will be adequate for planting more than 50-54 ha of land. Average seed production in Fogera is about 30 qt/ha. Total production from the whole seed sold formally outside of the Woreda will be 1,500-1,620 quintals. Seed demand in 2009 within and outside the Woreda has increased and farmers have started to maintain seed for sale. About 8 different sources bought upland rice from Fogera. Prices of seed ranged from Birr 600 to 1,000/qt  Upland Rice seed has been scaled out to five new PAs (Mentura, Chalma, Alember, Wotenb, Zeng, Anguko and Diba) for the first time by the OoARD and on a farmer to farmer basis. Nine other PAs are previous producers. Each participant received 25 kg of NERICA-4 which will be enough for a quarter of a hectare. The total area covered within these new PAs is 17.25 ha and the number of participating farmers is 69. A total of 54.65 ha of land were under upland rice during the 2009 cropping season. In Metema  Upland rice varieties (Nerica 3 and 4, Superica 1 varieties) were introduced to Metema in 2007. The varieties were introduced and popularized by ARARI in collaboration with IPMS and OoARD. Currently, seed production continued in 7 rural (Meka, Zebach Bahir, Lemlam Terara, Shinfa, Tumet, Kokit, Metema, and Debiko) and 3 urban PAs with a total of 515 (118 female) farmers participating in the operation. Planting was done on 200.25 hectares on Vertisols. With the assistance of Woreda staff and DAs, few farmers applied fertilizer. However, this year, the amount of rain was not adequate for proper crop growth and reduction in yield is expected 47  In the past two years, farmer-based rice seed supply system was the only system that was practiced. With increasing demand of rice seed, the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise has now signed seed production agreements with farmers in Metema  At this stage, market of rice is not a problem since all the produce is sold for seed purposes. It is inevitable that the rice market will be a challenge in the coming years and partners are expected to work on the issue ahead of time. One possible option will be facilitating the provision of rice polishers to organized groups on credit or cash basis. In Bure  The Regional Government as well as the Bure district are struggling to use water logging areas for crop production by draining excess water using the BBM technology. The project introduced upland rice and demonstrated the performance in water logging areas to farmers, DAs, experts and high officials, an alternative technology, in five PAs on 20 farmers’ fields. The performance of the crop is promising even though there was shortage of rain during this cropping season. 3.3.6 Oil crops (sesame) In Metema  Efforts were made to introduce new sesame varieties but were not successful due to the lack of improved varieties for rain fed conditions. The Gondar Agricultural Research Centre is conducting research to identify varieties adoptable to Metema. Use of Roundup and glyphosphate is well accepted and iswidely used to enhance sesame production and reduce cost of production. Sesame is not responding to fertilizer application so no effort was made to promote the practice. Sesame seed bug was a problem but because of the IPMS intervention, the problem no longer exists or is minimal  The seed supply system of sesame is well established and seed is distributed through selected and knowledgeable individuals. On the other hand, inputs like round up and sprayers were supplied only through private sector rural shops. This year, Metema co-ops union was actively involved in the supply glyphosphate product known as Mamba, and supplied 5,700 litres  Before 2005, the public sector was the only source of chemical sprayers. Currently, it is totally supplied by the private sector and many of knapsack sprayers are sold in big villages like Gendwoha, Shinfa, and Metema Yohanes. Rental sprayer services are also now available with the expansion of agro- chemical use. The service is delivered by farmers and by input suppliers in Genda woha town  Sesame marketing is at its peak from December to April. During these months, the OoARD Marketing Office staff are actively involved in the provision of market price information through co-ops or through DAs. Sesame marketing has not yet started but will be handled by the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange. Therefore, the OoARD Marketing Office staff members are actively involved in delineation of sesame market places and on awareness creation of the new system. 48 3.3.7 Cotton In Metema  Cotton production revived after the project intervention in 2006. Currently, the application of ‘Cruiser’ chemical on improved cotton seed is expanding to large scale farmers’ holdings. In this reporting period, Delta pine, (improved cotton variety) was introduced by farmers from Awash and planted after dressing it with ‘Cruiser’. Two new insecticides were also introduced to control ballworm and aphids and are widely used by cotton growers  Due to the restrictive law and regulations on improved seed production, multiplication and sale, it was found difficult to organize private input suppliers in Metema. On the other hand, the Ethiopian Seed Enterprise is not actively involved in improved cotton seed multiplication and marketing. Therefore, growers who use improved seed are forced to purchase seed from private seed producers in the Awash area. In this reporting period, large scale growers bought 126 quintals of Delta pine variety. However, efforts made to link the small scale growers with input suppliers in Awash through Co-ops union was not fruitful and smallholder farmers were forced to use local varieties supplied by primary co-ops. Cruiser is supplied through the co-ops union based in Gondar while the supply of other agro chemicals including glyphosphate products, insecticides and knapsack are delivered by local input shops and Co-ops union  Cotton is sold to the ginnery in Gondar. Last year, the price for cotton was low and farmers who grew quality cotton seed suffered from this low price so a consultation with the ginnery management took place in order to establish price incentives based on quality. However, the attempt was not fruitful and a few growers were forced to sell their produce directly to the Sudan, illegally, to fetch better prices. In the reporting period, efforts were made to link growers with textile industries in Addis. In the remaining planning year, the OoARD staff members are expected to organize marketing groups in order to increase their bargaining power. On the other hand, the Woreda Market Office staff started providing market information for primary co-ops. 3.3.8 Coffee In Dale  The project promotes the local coffee landraces in Dale. Under the Jimma