Evaluating African Rice
In 1997, the Institut national de recherches agricoles of Benin (INRAB) carried out rice multiplication trials
at the Niaouli station, located in the Atlantique Department. It used 2070 varieties of rice from the following
12 African countries: Burkina, Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal,
Tanzania, Chad, and Zambia. About 1300 of these varieties were sown in June 1998 and assessed in October by the
CORAF rice network. This work contributes to agronomic assessment and the description of African rice varieties,
as well as providing an opportunity to select the varieties most likely to improve the rice program collections
of CORAF-member National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS).
Supporting national research programs is a necessary condition to address the problem of the chronique shortage of rice in Africa.
The trials were located in an inland valley with permanent runoff and annual rainfall levels of 1200 mm. Resistance
to rice blast, the worst rice disease, is one of the most important assessment criteria. A diseased row of one
of the most blast sensitive varieties was sown perpendicular to the trial variety sowing lines in order to monitor
the latter's resistance.
Different characteristics such as tillering, flowering dates, cycle, plant height at maturity, panicle, seed, and
resistance to disease and pests were observed. Results are still incomplete but they appear to be promising.
Suckers are generally average to tall in height. The high pour rates may be due to the permanent body of water
in the paddy. Plant health was satisfactory, but there were traces of rice blast and helminth spores on certain
varieties. Of the 1300 varieties sown, 729 reached flowering, which made their description easier. Of these, 70%
have a medium-length cycle and 30% are short cycle. The dominant varieties belong to the Japonica (rainfed type)
and to the Oryza globerrima species.
Further observations should make it possible to compile an inventory of varieties with the aim of building up working
collections adapted to each rice production zone in Africa.
African rice has considerable potential but it remains under-exploited. The rice network has suggested developing
a research project to improve control and breeding of plant material, with possible support from the International
Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI).
More emphasis should be given to research and extension work on maize production
Contact: A. L. N'Cho, S. Y. Dogbé, P. Assigbé
CNRA, 01 BP 833, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
Fax: +225 63 31 26
Nigeria Moves Towards Self-sufficiency in Maize Production
Pests, diseases (primarily mildew), striga, reduced soil fertility, and the encroaching desert in the Northeast
affect maize production in Nigeria. However, with the implementation of the national coordinated agricultural research
project (NCRP) research and extension work could improve maize production and make it a profitable and sustainable
economic activity. (cf Coraf Action no 8).
A forum including national and international research institutes, agronomy faculties, users, and the private sector
was set up as part of this project. The objective is to achieve food self-sufficiency, particularly by maximizing
yield and by involving researchers, extension workers, seed companies, and farmers effectively. The national maize
research program has identified 15 research themes which should have a practical application and a quantifiable
impact in the short term.
Production and Demand
The main challenge is to meet the demand for cereals, particularly maize, which is grown less than any other cereal.
Over the next decade, maize production should increase by an average of 7% a year. An estimated additional 580000
t are needed to meet demand given an annual population growth rate of 3.2%.
This means that demand for maize should gradually increase from about 7 220 million t to 13 390 million t. Financial
incentives should encourage the industry to increase production from 6 780 to 13 320 million t.
It should be possible to meet this demand. However, production needs to increase. Maize should be used more in
crop rotations, mixed cropping, and irrigated production. Appropriate technology - some of which already exists
- could also increase productivity. Appropriate technology should be introduced to farmers through more effective
extension methods.
Contact: S. G. Ado
Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), P.M.B. 1044, Samaru, Nigeria
Fax: +234-69 50563
E-mail: shehuado@abu.edu.ng
Humid Forest Zone. Variegated Grasshoppers Leave a Trail of Desolation
The variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus, is a major crop pest in intertropical Africa, particularly in
isolated, largely uninhabited areas. In some areas, it reproduces at different times of year, which suggests that
there may well be several generations born each year. Wherever they may swarm, these insects bring desolation to
farmers, destroying cassava, corn, groundnut, citrus fruit, coffee, cocoa, vegetables, ornamental plants, and medicinal
crops.
An African research network for Zonocerus variegatus was set up to exchange information on research and control
methods developed in different countries.
