The importance of mobilizing partners and reinforcing their efforts in the interest of reducing poverty and increasing nutrition.
Agricultural Research National Systems as Part of the Global Forum
The Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) was set up in October 1996 to help mobilize all partners and build
capacity for poverty reduction, food self-sufficiency, and sustainable natural resource use. The steering committee
and secretariat for National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), members of the GFAR, are based at the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome.
The aim of the secretariat is to strengthen NARS capacity to use participatory approaches for the transfer of agricultural
techniques in response to users' needs. This will improve the way global agricultural research priorities are formulated
by incorporating the users' perspective. Another objective is to develop cooperation and partnerships among NARS,
between NARS and other actors, and to improve communication and information flows between the GFAR and the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
Playing A Decisive Role
The 1998-2000 work plan is expected to support 19 research projects.
This will give NARS a strong voice within the global scientific community and promote their active participation
in the implementation of agricultural research programs. CORAF, in its capacity as current president of the Forum
for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), will play a decisive role in ensuring their success.
Contact: Moïse Houssou
INRAB, BP 884, Cotonou, Benin
Fax: +229 30 07 36
E-mail: inrab@cgnet.com
IN THE FIELD
Question.
Farmers and food security
Christine Hounton from Porto Novo, Benin, is a faithful reader of Coraf Action. She invites other readers to share
their views on the following question.
After the CFA Franc devaluation in January 1994, what does the future hold for smallholders and food self-sufficiency?
Your contributions are eagerly awaited in the next issues of Coraf Action.
Contact: Christine Hounton
BP 1051, Porto-Novo, Benin
Humid Forest Zone Cropping Trials with Farmers
The Institut de recherche agricole pour le développement (IRAD) of Cameroon and the Centre international
pour la recherche en agroforesterie (ICRAF) have started a regional research program for low-altitude humid forest
areas in West and Central Africa. This program aims to develop agroforestry systems through rational and sustainable
environmental management.
Alternatives have been found to slash and burn cultivation: short fallow management techniques, improving and domesticating
wild fruit trees that have a high economic value, and growing wild fruit trees in village gardens and agroforestry
zones. These systems improve soil fertility, control erosion and weeds, and diversify agricultural and forestry
production.
Training
Trials are currently being carried out on smallholdings with the farmers, using improved production system techniques
such as introducing a fallow period and domesticating wild fruit trees. On completion, the farmers indicate their
preferences depending on the problems they have faced. Interested non-governmental organizations and private bodies
are taking over technology transfer and evaluation while ICRAF provides technical support and plant material (seed).
The results of these trials are useful for training all development actors.
Contact: Jacques Kanmégné
IRAD, BP 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Fax: +237 23 74 40
Nigeria: Breeders Adopt a Tsetse Trap
If breeders are able to carry out their own tsetse fly control, their cattle would be less likely to develop trypanosomiasis,
the disease they transmit. The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NTR) has developed a trap for the
savanna species of the tsetse fly. Trials have shown how efficient these traps are against the fly population in
rivers and streams. A modified version was designed using sticks and local cane materials baited with acetone.
The tsetse fly trap was tested in an integrated control program based on community participation with Fulani herders,
in collaboration with extension personnel from the Niger State Agriculture Department and the Agaie Local Government
Area.
Fly control contributes to the development of animal production.
Disease Prevalence Reduced
Two weeks after the start of trapping in gallery forests along three streams where the cattle herds drink, the
tsetse population was reduced by 50-70%. For example, in one of the streams, the number of flies was reduced by
60% in 3 months, and by 90% in 6 months. After 10 months, almost the entire original population had been eradicated.
Disease prevalence among the 1,093 cattle that drink from the designated streams had been reduced by 32% after
10 months of continuous tsetse trapping.
Other Infested Regions
The technique of constructing the tsetse traps using local cane materials was developed and passed on to the local
communities. They gradually took on greater responsibilities in the management of the scheme, convinced by the
drastic reduction in tsetse populations and improvement in the health status of their animals. They are now fully
mobilized and actively involved in the planning, management, and implementation of the control program. The work
will be replicated in other tsetse-infested areas of the country.