Agricultural Research Centre, the Awada sub-centre provided a variety called “Angafa” which is the Sidama/Yirgachefe type. However, the research has limited orchards to meet the demand for seed all over the region. The IPMS approach hastens the distribution of these varieties by widening the source of seed through the establishment of coffee orchards in the Woreda and seedling production using farmers’ nurseries. In this respect, 20 nursery owners established orchards by receiving 100 ‘Angafa’ seedlings from the OoARD nursery. So far, 2000 seedlings have been established and are expected to bear fruit in the next season. Income of those farmers (seed producers) will improve because the value is twice that of the grain and is a high yielder. Of the above coffee seedling producers 8 of 49 them (data were incomplete at the time of this report) raised 90,354 seedlings of which 72,091 were sold for a total of Birr 21,426.30. The remaining 18,263 seedlings were used by the seedling raising farmers themselves. In Goma  Coffee is one of the priority commodities for Goma. Two new approaches were picked up by IPMS. Scaling out of improved sun drying process and vegetative propagation of hybrid coffee seedlings  Market was a major challenge for quality coffee produced by improved sun dried processing in 2007/08. In 2008/9, despite lack of market for special sun dried coffee and very low production, the 300 model farmers and also 100 CFC farmers, who received drying materials in 2007/8 production year, continued to dry coffee using this improved practice and fetched premium price in the local informal market. As the result, in this reporting period, pressure on the office of agriculture and IPMS for market linkage by old model farmers and for drying inputs by new farmers has increased. The OoARD and IPMS Goma Office then communicated with the Oromia Coffee Union with an official letter from the WALC chair and a thorough discussion with the Union manager and assistant manager took place. The union leadership appreciated the efforts and expressed its strong interest to work together and explained possible options for foreign market linkage. However, the union stressed two major issues that must be completed for special coffee market: o Production traceability (from producers side) o Price transparency (from consumers side)  To make production traceability more practical and acceptable, the PLW started recording each farmer’s location using GPS. Four hundred farmers’ plots have been recorded and mapped at PA level. The recording included production plan of each model farmer for 2009/10. Farmers are planning to produce much more special sun dried coffee because of good harvest expected this year  In order to address the request of new farmers for drying materials (through credit and cash), DAs have registered more than 285 farmers in 12 PAs, requesting for 298 nets of 6m x 2m beds. Market assessment for these materials showed that the price of each item has more than doubled compared to 2007/8 prices, as a result of which many of the farmers refrained from purchasing the drying item  The idea of vegetative propagation of hybrid coffee was initiated by IPMS and was demonstrated on one model farmer’s field last year. The result of this demonstration was very impressive. This shows that farmers could play a significant role in using sophisticated technology for multiplication and distribution. This successful innovative practice was picked up by OoARD for scaling out. This effort by the OoARD engaged 8 farmers in eight strategically located PAs. In order to make the scaling out more effective, a one day workshop was organized for selected farmers, DAs and supervisors working with model farmers and SMS. In this participatory planning workshop, each model farmer proposed his/her own target considering potential in terms of cost and labour and towards producing a total of about 6,650 hybrid coffee seedlings in 8 PAs. Farmers have taken the initiative to cover the costs for the purchase of inputs 50 which includes poly sheet to construct mini greenhouse and poly bags. Currently, there are 2000 cuttings established by 3 farmers. 3.4 Assessment participatory commodity development Emphasis during this year has been placed on the scaling out of approaches and best value chain practices. In general this six monthly report illustrates that the value chain approach is commonly applied for the commodities in all PLWs, even though the emphasis on individual value chain components varies by commodity and PLW. Another interesting observation is that commodity development is a dynamic process which never ends. New opportunities and problems emerge which need to be addressed. What is important in this respect is the response capacity of the actors to such challenges. Some interesting examples of knowledge/inputs provided by different partners in this continuous development process are described including the emerging of a new tef variety by the research system in Ada’a and the development of community based insurance scheme for small scale fattening and communal grazing land arrangements by local communities. As far as the scaling out of best value chain practices is concerned, considerable variation exists between the Woredas, i.e. while in some Woredas coverage is still limited, in others much wider coverage has been achieved. A clearer picture will be obtained on the basis of the planned M&E exercise for this year. The following observations are made with regard to the value chain development of individual commodities: Many partners are getting involved in the scaling out of the dairy commodity in the different PLWs, especially the Woreda OoARD, NGOs, private companies and cooperatives. In general the value chain development concept is applied. Still the scaling out of dairy in the PLWs is limited by the fact that it is determined by distance to markets and the availability of improved animals. Efforts have been made by project partners to alleviate problems associated with the supply of improved animals including privatized AI services and private bull stations. Most of this is still in its infancy and needs support structures at the higher level. Short term fattening of large and small ruminants has a much wider application/coverage potential and shows promising results. Linkages with suppliers of feed concentrates have been established using both private shop and or cooperative/collective arrangements. The use of Urea Molasses Blocks is limited and has not shown large scale adoption. Para vet services are being tested in several Woredas and are expanding. In general, they are well accepted and are presently being studied in more detail. Market linkages are facilitated with buyers in and outside the