The probable link between variegated grasshopper swarms and periods when the ecosystem is invaded by Chromolaena
odorata, a weed introduced into Africa in the 1930s as a cover crop, remains to be examined. In addition, although
efficient control techniques do exist, they are inadequate and not widely used.
Biological control methods for crop pests should be encouraged
Contact: Grégoire Bani
CRAL, BP 28, Loudima, Congo
Fax: +242 91 08 34
CORAF. Research Networks Scan the Horizon
The second annual meeting of the coordinators of the CORAF research network in Yaoundé, in August 1998,
comes at a time when serious thought is being given to the future development of CORAF. By the start of 1999 a
strategic agricultural research plan should have been drawn up.
With this in mind, the coordinators felt the need to examine how CORAF operational units function and are financed
(regional networks, poles, and projects), the scientific partnership, the planned competitive regional fund (cf.
Coraf Action no. 9), and how to make the most of results from National Agricultural Research Systems.
Inventory of Strategic Plans
The coordinators consider that removing barriers between sectorial approaches, exchanging skills and experiences,
exploiting comparative advantages and, thereby, mobilizing researchers, involve the establishment of program and
human resource networks. As far as the regional programs and poles are concerned, they see a need to identify adequate
transfer mechanisms and adoption methods and technologies for end-users. If the scientific partnerships set up
by the operational units and based on common interests, equality, solidarity, transparency, and sustainability
are to be successful, then it is important to give priority to discussions and cooperation contracts.
It is important to include an inventory of strategic national plans for agricultural research which could help
to determine regional research priorities. A system for evaluating research activities and programmes and validating
results, as well as a mechanism for finding secure funds are also required.
A Regional Database
In the meantime, coordinators proposed that the competitive regional fund for mobilizing finance for research,
development, and training with small groups (individuals or teams) should be based on the following selection criteria:
priority to NARS, the scientific quality of the projects, and the flexibility of its procedures. The issue of validating
NARS' research results was also examined. CORAF and the Centre technique de coopération agricole et rurale
(CTA) have initiated an agreement to strengthen existing information and communication by using modern communication
methods, access to databases, and the creation of a regional database. Network coordinators emphasized the need
for more targeted activities. For example, organizing scientific meetings, open days, and training courses in scientific
writing
Contact: Alain Mbaye
ISRA, BP 3120, Dakar, Senegal
Fax: +221 835 06 10
E-mail: corafrcm@sonatel.senet.net
Successful Biological Control of the Cassava Green Spider
Both cassava tubers and leaves are a delicacy in the Congo. However, the cassava green spider Mononychellus tanajoa
does a lot of harm to most cultivated varieties, particularly in the savanna regions (coastal plains, Niari Valley,
and the Cataracts and Batéké Highlands). This damage reduces leaf surface area and tuber yields considerably.
The Loudima Centre de recherche agronomique (CRAL) in the Congo is running a national biological control program
in collaboration with the Agence de coopération technique allemande (GTZ) and the International Institute
of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). In March 1997, this program introduced two predatory acarians Typhlodromalus aripo
and Typhlodromalus manihoti.
Successful Trial Results
During the CRAL field trials, 3,900 T. aripo and 2,800 T. manihoti were released on neighboring farms. A year later,
T. aripo was very well established. It had spread to cassava plantations a long way from the trial site. Therefore,
it was decided to perform non-stop identical trials at the center's regional stations in Kindamda, Odziba, Ewo
and Sibiti.
This research is primarily cassava-related. A collection of 300 varieties is being put together to conserve genetic
resources although CRAL is also working on improving other food crops (corn, rice, groundnut, soybean, chick pea)
and fruit crops (mango, banana, safou, avocado, citrus fruit), as well as on soil fertilization methods.
Interesting Opportunities
To this end, the center has set up partnerships with international agricultural research networks and centers specializing
in different fields. The center is located in a very favourable environment and offers interesting opportunities
for studies on the Mayombé and Challot forest ecology and on the savannas in the Niari Valley.
Contact: Grégoire Bani
CRAL, BP 28, Loudima, Congo
Fax: +242 91 08 34
IFDC-Afrique. Support for the Soil Fertility Initiative
Continuous soil fertility losses in Sub-Saharan Africa have forced the international community to look into sustainable
agricultural methods through the Soil Fertility Initiative (SFI) launched by the World Bank during the World Food
Summit organized by FAO in Rome in November 1996. Some of the main partners are national agricultural research
institutes, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the International Food Policy Research Institute
(IFRI), the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), the International Fertilizer Industry Association
(IFA), the private sector, non-governmental organizations, producer associations, and donors.
