As part of knowledge training and technology exchange to enhance the quality of  operations in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region, 30 people visited three research projects of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) in Aleppo on 27 October 2009. The visits were facilitated by Mr. Colin Piggen and Ms. Barbara Rischkowsky form ICARDA.

The following paragraphs are provided by Dr. Mohamed Abdelgadir on the main observations and reflections on the beneficiaries' perceptions about the projects’ achievements and impacts.

Technology for soil conservation through zero tillage

The group visited the village of Gasabin, 45 km north of Aleppo, where ICARDA is helping a local manufacturer promote the dissemination of a local zero-till seeder. The machine, which combines tilling, seeding and fertilizing in one simple operation, is being developed and promoted to improve rainfed productivity and sustainability. The machine’s technology helps soil conservation by requiring fewer disturbances of the soil. The technology is well-developed and known in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States and was introduced in the region by ICARDA in 2000. However, because of its high cost (US$30,000–50,000), farmers were not able to buy it. ICARDA convinced a pioneer manufacturer (Mr Shelabi in Gasabin) to construct a local seeder similar to the imported one. More than 15 prototypes of the seeder have been made (for a total cost of US$1,500-1,800), tested in research and promoted to farmers through demonstration. The manufacturer said that the industry is now gaining momentum.

Farmers indicated their satisfaction with the experience of zero tillage, describing it as successful. The seeder enabled the farmers to plant in a timely manner and to reduce the costs and time required for plowing. The manufacturer disclosed that he is receiving more requests from inside and outside the region and now he is in the process of manufacturing two types of seeders (for example in widths of two and four metres,  mainly for farmers who own more than 100 hectares). He explicitly stated that this type of technology does not suit the small-scale producers because it needs to be pulled by a tractor. Small-scale farmers could get access to the technology either by renting it from large-scale farmers or by organizing themselves into a form of producers’ association or cooperative. The other possibility is to develop a zero-tillage seeder suitable for the small-scale producers (e.g. animal-clutched seeders).

Dairy processing

The group visited the family of Mr Faiq Elhamo Shiekho (Abu Hassan) in Barashaya village, 50 km north of Aleppo. Historically, Abu Hassan and the community in the region processed their dairy products in the kitchen where they cook, wash their clothes and sometimes take showers. This is not a hygienic practice and it reduces the quality of their processed milk products. ICARDA suggested the use of a special room for dairy processing by constructing a separate room, equipped with the necessary tools for pasteurization and with thermometers to check inoculation temperatures. This helped Abu Hassan produce clean, good-quality dairy products for local markets and for export to neighbouring countries, like Jordan. Abu Hassan and his sons expressed their contentment with their experience with ICARDA and said that these practices helped them generate more revenues and a better reputation outside of the country. It should be mentioned, however, that these kinds of activities are more appropriate for well-off farmers or for an organized group of small-scale farmers who can be convinced to work collectively and pay for the cost of constructing a separate and well-equipped room for dairy processing. This should be preceded by a thorough cost/benefit analysis in order to reflect the real financial and economic feasibility of such an investment.

Abu Hassan’s family (mainly his wife) also benefited from a milking ramp developed by ICARDA to ease the milking of sheep. The technology enabled the women to milk while they are standing, which has two advantages.

Intensification and diversification of fodder products

Finally, the group visited the village of Kawauqli (65 km north of Aleppo) and met the farmers, the women’s group and the youth. The community in Kawauqli participated in an IFAD-funded research project to enhance the livelihood of livestock owners by increasing the use of fodder. Sixty-seven households participated in the first season by testing different technologies, including pure stand, intercropping and crop mix. The chairman of the farmers’ union (Mr Rashid Elhamadi) and his wife (Ms Shams Mohamed Fazoghly, the chairwoman of the women’s group) indicated that they were satisfied with the results obtained from the first year of intervention. This can be seen in the number of women who have taken the training and in the results from adopting the technology, particularly from introducing a leguminous fodder crop. The high adoption rate of the introduced technologies is evidence of success and suitability. The farmers' union and the women’s group reiterated their commitment to the objectives and approach.

Overall impression:

The participants acknowledged ICARDA’s efforts in demonstrating the use of appropriate technology in the region. Nevertheless, there is a general impression that these technologies were not appropriate for the small-scale farmers, who are IFAD’s classic clients. The release of such technologies should be preceded by rigorous cost/benefit analyses to determine their economic and financial viability; they should also be complemented by effective extension services.