Woredas. Collective as well as individual marketing of animals takes place. With the exception of Mieso, where linkages were established with 51 export abattoirs for the supply of sheep, most PLWs are able to supply local and regional markets, in particular during the holiday events. It is also noted that that the legal export market from Metema PLW to the Sudan was negatively affected by new export requirements. The development of farm produced/harvested fodder/forage basically follows the development of the dairy and fattening commodities. In those PLWs where grazing lands are a major source of feed, excellent progress has been made with the improved utilization of such lands through new social arrangements. Hay making has started in one PLW, where grazing lands are still abundant. Back yard forage development with grass and leguminous species development in several PLWs is supported with seed multiplication on either FTCs and/or private farms. Evaluating and expanding such a system with good linkages to large scale producers of planting materials will be required. The use of stover is now common however, the adoption of the stover treatment with urea is still very limited. Apiculture development is taking off in several PLWs however, acquiring the necessary technical skills to handle modern/transitional hives is proving to be a tougher nut to crack. Not every farmer is a bee keeper. The value chain development of this commodity is also “effected” by past efforts in which the government tried to support its development by taking on the role of supplier of inputs and processing equipment. This hampers the development of alternative input supply systems. Still, good examples of private shops becoming involved can be seen in a number of PLWs. An interesting form is presently being developed with renting equipment by the East Shoa Apiculture Association. Despite the fact that marketing is being addressed in most PLWs, increased volumes have started creating problems, especially since linkages with large scale processors have not been operationalised. Poultry value chain development is slow, probably because it started late. Particular attention was paid to the supply of improved local and exotic chickens. Introduction of village/District level hatchery technology in Alaba and Bure has not yet shown great success, mostly as a result of inadequate electricity supply. The use of the hay box brooder appears to be successful in Dale and Goma. Unlike Dale farmers, who made the production of pullets a commercial enterprise, Goma poultry producers kept the produced pullets for their own production and are now in the egg production stage. The use of improved feed by Goma farmers and farmers in other PLWs is still slow since this is quite a departure from the traditional scavenging system. The development of irrigated vegetables has had a very significant impact on the development of the agricultural sector in several of the PLWs. In principle the project has been using the “low hanging fruits” approach, by focusing its attention on individually operating farmers in areas where no large scale communal infrastructure was required and/or had already been developed by other projects. Because of the high returns from this sector, adoption of improved technologies including the use of privately owned irrigation pumps is very good and spreads very easily, once the knowledge and capacity are there and good examples of this can be seen in Metama, Fogera, Ada’a and Mieso. It 52 is interesting to note that knowledge sharing and capacity development in several PLWs is supported by linkages with skilled farmers from inside and outside the PLW. Introduction of new varieties is a continuous process and takes place in collaboration with the research system and private companies. The development of fruits as a marketable commodity has mainly focused on the development of a decentralized input supply system for improved varieties. Scaling out of the privately owned fruit tree nurseries has expanded in all PLWs. In Dale and Ada’a nursery operators can now start harvesting “scions” from the mother trees planted 3 years ago. Also in most Woredas where improved varieties were introduced early on (Dale, Ada’a, Alamata), harvesting of fruits from improved varieties has started and fruits are fetching good prices. Now attention needs to be paid to using marketing channels which appreciate the quality fruits produced. In Bure and Atsbi, the development of apples as a marketable commodity has been initiated by establishing nurseries. Market oriented haricot bean varieties continue to be promoted in Dale and Alaba Woreda. In Alaba, farmers have established community seed banks which will be used for future multiplications. In Dale seeds are marketed through the cooperative (with credit supplied through the IPMS project). In collaboration with MARC and CIAT (funded by the Gates Foundation), sale of new varieties in small labeled packages is being tested to introduce the new varieties as well as address the demands of resource poor farmers. The supply of basic seeds for multiplication by farmers has improved due to the intervention of the abovementioned project. In Ada’a, the value chain for chickpea and lentils is working well. It is noted that the Erer Union has established a lentil processing factory – this is in part the result of a feasibility study developed by a consultant from the Farmer to Farmer based organization – linked to the Erer Union by the project. Introduction of inoculants for chick peas was not successful (demand for inoculants for lentils is high). Addressing root rot in chick peas is presently the number one priority. The development of marketable cereal crops i.e. teff, wheat and rice has focused on the introduction of new varieties. Kuncho, a teff variety recently released by the research system was very successfully introduced in Ada’a Woreda this season. A farmer to farmer based seed supply system has resulted in fast dissemination. To support the introduction of upland rice in Fogera and Metema the project partners successfully identified appropriate varieties and established a farmer based seed multiplication system. Similarly in Bure, newly tested wheat varieties are being replicated by farmers. After a visit to Ada’a PLW, the Bure Damot Union has also started cleaning/packaging certified wheat seeds. Supply of basic/breeder seeds for multiplication is a key concern. An interesting development is noted for the introduction of conservation tillage practices for wheat. The uptake of this technology has “exploded” as a result of stimulating small scale input outlets for the agro chemicals (area coverage increased from 150 to 1500 ha). The value chain for cotton and sesame in Metema District are