Contact: A.B. Ahmed, F.A.G. Lawani, J.A. Onyiah
NITR, P.M.B. 2077, Kaduna, Nigeria
Fax: +234-62 238075
E-mail: nitr@linkserve.com.ng
Honey. Improving Production and Harvesting
Honey production and harvesting methods play a major role in bee-keeping. However, traditional bee-keeping methods
are not very productive and modern methods are expensive.
Traditional bee-keeping uses a hive (basket or tree-trunk) on the sides of which bees build fixed shelves of wax
to produce honey. This forces the bee-keeper who wants to harvest the honey to smoke out or destroy the entire
bee colony, the jelly, and the hive. The hive has to be built again, the colony of bees reconstituted, and then
there is a 2-3 year wait before the next harvest. This is not a very productive method.
In modern bee-keeping, mobile wooden frames are placed inside the hive. The bee-keeper fixes sheets of wax onto
these frames, making it easier for the bees to produce honey. The harvest involves removing the frames and extracting
the honey with the help of an extractor. The frames are immediately replaced by empty frames, making it easier
to produce new honey. Harvesting can be done 2 or 3 times a year. This method is productive although it is much
more expensive: a modern hive costs over 50,000 CFA fr; the 22 wafers of wax needed for each hive cost 7,000 CFA
fr a piece: the extractor is a necessary purchase.
Improvements in methods of production and harvest contribute to the increase in production.
The Bee-keeper's Job Made Easier
A new production method has been developed in Senegal to lower the costs of honey production and harvesting. The
hive is built horizontally, in cement (costing 30,000-50,000 CFA fr); readily assembled wooden sticks replace the
frames; ordinary wax strips (locally produced) are used instead of the wax sheets; there is no longer any need
for an extractor.
This method has several other advantages: the hive's horizontal shape means that it can stand freely, the bee-keeper's
work is simplified, and production levels are higher.
Contact: Alain Vautier
BP 6131, Dakar, Senegal
Fax: +221 821 66 73
INSERT
Seed: Treatment in Barrels
Pathogenic agents (virus, bacteria, fungi) attack seed, reduce germination capacity, kill young shoots, and are
responsible for on-farm diseases.
Several fungi have been identified in Cameroon since 1993. The most dangerous is Fusarium moniliforme which causes
rot in maize stems, stalk, and seed, and mycotoxin on seed in storage. Eating these seeds can cause gastric cancers
in humans and animals.
The treatement of grain is also intended to preserve the environment and the health of the population.
Treating Two to Three Tonnes of Grain
In the absence of artificial drying methods in the field, the most efficient control method available to farmers
is dressing seed with fungicide, particularly in the humid forest areas. In both Cameroon and Nigeria (where fungicides
are used to control maize mildew caused by Peronosclerospora maydis the main concern is to spread the dressing
evenly over each seed whilst guaranteeing safety and environmental preservation. Trials have shown that using plastic
barrels facilitates an even spread of fungicide dressing. Three or four people can safely treat 2-3 t/seed per
day.
Research continues on other methods using essential oils, extracts, and ash from aromatic plants to control pathogenic
fungi in vitro and on the seed.
Contact: Apollinaire Tagne
IRAD, BP 2067, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Fax: +237 23 37 38
E-mail: atagne@uydc.uninet.cm
Treatment Methods
For good maize seed treatment by dressing in a plastic barrel, first calculate the quantity of fungicide necessary
for the seed weight to be treated. Spread seed in the barrel in layers, and put a fraction of the fungicide between
each layer. Close the barrel and strap it with the safety belt. The barrel should then be rolled on the ground
over a distance of 6-10m, then turned over from side to side two or three times to complete the treatment.
The Little-known African Bee
The world is full of insects: 750,000 species, including 100,000 Hymenoptera, which is the family of the West and
Central African bee species: Apis mellifica Adanonii.. According to information published in Api Doc (January-February
1998), Apis mellifica Adanonii has not really been studied since it was first described in 1804.
The Atchannou Association of Beekeepers in Benin is interested in research on this bee's behavior, ecotype, and
geographical distribution, etc. From the little that it has been able to find out, the association is aware that
populations may be found in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand, and there are about
20 species. The bee is aggressive; produces a lot of honey and larvae; swarms regularly and nests in the open.
The following observations were made in the bush: comb up to 45cm long and 30cm wide were built on branches with
4mm gaps between the comb.
