Strengthening highland fruit production among rural farmers

The project

Strengthening of fruit and cactus pearl production project was initiated to promote cactus pearl and temperate fruits, such as plum, apple, apricot and almond in Tigray and Amhara Regions. Farmers in these areas benefitted from awareness education and economic benefits of this food security improvement project through diversification of horticulture crops and conducive market opportunities.

In view of this, essential trainings were given for nurserymen and technicians, farmers and agricultural extension workers on fruit nursery management and fruit tree multiplication practices. This was complemented by learning visits to similar good practices for farmers and agricultural extension workers.

To ensure the sustainability of the highland fruits production, potential private nursery owners were identified and trained on effective management of fruit nurseries. These owners were able to prepare business plans to identify nursery profitability and its transformation to a complete commercial activity.

The project also supported and strengthened the market linkages and enhanced access to basic services and facilities to improve value chain performance.

Aleje fruit nursery

This nursery was managed by the Tigray Region’s horticulture department, and later on maintained and improved to serve FAO-supported nursery project aimed to grow and distribute highland fruit seedlings to the local farmers.

At the initial stage of the nursery project, there were no any mother trees and seedlings. Hence, the nursery formally started by planting different species varieties of temperate fruit trees. To accelerate the activities in the nursery, the required skill training, nursery tools and motorized water pump were given to 40 model farmers drawn from four woredas (districts). Generally the training was focused on how to establish and manage private fruit nurseries, use suitable planting methods and irrigation practices, prune roots and fruits, and remove unnecessary leaves. Nursery staff, district level government experts and additional 437 farmers also received training on these activities.

The nursery was given a total of 20,844 root stocks of temperate fruits from Italy through the project, and so far 24,160 grafted seedlings have been distributed to local farmers from the nursery.

The case of Priest Habte Yiheyis

Priest Habte and nine other farmers participated in training on highland fruit management. He was given 14 fruit seedlings of apricot, plum, almond and apple. Using the skills he learned from the training and exposure visits to similar projects, he planted and managed the fruit seeding on his plot of land. Since he has started harvesting the temperate fruits, he generates Birr 7,500 per year that enabled him to cover all necessary expenses such as school stationery and uniform for his children, health care and other needs of his family.

As a pioneer, Habte passed on the knowledge and the skills he learnt on temperate fruit proper management and handling to a group of 35 local farmers. The local level agricultural bureau uses Habte’s orchard as a demonstration site for training and experience sharing for farmers from other districts in Tigray Region. Habte, as a successful farmer, honored and respected by his community, he serves as a resource person for any advice that his community members need on highland fruit management.

Published: April, 2016
Project: Strengthening of Fruit and cactus Pear production in Tigray and North Wollo Zone of Amhara Region (GCP/ETH/073/ITA)