functioning well. Both crops have benefited from the conservation tillage technology introduced by the project. After the initial single supplier, several suppliers of the agrochemicals can be found 53 throughout the District, including the Cooperative Union. Knap sack sprayers, which were previously channeled through the OoARD are now also distributed through the shops. The development of the coffee value chain in Dale focuses on the development of a nursery system which raises local varieties. In Goma marketing of quality coffee is a top priority using proper drying and storage techniques. This year, plots/farms have been geographically referenced for better traceability of the coffee. Considering the various production interventions it is noted that environment enhancing development can be observed. Examples are the improved grazing areas in several PLWs, and the conservation tillage practices introduced/adopted in Bure and Metema. The project has produced a synthesis paper on this topic. Similarly, it is noted that several PLWs have targeted women for specific commodities in order to bring about a more gender balanced development. Examples are sheep fattening and poultry. 4 Development and promotion of recommendations for scaling out The expected outcomes of this project component are strategies, policy and technology options, and institutional innovations developed (from both research and lessons- learned), documented and promoted in order to enhance market-oriented agricultural development. In this section, a summary of the on-going research and promotion activities and outputs are presented together with an assessment of the achievements of the intended outputs and outcomes. An overview of the research conducted by graduate students is presented in Annex 5. 4.1 Knowledge management studies Student theses studies On-going  The role of farmer knowledge sharing in innovation processes. The case of dwarf Cavendish banana production in Metama.  Access and utilization of agricultural knowledge and information by women dairy farmers in Ada’a  Accessibility and utility of market information systems for market oriented commodities in Almata and Atsbi. Initiated  One student started a study on the role of ICT on agricultural knowledge management challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia – based on the IPMS experiences in the PLWs 54 IPMS studies  Because of the overload on survey work in the PLWs in the past six months it was decided to postpone the planned studies/field work for the following six months. Synthesis  One attachment student started the synthesis of the completed MSc theses on knowledge management. A report has been produced.  An ILRI innovation system scientist has started synthesizing the completed MSc theses on social net works 4.2 Capacity building studies MSc thesis studies On-going  Effectiveness of farmer field school in promoting coffee management practices in Jimma and Sidama Zone.  Factors effecting the status of farmer training centres in Ada’a Initiated  Relevance and effectiveness of modular based training at FTCs; the case of Alamata Woreda. IPMS studies  Because of the overload on survey work in the PLWs in the past six months it was decided to postpone the planned studies/field work for the following six months. Synthesis  The development of a working paper based on the synthesis of technology adoption research is in progress. 4.3 Market oriented commodity studies Market oriented commodity research is subdivided into i) commodity value chain components – production/natural resource management, input supply and marketing, ii) commodity synthesis research which consists of commodity case studies and policy/strategy synthesis 4.3.1 Commodity value chain component studies 4.3.1.1 Production/input supply and NRM studies The following studies on production, natural resource management and input supply are completed, on-going or initiated during this reporting period. Student MSc thesis studies 55 Completed – 9 studies  Two (2) students successfully defended their thesis on dairy i.e. o Characterization of dairy production systems, marketing and on-farm evaluation of the effect of feed supplementation on milk yield and composition in Bure o On farm evaluation of urea treated rice straw and rice bran supplementation on milk yield and composition of Fogera cows.  Two (2) students successfully defended their thesis on sheep and goats o Production and marketing of sheep and goat in Goma District o Characterization of goat production and marketing systems and on-farm evaluation of the growth performance of grazing goats supplemented with isonitrogenous protein sources in Metama.  One (1) student successfully defended his thesis on cattle fattening o Assessment of major feed resource availability and performance evaluation of cattle fattening practice and market system in Bure.  One (1) student successfully defended his thesis on apiculture o Honey bee production and marketing systems constraints and opportunities in Bure Woreda.  Two (2) student successfully defended their thesis on onion/garlic o Effects of vermicomposting of rice husk, cow dung and fresh biosolid with different carbon to nitrogen ration on onion production o Introduction of community based garlic seed production: Varietal test and farmer perception in Atsbi  One (1) student successfully defended his thesis on coffee o Influence of genotype and processing methods on quality of Yirgacheffe and Sidama coffee, Dale On-going – 8 studies  Two ( 2) students are working on GIS studies on priority commodities o Spatial analysis of farming systems – Bure o Irrigation potential of river catchments in Dale  Four (4) students are working on production related issues o Coffee quality issues in Jimma and Sidama Zone o Response to highland sheep body weight and intake to different feeding systems – Atsbi o Pastoral perception about range resource utilization and their traditional management – Mieso o Small ruminant production system and on farm evaluation of urea treated straw and concentrate feeding in sheep body weight - Bure  Two (2) students are dealing with input supply issues: o Analysis of agricultural input supply system: the case of Dale Woreda o Effectiveness of upland rice farmer–to–farmer seed production exchange system – Fogera 56 Newly initiated - 7 studies  One student has started studying the private service delivery system for crop protection and animal health service delivery in Alaba  One student has started research on the wheat varieties introduced in Bure.  Two students (one in Goma and one in Dale) started research on the impact of poultry interventions.  Two students (one in Alaba and one in Atsbi) started research on the socio economic impact of apiculture resulting from IPMS interventions.  