The objective of the SFI is to improve the understanding of the causes of the complex problem of fertility and
to find possible solutions. The SFI also aims to promote the participation of all actors in developing and implementing
integrated soil fertility management programs in the region (cf. Coraf Action no 6).
A Series of Specialized Publications
Since this initiative was launched, the World Bank has taken measures to monitor and promote the SFI and national
action plans have been drawn up by countries like Burkina, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Senegal.
In June 1998, IFDC-Afrique, which continues to combat soil degradation and protect the environment, launched a
series of special editions of its newsletter "African Fertilizer Market" (Marché africain des
engrais) on soil fertility. The aim is to set up a èforum for an exchange of ideas, achievements, findings,
activities, and plans for all the actors involved in SFI'. The first special edition concentrated on soil fertility
improvement as a direct or indirect result of sustainable production and looked at IFDC's support for drawing up
national action plans in West Africa.
As a result of the IFDC-Afrique Initiative, the national and international partners who met at FAO in Rome in November
1998 now see the IFDC newsletter as the main channel for disseminating the information on SFI-related activities.
Contributions from all Actors
Forthcoming special editions shall be devoted to specific themes on soil improvement technologies, socioeconomics,
and policies: using inputs to build up fertility, the integrated management of nutrients, and financial investments.
They shall also publish information on how SFI is developing in different countries.
IFDC-Afrique is convinced that in order for this forum's publication to succeed, specialists from different disciplines
and all actors involved in SFI should send in contributions.
Contact: Emmanuel K. M. Alognikou
IFDC-Afrique, BP 4483, Lomé, Togo
Fax: +228 21 78 17
E-mail: ifdctogo@cafe.rg
Internet: http//www.ifdc.rg/
Distance Learning for Post-Harvest Technology
The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of Great Britain is offering a training course in Seed Stocks Management.
This course, beginning in January 1999, covers the management of grain seed, dry vegetables, oilseeds, and other
foodstuffs on family and commercial farms and large-scale post harvest operations.
This new course is designed for people who want to improve their professional knowledge at their own pace, either
at home or at work. The course is for 4 years and leads to a Higher Diploma.
Candidates must have a computer (486 DX or more), a modem, and a telephone connection.
Further information can be obtained from:
The Training Officer
NRI, ME4 4TB, University of Greenwich, Chatham
Great Britain
E-mail: j.pilchre@gre.ac.uk
Internet: http/www/nri.org/training/gsm/gsm.htm
InfoSys. A New Information System
From 9-11 November 1998, the European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD) organized a
meeting at FAO in Rome that brought together representatives from national agricultural research systems from African,
the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) countries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations from the South
and the North, and international institutions, to launch its decentralized Internet information system InfoSys
with EIARD. This information system, which included 17 European countries and the European Commission, aims to
compile a database of all the agricultural information currently available. Integration of information systems
between the North and the South should facilitate the exchange of experience and scientific information, and encourage
communication between researchers and decision-makers.
During the workshop, a prototype of the system was presented, an assessment was made of the technology required,
and criteria was determined for InfoSys membership for partners in the South. The conditions are as follows: in
each country one institution will act as the coordination center for the system for other national institutions
or member networks. It will draw up an inventory of potential participants, evaluate their needs, their access
to the Internet, and opportunities.
EIARD has agreed to allocate a considerable portion of its resources to cooperating with the South, through a project
to equip member institutions with the information system.
All institutions interested in participating in InfoSys are invited to contact Dady Demby no later than May 1999.
Contact: Dady Demby
CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
Fax: +221 825 96 18
E-mail: dady_demby@hotmail.com
The Pole for Irrigated Systems. An Advisory Council Meeting
The Advisory Council for the Pôle régional de recherche sur les systèmes irrigués en
zone soudano-sahélienne (PSI) met in Dakar from 6-9 December. The council, which included development partners,
met to present the results of its evaluation of the past 3 years of its activities. The evaluation focused on the
appropriateness of the Pole's objectives, the effectiveness of the structures and procedures set up to meet the
objectives, scientific results, and the medium-term strategy.
