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FAO Provides . . .
FAO responded by mobilising a total of US$ 200,000 to purchase various crop seeds including vegetables and sweet potato cuttings to distribute to drought affected farmers in the region. So far, FAO has distributed about 3.5 million sweet potato cuttings out of the 9.5 million it promised to supply to 11 woredas. The remaining 6 million cuttings will be supplied to the region in the coming few months. The planting materials are drought tolerant and a short maturing improved variety. Preparation is also underway to deliver an additional 500 tonnes of improved maize seed and 250 kilograms of hot pepper seed. This assistance will allow up to 15,000 drought affected farming households to establish their own crops during this dry period.
World Vision . . .
In addition, World Vision carried out a crop and livestock assessment in the same district from 26-29 December 2004. The crop and livestock assessments conducted in collaboration with the District Office of Agriculture and Rural Development. Preliminary findings of the assessment revealed that the current crop production is better compared to the previous production years. Livestock were also in a good condition due to availability of pasture and water. Market price analysis shows that there has been a decline in the price of crops like teff and wheat during the months of October, November and December.
Second Phase . . .
Following the success of Phase I of the research, lead researcher, Dr. Stephen Devereux from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex (U.K.) conducted two dissemination workshops with key stakeholders in Jijiga and Addis Ababa during January 2005. The purpose being to disseminate initial findings, analysis and conclusions from the fieldwork completed during October-November 2004. The research teams comprising Qualitative, Quantative and Trade/Marketing components are preparing to undertake a more extensive Phase II of the study in four zones within the Somali Region commencing next week.
IDPS in MIESSO
According to the team there are now more than 4,400 IDPs in the town, of which 452 are newly arrived and not registered. The team reported that there is over-crowding in the tents and more shelter is required. Signs of malnutrition and diarrhea were observed amongst children. CARE, one of four NGOs assisting the IDPs, report that they have received food and funds from USAID and Norway which will enable them to continue assistance in the form of food, water and basic services for another two months. CARE has also conducted a survey to find a resolution for the IDPs living in the town’s temporary accommodation. Last week it interviewed 520 heads of households in the camp to find out whether they intended on returning to their place of origin, what their livelihoods are and their plans for the future. The data is currently being analysed and will be available shortly.
Agreement Signed . . .
The programme aims at creating a more productive and resilient agricultural system in the country. MASHAV will provide training and technical assistance designed to assist Ethiopian small landholders and commercial farmers to plant crops that are disease-resistant and have a higher yield. MASHAV will also assist farmers, cooperative groups and water user groups to use modern technologies, as well as incorporate appropriate irrigation and reliable water management practices. Technical assistance will also be provided in rapid multiplication of plant materials, which will, in turn, increase cash and food crops. Consequently this will help Ethiopian farmers to tap into the country’s irrigation potential, greatly increasing agricultural production while incorporating soil conservation methods. The programme will cost US$ 1.2 million over 3 years.
News from 14 February 2005 Relief Bulletin
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