One student started on the economic analysis of forage development for livestock development in Atsbi Partner studies Federal and Regional Agricultural Research Institutions:  ARARI - A 2 day research review workshop was held in Bahir Dar with ARARI to review the status of the on-going production and input supply system. Based on the interim report the following projects will be continued for another year, once a proper accounting of expenditures of all projects has been received. o Rice projects in Metama and Fogera o Onion project in Fogera o Sheep fattening in Bure and Metama o Fattening – Borana AI synchronization in Metama o Poultry – Bure, Fogera  TARI - The following projects are still on-going o Rice varieties introduction in Alamata – Pheno o Tomato and onion production in Alamata  SARI - Three projects on livestock are still on-going o Sheep, goat meat production and marketing in Dale and Alaba o Dairy production in Dale Awassa milkshed o Poultry production and marketing in Alaba and Dale  OARI – Three projects on livestock are still on-going in Mieso o Dairy production and marketing o Cattle fattening and marketing o Goat production and marketing  Data of the 2 coffee research projects in Dale with EIAR/Jimma ARC/Awada on farm nurseries/seed orchards and the introduction of the Angafa variety were analyzed with the help of IPMS. Final report writing is delayed because of the “departure’ of the responsible EIAR researcher. 57 CGIAR Centers  IWMI - is presently conducting a final assessment of the water interventions in the 4 PLWs (Atsbi, Alamata, Ada’a and Alaba)  ICRISAT/EIAR - the report on the chickpea seed supply system in Ada’a was further delayed by the extended leave of the principal researcher.  IFAD/ILRI fodder project - this project has continued to partner with the stakeholder in the 4 selected PLWs (Atsbi, Alamata, Ada’a, Alaba) to introduce/adapt fodder innovations for market oriented livestock commodities. It is interesting to observe that the project is moving away from a pure fodder focus to a more commodity oriented approach in which other issues in the commodity value chain are addressed. Synthesis IPMS staff synthesized information from studies and action research in different papers (see Annex 1). 4.3.1.2 Marketing studies Household survey  During March - July 2009, a household survey was conducted on a total of over 1,200 sample households selected from the ten PLWS. The main objectives of the survey are to obtain household level data to analyze the level of smallholder commercialization, analyze the input and output markets, and also conduct a benefit-cost analysis on commodity development interventions based on the IPMS value chain development approaches. Data entry and cleaning is finalized and data analysis has begun. Two papers are expected to be presented at an international conference on Ethiopian Development Studies during Nov 12-15 in Ethiopia. Student MSc studies Completed  During this reporting period two (2) students completed and defended her thesis successfully. o Assessment hides and skin marketing in Tigray. o Market chain analysis of honey production in Atsbi On-going  Eleven (11) students are at different stages of their market related thesis research o Fruit and vegetable marketing chain – Alamata o Rice profitability and value chain – Fogera o Poultry value chain – Dale and Alaba o Poultry value chain – Atsbi and Alamata 58 o Butter marketing chain – Atsbi o Goat and sheep marketing chain – Alaba and Dale o Marketing of Kabuli and Desi chick pea in Eastern Shewa o Market chain analysis of teff and wheat production – Alaba o Market chain analysis small ruminant production - Alamata and Atsbi o Haricot bean value chain – Dale and Alaba Initiated  One student started research on the red pepper market chain - Bure  Six (6) students have been identified to conduct studies on the impact assessment of input and output market development interventions by the IPMS project in Goma, Bure, Alaba/Dale, Mieso, Atsi/Alamata and Ada’a. Partner studies  ARARI - submitted a draft paper on the dried fish marketing entitled “ Dry Fish market assessment from Lake Tana to Metama”. The paper has been reviewed by IPMS HQ staff and a revised draft is expected soon.  TARI - The vegetable marketing chain study for Atsbi is nearing completion and , a report is still awaited. Synthesis  IPMS staff synthesized information from studies and action research in different papers (see Annex 1). 4.3.2 Commodity synthesis studies 4.3.2.1 Commodity case studies The case studies were carried out as an integral part of the on-going IPMS commodity value chain development/innovation processes documentation, validation and synthesis. These case studies will be used to distill good practices and interventions for scaling out. During the reporting period the following activities have been carried out by RDO/IPMS HQ staff:  Developing research instrument: Instruments for the case studies on commodity value chain development were developed and pre-tested for the selected six commodities: fattening, dairy, apiculture, vegetables, fruits and coffee.  Detailed structure for the case study report was developed.  Group discussions Group discussions (in 14 villages) facilitated by the head quarter staff and RDOs of respective PLWs were held in IPMS intervention Kebeles with farmer groups engaged in market-oriented production of relevant commodity /commodities. The information collected through the focus group discussion included: background to 59 the priority commodities development intervention, opportunities, constraints, challenges and innovation along the value chain- input supply, knowledge management/extension, credit, production, processing, marketing and market linkage, and socio-economic outcomes such as income and livelihoods, and intended/unintended impact of the intervention- in particular gender and HIV/AIDS, and natural resource management. The results were summarized on the spot for use by RDOs for case studies on commodity development. In addition to gathering the necessary data, the exercise helped to familiarize the RDOs with the instrument for their further case studies; and the exercise also helped the head quarter research staff to familiarize themselves with what was actually happening on the ground.  PLW level commodity-based stakeholders workshop Half day workshops were conducted in six (6) PLWs including Alamata and Bure (dairy development), Alaba and Atsbi (apiculture development) Fogera (developing onion seed production business), and Metema (cattle fattening for domestic and export market).  