Morphological variations observed on the bee may be due to climatic changes, plant formation (savanna, forest,
etc.) and accidental or natural cross-fertilization.
Demystifying this Insect
Since this bee and its production are threatened by dwindling forest cover, the association has been carrying out
awareness campaigns among the local people since 1996. This has led to the construction of fire-breaks in Atchannou
and surrounding villages.
It is hoped that ongoing research, particularly with the Groupe de recherche et d'échanges technologiques
(GRET) based in Benin, will soon clear up the mystery surrounding this species.
Contact: Alphonse Dansou
Club 3 A, 01 BP 3397, Cotonou, Benin
Fax: +229 30 03 22
A Plantain Observatory in Cameroon
In the nineties, the Centre régional de recherches sur bananiers et plantains established an observatory
for agro-phytosanitary problems affecting farmer plots to understand how the city of Doula obtains plantain supplies.
This data complements existing data on production and marketing. The observatory collects information on plants,
diseases (presence of leafspot, the "cigar end" disease), pests (presence of the black weevil, nematodes),
post-harvest technology, and the agricultural economy.
Eight plots were monitored in the south-west of the country. The results show the scale of productivity losses,
the relationships between fertility, growth, and bunch size, and the influence of cropping systems on disease incidence.
Twenty-five New Plots
The major constraints affecting plantain production and productivity are better understood. Farmers now have access
to innovations that are adapted to various production systems. These results are also the basis of the center's
applied research.
Every month, the observatory will now monitor agro-phytosanitary problems affecting 25 new plots.
Contact: Jean-Vincent Escalant, Bruno Iratchet
CRBP, BP 832, Douala, Cameroon
Fax: +237 42 57 86
In order to bring together the sectors of production and commercialisation, information must be priveledged.
Winrock International: Women Trained in Project and Report Writing
The African Women's Leader in Agriculture and Environment (AWLAE), a Winrock International program, organized a
seminar to train women in project and report writing in Bamako, in June 1998. The training also included negotiating
techniques, communication, and scientific writing.
The aim is to build capacity amongst professional women so that they can take on decision-making jobs. AWLAE is
also promoting professional women so that they, in turn, can promote the concerns of their sisters in the rural
world.
This program is awarding academic scholarships to professional women and organizing meetings with women leaders.
It promotes the implementation of policies that promote women by creating a favorable environment and establishing
partnerships. Finally, this program is creating national joint committees in countries where Winrock International
is represented.
Contact: Ahmadou Sankaré
IER, BP 258, Bamako, Mali
Fax: +223 22 37 75
TO BE READ
Etude de l'impact socio-économique du dromadaire au Mali, en Mauritanie, au Niger et au Tchad. Document
n° 1 : enquête de terrain = study of the socio-economic impact of the dromedary in Mali, Mauritania,
Niger, and Chad. First document: field survey. by Germain Jérôme Sawadogo, Louis-Joseph Pangui,
Moussa Assane, and Justin Ayayi Akakpo. 1998, 106 pages. Published by the Ecole inter-Etats des sciences et médecine
vétérinaire (EISMV), BP 5077, Dakar, Senegal, with the collaboration of CORAF, BP 8237, Dakar, and
the Dakar Mission française de coopération et d'action culturelle, Senegal.
Abstract.
The total dromedary population in four countries (Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad), is estimated at 2,880,000,
or 16% of the world's camel population. This study provides a summary of findings from these countries in order
to assess the socio-economic impact of this animal.
Etude de l'impact socioéconomique du dromadaire au Mali, en Mauritanie, au Niger et au Tchad. Document
n° 2 : plan d'action en faveur de l'élevage du dromadaire = study of the socio-economic impact of the
dromedary in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad. First document: action plan for the promotion of dromedary production.
by François Adebayo Abiola and Jean-Paul Laporte. 1998, 39 pages. Published by the Ecole inter-Etats des
sciences et médecine vétérinaire (EISMV), BP 5077, Dakar, Senegal.
Abstract.
A study carried out by the EISMV in Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad, shows that there are about 10 development
projects on the dromedary. The action plan aims to transform and develop the meager fodder and nutritional resources
and to develop the production of milk, meat, hides, and skins in order to increase the value of the dromedary.
