The Editors express their gratitude to all who have contributed to the synthesis report within the short period given. We feel the work and efforts made were worthwhile. We would also like to thank the encouragements and support received from the managements of the four institutions (AUA, IAR, ILCA and ICRISAT) for finalising the publication. Special thanks are due to Drs. Mesfin Abebe, Seme Debela, Goshu Makonnen, John Walsh and James Ryan for the unlimited support given to the work. The management of ILCA deserves additional thanks for handling purchases made overseas for AUA and IAR Vertisol projects and also for channelling funds to these institutions as necessary. We take this opportunity to thank ILCA's Procurement Office, specially Ato Tekeste Berhan Habtu, for their efficient and fast services.
The work would not have been possible if it were not for the financial support from the Governments of Switzerland, Norway and Finland and non-governmental organisations (CARITAS: Swiss and Oxfam: US). Special thanks go to the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) for the strong financial support given to the three institutions (IAR, AUA and ILCA) involved in the Joint Vertisol Project (JVP) up to now. Special appreciation also goes to Mr. Paul Egger for his untiring support and advise to the JVP.
Finally, we should cite Dr. Samuel Jutzi, the person who, through his hard work, dedication and effort pioneered the formation of JVP. He is remembered by the JVP staff and Ethiopian agricultural scientists for directing the Project to success. The JVP is greatly indebted to him.
The Editors