The participants were representatives of diverse actors relevant to a specific commodity development/innovation such as o Representatives of farmers and farmer organizations, including at least 3 women, relevant to a specific commodity o Private actors relevant to a specific commodity o Public actors (2 researchers) relevant to a specific commodity o Partners relevant to a specific commodity o Platform/coordination bodies (from different offices)  The workshop was facilitated by a head quarter staff and RDOs/RDA of respective PLWs. The purpose of the workshop was to capture the views’ of relevant actors with the aim of: o Tracking the change processes and development interventions over time in specific commodity development as actually experienced and/or perceived by the stakeholders. o Taking an inventory of actors (formal and informal organizations) and explore their actual/potential roles in specific commodity development /innovation processes; and mapping actor linkage and quality of interactive relationship. o To understand prevailing challenges and opportunities to effective inter-organizational coordination to enhance market-oriented development of relevant commodity.  The data were left with RDOs for their use for commodity case studies report.  Write-shop Finally, a write-shop was organized at Fura Institute of Development Studies (Yirgalem) during 14-19 September 2009. The purpose was to develop common understanding and to create a space for RDOs to begin writing the cases. All the RDOs took part in the write-shop, Dr. Seife Ayele, from ILRI Nairobi Office, helped in facilitating the process and served as a resource person along with head 60 quarter research staff. At the end of the workshop a total of 20 draft case studies were produced, and currently the review of the draft case studies is underway by head quarter staff and Dr. Ayele. 4.3.2.2 Credit innovations  One student is conducting research on members savings behavior and determinants of savings in rural savings and credit cooperatives in Alamata  Since most of the credit innovations are still not completed, the review was not yet initiated. 4.3.3 Commodity strategy/scenario development  Discussions were held between IPMS staff and the ILRI’s marketing theme to initiate a project on dairy and fattening scenario development using GIS. Discussions were also held with the coordinator of the Ethiopian livestock master plan study to see potential use of such an input into the master plan. 4.4 Environmental studies  Two MSc students are pursuing their MSc thesis research in environmental issues i.e. testing of small biomass gasfier stove, and current production system and sustainable use of Frankincense from Boswelia papyrifera tree in North Gondar Zone  One PhD student completed his fieldwork on “Assessment of Environment Livestock Interactions in Crop Livestock production system in the Central Highlands” 4.5 Gender equality and HIV/AIDS studies MSc thesis studies Completed  Role of women in value chain systems of vegetable and spices in Atsbi. On-going  Household food security and women’s pivotal role in the context of market oriented agricultural development IPMS studies To share the experience of the project in mainstreaming gender to other development partners and stakeholders, both the qualitative and quantitative studies have been conducted across all PLWs between June and August 2009. The studies aimed at looking in to which commodities women are involved in, their access to the necessary skills and knowledge, the economic advantage they gained; and their recognition and decision making power at household level as well as at the community levels, due to their involvement in the commodity development. Different methods were used to collect pertinent data. 61  Household surveys About 623 women were interviewed between June and August 2009. The women were selected from the list of women who participated in various commodity development interventions of the project across 10 PLWs. The general objective of the survey is to see the impact of the project intervention on women’s access to resource, technologies, information and; women economic empowerment and their decision making power. The commodities covered by the study were apiculture, dairy, shoat, poultry, vegetables, fruits and fish. Currently the survey data is being entered, and it is planned to be completed by the end of October, 2009.  Life history “successful” women The life history was employed as one of the methods of data collection .Women who are considered as relatively successful in commodity development were interviewed in depth using a checklist to know what economic benefit they obtained and how those economic benefits changed their livelihood and position with in the household. About 25 women have been interviewed for life history on 8 commodities which is going to be screened for documentation. A small booklet will be prepared.  Focus group discussion with “drop out” women Focus group discussions have been held also with drop out women to investigate the challenges women encountered in business development and what should be done in the future to increase women participation in commodity development. Women who were targeted for commodity development but couldn’t engage to the actual business or who dropped out from the business after a while were selected for the focus group discussion. About 6-10 women participated in the focus group discussion and a checklist was used to guide the discussion.  Discussion with RDOs Intensive discussions were held with RDOs and RDAs in order to identify which operational measures, approaches and strategies have been employed to increase women participation in commodity development and assessments were made with respect to what worked and why, and what did not work and why? 4.6 Promotion of communications of lessons learned In each of the Regions, project staff members were involved in promoting project activities within the Regions In Tigray  The fruit development in Alamata was documented by ETV during a field day. It was broadcasted in July and raised a lot of interest.  A specially funded IFPRI project produced a documentary of the farmers in Atsbi, who had benefited from the IPMS approach. 62  A new strategy for food secure farmers is being developed in Tigray. The IPMS RDO is a key member of the taskforce charged with this responsibility and ensures that IPMS concepts are incorporated in the strategy.  IPMS staff has been involved in supporting TARI to adopt research for development approach and IPMS approaches were communicated. Similarly the IPMS concepts and strategies are shared with Mekele University during student thesis research proposal approval and thesis defense. In Amhara  The Bure project popularized its lessons on conservation tillage, bee colony splitting and fruit grafting and year round livestock fattening using the Amhara Regional mass-media agency TV & radio programs. The Amhara Mass-Media Agency is preparing a documentary film on bee colony splitting experiences to share the lesson to the other parts of the region.  