The PSI was considered to be very positive overall because of its regional coordination, research themes, and financial
management. Its medium-term strategy successfully integrates the national programs of four member countries (Mali,
Mauritania, Niger, and Senegal). However, relations with universities and international agronomic research centers
need strengthening.
Fourth Phase
Scientific results from research on the control of the degradation of irrigated soils and on the technical, social,
and land management of irrigation were considered satisfactory. However, the former research theme should now develop
its results, whereas the latter should put more emphasis on improving the capacity of producers to manage irrigated
areas. Research on diversifying irrigated crop production-agro-economics of production sectors, economy of production
systems, improvement of crop production systems, livestock production, and mixed farming-is promising. However,
activities should be more focused, collaboration should be improved, and there should be more support for scientific
coordination.
It was observed that research on the intensification of irrigated rice production, was not based on a comparative
study of rice production systems. This has meant that small plots have been given more attention than the sector
as a whole. Similarly, a lack of transparency in relationships, particularly with national and regional partners,
was brought to light.
A real effort was made to disseminate scientific results, particularly for the benefit of smallholders. However,
this should be developed even further.
Finally, a second, 4-year phase was requested and the application for funding from the European Union, French Cooperation,
and other partners was assessed. This will make Burkina the 5th country in the Pole to coordinate research, teaching,
and professional training.
Monitoring how research programs are implemented contributes to the dissemination of their results for development
Contact: J.C. Legoupil
PSI, BP 8230, Dakar, Senegal
Fax: +221 825 39 63
E-mail: legoupil@sontatel.senet.net
A Thesis on Agricultural Produce Marketing
During the 1980s in sub-Saharan Africa there were renewed signs of interest in agricultural produce marketing.
Unfortunately, as the 1990s draw to a close, this interest is dwindling. According to a post-graduate doctoral
thesis on "Agricultural Produce Marketing Systems in the Congo" presented at the Université de
Montpellier 1, this may be due to the fact that economic theory is geared towards concepts like distribution, demand
and supply and not to marketing, whilst few development projects take marketing issues into consideration.
It is as if farmers have no difficulty whatsoever in marketing surplus produce. Yet, surveys have shown that despite
agricultural production deficits, whenever farmers do have a surplus, they cannot sell their produce. Tomatoes
produced in the Woleu-Ntem region of Gabon are not even sold at the market in Libreville although prices actually
reflect high demand. Similarly, in Gabon and in the Congo, the State withdrawal from marketing networks has led
to a gradual decline in cocoa and coffee crop production.
Efficient Marketing Systems
This lack of interest is detrimental to agricultural policies, particularly those relating to food self-sufficiency.
Agricultural programs in Europe and South-East Asia involved the development of efficient marketing systems.
Contact: Léon N'Goumbi
IRAF, BP 2246, Libreville, Gabon
Fax: +241 73 25 78
CORAF LIFE
West and Central Africa. A Strategic Plan for Agricultural Research in the Making
CORAF has taken an important step towards drawing up a 1999-2004 strategic plan for agricultural research for West
and Central Africa. A regional workshop of all members and partners took place in Dakar, from 23-25 November 1998.
A methodological approach was adopted for defining a framework and governing bodies, choosing research priorities,
and identifying sustainable financing mechanisms.
The methodological approach consists of examining these issues at several levels: country, the wider region, and
the entire subregion. The subregion is made up the Sahel zone in West Africa, the subhumid coastal zone in West
Africa, and the humid zone in Central Africa.
Political Recognition
At each level, meetings will be organized with all the partners, including producer organizations, non-governmental
organizations, the private sector, and scientific and financial partners, so that social demand and the national,
regional, and international environment can be taken into consideration. This will ensure that all the actors are
involved and should mean that the strategy is given political recognition.
The strategic plan will be presented in 1999 at the 12th plenary meeting of CORAF.
Research's contribution to economic development depends on a long-term vision
Contact: Marcellus Nwalozie
CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
Fax: +221 825 55 69
E-mail: nwalozie@sonatel.senet.net
Senegal. An agricultural research enterprise project
Despite material and financial assistance from the State and development partners, the agricultural sector in Senegal
has had serious difficulties over the past 2 decades largely due to low levels of rainfall, natural resource degradation,
a considerable drop in soil fertility, and high population growth rates. This has gradually lowered per capita
agricultural production levels.
