AG:FFHC/ETH/032/MUL FREEDOM FROM HUNGER CAMPAIGN/ ACTION FOR DEVELOPMENT NGO PROGRAMME OF SUPPORT FOR LOCAL AGRICULTURAL REHABILITATION
INITIATIVES ETHIOPIA Terminal Report Report prepared for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, 1998 |
1.2 OUTLINE OF OFFICIAL ARRANGEMENTS
3.1 STRENGTHENING RURAL PEOPLE'S ORGANIZATIONS
3.2 DEVELOPING VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Appendix 3 MAJOR ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
Appendix 4 DOCUMENTS PREPARED DURING THE PROJECT
Agriculture is the mainstay of the Ethiopian economy. It accounts for approximately 90% of employment, is a major source of food and export earnings and provides the foundation for the agricultural development-led industrialization strategy of the country. However, owing to a number of technological, environmental, infrastructural and institutional constraints, the level of agricultural productivity remains inadequate.
Although peasant agriculture makes up 90% of all agricultural activities, the sector has been marginalized in terms of access to inputs and technical support. Policies and strategies imposed on farmers from above, along with the vagaries of nature, have rendered many farming communities vulnerable.
The Freedom from Hunger Campaign/Action for Development (FFHC/AD) addressed this problem by promoting, in 1981, a participatory grassroots development approach in project FH/ETH/027 "Support for Women's Associations in Settlement Schemes". The project attracted the support and confidence of partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) both within and outside Ethiopia and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) requested FAO support in 1984 to draw on the resources and expertise of NGOs for peasant development programmes. FFHC/AD, in collaboration with the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (OXFAM), UK, sponsored a consultancy to study the needs of both NGOs and the MOA and proposed a procedure for cooperation that would channel assistance to Peasant Associations (PAs) and Service Cooperatives (SCs) in drought-prone areas of the country.
The Project Document for the first phase of FFHC/ETH/032/MUL, "NGO Programme of Support for Local Agricultural Rehabilitation Initiatives", was signed on 9 February 1987, while that for the second phase was signed on 5 November 1990. The budget for the two project phases was $US 11 493 060, subject to the availability of funds from NGO donors. However, only 65% of this was raised. The second phase was informally extended to the end of 1997 pending the culmination of the process transforming the project into a national NGO, as was agreed by FAO and donors at the beginning of the project. The project began in 1986 and concluded in December 1997, when it became a national NGO, Action for Development.
The overall aim of the project was to enhance agricultural productivity by building the productive base of farmers whose resources had been decimated by recurrent drought.
The immediate objectives of the project were to:
- bridge the gap between meeting the immediate needs of drought-stricken families and laying a basis for sustainable long-term development;
- introduce a participatory approach and a community focus to rehabilitation and development planning and action;
- increase the managerial capacity of farmers' organizations and the quality of their service to members;
- enhance the participation of women in development activities within the community;
- render technical, financial and administrative support increasingly responsive to field realities and farmers' needs.
Following evaluation, these objectives were reoriented towards long-term development and the promotion of sustainable farming systems. They were thus redefined, as follows:
- to enhance the food security of farm households and reduce their susceptibility to drought;
- to enhance capacities for the conservation and development of natural resources;
- to facilitate the development and empowerment of women;
- to expand social services;
- to strengthen local institutional capacities and encourage self-reliance at community level.
A number of guidelines were developed with the aim of promoting participatory approaches to grassroots development. On behalf of the MOA and NGOs, the project drew up a procedure for cooperation in helping smallholders towards greater security in food production. It also produced, among others, guidelines on service cooperative project formulation and rural credit schemes. These guidelines facilitated the planning and implementation of development activities in partnership with community organizations and sectoral offices.
A series of workshops was conducted to familiarize stakeholders with the objectives and approach of the project, to impart skills, to review the progress of the project and to reorient its activities. These included:
- a participatory planning workshop conducted in March 1985 in Awassa, for 42 MOA staff and representatives of 12 NGOs;
- an evaluation/planning workshop conducted from 30 October to 11 November 1988 in Wolayita Soddo, for 96 people drawn from the community, FAO, donors, MOA and project staff;
- an evaluation/planning workshop conducted from 31 May to 6 June 1992 in Debrezeith, for 112 people drawn from the community, FAO, donors, line departments and project staff;
- a project extension formulation workshop conducted on 13 and 14 April 1994 in Awassa, for 17 members of staff, representatives of donors, FAO and line departments.