Bure/Fogera WoARD and IPMS staff were visited and discussed project approaches with project formulation mission including AGP, Bill Gates/IFPRI extension review. The project was also visited by staff from ILRI who implemented projects in Ghibe and India.  A specially funded IFPRI project produced a documentary of a farmer in Bure, who had benefited from the IPMS approach. Title: The Prodigious Man of Bure, In Oromia  Ada’a WoARD and IPMS staff were visited and discussed project approaches with representatives from different donor organizations/projects as well as consultants/organizations involved in project design including: CIDA, Dutch Embassy, SNV, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and an Irish NGO.  Oromia Parliamentarians visited Miesso Woreda to learn about project approaches and interventions  A specially funded IFPRI project produced a documentary of a farmers in Ada, who had benefited from the IPMS approach – Title: The Busy Bee, Denkaka. In the SNNPRS  ETV crew paid a visit to Alaba, on July 6/2009. The team focused on outcomes in Knowledge Management and it was aired in south TV program. There was TV news (twice on separate days) and Radio news (three times) in addition to the newspaper coverage on “Debub Nigat”. The project is expected to organize field visit for RALC and WALC in the coming months.  IPMS staff shared the experience of Dale PLW in the area of establishing an alternative seed system for or small holder farmers with “People in Need” a Check Republic NGO in the process of starting a food security program in Alaba and Sidama.  A regional symposium and exhibition was carried out during 4-6 June 2009 at Arbaminch town. IPMS from head quarter and from Dale PLW and Dale WoARD had a stand where a farmer from Dale demonstrated grafted seedlings of 63 avocado and mangos. The stand was visited by the President of SNNPRS, H.E.Ato Shiferaw Shigute and his entourage.  IPMS staff also shared the experience of the project in a workshop organized by the Regional Bureau of Agriculture on “Panel discussion on Agricultural/Pastoral Extension system in SNNPRS: past, present and future direction”. The workshop was organized for the executives of Oromia and SNNPRS Bureaus of Agriculture and Rural Development on sustainability of FTCs. The same group again visited Debub Kege FTC that is supported by IPMS on 4th October 2009. At the Federal level  An IPMS booklet with a detailed description of the project activities was produced and distributed to stakeholders and various promotional events.  The project videos (five) were reproduced and distributed to various organizations for presentations.  Theses, papers and training materials have been updated on the IPMS website.  The MoARD has been developing a livestock master plan with the help of a consultancy company. The IPMS livestock expert is assisting the Ministry in reviewing the plan as a member of an independent external review committee.  IPMS senior staff attended Federal Agricultural Development Actors Council meetings and promoted IPMS concepts/strategies.  IPMS staff held discussions with consultants involved in the development of the Household Asset Building Packages (HABP) for the new phase of the Food Security Program (FSP)  IPMS staff interacted with consultants/made presentations involved with the development of the Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) to promote IPMS concepts/strategies.  IPMS staff promoted its ideas through participation in various national/regional seminars and workshops, including a presentation in the 17th annual conference of ESAP and a presentation in a conference organized by the Environmental Economics Policy Forum for Ethiopia. (see Annex 6).  Graduate Fellows Forum 2009 The Capacity Strengthening Unit of ILRI, IPMS, IWMI and CIMMYT jointly organized the first graduate fellows’ forum at the ILRI Addis Ababa campus from 13 to 14 August 2009. The objectives of the Graduate Fellows Forum were: to raise the visibility of graduate research; to share the knowledge generated with the broader development community, to share lessons and get feed back from our development partners and to establish an active alumni and network. The Forum was officially opened by Drs. Aberra Deressa, the State Minister for Agriculture and Carlos Sere, the Director General of ILRI. A total of 62 participants (10 females and 52 males) attended this forum. 32 graduate fellows, including 17 sponsored by the IPMS project, presented their research findings. The abstracts and presentations were compiled and distributed to the participants. A number of invited development partners and representatives of the Universities attended this workshop. The feedbacks received were very positive and ILRI will continue this as an annual feature. 64 At the international level IPMS staff presented papers on:  Workshop on Sustainable Land Management, April 16-17. University of Gothenburg, Sweden Paper presented “Linking NRM with Market Oriented Commodity Development: Does it help SLM?”  111 Seminar of EAAE-IAAE on “Small farms: decline or persist?" June 26-27 in University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. Paper presented "Smallholders, Institutional Services and Commercialization in Ethiopia."  Seminar presentation on July 3 to Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy Group, Wageningen University. Paper presented: "Smallholders, institutional Services and Commercial transformation in Ethiopia."  16th IUAES World Congress July 27 – 31, Yunnan, China. Recognizing farmers’ knowledge in development initiatives: indigenous bee-keeping in Alaba Special Woreda, Southern Ethiopia.  International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) 18 – 22 August, Beijing China. Price co-integration analysis of cereal markets in Tigray, North Ethiopia: The case of wheat and Teff.  International Symposium on Sustainable Improvement of Animal Production and Health. June 8-11, 2009, Vienna, Austria. Matching genotype with the environment using indigenous cattle breed: introduction of Borana cattle from southern Ethiopia into the lowlands of North-Western Ethiopia.  A Regional Workshop on Stimulating and Delivering Effective and Sustainable Business Developments Services to Rural Areas. Nairobi, 21-25 September. Two papers: “Smallholder-based fruit seedling supply system for sustainable fruit production in Ethiopia: Lessons from the IPMS experience” and “Innovative haricot beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed system for smallholder farmers – experiences from dale woreda (district), Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia.  