In order to find lasting solutions to these structural difficulties, the Institut sénégalais de recherches
agricoles (ISRA) recently adopted a 1998-2015 Enterprise Project. This project was prepared with the participation
of scientific partners, donors, and all research and development actors, particularly those who will use the results.
Before the project was launched an in-depth analysis was carried out on the institute's organization, functions,
and scientific achievements as well as on the changes affecting the national and international environment.
Towards a Competitive Agriculture
This Enterprise Project includes a strategic plan (1998-2003) which is the first phase of its implementation. The
plan's research programs cover agriculture, livestock production, fisheries, forestry, socioeconomics, food processing
and preservation (collaborative research with the Institut de technologie alimentaire).
It is hoped that the Enterprise Project and the strategic plans will contribute to an increase in sustainable agriculture
in Senegal, respond to the demands of new regional policies, decentralization or the transfer of responsibilities
to local authorities, and make agriculture more competitive on the subregional and international markets.
Contact: Mamadou Mbaye
ISRA, BP 3120, Dakar, Senegal
Fax: +221 832 24 28
Savannas. Building up PRASAO
At the beginning of July 1998, in Sotuba, Mali, the Pôle régional de recherche appliquée au
développement des savanes d'Afrique de l'Ouest (PRASAO) held a provisional steering committee meeting to
examine the pole's organizational methods and define its research. The meeting brought together representatives
of the Burkina Institut de l'environnement et des recherches agricoles (INERA), the Centre national de recherche
agronomique (CNRA) of Côte d'Ivoire, the Malian institut d'économie rurale (IER), the private sector,
producers, the Centre international de recherche-développement sur l'élevage en zone subhumide (CIRDES),
the Consortium pour la mise en valeur durable des agroécosystèmes des bas-fonds en Afrique subsaharienne
(ICV-CBF), and the Office français de recherche scientifique pour le développement en coopération
(ORSTOM) of the Université de Louvain in Belgium.
Defining Procedures for Monitoring and Evaluation
According to an article in IER Info (November 1998), the steering committee recommended that: operational mechanisms
be strengthened; membership criteria be more clearly defined; an analysis of available means, human resources,
and ongoing activities be carried out; and monitoring and evaluation procedures be defined.
Contact: Guy Faure
BP 50035, 34032 Montpellier Cédex 1
Fax: 04 67 61 71 73
E-mail: faure.g@cirad.fr
Washington. Support for Africa
Important decisions were taken, notably for the benefit of Africa, in the wake of international agricultural research
center week that was held in Washington (26-30 October 1998) under the auspices of the Groupe consultatif pour
la recherche agricole internationale (GCRAI).
To develop, Africa also needs its international partners.
Food security and the eradication of poverty are still real challenges for developing countries. As a result, international
centers have decided to make their own contribution by strengthening collaborative research, institutional capacity,
and supporting agricultural policies likely to promote sustainable development based on sound natural resource
management. In order to respond to the needs of developing countries, strong and creative partnerships should be
developed that are based on conventional scientific knowledge as well as new science and techniques.
An Initiative for Africa
GCRAI wants to encourage discussion both within the institution and with its partners, which include non-governmental
organizations, the private sector, and scientific communities. It also wants to build closer links with national
agricultural research systems (NARS), particularly in Africa, and to develop a partnership with the Global Forum
for International Agricultural Research.
A special effort is required if Africa is to set up an effictive agricultural development strategy and help support
the efforts made by other organizations, namely, that of subregional agricultural research organizations. To achieve
this, national and regional discussions are necessary to facilitate integration and increase the impact of agricultural
research and development. A capacity building initiative for food security in Africa is envisaged which aims to
train African officials in a position to advise national decision-makers and to implement a special program with
the support of subregional and international organizations.