During the project, local and on-the-job training was provided for the staff of line departments and members of the community. The training for staff members, such as Development Agents (DAs) and their supervisors, focused on the transfer of skills and general extension approaches and took the form of short but regular workshops, seminars, exchange visits, and so on. The training for members of the community focused on the enhancement of farm and domestic productivity and of income-generating activities. The training, offered in such fields as farm management, land husbandry, beekeeping, pottery and spinning, was delivered by means of sessions, farm visits, cross visits, field days, seminars, workshops, on-farm trials and demonstrations.
As the project's initial focus was on the rehabilitation of farmers whose productive base was decimated by drought, the credit-based supply of such farm inputs as seed, tools, fertilizer and draught oxen was a priority. Bearing in mind the reorientation towards long-term development, the project focused on the introduction of improved varieties, cuttings and suckers of various cereals, root crops, fruits and vegetables.
Since livestock constitutes an important element for communities in the project area, interventions were made to enhance its productivity and health. Particular attention was given to the development of grassroots veterinary capacity through the training of community-based paraveterinarians, the supply of veterinary medicine and equipment and the establishment of local veterinary structures. This was reinforced by other livestock development activities, such as forage extension, restocking and water development.
In addressing the problem of environmental degradation, the project balanced the interests of natural resource conservation with the immediate needs of the target population. Activities such as the establishments of SCs and school and farm nurseries, the dissemination of farm forestry technology, the raising and planting of seedlings and environmental education were undertaken with grassroots participation.
The project regarded water development activities for domestic and production purposes as a priority and constructed a variety of water supply systems, including shallow and deep wells, gravity schemes, pumped schemes, roof catchments and irrigation schemes. This was combined with the establishment of water committees and irrigation users' associations and the provision of water education and caretaker training.
The project improved access to safe and adequate water, thus improving health, freeing women for other tasks, enhancing productivity and disseminating water management technology and capacity.
The empowerment of women was one of the major focus areas of the project. Activities intended to meet this need included: training women in various fields through sessions, home visits and demonstrations; input supply; the establishment and follow-up of saving and credit groups; the introduction of time- and labour-saving technologies; the distribution of income-generating items on credit; the expansion of social services; and the facilitation of women's representation in community institutions.
The inputs and services of the project were channelled through the farmers' organizations in the area, which included PAs, SCs and other formal and informal groups. To become effective partners in development, these organizations needed to be strengthened and this was one of the project's main areas of intervention.
The project worked to alleviate problems hampering the effective functioning of these organizations, such as inadequacy of resources, a deficiency in technical and managerial competence, under-representation of women, co-optation by local authorities and a lack of downward accountability. It undertook such activities as training SC staff and leaders, building physical infrastructures, providing financial and material support and facilitating the representation of women.
Lack of access to credit was a major concern in the project areas. The project introduced rural credit schemes structured along the lines of SC-operated revolving funds for farm inputs and group-based savings and credit schemes, training group leaders and bookkeepers and establishing record keeping systems. The participation of women in credit activities and the enhancement of community credit management capability have contributed to the attainment of household food security and sustainable livelihoods.
The project undertook a number of activities to address community health problems, such as the prevalence of diseases, the inadequacy of health services, rising health service costs, limited health awareness, adverse cultural practices and overall socio-economic problems.
Among its activities were the establishment of posts, the supply of medicine and equipment, the training of community health workers and the delivery of health education and other village-based services.
Since drought-prone areas tend to be excluded from development interventions, there is a lack of proven technologies relevant to the problems of these areas. This is particularly true for technologies designed to alleviate constraints to the enhancement of sustainable farming systems and of drought-resistance capacities.
The project drew on the services of the staff of the MOA, other line departments and farmers' organizations. The rapid turnover of staff, owing in part to the restructuring of the MOA, hampered the smooth implementation of project activities.
Grassroots workers were expected to focus on the extension package activities promoted by the Government in its drive for local food self-sufficiency. This package, however, was not always conducive to the promotion of alternative technologies or approaches designed to solve the problems of the project area.
The project focused on the training of community-based workers. Although these provide valuable services to their communities, they need to be supported by formally trained professionals. The attitude of the latter towards grassroots workers was not always conducive to realizing their potential.
The lack of social and economic development in the area, as expressed by, among other things, low levels of literacy and numeracy, hampered the participation of the community, particularly women, in the management of project activities.
The quality of the services provided by SCs to their members and to the community at large was impaired by limitations in their managerial and technical capabilities, the inadequate representation of women and a lack of downward accountability.
Since the area is drought-prone, it has often received relief and other assistance from the Government and NGOs. This has created a sense of dependency which hampers the promotion of self-help activities.
