Farmer enjoys high yield and discusses progression of his young plants with an extension worker

On the topic of the role of extension services, the extent and specialization of ICARDA’s work and facilities and the degree to which they complement and are synergistic with IFAD’s objectives were particularly impressive. It was a healthy and stimulating learning environment. More specific observations from Dina Nabeel as follows:

• Delivering effective extension services or technology transfer is a complex process that requires financial and human resources and the ability to secure political will.  In the face of these difficulties, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) has successfully managed an on-campus breeders’ programme, delivered a wide range of on-site and off-site training courses and seminars and, through its research activities, has worked closely with local crop and animal breeders/ farmers to improve crop productivity and ultimately improve the standard of living in farmer communities. This directly complements the programme objectives of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
• ICARDA complements its research with on-farm and adaptive research activities. Given its responsibility for improving lentil, faba bean, barley, wheat, chickpea and pasture and forage crops and their associated farming systems, ICARDA tests some of these improved varieties in farmers' fields. Further, it establishes links with local extension services to ensure an intact and active feedback mechanism that allows it to learn from the results of its pilot systems. Its regular contact with farmers and governments creates an enabling environment to review policy issues and other elements, such as establishing appropriate value chains.
• Lastly, ICARDA has an elaborate documentation management system which captures and closely links the research and extension processes and the partners involved in them. It follows up on the effectiveness of its training and it measures how much of the learning has been implemented (for example results measurement). ICARDA does not provide training in agricultural extension but contributes to the technology transfer process that promotes better and relevant extension services.

Nabil Mahaini further reports and summarizes the remarks provided on the role of extension services during meetings and field visits organized for the learning event.

In the field of rainfed agriculture, there are many topics that require appropriate extension-dissemination packages. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and its Near East and North Africa Division (NENA) should jointly promote extension as a targeting tool rather than as a mere methodological approach.

The IFAD-supported West Noubaria Rural Development Project (WNRDP) in Egypt teaches how extension topics connected with marketing arrangements have been successfully adopted, while others have remained only as exercises about good organization and administrative structures. Poor farmers do not need to be taught theories which are not applicable; they need partners in development. Applied or participatory research, farmers’ schools and communication for development all may benefit from extension-marketing approaches that accompany real partners (for example farmers, researchers and commercial firms) along the entire path – from seeds to money in the pocket.

Some organizations, such as ICARDA and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), should begin research to identify appropriate and efficient extension methodologies to be used in the region and in each country.

Examples may be extension as targeting or extension to ensure high adoption rates.

Event topics

• Topics related to improved milking and milk processing have been developed by ICARDA. IFAD and the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform (MAAR) have contributed to disseminating the technologies (for example video CDs distributed by ICARDA). Syria and other countries and regions still need appropriate methods of dissemination.
• The pruning residues from olive trees are used to make nutritious and long-lasting feed blocks. This is a very important practice introduced also in the IFAD-supported Idleb Rural Development Project (IRDP) in Syria. The topic is largely being developed and disseminated by Syrian national research, ICARDA and the Arab Center for Study of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD). It is important to consider the amount of olive residues that are lost in all Near East, North Africa and Mediterranean countries. IFAD and MAAR have contributed to disseminating such technologies; however, larger and more focused dissemination activities are still needed.
• Conservative agriculture and the zero tillage technique are old practices that still need appropriate dissemination.   ICARDA was successful in overcoming the issue of the high-cost seeders. The private sector in other Arab countries – especially Jordan – is developing similar low-cost seeders.
• Sanaduqs experience: Development and replication are issues to be addressed. NENA has much to do.
• ICARDA has developed research to produce the summer wheat crop. Further research and verification are still needed, but if successful, this crop would be very positive for climate change mitigation.
• Those who participated in the IRDP field visit certainly saw how olive trees could be seen as archaeological spots.