Contact: Ndiaga Mbaye
CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal
Fax: +221 25 96 18
E-mail: ndiaga@sonatel.senet.net
IN THE FIELD
Mali. Research, Millet, and Sorghum
In 1995, the Institut d'économie rurale (IER), the Programme national de vulgarisation agricole (PNVA),
the Institut du Sahel (INSAH), and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
carried out an economic analysis of the impact of research on sorghum and millet in Mali. The study revealed that
62% of farms had adopted improved millet varieties in the Koulikoro, Ségou, and Mopti regions. Improved
varieties were grown on 12% of land in 1990, covered 25% of the surface area in 1995.
Sorghum production has not lagged far behind. Seventy-one percent of the farms have adopted improved varieties
and the surface area under production increased from 17% to 28% between 1990 and 1995. A survey revealed that smallholders
adopted these varieties because of their early-maturing characteristics (91%), productivity (71%), and organoleptic
quality (33%).
Improved Food and Incomes
However, the adoption of improved varieties has not been without its problems. There is a lack of information on
the existence and use of these varieties according to 58% of smallholders in the case of sorghum and 49% of smallholders
in the case of millet. Smallholders complain of a lack of seed, 50% for sorghum and 33% for millet; 13% of sorghum
and 25% of millet smallholders identify poor soils as a problem.
The study emphasized that adopting new varieties increased yields by up to 63% for millet and 51% for sorghum.
As a result, smallholders are able to meet their food requirements and increase their income by selling the surplus.
Finally, the study revealed a 25% drop in unit production costs for both cereals.
Contact: Ahmadou Sankaré
IER, BP 258, Bamako, Mali
Fax: +223 22 37 75
Guinea. Speeding up the Transfer of Rice Varieties to Producers
Two years ago, with support from the World Bank and the Special Program for African Agricultural Research (SPAAR),
the Institut de recherche agronomique de Guinée (IRAG) and the West African Rice Development Association
(WARDA) wanted to prove that it was possible to disseminate new technology quickly, cheaply, and sustainably.
In Guinea, improving rainfed rice production is a real challenge and the country is still extremely dependent on
imports that it can barely afford.
However, in Côte d'Ivoire, WARDA has developed inter-specific rice varieties that combine the best characteristics
of the high-yielding varieties Oryza sativa, originally from Asia, with O. Globerrima varieties, from Africa.
High-Yielding Varieties
The traditional approach would have involved testing these varieties at research stations, carrying out smallholder
trials, and finally, handing them over to the extension services. This would have taken years. To speed up the
process, the Service national de la promotion rurale et de la vulgarization (SNPRV), has been working with IRAG
on a pilot program, in which WARDA varieties are tested simultaneously at IRAG research stations by researchers
on farms, and by smallholders who use their traditional techniques.
The WARDA varieties behave well in different agroecologic zones. Compared to the best Guinean varieties, they are
more disease- and drought-resistant, develop better on poor soils, have a better quality grain, and taste good.
However, smallholders are most attracted by their early-maturing characteristics and yields. Certain varieties
actually mature 5 or 6 weeks before local varieties, which is an advantage when food is scarce. Some varieties
have yields of 2 t/ha compared to 1.4 t/ha for the best local varieties.
Successful Partnerships
In 1997, 116 smallholders carried out their own trials in eight departments as part of the pilot program. In 1998,
this grew to 240 smallholders in 16 prefectures. At least 1300 smallholders were eventually involved in some way.
This operation's success can be attributed to the technology (ie. the varieties), the efficiency of Guinean organization,
where responsibilities were clearly defined for the different partners, and to a successful partnership between
public and private national institutions and an international institution. This success is also, and perhaps mainly,
due to the smallholders who were willing to play an active part in the development and dissemination process.
In 1999, the general objective is to consolidate the operation and extend it across the whole country. The pilot
phase has already generated considerable seed capital (estimated at between 10-20t), which was produced and disseminated
informally by the smallholders. However, extending the program poses the problem of seed production. In the short-term,
selected smallholders will be responsible for multiplication. In the long-term, a community-based system will be
established.
Contact: Senkoun Wagué
IRAG, BP 1523, Conakry, Guinea
Fax: +224 41 57 28
E-mail: irag@maef.gn
Animal Products. Changes Underway in Senegal
Implementation of its 1997-2000 action plan has enabled the Association nationale des professionnels de la viande
et du bétail au Sénégal (ANPROVBS) to develop a partnership with Senegal Tanneries (SENTA)
to regenerate the production of hides and skins and to promote cattle and meat marketing. (cf. Coraf Action no
8). The Association des professionnels has also helped set up the Société de gestion des abattoirs
du Sénégal (SOGAS).