Finally, the process of transforming the project into a national NGO was somewhat protracted, resulting in a reduction in the momentum and content of project activities.
The project successfully implemented an integrated rural development programme in partnership with the MOA, other line departments and community organizations, making a positive contribution to the alleviation of hunger and poverty in the project areas. Interventions such as the supply of farm inputs, the provision of extension services and the development of irrigation facilities have had a direct impact on the enhancement of food production, while the expansion of social services and credit facilities and the strengthening of institutional capacities have contributed to creating an enabling environment, building resources at individual and community levels and enhancing capacities for crisis management.
The experience of the project has shown that grassroots communities have the capacity for self-development if they are allowed to function in an enabling environment. This can be facilitated by providing organizational and technical assistance, enhancing linkages with other organizations and promoting the active participation of members. The need to strengthen such organizations as cooperatives, women's groups and other formal and informal rural institutions so that they can undertake their own development is therefore essential. The role of grassroots workers drawn from the community should also be recognized by the professional establishment, while commitment should be shown to their training and the constant upgrading of their skills.
The efforts made by the Government to attain food self-sufficiency have been successful in favourable environmental conditions. However, the pursuit of a homogeneous extension package may not be an appropriate response to the varied needs and priorities of people with different constraints to enhancing production. Consideration should therefore be given to the development and dissemination of complementary alternative technologies relevant to the requirements of grassroots communities. It is recommended that the indigenous knowledge of farmers be exploited in identifying local agricultural problems and appraising the suitability of technologies by means of on-farm trials conducted in partnership with researchers.
The availability of credit facilities at grassroots level is conducive to enhancing productivity and improving rural livelihoods. Government efforts to increase access to credit should be pursued by recognizing the complementary roles of the Government, the private sector, NGOs and farmers' organizations themselves.
The social and productive role of women can be enhanced by the creation of an enabling environment that is favourable to the development of autonomous institutions, the provision of inputs, services and training, the deployment of gender-aware development workers and the mainstreaming of women in development activities. It is therefore essential that the national policy on women be applied at grassroots level.
The project has demonstrated the value of a partnership that unites the efforts of the Government, FAO, NGOs and farmers' organizations. The complementary role of NGOs should therefore be recognized and promoted at all levels.
| Name | Function | Dates of Service | |
| Starting Date | Concluding Date | ||
| International | |||
| W.J. Bardfield | Water Engineer | 20 Jan 1989 | 15 Jan. 1991 |
| National | |||
| F. Bekele | Programme Officer | 5 May 1982 | 30 April 1989 |
| E. Mengistu | National Expert | 1 Nov. 1987 | 1 June 1990 |
| K.S. Yohannes | National Project Coordinator | 1 June 1989 | 15 Feb. 1992 |
| G. Mulugetta | Water Engineer | 1 Oct. 1989 | 15 Feb. 1992 |
| Y. Negassa | National Project Coordinator | 18 May 1992 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| Y. Tabor | National Expert | 1 Jan. 1987 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| H. Zeleke | District Project Coordinator | 1 Feb. 1990 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| T.W. Senbet | Water Engineer | 1 Aug. 1992 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| A.T. W. Semayat | Administrative and Financial Assistant | 1 Feb. 1986 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| L.G. Selassie | Secretary | 11 Jan. 1991 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| Y. Zewdu | Clerk/Messenger | 25 Oct. 1990 | 2 May 1991 |
| L.G. Egziabher | Clerk | 1 July 1991 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| F. Asfaw | Driver/Clerk | 1 June 1985 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| J. Abebe | Driver/Clerk | 7 Feb. 1989 | 29 Feb. 1992 |
| T. Wolde | Driver/Clerk | 1 March 1990 | 31 Dec. 1997 |