Ninth African Crop Science Society Conference, 28 September 2009 to 1 October 2009, Cape Town, South Africa. Paper "Changes in response to integrated interventions in the value chain of vegetable at Atsbi-Womberta district of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia".  Tropentag: Biophysical and socio-economic frame conditions for sustainable management of natural resources. October 6-8, Hamburg, Germany. Three papers: ”Fluid milk and butter production and marketing systems in Fogera District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia” and “Farmer innovation and market-oriented livestock production in Ethiopia – key to sustainable natural resources management.” and “Linking natural resource management with market oriented commodity development: case studies from the Ethiopian Highlands. 4.7 Assessment outputs and outcomes of policy development and promotion The project emphasized the documentation and promotion of the lessons learned during this period. Considerable attention was paid to data collection for the development of commodity case studies and gender specific case studies. The results are being analyzed at the moment and be publicized and promoted in the second half of the coming project year. 65 Progress with student research is good and the model of involving students in research based on demand is working well, even though some students still have the tendency to define their own research. The same can not be said of the partner research, where progress and reporting is slow. A promotional highlight during this reporting period was the ILRI graduate fellows forum (organized by ILRI’s Cast), in which IPMS students presented their thesis research findings. In the past six months the project also tried to promote concepts and best value chain practices through interaction with staff consultants involved in the (re-)formulation of to major development programs i.e. The Food Security Program (FSP, in particular the Household Asset Building Program (HABP) and the Agricultural Growth program (AGP). In general it is observed that the project has increased its visibility by various actors at regional level as witnessed by:  Increased demand by various actors (donors, government, NGOs) to participate in various fora, discussions and workshops.  Increased demand for IPMS staff to share experiences and contribute to formulation of research and development project.  Increased media interest and coverage of IPMS activities  Increased interest by the international scientific and development communities to share experiences 5 Project management 5.1 Recruitment of staff  RDAs for the Mieso & Metema PLWs were recruited in April. However, the RDA for the Metema PLW resigned as of the end of September 2009 5.2 Recruitment consultants/experts The project recruited several consultants during this period, namely:  Abate Tedla – to give forage trainings to the Woreda Offices of Agriculture staff in Bure and Fogera  Hereni Melesse and Zahra Ali – hired as consultants for the gender studies conducted across all PLWs. They led and supervised the questionnaire survey; conducted focus group discussions and case stories. In addition they also held intensive interviews with RDOs  Tarekegne Berhanu – to assist in the establishment of a pesticide residue testing laboratory at the MoARD  Binyam Bekele – Amharic text editing and voice recording on IPMS documentaries 66  Jerry Rogers – to review the baseline and monitoring and evaluation methodologies and results and meet with the project management & M&E team  Margaret Wambugu – to prepare a study tour for the IPMS project and accompany and facilitate the group during a tour and technology exhibition in Kenya 5.3 Contracting research and development partners Contracts have been signed with the following partners:  Oromia Credit & Saving Share Company (OCSSCo) to handle the innovation credit funds for Mieso  A no-cost extension up to May 2009 was signed with ICRISAT 5.4 Office establishment and procurement of good/services During this reporting period, soft and hardware were purchased for the project’s knowledge management component ICT Capacity Building - Equipment Purchase Twenty TV & DVDs have been purchased for the mobile FTCs and zonal offices. In addition, software & licenses for the info center servers have also been purchased. 5.5 Project planning, monitoring and evaluation A program of work and budget was prepared for the period April 2009 – March 2010. A board meeting was held on April 23 in Nairobi, during which additional comments were provided, after which the revised version was circulated to the Board members for final approval. CIDA requested a financial audit of the project covering a 2 year period i.e. April 2007 till March 2009. The external auditors reviewed the necessary documentation and interviewed staff with the assistance of ILRI Addis Finance department and IPMS staff over a 2 week period – August 24 till September 4. A debriefing was held on September 4, during which the major findings were presented. In general the auditors were satisfied with the project’s performance. A detailed report with action points is still awaited. The project also developed an outline for a possible second phase. It is envisaged that the focus of the project would shift from District to Zonal, Regional and Federal level to facilitate the scaling out of approaches and best practices along the value chain. Linkages with development projects will be pursued to enhance potential impact. This project outline will be discussed in the next steering committee meeting. Year 3 M & E report is completed. Data were collected together with OoARD staff members who participated in Results-based M & E training workshop. The report focused on output and outcome level results of the project across the ten PLWs. A brief 67 report which summarizes major findings of the main report was also prepared in consultation with an RBM consultant. M & E methodology for year 4 output and outcome monitoring is revised and Year 5 M & E for impact type variables has been developed. Criteria for selection of PAs and priority commodities designed based on the intensity of IPMS facilitated intervention. Recognizing the difficulties of finding non-intervention PAs, it was agreed to consider four intervention PAs in each PLW and compare the result with the baseline data. Accordingly four PAs and four priority commodities to be used for year 4 M & E selected for each PLW. Baseline setting for outcome and output indicators is finalized for the ten PLWs. This baseline will be used to compare M & E results of year 4. However, baseline setting for impact indicators is still going on.