SOGAS, which has a share capital of 150 million CFA francs, was established by the Senegal Government. Its majority
shareholders include the Société d'exploitation des ressources animales du Sénégal
(51%) and the Association des professionnels (49%). This comfortable position recently led the Association to becoming
the director of the SOGAS regional abattoirs.
Against Clandestine Slaughtering
Some of the action plan's other objectives have also been or are in the process of being achieved. They include
the repayment of debts by the State, the provision of special credit for cattle and meat marketing, the development
of a master plan for with the city councils for standardized stalls to encourage people on low incomes to eat meat.
Objectives still to be met include setting up regional inspectorates to monitor clandestine slaughtering and to
manage cattle markets professionally.
A National School
These objectives also include the construction of loading and unloading bays at railway stations and large cattle
markets, the restoration of slaughtering lines and cold storage, the installation of cold storage facilities in
the markets, and building kiosks in the towns and suburbs.
Finally, there are plans to train professionals in modern butchery techniques (hygiene, cutting) and to establish
a national school for training butchers.
Contact: Mamadou Fall
Abattoirs municipaux, BP 1153, Dakar, Senegal
Opinion
Answer
Sustainable Agriculture. Solutions to Benefit Smallholders
In his article "How to make smallholders interested in sustainable development" (Coraf Action no. 8),
Emile N. Houngbo from Benin states that a lot of work is being done in Benin, particularly to help smallholders
to develop food production without endangering natural resources, including the soil. However, this work faces
a certain number of obstacles such as the high costs of disseminating research results, high population growth
rates, and advanced soil degradation.
He suggests that smallholders are only interested in technological innovations if there are guaranteed market outlets
for their produce. Therefore, research should look at improving marketing channels as well as sustainable techniques.
In response to this article Nancy Bernett of the Rural Radio Network for Developing Countries writes:
Smallholder reluctance to adopting technological innovations when their very existence is at stake is perfectly
understandable. However, I believe Mr. Houngbo ought to have mentioned some of the solutions that are already being
applied in rural communities in Benin.
The promotion of an enduring agriculture depends on the producers as well.
Listening to Smallholders
Mr. Houngbo mentioned the high costs of disseminating research results. This is not necessarily the case. In fact,
for the past 20 years, the Rural Radio Network for Developing Countries has been broadcasting free information.
We would be delighted to offer a communication channel to researchers who have results that have been tested in
the field and can be used by smallholders.
We often hear from smallholders who would like information on markets. Research on the marketing sector is promising
but we should not lose sight of systems that have already succeeded. Therefore, I would like your readers to share
their experiences with the millions of listeners to rural network radios.
Contact: Nancy Bernett
RRRPD, M5V 1R9, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Fax: +416 971 5299
E-mail: dcfm@web.net
Internet: www.web.net/-dcfm
TO BE READ
Aménagement et mise en valeur des bas-fonds au Mali : bilan et perspectives nationales, intérêt
pour la zone de savane ouest-africaine. Actes du séminaire, 21-25 octobre 1996, Sikasso, Mali (Inland Valley
Development in Mali: National situation analysis and prospects, relevance to the West African savanna zone. Seminar
proceedings, 21-25 October 1996, Sikasso, Mali) Ahmadi and B. Témé, scientific editors. 1998,
498 pages, CIRAD Collection "Colloques", ISBN 2-87614-323-2, ISSN 1264-112X. Jointly published by the
Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), BP 5035,
34032 Montpellier Cédex 1, France, the Institut d'économie rurale (IER), BP 258, Bamako, and the
Compagnie malienne de développement des textiles (CMDT), BP 487, Bamako, Mali.
Abstract.
This publication, a collection of several papers, gives the background to work carried out over the past few
years on West African inland valleys. It answers some of the questions raised by inland valley developers: crop
improvement (rice, potato, fruit), livestock management (watering), links with the cotton network, etc. This seminar
was an opportunity for intensive dialogue between researchers, developers and decision-makers, enabling them to
report on their experiences and results in the field of inland valley development in Mali. Achievements and obstacles
to development were examined so that a new strategy for action could be drawn up.
|