Ravageurs, maladies et carences nutritives du haricot commun en Afrique : guide pratique = pests, diseases,
and nutrition deficiencies of the common bean in Africa: a practical guide. by D. J. Allen, J. K. O. Ampofo,
and C. S. Wortman. 1996, 132 pages, "CIAT Publications, n° 265", ISBN 958-9439-66-7. Published by
the Centre technique de coopération agricole et rurale (CTA), Postbus 380, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands,
and the Cali Centre international d'agriculture tropicale (CIAT), Apartado Aéro 6713, Colombia.
Abstract.
The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) was introduced to Africa 4 centuries ago. Africa has since become the
second most important bean-producing region in the tropics after Latin America (where the plant comes from). This
publication helps research and development professionals to recognize the biotic and abiotic factors that are detrimental
to African bean production in the field. Identifying constraints is a first step towards the assessment of potential
losses and the application of appropriate control measures.
Proceedings of the Workshop on Commercialization and Transfer of Agricultural Technology in Africa. Accra, Ghana,
November 4-7, 1996. by Bantayehu Gelaw and Emmanuel Acquah. 1997, 151 pages, "Technical Paper n°57".
Published by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Africa Bureau, Office of Sustainable
Development, Productive Sector Growth and Environment Division, Washington, D.C. 20523, United States.
Abstract.
The objective of this seminar was to initiate dialogue between African producers. The environment, appropriate
technology and technology transfers, and partnerships were discussed.
Le gommier et la gomme arabique Acacia senegal (L.) Willd = The gum tree and gum arabic. by Pape Ndiengou
Sall. 1997, 29 pages, ISSN 1020-5659. Published by the United Nations Education, Science, and Culture ORGANIZATION
(UNESCO), 7 place de Fontenoy, 75015 Paris.
Abstract.
This document provides a synopsis of all results on Acacia senegal. It deals with its botanical characteristics,
its genetic aspects, its ecological preferences, its mode of plant production in nurseries, plantation and husbandry
methods. This work is destined for users of the gum tree and its by-products, and it shows the importance of this
species in the forestry and pastoral systems of semi-arid tropical Africa.
Nigeria: Medium-Term Research Plans 1996-2000. By Bukar Shaib, Adamu Aliyu, and J.S. Bakshi. 1997, 468 pages,
ISBN 2015 978 51 2. Published by the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (FMANR), P.M.B. 135, Garki-Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract.
This work outlines the 5-year medium-term research plans that are an integral part of the National Agricultural
Research Strategy Plan (1996-2010). These plans cover 29 national programs. National research institutes, universities,
Federal and State Government departments, extension and development services, private companies, and technology
end-users were involved in preparing these plans. Forty-two institutions throughout the country will adopt a participatory
approach for implementing these plans.
Nigeria: National Agricultural Research Strategy Plan 1996-2010. By Bukar Shaib, Adamu Aliyu, and J.S. Bakshi.
1997, 335 pages, ISBN 978 2015 520. Published by the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Ministry of Agriculture
and Natural Resources (FMANR), P.M.B. 135, Garki-Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract.
This plan provides a long-term vision for research over the 1996-2010 period. It outlines the major guidelines
for mobilizing the considerable human and financial resources that are to be found in some of Nigeria's agricultural
research institutions.
L'amélioration des plantes tropicales (the improvement of tropical plants. By André Charrier,
Michel Jacquot, Serge Hamon, and Dominique Nicolas, scientific editors. 1998, 684 pages, CIRAD "Repères"
collection. Co-edited by the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement
(CIRAD), BP 5035, 34032 Montpellier Cedex 1, the Institut national de recherche agronomique (INRA), Route de Saint-Cyr,
78026 Versailles Cedex, and the Institut français de recherche scientifique pour le développement
en coopération (ORSTOM), 209-213 rue La Fayette, 75480 Paris Cedex 10.
Abstract.
This work presents the latest developments in tropical plant breeding. It examines 24 crops. This reference
document is destined for researchers, teachers, students, and plant breeding specialists.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The International Food Policy Research
Institute (IFPRI) is organizing a workshop to define the 2020 vision for West African network research priorities,
to be held in Accra, from 19-21 October 1998.
The International Centers of the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) are holding a week of meetings in Washington,
from 26-30 October 1998.
The CIRA-SNRA Training Group
will be meeting in Addis-Ababa, from 3-6 November 1998.
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