| A. Legesse | Driver/Clerk | 1 Aug. 1992 | 31 Dec. 1996 |
Participants Duration
Establishment of groups for training 106
Conducting sessions for farmers 1 454 Monthly
Conducting sessions for women 964 Monthly
Attendance of farmers' sessions 17 778 Monthly
Attendance of women's sessions 12 628 Monthly
Farm visits 15 429 Monthly
Home visits 6 674 Monthly
Beekeeping 150 2 weeks
Irrigation farming 88 3 days
Forage production 154 3 days
Vegetable production 352 3 days
Blacksmithry 12 2 weeks
Flourmill operation 70 2 weeks
Sewing machine operation 22 3 months
Service Cooperative bookkeeping 81 1 month
Saving and Credit bookkeeping 139 1 week
Service Cooperative Managers' training 13 5 weeks
Leadership training 635 1 week
On-the-job training for DAs 125 2 weeks
Animators' training 31 2 weeks
Environment club leaders' training 78 5 days
Cost
Quantity Item ($ US)
5 Vehicle, Toyota Land Cruiser 96 999
8 Vehicle, Toyota Hilux double cab 113 454
1 Truck, Iveco Magirus 38 544
1 Truck, Scania 63 160
1 Desk chair, leather 1 105
1 Photocopier, plain 3 336
1 Photocopier, Rank Xerox 5051 7 800
1 Photocopier, Rank Xerox 5332 7 716
1 Computer, 799-1117 VP 425 1 285
3 Computer, IBM VPSI 486 7 257
1 Computer, laptop 1 589
1 Computer, IBM 336-SLC 1 466
2 Printer, LaserJet IIIP 2 060
2 Printer, Personal Series II 1 034
1 Printer, Laserjet 4plus 1 576
1 Typewriter, IBM 6788 1 485
1 Welding unit, LMW/250 5 099
1 Duplicator, Gestetner 4130 1 463
1 Video camera, JVC KY-17 ECH, with accessories 5 273
1 Video camera, portable, JVC 3 173
1 Video cassette recorder, JVC 1 514
2 Monitor, colour, JVC 1 384
1 Television, Sony 1 386
1 Movie camera, National 1 338
2 Radio, fixed station, Motorola 7 106
7 Mobile, Motorola Micon 104 19 783
1 Theodolite, T2-360 9 719
1 Levelling equipment 1 085
1 Drafting table 3 037
1 Welding generator 2 583
28 Flour mill, with diesel engine 138 145
1 Pipe threader 1 125
2 Filtration unit, Hydraline 7 227
25 Motorcycle, Yamaha DT 175 34 497
1 Sugar-cane crusher 1 890
1 Book-binder 1 368
A3.1 REPORTS
Project progress report. 1987.
Project progress report. 1988.
Project progress report. 1989.
Project progress report. 1990.
Project progress report. 1991.
Project progress report. 1992.
Project progress report. 1993.
Project progress report. 1994.
Project progress report. 1995.
Project progress report. 1996.
The Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental organizations: A procedure for cooperation in helping smallholders towards greater security in food production. 1985.
Guidelines on service cooperative project formulation. 1985.
FAO-NGO partnership in the promotion of sustainable agriculture and rural development. 1993.
NGO support for agricultural rehabilitation initiatives: Evaluation report. 1988.
NGO support for agricultural rehabilitation initiatives: Evaluation mission report. 1991.
Report of the evaluation/planning workshop. Soddo. 1989.
Report of the evaluation/planning workshop. Debrezeith. 1992.
Report on the FFHC/AD Phase III project formulation workshop. 1994.
On-farm trials and demonstrations: Annual activity report. 1994.
On-farm trials and demonstrations: Annual activity report. 1995.
On-farm trials and demonstrations: Activity report. 1994-1996.
A preliminary survey for the expansion of FFHC/AD activities in the Borana zone. 1994.
Lege Sure micro-dam project: Hydraulic design. 1993.
Water development needs and proposed interventions in the Dhadim Colqasa SC. 1996.
Report on pre- and post-harvest food losses in selected SCs under the FFHC/AD rehabilitation project. 1988.
FFHC/AD: A review of women in development activities and recommended interventions. 1993.
Study of the agricultural credit component of the FAO/FFHC/AD project. 1990.
Rural credit schemes: A profile of FFHC/AD and an analysis of its ongoing credit scheme. 1996.
Rural credit schemes: Design considerations for the development of a grassroots credit scheme in FFHC/AD's areas of operation. 1997.
Monitoring and evaluation system for FFHC/AD. 1993.
Report of a diagnostic survey, using PRA techniques, of Shanbara Kakara PA in Zala woreda. 1994.
Report of a diagnostic survey, using PRA techniques, of Ganda PA in Zala woreda. 1995.
FFHC/AD: A study on promoting sustainable farming systems in North Omo. 1994.
Reaching the poor: A case study of the Zenga Dormale SC. 1996.
A3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION BOOKLETS (AMHARIC SERIES):
ENN 1 - Our environment.
ENN 2 - Soil and life.
ENN 3 - Soil conservation.
ENN 4 - Forests and life.
ENN 5 - Agroforestry.
ENN 6 - Water and life.
ENN 7 - Water for sustainable development.
ENN 8 - Population-Natural resource balance - I.
ENN 9 - Population-Natural resource balance - II.
ENN 10 - Biodiversity.
A3.3 VIDEOS
Freedom from hunger.
FAO in North Omo zone (Amharic).